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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Little bit of personal news: I will be retiring from writing this newsletter — with an awesome, local, well-known figure taking over (surprise) in May. The reason? I will become principal at Princeton Christian Academy at the end of this school year. I’m very excited and grateful. I attended PCA K-8th grade, and have coached/taught here for 10(!) years now.

Let’s go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠 Princeton Homes For Sale
🌽 Ag Updates
☀️ Princeton Weather
⛽️ Princeton Gas Prices
💼 Princeton Businesses
🗓️ Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️ Local Job Opportunities
🔸Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Douglas Elementary School celebrated a major milestone for a longtime member of its community Thursday. Eleanor Walker, a beloved school librarian who has been part of the district for nearly seven decades, is turning 90.

• Pancheros Mexican Grill, an Iowa-based fast-casual restaurant known for its fresh-pressed tortillas and made-to-order burritos, is coming to Princeton as early as this summer.

• St. Ambrose University Wrestling announced Princeton athlete Augustus Swanson as its newest recruit. Swanson is a two-time state placer and finished as state runner-up this season at 125 pounds.

• Princeton Tourism announced planning for America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Princeton. Parade registration is now open, and residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming community celebrations.

• A nearly 14-mile stretch of Interstate 80 in Bureau County will become a construction zone soon.

• Princeton High School's drama department is presenting "The Addams Family Musical: School Edition" tonight (Friday, March 27) at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m. at the high school — tickets are $10 at the door.

• Friends of the Princeton Public Library will host their Spring Book Sale from March 26–28 in the library’s Friends Sale Room. The event will offer a wide selection of books for purchase while raising funds to support library programs and services.

• The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will host a free indoor gardening program on April 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Princeton Public Library, teaching attendees how to grow herbs, salad greens, and other edible plants indoors year-round — register online at go.illinois.edu/IndoorEdiblePrinceton.

• Princeton Fire Department congratulated Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Maciczak on completing his probationary year. He also completed fire academy training, earned his paramedic license, and received Fire Apparatus Engineer certification.

• Congratulations to the 23 Princeton Christian Academy students who earned a spot on the third quarter honor roll for the 2025–26 school year, including Annalise Baker, Max Gibson, Levi Eggers, Jocelyn Pratt, and Carson Bullington! Carson’s my son, and I’m proud of ‘em.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton announced its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Children ages 0–10 are invited to participate, and photos with the Easter Bunny will be available.

📍Outside City Limits

• No humans or animals were injured after a structure fire fueled by strong, gusty winds in Toulon.

• Attempted murder suspect allegedly fled from cops on bike while wearing a wig

• The Walnut Chamber of Commerce announced its Townwide Garage Sales will take place May 1 and May 2. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate and shop throughout the community.

• The Tiskilwa Community Association announced the headline bands for Pow Wow Days 2026. Flatland Ridge will perform Friday, July 31, and Hairbanger’s Ball will perform Saturday, August 1.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A brick farmhouse-style home at 1322 W. Peru St. is listed for $129,500 and offers 1,730 square feet with three bedrooms and one bathroom on a 1.53-acre lot. Built in 1856, the property features a circular asphalt driveway, fireplace in the family room, thermal windows, an enclosed porch, and spacious living areas. The second level includes three bedrooms, one with a built-in bunk bed designed for two beds. Zoned B2 and located within walking distance of town, the property offers potential for residential living, a home business, or other future uses.

• A three-bedroom, one-bath home at 318 W. Peru St. in Princeton offers 1,428 square feet of living space and carries an estimated value of $130,100. The property is currently being offered through an auction process as a foreclosure. Homes sold this way sometimes sell below typical market value depending on bidding activity. The listing indicates the sale will occur through an online real estate auction.

• A two-bedroom, one-bath Cape Cod–style home at 525 E. Marion St. is listed for $60,900 and offers 1,248 square feet on a quarter-acre lot. The property includes a detached two-car garage and has seen several recent improvements, including a new roof, windows, boiler, radiators, and updates to electrical and plumbing systems. Floor treatments and other upgrades have also been completed, with more than $85,000 reportedly invested in repairs and improvements. The home still needs interior decorating and paint but offers potential for buyers seeking a renovated property at an affordable price.

🌽AG UPDATES

Farmers Expected to Plant Less Corn in 2026. U.S. farmers are expected to plant millions fewer corn acres this year as fertilizer and diesel costs rise, with many shifting toward soybeans instead. Analysts estimate soybean acreage could increase significantly because soybeans require less nitrogen fertilizer and lower input costs. Read more about projected corn acreage.

Fertilizer Prices Rising Again for Midwest Farmers. Illinois agronomists report fertilizer prices jumping sharply, including anhydrous ammonia up roughly $500 compared to last year. Rising input costs are creating concern heading into planting season, especially for smaller farms with tighter margins. Read more about fertilizer costs.

Crop Markets Watching Global Conflict Closely. Markets remain highly focused on geopolitical tensions and how they may impact grain prices, exports, and planting decisions. Analysts say uncertainty could influence farmer decisions as planting season approaches across Illinois and the Midwest. Read more about crop markets.

USDA Prospective Planting Report Coming Soon. Farmers and grain traders are closely watching the upcoming USDA Prospective Plantings Report, which will set expectations for the 2026 crop season. The report will provide key data on acres, production outlook, and grain stock levels. Learn more about the USDA report.

Grain and Livestock Markets Mixed Today. Commodity markets showed mixed movement today, with corn and soybeans down slightly while cattle prices climbed. Crude oil also rose, which could impact fuel costs and farm input expenses heading into planting season. See today’s market prices.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️ Saturday: Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds, with a high near 54°F and south winds 10–20 mph keeping it breezy. Saturday night turns partly cloudy with a low around 38°F and lighter SSE winds 5–10 mph.

🌤️ Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy and milder, with a high near 68°F and SSW winds 10–20 mph adding a breezy feel. Sunday night stays partly cloudy and mild with a low around 51°F and south winds 5–10 mph.

🌬️ Monday: Very warm and breezy for late March, with partly cloudy skies and a high near 80°F. SSW winds 10–20 mph continue through the day. Monday night remains mild with some clouds and a chance of an isolated thunderstorm after midnight, with a low around 63°F.

⛈️ Tuesday: Unsettled weather moves in with isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy skies with thunderstorms likely later in the day. Temperatures still climb to about 76°F with southwest winds 15–25 mph. Tuesday night brings steady rain and continuing showers, with a low near 39°F and winds turning NNW at 10–20 mph.

🌧️ Wednesday: Cooler and mostly cloudy with showers developing in the afternoon, reaching a high near 54°F. NNE winds 10–20 mph keep the day feeling raw. Wednesday night turns wetter with rain showers becoming a steadier rain overnight, and temperatures falling to around 35°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $4.04
Sullivan’s Foods: $4.19
Casey’s West/North: $4.19
Beck’s West/North: $4.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $4.14
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $4.19

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Second Story Teen Center is collecting financial donations for its 2nd Annual Shoe Drive for local kids. Donations can be made online or at 125 S. Main Street, with contributions accepted through the end of March.

• Friends of Strays shared updated surrender requirements for cats and dogs. Animals must be vaccinated and tested prior to surrender, with adoption fees set at $75 for cats and $200 for dogs.

• Gateway Services volunteers filled about 2,000 Easter eggs with $1,400 worth of candy. The organization is still accepting orders for Easter egg deliveries in the local area.

• Hungry World Farm announced a Blueberry Hill pruning volunteer project on March 28. The update also highlighted a regenerative farming tour and new vineyard glamping tent features.

• Corner Chair Market posted a refinished vintage desk available for home or office use. The piece features multiple drawers and restored wood accents.

• Cafe Grace announced an Evening of Culinary Art and Wine Pairing on April 25 at 6 p.m. The event includes a five-course chef tasting with optional wine pairings and limited seating.

• OSF HealthCare is hosting a Nutrition and Heart Disease Prevention class April 13 from 3–5 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center. The free session will cover heart-healthy habits, nutrition, and prevention strategies.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats introduced a new upside-down banana split dessert. The layered treat features ice cream, toppings, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe announced a spring sale featuring Anything Goes carpet and Mannington hardwood. The business is encouraging customers to stop in during regular hours for flooring deals.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 Saturday, March 28: Wild Card @ Hawg House! at Hawg House Saloon – Live music and an afternoon gathering from 3:00–7:00 PM featuring Wild Card.

🌱 Saturday, March 28: The Art and Science of Forest Gardening: Designing Your Perennial Ecosystem at Princeton High School — A three-week course beginning in the morning focused on designing and implementing a perennial forest garden using ecological principles, site analysis, and plant guilds.

🎯 Saturday, March 28: Princeton Gun Show at Bureau County Fairgrounds – A family-friendly gun show from 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (Sunday 8:30 AM–2:00 PM) offering buying, selling, and trading opportunities with all federal and state laws observed.

🐕 Saturday, March 28: UKC Precision Coursing MATCH at 1616 N Main St. — A low-pressure event from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM created to introduce dogs and handlers to precision coursing and give experienced teams extra practice before trialing; entry is $5 per dog per run.

🥚 Saturday, April 4: Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton — A family-friendly evening event from 10:00–11:45 PM featuring an egg hunt, hot cocoa, and cookies, with age groups for 1–4, 5–8, and 9–11 years old.

🍷 Wednesday, April 15: Wine Tasting Wednesday at Coal Creek Brewing Company — A 6:00 PM red wine tasting featuring a curated flight of reds paired with a charcuterie board full of savory bites.

🌷 Saturday, April 18: Discover What’s New for 2026 at Hornbaker Gardens — An informational workshop at 10:00 AM highlighting new plants for the 2026 season, including perennial introductions, notable trees, and expert guidance for gardeners and landscapers.

🎨 Wednesday, April 22: “Pots & Prickles” Paint Party at Downtown Pub & Event Center — A 6:00 PM creative night where guests will paint “Pots & Prickles” on canvas, enjoy food and drinks, and can come early for dinner; spots are limited.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Linda Piotrowski (1955-2026)

Linda K. Piotrowski, also known as MeMaw passed away peacefully at the age of 70, in her sleep on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, where she had recently been a patient.

She was born on March 23, 1955, in Peru, Illinois, at Peoples Hospital to the late Fred and Bernice (Michael) Wedekind. She married the love of her life, Kurt Piotrowski, on May 11, 1991, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Princeton. Together, they shared more than 34 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and family.

Linda embraced life with a strong work ethic and a willingness to try new opportunities. Over the years, she sold House of Lloyd products, served as assistant manager at Skate-A-Rama, worked as a housekeeper at the Blue Top Motel, and was the early morning supervisor at the Bureau County Metro Center. She later dedicated many years to operating a home daycare, where she cared for children with the same warmth and kindness she gave her own family.

Above all, Linda's greatest joy was her family. She was a constant and loving presence in their lives, never missing a chance to support her children and grandchildren. Whether it meant long days or overnight trips, she was always there-cheering from the sidelines at baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling events. Her love was unwavering, and her presence will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Kurt Piotrowski of Princeton; her children, Aaron (Amy) Christiansen and Shannon Christiansen; her grandchildren, Tyler (Trinity), Bryce, Augie, McKenna, Ace, and Aubrey Christiansen; and her great-grandchildren, Luka and Nova. She is also survived by her three sisters, Karen (Richard) Skaggs, Francis Self and Gail Baker; and her two brothers, Ralph (Kris) Wedekind and Rodney Wedekind; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Roger Wedekind; two sisters, Nance Smith and Janice Zacerson.

A special thank you from the family to the OSF Hospitals that provided the utmost excellence of care as well as the Fresenius Medical Care Center.

Visitation for Linda will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Services to be held at Norbergs at 11:30 am officiated by Deacon Michelle Frances. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Park in Spring Valley, Illinois.

Pallbearers: Tyler, Bryce, Augie, McKenna, Ace and Aubrey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Freedom House of Princeton, IL, Friends of Strays in Princeton, or the Bureau County Historical Society.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Warehouse Associate - Inventory Control — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Princeton: This full-time Princeton position is listed at $19 per hour and focuses on supporting inbound and outbound inventory movement in a warehouse environment. The role appears geared toward candidates who can work safely, stay organized, and assist with daily operational projects tied to merchandise flow. Based on the current listing, it is one of the more prominent active warehouse openings in Princeton itself.

Customer Service Representative — Adam Hellman State Farm, Princeton: This Princeton-based opening is listed at $45,000 to $55,000 per year and is centered on client communication, service support, and daily agency operations. The position appears suited for someone with strong interpersonal skills who can handle customer needs professionally while helping maintain office efficiency. It stands out as a local office role with a clearly posted salary range and full-time structure.

Office Manager / Bookkeeper — Greenfield Retirement Home, Princeton: This full-time role in Princeton is listed at $40,000 to $43,000 per year and includes managing office operations, front desk responsibilities, phone systems, and general administrative support. The posting suggests a position that blends financial organization with day-to-day office leadership in a residential care setting. It appears to be a solid local option for someone with bookkeeping and administrative experience.

Farm Hand/Laborer — McCune Farms, Walnut: This Walnut opening, which is within roughly 10 miles of Princeton, involves general farm work connected to conventional and organic row crop production as well as work tied to a swine finishing operation. The listing notes that a current driver’s license is required, indicating a practical, hands-on agricultural role with transportation and equipment responsibility. For applicants seeking outdoor or agricultural work near Princeton, this appears to be a relevant nearby opportunity.

Custodial and Warehouse Associate — Sherman’s, Peru: This Peru position, which is within roughly 20 miles of Princeton, is listed at from $20 per hour and combines warehouse support with maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming retail environment. The posting emphasizes store appearance and guest experience, suggesting a role that blends operational reliability with customer-facing standards. It appears to be a practical option for someone looking for steady work in facilities, stock, and general store support.

🔸LETTER FROM LORI

So, this morning, as I was doing my devotions and reading through some things online, there seemed to be a theme: small.

Now, “small” has never been used in any sort of accurate description of me. Large, extra large, and monstrous are usually much higher on the list of adjectives I hear, so I was having a hard time relating.

One of the examples was about ants, and how, as little as they are, they can build towering structures, or balance food sources on their backs and carry them back to the nest. Physically, this should seem impossible, but they do it.

I was thinking about my little pet store. My tiny plot of land in the retail world is dwarfed by corporate stores like PetSmart. I don’t have endless aisles of dog food and cat toys. I might have one fish for every ten they carry. My selection might not be as great, but I have one thing they don’t: uniqueness. They are tied to a formula. They have a corporate manual that maps out the greatest likelihood of success.

I, however, as a sole proprietor and flamboyant individual, have the freedom to put things in my store that you won’t find in their cut-and-polished outlet.

I can also schedule fun, creative activities that draw people in. I can be more than a pet store.

When I took it over eight years ago, I had yearned to go into the international mission field, as so many in my church had done. I thought I could make a big impact as part of a larger, more organized group. But as my life unfolded, I was destined to be planted in Central Illinois. (Insert pathetic “yay!” here.)

So, when the opportunity to take over the store was presented to me, I prayed about it—hard. I felt like God was calling me to use it as my mission field. For eight years, I have never been open on Sunday, to honor Him, trusting that He would honor my efforts here. I don’t preach at my customers, but I do share my testimony with those who seem receptive. I have made this space a welcoming, caring environment. I try hard to show God’s love as I listen, interact, and relate to my customers. I have seen quiet children blossom and succeed here. I have seen adults seek advice and comfort in this nonjudgmental atmosphere, surrounded by the unconditional love only animals can truly provide.

I may not have sixteen aisles of shiny new products, but I do have a heart that has made this little fish feel like her pond is different because she swam in it.

Lori owns the Book-el-ZOO in Princeton. It’s not just a pet shop — it’s an experience!

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