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Good morning, Princeton friends. On this day in 1995, a powerful outbreak of tornadoes swept across central Illinois, striking Hancock, Henderson, and Warren counties. Among them was a violent F4 tornado that caused widespread destruction, demolished homes, and injured 45 people. The storm marked one of the most severe weather events in Illinois during the 1990s.

The more you know.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥁Down in Mainstreet
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🎗️Help Scott Fight Cancer
❓Trivia
💼Princeton Businesses
🐾Paws on Park Avenue
🐴Wonderful Junction Vacation Bible School
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• WLPO: Princeton mail carriers collect over four tons of food Saturday

• Dean and Linda were high school sweethearts, and were two years apart. A week after Linda graduated high school, she and Dean got married at 17 and 19 years old on May 22, 1955. They had four children, Deanna, Danette, Dennis, and Derron, and moved from Kansas, to Iowa, then to Princeton, IL before they settled down in Monticello, IL. Dean and Linda were able to celebrate with over 30 loved ones, and four generations of the Howarter family made it to the party.

• The Princeton Boots Vs. Badges Blood Drive is set for today, May 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Princeton Fire Department, with appointments available through ImpactLife by phone or QR code.

• The Princeton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 125 will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Legion Post located at 1549 W. Peru Street. During this meeting, members will assemble Memorial Day gift bags to honor and support local veterans.

• Lunch in the Park returns every Friday from 11 AM–1 PM at Soldiers & Sailors Park beginning May 16 and running through September 26. Each week features a different group serving lunch and hosting a bake sale.

• Historian Jim Gibbons will be giving a talk about World War II on Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Bureau County Genealogical Society, located at 629 S. Main Street.

• The Z Tour Bike Ride is coming up on June 21, and registration is now open. Sign up and get all the event details here.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is now taking registrations for Youth Swim Camp. Improve swimming skills and stay active this summer—register by visiting the Metro Center or online here.

• Festival 56 in Princeton is offering up three paid apprentice positions this summer for people between the ages of 14 and 22. Over 8 weeks, each apprentice will be assigned to work in one or more areas including, but not limited to directing, scene design, lighting and sound, production, and public relations.

• Princeton Junior Woman’s Club is accepting registrations for its Safety Town program, running June 16–27 at Douglas School from 9–11 a.m. The program teaches 4- and 5-year-olds about traffic, fire, and personal safety with hands-on activities and special guests.

📍Outside City Limits

• RMN: Fatal Collision on 1250 N Avenue in Bureau County Under Investigation by Authorities

• Cicadas start to emerge across the U.S.; how will Missouri and Illinois be impacted?

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Princeton offers 1,540 square feet of living space and is listed for $166,500. The layout includes 3 bedrooms and a full bath upstairs, with an additional bedroom and full bath on the main level. Features include a wood-burning fireplace, separate dining room, enclosed side porch, and a new oversized 4-car garage built in 2024. The home also boasts new furnace and A/C systems, updated upstairs bathroom, and newly installed vinyl windows.

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home near the hospital and Zearing Park offers 1,755 square feet of living space and is listed for $198,000. It features a remodeled enclosed front porch, hardwood floors, a fireplace, and built-ins in the kitchen and dining area. The layout includes two bedrooms downstairs and one large upstairs room that could be divided into two. The home also includes a full unfinished basement with laundry, shower, and battery backup sump pump, and all appliances stay.

• This $389,000 property on US Hwy 34 near Princeton includes 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,112 sq ft on 5 acres. It features a 3+ car garage and three outbuildings with updated electrical service and a drive rated for a 96,000-pound load. Recent updates include new windows, central air, drywall, electrical, and plumbing. The shed is ready for livestock, and the yard includes mature trees, a gazebo, and is located in the Princeton school district.

🥁2025 DOWN ON MAIN SUMMER STREET CONCERT SERIES

The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series will be back in Princeton this summer. Here are the dates!

Friday, June 20: Mae Estes

Friday, July 18: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Friday, Aug. 8: Face 2 Face, the Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Show

Thursday, Sept. 4: Electric Avenue

Saturday, Oct. 18: Heidelberg German Band for Oktoberfest

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅️Today: Partly sunny with a chance of an isolated thunderstorm. High near 80°F with south-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Evening turns partly cloudy with a low around 63°F and south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 30%.

⛅️Wednesday: Intervals of sun and clouds with a slight chance of storms in northwest Illinois. High around 87°F with south winds at 10 to 20 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low near 65°F. Winds stay from the south at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 20%.

🥵Thursday: Hot and breezy with possible afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Some storms may be severe. High near 90°F with south-southeast winds at 10 to 25 mph. Thunderstorms taper off overnight with a low of 60°F and west-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Rain chance 30%.

☀️Friday: Mainly sunny except for a few afternoon clouds. High near 79°F with west-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Skies remain partly cloudy at night with a low around 53°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 20%.

💨Saturday: A few clouds with gusty winds. High near 76°F with west winds at 15 to 25 mph. Gusts may exceed 40 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low around 51°F and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 10%.

⛅️Sunday: Partly cloudy with a high near 72°F. North-northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy skies remain into the night with a low around 50°F and northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity remains elevated.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.27
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.15
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🛍 Extended Shopping Hours – Princeton shops stay open late on Thursday, May 15 from 4–8 PM for the first of five extended shopping nights. Participating Chamber Member retailers will host fun promos monthly through September on the third Thursday.

✂️ Pruning Workshop at Hornbaker Gardens – Learn how and when to prune trees and shrubs at a free hands-on workshop at Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 North Ave, Princeton on Saturday, May 24 at 10 AM. No registration required.

🎸 Sweetwater at The Hawg House Saloon – Celebrate Memorial Day Sunday with live music at Hawg House Saloon on Sunday, May 25, from 3-7 PM.

🌳 Homestead Lawn Event – A community event at Owen Lovejoy Homestead on Saturday, June 14, from 5-7 PM to raise funds and celebrate local traditions.

🏠 Annual Covenant Children’s Home Reunion – A gathering for past residents, staff, and volunteers at Simon Conference Center on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM-4 PM. Donations welcome.

🥿 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A one-mile walk in downtown Princeton to support DV and SV survivors on Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Activities, teams, and prizes.

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🎗️HELP SCOTT FIGHT CANCER AGAIN

From the GoFundMe Page: Hello, my husband Scott was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021. He underwent chemotherapy followed by the removal of the bottom two lobes of his right lung.

In 2023, his cancer had returned to the remaining bronchial tube, which led to the removal of the entire lung. We thought we had finally beaten it.

Following the removal, we faced a massive infection in the lung cavity that left Scott in the hospital for six weeks with multiple surgeries.

In September of 2024, Scott's cancer had returned, and he underwent radiation. In May, we found yet again his cancer had returned. Scott is undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for the next six weeks at the Mayo Clinic.

We have traveled to the Mayo Clinic for the last five years, and because of the multiple appointments daily, Scott will have to stay in the area. We are asking for help to aid in the cost for accommodations for travel and lodging. We are not ones to look for handouts and have really just exhausted all avenues to fight this horrible disease.

Scott is a resident of Tiskilwa, Illinois. He has three beautiful daughters and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He has been inspiration during this battle and always has looked light during dark times.

Thank you for any donation; it is greatly appreciated. We have such a great village of supporters. Thank you for reading.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Tacos La Rosita will be at Goldwater Care in Princeton on Tuesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving a full menu of Mexican favorites. Guests can enjoy nachos, tacos, burritos, and more with a variety of meat options, plus sides and drinks.

• Four Seasons is offering 25% off your entire purchase with code SUNSHINE, now through May 18, 2025. Free shipping applies to orders over $75 before discount (some exclusions apply).

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware still has a wide selection of vibrant flowers available—perfect for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift or to brighten up your yard this spring.

• Second Story Teen Center reminds everyone there are only a few days left to contribute to their shoe drive. You can donate online or swing by in person for a quick visit.

• Wild Honey Boutique has restocked sunnies, shorts, tanks, and cups, and is open all week with extended hours on Thursday until 8 p.m. Stop in for cute spring styles and accessories.

• Bureau County Family Health now offers online scheduling for new and returning patients at their Princeton office. Visit bpchd.org to book appointments with Catching Joy Midwifery or Collective Family Health.

• Princeton Public Library events this week include a Tuesday storytime, Wednesday Music Jam, and Thursday’s Dungeons & Dragons at 3:30 p.m. followed by Peter Wentworth-Sheilds at 6 p.m.; the Café is open Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Bureau County Senior Center invites you to join their cooking club on Wednesday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m. to prepare a hearty Amish breakfast casserole together.

• Hornbaker Gardens welcomes a new neighbor just 1.5 miles down the road—Wildflower, a peaceful, private getaway surrounded by nature. Learn more at thewildfloweril.com.

• Shane’s Shine Shop has the perfect $45 graduation gift tote filled with pro-grade car care products. Visit their shop at 611 N. Pleasant St. or reach out at shanesshineshop.com.

• Monical’s Pizza ran a Mother’s Day weekend special May 9–11 featuring heart-shaped thin-crust pizzas with up to three toppings for just $17.50—no code required for online orders.

• The Princeton Closet is launching extended store hours starting Thursday, with shopping open Thursday and Friday from 10–5:30 and Saturday from 9–5. Donations are still accepted Tuesday–Saturday from 9–3, and they urge donors not to leave items outside after hours.

• The Princeton Public Library is hosting a week of events including Monday Night Movie, Storytime Tuesday, and Chicks with Sticks Wednesday. The Page Turner Book Club meets Thursday at 6 p.m., and the Café will be open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has stocked up on colorful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Stop by to browse their vibrant spring selection and freshen up your garden.

• Miss Betsy’s is ready for graduation season with custom-colored sprinkles to match any school colors. You can order themed graduation donuts by calling or messaging them on Facebook.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe has a fresh stock of thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts. From mugs to candles and charming signs, there’s something special for every mom.

• Bureau County EMA encourages residents to sign up for their Rave Alert mass notification system for emergency weather and public safety alerts. Register by visiting readybureau.com. Bureau County EMA is located at 700 South Main St., Princeton, IL 61356.

• Pin Splitter Lanes now offers unlimited bowling on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $10. It’s a budget-friendly way to get some practice in or enjoy a fun night out.

• Main Street Dance Academy will host its Summer 2025 Camps and Intensives beginning with Rising Stars Dance Camp for K–1st grade from June 16–20. Weekly intensives run from June 23 through August 1, offering sessions in Jazz & Hip-Hop, Jumps/Leaps/Turns, Contemporary & Lyrical, and Conditioning & Choreography for students in grades 2–12, with tiered pricing starting at $55 and registration due by June 6.

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🐴WONDER JUNCTION VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School will be held at Princeton Bible Church from Sunday, June 8 to Thursday, June 12, 2025, running nightly from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The program is open to children ages 4 (fully potty trained) through 6th grade. The VBS theme is “Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory,” aiming to help kids know who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Activities include energetic assemblies with music, wacky intros, and a mission moment, followed by rotation through five fun stations. Registration is free, and a themed music CD is available for $2.50 at the registration table each evening. The event promises a joyful, Christ-centered experience for kids to grow in faith and wonder.

Register here

🐾PAWS ON PARK AVENUE

“Paws on Park Avenue” is happening Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Greenfield Retirement Home parking lot at 508 Park Avenue East. The event will feature the always-popular “Strut Your Mutt” Dog Parade. Attendees can browse a variety of offerings at the craft/vendor show and garage sale. There will also be a bake sale and a homemade BBQ meal available for purchase. All food sale proceeds will benefit local animal shelters. Anyone wishing to participate in the dog parade or vendor show must pre-register and fill out the required paperwork. Forms are available on Greenfield’s Facebook page or by visiting the facility directly. For more information, contact Chris at [email protected] or call 815-872-2261.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

THUNDERBOLTS (PG-13)

Marvel’s team of misfits is back—Yelena, Bucky, Red Guardian, and others unite for a covert mission that blurs the line between hero and villain. Explosive action, sharp humor, and a second shot at redemption.

• Daily (Tues–Sun): 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

• Sunday: Also at 1:15 PM*

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (PG-13)

A charming indie musical drama about a washed-up band reuniting on a remote island to rediscover friendship, purpose, and the joy of music. Sundance-approved, feel-good storytelling.

• Daily (Tues–Sun): 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

• Sunday: Also at 1:45 PM*

*The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

Tickets available at www.apolloprinceton.com or the box office.

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