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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Princeton Restaurant Weekend runs through tomorrow, offering local flavors and creative specials. Participating restaurants will showcase their best dishes, from comfort food to chef-inspired creations and sweet treats. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy hometown hospitality, explore unique menus, and support local dining spots.

Time to eat! Let’s get it to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🇺🇸Celebrate Flags of Freedom
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🌊Kentucky Flood Relief
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Openings
💤Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Water Assistance is Available Now for Illinois American Water Customers. The applicant must be a residential customer of Illinois American Water. Customers can apply online or call 1-888-282-6816. Visit the website for more details.

• SRM: “Sheriff James Reed is advocating the housing of Cook County inmates as a means of increasing revenue for the jail. Local residents have been vocal about their disapproval of the measure. At Wednesday's meeting, reportedly the sheriff stated that he did not care if the board approved the intergovernmental agreement or not, because he will house Cook County inmates anyway, stating that he does not need the board's permission.”

• Restaurant Weekend, running through tomorrow, highlights Princeton’s local dining scene with exclusive menus and promotions at participating restaurants. Diners can explore special offerings across town, with more options expected to be added.

• Princeton High School Girls Soccer is holding a fundraiser at Princeton Auto Group on Monday, March 24, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Meals are $8 and include a hot dog, brat, or hamburger with chips and a drink.

• Logan Lions 7th grade volleyball team won the Class 3A Regional Championship. They will compete in the Sectional Championship on Monday, March 10, at 6:30 PM in Saratoga Grade School, Morris.

• Princeton Christian Academy students showcased their creativity and engineering skills at Illinois Valley Community College’s 19th annual Edible Car Contest on February 26, 2025. Their team, PCA Divas, secured third place in the speed category with their entry, Muffin Man, and also earned third place in the Creativity category.

• 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.

• Bureau County is holding an electronics recycling event on April 26 from 9 AM to noon at the Highway Department. Residents can drop off accepted items for free, but space is limited.

• The City of Princeton is now accepting bids for mowing contracts of various city properties & Oakland Cemetery for years 2025, 2026, & 2027. Bids are due by 10:00 a.m. the morning of March 20, 2025 to the office of the City Clerk at 2 S Main St, Princeton, IL 61356. A public bid opening will be held immediately after the due date in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Bid packets may be picked-up at City Hall at the above address or found here.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 3/7

🇺🇸CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF FLAGS OF FREEDOM

The Flags of Freedom is celebrating their 20^th  year of the flags flying at Exit 56 on Interstate 80 as the front door to Princeton and Bureau County.

On September 10, 2005, the flags were raised with great fanfair and enthusiasm enjoyed by over 2500 people, including many local and state dignitaries along with a number of current and past members of the U.S. Armed Forces.  The City of Princeton requested help in July 2016 to help with fundraising for the cost of the flags and the infrastructure, as no tax money is used to support this display.  At that point the Flags of Freedom Committee was formed to support the associated costs of maintaining the Flags of Freedom.

The 20^th  Anniversary Star Spangled Event will be held at the Cider Mill Event Center in Princeton.  Doors open at 5pm, program and auctions will beginning at 5:30 pm sharp.  The food will be heavy  hors d'oeuvres provided by local restaurants.  Las Vegas style fun will follow the program with something for everyone.  New to our event are more trips than ever before.  You can visit our website to view information about the trips and purchase them before the auction.  Purchase a trip before March 1st, and receive a $100 gift card as a bonus.  Tickets for the event and vacations can be purchased under the Donate button on our website www.flagsoffreedomi80.org.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Sunshine dominates with a high of 51°F and W winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night remains mostly clear with a low of 28°F and WSW winds at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Sunday: A few clouds throughout the day with a high of 60°F and WSW winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night remains partly cloudy with a low of 32°F and similar wind conditions.

☀️Monday: Sunshine and clouds mixed, reaching a high of 65°F with SW winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night remains partly cloudy with a low of 43°F and SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph.

☀️Tuesday: Mostly sunny skies with a high of 56°F and SSW winds at 15 to 25 mph. The night sees increasing clouds, with a low of 37°F and continued SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph.

🌥️Wednesday: Partly cloudy with a high of 60°F and E winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night remains partly cloudy with a low of 35°F and WSW winds at 10 to 20 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.24
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.32
Casey’s West/North: $3.35
Beck’s West/North: $3.33
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.33
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.84

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Mike Vaughn

Reason for Nomination: “Mike is so generous in sharing his photos of Tiger Sports with our community and helps to preserve the precious memories of special times as a Tiger.”

I agree. Mike, you are a blessing to Princeton, capturing so many important moments throughout the years. You are a worthy, worthy recipient of the 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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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Studio Boutique is hosting a bag sale with all bags priced at $5 and $10.

• Miss Betsy’s is featuring their classic powdered sugar donuts. These delicious treats are available for a limited time.

• A baked potato fundraiser will take place at the Bureau County Senior Center on March 21 from 11 AM to 1 PM. Dine-in, carryout, and drive-up options are available, with toppings like cheese, chili, bacon, and more.

• Rachel Rene in Princeton is bringing back their Lucky Shamrock Bath Bombs, which fizz in the tub and reveal three gold coin soaps. The shop is open throughout the weekend, and online orders are available.

• Cows Coffee has launched their Spring Menu, featuring drinks like Raspberry White Mocha and Lavender Chai. The menu will be available starting next week.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering is serving broiled cod two ways. Options include Brown Butter Cod and Creamy Lemon Pepper Cod.

• The Knack is hosting a PJs + Donuts event on Saturday, March 22, from 9 AM to noon. Participants can paint pottery and enjoy a free donut from Miss Betsy’s.

• Shane’s Shine Shop transformed a kitchen countertop in just one day at a fraction of the cost of real marble. They encourage customers to reach out for their home improvement needs.

• Apollo Theater is hosting a sensory-friendly showing of The Unbreakable Boy tomorrow, March 9, at 1:15 PM. This special screening will have reduced volume, house lights on, and allow for movement.

• Sislers Ice Cream introducied two new flavors on March 1, Lucky Charms and Pot of Gold. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM.

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

• 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.

This Weekend:

• Kickapoo Junction is performing at Hawg House Saloon on today, March 8, from 1 to 5 PM. Enjoy live music, drinks, and a great time with friends.

• The Prairie Arts Council is hosting a gallery exhibit featuring local artist Austin Burrows and his collection, Creatures That Live in My Head, with gallery hours on weekends through March 30.

• Wander into the Bureau County Fairgrounds today, March 8th, from 8 to 2 for a huge garage sale! Please bring a donation of non perishable food for a local food pantry. Free admission. Concession stand in the building.

• The Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band is set to take the stage at the Grace Theater this evening, March 8, at 7 PM. Audiences can expect an upbeat mix of brass, rhythm, and classic Dixieland energy.

• First Lutheran Church is showing The Most Reluctant Convert on Sunday, March 9, from 8:45 to 10 AM. This newly released film explores C.S. Lewis’ journey from atheism to Christianity.

🌊KENTUCKY FLOOD RELIEF – URGENT HELP NEEDED

Severe flooding has devastated Eastern Kentucky, leaving families without homes, food, or basic necessities. Elmore Disaster Relief is stepping up, but we need your help to make an impact.

Our truck is leaving for Kentucky soon, but we are still short on supplies.

Deadline: March 13, 2025 – Every donation brings hope to someone who has lost everything.

What’s Needed Most:

• Cleaning Supplies – bleach, trash bags, mops, brooms

• Food & Water – canned goods, non-perishables, pet food

• Baby Items – diapers, formula, wipes

• Personal Hygiene – soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant

• Warm Clothing & Bedding – new coats, hats, gloves, blankets

• Heaters & Sleeping Bags – families need warmth now

Drop-Off Location:

Elmore Electric – 205 North St., Dover, IL

Every item donated makes a difference. Whether it’s a pack of diapers, a case of bottled water, or a sleeping bag, your support will directly impact those in need.

Please spread the word. If you have a large donation or any questions, message us or call Elmore Electric at 815-643-2354.

Let’s fill this truck and show that our community steps up when it matters most.

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👷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].

💤LETTER FROM LORI

I’ve finally been diagnosed. My affliction is Pantsitis. Until now, I had never been able to put a name to this horrible disease. I have been plagued with physical symptoms since I was a teen. I find that I drool excessively when I encounter everyday scents—such as Cinnabons and grilled steaks. I get annoying red creases from jeans that dig into my midsection. My heart palpitates every time I pass a full-length mirror. (This has forced me to hang all of my mirrors at head height.) I make frequent trips to the bathroom. It even causes a secondary emotional condition called “Fat Girl Syndrome”, marked by an innumerable amount of delusions and misconceptions.

It’s been debilitating. I can’t wear certain types of clothing (such as swimsuits) or fabrics—spandex and lycra have become my worst enemies. I make concessions in my everyday life to accommodate this crippling ailment. I avoid staircases and seek elevators and escalators because of achy joints.

My Pantsitis has gone into remission on occasion. There were a few months in 1991 when my symptoms all but subsided, and I was able to live my life in a normal fashion. The telltale paranoia about complete strangers laughing and pointing nearly disappeared. In the fall of 2004, I thought I was cured altogether. For months, I never experienced the creases or the drooling. My sagging self-esteem returned, and I enjoyed normal pleasures, such as sitting in a chair with my legs tucked under my chin. I could cross my legs when sitting since they weren’t so swollen as to hinder that flexibility. When I passed a full-length mirror, I didn’t scream in horror—I actually sought them out on occasion to admire my symptom-free body.

Oh, the scars were still there—both emotionally and physically. You could see the red lines of stretch marks on my skin, and I still got a little teary every time I watched Shallow Hal—but those were the tears akin to those of a recovering alcoholic receiving their one-year chip.

When the disease returns (as it inevitably does), I attempt to make it less noticeable by tanning my disfigured shape. It’s like a pork chop on the grill—much more attractive when it is golden brown. The thing is, it’s still a pork chop, with all the fat and calories of the lily-white one that was tossed over charcoal just a few minutes before! (But it does look more appetizing!)

I know the technology exists to beat this disease—to send it into remission forever. I know all the “drugs” to take to make the symptoms subside. But I also know that, as with so many other diseases, there is only one sure-fire cure—prayer. During my times of remission, I know that I leaned on the Lord for strength, and He willingly gave it to me. I know He wants me to be cured, happy, and symptom-free. All I need to do is ask—and then follow.

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

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