🤪Crazy Weather, Favorite Caterers, and Casimir Pulaski

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It’s Casimir Pulaski Day, Princeton. Casimir Pulaski, born on March 6, 1745, in Warsaw, Poland, was a nobleman and military commander renowned as the “Father of the American Cavalry.” After leading efforts to defend Poland from foreign domination, he met Benjamin Franklin in Paris, who persuaded him to support the American Revolution. Pulaski distinguished himself by saving George Washington’s life at the Battle of Brandywine and later formed the elite Pulaski’s Legion. He was mortally wounded during a cavalry charge at the Siege of Savannah in 1779, cementing his legacy as a hero in both Poland and the United States.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
👨🏻‍🍳Recommended Caterers
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🐣Egg Your Yard
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📍Outside City Limits
🦅Shakespeare Theater
🗓️This Week in Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday tomorrow, Kevin Bullington🍰!

• Consolidated elections shape our daily lives, yet many stay silent. Don’t be a statistic—register and make your vote count! Visit ova.elections.il.gov to register/update your registration today.

• PHS Boys Basketball Sectional Game vs Byron at Marengo on Wednesday, March 5th: Tickets are $7 electronically and $8 cash at the door. Please use this GoFan link to purchase electronic tickets.

• BCR: Juniors Keighley Davis and Camryn Driscoll of Princeton were unanimously named to the TRAC East All-Conference team.

• The Princeton High School Academic and Career Hall of Fame selection committee is looking for nominations of deserving PHS alumni. Nominations need to be submitted here by June 1. 

• The Logan Junior High 8th Grade Dance Committee is organizing a fundraiser until March 20 to support an all-inclusive dance. The event will include dinner, ice cream, and entertainment at Chapel Hill Golf Course and Events Center. Donations will cover meals, drinks, desserts, music, decorations, and a photo booth. Contributions can be made by check, Venmo, or PayPal.

• The Homestead Festivals 50/50 goal for 2025 is set at $30,000, with over $5,000 already raised. Tickets can be purchased here.

• Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show will take place on April 12 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. With free admission, the event features local crafts, vendors, and a flea market to explore. It’s a perfect outing to enjoy spring shopping and support local businesses.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 205 Elm Pl, priced at $134,900, blends old-style charm with a modern open floor plan on a nearly half-acre corner lot. Located just two blocks from the North End shopping and restaurant district, it offers walkability to amenities while providing privacy with no close neighbors. The home features living, family, and dining rooms, along with a cozy enclosed back porch, allowing for easy visibility across the main floor. A convenient two-car garage sits on a large yard, perfect for enjoying neighborhood views from either the enclosed or open porches.

• This newly constructed 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style condominium at 1017 S 6th St, priced at $369,500, offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic with privacy and convenience. Located on the east edge of town near shopping, restaurants, and the hospital, the home features white and black exterior accents, a cedar-wrapped front porch, and a stamped concrete covered patio. Inside, the open floor plan includes a spacious kitchen with a large island, granite countertops, and high-end cabinetry, seamlessly flowing into the great room with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. Additional highlights include a walk-in pantry, laundry room with a barn-style sliding door, a primary suite with twin sinks and a walk-in closet, and a casual dining area with custom-built cabinetry.

• Built in 1941, 911 N Vernon St in Princeton is now available for $124,500 after being in the same family for generations. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has seen many recent updates, including a newer roof, siding, soffits, gutters, concrete driveway, and thermal windows, all adding to its curb appeal and efficiency. The open floor plan makes the home feel larger than its footprint, with an enclosed front porch providing extra flexible space and a full basement ready for additional use. The backyard offers room for pets, a playground, or storage, with access from both Vernon Street and the rear alley. With its well-maintained cabinetry, hardwood floors, and abundant natural lighting, this home blends vintage charm with modern updates, making homeownership within reach.

👨🏻‍🍳RECOMMENDED CATERERS, FROM THE BARN AT HORNBAKER’S

Bernardi’s Catering
Mona’s- Toluca, IL
bernardirestaurants.com
815-452-2303

Cafe Grace / Cafe 129
Sheffield, IL
309-912-4819
[email protected]

Hy-Vee Catering
Peru, IL
815-223-5219
hy-vee.com

Stone Jug Barbecue
Peru, IL
815-202-2986
stonejugbbq.com

Tony’s Buttshack BBQ
Hollowayville, IL
815-894-2277
tonysbuttshack.com

Thyme Craft Kitchen
Peru, IL
815-780-8774
thymecraftkitchen.com

Cracked Pepper
Peoria, IL
309-687-0039
crackedpeppercafe.com

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️Today: Partly to mostly cloudy with spotty showers. High of 56°F with south winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night will start partly cloudy, but showers will develop after midnight. Low around 45°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain is 40%.

☔️Tuesday: Morning rain showers will turn into steady rain by the afternoon, with the potential for heavy rainfall and thunder. High of 50°F with east-southeast winds at 10 to 20 mph. The rain will continue into the night with periods of heavy downpours. Low of 38°F with north-northeast winds at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain is 100%.

🌨️Wednesday: Morning rain will transition to snow by the afternoon, accompanied by blustery winds. High of 44°F with northwest winds increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. The night will remain mostly cloudy before becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 24°F with northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph.

KWQC’S KYLE DICKENS: STRONG STORM SYSTEM TO IMPACT THE TV6 VIEWING AREA TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

We've been talking about it for several days now, and that is a potent storm system that is poised to sweep through the TV6 viewing area this week. There's been some misinformation put out on social media about this system....let me break it down for you.

TIMING: Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening

HAZARDS: Heavy rain on Tuesday into Wednesday morning. The rain will transition over to snow Wednesday midday. In addition to snow, strong gusty winds are likely.

IMPACTS: Localized flooding, minor wind damage, very low visibilities as snow moves through the region. Slick roadways Wednesday afternoon.

RAIN: I expect anywhere from 1"-3" of rainfall with this system, I wouldn't be surprised if some localized areas pick up close to 4".

SNOW: Only minor accumulations are expected, however, the concern will be the strong gusty winds that will accompany the snowfall, causing very low visibilities and very hazardous travel.

I could see some early dismissals happening on Wednesday.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.24
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.37
Beck’s West/North: $3.37
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.37
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.37

🐣LET GATEWAY EGG YOUR YARD

The 7th Annual Egg My Yard event allows families to have candy-filled eggs scattered in their yards for Easter morning fun. Packages start at 25 eggs for $20, with options up to 100 eggs for $65, and additional eggs can be purchased in increments of 25 for $15 each with no limit. A treat bag and personalized yard sign with a child’s name can be added for $7.50, and a special $5 treat-filled egg is available for cats or dogs. Delivery is offered in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam Counties, as well as LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica, and Cedar Point, with a pick-up option available in Princeton. Orders must be placed by April 14 at 4 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Gateway Services, which works to empower and enrich the community. More details and order forms can be found at https://forms.gle/Y3pgeVEXUCSJfLaBA.

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🦅 PCA TRAVELS TO CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Recently Princeton Christian Academy students in grades 7-12, joined by some alumni, made their annual trek to Chicago’s famed Navy Pier to see a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The PCA students begin the study of Shakespeare’s plays in 7th grade and continue throughout high school, reading Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth, and various comedies such as Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night. By the time students graduate they are good friends with William Shakespeare. In the photo the travelers are gathered around the bust of Shakespeare in the theater lobby. 

After the play students enjoyed time on the Pier, eating, shopping, and riding the giant Ferris wheel before returning home by Green River lines charter bus. It was an inspirational and fun day. 

Princeton Christian Academy is a private Christian school which offers an excellent education in preschool through grade 12 using the rigorous A Beka curriculum, as well as music, art, and theater. The school also shines in extra-curricular competitions in volleyball, boys and girls basketball, speech, art, music, and scholastic bowl. The school is a member of the Bureau Valley Elementary Conference, and it is located 2 miles northeast of Princeton on Route 34 at the Princeton Bible Church.

Registration for the new school year opens this week. Find out more at our website. Interested families may make an appointment to visit the school by calling 815-875-2933. 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Hoffmans Patterns of the Past offers a collection featuring nature-inspired designs, including butterfly-adorned luncheon plates, pink iridescent vases, a crisp green teapot, and playful rabbit mugs.

• Little Blue Dress has restocked its best-selling lightweight hooded denim jacket, available in sizes Small through 3X. This versatile piece pairs well with leggings or joggers and is a great addition to a spring wardrobe. The jacket is available for purchase online.

• Paisanos Ristorante is featuring the Reuben pizza as its March pizza of the month, inspired by St. Patricks Day. This specialty pizza includes a homemade Thousand Island base, shredded slow-cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, and a blend of mozzarella cheese.

• Master Electrician is now serving the Princeton community. Contact 815-200-4816 for services.

• The Coffee Cup has posted updated menu photos, featuring a selection of breakfast and lunch items. Payment is accepted by cash or check, and prices are subject to change. There are additional charges for carryout and menu substitutions.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge has shared its March calendar, which includes bingo nights, special meal offerings, and fundraising events. Highlights include a St. Patricks Day corned beef and cabbage dinner, a lent fish sandwich special, and a blacklight bingo fundraiser.

• Dairy Queen is welcoming the return of Blizzard Season starting March 3. Customers can enjoy a variety of Blizzard flavors to kick off the season.

• Bradford Cruise Nights has announced its 2025 schedule, with car, truck, and motorcycle cruise-ins held on Wednesdays from April through August. Locations include Princeton, Wyanet, Galva, Henry, Toulon, Annawan, Tiskilwa, and Wyoming. Some events will feature special attractions, 50/50 raffles, and themed nights.

• Corner Chair Market has a stylish bookshelf available, featuring a soft chocolate brown accent color with light wood and decorative hardware.

• Sophisticuts Salon and Wellness is offering unlimited access to an infrared sauna and aqua massage therapy for one month at a special price of 75 dollars.

• Rachel Rene has released a limited edition Emerald Ocean soap, blending ocean spray, salty aromas, zesty orange peel, and amber. Available in-store and online.

• Scooters Coffee is featuring the Strawberry Blossom Red Bull Infusion, a drink combining Red Bull Yellow Edition with strawberry and rose flavors, a splash of lemonade, and rose-flavored cold foam.

• Becks is offering regular-size slushies for 99 cents now through September at participating locations.

• Maupins Providence Homestead has unique treasures available for browsing. The shop is open today from 10 to 5.

• A sale for prom, pageant, and special occasion formal wear will take place at First United Methodist Church on March 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM and March 9 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Over 500 dresses in sizes 0-22 will be available for $50 or less, with cash and PayPal accepted. Individual and group appointments can be scheduled by phone or private message.

• Shannon’s Memorials fosters genuine connections with clients while crafting one-of-a-kind designs to honor their loved ones. Those interested in a tailored and compassionate service are encouraged to reach out for a consultation.

• Two Angels is hosting Easter Bunny Mini Sessions on April 12 at Downtown Pub in Princeton. The 15-minute photography sessions provide a fun setting for children to meet the Easter Bunny, with bookings available online at https://book.usesession.com/s/U4cqjjTZYH.

• 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.

• 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/.

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

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton is hiring for three part-time positions: Director of Music Ministry (15-17 hrs/week), Director of Youth & Family Ministry (9-10 hrs/week), and Media Outreach Technician (6-8 hrs/week). A qualified candidate may fill all three roles for a total of 30-35 hours per week with insurance benefits. Job descriptions are available at www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org, and resumes can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 416 E Dover Rd, Princeton, IL 61356-9551.

• 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].

• Taylor’s Way in Princeton is hiring a full-time dispatcher at $17-$20 per hour. This role involves coordinating service routes, communicating with clients about scheduling changes, and managing equipment assignments. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be able to maintain clear communication between office staff and field technicians. The company specializes in lawn care, tree care, and pest control, offering career growth opportunities in a stable and expanding team.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Deli and Bakery Team Associates for $17 to $23 per hour. Responsibilities include preparing food, engaging with customers, maintaining food safety standards, and moving merchandise to the sales floor. Shifts are available for opening, mornings, mid-day, and closing. Employees receive benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k. This position emphasizes customer service and adherence to safety standards.

• 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 seasonal, full-time greenhouse retail staff at $15-$20 per hour. The role involves assisting customers, learning about plants, and providing helpful recommendations. Applicants should be eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to multitask while offering excellent customer service. Weekend availability is required, and employees will help visitors with directions, purchases, and overall experience.

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

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton is hiring for three part-time positions: Director of Music Ministry (15-17 hrs/week), Director of Youth & Family Ministry (9-10 hrs/week), and Media Outreach Technician (6-8 hrs/week). A qualified candidate may fill all three roles for a total of 30-35 hours per week with insurance benefits. Job descriptions are available at www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org, and resumes can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 416 E Dover Rd, Princeton, IL 61356-9551.

• 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].

• Taylor’s Way in Princeton is hiring a full-time dispatcher at $17-$20 per hour. This role involves coordinating service routes, communicating with clients about scheduling changes, and managing equipment assignments. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be able to maintain clear communication between office staff and field technicians. The company specializes in lawn care, tree care, and pest control, offering career growth opportunities in a stable and expanding team.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Deli and Bakery Team Associates for $17 to $23 per hour. Responsibilities include preparing food, engaging with customers, maintaining food safety standards, and moving merchandise to the sales floor. Shifts are available for opening, mornings, mid-day, and closing. Employees receive benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k. This position emphasizes customer service and adherence to safety standards.

• 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 seasonal, full-time greenhouse retail staff at $15-$20 per hour. The role involves assisting customers, learning about plants, and providing helpful recommendations. Applicants should be eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to multitask while offering excellent customer service. Weekend availability is required, and employees will help visitors with directions, purchases, and overall experience.

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

🗓️THIS WEEK IN PRINCETON

👩🏻Tuesday, March 4: MomCo March Meetup at 6 p.m. at 24 N Main St., featuring a baked potato bar, diamond art, and discussions on relationships in motherhood.

🖌️Thursday, March 6: Painting Party at Downtown Pub, Princeton, at 6 p.m., where participants can create a “Bloomin’ Birdhouse” painting.

🖼️ Friday, March 7: Austin Burrows Gallery Exhibit opening at Prairie Arts Council from 1–3 p.m., with a reception at 6–8 p.m.

🎸Friday, March 7: Nick Wilkinson & Quinn Miller perform live at Barrel Society at 7 p.m.

🏷️Saturday, March 8: Huge Winter Garage Sale at Bureau County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

🪕 Saturday, March 8: Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band at the Grace Theater at 7 p.m.

🐶Sunday, March 9: Puppy Meet & Greet at Mardog’s Grooming Room from 12–2 p.m.

🎥Sunday, March 9: “The Most Reluctant Convert” film screening at First Lutheran Church at 10:45 a.m.

🍿Sunday, March 9: Sensory-friendly showing of The Unbreakable Boy at Apollo Theater at 1:15 p.m.

The Unbreakable Boy (PG)

A heartwarming true story about a boy with a rare brittle bone disease and autism whose unshakable optimism and faith inspire those around him.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

Conclave (PG)

A gripping thriller following the secretive election of a new pope, where hidden alliances and unexpected twists threaten to change the course of the church forever.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

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