Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram visited with WZOE recently to discuss the latest phase in the governor’s plan to reopen Illinois. He says Princeton’s businesses, especially the restaurants, are excited to take this next step. Restaurants will be able to serve indoors with some restrictions, although he adds there are some businesses that are not going to resume serving indoors yet because they are not comfortable doing so at this time. He says Illinois has been one of the few states where the number of COVID-19 cases has been consistently trending downwards. The mayor says the latest numbers have Bureau County’s positive rate for COVID-19 at 0.07 percent. By comparison, Chicago’s is 1.85 percent. He says street fairs and festivals are still currently prohibited and residents need to continue to be diligent in following the CDC guidelines by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Mayor Quiram says the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments website and Facebook page have the Phase 4 guidelines listed. The mayor also is warning residents that this Summer will be a very busy season for street repairs because of the street referendum passed last year and the motor fuel tax received from the state this year. He says the city normally spends around $125,000 on street repair but that number will be around $830,000 this year.

John Savage is getting a lot Emmy buzz for his remarkable guest turn on the CBS series Seal Team. Whether you've seen his incredible guest role on Seal Team or not, you've certainly seen the work of John Savage who has worked consistently in Hollywood since starting his career in 1969. Savage has worked with Terence Malick, Spike Lee, and Francis Ford Coppola. He's appeared in the Godfather franchise, on multiple Star Trek franchises, and Twin Peaks. On Seal Team, John has packed a lifetime of a father and son conflict into his remarkable guest turn.

Greatest Comeback Sterling and Rock Falls by Regional Media

Author and Inspirational speaker, Hope Anderson, has been through so much in her life, things that many others might not have come through. From alcoholism to bi-polar disorder, to nearly losing her husband. Hope's journey inspired her to come up with a metaphor for how to survive and thrive through trial and tragedy. That metaphor is a home. Your home needs maintenance on a regular basis just as your life, mind, your body needs regular maintenance. That maintenance requires the right tools and so does the maintenance of your mental and spiritual life. Hope's inspiring book is called "How to Remodel A Life."

CGH About Your Health Radio June 2020 by Regional Media

Recent Princeton High School graduate and standout basketball, volleyball and softball player Kenzie Coleman visited with WZOE morning show host Paul Bomleny recently.  She says she and her classmates were disappointed they didn’t get to experience a traditional graduation ceremony this year due to the coronavirus situation.  But she added they were very appreciative of the different ways they were honored by the community.  Kenzie says one of her favorite classes during her time at PHS was human anatomy with Coach Michael Fredericks, even though she missed out on dissecting a cat due to school dismissal for the coronavirus.  She also enjoyed playing basketball for Coach Tiffany Gonigam and says she has been a mentor to her as well as a coach.  Kenzie’s next step is attending Illinois Valley Community College where she plans to play basketball for the Eagles. She says she wants to have a career in the medical field, in either nursing or psychology.

Wethersfield Schools Superintendent Shane Kazubowski tells WKEI that a lot went into the creation of the virtual graduation ceremony that will be broadcast on the Wethersfield Schools website Geese230.com at 2 Pm on Sunday afternoon. Recorded over three days, June 1st to June 3rd, and cut together by Jason Phelps, the hour long ceremony will feature speeches by students and administrators along with the handing out of diplomas to each of the participating Wethersfield Seniors.

Judy Gaman is a mental health expert who has taken lessons she's learned from a centenarian named Lucy and turned them into a guide to help people take control of their mental health in a day and age when we are overwhelmed with information. We talk, in this interview, about what Judy call 'Decision Fatigue' and how the thousands of decisions we must make daily and how each of those seemingly innocuous decisions add up over time.

The Greatest Comeback continues for area businesses including The Bike Place in Princeton. Owner Rick Brooks spoke with WZOE about the many benefits of bicycle riding. He says over the years it has become safer and easier to get around Princeton on a bike. His shop seeks to help not only experienced riders but also people who have not rode a bicycle in a long time or want to buy bikes for their kids. Their non-profit shop repairs old bikes that people bring in. Almost all the bikes in the shop have been donated and they’ve given away 86 bikes in just the last month. When they fix a bike they charge a modest fee which goes to all non-profit causes. They rarely ask for more than $30 for the bikes they do sell. Their motto is “We give old bikes new lives”. Rick says biking is for people of all sizes and shapes and they’ve seen a sharp increase in demand for adult tricycles for older people and those with disabilities. He says Bureau County is beautiful for bike riding and has many great routes. The Bike Place is located at 22 East Columbus Street in Princeton. Their hours are noon to 5 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You can give them a call at 815-797-2399 or visit them online at thebikeplace.org.

Cornerstone Credit Union Rock Slid Advice - June 2020 by Regional Media