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Good morning, neighbor. Especially Mrs. Cartwright’s class and the entire Lincoln school. These students rallied together to collect a remarkable array of donations for the Princeton Animal Control, showing immense compassion and community spirit. The effort was so successful that it required a second van to transport all the contributions. A heartfelt thank you to all the students and staff involved in this noble cause!

Princeton is the best. Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

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📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🛳️Bureau County Historical Society
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🚴Z Tour Pre-Party
🔥Things to Do This Week
📍Outside City Limits
🔨Local Roof Repair
🎧Listen To This Newsletter

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Kyle Anderson and Audra Greuel! 🎂

• Listen to this newsletter🎧

• Join the Rotary Club of Princeton for the delightful 3rd Annual ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo on Saturday, June 1st, at 11 AM at Rotary Park. Enjoy a variety of fresh grilled or fried shrimp, delicious hushpuppies, and coleslaw prepared by our Rotarians. The day promises loads of fun with live music, food trucks, and more.

• City of Princeton on Garbage Cans: “Please note these are not new garbage totes and do have some acceptable wear and tear. In order to not charge the residents for the totes we were given the option to buy used from Republic Services. We realize some cans may have stickers or markings on them, please feel free to clean these cans up. We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through this transition! Reminder: Recycle totes will be delivered at a later time…for those wanting to dispose of their old trash cans, we will have a designated drop off once all cans are distributed. An announcement will be made with more details.”

• Join in the fun at the Bureau County Fair Queen Pageants on July 28 at Bureau Valley High School. Categories include Little Miss (ages 6-8), Junior Miss (ages 12-14), and Miss (ages 16-21). Open to residents of Bureau County and, if fewer than 12 Miss contestants apply, neighboring counties. For applications and more information, email [email protected] or call Tracy Diehl at 309-507-2596. Don't miss this celebration of local talent and community spirit!

• Head to the Princeton Fire Department on May 25th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the intersection of South Main Street and Mechanic for the "Fill the Boot" fundraiser. Support the Muscular Dystrophy Association by donating to our firefighters as they collect funds to help individuals living with muscular dystrophy. For more details or to donate online, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit their website.

• The City of Princeton is inviting bids for a 2023 Electric Club Car Onward, customized with lifted wheels and compliant with city street legal requirements. Interested parties should submit their sealed bids starting at $12,500. Bids must be received by noon on May 6th, 2024, and can be either dropped off or mailed to City Hall at 2 S. Main St. Ensure envelopes are clearly marked "SEALED BID-ELECTRIC CLUB CAR." For pre-bid inspection or further queries, contact Chief Tom Kammerer at [email protected].

• Have items around the house you’d like to give away? Share it here. You just might meet a need in someone’s life.

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⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Partly cloudy skies dominate the day with temperatures peaking at 77°F. There is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms towards the evening as temperatures dip to 58°F. Light east-southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph will bring a 30% chance of night-time rain.

Thursday: The day will be mostly cloudy with a high of 75°F and northwestern winds at 10 to 20 mph. There’s a 50% chance of rain developing later in the night as temperatures settle at a low of 55°F.

Friday: Expect a high of 70°F after a cloudy start, with the skies clearing slightly by the afternoon. The chance of a rain shower persists but is slight. The evening promises clearer skies as temperatures fall to a low of 49°F. Winds will be from the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.71
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.74
Casey’s West/North: $3.77
Beck’s West/North: $3.77
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.77
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.77

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.15
Casey’s West/North: $3.92
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.99

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Healthcare workers can get a free drink at any Scooter’s Coffee location Friday, May 3. The company says the offer is good for any one drink of any size on the menu.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food announced their weekly schedule: open today through Friday, and for lunch only on Saturday. Lunch hours are from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, extending to 7:00 PM on Friday.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is excited to announce a special dinner for Father's Day weekend on June 15th and 16th. Honoring the spirit of Dick Marquis, a cherished father figure, the event will feature a pre-dinner cocktail courtesy of The Barrel Society, followed by a hearty four-course meal that promises to delight. To make the occasion even more memorable, a special keepsake will be given to all dads in attendance. The event is expected to be in high demand, so early reservations are recommended. Please contact Wild Ginger via email at [email protected] to secure your spot and celebrate the extraordinary dads in your life.

• Four Seasons is excited to bring back their popular "Steal & Deals" event! Now through May 2nd, enjoy a whopping 50% off on wearable items. This limited-time offer is available both in-store and online, allowing you to shop comfortably from anywhere. Please note that the selection may vary by store and the discount is not applicable to previous purchases nor can it be combined with other offers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to update your wardrobe at a fantastic price. Shop now.

• The Princeton Park District is offering group swim lessons from June 3rd to June 13th at Alexander Pool. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday for two consecutive weeks with sessions at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Limited to 20 participants per session, ensure your spot by registering here or by contacting the Bureau County Metro Center.

• Wild Honey Boutique is gearing up for Mother's Day and other spring events! They remind you not to forget the special days coming up—Mother's Day, Teachers' Day on May 7th, and Nurses Day on May 12th. They invite you to visit the store today from 10 AM to 5:30 PM to find the perfect gifts. Additionally, make any purchase worth $50 on May 10th, 11th, or 12th to enter a chance to win a Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Card.

• Mattie's on Main invites you to explore their latest collection of unique antique finds. They have everything from vintage furniture and decorative pieces to historical maps. Perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their home. Stop by and discover something special at Mattie's on Main today.

• Grace Cafe is offering a Mother's Day Buffet with a variety of choices including scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and strawberries & cream French toast. For lunch, there are options like salmon, chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, lasagna, and salad. Assorted desserts will round out the meal.

• The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home is offering a special deal for the month of May: they will be deducting the sales tax on any grave markers purchased during this period.

• Sisler's Ice Cream is rolling out delicious May specials starting today, inspired by a beloved mother in honor of Mother's Day. This month features two delightful treats: the Strawberry Cheesecake Shake—a scrumptious strawberry cheesecake milkshake with a strawberry drizzle and whipped cream topping—and the Caramel Latte Float, which combines vanilla ice cream with a caramel drizzle, topped with iced coffee and whipped cream. Make sure to try these limited-time offerings while they last!

• Prepare for summer at Optimal Health with the Skin Drink body care line, currently offering a promotion where you can buy two products and get one free. Customers are encouraged to mix and match products to find the best fit for their skin needs.

• Join Pin Splitter Lanes for summer fun with events for all ages. Enjoy the Bowling Clinic on Fridays, the 9 Pin League on select Thursdays with a free beer pitcher per team, bi-weekly Bags Tournaments with beer perks, and Unlimited Bowling every Monday evening. Prices start at $10 with additional shoe rental if necessary.

🛳️BUREAU COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Explore the Depths of Titanic History with Expert Peter Cook

Join us on Saturday, May 11, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Bureau County History Center for an enthralling afternoon with renowned Titanic historian Peter Cook. With an impressive collection of Titanic books, artifacts, and even items retrieved from the wreckage, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and tangible history to his discussions. A dedicated member of both the British Titanic Society and the Titanic Historical Society based in Massachusetts, he has also been involved with the Belfast Titanic Society, reflecting his deep connection to the ship's storied past.

Peter's journeys to Titanic-related sites, including the Harland & Wolff Shipbuilding Yard in Belfast where the Titanic was built, and Southampton, where it embarked on its ill-fated voyage, have further enriched his insights, which he is eager to share with you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the final days of the Titanic, learn about the personal stories interwoven with its journey, and maybe even take home a piece of history with our door prizes. This event is perfect for history buffs and enthusiasts of all ages.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 11

• Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• Location: Venue 450, 450 S. Main Street, Princeton.

• Tickets: $15.00 for BCHC Members (+$2.85 Fee), $18.00 for Non-Members (+$3.05 Fee)

Secure your ticket today and step back into history!

👷PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Illinois Valley Credit Union is on the lookout for a dedicated Teller/Member Service Representative in Princeton. The role promises a full-time opportunity complete with a suite of benefits, including 401(k), dental, health, vision insurance, and paid time off. Candidates should bring enthusiasm for providing outstanding service and a readiness to handle a range of responsibilities, including loan payments and account transactions. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. This is a great chance for those seeking a stable career in financial services with a supportive team. Apply on Indeed or in person.

• AmericInn Lodge & Suites in Princeton is looking for a part-time Front Desk Receptionist for the 3 pm - 11 pm shift, offering training, a starting wage of $14.00 per hour, employee discounts, and a flexible schedule. The job requires enjoyment of public interaction, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and basic computer and typing knowledge. Responsibilities include guest check-ins, handling cash and cards, and ensuring guests feel welcome throughout their stay.

• The City of Princeton is looking to hire a Utility Billing Clerk. This role involves various accounting duties including billing and cash receipting, and also acting as a receptionist for telephone and walk-in customers. Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid Illinois Driver's License, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. The ideal candidate should possess strong written, verbal, and customer service skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. The starting salary range is $35,000 to $40,000, depending on qualifications, along with an excellent benefits package. The City of Princeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Applications and job descriptions can be accessed online or picked up at the City Hall, located at 2 South Main Street, Princeton, IL. Applications are due by May 10th.

🚴Z TOUR PRE-PARTY

Kick Off Your Weekend with the Z Tour Pre-Party!

Get ready for an exhilarating start to your cycling weekend at the Z Tour Pre-Party on Friday, June 21st, starting at 5:00 PM! Held at the scenic Frontier Lawn and Apollo Theater located within the Prouty Building, this event promises an evening filled with exciting activities and entertainment.

• Pre-Ride Registration: Get set for your ride with early registration.

• Handcrafted Cocktails: Enjoy a selection of expertly mixed drinks perfect for a summer evening.

• Live Music: Experience the vibrant sounds of local musicians.

• Late Night Shopping: Explore unique shopping opportunities right at the event.

• Exclusive Screening of ‘Bike Vessel’: Don’t miss this special screening hosted alongside stars of the film. ‘Bike Vessel’ is a participatory documentary that chronicles the journey of Seals and filmmaker Eric as they cycle from St. Louis to Chicago. The film offers a personal look into Seals' health-focused cycling journey and a glimpse into the life of a working-class family in the Midwest.

Join us for an unforgettable evening and get into the spirit of Z Tour with fellow cycling enthusiasts and community members. This pre-party is the perfect preamble to your cycling adventure!

Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets!

🔥THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• Join the Princeton Public Library for a delightful gathering of knitting, crocheting, and fiber arts enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, "Chicks with Sticks" offers a wonderful opportunity to learn new stitches, share patterns, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow crafters. This event is free to the public and welcomes everyone. Don't miss out on this chance to weave creativity into your routine and meet new friends who share your passion for yarn crafts. The event will be held today at 5:30 PM.

• The Knack is hosting an event where participants can listen to Taylor Swift’s newest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," while painting pottery. The event is on May 3rd from 6-8 pm. Tickets are $13 on the website and can also be purchased at the event. The ticket includes studio fee and refreshments, but pottery is not included. Attendees will be provided with decorations, themed pottery, and stencil options for a creative and musical experience. More details are available on their website, theknackprinceton.com/events.

• The Joseph Huber Band will be performing live at Barrel Society on Friday, May 3rd, from 7 PM to 10 PM. This is part of the Alley Session series by Barrel Society, located at 930 N Main St. The event is public and attendees are encouraged to add it to their calendars. Joseph Huber, mentioned by L.A. Weekly as one of the "10 Country Artists To Listen To," has been compared to notable songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, and has shared the stage with many artists. He has released five solo records, and his latest album is described as a mix between social and personal spheres with rock and folk elements. An $8 donation is suggested for the event.

• "Movies Through the Decades Trivia Night," hosted by Downtown Pub & Grill, is taking place on Friday, May 3rd at 7 PM. It's a public event located at 432 S Main St. The trivia night includes a dress-up contest with the theme of favorite movie characters or decade fashion. Participants have the chance to win a $50 gift card. Entry is free, teams can have up to 6 members, and interested individuals can reserve spots by phone call.

• “Choir Outing at People Church” is happening on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 AM at People Church, 3225 N Main St. Attendees can expect to hear inspiring stories of transformation and healing through the Adult & Teen Challenge program, emphasizing the power of Jesus Christ and Christian Discipleship. The event celebrates the daily miracles witnessed by the organization and invites the public to join in the worship experience.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• MPD: Woman dies at hospital after being rescued from Lake Mendota last week

• “Approximately 50 area residents turned out to a meeting Monday evening to sign petitions against a proposal to change the name of Starved Rock State Park.”

• “No, this retro video rental movement in Illinois will not bring back the fully-stocked stores of the 80' and 90's. But, it's a good-hearted attempt at using an honor system to pass down the love of that movie rental era.”

• Parlor Coffee & Cream Co. in Sheffield is excited to announce its new seasonal drink menu for May! The lineup includes tantalizing options like the Turtle Praline Latte, Raspberry Almond Latte, Wild Berry Macchiato, and Blueberry Crumble Cold Brew, among others. Each drink is crafted with unique flavors and combinations, perfect for welcoming the warmer days.

• The Buda Fire Department proudly announces the 1st Annual Buda Car, Truck, and Bike Show on July 27, at the fire station on Main St. The event kicks off at 9:00 AM with a $10 entry fee. All proceeds will benefit the Buda Fire Department. For more information or questions, contact Nathan Headley at 815-303-2972. Save the date and show off your vehicle or enjoy the view!

🔨LOCAL ROOF REPAIR

• Key Builders: 815-875-6144

• C & S Roofing Co.: 815-875-2976

• TC Construction: 815-876-0645

• A & M Gutterman: 815-663-2001

• Pinter General Contracting: 815-663-0201

• Ramsey Roofing: 815-878-8784

• Custom Roofers III: 815-376-7663