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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. You know what our ancestors used to say, “April showers bring May flowers.” Yeah, we all agree with that saying… but no one’s ever excited in April. Nobody’s outside in the rain like, “This is gonna be a great tulip in six weeks.”

Better be some good tulips.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠 Princeton Homes For Sale
🌽 Ag Updates
☀️ Princeton Weather
⛽️ Princeton Gas Prices
💼 Princeton Businesses
🗓️ Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️ Local Job Opportunities
🌼Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Bureau County residents can drop off up to seven electronics items for free recycling from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25, at the Bureau County Highway Department, 595 Elm Place, Princeton.

• BCR: The Princeton-Illinois and Illini chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently celebrated their 130th anniversaries — the two chapters, chartered in 1896 and 1897 respectively, are among the oldest in both Illinois and the nation.

• The Princeton Police Department recognized Animal Control Officer Amanda Engelbrecht and BueComm telecommunicators for their ongoing service and dedication to public safety. The department highlighted their critical roles in handling emergencies, supporting officers, and serving the community with professionalism and care.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed two new businesses with a ribbon-cutting ceremony — Primary Market, a personalized and engraved gift company, and reelCreative, a video and photography media agency — both expanding into the Princeton area to serve local businesses and residents.

• Tiger Pride Golf Scramble announced its fundraiser for Princeton High School athletics and Scholastic Bowl will be held Saturday, May 30 at Chapel Hill Golf and Event Center, with registration at 9 a.m. and shotgun start at 10 a.m.

• A Coalition is hosting a free community event on Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at the Prouty Building in Princeton, featuring speaker Rodney Perez of Patriots for America on the topic of human trafficking in Bureau, LaSalle, and surrounding counties.

• Festival 56 has another event coming up at the Grace Theater in Princeton — a chamber music concert "Intimate Songs" on April 25, with tickets at $25 available at festival56.com.

• In order to comply with legislation effective June 1, the Bureau County Zoning Board of Appeals held a hearing regarding amending their ordinances for wind, solar and battery storage. 

📍Outside City Limits

• Iconic La Salle Pub For Sale

• Despite its age, Tiskilwa Structure 4 Dam is regularly inspected and meets state regulatory standards for operation and maintenance.

• A fire on the east side of Spring Valley brought plenty of emergency response.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This listing at 712 N. 1st Street in Princeton is currently off market and shown as a single-family home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1,282 square feet, and a 0.44-acre lot. Built in 1881, the property also includes a two-car garage and was last sold for $150,000 in 2023. Realtor.com currently displays an estimated value of $161,300 for the home, reflecting its position within the local market. The available public listing data is limited, but it presents the property as a historic residential home on a notably large in-town lot.

• This listing at 16606 Backbone Road W in Princeton is a newly listed $379,900 single-family farmhouse offering 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 2,272 square feet, 4 acres, and garage space for up to 6 vehicles. The home combines rural character with practical updates, including a remodeled kitchen completed in 2020, hardwood and laminate flooring throughout, updated windows, a newer septic system, a 2022 pressure tank, a 2021 water heater, and a new roof scheduled to be installed before closing. Interior features include a wraparound porch, a main-floor laundry room, a bonus room, and a full unfinished basement, while heating and cooling are provided by natural gas forced air and central air. The property also stands out for its multiple outbuildings, including a large machine shed, barn, corn crib, and cattle shed, making it well suited for storage, hobby farming, or other country-living uses.

• This listing at 708 E. Thompson Street in Princeton is a $395,000 single-family home offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,792 square feet, and a 0.53-acre lot. Built in 1963, the home features a spacious layout with nine rooms, a lower-level family room with a wood-burning fireplace, a heated enclosed porch, hardwood flooring, and a partial unfinished basement. Recent updates include a new furnace and new carpet installed in 2025, and the seller is also offering a 14-month home warranty. A major highlight is the large fenced backyard with an additional 26-by-34 barn or workshop built in 2007, along with a two-car attached garage that allows drive-through access to the outbuilding.

🌽AG UPDATES

Planting Pace Picks Up Across Illinois. Illinois farmers are accelerating corn and soybean planting as warmer temperatures and drier conditions move in. USDA reports a noticeable jump in field activity this week, with growers taking advantage of improved soil conditions. Read more about planting progress.

Tariff Concerns Rising for U.S. Agriculture. Farm groups are warning that potential new trade tariffs could impact export demand for corn and soybeans, particularly with China and other key buyers. Analysts say uncertainty in trade policy may affect pricing and long-term planning. Read more about trade tariffs.

Farmland Values Remain Stable Despite Pressure. New reports show Midwest farmland values holding steady even with tighter farm margins. Limited land availability and investor demand continue to support prices across Illinois and surrounding states. Read more about land values.

Livestock Margins Improving in Early 2026. Cattle and hog producers are seeing improved margins thanks to stronger market prices and stabilizing feed costs. Some producers report better outlooks compared to the past two years of tighter profitability. Read more about livestock markets.

Spring Weather Creating Mixed Conditions for Crops. Weather patterns across the Midwest remain inconsistent, with some areas receiving helpful rainfall while others stay dry. Agronomists say conditions will play a key role in early crop development and planting decisions. Read more about weather conditions.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Saturday: Turning much cooler with sunshine and a few clouds. High around 52°F with WNW winds 15–25 mph keeping it breezy. Saturday night is clear and chilly, dropping to about 32°F.

☀️ Sunday: Pleasant and dry with sun and a few passing clouds. High near 58°F and WNW winds 10–20 mph. Sunday night remains mostly clear with a low around 38°F.

🌤️ Monday: Milder with intervals of clouds and sunshine. High near 67°F with south winds 10–20 mph. Monday night is partly cloudy and mild, with a low around 50°F.

☀️ Tuesday: Warmer and quiet with mostly clear skies. High around 73°F with southwest winds 10–20 mph. Tuesday night stays mostly clear, with a low near 49°F.

🌤️ Wednesday: Mild with partly cloudy skies. High near 75°F and southwest winds 10–20 mph. Wednesday night remains partly cloudy, with a low around 53°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $4.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $4.15
Casey’s West/North: $4.17
Beck’s West/North: $4.17
Road Ranger, N Main St: $4.17
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $4.17

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Dreadfully Yours is seeking vendors for its September 26, 2026 event at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering 10x10 spaces with setup and show hours provided. The indoor event includes heated exhibit halls, concessions, and nearby lodging options.

• Princeton Tourism is hosting a launch event for the 2026 Down on Main Street concert series at Coal Creek Brewing Company on April 23 at 6 PM. Attendees can view the lineup premiere, enjoy limited-edition merchandise, and sample a special Homestead Lager release.

• Little Blue Dress in Princeton is featuring new spring inventory, including Birkenstocks, Hobo leather, and updated basics. The store is also offering a limited-time promotion with gift cards based on purchase amounts.

• The Princeton Closet shared a detailed post on the origins and expansion of the Strawberry Shortcake brand. The post also highlights the legal dispute over ownership and its resolution.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is promoting Allure click floating vinyl flooring, highlighting its availability for customers seeking durable flooring solutions. The business also provided its Princeton location and contact information for inquiries.

• Princeton Moose Lodge is hosting a Bridgerton-themed Blacklight Bingo event on Saturday, April 25, featuring a chicken buffet followed by bingo. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, though participation is optional.

• Tailholt Trading Post is inviting shoppers to stop in and browse a variety of items available in-store at its North Main Street location. The post highlights a selection of home goods and vintage-style pieces currently in stock.

• Corner Chair Market is showcasing a unique furniture combination featuring a side table with an olive wood top and wicker shelf. The piece is presented as an ideal addition to a bright, styled corner in a home.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is promoting significant discounts on patio furniture, including rocking chairs and umbrellas at reduced prices. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the seasonal deals while inventory lasts.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is promoting its Pineapple Express pizza along with several featured menu items, including dessert tacos and lasagna. Customers are encouraged to dine in, carry out, or use delivery within a 10-mile radius.

• Flowers By Julia is offering tulips for spring, available individually or in custom arrangements. Customers can contact the business directly to place orders.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is holding an informational league meeting on April 21 at 6 PM. This meeting is also the final deadline to sign up, with a $20 per person fee.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course is hosting a Junior Golf Camp with sessions for ages 5–18 on select June and July dates. The camp provides morning instruction and additional access to clubs for participants.

• Myrtle’s Pies announced it will reopen on Thursday, April 23.

• Second Story Teen Center announced scholarship fund applications are now being accepted and invited donations designated to the SS Scholarship Fund to help support teens.

• Bureau County Senior Center announced a pork chop fundraiser on April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals are $10 and include a pork chop sandwich, homemade potato salad, baked beans, and a cookie.

• Cafe Grace promoted a private reservation-only culinary art and wine pairing event with Beetz Me! on Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. featuring a five-course chef’s tasting experience.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🌷 Saturday, April 18: Discover What’s New for 2026 at Hornbaker Gardens — A 10:00 AM informational workshop highlighting new plants for the 2026 season, including perennial introductions, notable trees, and expert guidance for gardeners and landscapers.

🎨 Wednesday, April 22: “Pots & Prickles” Paint Party at Downtown Pub & Event Center — A 6:00 PM creative night where guests will paint “Pots & Prickles” on canvas, enjoy food and drinks, and can come early for dinner; spots are limited.

🌸 Sunday, May 3: May Day Festival at Rotary Park — A 10:00 AM–4:00 PM community spring festival hosted by the Princeton Art District with handmade goods, live music, family-friendly fun, and a celebration of spring.

🔥 Tuesday, May 5: Fuego Sculpt at 1001 N Main Street — A Cinco de Mayo-themed fitness experience blending yoga-inspired flow, slow controlled strength work, and an energizing Latin-inspired playlist for a challenging and restorative workout.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Patient Access Associate — OSF HealthCare: This is a part-time Princeton opening with pay listed at $18.80 to $22.12 per hour. The posting indicates 20 hours per week and points to front-end healthcare support work such as patient access and registration functions. It is a verified direct job page for a current Princeton opening.

Cashier - Beck’s West Princeton - Part-time Drive Thru 2nd Shift — Beck Oil Company: This Princeton position is listed at $16.00 to $16.50 per hour and is a part-time customer service and sales role. The job page specifically identifies the location as 605 West Peru Street, Princeton, IL 61356 and includes benefits such as health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. It is an exact direct link to the posting.

Kitchen Associate - Beck’s Princeton West — Beck Oil Company: This Princeton opening is listed at $16 an hour and focuses on food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen support in a fast-paced convenience-store setting. The posting also notes benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and fuel discounts. This is a verified direct posting page tied to the Princeton location.

Stocking Team Supervisor — Walmart: This full-time Walmart opening in Princeton is listed at $20 to $33 per hour. The direct posting identifies the location as 2111 Claude Bailey Parkway, Princeton, IL 61356 and describes it as a store stocking leadership role with benefits including health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and parental leave. It is an exact direct job link.

Membership Sales Representative — NFIB: This Princeton-based full-time sales position is listed at $80,000 to $200,000 per year. The direct posting describes it as a W-2 role with commission-based compensation, paid training, mileage reimbursement, and benefits after 30 days. It is a verified direct posting page for a Princeton opening.

🎶LETTER FROM LORI

So, what’s in a name? If you’re old like me, you can remember the A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash. It stunk to be stuck with that moniker, but his father let him know that with a name like that, he’d have to grow up tough to face the challenges of being teased—and he did.

At the store, I don’t name the pets I sell. I feel like that should be the responsibility of the new owner. The name they give their pet should reflect a quality it possesses or something sentimental to its new mom or dad. I like names that are different, so I encourage my customers to think outside the box. I tease them that if they choose something common, I won’t sell it to them.

My kids were naming a white kitten we had gotten and were choosing “Snowball” and “Fluffy.” I couldn’t have that, so I sarcastically suggested “Tampon” (since they are also white). A chorus rang out from the trio—“TAMPON!”—and I immediately regretted my sarcasm. I quickly redirected them to the name “Bleach,” and that one stuck. I can’t imagine the repercussions from my mother if I had allowed my children to stick with my original suggestion.

When we name our children, we often name them after relatives we love and admire. My aunt was named after both of my grandparents—they combined their names, Norman and Elaine, to produce “Norlaine.” She was less than pleased, even though it was creative. On my father’s side of the family, Frederick was the chosen name. My mother reluctantly followed tradition by giving my baby brother that as a middle name, claiming my father tricked her while she was still groggy from anesthesia after a C-section. She became particularly irritated years later when she discovered that the original Frederick was actually just Fred—but by then, it was too late.

When Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, his name change to Paul signified his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one who revered the Lord. When women get married, they often take the last name of their husband to honor the union and reflect a new chapter in their lives.

All this talk about names reminds me of a song we sing in our church, “I Know a Name.” As I did a little research on the names of Jesus, I found that throughout history He has been given hundreds of names and titles that illustrate His attributes—almost like holy nicknames: Son of God, Yahweh, Messiah, Immanuel, Savior, King of Kings. Each carries its own meaning, yet all point to who He is.

It would be utterly confusing if we did that with each other, and yet, every time you mention one of those names, everyone knows exactly who you are talking about.

So the next time you’re tasked with naming something, don’t consult me. God would have been terribly disappointed if I had been at the manger in Bethlehem and Mary had taken my advice. The world would be very different if we were singing anthems to “Little Dude.”

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

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