🦸🏻‍♂️Home Town Heroes, Prom Dresses, and the 90’s

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Ah, yes, it’s Monday, Princeton. But I would be remised if I did not mention the PHS Wrestling State qualifiers. Casey Etheridge (4th) and Kane Dauber (5th) of Princeton secured medals at the IHSA Class 1A state wrestling championship. Meanwhile, their teammates Augustus Swanson, Ace Christiansen, and Cade Odell delivered strong performances, finishing among the top eight.

Great job, guys. Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🐣Egg Your Yard
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📍Outside City Limits
🎮90’s Nostalgia
🏀Upcoming in Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Travis Short 🍰!

• The Tigers boys basketball team beat the Golden Warriors 56-47 to end the regular season at 18-12.

• Voting is underway for NewsTribune Athlete of the Week. Nominees include Princeton’s Keighley Davis and Casey Etheridge.

• BCR: Princeton High School’s Scholastic Bowl team claimed its first-ever Three Rivers Conference championship, marking a milestone achievement for the program.

• Dana and Jeff VanAutreve, co-owners of Second Story Teen Center, were recently recognized with the “Home Town Hero Award” for their contributions to the community.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 2/21/2025

• Disaster Ready Illinois Valley is seeking partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to improve emergency response efforts. A meeting will be held on March 21 at 9 AM at the Becker Professional Building, 850 E. Thompson St. in Princeton, and interested participants can message the Bureau County EMA page for more details.

• Princeton Youth Baseball & Softball League is accepting online registrations until February 28 at 11:59 PM at www.pybsl.org. League fees range from $40 for tee ball to $65 for major and senior leagues, with a $160 family max, and district rules can be found at https://www.ildistrict20.com.

• The Bureau County Fair Pancake & Sausage Breakfast will be held on March 2 from 8 AM to noon at 811 W Peru St. Tickets are $10 per person and will be sold at the door to support the Bureau County Fair.

• The Homestead Festivals 50/50 goal for 2025 is set at $30,000, with over $5,000 already raised. Tickets can be purchased here.

• Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show will take place on April 12 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. With free admission, the event features local crafts, vendors, and a flea market to explore. It’s a perfect outing to enjoy spring shopping and support local businesses.

   

• A Freestyle/Greco Camp is scheduled from March 17 to May 23, 2025, and will be held at Princeton High School. Sessions are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 PM, and on Friday from 3:00 PM. For more information or to register for the whole season, contact Steve Amy at 815-915-6519, and participants must have a USA Wrestling card.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Built in 1941, 911 N Vernon St in Princeton is now available for $124,500 after being in the same family for generations. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has seen many recent updates, including a newer roof, siding, soffits, gutters, concrete driveway, and thermal windows, all adding to its curb appeal and efficiency. The open floor plan makes the home feel larger than its footprint, with an enclosed front porch providing extra flexible space and a full basement ready for additional use. The backyard offers room for pets, a playground, or storage, with access from both Vernon Street and the rear alley. With its well-maintained cabinetry, hardwood floors, and abundant natural lighting, this home blends vintage charm with modern updates, making homeownership within reach.

• This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 626 Erickson Dr S, priced at $252,500, features a spacious living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room, and a bright kitchen with upgraded cabinetry and an Anderson patio door leading to a large backyard with young maple trees. The second floor includes four generously sized bedrooms, with the primary suite boasting a recently updated full bath with a walk-in shower and elegant custom tile work. A lower-level basement provides ample storage, a workbench, and a professionally waterproofed space perfect for a play area or workout room. Located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance to the hospital, library, and downtown, this home has been meticulously maintained for over 30 years and is now ready for its next owner.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☔️Today: Partly cloudy with a high of 55°F and light showers possible in the afternoon. Winds from the west at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight, mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers early before clearing after midnight. The low will be 33°F, with west-northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a high of 51°F. Winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight, a few showers are possible with a low of 39°F. Winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph.

☔️Wednesday: Overcast with occasional rain showers and a high of 52°F. Winds from the west-southwest at 10 to 20 mph, with a 50% chance of rain. Overnight, considerable clouds early with some clearing late. The low will be 33°F, with northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

Mild Start to the Week Before Rain and a Weekend Cooldown

The week begins with unseasonably warm temperatures, reaching the mid-50s—about 15 degrees above the seasonal average. This is a stark contrast to last week when temperatures dipped nearly 30 degrees below normal. A weather system moves in Monday night, bringing scattered showers. The mild conditions persist through midweek, but a more significant system arrives late Tuesday into Wednesday morning, delivering widespread rainfall. Temperatures dip slightly on Thursday before rebounding into the 50s on Friday. However, a cold front sweeps through on Saturday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures, with highs only reaching the upper 30s.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.23
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

🐣LET GATEWAY EGG YOUR YARD

The 7th Annual Egg My Yard event allows families to have candy-filled eggs scattered in their yards for Easter morning fun. Packages start at 25 eggs for $20, with options up to 100 eggs for $65, and additional eggs can be purchased in increments of 25 for $15 each with no limit. A treat bag and personalized yard sign with a child’s name can be added for $7.50, and a special $5 treat-filled egg is available for cats or dogs. Delivery is offered in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam Counties, as well as LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica, and Cedar Point, with a pick-up option available in Princeton. Orders must be placed by April 14 at 4 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Gateway Services, which works to empower and enrich the community. More details and order forms can be found at https://forms.gle/Y3pgeVEXUCSJfLaBA.

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🎮CHILDHOOD AS A 90’S KID: A TIME OF SEGA, SLIME, AND SIMPLE JOYS

Growing up in the ‘90s was like living in the golden age of fun, right before the internet took over everything. If you were born in the late ‘80s, like me, you got to experience the best of both worlds—just enough technology to keep things interesting, but still plenty of time spent outside, getting crazy sunburns.

Let’s start with the Sega Genesis, the undisputed king of my childhood. Sure, some kids had the Super Nintendo, but if you had a Sega, you knew the pure joy (and frustration) of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” The game was fun, but those underwater levels? A stress test for children. Nothing haunts me like the sound of Sonic drowning, a countdown to doom that taught us real anxiety. And don’t even get me started on trying to convince your parents to buy another controller after the first one mysteriously stopped working (definitely not because you threw it in frustration).

Then there was Nickelodeon, which was basically our babysitter. Shows like Doug, Rugrats, Rocko’s Modern Life, and Legends of the Hidden Temple made up an entire ecosystem of weird, hilarious, and sometimes questionably appropriate entertainment. Every ‘90s kid had a deep fear that if they were ever on Hidden Temple, they’d get tackled by a Temple Guard and never be seen again. And let’s not forget Double Dare—a game show where kids willingly dove headfirst into a pool of green slime. Why? Because the ‘90s were lawless.

Speaking of lawlessness, if you grew up in this era, you remember the chaos of sleepovers. No one actually slept. We were fueled by Surge, Pizza Rolls, and the boundless energy of kids who had just discovered GoldenEye 007 on the N64. And if you were the youngest in the group? Sorry, you were always Oddjob.

Then there were the little things that made ‘90s childhood special—blowing into cartridges to “fix” them, memorizing your best friend’s home phone number, recording songs off the radio onto cassette tapes, and the absolute adrenaline rush of renting a video game from Blockbuster.

It was a time when fun was simple, screens weren’t all-consuming, and the biggest argument was who got to be Player One.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• A sale for prom, pageant, and special occasion formal wear will take place at First United Methodist Church on March 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM and March 9 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Over 500 dresses in sizes 0-22 will be available for $50 or less, with cash and PayPal accepted. Individual and group appointments can be scheduled by phone or private message.

• Shannon’s Memorials fosters genuine connections with clients while crafting one-of-a-kind designs to honor their loved ones. Those interested in a tailored and compassionate service are encouraged to reach out for a consultation.

• The Coffee Cup will resume regular operating hours starting tomorrow and looks forward to welcoming customers.

• Four Seasons is offering 24 percent off entire purchases with the code GREEN through March 2, 2025. Free shipping is available on orders over $75, with some exclusions.

• Optimal Health has introduced a new line of infused olive oils, perfect for pairing with their sourdough bread.

• Once Upon A Craft is offering a new seasonal front door sign with a clean, simple design. The handcrafted décor piece is perfect for sprucing up any entryway.

• Two Angels is hosting Easter Bunny Mini Sessions on April 12 at Downtown Pub in Princeton. The 15-minute photography sessions provide a fun setting for children to meet the Easter Bunny, with bookings available online at https://book.usesession.com/s/U4cqjjTZYH.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering a limited-time Puppy Chow popcorn flavor, featuring popcorn and Chex cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Customers are encouraged to suggest new gourmet popcorn flavors for future releases.

• Five 22 has introduced a new bracelet bar with various styles available. Customers can mix and match, whether buying one or several.

• Downtown Liquidation has new arrivals, including a light-up cozy fort for $52, a playhouse bouncer for $120, sensory balance beams for $20, and a mini arch bounce house for $61.

• Monical’s Pizza is offering a 16-inch thin or 14-inch pan crust, one-topping pizza for $17. The deal is available for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery through February 23, 2025, using the coupon code 161top.

• Bureau County Metro Center is organizing a volleyball skills clinic for grades K through 5 on April 5. Participants will learn fundamentals from experienced players.

• Anytime Fitness Princeton welcomes everyone, regardless of fitness level or experience, with open arms and customized support. Their skilled coaches are equipped to assist individuals with diverse needs, from overcoming physical challenges to building confidence in the gym. They aim to help clients unlock their potential and achieve wellness goals with a focus on positivity and encouragement.

• A downtown commercial space is available on Princeton’s historic South Main Street, offering 1,400 square feet of beautifully renovated storefront and an additional 1,000 square feet in the back with restrooms and storage. For inquiries or to set up a tour, call 218-360-1425.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Taylor’s Way in Princeton is hiring a full-time dispatcher at $17-$20 per hour. This role involves coordinating service routes, communicating with clients about scheduling changes, and managing equipment assignments. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be able to maintain clear communication between office staff and field technicians. The company specializes in lawn care, tree care, and pest control, offering career growth opportunities in a stable and expanding team.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Deli and Bakery Team Associates for $17 to $23 per hour. Responsibilities include preparing food, engaging with customers, maintaining food safety standards, and moving merchandise to the sales floor. Shifts are available for opening, mornings, mid-day, and closing. Employees receive benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k. This position emphasizes customer service and adherence to safety standards.

• Princeton Fire Department is accepting applications for part-time firefighter and EMT positions. Pay ranges from sixteen to nineteen dollars per hour.

• Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton is hiring seasonal, full-time greenhouse retail staff at $15-$20 per hour. The role involves assisting customers, learning about plants, and providing helpful recommendations. Applicants should be eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to multitask while offering excellent customer service. Weekend availability is required, and employees will help visitors with directions, purchases, and overall experience.

• Dairy Queen is hiring for seasonal positions from March to October. They are looking for candidates with upbeat and bubbly personalities.

🪑DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has these two pieces available at her home shop in Sheffield. The first is a fun coffee/game table with an octopus design ($150). The top has been coated in acrylic for durability. She also has a Lane cedar chest ($180) which showcases three horses on the front and an original herringbone inlay on the top. This is a spacious chest at 18.5 inches deep, 21 inches tall, and 47 inches wide. Michelle can be reached by email at [email protected] or You can reach Michelle on her Facebook page.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Taylor’s Way in Princeton is hiring a full-time dispatcher at $17-$20 per hour. This role involves coordinating service routes, communicating with clients about scheduling changes, and managing equipment assignments. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be able to maintain clear communication between office staff and field technicians. The company specializes in lawn care, tree care, and pest control, offering career growth opportunities in a stable and expanding team.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Deli and Bakery Team Associates for $17 to $23 per hour. Responsibilities include preparing food, engaging with customers, maintaining food safety standards, and moving merchandise to the sales floor. Shifts are available for opening, mornings, mid-day, and closing. Employees receive benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k. This position emphasizes customer service and adherence to safety standards.

• Princeton Fire Department is accepting applications for part-time firefighter and EMT positions. Pay ranges from sixteen to nineteen dollars per hour.

• Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton is hiring seasonal, full-time greenhouse retail staff at $15-$20 per hour. The role involves assisting customers, learning about plants, and providing helpful recommendations. Applicants should be eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to multitask while offering excellent customer service. Weekend availability is required, and employees will help visitors with directions, purchases, and overall experience.

• Dairy Queen is hiring for seasonal positions from March to October. They are looking for candidates with upbeat and bubbly personalities.

🗓️THIS WEEK IN PRINCETON

🍫The Health Benefits of Chocolate
Tuesday, February 25, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Bureau County Senior Center
>Learn about the science behind different types of chocolate, their health benefits, and enjoy a taste of dark chocolate hot cocoa. Hosted by Illinois Extension.

🎧Friday Night Party with DJ Myopic Mycelium
Friday, February 28, 7:00 PM
Downtown Pub & Event Center
>Enjoy live beats, dancing, and good vibes with DJ Myopic Mycelium. No cover charge.

🎸Industrial Wood @ the Hawg House
Saturday, March 1, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hawg House Saloon
Live music from Industrial Wood and a lively atmosphere.

🎤Karaoke and Open Mic
Saturday, March 1, 9:00 PM
Downtown Pub & Event Center
>Sing your heart out or enjoy a night of music and fun. Held every Saturday through May.

🥞Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
Sunday, March 2, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bureau County Fairgrounds
>Enjoy a hearty breakfast for $10 per person.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Paddington in Peru (PG)

• A heartwarming adventure following Paddington Bear on a journey to Peru.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

Captain America: Brave New World (PG-13)

• An action-packed superhero film featuring the next chapter of Captain America’s story.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].