Princeton regaining normalcy one week after historic derecho

PRINCETON — It's been a week since historic derecho winds blew through the area, and with the work of dozens of linemen, city workers, civil servants and residents, Princeton is regaining some normalcy.

On Monday, Mayor Joel Quiram said Friday night, around 10 p.m., power had been fully restored in Princeton.

"Our city electric and street crews worked practically around the clock to accomplish a task that many thought was too much to ask; to restore power before the weekend. Their dedication to our town and their resilience in very trying times can not be overstated. We also greatly appreciate Naperville Electric and Corn Belt for their assistance Wednesday, Thursday and Friday."

Quiram said clean up of downed trees and limbs made great strides last week and it will continue this week and next.

"Volunteers came out in droves to help neighbors and strangers alike to help clear yards and public areas. The outpouring of help and assistance defined what a community is," he said.

By Friday, power on Linn Street and the Euclid Avenue/Chestnut Street, which was hit especially hard, was completely restored. All electric services that can be hooked up, were, so the crews were able to take off the weekend, leaving just an on-call crew at work.

"There is still much to clean up," Quiram said. "Electric components and shattered poles left along side curbs. Street lights that need replaced and hanging limbs from lines. These will be taken care of this week."

"This is truly remarkable result considering where we were Monday afternoon," he continued. "We would not be where we are today without the commitment and dedication of our electric and street crews, who worked together to make possible the quick work of restoring the power loss as the result of an unprecedented storm."