🎫Golden Tickets, Chicken Parm, and Second Story

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Good morning, Princeton friends. Good to be back. Florida was warm, Disney was wild! Whether you’re digging into $2 garden soil, sipping lemon raspberry ice cream, or dancing your heart out at summer intensives, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the this town. Just save room for chicken parm subs and golden ticket bookshop adventures—because apparently, we don’t do stuff halfway.

Let’s have at it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥁Down in Mainstreet
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🚶‍♂️Second Story
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
🎭Summer Drama Camp
🚔Local Arrests
🗓️This Week at Princeton High School
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Nancy Carper! 🎈

• BCR: The council ultimately chose to keep Wittenauer as city manager after more than 100 people attended the meeting and 10 people commented in support of her, despite entering Tuesday’s meeting with the possibility that it would break closed session with a vote on her future.

• SRM: Local vets awarded "Quilts of Valor" in Princeton Saturday

• 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.

• The 8th Grade Dance Committee is collecting donations to fund a special celebration for Logan Jr. High 8th graders, including dinner, ice cream, music, and a photo booth, hosted at Chapel Hill Golf Course. Donations can be made via check to “LJHS 8th Grade Dance 2025,” Venmo to @Jessica-Strouss-1, or PayPal to [email protected] (note “8th Grade Dance” in the memo).

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce is raffling off a golf cart with tickets available for $50, and only 400 will be sold before the drawing on Friday, April 25th at the Chamber’s Annual Celebration Luncheon. Tickets can be purchased at Shane’s Shine Shop, Princeton Auto Group, the Chamber office, or from any board member or ambassador.

• The Princeton Boots Vs. Badges Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, May 13 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.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch at 545 S 5th St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $139,000 and offers 1,271 sq ft on a 0.25-acre corner lot. Built in 1966, the home includes a 2-car garage and recent updates such as a new walk-in shower (2024), updated bathroom flooring (2025), a sealed driveway, and a new garage door opener. Washer and dryer have been replaced, and the property is landscaped with flowers, shrubs, and trees ready for spring. The primary bedroom is 10’ x 14’, with additional bedrooms measuring 9’ x 11’ and 9’ x 9’. The property is cozy and well-maintained, with appliances included. This is a great location for buyers looking for an affordable, move-in-ready home.

• This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-level home at 1051 Lora Ave, Princeton, IL, is listed for $200,000 and offers 1,441 sq ft on a 0.25-acre lot. Built in 1972, the main floor features a living room, dining room, and updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a peninsula with seating. A sliding glass door opens to a large deck and a fully fenced backyard. The upper level contains all three bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level provides a second living space with a wood-burning fireplace, half bath, and laundry room with storage. The home also includes an attached 2-car garage and is move-in ready.

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 1202 W Margaret Dr, Princeton, IL, is listed for $230,000 and offers 1,752 sq ft on a 0.28-acre lot. Built in 1966, it features a one-level open floor plan connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Highlights include a spacious front porch, a 3-season sunroom, and a garage with a heated bonus room perfect for storage or hobbies. Recent updates include a new sewer line (2023), a newer roof (3–5 years old), and updated windows. The hall bathroom has a walk-in shower, and electric baseboard heat offers zoned temperature control. A 2-car attached garage and a storage shed add to the functionality of this well-maintained home.

🥁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 cloudy with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. The high hits 74°F with south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Thunderstorms are possible overnight with a low of 53°F. Winds turn southerly at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances are at 50%.

🌥️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy in the morning becoming partly cloudy later. A few thunderstorms possible with a high near 79°F. Winds from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Showers may return at night with a low of 55°F and east winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 30%.

🌦️Thursday: A few showers possible. The high climbs to 80°F with north-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Mostly cloudy at night with showers developing and a low of 56°F. Winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 30%.

⛅️Friday: Cloudy early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon with a few thunderstorms. High of 69°F with northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Skies stay mostly cloudy overnight with a low near 50°F. Winds shift to east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 30%.

☁️Saturday: Skies are mostly cloudy with a high of 68°F. Winds from the east-southeast at 10 to 15 mph. A few clouds overnight and a low of 48°F. Winds hold steady from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 20%.

⛽️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

🚶‍♂️‍➡️FROM THE SECOND STORY TEEN CENTER

From Facebook: For over 15 years, Jeff and Dana VanAutreve, along with dedicated volunteers and donors, have made a safe space for teens to come and be themselves. Last night we were blessed with several of those teens returning who graduated years ago. It was amazing to see the efforts come full circle. While this chapter is closing, we know the next chapter for Second Story is bright indeed. Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to our amazing teens. We couldn't do it without all of you! See you in the NEW BUILDING!

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🎭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 16-27, from 2-5 PM. The camp cost is $100 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 27 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]

Payment is expected by June 2. 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 BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is offering Miracle-Gro All Purpose Garden Soil at 2 for $10, a significant discount from the regular $8.59 per bag. This deal is ideal for gardeners preparing for spring planting.

• The Knack will host a Mother & Daughter Sip and Paint Class on May 3rd from 5–7 p.m. Participants, ages 21 and up, will paint a butterfly canvas together for $35, with all materials provided.

• Paisano’s Ristorante introduced a new Chicken Parm Sub made with garlic bread, mozzarella, signature meat sauce, and two hand-battered chicken strips. This hearty sandwich has been added permanently to their menu.

• True Leaves Bookshop is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with donuts, coffee, prize wheel spins, exclusive sales, and a chance to find a hidden golden ticket for 12 free audiobooks. The event will feature Indie merch and one-day deals for visitors.

• Taylor’s Way is helping organize a tree-planting event at Oakland Cemetery on April 19th from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees can help plant 100 trees, enjoy coffee and doughnuts, and take home a free tree while supplies last.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has brought back its Lemon Raspberry flavor for the spring/summer season. This creamy lemon ice cream with a tart raspberry swirl is available by the scoop, pint, or half gallon.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is taking graduation orders for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candy. The Princeton-based business, owned by Julie Pinter, also offers catering for parties.

• 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.

• Hornbaker Gardens is officially open for the season and ready to welcome visitors. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monical’s Pizza shared a collection of current coupons, including deals like two 16” thin crust pizzas for $25.50 or 14” pizzas with up to three toppings for $18. Offers are valid through May 12, 2025.

• Boek-el-ZOO is placing their next order for fish and critters this week, and customers are encouraged to message with specific requests. A 50% deposit is needed by Thursday, and orders can be paid via PayPal, CashApp, or in-store.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats across from the Fairgrounds will host a Car Cruise on Friday, August 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 920 W. Peru St. in Princeton. The event features door prizes, music by AMC Sound DJ, and a 50/50 for Vehicles for Veterans.

• 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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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Eastbound I-80 in Bureau County will close from the Illinois 78 to Illinois 40 interchanges starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 for guardrail repairs, with a detour in place and reopening expected by 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Drivers should prepare for delays, follow detour signs, and remain alert in work zones.

• Walnut Doubles Disc Golf Tournament will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025

• The Wyanet Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast will take place on Sunday, April 27 from 7 AM to noon at the Wyanet Fire Department. The event features a free-will donation meal including pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, and drinks, plus 50/50 drawings and raffles.

• Severe weather prompts one tornado warning Sunday

• An always-fatal neurological illness that affects white-tailed deer has been discovered in several more Illinois counties, sparking concern among wildlife officials.

🗓️THIS WEEK AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

RMN: Princeton High School placed 4th with 59 points at the Rollie Morris Invitational, highlighted by Josie Sierens winning the pole vault at 7’0” and several top finishes by Jocelyn Strouss, Alexandra Waca, and Danika Burden in relays and distance events. The team achieved multiple personal and season bests despite battling spring break rust and recent illness, according to Coach Patrick Hodge.

Tuesday, April 22

🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️ Ferris Invitational – 4:30 PM

🎾 Boys Tennis vs United Township – 4:30 PM

Thursday, April 24

⚾️ Baseball vs Erie-Prophetstown (F/S – 4:30 PM)

Friday, April 25

⚾️ Baseball vs Riverdale (F/S – 4:30 PM)

⚽️ Soccer vs Ottawa (Varsity – 4:30 PM, F/S to follow)

Saturday, April 26

🎾 Boys Varsity Tennis Invitational – 9:00 AM

🍿AT THE APOLLO

MINECRAFT (PG)

A hilarious, action-packed adventure inspired by the global video game phenomenon, where a group of misfit heroes must save their pixelated world.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

KING OF KINGS (PG)

A moving and faith-filled story from Angel Studios that brings the life and message of Jesus to the big screen with heartfelt impact.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

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

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