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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

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IN-HOME CARE CONNECTION
PAISANO’S RISTORANTE
FIOCCHI-JENSEN FUNERAL HOME
LANDMARK REALTY OF ILLINOIS, LLC
LEE’S KINETICO WATER SYSTEMS
STEVE BECKER - THRIVENT
SHANNON’S MEMORIALS
REDIGER AUCTION SERVICES

Princeton NOW+
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Good morning, Princeton. Easter egg hunts seem to have started in Germany, probably around the 16th or 17th century, before spreading through Europe and later to America. Eggs were used because they had long been a symbol of spring, new life, and rebirth. Over time, hiding and finding them became a fun seasonal tradition for children and families.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💭Remembering in Princeton
🚔Arrests
❤️Obituaries
👷Job Openings
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Dementia Caregiver Classes Start April 6 in Princeton

• Princeton gun show highlights craftsmanship, Civil War history

• Greenfield Retirement Home is celebrating its 115th anniversary with "A Night at Tiffany's" fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, at Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center, featuring dinner, auctions, and a raffle — tickets are $75 (or $115 for VIP) and can be purchased by calling 815-872-2261.

• A $17.9 million I-80 resurfacing project began yesterday in Bureau County, spanning nearly 14 miles from the Route 26 interchange in Princeton to the Route 89 interchange in Ladd — expect one lane open in each direction through the work zone, with full completion expected by October.

• A Chipotle is under construction in Ottawa, a Jersey Mike’s opens this summer on Princeton’s North Main Street, and a Pancheros Mexican Grill is planned next door.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• The City of Princeton announced yard waste collection will begin tomorrow and run through December 4. Residences east of Main Street will be collected Wednesdays, while west of Main will be collected Thursdays.

• Princeton Girls Track Team Achieves Personal Bests at Silver Streak Invitational at Monmouth College

📍Outside City Limits

• Does a burning car next to a gas pump seem dangerous to you? It is...and it happened Sunday evening at Speedway on May Road in Peru.

• Lee County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Theft and Arrests Three Individuals

• A long-closed roadside hotel just outside Dixon could soon be packed with renters instead of road-trippers, if a Chicago development team gets its way.

• Illinois Launches 2026 Photography Contest for Youth Highlighting Agriculture and Scholarships by June 12

• Princeton Students and Volunteers Unite to Prepare for Annual Princeton Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt on April 4

• Illinois Completes Statewide Upgrade to Next Generation 911 Emergency Services

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This listing at 417 W. Hudson Street in Princeton is a $299,500 single-family home offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,468 square feet, and a two-car attached garage. Built in 2002, the home features an open floor plan with high ceilings, engineered hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, an updated kitchen with Samsung appliances, and a four-season sunroom with heated floors. The primary suite includes double vanities, two walk-in closets, a jetted tub, and a separate shower, while the full basement provides additional potential with a rough-in for a future bathroom. Exterior and efficiency highlights include a covered concrete patio, a partially fenced yard, thermal windows, solar tubes, a high-efficiency furnace and air-conditioning system, solar panels, and a location within walking distance of downtown Princeton.

• This listing at 206 N. Linn Street in Princeton is a $305,000 single-family home offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,852 square feet, and a 0.91-acre lot. Built in 1893, the home combines historic character with updated features, including refinished hardwood floors, a chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, breakfast bar, and an updated tiled walk-in shower with double showerheads. The layout includes one main-floor bedroom, two upstairs bedrooms, a flexible bonus room, and a stamped concrete patio designed for outdoor entertaining. A major highlight of the property is the large heated barn-style outbuilding with space for up to four vehicles and additional upper-level storage, offering substantial room for hobbies, storage, or workshop use.

• This listing at 13279 Lovers Lane Road in Princeton is a $245,000 single-family home offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,444 square feet, 2.7 acres, and three garage spaces. The 1979 ranch includes a main-level layout with a primary suite, separate dining room, main-floor laundry, two wood-burning fireplaces, and an unfinished full basement that mirrors the main floor’s square footage for added storage or future potential. Exterior features include a patio, porch, long driveway, and room for extensive parking, while utilities include central air, natural gas forced air, a shared well, septic system, and 200+ amp electrical service. The property also notes a quiet rural setting and shared septic and well access with four surrounding homes.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️ Tuesday: Partly sunny, breezy and warm with showers and thunderstorms developing, especially after 3 PM. High temperatures near 78°F with southwest winds 15–20 mph gusting to 30 mph. Tuesday night turns sharply colder with showers and possible thunderstorms, then rain continuing. Low around 40°F with northeast winds around 15 mph.

🌧️ Wednesday: Cloudy and much cooler with showers likely and possible thunderstorms, especially after 1 PM. High temperatures only around 48°F with northeast winds around 15 mph gusting to 25 mph. Wednesday night brings steady showers with thunderstorms possible after 10 PM and a low around 41°F.

🌧️ Thursday: A rainy day with showers and thunderstorms possible after 10 AM. High temperatures rebound near 70°F. Significant rainfall amounts of a half to three-quarters of an inch possible. Thursday night sees showers tapering off before 1 AM, then mostly cloudy and breezy with a low around 46°F.

☀️ Friday: A break in the rain with mostly sunny skies. High temperatures near 70°F. Friday night clouds increase with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm returning. Low around 51°F.

🌧️ Saturday: Showers likely under mostly cloudy skies. Breezy with high temperatures near 65°F. Saturday night a 40% chance of showers lingers with a low around 36°F.

By the end of the week, areas could see 2 to as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain, which should help ease drought condition. Easter Sunday is expected to dry out with cooler temperatures in the 50s.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $4.09
Casey’s West/North: $4.19
Beck’s West/North: $4.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $4.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $4.19

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe is selling Easter egg playdough, Kiddough kits, books, and toys for kids’ baskets. The store is open 9–5 at 1033 N Main Street in Princeton.

• Pistol Shrimp Baseball announced Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering as a 2026 team sponsor. The post invited additional sponsors and directed people to the team website for details.

• Boek-el-ZOO announced a Tuesday online sale with 25% off everything pictured. Customers can pay online, pick up Wednesday, and receive additional discounts for tagging friends or sharing.

• Coal Creek Brewing Company is hosting an adult Easter egg hunt around the brewery through Saturday. Participants can find eggs for prizes, including a golden egg Easter basket, with one prize per person per day.

• Town and Country Services is hiring a full-time HVAC Comfort Advisor in Tonica. The position includes competitive pay, company vehicle, benefits, and provided sales leads.

• Gateway Services announced its 8th Annual “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. Candy-filled eggs will be delivered locally with ordering open through March 31.

• Little Blue Dress in Princeton announced new spring arrivals including a terry dress available in small through large for $59. New clothing items are being added daily.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware promoted its Ace YardRx subscription program. Customers can earn a $25 bonus reward and receive a free sprinkler with sign-up.

• Bureau County Tourism announced the Spring Craft & Vendor Show and Flea Market. The event will be April 11 from 9am–2pm at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton.

• City of Princeton is hiring a full-time Water Treatment/Distribution Operator. The position starts at $31 per hour with applications due by noon on April 3.

• Flowers by Julia is offering 30% off all Easter-related merchandise. The shop is located at 811 E. Peru Street in Princeton.

• Psycho Silo Saloon announced its May 2 opening day and a full lineup of May events. Activities include live music, bike and Jeep blessings, vendor days, and Memorial Day weekend entertainment.

• True Leaves Bookshop announced Independent Bookstore Day on April 25, 2026. The event will feature specials, local authors, prize wheel, and games.

• Maupin’s Providence Homestead announced new store hours beginning this week. The business is now closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday–Saturday 10–5 and Sunday 10–3.

• Cafe Grace announced an Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 5 from 9 AM to 2 PM. Pricing ranges from $7–$23 with a full brunch menu and reservations recommended.

• Golden Rice Thai & Asian Cuisine announced modified hours March 31–April 2 and closure Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also announced mango sticky rice is back.

• Princeton Moose Lodge posted its weekly schedule including tacos Thursday and fish and ribs Friday. Events also include Queen of Hearts, music bingo, and Easter activities.

• Pin Splitter Lanes announced First Responder and Healthcare Worker Appreciation Night on May 9. The event features $2 bowling, $2 shoe rental, and drink specials from 4 PM to midnight.

• Bureau County Tourism shared upcoming April events including a Tiskilwa Historical Society presentation on April 20 and Festival 56 music performance on April 25. A kayak, walk, or bike event along the Hennepin Canal is also scheduled for April 26 in Sheffield.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint announced a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 in Carbon Cliff. The event begins at noon with free entry and Rossy’s BBQ food truck on site.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League announced that T-Ball registration is now open. Families can register online, with registration closing April 15.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats introduced a Boston raspberry milkshake, topped with a sundae and strawberry drizzle. The specialty dessert adds a new indulgent option for customers looking for a spring treat.

• Bureau County Senior Center is organizing a bus trip to Drury Lane Theater to see Nunsense the musical. Tickets are $130 and include transportation and lunch, with reservations required at sign-up.

• Myrtle’s Pies is now taking Easter orders with a March 31 deadline at 2 PM. Pickup for special orders is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 from 8 AM to noon.

• Bureau County Fairgrounds announced a Sports Card and Memorabilia Show on Saturday, May 23. The event will feature Pokémon cards, sports cards, comics, collectibles, and vendor booths.

• The Princeton Closet shared a rare vintage Bureau County plat book believed to be from 1956. The historical books were previously donated to the Bureau County Senior Center library for community use.

• Optimal Health encouraged customers to stop in for whole-food smoothies featuring options like Blueberry Thrill, Coco Loco, Kale Kick, and Pash’N Shoot. The shop highlighted fresh ingredients including fruits, greens, and flaxseed.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🥚 Saturday, April 4: Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton — A family-friendly evening event from 10:00–11:45 PM featuring an egg hunt, hot cocoa, and cookies, with age groups for 1–4, 5–8, and 9–11 years old.

🍷 Wednesday, April 15: Wine Tasting Wednesday at Coal Creek Brewing Company — A 6:00 PM red wine tasting featuring a curated flight of reds paired with a charcuterie board full of savory bites.

🌷 Saturday, April 18: Discover What’s New for 2026 at Hornbaker Gardens — An informational workshop at 10:00 AM 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.

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

📸Chris Velon

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Warehouse Specialist — Ace Hardware, Princeton: Ace Hardware is listed as hiring a Warehouse Specialist in Princeton as part of the current March 30, 2026 job results for the area. The role appears to be tied to warehouse operations and product handling within one of Princeton’s largest local employers. This is one of the more visible active openings shown in the latest Princeton job listings.

• Warehouse Associate - Loader — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Princeton: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is currently listing a Warehouse Associate - Loader opening in Princeton in the latest local job search results. The position is presented as a warehouse-based role supporting loading and merchandise movement. It stands out as a current Princeton opening in retail and distribution support.

• Office Manager — Combined Cleaning and Restoration Inc., Princeton: Combined Cleaning and Restoration Inc. is listing an Office Manager position in Princeton at $20 to $25 per hour. The posting notes responsibilities such as managing budgets, clerical work, record keeping, and overseeing front desk operations. This makes it one of the clearer current administrative openings available locally on March 30, 2026.

• Patient Access Associate — OSF HealthCare, Princeton: OSF HealthCare is currently advertising a Patient Access Associate opening in Princeton at $18.80 to $22.12 per hour. The listing identifies it as a part-time position at 20 hours per week, with day shift scheduling noted. This is a current healthcare-related opening for candidates interested in patient support and registration work.

• Dishwasher — Prime Quarter Steak House, Princeton: Prime Quarter Steak House is listed as hiring a part-time Dishwasher in Princeton in the latest job results. The opening appears to be a food service support role within a local restaurant setting. It is one of the current hospitality-related job openings showing up in Princeton as of March 30, 202

🍿AT THE APOLLO

PROJECT HAIL MARY (PG-13): Based on the bestselling novel, this gripping sci-fi adventure follows a lone astronaut who awakens millions of miles from Earth with no memory and a mission to save humanity. As he pieces together what happened, he discovers unexpected friendship, courage, and hope in the face of impossible odds.

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE (PG): Mario returns in a colorful, action-packed adventure across dazzling galaxies and imaginative worlds. Featuring beloved characters, humor, and family-friendly excitement, this animated journey delivers fun, heart, and high-energy adventure for all ages.

SCREAM 7 (R): The iconic horror franchise returns with a new chapter filled with suspense, mystery, and shocking twists. As Ghostface resurfaces, a new group must uncover the truth behind the killings before they become the next targets in this intense thriller.