🍑Free Swimming, Peach-flavored Icecream, and the Gamer’s Guild

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Spring Break is heating up with open swims for the whole family, and the chance to earn serious bragging rights before summer even starts. Over at Soldiers & Sailors Park, kids are gearing up for an epic Easter Egg Hunt — and yes, the Easter Bunny will be ready for his close-up. It’s a full lineup of fun, sunshine, and a little bit of friendly candy-fueled chaos.

Let’s check it out.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🐰Easter Fundraiser
⚾️PHS Sports Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
⛪️My Easter Story
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🪈Flute 66
🦋Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Brooke Clausen 🍰!

• HEADS UP: I’m on vacation next week! I think I’ll be able to get one newsletter out for you at some point. But I’ll be soaking up some Florida sun and (gulp) Disney World.

• BCR: State police still seek suspect(s) in Interstate 80 roofing nails incident

• The Bureau County Metro Center is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course this spring, providing students a chance to gain valuable life-saving skills and a competitive edge in the job market. The course will be held during Spring Break, April 14–16, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Metro Center pool. The BCMC will alost offer open swim sessions at 12:30 PM each day Monday through Friday during Spring Break next week. Families are welcome to enjoy the pool and take advantage of the special open swim hours.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League reminds families that online registration for T-ball is open until April 30, 2025. Sign up now to get your child ready for the season. I signed up my preschooler, John, and whoo boy this Summer will be entertaining.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton invites kids ages 0–10 to their Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 at 10:30 a.m. in Soldiers & Sailors Park. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available from 10–11 a.m.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites runners to the Princeton Mile on June 7 at 10:00 AM. Registration is $25. Register here or call the Chamber at 815-875-2616.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 4-10-2025

📍Outside City Limits

• Fatal Accident In Peru Involves Electric Bike

• "Overwhelming Demand" Leads To IV Food And Deli To Close Early

• Illinois Bill Aims to Ban Indigenous Mascots in Schools by 2028

• Chronic wasting disease detected in four more Illinois counties

• The Chainsmokers Set to Headline Illinois State Fair on August 15, 2025

• Secret Church: The Gospel of Matthew — Visit Cornerstone Community Wellness in Sheffield for this evening event on Friday, April 11, from 6:00 PM to midnight. David Platt, a well-known pastor and writer with a passion for missions, will be live-streamed as he does a six-hour teaching on the Gospel of Matthew. This lengthy teaching is reflective of the persecuted church in other countries where Christianity is illegal, resulting in Christians gathering only a few times a year and late into the night. Tickets are required and cost $14 per ticket, which includes a guided scripture journal as well as snacks. If interested, please register here.

🐰GATEWAY EASTER FUNDRAISER

Only two weeks until the Easter Bunny arrives. Order candy-filled eggs to be scattered around your yard for Easter morning fun. Options include 25 eggs for $20, 50 eggs for $37.50, 75 eggs for $52.50, or 100 eggs for $65. Add-ons include treat bags for pets for $5 and personalized signs for $7.50. Delivery available in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam counties and others, or pickup in Princeton. Order deadline is April 14 at 4 PM. Order form: https://forms.gle/Y3pgeVEXUCSJfLaBA

⚾️PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Saturday, April 12

Soccer

• Varsity Girls – PHS Varsity Tournament – Home – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM ⚽

Track & Field

• Varsity Boys – Don Gooden Invite – Away – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM 🏃‍♂️

Softball

• Varsity Girls @ Sherrard – Away – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 🥎

Baseball

• Varsity Boys @ Sherrard – Away – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM ⚾

• Sophomore Boys vs Sherrard – Home – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ⚾

Tennis

• Varsity Boys @ Sterling – Away – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 🎾

Monday, April 14

Tennis

• Varsity Boys vs Peoria Christian – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🎾

Baseball

• Varsity Boys vs Mendota – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM ⚾

Softball

• Varsity Girls vs Morris – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🥎

Track & Field

• F-S Boys – PHS F/S Tournament – Away – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 🏃‍♂️

Tuesday, April 15

Track & Field

• Varsity Boys – Howard-Monier Invite – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🏃‍♂️

Thursday, April 17

Tennis

• Varsity Boys vs Streator – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🎾

Baseball

• Varsity Boys @ Mendota – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM ⚾

• Sophomore Boys vs Mendota – Home – CANCELLED ❌

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Mostly sunny skies. High 65°F. Winds south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 46°F. Winds southeast at 10 to 15 mph.

🌤️Sunday: Partly sunny. High 73°F. Winds south-southeast at 15 to 25 mph. Sunday Night: Considerable cloudiness. Low around 50°F. Winds south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Monday: Cloudy early then partly cloudy and windy later in the day. High 62°F. Winds west-northwest at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts over 40 mph. Monday Night: Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39°F. Winds south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph.

🌤️Tuesday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 60°F. Winds west at 15 to 25 mph. Tuesday Night: Clear to partly cloudy. Low 37°F. Winds northwest at 10 to 20 mph.

⛅️Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 63°F. Winds west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy skies with showers developing late. Low 46°F. Winds south at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.32
Casey’s West/North: $3.35
Beck’s West/North: $3.35
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.35
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.35

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.19

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Brody Anderson

Reason for Nomination: “Brody made scholastic bowl an important part of the High School, instead of just sports being in the forefront. This will take the students far in life!”

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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⛪️MY EASTER STORY

The public is invited to Princeton Bible Church this Palm Sunday weekend for the choir musical “My Easter Story.”  Performances will be on Saturday,  April 12 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, April 13 at 10:15 am at Princeton Bible Church auditorium. No admission will be charged. 

Choir members will dramatize an evening of reminiscing around the campfire as the followers of Jesus recall how He changed their lives, giving them new life. Choir members include (left to right) Katie McCoy, Grace Griffin, Jody Bodamer, Debbie Pease, Deb Basile, Phil Turner, Paul Trotter, Rob Jensen, Shelley Barnett, Jean Whaples, Kate Butler, Chariss Hoffman, and Cheryl Thierry. Absent from the photo are Beverly Neff and Justin Bullington. The musical is directed by Marty Kiser. 

Princeton Bible Church is located 2 miles northeast of Princeton on Us Highway 34. Join us! 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Meadows On Main is offering 20% off all Easter-themed merchandise for a limited time. Shoppers can enjoy savings on festive decor, ornaments, and seasonal gifts while supplies last.

• Dairy Queen is featuring peach-flavored sundaes, shakes, and Blizzards for a limited time only. Customers are encouraged to stop in soon to enjoy these seasonal treats before they are gone. Dairy Queen reminds customers to place their Easter cake orders by 2:00 PM on April 17 by visiting dqcakes.com or calling 815-872-1721. Their festive spring cakes are perfect for holiday celebrations and are available for a limited time.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store highlights their affordable, family-friendly shopping experience, offering the best prices in town and a newly added diaper-changing station for customer convenience. Donations of gently used clothing and household items help support Friends of Strays animal rescue, allowing shoppers to make a difference while clearing out their closets.

• The Bureau County Metro Center invites families to an Underwater Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 18 at 4:00 PM at the Metro Center Pool. Participants can register online at registration.princetonparkdistrict.org or call 815-872-0840, with chances to win candy and a free pool party by finding the golden egg.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is running a special deal all April long, offering two 60-foot rolls of Ace brand electrical tape for just $3, regularly priced at $1.99 each. Shoppers can stock up on this everyday essential at a discounted price while supplies last.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has announced that their popular Strawberry Cheesecake flavor is now available for purchase in convenient half-gallon containers. Fans of the locally made, family-owned brand can now stock up on this creamy, fruity treat.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites families to an Easter Egg Hunt at the Princeton Moose Lodge today at 11:00 AM. Guests are encouraged to follow the Princeton Moose Lodge on Facebook to stay updated on future events.

• Bean Buzz is featuring a lineup of Easter-themed drinks, including the Marshmallow Peep Latte, Reese’s Peanut Butter Bunny Latte or Frappe, Cadbury Crème Egg Latte, and the Jelly Bean Frappe. These seasonal coffee and frappe creations are packed with festive flavors like amaretto, peanut butter mocha, and cherry-vanilla with sprinkles and jelly beans.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will host a craft class “Let’s Get Crafty with Tracy” on Thursday, May 22 at 6 PM. $25 fee. Call 815-879-3981 to reserve your spot. Location: 16 West Marion Street, Princeton, IL 61356.The Bureau County Senior Center will host a craft class “Let’s Get Crafty with Tracy” on Thursday, May 22 at 6 PM. $25 fee. Call 815-879-3981 to reserve your spot. Location: 16 West Marion Street, Princeton, IL 61356.

• Little Blue Dress in Princeton posted about their new clothing arrivals and encouraged customers to visit the store to shop the latest pieces. They are promoting modern, versatile styles.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment reminded shoppers that they get new inventory daily with savings of up to 80% off regular retail prices. Their shop is located at 225 Backbone Rd E #5 behind Sullivans and they are open until 6:00 PM.

• Five 22 added pops of spring color with their latest arrivals, including a bright green textured top and stretchy, comfortable new denim jeans. Shoppers can view and purchase items at https://shopfive22.com/products/amazingly-hr-slim-straight and https://shopfive22.com/products/s-s-textured-knit-top-green.

• Optimal Health in Princeton announced that new gluten-free Against the Grain pitas and dinner rolls are now available in their store. These healthier bakery choices are part of their growing selection of small-town grocery offerings.

• Once Upon A Craft showcased their Easter-themed painter kits featuring wooden bunny shapes and mini paint pots, perfect for Easter baskets or classroom gifts. They encouraged customers to message them directly for bulk pricing for schools.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering is now taking reservations for Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Breakfast from 8 AM–2 PM, brunch starts at 10 AM. Featured dishes include stuffed pork loin, chicken broccoli alfredo, broiled cod, caramel bread pudding, and drink specials.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course is now open for the season, with season tickets available for purchase. Planned events include a Men’s Scramble on April 26, a Two-Man Better Ball on April 28, and the start of Men’s League Play on April 30. Additional events include the Ladies Opening Scramble on May 1, Junior Golf returning in June, and club fitting days on May 7 and May 21.

• Room 303 at The Knox Hotel, also known as the “Pink Room,” is a charming, education-themed space inspired by Princeton High School, the oldest high school in Illinois. Sponsored by Bruce McVety in memory of his wife Elaine McVety, a beloved history teacher, the room reflects her passion for education, vibrant art, and local heritage, and features a faux balcony overlooking Main Street.

• Boek-el-ZOO reminds pet owners to plan ahead for summer vacations by booking boarding services for their exotic pets. Their care includes spa treatments, nail trimming, and customized enclosures to keep animals comfortable while owners are away.

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

Today:

🛍️ Craft & Vendor Show & Flea Market — Shop Easter crafts and flea market finds at the Craft & Vendor Show, from 9 AM–2 PM. Location: 811 W Peru St, Princeton, IL.

🖼️ LaMoille Schools: April Gallery Exhibit — View art from LaMoille students K–12 at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery from 1–3 PM. Location: 24 Park Ave E, Princeton, IL.

🎮 Grand Opening of The Gamers Guild Lounge — Celebrate the grand opening of The Gamers Guild Lounge with free gaming, VR demos, pizza, and drinks from 1–9 PM. Location: 104 N Main St, Princeton, IL.

🎶 Flute 66: A Musical Cross Country Concert — Enjoy performances by the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and Bloomington Normal Flute Ensemble at the Prairie Arts Center at 3 PM. Location: 24 Park Ave E, Princeton, IL.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Heartland Bank and Trust Company is seeking a full-time Relationship Banker at their Princeton, IL location. This role serves as the frontline representative of the bank, welcoming customers, delivering excellent service, and offering financial solutions. Pay ranges from $17.95 to $23.84 an hour. Responsibilities include creating a personalized customer experience, opening and servicing accounts, promoting bank products, and helping minimize fraud risks. To apply, text “2191” to (309) 322-9911.

• The Bureau County Senior Citizens Association is looking for a full-time Transportation Coordinator/Driver at their Princeton, IL location. Pay starts at $15 an hour, with a Monday–Friday, 8-hour day shift schedule. Responsibilities include safely transporting seniors, maintaining records, inspecting vehicles, and delivering outstanding customer service. Benefits include a 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations.

• The Bureau County Highway Department is accepting applications for a full-time Highway Maintainer based in Princeton, IL. This role pays $29.34 an hour and involves maintaining highways, rural roads, and rights-of-way, including patching pavement, repairing guardrails, and clearing snow or brush. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Illinois CDL, and experience with manual labor, truck driving, and operating heavy equipment. Benefits include dental insurance, health insurance, and a flexible spending account. Applications are accepted online or in-person at 595 Elm Place, Princeton, IL, until Thursday, April 17, 2025.

🪈ENJOY THE ILLINOIS VALLEY FLUTE ENSEMBLE & BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL FLUTE CLUB IN PRINCETON

The Prairie Arts Council is excited to announce the Route “Flute” 66 concert on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center. The concert is free to the public, but a free-will donation will be taken. Described as “a musical cross-country trip following Route 66 from Chicago to California,” it will feature performances by the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and the Bloomington-Normal Flute Club.

The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble, established in 1991 and directed by Sue Gillio, is a premier performance group in central Illinois. Known for a diverse repertoire ranging from Bach to the Beatles, the ensemble is based in the scenic Starved Rock Country. With a membership of 20-25 players, the group maintains an active performance schedule and has appeared at notable events such as the Chicago Flute Club Festivals in 2001 and 2009, as well as at the Epiphany Center of the Arts in Chicago in 2023. The ensemble was honored to perform as one of three invited groups at the 37th Annual Principals Association Conference at the Peoria Civic Center in 2008. The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble also sponsors the annual Flute Day each February and hosts the Summer Flute Retreat every June.

The Bloomington-Normal Flute Club, founded in 2023 and directed by Rachel Bailey, is a dynamic and growing group that performs extensively in the Bloomington-Normal area. The ensemble is comprised primarily of adult flutists and aims to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for flutists of all experience levels. Rachel Bailey, a former student of Sue Gillio and an alumna of the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble, is a flute performer and instructor at the Music Shoppe in Normal, IL. The two ensembles previously collaborated on the program “Inspired by Starved Rock” in 2024.

This special concert is an exciting opportunity to enjoy the talents of these two esteemed flute ensembles as they embark on a musical journey across the country.

The Prairie Arts Center is located at 24 Park Ave. E. in Princeton. Founded in 1995, the Prairie Arts Council is dedicated to strengthening and supporting participation in the arts across North Central Illinois. Since its formation, it has sponsored hundreds of concerts, programs, exhibitions, productions, and classes for individuals of all ages and abilities. Programming is funded in part through grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The Closet.

🦋LETTER FROM LORI

I love to travel. In doing so, I get a lot of time to think, since I’m not distracted by everyday life and its duties. I crank up the radio, open the sunroof (when possible), and think and observe.

Recently, on my way to Michigan (my happy place), I noticed a little farmhouse. I have traveled this road dozens (maybe hundreds) of times. I had never noticed this particular home before. It got me thinking about its occupants. Who lived there? What was their history? Was it a family? Who drew up the plans for the house? Who decided to put up that little building? What was it originally used for? Who cut the lumber? Who nailed the boards? Did he (she?) smash their finger at all during construction? How long did it take? Was it a generational house that kids moved into when their parents aged?

SO MANY QUESTIONS. I’d never have answers to them all. I could have come up with a hundred more.

Then I looked around and saw another house. I asked the same questions to myself and realized there were literally millions of houses, homes, buildings, and situations I knew absolutely nothing about.

I felt very small and very insignificant. I realized that my life, which I thought was so rich and full, was a complete mystery to most of the world. Barely anyone knew about my childhood, my farm experience, and the fact that my dad owned a salmon fishing boat and a duck club. Only a tiny portion of the population knew that I own a pet store and have a tattooed sleeve that I began in my 56th year. How many people cared about the fact that I was recently in the hospital for a stupid loser leg? Not many…

WOW… my mind was blown. My world got HUGE and I became a dot.

It got even crazier when I thought about the fact that I was only considering the current population. What about the hundreds of generations that came before me, all the way back to caveman days — hunting woolly mammoths and taming dire wolves… an experience we may get again in the near future!

So, what does all of that imply? Does it mean that my existence has no meaning? Does it mean that my life and experiences are unimportant? Are my efforts futile when it comes to impacting my world?

Have you ever heard of the “Butterfly Effect”?

Our one, seemingly insignificant act can echo throughout the millions, billions, kazillions of people in the world, both present and future. Our life touches one, which touches another, which touches another, and so on and so forth.

It seems beyond comprehension in our limited little minds that there is Someone who knows it all. He not only knows it but helped create it. To wrap our brains around it all is impossible, but in my world anyway, I believe it to be true. And He sees far beyond the horizon and the field of flowers to where your butterfly will end up.

So, the next time you don’t think what you are doing makes a difference, take a step back… or take one million steps back… and observe your place in the universe.

Remember that though you are one, your life can change a countless amount of people and situations.

So make sure that the butterflies you release are colorful, beautiful, and positive.

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

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