Alexander case is continued

PRINCETON — A motions hearing has been continued for Duane Alexander, the man accused of smoking inside a Spring Valley bar.

Alexander was to appear Tuesday afternoon in Bureau County Court, but Bureau County Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Anderson announced the hearing was continued due to a scheduling conflict with Alexander’s attorney, Daniel O’Day of Peoria. The date for the continued hearing was not yet available on Wednesday.

Alexander was arrested Feb. 7 at the Family Tavern in Spring Valley for allegedly violating the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which went into effect Jan. 1. At that time, Family Tavern manager Marlene Casey said no one was smoking inside the bar. Rather, the bartender had given Alexander a glass for his cigarette ashes and butts, which he took outside to smoke. Alexander then allegedly brought the glass inside to dump when an undercover officer entered the building.

Initially, the bartender was also charged with violating the Smoke Free Illinois law, but those charges were dropped.

Alexander’s case will be heard by Associate Circuit Judge C. J. Hollerich.