🏆Conference Championships, Grandchildren, and State Finals

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Especially the Princeton Christian Academy Girls Basketball team. They’ve made history, clinching the BVEC title for the third consecutive year after a thrilling season of ups and downs, culminating in a triumphant win against the Ladd Indians in LaMoille. Their teamwork shone through with standout plays from Violet Scruggs, Daniqua Du Preez, Gabby Mucha, Callie Odell, Myla McCoy, and Aleina Bachelor, while the bench mob rallied the crowd. Way to go Lady Eagles, and great job, Coaches Sarah Scruggs, Mitch McCoy, and Tim Bachelor. For His Glory!

Let’s get it to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏆State Finals
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Openings
💭Remember When…
📍Outside City Limits
⛽️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Tony Clausen, Aaron Isaacson, and Tom Wallace🥳!

• The Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show at the Bureau County Fairgrounds is today.

• BCR: “Princeton Basketball secured a 56-47 victory over Sterling, fueled by a deep three-pointer from Jayden Fulkerson at the end of the third quarter. His shot gave Princeton a two-point lead, shifting the momentum in their favor. The Tigers capitalized on the boost and controlled the final quarter to seal the win.”

• The Princeton Lions Club will mark its 100th anniversary with a fundraiser starting tonight at 5 p.m. at the Princeton Moose Lodge, located at 1339 North Euclid Avenue.

• Princeton Tourism is hosting a four-day Restaurant Weekend from March 6 to March 9, highlighting the local culinary scene with creative specials and hometown hospitality. Participants can enjoy diverse menus, support local businesses, and look forward to exclusive deals and features at various dining establishments.

• The River Bend Food Bank is bringing its mobile food pantry to the Bureau County Fairgrounds on Thursday, February 27. The event starts at 10 AM and provides essential food items for those in need. Community members are encouraged to stop by for assistance.

• Bureau County Metro Center is organizing a volleyball skills clinic for grades K through 5 on April 5. Participants will learn fundamentals from experienced players. Contact the BCMC for more information.

• Gateway Services announces the seventh annual Egg My Yard fundraiser, where candy-filled eggs will be scattered in your yard for Easter morning fun. Prices start at 20 dollars for 25 eggs, with options to add a treat bag or sign with a childs name. Orders can be placed at https://forms.gle/Y3pgeVEXUCSJfLaBA before April 14 at 4 PM.

• Early voting has begun in Bureau County for the April 1, consolidated election. Voters can cast their ballots Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM at the Bureau County Courthouse. Positions on the ballot include mayor, board members, township officials, and school board members.

🤼PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL AT THE STATE FINALS

The Princeton High School wrestling team is making a strong impression at the State Finals in Champaign, Illinois this weekend, with impressive performances on Thursday and Friday, and the action continuing today. Casey Etheridge secured a thrilling 19-17 victory, Cade Odell achieved a decisive fall in 5:48, Augustus Swanson clinched a 15-3 win, and Ace Christiansen dominated with an 8-1 decision, while the team qualified five wrestlers for the state competition. At 120 pounds, Augustus Swanson is vying for 3rd place after winning his opening match, dropping his second, and then winning his first wrestleback bout on Friday; at 132 pounds, Kane Dauber is alive in wrestlebacks after winning his opening match, losing his second, and then winning his wrestleback bout. At 144 pounds, Ace Christiansen is fighting for 3rd place after winning his first state match, dropping his second, and then winning a third bout, while teammates Casey Etheridge at 165 pounds and Cade Odell at 285 pounds each lost their opening matches but have won two in a row in wrestlebacks, keeping their hopes alive for a strong finish at the State Farm Center.

🪑DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has these two pieces available at her home shop in Sheffield. The first is a fun coffee/game table with an octopus design ($150). The top has been coated in acrylic for durability. She also has a Lane cedar chest ($180) which showcases three horses on the front and an original herringbone inlay on the top. This is a spacious chest at 18.5 inches deep, 21 inches tall, and 47 inches wide. Michelle can be reached by email at [email protected] or You can reach Michelle on her Facebook page.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Mostly sunny with a high of 33°F. Winds from the southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The night will be partly to mostly cloudy, with patchy fog possible late. Low around 22°F, with southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Sunday: Partly sunny skies with a high of 42°F. Winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 33°F. Winds shifting west at 5 to 10 mph.

🌥️Monday: Partly cloudy throughout the day, reaching a high of 51°F. Winds from the west at 10 to 15 mph. The night will start mostly cloudy before becoming partly cloudy after midnight, with a low of 34°F. Winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.92

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Ashley Gray and Jessica Murphy

Reason for Nomination: “These two work tirelessly at the Magi Baby Chest, going above and beyond every single day to serve families in our community and surrounding areas. They recently organized a massive fundraising gala to raise funds and awareness for the Magi Baby Chest, which provides baby supplies to anyone in need—no restrictions! You should check out this incredible resource! They also manage the countless volunteers at MBC who bundle diapers, clean and fold gently used clothes, and tidy up the boutique where families “shop” on distribution days.”

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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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Optimal Health has new grocery items available for the entire family. Fresh products are arriving, bringing fun and healthy options to the store.

• The Milk Moustache has restocked its collection of colorful hair bows in three different sizes. Whether you need a little bow or a big one, there is a perfect match for any style. Stop in and shop the new spring arrivals.

• Friends of Strays is hosting an adoption day today from 9 AM to 1 PM, where visitors can meet animals looking for a home. Stop by to spend time with the cats and dogs available for adoption. They will be waiting to meet their future families.

• Mardogs Grooming Room is offering homemade dog treats with a special buy-one-get-one-half-off deal. These treats are made with love and high-quality ingredients for a healthy, tail-wagging snack. Stop in today until 6 PM to grab some for your pup.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is looking for artists to join its outdoor market on September 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3 at 9 AM. Get full details and apply at https://www.hornbakergardens.com/artisan-market/.

• Simply Nutrition has introduced new menu items, including mini protein doughnuts, whipped teas, and caramel cookie dough Rice Krispies. This weeks featured flavor for the doughnuts is smores, packed with sweet and protein-rich goodness. Stop by to try these treats and check out the new St. Paddys menu.

• The Princeton Closet is hiring a part-time operations employee to help with donations, cashier duties, and customer assistance. This role also includes organizing spaces and merchandising the sales floor. Those interested can email Amy at [email protected].

• Apollo Theater is showing Paddington in Peru and Captain America Brave New World from February 21 to February 27. Showtimes vary, with special open-captioned screenings on Sunday evenings. Tickets are available at www.apolloprinceton.com or at the box office.

• Little Blue Dress has six new styles of denim from Risen, featuring wide, cuffed, and straight options with adjustable waists. These jeans are designed to be stretchy and comfortable for everyday wear. Stop by to check out the new collection.

• The Knack invites everyone to enjoy spring by creating unique pottery pieces, no art experience needed. Each piece is a blank canvas, allowing for endless creativity and personal expression. The shop is open to help you find your knack anytime.

• Rediger Auction Service is holding its next machinery consignment on March 29. They are now accepting consignments for this live and online event.

This Weekend:

• Prairie Arts Council is featuring Collette Yelm in the Colors by Collette gallery exhibit today from 1 PM to 3 PM. The show runs through tomorrow, with weekend hours from 1 PM to 3 PM. Visitors can experience a unique collection of pour paintings and other creative works.

• Barrel Society welcomes Zack Fedor for a live performance today at 7 PM. He brings a mix of folk and Americana originals along with classic covers. Stop by for great music and drinks in an intimate setting.

• Hawg House Saloon is hosting Brushville for a high-energy live performance today at 9 PM. Known for sold-out shows, the band blends powerful harmonies and an explosive stage presence. Get ready for a night of music that keeps the energy rolling.

• Downtown Pub and Event Center is hosting Karaoke and Open Mic Night today from 9 PM to 11:45 PM. Singers of all experience levels are invited to take the stage and have fun. This event continues every Saturday through May.

• Prairie Arts Council continues its weekend gallery exhibit featuring Collette Yelm tomorrow from 1 PM to 3 PM. The Colors by Collette showcase highlights unique pour paintings and other creative pieces. The final day to visit is tomorrow.

• Brows by Mila LLC is hosting Bridal Expo 2025 tomorrow from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Guests can enter raffles, including a chance to win free eyebrows. Stop in to explore beauty services and bridal offerings.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Michelle DeVoss has these two pieces available at her home shop in Sheffield. The first is a fun coffee/game table with an octopus design ($150). The top has been coated in acrylic for durability. She also has a Lane cedar chest ($180) which showcases three horses on the front and an original herringbone inlay on the top. This is a spacious chest at 18.5 inches deep, 21 inches tall, and 47 inches wide. Michelle can be reached by email at [email protected] or You can reach Michelle on her Facebook page.

• The Illinois Road Scholars and Walnut Public Library are hosting an event with Catherine Lambrecht on the "History of American Pies...and Illinois Well Represented!" on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Walnut Public Library. This interactive workshop includes a pie crust demonstration by Catherine, sampling of attendees' pies, recipe sharing, and a discussion session. Registration is required; you can call the library at 815-379-2159.. For more information, please contact the Walnut Public Library District.

• A new Dementia Caregiver Support Group will begin meeting in Walnut Illinois on the first Tuesday of each month starting March 4 from 1 to 2 PM at the Walnut Public Library located at 101 Heaton Street Walnut Illinois 61376. This group is presented by the Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter in partnership with CGH. To sign up contact Beth Dementia Navigator at 815 625 4790 extension 3977.

• Maizey Sterling is offering babysitting services and has extensive experience working with children of all ages. Currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education, she works in a 5th-grade classroom twice a week and previously assisted in a kindergarten class. 

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• The Princeton Closet is hiring a part-time operations employee to help with donations, cashier duties, and customer assistance. This role also includes organizing spaces and merchandising the sales floor. Those interested can email Amy at [email protected].

• Princeton Fire Department is accepting applications for part-time firefighter and EMT positions. Pay ranges from sixteen to nineteen dollars per hour.

• Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton is hiring Garden Center Retail Staff for $15 to $20 per hour, based on experience. Positions are seasonal, running mid-March through October, with full-time and part-time options available. Responsibilities include watering, pricing, arranging, and maintaining plants, as well as customer service and product assistance. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and be available for weekend shifts. Additional benefits include weekly direct deposit and PTO accrual.

• Dairy Queen is hiring for seasonal positions from March to October. They are looking for candidates with upbeat and bubbly personalities.

• Greenfield Retirement Home is hiring a housekeeper for $15 per hour with full-time morning shifts. Responsibilities include daily and deep cleaning, maintaining hygiene standards, and adhering to infection control policies. Candidates must ensure safe use of cleaning equipment and respect residents privacy and needs. Greenfield Retirement Home has served older adults since 1911 and values dedicated employees. Benefits include a 401k and food provided.

💭REMEMBER WHEN…

🥰LETTER FROM LORI

I just spent the most glorious few days with the Nerds (my affectionate nickname for my grandkids). They got to spend a little extra time with me because Mommy (my eldest spawn) was offered some overtime she couldn't pass up, so we were all blessed. I usually don't have them on a Saturday at the store because it's my busiest day, and they are only 2 and 3 years old. They are used to going in with me on days I am closed to help feed and water, so they are familiar with the animals.

If you stopped by on Saturday, you may have been fortunate enough to get a guided tour by my version of Robert Irwin. I saw him leading a group, explaining in 3-year-old language about Tilly the African gray and how she gives kisses. He demonstrated for a fearful 2-year-old so she could see for herself that Tilly posed no threat to her lips. He had to get on a stool to show them Guillermo, the new iguana. My heart was doing a happy dance to see that he is passionate about his critters like I am.

As a Crammy who took the driver's seat on the struggle bus many years ago, I haven't had the financial resources to spoil my grandchildren like other grandparents who have 401(k)s and a retirement plan. I don't buy them fancy toys unless I find them on sale at a secondhand store. The focus at my house when they visit isn't on things; it's on experiences and interaction. We put the tablet in the backpack, and we do. We cook. We paint. We build. We sing. We laugh. We snuggle.

I have to admit, I tried very hard to be this kind of mom, but stupid life got in the way. I tried to prioritize correctly and put my children first...mostly...until the laundry needed to be done, and I didn't have the time or patience to watch them fold things incorrectly because then I would have to refold them, and that would take up precious time I didn't have. Dishes? Oh, the potential for a water disaster was just too great to consider! Then there would be mopping and yelling about not tracking on the wet floor or mopping the whole floor because I couldn't just have that one clean spot. Let them help cook? What a mess that might be, and there was a danger of getting burned on a hot pan or boiling water, and I wouldn't want them to stand on a chair. They could fall.

But you know what? This Crammy (short for Crazy Grammy) gig is awesome. In my old(er) age, I've slowed down a little and really don't care much if my dishrags are folded into a perfect square. Fifty-seven years have taught me that triangular, misshapen rags wash just the same. Dishes can be fun if you fling a little soap and squirt a little water. Clothes and hair dry, and the floors need to be mopped anyway. Maybe your happy feet can teach them a few Fred Astaire moves while you scrub the paw prints off the linoleum. As for cooking, vigilance and hot pads can protect from the dangers, and self-made food is almost always a hit with even the fussiest of eaters. Now Crammy might cringe a little when her cupcake gets sneezed on or her icing gets licked when she isn't looking, but that's one of the sacrifices we make for the reward of seeing a huge smile and hearing "I DID IT MYSELF!!" as you try to gleefully take a bite while navigating around the visible booger in the icing. Nothing makes it all worthwhile like the sense of independence and accomplishment you've helped instill in their little character.

Time, age, maturity, and awareness have afforded me the luxury to do it better now. Notice I didn't include wisdom in that list because if you saw the videos of Nerd 1 with the kazoo I bought him, you'd see that I didn't conquer "wise choices" when I graduated to Crammy. Let's just say it's part of the learning curve, and it went home in the backpack with the tablet. 🤫🤫🤫

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

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