🐴A Mystery Horse, Traffic Cones, and and Infinite Pancakes

SPONSORED BY

Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. A mystery mini horse is roaming near City County Park, IDOT’s gearing up to make your I-80 commute a slow-motion scenic tour, you can eat your feelings in syrup at an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Let’s check it out.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
⚾️PHS Sports Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
⛺️Civil War History
👷Princeton Job Openings
❤️Princeton Obituaries
🚨Volunteers Needed
✍🏻Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Does anyone recognize this mini horse? It was found by city County Park this afternoon. Please call 815-875-1150 with any information. 

• RMN: Princeton Public Library Dedicates Reading Nook to Marjorie Albrecht

• IDOT will begin resurfacing a 10-mile stretch of I-80 in Bureau County on Tuesday, April 1, shifting traffic to the eastbound lanes and reducing each direction to one lane. The $36.8 million project includes bridge and culvert repairs and will finish in late fall, with delays expected.

• An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is set 8-12pm Sunday, April 6, at St. Louis Gym, 616 S. Gosse.

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Career, Job & Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 4, at Princeton High School. Student session: 9:25 a.m. – 3 p.m. Public session: 4–6 p.m.

📍Outside City Limits

• Transformer Issue At Peru Plant Causes Strong Odor, But No Fire

• BCR: For many years there was a partnership with Bureau County Tourism and the Henry County Tourism Bureau to present More on 34 Miles and Miles of Garage Sales. 

• La Salle State Bank Customers Warned of Fraud Calls Through Wednesday

• Grand jury indicts Streator man on murder charge

• Application opens for Taylor/NIU scholarships

• Register Early for the Walnut 5K Run Walk to Support ALS Research on July 5

• IDOT Work to Resume April 1 on Route 6 in La Salle and Peru

• Kewanee considering privatizing water services

⚾️PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

📅 Saturday, March 29

🏃 Track & Field

• Varsity Boys – Tournament (Away) – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

⚾ Baseball

• Varsity Boys vs LaSalle-Peru – Home – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Sophomore Boys @ LaSalle-Peru – Away – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

⚽ Soccer

• F-S Girls vs Monmouth-Roseville – Home – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📅 Monday, March 31

⚾ Softball

• Varsity Girls @ Marquette – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

📅 Tuesday, April 1

🎾 Tennis

• Varsity Boys vs LaSalle-Peru – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

🏃 Track & Field

• Varsity Boys @ Newman Central Catholic – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

⚽ Soccer

• Varsity Girls vs IVC – Home – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

⚾ Softball

• Varsity Girls @ Plano – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

• F-S Girls @ Plano – Away – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📅 Wednesday, April 2

🏃 Track & Field

• Varsity Girls @ Newman Central Catholic – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

📅 Thursday, April 3

⚽ Soccer

• Varsity Girls vs Mendota – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

• F-S Girls vs Mendota – Home – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Expect cloudy skies with showers and a high of 73°F. Winds blow from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The night remains overcast with scattered thunderstorms and a low of 59°F. Winds are from the south at 10 to 15 mph, and rain chances remain at 60%.

⛈️Sunday: Scattered storms are possible with a high of 65°F. Winds will be strong from the west-northwest at 15 to 25 mph, and higher gusts are possible. Skies stay mostly cloudy overnight with a low of 34°F. Winds remain from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph.

☁️Monday: Mostly cloudy skies are expected early, with gradual clearing by afternoon. The high is near 48°F with southeast winds shifting to the west-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The night stays mostly cloudy, and the low drops to around 31°F. Winds shift to the east-northeast at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.19
Casey’s West/North: $3.23
Beck’s West/North: $3.23
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.23
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.23

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.04

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Kevin Hieronymus

Reason for Nomination: “We are so thankful for all of Kevin’s coverage of local sports and taking us down memory lane of Bureau County athletes. So many years of faithfulness and love to our community.”

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week. Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has released two spring/summer flavors: Peach and Lavender & Honey, with another new flavor coming this weekend. The April flavor of the month will be announced Tuesday, April 1st.

• Room 303 at The Knox Hotel, also known as the “Pink Room,” is a charming, education-themed space inspired by Princeton High School, the oldest high school in Illinois. Sponsored by Bruce McVety in memory of his wife Elaine McVety, a beloved history teacher, the room reflects her passion for education, vibrant art, and local heritage, and features a faux balcony overlooking Main Street.

• Stick It Tumbling, located at 24798 N 1900 Rd, is opening its “school-aged” open gym to all ages this Saturday to help accommodate families who couldn’t get into the full toddler session, noting they currently have only one 5-year-old signed up. The center aims to support youth development through tumbling, which builds strength, flexibility, balance, and social skills.

• Maupin’s Providence Homestead is closing their Princeton location, with the final day of business set for Friday, April 11. They expressed gratitude to their customers and supporters for their journey.

• The City of Princeton Animal Control announced their pet vaccine clinic is now open with walk-in hours April 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. More public clinic dates will be added soon and updates are available through the Granny Rose Animal Shelter website.

• Wild Honey Boutique announced new arrivals including hats, dresses, jewelry, and sheer tops. The store is open Friday through Sunday, with online shopping available 24/7 at wildhoneyboutique815.com.

• Cafe Grace is offering weekend specials and invites guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Friday through Sunday at 1009 N Main St. Menu items include hammy breakfast moorns, tacos, all-you-can-eat fish, ranch dip burgers, and peach cobbler French toast.

• Four Seasons introduced the “Spring Romance” collection from Skye’s The Limit, featuring feminine fashion in colors like peach, pink, and natural. Use code SPRING online or in-store to save 24% through March 30.

• Buttercream Bake Shop is now taking orders for Easter cookies, with pickup scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, from 5 PM to 6 PM at the Princeton Library.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is offering a Fish Friday special with two or three pieces of 6oz fried cod, fries, coleslaw, and homemade dill pickle tartar sauce for $15.99 or $21.99. Only three weeks remain, and they thanked supporters of Thursday’s Rotary Parks fundraiser.

• A gray and white cat named Peanut is missing from the 200 block of North First Street in Princeton and was last seen Wednesday. He is neutered, friendly, 1.5 years old, and known for losing his collar—contact Animal Control with sightings.

• The Princeton Closet is showcasing a large Campbell’s memorabilia collection including plates, cups, canisters, and figurines, mostly from the Danbury Mint. They are looking to sell the full collection and ask interested buyers to message them directly.

• Meadows On Main shared a photo of a spring floral wreath featuring pink tulips, beige ribbon, and dried accents. The wreath is displayed on a white wall and appears to be available for purchase or inspiration.

• Corner Chair Market posted a collage of handcrafted and woven home items including baskets, braided rugs, and textiles. Items are attractively displayed on rustic wooden furniture in a cozy shop setting.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware announced that The Seed House Deer Candy is back in stock along with Spring Salad and Habitat Builder seed buckets, priced at $49.99. These products are designed for deer feeding and habitat development, with clear planting dates listed.

• Bureau County Senior Center invites residents to an Emergency Preparedness and Planning class on Friday, April 11 from 10–11 a.m. Hosted by Lori from the Putnam County Health Department and Adam from Bureau County EMA, participants must call Sam to register.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is holding a Big Jean Sale from March 27–29 with store hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 27th–28th and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 29th, excluding white-tagged jeans, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Strays Shelter.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is showcasing new spring arrivals of handcrafted Polish Pottery. Items include vases, mugs, and juicers adorned with spring-themed designs.

• Miss Betsy’s will be closing early at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, and will be closed all day Monday, March 31. They plan to reopen April 3 with a new donut flavor.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering 20% off when you sign up for text messages. You’ll also receive birthday gifts, seasonal discounts, and updates about special events. Text JOIN to 833-602-4917 to get started.

• Rachel Rene has brought back its Green Tea & Cucumber soap just in time for spring. Visit the store or shop online for this light, fresh fragrance.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is offering a free Matter of Balance class for adults 60 and over starting June 2. Classes run Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–11 a.m. Call 815-879-3981 to register with Sam.

• Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture has a solid piece of vintage furniture available for $150 or best offer. Contact them on Facebook if you’d like measurements or more details—Sheffield pickup.

• Signature Land Settings LLC is ready to kick off the spring season by offering lawn care and outdoor space maintenance. Homeowners can contact them for estimates to keep their yards looking pristine. Call or text: 815-719-2831

• Boek-el-ZOO reminds pet owners to plan ahead for summer vacations by booking boarding services for their exotic pets. Their care includes spa treatments, nail trimming, and customized enclosures to keep animals comfortable while owners are away.

• Master Electrician is now serving the Princeton community. Contact 815-200-4816 for services.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is looking for artists to join its outdoor market on September 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3 at 9 AM. Get full details and apply at https://www.hornbakergardens.com/artisan-market/.

• Bean Buzz is closing on April 12. Don’t forget to find any gift cards or loyalty cards and use them by April 12, 2025.

This Weekend:

🌸 March Into Spring at Simply Nutrition – A celebration with sweets, sourdough, and MarDogs at Simply Nutrition today from 10 AM–1 PM.

🎶 HW&V’s Annual Spring Break Party – 11 hours of live music, party favors, and drink specials at Hollywood & Vine today from 1 PM–12 AM, featuring Kickapoo Junction, Greenfield Station, and 3 on the Tree.

🎤 Karaoke and Open Mic at Downtown Pub – Open mic night and karaoke at Downtown Pub & Event Center today from 9–11:45 PM. Repeats weekly on Saturdays.

🎸 Karl Kirkpatrick Live at Barrel Society – Live music with a mix of covers and originals at Barrel Society today starting at 7 PM. No cover charge.

🔫 Princeton Gun Show – Buy, sell, or trade arms-related items at Bureau County Fairgrounds today from 8:30 AM–4 PM, and Sunday, March 30, from 8:30 AM–2 PM. Free parking and lunch available.

🎸 The Killer Riffs at Hawg House – Day drinking and live rock music at the Hawg House Saloon today starting at 3 PM.

🛠️ Menno Haven Spring Work Day – Help with outdoor projects like splitting firewood and prepping the campground at Menno Haven Camp & Retreat Center today from 8 AM–4:30 PM.

⛺️CURIOUS ABOUT CIVIL WAR HISTORY?

Looking for a fun family activity?

Curious about Civil War history?

Enjoy camping in the great outdoors?

We’d love for you to join us!

We are a living history group looking for new members. If you’re interested, here are a few ways to learn more:

1. Stop by our display tables at this weekend’s Gun Show at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

2. Send a private message to: [email protected]

3. Attend this year’s Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War living history reenactment at City-County Park in Princeton, IL.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is hiring for a part-time, seasonal Grounds Crew position starting at $15 per hour. The role involves landscaping tasks like mowing, mulching, irrigating, and building hardscapes to maintain the appearance and health of outdoor areas. Candidates should be able to handle physical labor, work outdoors in various weather, and ideally have some landscaping or mechanical experience. Strong attention to detail and a willingness to deliver quality work are important. A valid driver’s license may be required depending on the specific duties.

• Park Tavern is hiring experienced cooks who are available to work nights and weekends. Interested applicants are encouraged to stop in and apply in person.

• First State Bank in Princeton is hiring a full-time CSR/Teller, offering $15–$18 per hour with a Monday through Saturday schedule. The role involves providing excellent customer service, assisting with banking needs such as debit card issues, account openings, and wire transfers, as well as issuing debit cards and resolving document exceptions. Teller responsibilities include processing deposits, redeeming savings bonds, issuing cashier’s checks, and handling cash and check transactions with accuracy and attention to fraud prevention. Candidates should have strong customer service skills, computer proficiency, attention to detail, and at least one year of experience in banking or related fields. The position offers a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and profit sharing. This is not a remote or hybrid position and requires a professional, courteous, and efficient approach in every customer interaction.

• Subway in Princeton is hiring part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists, with an estimated annual pay of $30K–$32.6K. No prior experience is needed, and applicants should have at least some high school education. Job responsibilities include providing great guest service, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness, and working well as part of a team. Employees will recommend meals, follow food safety standards, and help keep the restaurant atmosphere welcoming. Benefits include employee discounts, scholarship opportunities, and potential to earn college credit or career experience. The role requires standing, bending, and lifting throughout the shift, and training is provided.

🚨VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

These Full Scale Exercises are very important because they give first responders the opportunity to train and learn during the exercises to help them during real life events.

Use the QR code here

✍🏻LETTER FROM LORI

I’m often praised for my writing abilities. I obviously love hearing affirming words—and the boost I get to my ego when someone tells me I do a swell job constructing phrases with flowery vocabulary.

But I want to let you in on a little secret: it’s not really me. Now, I’m not plagiarizing or stealing prose from another author. I simply mean that I just put it down on paper—or into the computer—or however I choose to convey the message.

My old column and writings were called “Fat Old Mom’s Wit and Wisdom… as Inspired by God.” I came up with that title when I realized that, though I have a passion for writing, I don’t necessarily possess the talent of a writer. When I sit down to write, I grab a concept or an idea, then I empty my brain and allow my fingers to type or write. I know it sounds absurd, but quite often, when I’m “done,” I reread the text and don’t even recognize it as a thought that ever entered my brain—much less exited through my hands.

Sometimes the words are completely foreign to me. Sometimes I read it and think, “Wow! That was really clever!” or “What an amazing combination of words!” Then it hits me—that came out of me.

I get the same feeling when I look at my beautiful daughter and often exclaim to people, “I made that!!!” I really didn’t have any control over how she turned out or how she grew up to be so beautiful, but there’s no doubt she came out of me (I have the stretch marks to prove it!).

I know the writing process should involve proofreading and editing, but I hardly ever do. I try to at least correct autocorrect when it makes a senseless change, but beyond a brief look-over, I don’t alter much from the original. I let it flow out of my being.

I’m sure Justin gets frustrated when he’s checking my mistakes before publishing my column—so he doesn’t look like an idiot—but most of what you see here is raw and mostly unedited.

So, in the spirit of my purpose here, I’m giving all the glory where it belongs. I am merely the messenger. With that in mind, you can clearly see that God does have a sense of humor. He chose me to deliver His word. I say that with the utmost humility—though maybe a hint of pride—because I feel unworthy, but eternally grateful.

Personally, I hope and pray that even if we aren’t on the same page when it comes to faith, maybe you’ll find a tiny bit of inspiration here and come back. Maybe someday you’ll read something that hits a little deeper, makes you look a little harder, or feel something you hadn’t before.

Until then, as long as this publication will tolerate me, I’ll keep contributing.

See you next week… I hope!

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].