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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. A black and camo Polaris Ranger was stolen downtown, the Michigan MOMsemble is rolling into town with musical comedy, and you can finally throw out that fax machine.

Let’s check it out.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
📚Independent Bookstore Day
⚾️PHS Sports Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🤔Deep Thoughts
👷Princeton Job Openings
🎸Free Concert
🕊️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• A black and camo 2025 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NS Ed Ultimate was stolen between 3:30 and 5 PM near Marquette and Main Street. The vehicle has Princeton City Tag 109 and a toolbox on the left side of the bed. If you have information, call the Princeton Police Department at 815-872-2351.

• BCR: State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, announced more than $34,00 in state-sponsored library grants were awarded to public schools throughout his district, including five grants in Bureau County.

• RMN: The Michigan MOMsemble brings its musical wit to Princeton’s Grace Theater on May 2 and 3, 2025, at 7 PM, courtesy of Festival 56 and the Princeton Theater Group.

• Bureau County’s semi-annual electronics recycling event will be held Saturday, April 26 from 9 AM to noon at 595 Elm Place in Princeton. Participants must be Bureau County residents and follow the traffic route from Dover Road to Elm Place. Vehicles may not enter before 9:00 AM, and ID will be required.

• 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.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League reminds families that online registration for T-ball is open until April 30, 2025. Sign up now to get your child ready for the season. I signed up my preschooler, John, and whoo boy this Summer will be entertaining.

📍Outside City Limits

• The Tiskilwa Community Association has brought back Tiskilwa Gift Certificates, which are valid checks accepted at participating businesses and available year-round at Ron Behrend’s office or Aspen Egan’s. To join the program, email [email protected].

• A Fulton man was killed after his truck rolled over on I-80 in Bureau County, according to the Illinois State Police.

• The Wyanet Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 27 from 7 AM to noon at the Wyanet Fire Department, featuring a free-will donation, 50/50 raffles, and a full breakfast menu. The meal includes pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee, with thanks to sponsors Midwest Thermal Optics and Kramer’s Guns and Supplies.

• Thrive on Main – A downtown Sheffield event with mobile boutiques, coffee, florals, home goods, and more on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 10 AM. Family-friendly fun all day.

• Two Kewanee schools were placed in lockdown Friday after police received a report from the Fairview area of a person walking around and knocking on doors, while possessing what was described as a “long gun.”

• For the second straight weekend, Peru had a wreck involving an electric bike.

📚TRUE LEAVES BOOKSHOP CELEBRATES INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY

Today, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, True Leaves Bookshop in Princeton IL will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day—a nationwide event honoring the magic of indie bookstores and the communities that support them. Located at 15 Park Ave W., Princeton IL, in the historic Sash-Stalter-Matson Building, True Leaves Bookshop is excited to host a day filled with book-loving joy. “Whether you're a local or just visiting, we’d love for you to be part of our day,” said Co-owner Matthew Adams. “Grab a donut, meet a friend, pick up a new or used book– have some fun!” “Indpendent Bookstore Day celebrates the irreplaceable role independent bookstores play in communities,” reflected Angela Adams, Co-owner of True Leaves Bookshop. “In a world of big box stores, Independent Bookstore Day is a chance to support local, connect with fellow readers, and celebrate what makes indie bookshops so special.” What’s Happening at True Leaves on April 26th: Exclusive indie-only releases and limited-edition bookish goodies 🎁 Giveaways throughout the day—because we love surprises as much as you do ☕ Complimentary refreshments, served with a side of conversation 💬 Chill, bookish vibes and plenty of cozy corners to browse or stay awhile Come Celebrate With Us!

For more info or press inquiries, contact: Angela Adams | True Leaves Bookshop | 15 Park Ave W, Princeton, IL 61356 | [email protected] | 815-993-3501 | https://www.trueleavesbookshop.com

⚾️PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Today

• Girls Varsity Soccer @ Byron High School | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Boys Varsity Tennis (Home) – PHS Varsity Tournament | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Rescheduled Boys Varsity Baseball @ Mendota High School | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Monday, April 28

• Girls Varsity Track and Field @ Illinois Valley Central HS | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Boys Fresh/Soph Tennis (Home) vs Ottawa High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Boys Varsity Baseball (Home) vs Kewanee High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Soccer (Home) vs Depue High School | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Cancelled Girls Fresh/Soph Softball (Home) vs Kewanee High School | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Boys Varsity Tennis (Home) vs Ottawa High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Tuesday, April 29

• Boys Fresh/Soph Baseball @ Ottawa High School | 4:30 PM – TBA

• Girls Varsity Softball (Home) vs Mendota High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Soccer @ Hinckley Big Rock High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Rescheduled Boys Varsity Baseball (Home) vs Newman Central Catholic | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Thursday, May 1

• Boys Varsity Tennis (Home) vs Mendota High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Soccer @ LaSalle-Peru High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Boys Varsity Baseball @ Kewanee High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Softball @ Kewanee High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Fresh/Soph Soccer @ LaSalle-Peru High School | 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM

Friday, May 2

• Boys Varsity Track and Field @ Morris High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Softball (Home) vs Orion High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Boys Varsity Baseball (Home) vs Orion High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Boys Sophomore Baseball @ Orion High School | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 65°F. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph. A few clouds drift in overnight with a low of 42°F. Winds turn to the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 20%.

🌥️Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy skies. The high reaches 69°F with southeast winds around 13 mph. Periods of showers arrive after midnight with a low of 56°F. Winds shift from the east at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 40%.

⛈️Monday: Windy with a few clouds. Showers and thunderstorms develop late in the day. High around 83°F with south winds at 20 to 30 mph. Thunderstorms continue into the evening with a low of 63°F. Some storms may be severe. Winds turn south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph. Rain chance 70%.

🌥️Tuesday: A slight chance of storms early, then partly to mostly cloudy. High of 73°F with west winds at 10 to 20 mph. Skies stay mostly cloudy at night with a low near 45°F. Winds remain from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 0%.

🌥️Wednesday: A mix of sun and clouds. The high climbs to 69°F with west winds at 10 to 20 mph. Skies stay mostly clear with a low of 50°F overnight. Winds hold steady from the west at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 0%.

Northern IL Severe Weather reports a strong risk for a severe weather outbreak Monday into Monday night, especially over Iowa and northern Illinois. All hazards are possible with this late-evening storm threat, which could extend into early Tuesday morning. Stay alert as the forecast continues to develop.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.32
Casey’s West/North: $3.35
Beck’s West/North: $3.35
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.35
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.35

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.09

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

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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🤔DEEP THOUGHTS BY JACK HANDEY

Jack Handey always makes me laugh. And sorry, I needed a good laugh and figured you could share one with me.

“The memories of my family outings are still a source of strength to me. I remember we'd all pile into the car - I forget what kind it was - and drive and drive. I'm not sure where we'd go, but I think there were some trees there. The smell of something was strong in the air as we played whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, older guy we called "Dad." We'd eat some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home. I guess some things never leave you.”

“As the light changed from red to green to yellow and back again, I sat there thinking about life. Was it nothing more than a bunch of honking and yelling? Sometimes it seemed that way.”

“There used to be this bully who would demand my lunch money every day. Since I was smaller, I would give it to him. But then I decided to fight back. I started taking karate lessons. But then the karate lesson guy said I had to start paying him five dollars a lesson. So I just went back to paying the bully. Before I paid him, though, I would go into my karate stance, because that's all I learned before I got kicked out.”

Thank you for humoring me. The first one always sends me into spasmodic guttural laugh.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• 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.

• The Milk Moustache invites you to stop in this weekend to shop their newest Angel Dear arrivals. These baby outfits come in buttery soft fabrics and spring-themed prints, including florals, birds, and butterflies.

• Mardog’s Grooming Room is taking appointments now for early May. Get your dog freshened up with a spring grooming session—spots are limited and fill quickly. Call 563-239-4899 or message them on Facebook to book.

• Wild Honey Boutique has stocked up with new seasonal outfits perfect for the warm weather. Browse soft spring dresses, casual rompers, and stylish tops in-store now. Each piece is featured in light, breathable fabrics and flattering fits.

• Spoons and Forks is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a heartfelt thanks to customers, staff, and family. Stop in and help them celebrate a successful year of food and community—today marks 365 days since they first flipped the “OPEN” sign.

• Dairy Queen in Princeton (615 N Main St) is taking Mother’s Day cake orders through May 2. All cake orders include a free box of ice cream sandwiches and must be picked up by May 10. Call 815-872-1721 to order.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is holding a $1 clothing blowout this Saturday only from 10 AM to 2 PM at 230 E Backbone Rd, Princeton. Every item of clothing will be just $1—excluding swimwear, white-tagged items, and shoes. It’s a great time to stock up and save big.

• 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.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is extending its hours for the summer beginning May 1. They’ll be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and remain closed on Sundays and Mondays.

• Paisano’s Ristorante has several new items, including hand-battered bone-in wings in a variety of sauces, Yuengling beer flights, and a Chicken Parm sub on garlic bread. They are open from 4 to 9 PM and offer delivery within a 10-mile radius.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is offering up to 40% off select purses to make room for new inventory. The sale includes a variety of stylish bags at already reduced prices.

• Scooter’s Coffee is rolling out its summer menu featuring returning favorites like the S’mores Latte and Crème Cold Brew, along with new Red Bull Infusion drinks, XL Blenders, and Oreo® Blenders. Stop by to try something refreshing and new.

• Simply Nutrition is fully stocked with energizing drinks and protein balls. They’re open from 6:30 AM to 4 PM, offering a variety of colorful teas and shakes to start your day.

• Five 22 is featuring new summer rompers in fun seasonal colors like green, coral, and lavender. Shop in-store from 10 AM to 5:30 PM or online through their website.

• Cafe Grace shared weekend specials including pot roast, meat lovers omelets, chorizo-stuffed pork loin, and Sunday brunch avocado toast with bacon, cherry tomatoes, and feta. They are also taking reservations for Mother’s Day.

• The Knack will host a Mother & Daughter Sip and Paint on May 3 from 5 to 7 PM. The session includes step-by-step painting instruction with a butterfly theme. Register at www.theknackprinceton.com/events or call 815-915-2119.

Today:

• New Plants for 2025 at Hornbaker Gardens – Learn about exciting new annuals and perennials from CEO Molly Hornbaker at 22937 1140 North Ave, Princeton at 10am. Free workshop, no registration required.

• LaMoille Schools: April Gallery Exhibit – Student artwork from Kindergarten through grade 12 will be on display at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave E, Princeton, from 1–3 PM.

• Magic the Gathering Saturdays at The Gamers Guild Lounge – Bring your own deck or use one provided for this fun, beginner-friendly game night from 4–9 PM at 104 N Main St, Princeton. $5 entry fee.

• Karaoke and Open Mic at Downtown Pub – Sing your heart out at the Downtown Pub, 432 S Main, Princeton, from 9–11:45 PM. Happens every Saturday through May.

Sunday

• Malden Booster Club Taco Lunch & Quarter Auction – Lunch starts at 12 PM and includes 2 tacos, dessert, and a drink for $5. The auction begins at 1:30 PM at Malden Grade School Gym. Bidding paddles are $5.

• Sunshine, Music & Birds at Boek-el-ZOO – From 12–3 PM at 419 S Main, Princeton, enjoy live music, sidewalk chalk, dancing, bird treats, and a free Sisler’s Ice Cream scoop coupon for kids.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• 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.

• The Bureau County Senior Citizens Association is looking for a full-time Transportation Coordinator/Driver at their Princeton, IL location. Pay starts at $15 an hour, with a Monday–Friday, 8-hour day shift schedule. Responsibilities include safely transporting seniors, maintaining records, inspecting vehicles, and delivering outstanding customer service. Benefits include a 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations.

• The Bureau County Highway Department is accepting applications for a full-time Highway Maintainer based in Princeton, IL. This role pays $29.34 an hour and involves maintaining highways, rural roads, and rights-of-way, including patching pavement, repairing guardrails, and clearing snow or brush. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Illinois CDL, and experience with manual labor, truck driving, and operating heavy equipment. Benefits include dental insurance, health insurance, and a flexible spending account. Applications are accepted online or in-person at 595 Elm Place, Princeton, IL, until Thursday, April 17, 2025.

🎸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.

🕊️LETTER FROM LORI

Expectations.

We all have them. My goal is to not have them, because with no expectations, there are no disappointments, right?

My neighbors have expectations that I will close my blinds before I get ready for bed. My children have expectations that I will give them whatever they want from my house when they visit. My doctor has expectations that I will listen to her advice. My parents had BIG expectations about the choices I made. Boy, were THEY disappointed.

When you are formulating your desires and what you want from others, it is wise to make the goal attainable for them. You don’t expect your friend who is a single mother, raising kids on her own, to pay for your dinner when you go out (do you?) You don’t expect someone who is working two jobs to have time to spend the whole day at your house playing video games (do you?) You don’t expect your dog to walk by the steak you left on the table at nose level when you haven’t fed her for the day yet (do you?)

I was recently the victim of unrealistic expectations. Personally, I set the bar pretty high for myself, so when I fell short of what someone wanted from me, it was a tough pill to swallow. I’m not REALLY a people-pleaser, but I do like to know I’ve done my best to make those around me feel loved, welcome, and worthwhile, and that I’ve completed a task to the best of my abilities. I try very hard to go above and beyond the bare minimum. I’ve described myself as an “all or nothing” girl… which is evident by my struggle with my weight. I either don’t eat, or I eat it ALL!

So, when I threw my back and my effort into a certain pursuit and was proud of what I had accomplished, it really knocked my feet out from under me when I was told it wasn’t good enough. The expectations that were imposed on me actually exceeded my capabilities. I was speechless. I was hurt. I was conflicted. I knew I had the ability to do a GREAT job, but what they wanted was even MORE than that. With my resources, my time, my finances, and my physical limitations, I was unable to satisfy their expectations.

What to do? Do I dig in harder and push myself? Do I cry myself to sleep on my big old pillow every night? Do I sit down and formulate another game plan, or do I simply take a deep breath and know in my heart that I did everything I could?

With the first choices, there is turmoil, chaos, and uncertainty. With the final choice, there is peace. Once you have exhausted every possibility, it is wise to find peace. Of course, my toxic trait is that I wonder if I have, indeed, exhausted every possibility. I’m still working on that.

I am so glad that even when I don’t meet the expectations, as outlined in the Bible, of what God wants from me, I am able to find peace in His grace and forgiveness. So, the next time I feel I have let Him down, I am going to make sure I’ve done everything I can and find His peace, that passes all understanding—because I’m telling you, I don’t understand a LOT.

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

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