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Good morning, Princeton. Princeton is moving into spring mode with youth sports registrations, Restaurant Weekend on the horizon, fresh business promotions, and major community fundraisers underway. From blustery weather swings and steady gas prices to strong job opportunities and packed event calendars, there’s plenty happening across town this week.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🦅Education That Works For Families
💭Remembering in Princeton
👷Job Openings
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Princeton Wrestling reported results from the IESA regional, with multiple athletes earning podium finishes and several advancing to sectionals. Highlights include first-place finishes for Hawk Amy (126) and Eric Giaquinto (155).

• Early voting is now underway in Bureau County at the Princeton Moose Lodge and Spring Valley City Hall. Voting hours are 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Spring Valley City Hall.

• The Friends of Princeton Public Library will hold their annual Spring Book Sale from March 26–28 in the Library’s Friends Sale Room. The event offers community members an opportunity to browse and purchase a wide selection of books while supporting the library’s programs and services.

• The 8th Annual “Egg My Yard” fundraiser at Gateway Services is now taking orders for Easter deliveries. Candy-filled eggs will be delivered in Bureau, Marshall, Putnam Counties and nearby communities, with packages ranging from 25 eggs for $25 up to 100 eggs for $85. Orders must be placed by March 31.

• The Bureau County Fair announced that a concert reveal is coming soon, with two headline acts scheduled for Thursday, August 27.

• Princeton Tourism continues to promote Restaurant Weekend, set for March 5–8, highlighting curated menus and special features at participating local restaurants.

• GriefShare Support Group Offers Comfort and Guidance in Princeton Starting March 2

• Z Tour Bike Ride is encouraging teams of four or more to register for this year’s event at ztour.org. Group leaders can earn $25 in Princeton Chamber Bucks or toward Z Tour merchandise when registering at least four riders.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report February 20

📍Outside City Limits

• A Mendota man is under arrest following a bank robbery Friday afternoon at Midland States Bank in the 600 block of 8th Avenue in Mendota.

• A coffee favorite in downtown Ottawa that recently expanded into Peru now has Utica in it's sights.

• Suspect Arrested After Arson Sparks Massive Fire at Green River Wildlife Area

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 44-acre property along Big Bureau Creek offers a rare combination of 26 tillable acres and quality recreational land known for strong deer habitat. The mix of cropland, timber, and creek frontage provides both income potential and outdoor appeal. A 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is included, suitable as a primary residence, hunting lodge, or weekend retreat. Additional improvements include a 45’ x 30’ pole building, a two-car garage, and multiple outbuildings that add storage and functional flexibility.

• This commercial property at 923 N Main Street is listed at $255,000 and offers approximately 2,200 square feet in a high-traffic north Main Street location. The building has undergone extensive renovations, including updates to the roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, lighting, and bathroom fixtures. The main level provides 1,100 square feet of open retail or office space with restored hardwood floors, while the upper level features a newly renovated two-bedroom, one-bath apartment suitable for rental income or owner occupancy. Nearby public parking and strong visibility make this an attractive opportunity for retail, office, or service-based businesses.

• This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family home at 13279 Lovers Lane Road in Princeton is listed for $245,000 and offers 1,444 square feet of living space on 2.7 acres. Built in 1979, the property features a galley kitchen, vinyl flooring in the main living areas, a primary bedroom with a full bath, and natural gas forced-air heating. The home is on a shared septic and well system serving four neighboring properties. The current Zestimate is $238,100, and the estimated monthly payment is approximately $1,679.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️ Today: Considerable cloud cover with occasional rain showers, topping out near 46°F with a light NE breeze (5–10 mph). Clouds hang on into the night with a few late showers possible, low around 34°F and a slightly higher shower chance after midnight.

🌧️ Wednesday: Mostly overcast with on-and-off rain showers and a milder high near 51°F, with E winds 10–15 mph keeping it feeling damp. Showers become more likely Wednesday night, staying cloudy and mild with a low near 42°F.

🌧️ Thursday: Warm-up continues under thick clouds with periods of showers, reaching about 57°F with WNW winds 10–15 mph. Thursday night stays mostly cloudy with additional showers possible, low near 43°F and a lighter ENE breeze (5–10 mph).

⛈️ Friday: A much warmer, unsettled day—rain in the morning transitions to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon with a high near 70°F and S winds 10–20 mph. Some storms could be gusty with small hail possible, and storm chances remain elevated Friday night with a low around 53°F.

☁️ Saturday: Cloudy and breezy but calmer, with a high near 63°F and WNW winds 10–20 mph. Skies stay mostly dry into the night with a few clouds drifting through, turning cooler with a low near 36°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.84
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.87
Casey’s West/North: $2.89
Beck’s West/North: $2.89
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.89
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.89

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.54

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Emerald Tablet Collective has announced that guest artist Josh Hondros will be tattooing April 26–27 at 944 N. Main St. Appointments can be scheduled directly through his Instagram, and a Friday the 13th flash event is also planned.

• Miss Betsy’s March Flavor of the Month is Triple Chocolate, featuring a chocolate buttercream-filled donut topped with chocolate frosting and chocolate shavings. The specialty donut is available throughout the month for chocolate enthusiasts.

• An Adult Dodgeball Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at BCMC Gym. The double-elimination event is open to ages 21 and over, costs $100 per team, and begins at 6 p.m., with a cash bar and pizza available while supplies last.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is offering a 3’9” x 7’4.5” grab-and-go rug for $45, available for immediate purchase at its North Main Street location.

• Optimal Health is promoting its Chicka Chicka Boom Boom drink mixes designed to help children get additional nutrients. The mixes are available in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors.

• Flowers By Julia is encouraging customers to “Think Spring” with a variety of seasonal floral arrangements and décor now on display.

• The Princeton Closet shared the story of a recently sold antique double-hunter pocket watch dating to 1893, manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company. The piece, featuring a 17-jewel movement, became one of the most valuable items the shop has sold.

• The Bike Place will host an Open Mic Night featuring music, poetry, and storytelling at 701 N. Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m., performances run from 6:30–9:30 p.m., and a $5 donation is encouraged.

• 127 Photos specializes in documentary and family lifestyle photography, focusing on authentic, unposed moments rather than staged perfection. Based in Princeton, the studio serves Central Illinois with a personalized approach that prioritizes meaningful outcomes over rigid, one-size-fits-all packages. Each session is designed to capture honest, lasting memories that reflect the genuine heartbeat of the day.

• Greenfield Retirement Home will host “A Night at Tiffany’s” on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Chapel Hill Golf Course, featuring dinner, an art auction, and VIP ticket options.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine is offering Princeton delivery, with free delivery on orders of $40 or more and a $3 fee for orders under $40.

• Youth Flag Football League registration is now open through the Princeton Park District. Games will be held Saturdays at Zearing Park beginning April 18, 2026, for K–5th grade divisions, with a March 27 deadline.

• Dairy Queen (Treat) in Princeton announced a recent store improvement to the back area completed by Revive Concrete Coating. The location also confirmed that Blizzard season begins March 2.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎭 Friday, March 6: Brian Taylor – Art Gallery Opening Reception at Prairie Arts Center Gallery – An opening reception from 6:00–7:30 PM honoring Princeton native Brian Taylor, featuring artwork influenced by surrealism, abstraction, indigenous art, and the natural world. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

🛍️ Saturday, March 14: Huge Winter Garage Sale at Bureau County Fairgrounds – A large indoor garage sale from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with free admission; attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for a local pantry. Vendor spaces (10x10 with three tables) are available for $35.

🌿 Tuesday, March 17: The Art and Science of Forest Gardening: Designing Your Perennial Ecosystem at Princeton High School – A three-week course beginning at 6:00 PM focused on designing resilient, food-producing forest gardens through core permaculture principles, site analysis, and plant guild development.

🎶 Sunday, March 22: Sunday Acoustic Session with Paige Afton at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Live acoustic music from 2:00–5:00 PM featuring a mix of 90s favorites, modern hits, and original songs performed by Paige Afton.

☕ Wednesday, March 25: High Tea Princeton Four Seasons at Four Seasons – A limited-seating high tea experience at 2:00 PM featuring treats and refreshments; tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance.

🎯 Saturday, March 28: Princeton Gun Show at Bureau County Fairgrounds – A family-friendly gun show from 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (Sunday 8:30 AM–2:00 PM) offering buying, selling, and trading opportunities with all federal and state laws observed.

🎸 Saturday, March 28: Wild Card @ Hawg House! at Hawg House Saloon – Live music and an afternoon gathering from 3:00–7:00 PM featuring Wild Card.

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💝ASIST SKILLS TRAINING

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) will be held March 23–24, 2026 from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM at ICAHN, 1945 Van’s Way in Princeton. The two-day, evidence-based training equips participants to recognize suicide risk, engage in supportive life-saving conversations, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.

Led by certified LivingWorks ASIST trainers Michelle Hansen, MSN, RN, CRHCP (Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network) and Stefanie Morris, ES (Community Health Educator, Choose to B.U. LLC), the course is designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, social service providers, community leaders, and anyone who wants to be prepared to help someone in crisis.

Cost is $25 per individual, with support from The Princeton Closet and the Princeton Junior Woman’s Club helping reduce the fee. No prior mental health training is required.

🦅CHRISTIAN EDUCATION THAT WORKS FOR FAMILIES

At Princeton Christian Academy, we believe Christ-centered education should be both strong and sustainable for families.

If you’ve ever wondered whether private Christian education is financially possible for your family — it may be more accessible than you think.

We offer:

✔️ Reduced tuition for additional children
✔️ Flexible monthly payment plans
✔️ Financial aid
✔️ Small class sizes & personalized attention

Our goal isn’t just education. It’s discipleship, academic excellence, and preparing students to stand firm in Christ.

📍 Located right here in Princeton
📅 Enrollment opens March 4th
🔗 Learn more about tuition and admissions at mypca.info

💭REMEMBERING IN PRINCETON

Don Saletzki: Sullivans 1984. Times change slowly that we never really take notice. when was the last time we saw all the male employees at a grocery store sporting a tie?

🍿PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Ace Hardware Corporation is hiring a full-time CDL A Driver for its Princeton, Illinois distribution center, offering average annual earnings of approximately $102,000, a $12,500 sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off. The role focuses on direct-to-store deliveries, emphasizing safety, operational excellence, and strong customer service as part of Ace’s values-driven culture.

• Walmart is hiring a full-time Fashion Team Associate in Princeton, Illinois, offering $15–$28 per hour with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off. Additional hourly premiums ranging from $0.35 to $3.00 may apply based on schedule, facility, season, or specific duties, with mid-shift and closing opportunities available.

• Wendy’s is hiring a Restaurant Manager in Princeton, Illinois, offering $25,000–$35,000 per year for full-time or part-time employment, with benefits including medical, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off. The role involves supervising daily operations, ensuring compliance with brand and food safety standards, mentoring team members, managing scheduling and performance, and driving efficiency and profitability.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

• Bureau County Assessor’s Office is hiring a temporary part-time Office Clerk in Princeton, Illinois at $17 per hour for a day shift schedule. Duties include general administrative and clerical support such as data entry, photocopying, and routine office procedures, with in-person attendance required.

• Casey’s is seeking full-time and part-time Team Members in Princeton, Illinois, offering $15–$19 per hour. Positions focus on customer service within restaurant, retail, and fuel operations, with benefits including flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, a 401(k) match, and health insurance options.

• RP Lumber is hiring a part-time Office Assistant/Sales Associate in Princeton, Illinois, with pay ranging from $15–$20 per hour. The role combines office administration, bookkeeping, and customer interaction in a retail lumber environment, supporting both in-person sales and electronic communications.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

2/27 – I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2

The inspiring sequel to the hit faith-based film, continuing the powerful true story behind the beloved song. A moving drama about forgiveness, redemption, and the lasting impact of faith through life’s deepest struggles.

3/6 – HOPPERS

A family-friendly animated adventure about a clever young animal who teams up with unlikely allies on a wild journey filled with humor, heart, and lessons about courage and friendship.

3/20 – PROJECT HAIL MARY

Based on the bestselling sci-fi novel, this thrilling space adventure follows a lone astronaut who awakens millions of miles from Earth with no memory—and the fate of humanity resting on his shoulders.

4/10 – SUPER MARIO GALAXY

The iconic video game hero leaps onto the big screen in a colorful, action-packed adventure across dazzling new worlds. Expect high-energy fun, familiar faces, and plenty of surprises for the whole family.