SPONSORED BY

Happy Thursday morning, Princeton. We’ve got dogs parading, teachers lunching, and Aldi signs causing more buzz than a tick in Mineral. A new officer’s been sworn in and if anyone sees me running with a bag of sourdough and a 5-year-old wearing a bike helmet, mind your business—it’s just Spring in Princeton.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🐾Paws on Park Avenue
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🐴Wonder Junction
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🎸Free Concert: Bobby Jo Valentine

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Nicole Pelszynski, Ryan Kepner and Angie Husser!🎂

• BCR: The Aldi sign at Backbone Road and Main Street in Princeton has caught the attention of residents.

• WLPO: Princeton Swears in New Officer

• 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.

• The Princeton Fire Department will host a “Heroes for Life” Boots vs. Badges Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 13 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the fire station. Schedule a time by calling ImpactLife at 800-747-5401.

• 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.

• Free meals are served twice a month at First United Methodist Church Hall, 316 S. Church Street, Princeton, with doors opening at 4:45 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on listed dates in 2025 including May 12 & 19, June 9 & 23, and more.

• The Friends of Extension and 4-H, a group that helps fund educational outreach for University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County and its 4-H/Youth Development Program, is inviting community members to take part in their upcoming cash raffle fundraiser on Friday, June 13th at the Becker Professional Building, 850 Thompson St. For more information or to request tickets, contact the Extension office at 815-875-2878.

• Princeton Junior Woman’s Club is accepting registrations for its Safety Town program, running June 16–27 at Douglas School from 9–11 a.m. The program teaches 4- and 5-year-olds about traffic, fire, and personal safety with hands-on activities and special guests.

🐾PAWS ON PARK AVENUE

“Paws on Park Avenue” is happening Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Greenfield Retirement Home parking lot at 508 Park Avenue East. The event will feature the always-popular “Strut Your Mutt” Dog Parade. Attendees can browse a variety of offerings at the craft/vendor show and garage sale. There will also be a bake sale and a homemade BBQ meal available for purchase. All food sale proceeds will benefit local animal shelters. Anyone wishing to participate in the dog parade or vendor show must pre-register and fill out the required paperwork. Forms are available on Greenfield’s Facebook page or by visiting the facility directly. For more information, contact Chris at [email protected] or call 815-872-2261.

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🥖 Sourdough and Herbs Class – Bake and grow with demos by Sun Oak Farm and U of I Master Gardeners at Bureau Farm Bureau, 1407 N Main St, Princeton on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30–8:30 PM. $20. Call (815) 875-6468 to register.

🧺 Mother’s Day Flea Market – Shop vendors and deals at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St, Princeton on Sunday, May 11, from 8 AM–2 PM.

🛍 Extended Shopping Hours – Princeton shops stay open late on Thursday, 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.

✂️ 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.

🌳 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.

🥿 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.

🐴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 and cooler. High near 69°F with northeast winds between 10 to 20 mph. Clear overnight with a low of 40°F and east-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity increases to 64%.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny with a high near 72°F. Winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low around 46°F and east-northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph. Humidity steady near 59%.

☀️Saturday: Sunny and warmer. High near 80°F with west-southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. Skies stay mostly clear overnight with a low around 51°F and east winds at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity near 63%.

⛅️Sunday: Partly cloudy with a high around 82°F. Winds from the north at 11 mph. Evening skies remain partly cloudy with a low near 55°F. Rain not expected.

⛽️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

• In-Home Care Connection Homecare & Hospice is hiring caregivers in the Princeton and Peru area. Applicants can apply online or in person at 680 West Peru Street, Princeton. For more details, call 815-872-7447.

• The Bureau Putnam Marshall County Health Department is hiring an Environmental Health Sanitarian in Princeton, offering $22–$25 per hour. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or an Associate’s degree with at least 9 hours of science coursework; LEHP certification is preferred but not required. The role involves inspecting food establishments, schools, wells, and other facilities, and requires strong communication skills, a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record.

• Liberty Village of Princeton is hiring a Transportation Aide starting at $15 an hour. The role includes helping residents transfer to and from wheelchairs, assisting staff with vehicle transfers, and transporting residents to appointments or outings. Applicants should be team-oriented, compassionate, and able to report incidents or hazards promptly while maintaining positive interactions with residents and staff.

• Steven Becker from Thrivent is seeking sales professionals interested in purposeful careers as financial advisors with strong community values. Learn more and apply at thriventcareers.com/43AMWZq

• Beck’s is hiring a Car Wash District Manager responsible for overseeing multiple car wash locations, ensuring top-notch service, cleanliness, staff development, and profitability. The role involves hiring and managing car wash managers, setting company culture, enforcing accountability, and ensuring all locations meet brand standards. Candidates must be mechanically skilled, able to troubleshoot equipment issues, and understand wash systems including electrical and plumbing operations. Preferred applicants have over five years of relevant experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and demonstrate traits like honesty, humility, and responsibility. Beck’s is a 100% employee-owned company operating fuel, convenience, and car wash businesses across North-Central Illinois.

• Heartland Bank and Trust Company is seeking a full-time Relationship Banker at their Princeton, IL location. This role serves as the frontline representative of the bank, welcoming customers, delivering excellent service, and offering financial solutions. Pay ranges from $17.95 to $23.84 an hour. Responsibilities include creating a personalized customer experience, opening and servicing accounts, promoting bank products, and helping minimize fraud risks. To apply, text “2191” to (309) 322-9911.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Second Story Teen Center is hosting Girls Night today, May 8 at 6:00 p.m. with a lineup including jewelry making, food, and friendship—bring a friend and join in.

• Corner Chair Market invites you to find the perfect heartfelt gift for your mom, grandma, or any special woman in your life. Their display features a charming mix of books, mugs, and decorative pieces.

• 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.

• Meadows on Main is celebrating Mother’s Day week with a 15% off coupon for your next visit when you buy a $25 gift certificate. Plus, Kelly Baumann will be on-site Saturday from 10–2 with baked goods for sale.

• Four Seasons in Princeton has launched its summer clothing line featuring lightweight jackets, gauze tops, and French terry sweatshirts in fun colors and prints. Save 24% using code FLOWERS now through May 11.

• Boek-el-ZOO is offering a Thursday special—spend $10 or more and receive a $5 coupon for your next purchase. Visit them at 419 South Main and enjoy the quirky, fun-filled experience.

• Scooter’s Coffee is featuring their limited-time s’mores menu including a s’mores latte, cold brew, and cookies—no campfire required.

• The Cliff Restaurant and Event Center is offering a Mother’s Day all-you-can-eat breakfast on Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Adults $20, kids $10, and children under 4 eat free.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with gifts and displays to thank and honor teachers. Open 9–5.

• Five 22 just launched a new oversized lightweight sweatshirt with pockets for $52. It’s available in-store and online in sizes S–M–L.

• The Princeton Closet is promoting weekend deals: Basket Day (12 items for $8) and a $15 spend earns customers a pick from the free goodies shelf.

• The Bureau County Senior Center presents a 6-day, 5-night Lancaster Show Trip July 7–12, 2025, for $929/person (double occupancy), including lodging, 8 meals, multiple shows, and tours of Philadelphia and Amish country. Contact Denise Ihrig at (815) 879-3981 for details; deposit due April 30, 2025.

• Buttercream Bake Shop is selling mini pill cookies for Nurse Appreciation Week for $3 each, with pickup available Sunday at the Princeton Library from 4:00 to 5:00. Each cookie comes packaged with a fun prescription-themed card.

• 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.

• Pin Splitter Lanes is hosting an Adult/Youth League from May 31 through August 2, meeting Saturdays at 10 a.m. for 3 games each week; cost is $10 per person or $20 for an adult/youth pair. Call 815-879-5811 to sign up or visit the counter for more info.

• Paisano’s Ristorante revealed May’s pizza of the month: The Sloppy Joe, topped with mozzarella, beef, veggies, garlic, and pickles. It’s available as a pan pizza or calzone and starts tonight.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is featuring two May specials: the Sweet & Salty sundae and the Root Beer Float flavor of the month. Their summer hours begin this week, open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM.

• 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.

• The Milk Moustache is posting display items, furniture, and fixtures for sale as they prepare to close. Shoppers can comment to claim items and arrange quick pickup and payment via Venmo or cash. The Milk Moustache is closing its shop at the end of May and invites customers to redeem gift cards before May 31, 2025. While the retail store is closing, The Elowen Room will remain open for events and creative gatherings.

• Hungry World Farm is bringing back its Wood-Fired Pizza Nights every Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, starting this weekend. Enjoy farm-fresh pizzas by Chef Andy Lanier in flavors like Spicy Hawaiian, Mushroom & Asparagus, and Signature Cheese, along with garden salad and a free 6:30 PM farm tour for guests. Visitors can snuggle baby goats, enjoy a campfire, pick up eggs or lamb, and even book a farmstay at HungryWorldFarm.com/farmstay.

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

✉️STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

Saturday, May 10th marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving—the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Letter carriers walk through the community daily, often facing the sad reality of hunger for too many. So, each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers nationwide collect non-perishable food donations from customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in the Princeton area who need our help.

Throughout its 33-year history, the drive has collected well over 1.82 billion pounds of food, thanks to the Postal Service’s universal delivery network, which spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In a past postal drive, the Princeton area donated 31,000 pounds of food for the Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

The need for food donations is great. More than 42 million Americans are unsure where their next meal will come from. Over twelve million children feel the impact of hunger on their health and ability to perform in school. Nearly 5.2 million seniors over the age of 60 are food insecure, many of whom live on fixed incomes and are often too embarrassed to ask for help.

Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. By spring, many pantries are depleted and enter the summer low on supplies—just as many school breakfast and lunch programs pause, leaving children in need.

Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Drive is simple. Carriers will leave a postcard with a plastic bag in your mail. Leave a non-perishable food donation in the bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

Please help us fight to end hunger as we celebrate our 33rd anniversary of America’s great day of giving.

Sincerely,

Princeton and Surrounding Area

🏠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

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

• Male Bald Eagle left to tend to babies in nest after female shot by heartless hunter

• Latest On Fatal I-80 Crash Between Utica And Ottawa

• If you ask any locals when the best time is to visit Starved Rock, we'll always say between spring and summer, aka May.

• Illinois State Police respond to 2-vehicle fatal crash in LaSalle County, 1 dead, 5 injured

• Farmers Harness Constructed Wetlands for Cleaner Water and Wildlife Support in Bureau and Marshall Counties

🎸FREE CONCERT: BOBBY JO VALENTINE

On May 11 (Mother’s Day) at 7:00 p.m., a free concert will be held at Open Prairie Church featuring Bobby Jo Valentine. The concert will take place at 25 E. Marion St., and admission is free, with a free-will offering being accepted. Bobby Jo Valentine is described as a heart-opening, award-winning folk/pop artist. Attendees can expect an evening of music that speaks to deep personal themes and emotional journeys.

One of Bobby Jo Valentine’s songs, “Ready to Be Found,” is about the longing to belong. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFibDE-xZHA. Another song, “The Edge of the World,” explores the courage to say yes to adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4ERx6DdXCo. A third song, “Trading In,” reflects on letting go of harmful beliefs and replacing them with better ones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Wu0vLqkj8.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].