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Happy Thursday morning, Princeton. It’s graduation week. They came, they saw, they heroically passed trigonometry. They learned a lot…like how to stay calm during a pop quiz and how to survive on caffeine and late-night study sessions. In the end, they did it!

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
⚾️Cubs Lead Shrinks
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🐴Wonder Junction
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🎗️Help Scott Fight Cancer
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🩺What is Pre-Diabetes?

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency has completed its solar project in Princeton. The project is now fully operational and generating power. This marks a significant step forward in renewable energy efforts for the area.

• WLPO: Migo is a police canine assigned to the TRIDENT drug task force. He's gone missing.

• RMN: Retired Teachers Luncheon on May 21, 2025, at Princeton Library Features Tourism Insights

• The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department warns about Lone Star ticks found near Mineral on May 5. These tiny poppy seed-sized nymphs can go unnoticed—high-heat drying and prompt showering are recommended to reduce risk.

• Historian Jim Gibbons will be giving a talk about World War II on Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Bureau County Genealogical Society, located at 629 S. Main Street.

• Girls entering grades 2–12 in the fall are invited to Princeton Girls Basketball Camp. It takes place at Princeton High School’s Prouty Gym with sessions based on grade: grades 2–5 from 8:30–10:00 AM, grades 6–8 from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, and grades 9–12 from 12:30–3:00 PM. Campers will receive a daily refreshment, T-shirt, and basketball. Register by Friday, May 23rd, including payment to Tiffany Gonigam at Princeton High School, 103 S. Euclid Ave., Princeton, IL 61356, or via Venmo. Contact: [email protected] or (815) 875-3308.

⚾️CUBS LEAD SHRINKS AS CARDINALS SURGE

As of May 14th, the NL Central has transformed into a high-stakes battleground. The Chicago Cubs sit atop the division at 25-18 (.581), clinging to a 1.5-game lead over the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals, who are surging with a nine-game winning streak. With both the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers floundering and the Pittsburgh Pirates buried in the cellar, the spotlight is squarely on a rapidly tightening two-team race.

Cubs in Control—For Now

Chicago’s recent form has been steady but unspectacular. They’re 5-5 over their last 10 games but have won two straight, including a nail-biting 5–4 victory over the Marlins at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have posted a +54 run differential—scoring 243 runs while allowing 189—a strong indicator of their balanced roster. This run production and stingy pitching staff have kept them afloat, even as St. Louis gains ground.

Oddsmakers have taken notice of the Cubs’ strength. With pennant odds around +950, Chicago remains one of the National League’s top contenders. However, their margin for error is shrinking fast.

Cardinals on Fire

Few teams in baseball are hotter than the Cardinals right now. At 23-19 (.548), they’ve trimmed a once-sizable deficit and are just 1.5 games out of first. Their 9-1 mark over the past 10 games, including a 9-game winning streak, is the best in the division and among the best in the league. The Cardinals are not just winning—they’re dominating, with momentum and confidence on their side.

The upcoming schedule could be pivotal for the Redbirds. If they keep the streak alive and the Cubs falter even slightly, we could see a new leader atop the NL Central within days.

Reds and Brewers Fading

While Chicago and St. Louis push each other for first, the Reds and Brewers are sliding in the opposite direction. Both clubs sit tied for third at 20-23 (.465), already five games back of the Cubs. Cincinnati has dropped eight of its last ten, and Milwaukee hasn’t fared much better at 4-6. These recent struggles have cast doubt on either team’s ability to contend in the short term.

Unless one of them can reverse course quickly, they risk being completely left behind in the divisional race.

Pirates in Trouble

The Pittsburgh Pirates, at 14-29 (.326), are 11 games behind the Cubs and clearly in rebuild mode. They’ve gone 2-8 over their last 10 and continue to occupy the basement of the division. For now, their focus is likely shifting toward player development and the future.

The Road Ahead

With the Cubs’ lead narrowing and the Cardinals catching fire, the NL Central is shaping into one of the most compelling division races in baseball. The next few weeks could be decisive. If the Cubs can match the Cardinals’ urgency and fend off their charge, they’ll remain the team to beat. But if Chicago slips, even briefly, the Cardinals may seize the throne—and never look back.NL Central Pennant Race Heating Up: Cubs Lead Shrinks as Cardinals Surge

As of May 14, 2025, the NL Central has transformed into a high-stakes battleground. The Chicago Cubs sit atop the division at 25-18 (.581), clinging to a 1.5-game lead over the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals, who are surging with a nine-game winning streak. With both the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers floundering and the Pittsburgh Pirates buried in the cellar, the spotlight is squarely on a rapidly tightening two-team race.

Cubs in Control—For Now

Chicago’s recent form has been steady but unspectacular. They’re 5-5 over their last 10 games but have won two straight, including a nail-biting 5–4 victory over the Marlins at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have posted a +54 run differential—scoring 243 runs while allowing 189—a strong indicator of their balanced roster. This run production and stingy pitching staff have kept them afloat, even as St. Louis gains ground.

Oddsmakers have taken notice of the Cubs’ strength. With pennant odds around +950, Chicago remains one of the National League’s top contenders. However, their margin for error is shrinking fast.

Cardinals on Fire

Few teams in baseball are hotter than the Cardinals right now. At 23-19 (.548), they’ve trimmed a once-sizable deficit and are just 1.5 games out of first. Their 9-1 mark over the past 10 games, including a 9-game winning streak, is the best in the division and among the best in the league. The Cardinals are not just winning—they’re dominating, with momentum and confidence on their side.

The upcoming schedule could be pivotal for the Redbirds. If they keep the streak alive and the Cubs falter even slightly, we could see a new leader atop the NL Central within days.

Reds and Brewers Fading

While Chicago and St. Louis push each other for first, the Reds and Brewers are sliding in the opposite direction. Both clubs sit tied for third at 20-23 (.465), already five games back of the Cubs. Cincinnati has dropped eight of its last ten, and Milwaukee hasn’t fared much better at 4-6. These recent struggles have cast doubt on either team’s ability to contend in the short term.

Unless one of them can reverse course quickly, they risk being completely left behind in the divisional race.

Pirates in Trouble

The Pittsburgh Pirates, at 14-29 (.326), are 11 games behind the Cubs and clearly in rebuild mode. They’ve gone 2-8 over their last 10 and continue to occupy the basement of the division. For now, their focus is likely shifting toward player development and the future.

The Road Ahead

With the Cubs’ lead narrowing and the Cardinals catching fire, the NL Central is shaping into one of the most compelling division races in baseball. The next few weeks could be decisive. If the Cubs can match the Cardinals’ urgency and fend off their charge, they’ll remain the team to beat. But if Chicago slips, even briefly, the Cardinals may seize the throne—and never look back.

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🛍 Extended Shopping Hours – Princeton shops stay open late today, May 15 from 4–8 PM for the first of five extended shopping nights. Participating Chamber Member retailers will host fun promos monthly through September on the third Thursday.

✊ Rock Paper Scissors Tournament – It’s a battle royale at Barrel Society on Friday, May 16 at 7 PM. Bracket-style elimination, intense hand-to-hand combat, and a grand prize trophy. No sign-ups needed—just show up ready for battle.

🦆 Call Ducks at Boek-el-ZOO – Meet Carroll Homestead’s charming call ducks at 419 S Main St, Princeton on Saturday (date not listed), from 12–3 PM. Kids under 10 get a free ice cream scoop next door at Sisler’s.

🎉 Coal Creek’s 2nd Anniversary Party – Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Coal Creek Brewing from May 23–26 with backyard BBQ vibes, daily beer releases, games, and their special “License to Grill” brew.

✂️ Pruning Workshop at Hornbaker Gardens – Learn how and when to prune trees and shrubs at a free hands-on workshop at Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 North Ave, Princeton on Saturday, May 24 at 10 AM. No registration required.

🎸 Sweetwater at The Hawg House Saloon – Celebrate Memorial Day Sunday with live music at Hawg House Saloon on Sunday, May 25, from 3-7 PM.

🐾 Paws on Park Avenue – Dog Parade & Vendor Fair – Bring your pup for a dog parade and vendor fair at Greenfield Retirement Home on Saturday, May 31 from 9 AM–2 PM. Parade starts at 10:30 AM; vendors, BBQ, and more.

🌳 Homestead Lawn Event – A community event at Owen Lovejoy Homestead on Saturday, June 14, from 5-7 PM to raise funds and celebrate local traditions.

🏠 Annual Covenant Children’s Home Reunion – A gathering for past residents, staff, and volunteers at Simon Conference Center on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM-4 PM. Donations welcome.

🤼‍♂️ Micro Wrestling at The Hawg House – A 21+ night of body slams, suplexes, and mayhem on Friday, August 1, from 8–10 PM at Hawg House Saloon. Featuring multiple matches and nonstop action under 5 feet tall.

🥿 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A one-mile walk in downtown Princeton to support DV and SV survivors on Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Activities, teams, and prizes.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Bureau County Fair – Country star Trace Adkins performs with special guest Brushville on Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM at the Bureau County Fair. Tickets available at bureaucountyfair.com.

🐴WONDER JUNCTION VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School will be held at Princeton Bible Church from Sunday, June 8 to Thursday, June 12, 2025, running nightly from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The program is open to children ages 4 (fully potty trained) through 6th grade. The VBS theme is “Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory,” aiming to help kids know who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Activities include energetic assemblies with music, wacky intros, and a mission moment, followed by rotation through five fun stations. Registration is free, and a themed music CD is available for $2.50 at the registration table each evening. The event promises a joyful, Christ-centered experience for kids to grow in faith and wonder.

Register here

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅️Today: Partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. Some storms may be severe northeast of the Quad Cities. High near 93°F with strong south-southeast winds at 10 to 25 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low around 60°F and southwest winds at 15 to 25 mph. Rain chance 20%.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 85°F with southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low around 54°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity around 69%. Rain chance 20%.

🌤️Saturday: Intervals of sun and clouds with gusty winds. High near 74°F with west-northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph. Wind gusts could exceed 40 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low around 47°F and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity 68%.

🌤️Sunday: Sun and clouds mix through the day. High near 75°F with north-northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low near 47°F and northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity remains high overnight at 77%.

⛅️Monday: Partly cloudy with a high near 75°F. Winds north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight low around 55°F. Rain chance 20%.

🌦️Tuesday: Chance of showers with a high near 74°F. Winds from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 40%.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.27
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Laura Krabill Kheshgi’s dental office in Princeton, IL, is hiring a full-time receptionist with a salary range of $32,000 to $38,000 per year. The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and grow, with preference given to those with one year of dental experience—though training is available. Benefits include PTO, dental care, 401(k) with profit sharing, continuing education, and a uniform allowance. Applicants should email their resume to [email protected].

• Fawcett’s Pharmacy in Princeton, IL is hiring a part-time pharmacy technician with pay ranging from $18 to $20 per hour. Responsibilities include verifying and processing prescriptions, selecting medications, and measuring dosages, with one year of experience preferred. The job offers benefits such as an employee discount and a flexible schedule. Shifts may include 10-hour day shifts, Monday through Friday, with on-call duties and rotating weekend availability.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Scooter’s Coffee will celebrate Double Smiles Day on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with special promotions. No further details provided, but it’s a cheerful reason to stop by.

• Applications are open for the Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant, with a deadline of July 1. Age divisions include Little Miss (6–8), Jr Miss (12–14), and Miss (16–21). To apply, email: [email protected].

• A new HIIT + Core fitness class begins May 29 at 9:30 AM at the Bureau County Metro Center’s Aerobic’s Room. Led by instructor Caitlin Meyer, this class includes fast-paced cardio intervals and core-targeted strength training. Open to all fitness levels, it meets Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM.

• Five 22 boutique is showcasing red, white, and blue outfits for Memorial Day. Shoppers are encouraged to stop in and check out the new arrivals perfect for the holiday weekend. Hashtags include #newarrivals and #shoplocal.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is seeking volunteers for cashier shifts on Thursdays and Fridays from 12–4 PM, and Saturdays from 12–2 PM. No experience needed; training is provided. Volunteers support Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. Message the store or stop in to learn more.

• The Bob & Judy Duo will perform at the Bureau County Senior Center on May 27 at 11 AM. They’ll be back with their accordions for an entertaining morning. Location: 16 West Marion Street, Princeton, IL 61356.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is featuring Memorial Day-themed gifts and décor. Stop in this week to see the new patriotic displays, featuring flags and faith-based seasonal items.

• Four Seasons in Princeton is offering dresses in Missy, Petite, and Plus sizes for graduations, weddings, and spring/summer events. Styles come in various color combinations and prints. Save 24% with code FLOWERS or 25% with code SUNSHINE (exp. 5/18/2025). Shop online at: Four Seasons Dresses

• On the Homestead CrossFit in Princeton offers weekday classes at 5/6/8:30 AM and 4:30/5:30 PM, plus Saturdays at 8 AM. Summer student memberships run June 1–Aug 31 for $100 unlimited access. Benefits include full-body training, core stability, and strength. Call (815) 219-4150 or visit facebook.com/onthehomesteadcrossfit.

• Cafe Grace is currently hiring for a part-time server position. Interested applicants can call 815-872-4000 or message the café for more information.

• Bureau County Family Health now offers online scheduling for new and returning patients at their Princeton office. Visit bpchd.org to book appointments with Catching Joy Midwifery or Collective Family Health.

• Shannon’s Memorials is offering Turning Hearts medallions and keychains as thoughtful gifts to honor and remember loved ones. These digital tributes provide lasting, eco-friendly memorials and can be ordered now by calling or texting 815-878-3682.

• Apollo Theater Princeton is offering ad space for $350/year on its big screens, allowing local businesses to reach audiences before each movie. Contact them at [email protected] to get your ad on screen by Friday.

• Hornbaker Gardens welcomes a new neighbor just 1.5 miles down the road—Wildflower, a peaceful, private getaway surrounded by nature. Learn more at thewildfloweril.com.

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🎗️HELP SCOTT FIGHT CANCER AGAIN

From the GoFundMe Page: Hello, my husband Scott was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021. He underwent chemotherapy followed by the removal of the bottom two lobes of his right lung.

In 2023, his cancer had returned to the remaining bronchial tube, which led to the removal of the entire lung. We thought we had finally beaten it.

Following the removal, we faced a massive infection in the lung cavity that left Scott in the hospital for six weeks with multiple surgeries.

In September of 2024, Scott's cancer had returned, and he underwent radiation. In May, we found yet again his cancer had returned. Scott is undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for the next six weeks at the Mayo Clinic.

We have traveled to the Mayo Clinic for the last five years, and because of the multiple appointments daily, Scott will have to stay in the area. We are asking for help to aid in the cost for accommodations for travel and lodging. We are not ones to look for handouts and have really just exhausted all avenues to fight this horrible disease.

Scott is a resident of Tiskilwa, Illinois. He has three beautiful daughters and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He has been inspiration during this battle and always has looked light during dark times.

Thank you for any donation; it is greatly appreciated. We have such a great village of supporters. Thank you for reading.

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home at 324 N 1st St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $145,000 and offers 1,344 sq ft of living space. Built in 1890, it features hardwood floors throughout, large bedrooms, and an updated kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom includes an attached bonus room that could be used as a walk-in closet, nursery, or rec room. It comes with a 1-car attached garage and all appliances, including washer, dryer, and garage refrigerator and freezer. This move-in ready home is centrally located and open to all financing types.

• This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch home at 305 S Chestnut St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $139,900 and offers 1,200 sq ft of space. Built in 1936, it includes an attached one-car garage and sits on a 6,969 sq ft lot. Major updates include all new windows (except one), new flooring throughout (2023), new water heater (2023), and full interior and exterior repainting in 2025. The home also features a new sewer main line and a new roof to be installed before closing, with a discount offered if the buyer prefers the current older one. It’s a move-in-ready home with charm and modern upgrades throughout.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

Walnut

• Kids with a knack for crafts, baking, or services like dog walking or lawn care are invited to participate in the 3rd annual Children’s Business Fair. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Liberty Square. It’s a fun opportunity for young entrepreneurs to sell their products or promote their services. For questions, contact the Walnut Public Library at (815) 379-2159.

• An end of life program helps participants take a proactive approach to end-of-life planning, covering legal documents, healthcare wishes, and financial arrangements. It will be held at the Walnut Public Library on Saturday, June 21st, from 9 AM to 12 PM, and features presentations from local professionals in law, hospice, funeral homes, finance, and banking. Presenters include Jacob J. Frost (Attorney), Kris Reinbeck, RN (HCC), Beth Baker (Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes), Tyler Hansen (Country Financial), and Pam Turner (Community State Bank). You must register for the event—call the library at (815) 379-2159.

• The Walnut Public Library is hosting themed reading sessions for Pre-K through High School students from June 9th to July 16th, with activities ranging from crafts and STEM to gardening and cooking. Sessions are divided by grade: Pre-K & K meet Wednesdays 2:30–3:30 PM, 1st–5th Grade Wednesdays 1–2 PM, and Jr. High & High School Mondays 1–2:30 PM. Activities take place at the library and The Rock, including stories, crafts, nature walks, and cooking. Registration is required—call the library at (815) 379-2159 for assistance.

• From the Buda American Legion Post: Memorial Day Service will be held at Hopeland Cemetery at May 26th at 10 AM.

• 'It's not right' | Tampico families ask for increased charges after fatal car crash that killed 3

• Deadline to Apply for 2025 Wyanet Summer Festival Queen Pageant is May 17, 2025

• Angry looking landspout in Central Illinois

• Woman in custody after drug raid in Dixon

• Coroner identifies man killed in Bureau County crash

📼PHS CLASSIC: 1989 BOYS BASKETBALL

From former PHS Boys Basketball Coach Roger Lowe: “These vintage games are nearing their completion, and this one is a classic! Played on February 10, 1989, the Tigers hosted Ottawa—who had broken the century mark three times and were the only team to beat conference champion LaSalle-Peru during the regular season. The Tigers, playing without their starting shooting guard, were led by Corey Helle, Chad Hamel, Mike Sitterly, and Kai Wahlgren, each scoring in double figures, along with outstanding reserve play by Caley Castelein and Brian Henning. The Tigers shot a sizzling 64% from the floor, thanks to excellent ball movement, and were perfect from the charity stripe.

However, the thing that still makes me smile to this day—33 years later—is that 6’3”, 160-pound Chris Potter took four charges in the game, the last one at the 6:39 mark of the fourth quarter with the Tigers down two points, sending him to Perry Memorial Hospital to close a head wound that required multiple stitches. The Ottawa head coach said it best after the game: “Princeton just outworked us.” I coached for thirteen years and have never been more proud of the effort our hometown guys gave that evening.”

Watch it here.

🩺IHCC: WHAT IS PRE-DIABETES

The term “prediabetes” refers to a blood sugar level that is consistently higher than normal over time. It’s a common, symptomless condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if not addressed. The good news: while almost 50% of older adults test into this category, research shows that few go on to develop diabetes—particularly if lifestyle changes are made.

Still, it’s important that the doctor check your loved one’s blood sugar levels regularly. Prediabetes (also known as borderline diabetes or glucose intolerance) can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

That might sound dire, but there’s more good news: rather than write a prescription, medical professionals usually recommend lifestyle changes for prediabetes. If your relative is dealing with this condition, some basic changes can lower their blood sugar levels before they become a problem. Support your loved one toward these strategies:

Healthy eating. Limiting processed foods is smart for everyone. Encourage your loved one to eat a variety of nutritious foods, such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Treats are fine, in moderation.

More movement. Aim for about 150 minutes of movement a week. It can be whatever your relative likes: water aerobics, walking, tai chi, dancing, and even chair exercises. Check with your loved one’s doctor first for any cautions.

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