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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. On Memorial Day Weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the cost of our freedom and the courage it takes to defend it. We are incredibly grateful for their service and will never forget their legacy.

Thank you.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏋️At the Metro Center
🐴Wonder Junction
☀️Princeton Weather
🇧🇷Get Grady to Brazil
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
📋LivingWorks Training
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
👑Calling All Future Fair Queens
🏐Sports Camps
👷Princeton Job Openings
👯‍♀️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Presleigh Morrisey, Sam McCauley, John Dietz, Chris Fields, and Marla Graham! 🎈

• The Princeton Fire Department will be collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on May 25 from 9 AM to noon outside the fire station. Last year’s fundraiser raised $3,820.04, and community support is encouraged again.

• Greenfield Retirement Home will host the Paws on Park Avenue on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their parking lot. The event will include a craft and vendor show, garage sale, bake sale, and a “strut your mutt parade.”

• 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.

• BCMC is hosting a Jr. High Strength & Conditioning program from July 14–17 for students in grades 5–8, with morning sessions by grade. Fees range from $40–$50, and spots are limited to 8 per session; register at registration.princetonparkdistrict.org or call 815-872-0840.

• The 4th annual ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo is Saturday, June 7, from 11 AM to 9 PM at Rotary Park, featuring food, drinks, and live music. Performers include Al Brown, Brass from the Past, and Beatles tribute band American English, with a kid-friendly “Shrimply Fun Zone” open from 11–5; details at www.princetonshrimpfest.com.

📍Outside City Limits

• Homeless Peru Man Arrested Twice in One Night in Spring Valley

• Wyanet Summer Festival Bids Farewell After 70 Years of Community Celebration

• 2 QCA students qualify for 100th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee

• 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.

• Cornerstone Community Wellness is celebrating 10 years of promoting health in the community. On Monday, May 26, they’re hosting a free family event from 4:00–6:30 PM at 302 N. Mason St., Sheffield, IL, featuring walking tacos, games, kids’ activities, and an open house. Guests can also enjoy prize drawings and share their input during a community session at 6:00 PM.

• Communities along Route 34 are encouraged to have town-wide garage sales, food stands and other events. This will include LaMoille, Dover, Princeton, Wyanet, Sheffield and Neponset in Buireau County, and Kewanee, Galva, Altoona, Oneida and Wataga in Henry County.

• 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.

🏋️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.

🐴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: Expect partly cloudy skies throughout the day, with mild temperatures and some sunshine. The high will reach around 72°F, with a gentle breeze from the east at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with increasing humidity. Temperatures will drop to a low near 51°F, with light winds out of the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Sunday: The day will be mostly cloudy, with only a slight chance of a stray rain shower. High temperatures will be around 70°F, and winds will shift from the southeast at 10 to 15 mph, adding a touch of humidity. Sunday night will begin overcast but should gradually clear after midnight. Expect a low of 47°F with continued winds from the east-northeast at 10 to 15 mph and slightly drier air moving in.

☁️Monday: Clouds will dominate much of the day with occasional scattered showers possible, especially by late morning into the afternoon. Highs will be near 69°F, and winds will come from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph. Monday night will remain overcast with off-and-on rain, bringing a damp and cool feel. Lows will be around 52°F with light easterly winds at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance increases to 40%.

🌧️Tuesday: Showers are likely in the morning, transitioning to cloudy and cooler conditions in the afternoon. The high will only reach about 66°F, with steady east-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Tuesday night may bring a few lingering showers, but skies will begin to break late. The low will hover near 54°F, and winds will shift north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity will remain high overnight.

☀️Wednesday: A welcome return of sunshine is expected, with mostly sunny skies and a pleasant high of 70°F. Winds from the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph will keep it feeling comfortable and dry. Wednesday night will stay partly cloudy and mild, with a low around 53°F. Northwest winds will continue at 10 to 15 mph, and conditions should stay quiet and calm.

🇧🇷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

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.24
Casey’s West/North: $3.15
Beck’s West/North: $3.15
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.27

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.04

🏆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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📋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 #SHOPLOCAL

• Miss Betsy’s has introduced a new French Cruller donut, available glazed and either plain or topped with chocolate frosting. Stop in to try one for a sweet start to your day.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Finders Keepers has restocked with fresh clothing, home décor, and accessories, and every purchase helps support Friends of Strays animal shelter. They are also seeking volunteers for dog walking, cat care, store help, and cashier positions—perfect for students looking for service hours.

• Boek-el-ZOO is offering aquariums and enclosures at discounted prices. All items are first-come, first-served with no holds unless a deposit is placed.

Upcoming:

• Princeton Community Band Concert: Enjoy an evening of music with the Princeton Community Band on Sunday, June 1, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and relish the melodies under the open sky.

• Chamber Classic Golf Outing: Tee off at the annual Chamber Classic Golf Outing on Friday, June 6. Network with local professionals and enjoy a day on the greens.

• The Princeton Mile: Participate in The Princeton Mile on Saturday, June 7, starting at 10:00 AM. The race begins at the Apollo Theater and concludes at Rotary Park, promoting fitness and community engagement.

• 4th Annual Shrimpfest with Princeton Rotary: Savor delicious shrimp and more at the 4th Annual Shrimpfest on Saturday, June 7, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Rotary Park. Enjoy live music, food, and fun for the whole family.

• More in Bureau County Rummage Sales: Discover hidden gems at the Bureau County Rummage Sales on June 13 and 14. The event runs all day at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering a variety of items from local sellers.

🏐SPORTS CAMPS

Boys Basketball

The 2025 Tiger Basketball Camp will be held June 2–5 at Princeton High School’s Prouty Gym for boys entering 3rd through 12th grade, with sessions divided by grade level. The cost is $50 per camper, and each participant should bring proper shoes, clothing, and a drink—but not a basketball. Led by Head Coach Jason Smith, assistant coaches, and current PHS players, the camp will focus on basketball fundamentals including shooting, defense, passing, and team building. Campers will receive a shirt and may win awards; registration is due by May 20, 2025. Click to sign up

Volleyball

The Princeton Tigresses Volleyball Camp runs June 16–19, 2025, for girls entering grades 3–12, with different time slots based on grade level. The camp costs $65 per athlete or $50 each for families with multiple participants from the same household. The focus is on learning proper volleyball techniques in a fun and competitive setting, covering skills like passing, serving, and hitting, along with team scrimmages. Registration and payment are due by May 23 to secure a spot, and all checks should be made out to Princeton Volleyball. Click to sign up

Baseball

The 2025 Tiger Baseball Camp runs June 9–13 at Prather Field for boys entering 3rd through 9th grade, with two age-group sessions in the morning. The camp costs $40 and emphasizes fundamentals such as hitting, bunting, pitching, catching, fielding, and teamwork. Participants should bring a glove, water bottle, and wear appropriate athletic gear; each camper will receive a camp shirt. Led by PHS coaches and players, the camp promotes skill development, confidence, and sportsmanship in a fun environment. Click to sign up

Football

The Princeton Tiger Football Camp will be held July 21–25, 2025, at Little Siberia Field for incoming 9th–12th grade students, with evening sessions from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $60 per athlete or $50 each for families with multiple participants. Players must bring a helmet, shoulder pads, cleats, and shorts, and registration forms and payment are due by July 1 to secure a spot. The camp emphasizes work ethic, team commitment, and preparation for the fall football season under the direction of Coach Ryan Pearson and staff. Click to sign up

Girls Basketball

The Princeton High School Girls Basketball Camp will be held June 9–12 for grades 9–12 and July 7–10 for grades 2–8 at the Prouty Gym. Camp times vary by age group, and each camper will receive a T-shirt, basketball, and daily refreshments. The cost is $50 per athlete or $45 each for families with 2+ campers, with registration due by Friday, May 23. The camp focuses on developing fundamental basketball skills, with an emphasis on learning, competition, and having fun. Click to read more

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• 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.

• 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.

👑CALLING ALL FUTURE FAIR QUEENS

The Bureau County Fair Queen Pageants are now seeking candidates for 2025 — and it’s a special one!

This year marks the 170th Bureau County Fair, one of the longest running fairs in Illinois. The 2025 Queens and their courts will reign over an unforgettable week filled with awards, grandstand events, and fun for the whole community.

Interested? Request an application by emailing [email protected] — the deadline is July 1st!

Age divisions:

• Miss: 16–21

• Jr: 12–14

• Little: 6–8

👯‍♀️LETTER FROM LORI

I had a friend recently ask for input from people about what it takes to be a good friend. In my response to her, I hadn’t realized I actually possessed so much insight. Whether or not it’s actually sound advice—I don’t know. But I do have a pretty good track record of keeping friendships alive and healthy (though some have gotten sick and died along the way!).

I have been blessed beyond belief with many people whom I consider to be good friends. They’ve tolerated me for years, and I believe part of the key to the success of our relationships is their patience. Steph is the feather in my cap of friendships. We’ve been best friends for 27 years and have never even exchanged harsh words. We’ve weathered every imaginable storm and come out with our sails held high. We’ve seen each other through parental divorce, childhood dysfunction, teenage anxiety, death, marital strife, childbirth, and every other milestone in life. I’ve learned much from her example and developed a confidence in my ability to be more likable (okay—there are definitely individuals who would debate you at length on this subject!).

After giving Carol a long-winded answer to her question, I realized I could’ve been much more concise in my advice (this wasn’t a deliberate attempt at poetry!). I could’ve boiled it all down to one word: GIVE.

Every pregnant paragraph of wisdom could’ve been reduced to a single sentence—each beginning with the word GIVE:

• GIVE of yourself. Allow people to see you for who you are. How can someone truly like you (or dislike you) unless they know you? Friends are determined by the ones who like you in spite of. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, others are more likely to do the same. That puts you on a level playing field and leaves less room for judgment.

• GIVE the benefit of the doubt. Never assume people act out of malice. There’s usually a reason behind everyone’s actions. It might be a lame reason, but it’s still their rationale. Even when you want to roll your eyes and scream, remember that we all see the world from different angles.

• GIVE grace. When a friend does something hurtful, remember—you’ve probably hurt them at some point too. Just as you likely didn’t mean to, they probably didn’t either.

• GIVE them what they need. Every person is different, and so is every friendship. Some friends need constant love and support. Others understand that life is busy, and if I don’t contact them every day, that’s okay. Some need my humor, some need my ear. Some need my honesty, and some need my time. If the Golden Rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” then I say apply the Silver Rule to friendships: “Do unto others as they NEED you to do unto them.”

Unfortunately, I also have a few friends who need a large dose of tolerance (this is where the golden part comes in!). I think God brings those people into our lives to show us how not to behave. When I feel a friendship slipping, I look at my more difficult friends and ask if I’m exhibiting characteristics I wouldn’t appreciate in someone else. They help keep me grounded and humble about my own ability to be the kind of friend I should be.

• GIVE honesty. Even when it’s not what they want to hear, your friends will respect you for having the courage to say it… hopefully. You also need to be honest with yourself and willing to receive honesty from them. And of course, always be kind—something I’m still working on. My brutal honesty has always been my downfall, and in order to keep people from wanting to punch me in the face while I dish out advice, I’ve had to learn to be a bit more… delicate. (I’m sure I’ve provided that “bad example” I mentioned earlier more than a few times over the years!)

I write all of this assuming my friends have been honest with me. If you want their input, feel free to contact them and find out what kind of friend I really am. And if you find out I’m not the pillar of love and acceptance I believe myself to be—please let me know, so I can rip up my notes and go back to the drawing board.

Oh yeah—and humility… still working on that one!

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

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