🅿️Hornbaker’s is Opening Soon

SPONSORED BY

Illinois Humanities and Midwest Partners will present “Everyone Has a Story: Performance by Nestor Gomez,” on March 23 at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave E, Princeton, IL 61356, from 6:30pm–8:00pm CT, with a reception to follow from 8:00-9:00pm CT. Light refreshments will be served. This family-friendly event is free and a part of The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream program. RSVP is required. 

Narrated by dynamic, award-winning storyteller Nestor Gomez, this immersive performance tells Gomez’s personal stories of his American dream—in particular, his family’s immigration to the United States and the social, cultural, and linguistic struggles he has navigated ever since. 

Initially undocumented (now a citizen), Gomez moved from Guatemala to Chicago at the age of 10 in the mid-1980s. He began his storytelling career on a whim, winning first prize at his first Moth Storytelling Slam in Chicago over a decade ago. He has since won 35 Chicago Moth Story Slams and more than 30 others in cities across the nation.   

For those interested in learning to tell their own stories, in writing or performance, Gomez will lead an in-depth Storytelling Workshop the following day, March 24, at The Bike Place, 701 N Main St, Princeton, IL 61356, from 1:00-3:00pm CT. RSVP is required. 

Register Here

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—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Austin Glinski!

• Trivia Question: How many feet was the longest recorded rabbit, from foot to top of the ears? Answer is at the bottom of this newsletter.

• BCR: Newly minted News Tribune Girls Wrestler of the Year Izzy “Gibson went 21-7, placed second at 140 pounds at the Erie Regional and finished fourth at the Geneseo Sectional to become the first girl in school history to qualify for the IHSA state tournament, where she went 1-2.”

• Voting is now closed at the Bureau County Clerk’s office for many contested races. Here are the current results.

• BCR: “[Lauren] Frost, of Princeton, will read her essay at the College’s Commencement Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. In addition, her essay has been submitted for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association statewide Simon award.”

• IDOT announced that Interstate 80 in Bureau County will be closed overnight tonight and Thursday.

• There are two Easter Egg Hunts this Saturday: Liberty Village at 10am, and the Moose Lodge at 11am.

• Princeton High School Graduate and Bureau Firefighter Walker Menzel was promoted to Lieutenant.

• Illinois Humanities and Midwest Partners will present “Everyone Has a Story: Performance by Nestor Gomez,” on March 23 at the Prairie Arts Center.

• Join the Bureau County Historical Society at 450 S. Main Street for an enlightening session with Titanic historian Peter Cook on May 11th at 2 PM. Dive into a treasure trove of Titanic books, artifacts, and survivor autographs as Cook, affiliated with notable historical societies, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences from Titanic locations around the world. Don't miss the door prizes and the chance to learn about the final days of the legendary ship.

• Princeton NOW+ subscribers also receive City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Upgrade today.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: mainly sunny day with a high around 40°F and brisk north-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. As night falls, the skies will remain clear, then become cloudy overnight, with lows dropping to 24°F.

Thursday: will start with morning clouds giving way to some sunshine in the afternoon, with highs around 44°F and gentle east-southeast winds. The evening will remain cloudy with lows dipping to 32°F.

Friday: periods of rain throughout the day, highs persisting at 44°F, and an 80% chance of precipitation. As the evening approaches, skies will clear to partly cloudy with a drop in temperature to around 25°F.

Saturday: promises more agreeable conditions, with partly cloudy skies and highs of 43°F. The evening will see the skies becoming overcast, and temperatures will once again hover around the freezing mark at 26°F. Winds over these days will generally be from the east-northeast.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.69
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.76
Casey’s West/North: $3.79
Beck’s West/North: $3.79
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.79
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.79

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.85
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $3.85
Casey’s West/North: $3.85
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.89
Road Ranger: $4.11

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Opening Day at Hornbaker’s will be Friday, April 5th this year. They will have a limited selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials available on April 5th, and they will be continuing to stock new plants throughout the coming weeks. The annuals should start arriving around the end of April.

• True Leaves Bookshop is bustling with new arrivals perfect for Easter baskets, including children's favorites and inspiring reads like NT Wright's Bible storybook; plus, discover what shenanigans Dog Man is up to next! Visit them Thursday to Sunday, and let your spring reading adventure begin!

• Hop into Rachel Rene for an array of adorable and colorful socks to add a pop of coziness to your Easter baskets; they’re open Monday to Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 12-4 to help you find the softest touch for your springtime gifts.

• Downtown Liquidation is jumping into Easter with a blast of fun—discover a treasure trove of Little Tikes playsets that promise endless joy for the little ones! Don't miss out on these deals; stop by and shop small, shop local for your festive finds.

• Head to The Knack for a delightful children’s storytime and pottery painting event where little ones can unleash their creativity and learn about emotions through the colorful tale of "The Color Monster." For $25 per child, enjoy a heartwarming story, studio time, and painting your very own monster pottery piece—parents, remember to stay and savor the fun!

• Myrtle’s Pies is taking pie orders right now. They will be open March 30th from 7-12pm for whole pie pickup. Call 815-915-8397. I’ll take the French Silk. Like, all of them.

• Apollo Theater is the place to be with an exciting lineup: catch the premiere of "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" this Thursday, vibe to "Bob Marley: One Love" over the weekend, and for family fun, "Kung-Fu Panda 4" awaits! Grab your tickets online or at the theater.

• Friends of Strays has a special announcement: Bessie, a loving and gentle Mastiff/Dane mix, is looking for a forever home, with her adoption fee kindly sponsored. She's a bit shy but sweet, thriving in the company of larger dogs and with a fenced yard to romp around. If you have the heart and the space for this beautiful dog and are familiar with the breed, Bessie could be the perfect addition to your active family.

• Delve into creativity with Melody Best at Prairie Arts Center: craft your own no-stitch journals on March 28th for $25/$30, explore unique cold wax & oil painting on April 13th for $60/$65, or paint watercolor floral greeting cards on April 23rd for $35/$40; all materials provided, and for more details or to register, contact Melody at 203-522-6805 or email [email protected].

• Corner Chair Market wants Princetonians to stop by to see their quaint table set up, with lush greenery and curated bath essentials, and a modern, charming dresser — dressed up with cozy accents.

• Optimal Health now sells organic fruit spreads from apricot to cherry, perfectly paired with their gluten-free English muffins; they also have a variety of all-natural peanut butters, from pumpkin spice to cranberry.

• Sayler’s General Store is offering 25% off all Easter candy until Friday.

• Find your perfect Easter brunch look with a new sweet pink dress at Wild Honey Boutique—it has charming ruffled sleeves and soft pleats.

• Step into Four Seasons to find the perfect piece of jewelry to express your unique style, from elegant simplicity to bold statements.

• Little Blue Dress brings you the latest in comfort and style with Risen Brand Jeans featuring tummy control and a raw hem for $62, paired perfectly with a fitted aqua sleeveless sweater at $18, and completed with charming beaded loop earrings for $16—essentials for a chic and polished look. Swing by any day of the week to elevate your wardrobe!

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is celebrating local creativity and repurposing with gusto. They've transformed old seed and feed bags into chic pillows for their window seats and benches, thanks to the talented Marsha Forbes and the support of the Princeton community. It's a unique blend of heritage and comfort.

• The Studio Boutique is showcasing a stylish black sleeveless dress with a charming white floral pattern, perfect for any occasion, available in sizes Small to Large. They've also added a collection of fresh, crinkled button-up shirts in a spectrum of spring shades, from delicate lilac to vibrant pink, ensuring a light and breezy addition to your wardrobe.

• The Princeton Closet is ready to welcome spring with open arms. Stop by to explore their fresh collection of spring and garden decor, fashionable spring attire for all ages, and sports equipment to get you active under the sun.

• Hollywood & Vine is having a Spring Break Party with 10 hours of live music on March 30th:

  • 3 on the Tree: 1–4 PM, 3 piece Rockabilly

  • Jon Swags: 4–7 PM, Talented new solo show

  • Wreckin' Dixie: 7–11 PM, Country & Rock

  • DiDoughs Truck: 12–9 PM, Delicious Pretzels

• Wendy's invites a dash of springtime nostalgia with their new Orange Dreamsicle Frosty, a refreshing blend of the classic Frosty and dreamy orange cream, set to sweeten up your spring visits at select locations starting March 19th. This creamy, citrusy treat joins the ranks of Wendy's limited-time flavors like Strawberry and Pumpkin, offering a whimsical twist on their beloved dessert.

• Get ready for a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite at Barrel Society—their Adult Easter Egg Hunt returns on March 29th at 5 PM! Tony's Butt Shack BBQ will be serving up mouthwatering BBQ from 3-8 PM to fuel the fun, and you’ll have the chance to find eggs brimming with candy, gift certificates, and more. This 21+ event requires no reservation; just show up ready to enjoy a good time with great drinks, and bunny attire is highly encouraged.

• Downtown Pub & Event Center is excited to announce that they’re now serving a variety of non-alcoholic (NA) beers! For those who prefer an alcohol-free option or just want to try something new and refreshing, they’ve got you covered with great tastes and more choices.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Zearing Child Enrichment Center: hiring full-time child care teachers for children aged birth to 12 years old, with specific openings for a 2-year-old teacher and preschool teachers. The position offers $14.25 to $18.00 per hour, benefits including a 401(k), health insurance, and tuition reimbursement, and a Monday to Friday day shift schedule. Applicants should have CPR certification, teaching experience, and at least a high school diploma or GED.

• Taylor’s Way: hiring a full-time Lawn Care Specialist at $18-$20 per hour. The role includes benefits such as 401(k) with matching, health insurance, paid time off, and requires a valid IL driver's license, ability to pass a drug test, and occasionally working Saturdays during peak times. Preferred candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of lawn care experience, and will be assisting with services like lawn applications, aeration, and basic tree and shrub trimming.

• Ollie's Bargain Outlet: looking for a DC Area Manager, offering an estimated annual salary of $46.5K - $58.9K. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, Microsoft Office proficiency, and supervisory experience. The role includes developing a daily production plan, ensuring departmental compliance, and providing leadership to associates, with the flexibility to work a varied schedule including weekends and holidays.

• The Youth Service Bureau: offering a full-time Foster Care Supervisor position with an annual salary of $63,000. The role requires an MSW or equivalent human service degree, three years of supervisory experience in a social work setting, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The supervisor will oversee child welfare services, ensure compliance with state requirements, and should demonstrate a commitment to empowering families and maintaining the safety and well-being of children in foster care. Benefits include 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance, among others, and the schedule may require weekend work as needed.

• Scooter's Coffee: hiring for the position of Beverage Server / Crew Member / Team Member in a full-time or part-time capacity, offering $13.00-$14.12 an hour. The job involves greeting customers, managing cash, serving orders following recipes and aesthetic standards, maintaining store cleanliness, and operating store equipment. Immediate hire is indicated, with no degree requirement mentioned.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• The property at 117 S 1st Street is for sale for $198,000, with an estimated mortgage of $1,424 per month. This home features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hardwood floors, new updates including a luxury spa-like bathroom, new kitchen center island, and appliances, and is 1,400 sqft. The house is centrally located within walking distance to local businesses, has a fenced-in backyard, and offers amenities like a garage, deck, and air conditioning.

• The house at 1111 N Jacquiline Ln is listed for sale at $199,500 with an estimated mortgage of $1,432/month. It features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and new luxury vinyl planking floors over a living space of 1,372 square feet. The property includes a sunny deck, a backyard, a storage shed, and an attached garage, and it is described as being in a great location.

• The home at 14746 Lovers Lane Rd is listed for $395,000, with an estimated mortgage of $2,761 per month. It features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a total of 3,150 square feet of living space on a one-acre lot. Highlights include hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, two fireplaces, and a detached two-car garage.

• The property located at 27081-1800 Avenue is on the market for $185,000, with an estimated mortgage of $1,333 per month. It's a 1.5 story home on 1.1 acres, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood flooring in the living room, and gas fireplace. Additional amenities include a 2-car detached garage, a 40x40 pole barn with heated floor, and main level laundry.

• The property at 117 S 1st St is listed for $198,000, features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,400 sqft of space. The home boasts recent updates, including a luxury spa-like bathroom added in 2023, a complete kitchen remodel with new appliances, and exterior enhancements like a new roof in 2024. It's highlighted by hardwood floors, a charming second-floor balcony, and is assessed to sell quickly in its market.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Fabric and crafts retailer Joann Fabrics has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

• After recent deadly crashes along Central Illinois interstates, Illinois State Police are sharing tips to stay safe. This week there were two deaths on I-74 and I-155.

Buda

• March Madness Bingo: this Saturday from 1-3pm at the Younggren Center.

• Fire Department Breakfast: Sunday, 7am-1pm at Buda Community Hall.

Tiskilwa

• Tiskilwa Community Association Easter Egg Hunt: March 30th at 11am.

Sheffield

• Sheffield’s Isaac Pratt won 1st place for 10 year old boys Knights of Columbus Regional Free Throw Competition at St. Jude Catholic School in Peoria.

• Sheffield Casey’s is hiring, needing people who are reliable and flexible.

Walnut

• Manlius Sportsmen’s Club is hosting a fish fry March 22nd from 6-8pm. It is $15 per person.

• The Walnut Open disc golf tournament is Sunday, April 28th. Sign up on discgolfscene.com.

Trivia answer: Four feet long! Inconceivable!