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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Summer is starting to show up everywhere: graduation honors, community fundraisers, drama camps, hot weather, higher gas prices, new business specials, and enough local events to keep the calendar full.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠 Princeton Homes For Sale
🌽 Ag Updates
☀️ Princeton Weather
⛽️ Princeton Gas Prices
💼 Princeton Businesses
🗓️ Upcoming in Princeton
🚔 Local Arrests
❤️ Local Obituaries
👷‍♂️ Local Job Opportunities
🪑Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Hands Preschool will host “Miss Joyce’s Retirement Celebration” on Sunday, May 31, from 8:30–11 a.m. at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton, honoring Joyce Johnson for her many years of faithful service to children and families in the preschool community. Guests are invited to stop by the open house to share memories and well-wishes, with Joyce also being recognized during the 9 a.m. church service.

• Princeton High School announced its Top Ten students for the Class of 2026, with Levi Boggs, Lydia Johnson and Kathy Maciczak named co-valedictorians, Makayla Hecht named salutatorian, and Elin Workman, Casey Etheridge, Ryan Jagers, Olivia Fox, Caroline Keutzer and Lydia Hardy rounding out the group.

• Princeton will celebrate America’s 250th with a July 4 parade at 10 a.m. downtown, followed by a Bureau County History Center ceremony at Soldiers and Sailors Park featuring a Declaration of Independence reading, presentations, music and local heritage reflections.

• Festival 56 and Learning Stage will offer Camp 56 for ages 8–14 from July 13–25 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, giving young actors training in acting, singing, movement, design and technical theatre before appearing in chorus roles for “Anastasia” performances July 31–Aug. 8

• The Princeton Rotary Club’s fifth annual ShrimpFest and Brew Hullabaloo will return to Rotary Park on June 6 with shrimp, live music, food trucks, family activities, and expanded menu options, with proceeds supporting local scholarships and community grants.

• Gateway Services will hold its seventh annual Online Silent Auction on Facebook from noon Sunday, June 7, through 9 p.m. Sunday, June 14, with proceeds supporting its services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties.

• St. Louis Catholic Church will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast benefit for the Comer family from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 17, after the family recently lost their home in a fire.

📍Outside City Limits

• Labeling Anthony Rodriguez a danger to society, a judge on Wednesday denied the DePue man a pretrial release, ordering him to stay behind bars.

• Following a request by the Bureau County State's Attorney's Office, a special prosecutor is being brought into the fatal DePue shooting case.

• Eyes are turning to the skies as the thrum of classic American war birds provides a soundtrack for a patriotic weekend.

• Illinois firefighters came to the rescue of a truck driver who was blocked from entering his semi by a swarm of bees.

🎭REGISTER FOR THE CHILDREN’S SUMMER DRAMA CAMP

Registration is underway for the Annual Children’s Summer Drama Camp at the Prairie Arts Center for children entering 2nd-9th grades. Camp will run Monday-Friday, June 15-26, from 2-5 PM. The camp cost is $110 with special rates for siblings. Need-based scholarships are also available upon request for those who meet the criteria.

Drama Camp at the PAC culminates at 5:30 PM on June 26 in a performance of an original play written specifically for the campers and, to a large extent, tailored to the needs and abilities of the campers. Campers name their own production. Children get the hands-on experience of creating a show, from set and light work to costuming to performing. Past theater-learning topics have included theatrical accents, sets, Shakespeare, costuming, stage make-up, mime, choreography for the stage, stage lighting and design, musical theater, and opera. Camp activities also include theater and improvisational games like one might see on the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

Children’s theater programming at PAC has always been about more than just theater skills. We strive to offer a safe, wholesome environment in which children can learn, grow, and have fun. Over the many years that we have run the summer drama camps as well as other children’s drama programming, we have been privileged to witness the transformation of many of our children from ducklings to beautiful, talented swans. Fostering the growth of our community’s children is the greatest benefit of PAC children’s theater programming.

To register, contact camp director Rachel Gorenz-Johnson at:
815-876-6284 or [email protected]

As space is limited, please make sure you communicate with the director prior to turning in registration materials to ensure there are still spots available. Payment is expected by June 1. Please make checks payable to Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Checks and registration forms can be returned to:

Rachel Gorenz-Johnson,
3 South 5th Street
Princeton, IL 61356

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This listing at 2136 Hillview Drive in Princeton is a newly listed $30,000 manufactured home in the Hillview mobile home park offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 5,000-square-foot lot. Built in 1998, the home includes a cozy living area, kitchen, laundry space, central air, natural gas heat, and one fireplace, with appliances such as a range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, dryer, and disposal included. Exterior highlights include a deck, a storage shed, and parking for two vehicles, giving the property practical outdoor space along with added storage. The home is positioned as an affordable option with public sewer service, Princeton school district assignments, and a simple, functional layout for everyday living.

• This listing at 812 N. 1st Street in Princeton is currently presented on Trulia as a single-family home and marked as an auction property. Trulia shows the home as a studio and lists a current estimate of $99,000. The public-facing details on the page are limited, with no parking, outdoor, or price-per-square-foot information currently provided, and the property has been listed on Trulia for 8 days. Based on the available page information, this appears to be a minimally detailed for-sale listing rather than a full traditional marketing presentation.

• This listing at 825 W. Clark Street in Princeton is a for-sale-by-owner property listed at $165,900, offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,008 square feet, and a 10,400-square-foot lot. Built in 1980, the home is described as move-in ready and includes recent updates such as a newer roof, a brand-new water heater, and updated central air. The property also features an oversized heated 1.5-car attached garage, a detached Amish-built 12-by-12 shed, and a large lot suited for outdoor use. Based on the listing description, the home is positioned as a practical low-maintenance option for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking a simpler residential layout.

🌽AG UPDATES

Illinois Corn and Soybean Planting Near Completion. Farmers across Illinois have made significant progress this week, with corn planting nearing completion and soybean planting continuing rapidly due to favorable weather conditions. Agronomists say emergence has generally been strong across much of the state. Read more about planting progress.

Dry Conditions Expanding Across Parts of the Corn Belt. Several Midwest states are beginning to experience increasing dryness as rainfall totals fall below average in some growing regions. Analysts say moisture levels over the next few weeks will be important for early crop development. Read more about weather conditions.

Soybean Markets Rise on Strong Export Demand. Soybean futures moved higher this week as export sales improved and overseas demand remained steady. Grain traders continue monitoring South American competition and U.S. planting progress closely. Read more about soybean markets.

Illinois Beef Producers Seeing Improved Profitability. Cattle producers are benefiting from historically strong beef prices and tighter national herd numbers, leading to improved margins for many operations in Illinois and across the Midwest. Industry leaders say demand remains strong heading into summer. Read more about cattle profitability.

Farmers Continue Watching Fertilizer and Fuel Costs. Despite some stabilization earlier this spring, fertilizer and diesel prices remain elevated compared to long-term averages, keeping pressure on operating costs for row crop producers. Economists say input management remains a major focus in 2026. Read more about input costs.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Saturday: Very warm and increasingly unsettled. Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 87°F with SSE winds 5–15 mph. Saturday night brings scattered thunderstorms with gusty winds and possible small hail, low near 63°F.

☀️Sunday: Hot, humid, and breezy. Clouds early will give way to partial sunshine with a slight chance of late afternoon storms. High near 88°F with south winds 15–25 mph. Sunday night could feature strong storms with a low around 69°F.

⛈️Monday: Stormy conditions continue with the potential for severe thunderstorms throughout the day and night. High near 82°F, low near 66°F, with south winds around 10–20 mph and an 80% chance of rain.

🌤️Tuesday: Cooler with a mix of sun and clouds. Afternoon thunderstorms remain possible. High near 73°F with southwest winds 10–15 mph. Tuesday night turns partly cloudy with a low around 50°F.

🌤️Wednesday: Noticeably cooler and calmer. Partly to mostly cloudy skies with highs near 65°F and northeast winds 10–15 mph. Wednesday night stays mostly cloudy with a low near 47°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $4.79
Sullivan’s Foods: $4.94
Casey’s West/North: $4.95
Beck’s West/North: $4.95
Road Ranger, N Main St: $4.90
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $4.96

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Optimal Health announced it is now carrying Bonfire Burritos breakfast burritos, promoting them as a convenient option for both breakfast and dinner. Featured varieties include green chile, vegan, and chupacabra breakfast burritos.

• Cafe Grace promoted its weekend menu specials, including strawberry crepes, shrimp baskets, filet Oscar, chicken Alfredo, fried fish, and triple berry French toast brunch. The restaurant also highlighted its regular dining hours and featured specialty coffees and dirty sodas.

• Downtown Liquidation encouraged shoppers to explore its selection of framed coastal-themed artwork and home décor pieces. The store said it was open Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Little Blue Dress in Princeton showcased a duck-themed sweater available in multiple sizes for $38. The boutique described the item as a soft, limited-availability piece and shared online shopping information.

• Second Story Teen Center announced it will host a kite flying event Tuesday, May 19, from 4–8 p.m. at City County Park instead of at the Second Story building. Kites will be provided for attendees.

• Flowers By Julia announced plans to officially close on Saturday, May 30, after 48 years in business as Julia moves into retirement. The shop is currently offering 50% off in-store merchandise and premade silk arrangements, excluding fresh flowers, plants, and existing orders.

• Paisanos Ristorante announced it is hiring for weekend dishwasher and phone person positions. The restaurant highlighted flexible hours, employee discounts, and encouraged applicants to stop in or send a message.

• Princeton Christian Academy promoted several tuition and enrollment benefits, including reduced tuition for additional children, flexible monthly payment plans, financial aid availability, and small class sizes with personalized attention.

• Ace Hardware advertised a spring promotion offering 20% off select Benjamin Moore exterior paint gallons through May 25. The promotion focused on exterior home improvement and freshening up outdoor spaces for the season.

• The Princeton Closet reminded shoppers that its thrift store is open Thursday through Saturday, while the donation center operates Tuesday through Saturday. The nonprofit also promoted mirror inventory, candle giveaways with qualifying purchases, and basket-day clothing specials.

• Motor Mob Car Club announced its upcoming Motor Mob Car Show on July 25 at Princeton Auto Group. The event will feature trophies, door prizes, food, drinks, and a 50/50 drawing, with a rain date scheduled for Aug. 1.

• The Bureau County Fairgrounds will host a Sports Cards, Pokémon, TCG, Memorabilia & More Show on Saturday, May 23. The event will feature buying, selling, trading, vendor tables, and collectibles from a wide variety of hobby categories.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball announced its 2026 PHS Volleyball Camp scheduled for June 22–25. The camp is open to all incoming 3rd through 12th grade students.

• The Bureau County Metro Center teased upcoming summer programming, including activities such as Aqua Tots, adult fast-pitch softball, summer day camp, adult dodgeball, swim lessons, and tennis camp. More details are expected to be announced soon.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream announced that Rossy’s Razzle Dazzle ice cream has officially joined its permanent flavor lineup. The flavor includes almond ice cream, raspberry swirl, and Biscoff cookies, and is available by the scoop, pint, or half gallon.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🐝 Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 AM: Five Points Apiculture – Inside the Hive at Hornbaker Gardens — A workshop exploring beekeeping, pollination, and honey production while giving insight into the life of honeybees and their role in nature.

🎨 Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM: “Lakeside Retreat” Paint Night at Downtown Pub & Event Center — A guided paint night featuring a lakeside sunset scene, with dinner, drinks, and a relaxed creative atmosphere.

🎸 Sunday, May 24 at 4:00 PM: Hawg House Saloon presents Jasmine Cain at Hawg House Saloon — A live music event featuring rock and roll energy, a lively atmosphere, and no cover charge.

🚴 Friday, May 29 at 11:00 AM through Saturday, May 30 at 5:00 PM: The 2026 Princeton Bike Fest — The fourth annual regional bike festival featuring bicycle sales, collector exhibits, cycling enthusiasts, and opportunities to support community bike donations.

🎓 Sunday, May 31 from 10:30 AM–1:00 PM: Miss Joyce’s Retirement Celebration at Happy Hands Preschool — A retirement open house honoring Joyce Johnson for her years of faithful service to local children and families, with fellowship, memories, and community appreciation.

🦐 Saturday, June 6 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM: Wild Card @ Shrimp Fest at Darius Miller Park — A family-friendly Shrimp Fest gathering featuring music, food, entertainment, and community activities.

🎤 Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM: Sawyer Brown & Lonestar at the Bureau County Fair — A major grandstand concert during the 171st Bureau County Fair featuring country music acts Sawyer Brown and Lonestar.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Kitchen Team Member — Road Ranger, Princeton
Road Ranger is currently hiring a Kitchen Team Member in Princeton and notes that both full-time and part-time positions are available. The posting emphasizes immediate hiring and benefits for eligible employees, making it a current food-service opening in the Princeton area. It is listed on a direct job page for Princeton as of May 15.

1st Shift Pack Department — Allegion, Princeton
Allegion is advertising a 1st shift Pack Department opening in Princeton with a listed pay range of $18.50 to $24.95 per hour. The posting identifies it as a manufacturing role reporting to a supervisor and highlights the company’s recent workplace recognition. This is a current industrial opening for applicants seeking production work in Princeton.

Warehouse Specialist — Ace Hardware, Princeton
Ace Hardware is currently listing a Warehouse Specialist opening in Princeton with base pay of $20.50 up to $23.50 per hour, plus the potential for additional incentive pay. The posting also mentions benefits including a 401(k) program and health insurance. It remains one of the clearer warehouse and logistics openings currently posted in Princeton.

BPART Driver — Gateway Services, Princeton
Gateway Services is hiring a full-time BPART Driver in Princeton for BureauPutnam Area Rural Transit. The job involves the safe and efficient transport of passengers, with operating hours listed as Monday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including some holidays. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have a high school diploma or GED.

Trailer Technician/Mechanic — Princeton
This Princeton opening is for a Trailer Technician/Mechanic and lists pay at $23 to $26 per hour. The posting highlights benefits such as tuition reimbursement, health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, vision insurance, dental insurance, and paid holidays. It is a current skilled-trades opportunity for someone with mechanical ability looking for work near Princeton.

🪑LETTER FROM LORI

Where do you feel closest to God? Is it at church? Is it out in the woods? Is it while traveling down the road with the sunroof open, screaming praise songs at the top of your lungs? Do garden tools and dirt bring your Savior near? Is it in a closet with the door shut while you are trying to do your devotions without a toddler wiping sticky hands in your hair and boogers on your shirt while demanding you “wook at dis” 100 times??

Everyone has “their place.” I have a “prayer chair” at home where I sip my coffee and read devotions. It has taken me five decades to carve out a place like that. When my children were growing up, I did not have the luxury of time to quiet my mind properly. I interjected prayers and praise in between arguing, cleaning, running, cooking, sleeping, and just trying to keep up with life. I KNEW I should prioritize God and felt the ultimate guilt for not putting Him at the top of the list on a daily basis. I admired and puzzled over moms who were in the same stage of life as I was and still found “God time.” I was good at everything else, so why was this so hard for me? In my mind, it should have been easy. It was important, and I was known to have my priorities in order, but this one eluded me.

Then I became familiar with the concept of grace. Just like now, as the mother of adult children with lives of their own, I have learned to extend grace to them when they don’t call me daily or reach out when I’m feeling needy or desiring their presence. There are days I stare at my phone, wondering how they could forget about me when I have sacrificed so much for them. I wonder if they have forgotten how I went without a shower because they had to get to an activity. Don’t they remember how I stayed up until 2 a.m. baking the cookies they promised their class for the next day but didn’t tell me about until they were heading to bed?

Of course, that was in the olden days when moms could actually BAKE and didn’t have to send pre-packaged, gluten-free, peanut-free snacks in sealed containers, with a side order of EpiPens in case you weren’t properly informed of a random child’s allergy to Red Dye #42.

As I stare at the screen, waiting for it to ring “Sweet Child of Mine,” and my heart aches a little, I reflect on how God might feel as He waits for me to call upon Him.

I’m sure He is thinking, “Okay lady, put down the Oreo and FOCUS. I am your Lord and Savior. I sacrificed My only Son and spent millennia inspiring men to write a pretty comprehensive instruction guide on how to live your life. Can’t you be quiet for five minutes and talk to ME about what is going on? I can make it all better with the blink of an eye. I’m here for you. ALWAYS.”

But He doesn’t. He waits patiently for us to settle down and look to Him. He already knows what we need, but He does like to hear it directly from us. He’s probably tapping His toe after cracking open an ice-cold soda, legs crossed, just waiting. Once we make eye contact, He unfurls His robe and lets us crawl up in His lap, wrapping us up for a little comfort as we unload our cares and worries. The reward for His patience should be a few words of praise.

Like when my phone rings and I see “SPAWN” pop up on the caller ID, there is a smile and the knowledge that we are needed.

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

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