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Happy Thursday morning, Princeton. Happy 16th anniversary tomorrow to my lovely wife, Deb! That’s 5,840 days of laughter, tears, prayer, inside jokes, singing songs together, beach days, and Olive Garden trips. Four kids, many moves, multiple languages…God has been so faithful to us through it all. I am thankful for you.

Love,

—Your Hubby

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏋️Happening at the Met
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🐴Wonder Junction
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
📋LivingWorks
💼Princeton Businesses
🎗️Help Scott Fight Cancer
📍Outside City Limits
🇧🇷Get Grady to Brazil

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Brett Kepner! 🎈

• City offices will be closed on Monday, May 26th, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no garbage pick-up on Monday. Alternate garbage pick-up will be Tuesday, May 27th.

• BCR: Bella Clevenger scored twice to lead No. 4-seeded Princeton to a 3-1 win over No. 5 Oregon in the Class 1A Mendota Regional semifinal. Princeton will face Mendota in the regional final after Mendota’s 8-0 victory over DePue-Hall.

• Bureau County boys track and field teams will be competing at three area sites for sectionals this week.

• WLPO: Thanks to a big effort by the City of Princeton, the presentation of flags and flagpoles in the parks is becoming more striking. And just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

• Princeton City Admin: IDOT to Start Replacement of Signals, Red Covered Bridge Repair Continues

• The City of Princeton’s Electric Utility was recently recognized by the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association for earning a Gold Rating in its division in the 2024 American Public Power Association’s “Safety Awards of Excellence” competition. Princeton was also awarded a “Certificate of Excellence in Reliability.”

• 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.

• Princeton Veterans Organization will host a Pancake Breakfast at American Legion Post 125 on Sunday, June 1, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk, and orange juice.

• The “More on 34” Father’s Day Weekend Garage Sales are set for June 13–14, 2025, across Bureau and Henry counties. To list your garage sale or highlight a local event like a food stand or car show, email [email protected] by June 4. Sale listings will be printed and distributed regionally.

• 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 tomorrow, 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.

🏋️AT THE METRO CENTER

Junior High Strength and Conditioning Clinic

The Bureau County Metro Center is offering a Junior High Strength & Conditioning clinic from July 14th to July 17th. This one-week program is designed to help junior high athletes in Bureau County improve physically and build foundational strength. The camp targets students entering 5th through 8th grade, with separate time slots: 5th & 6th graders will meet from 10:30–11:15 AM, and 7th & 8th graders from 11:30 AM–12:15 PM. The fee is tiered at $40, $45, or $50 depending on registration timing or other factors. Classes will be capped at 8 participants to ensure more individualized instruction.

Participants will benefit from continued development, better agility, stronger self-esteem, increased skill, a strong base for gaining strength, and safety through strength development. Other benefits include promoting teamwork and encouraging a strong work ethic. The program teaches proper warmups, stretching, exercise techniques, and sport-specific training. It’s an excellent opportunity for youth to gain confidence and compete at a higher level.

To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Early registration is encouraged due to limited spots.

Group Swim Lessons

Group swim lessons are returning to Alexander Pool this summer for kids ages 4 and up. The sessions will run on two sets of dates: June 9th–12th and June 16th–19th. Each class takes place from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Participants will get the chance to sharpen existing skills, learn new techniques, and have fun in a supportive environment. The program is open to both members and non-members. The cost is $50 for members, $55 for residents, and $65 for non-residents. To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or register online.

Adult Dodgeball Tournament

The Adult Dodgeball Tournament is coming to the BCMC Gym on Saturday, July 19th. Open to participants ages 21 and up, this event features 5-player teams competing in a double elimination format. Each matchup consists of three 10-minute games, with the winner determined by the last team standing or the team with the most players remaining. Matches begin at 6:00 PM, but all players must arrive by 5:30 PM for a rules explanation. The cost is $100 per team.

Attendees can enjoy a cash bar and free pizza while supplies last. This high-energy evening promises fun competition and great social interaction. To register, stop by the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎉 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: Showers early, becoming sunny. High 62°F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Thursday night: Partly cloudy. Low 44°F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Friday: Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds in the afternoon. High 69°F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Friday night: A few clouds. Low 47°F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.

☁️Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High 68°F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday night: Cloudy. Low 48°F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

☁️Sunday: Considerable cloudiness. Slight chance of a shower. High 67°F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Sunday night: Mostly cloudy early, then partly cloudy. Low 49°F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.

🌧️Monday: Scattered showers. High 68°F. Winds E at 10 mph. Monday night: Mostly cloudy. Low 52°F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.27
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.15
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

📋LIVINGWORKS TRAINING

LivingWorks safeTALK is a half-day training that equips participants to recognize and respond to signs of suicidal thoughts. Scheduled for May 27, 2025, from 12–4 PM at the Peru Police Department, this session is hosted by OSF HealthCare and costs $20 to attend. Participants will learn how to approach individuals showing signs of suicidal ideation, connect them to safety and support, and understand community and personal attitudes toward suicide. In 2022 alone, the program trained over 74,000 individuals, led to 58,000 interventions, and helped prevent more than 8,100 suicide attempts. safeTALK empowers attendees to confidently talk about suicide, make life-saving connections, and ensure individuals remain safe until help is available. For registration or inquiries, call 815-876-2085 or email [email protected].

LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day interactive workshop offered July 15–16, 2025, at OSF St. Clare Medical Center in Princeton, IL (White Oak Classroom). At a cost of $75 per person, this intensive training equips attendees with first-aid intervention skills to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Open to anyone aged 16 or older, the training requires no prior experience and is led by Michelle Hansen (ICAHN Director of Clinical Services) and Stefanie Morris (OSF Healthcare Community Health Education Coordinator). The session aims to build confidence, readiness, and the ability to intervene in suicide crises. Registration is available online at icahn.org/event/asist-july2025, and questions can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton shared a variety of coupons valid through 6/2/25. Offers include a 16” Thin Crust 1 Topping Family Pleaser with salad and drinks for $25.50 (code 161fp), 14” Thin Crust with up to 3 toppings for $18 (code 143top), and 16” Thin Crust or 14” Pan Pizza with 1 topping for $18.50 (code 161top). Dine-in, carry-out, and delivery available.

• Rachel Rene is celebrating 8 years on Main Street this Saturday and Sunday with snacks, triple reward points, specials, and more. Online shoppers also get free shipping and triple reward points. Visit www.rachelrene.com for details.

• Barry Cloyd returns to the Princeton Public Library for an evening of music and storytelling about the Intercontinental Railroad on May 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream will celebrate Rossy’s BBQ Joint 1-year anniversary in June with a limited edition flavor inspired by one of Rossy’s menu items. The flavor will be available all month long.

• Fresh Finds Princeton restocked their popular tote bags, now on sale for $9.99. Everything that fits inside one is 20% off this week. Open 9–6 Monday through Saturday.

• Scooter’s Coffee is offering $1 off all XL drinks, including blenders, through May 23. No code needed—just enjoy.

• Once Upon A Craft is hosting a Stitch Paint Party on May 29 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Activities include painting a Stitch sign, making a Stitch shirt, trivia, themed snacks, and a photo shoot. Seating is limited.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is stocked with American flags, hardware, and service-branch flags in honor of Memorial Day.

• Z Tour Bike Ride is one month away. Registration is open at ztour.org.

• 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.

• 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.

• The Boek-el-ZOO is special ordering week for fish, feeders, succulents & more. Baby werewolf rats still available.

• Corner Chair Market has gifts, coffee, art, journals, and furniture available in-store now.

• The Princeton Closet wants you to know about their Memorial Day sales: basket days Friday & Saturday. 12 items for $8. Shopping hours: Thurs–Sat.

• 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.

• 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.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Ottawa, IDOT Reach Deal on Floodplain Buyout for PADS Building

• Streator Defendants Denied Pretrial Release

• Peru Won't Reschedule Air Show Fireworks Display

• OSF Announces New President Of Mendota And Princeton Hospitals

• Shortage of overnight truck parking contributed to deadly Greyhound bus crash, regulators say

• 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.

🇧🇷HELP FORMER PHS STAR GRADY THOMPSON GET TO BRAZIL

From his GoFundMe: I am excited to share I have been selected to join the USA D-3 Basketball Team for their Brazil Tour in 2025!

This amazing opportunity will take place from July 7th to 16th. The "USA D-3 Basketball Teams" are made up of talented men's basketball players from NCAA Division 3 colleges and universities across the United States, and I am so honored to be among those chosen to represent our country and the University of Dubuque.

This tour is much more than just basketball. While we will be playing high-level games against teams in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the trip is also designed to provide a unique international experience focused on educational, cultural, and social growth. We will have the chance to engage with local communities through outreach programs, visiting schools, clubs, and churches, and even hosting a youth basketball clinic. Additionally, we will have the incredible opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

The tour begins with an orientation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, July 7th, before we depart for Brazil that evening. We will spend time playing games in both São Paulo (July 8-9) and Rio de Janeiro (July 10).

I am truly thrilled by the prospect of representing the USA and UD on the court, competing against international talent, and immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Brazil. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to grow as an athlete and as an individual.

To help make this dream a reality, I have set up a GoFundMe page. Any financial contribution you might be able to offer would be deeply appreciated and would directly support my participation in the USA D-3 Basketball Team Brazil Tour. Your generosity would help me represent our country and UD with pride, develop my skills, and experience a new part of the world.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and any support you are able to provide. It means the world to me!

Support Grady Here

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