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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Did you feel Spring yesterday? Sun, warmth. It’s kind of happening. Running season is upon us.

Let’s go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️Job Opportunities
🦸🏻‍♂️Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: A house fire in Princeton on Wednesday evening caused damage to a home on the 200 block of Jennifer Ave., according to the Princeton Fire Department.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 recognized eighth-grade students Elloise Stocker and Grant Hardy for receiving the Illinois Principals Association John Ourth Student Recognition Award. The honor acknowledges their leadership, resilience, and positive impact on the Logan community.

• Firefighters from multiple departments responded on Monday afternoon to a rapidly spreading brush fire along 1355 North Avenue in the southeast part of Princeton.

• Princeton Elementary School will conduct a preschool screening on March 19–20 at Douglas Elementary School. The screening is designed to assess developmental readiness and identify any early educational needs. Families with preschool-aged children are encouraged to participate. Appointments and additional details are available through the school.

• A Night To Remember prom event for individuals with special needs, high school age and older, will take place April 18 in Princeton. The annual event returns this spring at ECC’s new building.

• The Princeton High School drama department will stage The Addams Family Musical later this month. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per ticket, with purchases available at the door.

📍Outside City Limits

• Matchbox Twenty to Headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand in August 2026

• Reward for Missing 10-Week-Old Shih Tzu Puppy Lost Near Annawan Exit on Interstate 80 on February 26th

• The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve made an arrest into a grass fire that was set intentionally at Green River Wildlife Area on Friday.

• An alleged armed robber in Mendota was caught within about 20 minutes after allegedly committing the crime.

• New data shows grain bin accidents increasing from 2023 to 2024 by 26%.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This single-family home is offered at $245,000 and features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms across 1,444 square feet, situated on a 2.7-acre lot. Built in 1979, the property includes a three-car garage and is priced at approximately $170 per square foot. Interior highlights include cathedral ceilings, a first-floor bedroom, laminate flooring, and a dishwasher, with the home connected to a shared well and septic system serving four neighboring residences. The estimated monthly payment is $1,635, offering a well-rounded opportunity for buyers seeking space, functionality, and acreage.

• This single-story ranch home is listed at $294,000 and offers three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms across 2,072 square feet, situated on a 0.89-acre lot. Built in 1976, the property includes a two-car garage and is priced at approximately $142 per square foot, with an estimated monthly payment of $2,000. The main level features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a spacious family room anchored by a custom stone fireplace, along with a new roof. A finished walkout basement adds 1,179 square feet of additional living space, complete with a kitchenette and flexible areas suitable for recreation, guest quarters, or a home office, with recent updates including central air, radon mitigation, and interior improvements.

• This 44-acre farm is listed at $450,000 and offers approximately 26 tillable acres, presenting both income potential and strong recreational appeal. The property borders scenic Big Bureau Creek, providing valuable wildlife habitat and noted deer hunting opportunities, with a mix of timber, creek frontage, and productive ground. Improvements include a three-bedroom, one-bath home, a 45’ x 30’ pole building, a two-car garage, and four additional outbuildings suitable for storage, workshops, or hobby use. With substantial road frontage and diverse land features, the property delivers a balanced opportunity for farming, hunting, or a rural residential retreat.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️ Saturday: Cloudy and much cooler, topping out near 41°F with a NNE wind 10–20 mph that adds a bite to the afternoon. Skies stay mostly cloudy into the night, falling to around 20°F, with W winds 10–15 mph.

🌨️ Sunday: Cloudy and cold with snow showers possible, especially south in the afternoon, and a high near 36°F with ENE winds 10–15 mph. Snow chances increase in the evening, with a low near 19°F and E winds 5–10 mph; around an inch of snow is possible.

☁️ Monday: Mostly cloudy and a bit milder, reaching about 44°F, with ESE winds 10–15 mph keeping it feeling cool. The night stays mostly cloudy, settling near 33°F with light SE winds 5–10 mph.

🌧️ Tuesday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers, a high around 45°F, and NE winds 5–10 mph. Late night turns riskier for slick spots as light freezing drizzle becomes possible after midnight, with temps dipping near 27°F and E winds 5–10 mph.

🌧️ Wednesday: Overcast with rain showers on and off, warming to about 49°F, and E winds 10–15 mph. Showers remain likely at night with a low near 35°F and continued E winds 10–15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.88
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.87
Casey’s West/North: $2.89
Beck’s West/North: $2.89
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.89
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.89

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Splash Tech Solutions is encouraging businesses to evaluate whether their websites are optimized for AI visibility and search performance. The company notes that strong SEO improves how AI tools interpret and reference a business online and is offering consultations to strengthen digital presence.

• Illinois Valley PADS is hosting a special screening of No Address on March 21, 2026, at the Apollo Theatre in Princeton to raise awareness about homelessness. The $10 ticket includes refreshments, and the event will feature a post-film discussion with representatives from several local service organizations.

• In-Home Care Connection Homecare & Hospice is seeking a part-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Quad Cities area. The role involves supporting licensed occupational therapists, implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and assisting individuals in improving daily living skills.

• Hungry World Farm is offering two upcoming tree pruning workshops led by Naturalist Jed Arkels on February 28 and March 7. The sessions will focus on pruning young trees and rehabilitating older trees, with no cost to attend and donations accepted.

• Landmark Realty of Illinois LLC is hosting an open house on March 1 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 708 E Thompson Street in Princeton. Prospective buyers are invited to tour the property and explore its features in person.

• Cafe Grace is inviting the community to enjoy its cozy, homemade menu offerings, including fresh coffee, brunch favorites, and comfort-food dinners. The café is open select weekday and weekend hours and encourages guests to gather with friends and enjoy a relaxed dining experience.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe has completed a custom floral area rug designed for use in an office setting. The finished piece showcases the shop’s craftsmanship and is now ready for placement.

• Optimal Health has restocked Janie’s Mill flour and is highlighting its availability for home baking. The store features a variety of options and is promoting the product’s quality for enhancing baked goods.

• Rachel Rene in Princeton is highlighting the benefits of its Sunshine Body Mousse, sharing customer experiences related to soothing sunburn and improving dry skin. The product is promoted for versatile use, including skincare support during winter months and for children’s sensitive skin.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 Saturday, February 28: Darrell Data Live at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Darrell Data performs a wide mix of classics and favorites from 12:00–3:00 PM.

🎶🍺 Saturday, February 28: The Bart Attacks ALIVE at Barrel Society – The Bart Attacks return with their psychedelic jam sound at 5:00 PM.

🥞 Sunday, March 1: Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at Bureau County Fairgrounds – Enjoy pancakes and sausage from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM for $10 per person.

🎭 Friday, March 6: Comedy & Inspiration Night at The Rock – A family-friendly evening of comedy and inspiration begins at 7:00 PM, hosted by Walnut Community Bible Church.

🎨 Friday, March 6: Brian Taylor – Art Gallery Opening Reception at Prairie Arts Center – Opening reception from 6:00–7:30 PM at 24 Park Ave E. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The exhibit continues March 7–29 on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00–3:00 PM.

🍷 Saturday, March 7: Cheers for Change! at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens – An evening of tastings, food, and a silent auction from 5:00–8:00 PM benefiting United Way.

📖 Sunday, March 8: The Living Last Supper at First Lutheran Church – Presented by St. John’s Lutheran of Peru at 2:00 PM at 116 N. Pleasant St. Communion will be served. A free will offering will be taken, and refreshments will follow. All are welcome.

🌱 Tuesday, March 10: Edible Indoor Garden Workshop at Princeton Public Library – Learn how to grow fresh herbs and salad greens year-round from 5:30–6:30 PM at 698 E. Peru St. Registration required in advance.

🫖 Wednesday, March 25: High Tea at Four Seasons – A full high tea experience at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and include treats, a fashion show featuring new spring arrivals, and 30% off purchases that day. Limited to 30 guests. Tickets must be purchased in advance in-store or by phone.

🦅CHRISTIAN EDUCATION THAT WORKS FOR FAMILIES

At Princeton Christian Academy, we believe Christ-centered education should be both strong and sustainable for families.

If you’ve ever wondered whether private Christian education is financially possible for your family — it may be more accessible than you think.

We offer:

✔️ Reduced tuition for additional children
✔️ Flexible monthly payment plans
✔️ Financial aid
✔️ Small class sizes & personalized attention

Our goal isn’t just education. It’s discipleship, academic excellence, and preparing students to stand firm in Christ.

📍 Located right here in Princeton
📅 Enrollment opens March 4th
🔗 Learn more about tuition and admissions at mypca.info

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Walmart is hiring a Checkout Team Associate at its Princeton, Illinois location, offering $15–$28 per hour. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, with mid-shift and closing shift options. Compensation may include performance incentives and additional hourly premiums based on schedule, facility, season, or specific work performed.

• Friends of Strays is hiring a part-time Animal Shelter Worker – Cat and Dog Kennel Technician in Princeton, Illinois, with pay starting at $15 per hour. This role requires prior animal care experience, including cleaning, monitoring animal health, administering medications, and assisting with grooming tasks such as nail trimming and bathing. Candidates must be able to lift heavy supplies, work flexible hours based on shelter needs, and report directly to shelter leadership while supporting daily care operations.

• Vitale Construction is seeking a part-time Secretary in Princeton, Illinois, offering $22.03–$25.00 per hour for 16 to 32 hours per week. The role involves managing front desk operations, handling phone and email communications, performing data entry and document management, and coordinating schedules using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Additional responsibilities include maintaining office supplies, assisting with bookkeeping through QuickBooks or similar software, and providing professional customer support to ensure efficient daily operations.

🦸🏻‍♂️LETTER FROM LORI

I’ve been sick this week, so I pulled this one out of my archives. That baby boy is now 26… but the thoughts are ageless. 🥰

Every once in a while, the occasion arises when my 6-year-old must walk to school on his own. We live within sight of the school, and most days he is accompanied by the older kids in my daycare. But because of absence, illness, or other circumstances, there are days when he stands on the front step with a hint of fear in his voice as he sets out alone. “Mommy, will you watch me?”

He really wants to be brave. He knows it’s not really that far, and he walks it every day—just not alone. I’m unable to leave because of my younger charges, so I assure him that I’ll watch from the porch until he’s “safe” with the crossing guard at the corner. That gives him the confidence he needs to step out with boldness.

As his mother—and the daughter of a “hovering” mother—I’m a little nervous too. My own mom has read every crime statistic ever published and isn’t shy about clipping articles and slipping them into my belongings, pointing out every danger that lurks around the corner. Babies can drown in a teaspoon of water. Children can choke on everything from Legos to hot dog pieces to peanut butter. I cringe every time a new issue of Reader’s Digest comes out and she flips to “Drama in Real Life,” because some of those ridiculous adventures have hampered my willingness to walk through the parking lot of the local Walmart—for fear I’ll be attacked by a rogue lynx. (Make sure you check under your vehicle as well as on top of it, in case it slashes at your ankles first to take you down!)

Our town has grown from 500 to 750 in the 37 years I’ve lived here, so we’re not talking about inner-city living when it comes to crime and danger. About 15 years ago, a little girl was abducted and killed in a town 10 miles away, so we know we can never consider ourselves truly safe—but the chances of him being snatched are slim. I always feel better when the big kids go with him. I don’t feel compelled to keep my eyes glued to him until he reaches the corner.

Does God feel this way about us too? He is always aware of where we are, but when we’re walking with Christian brothers and sisters who hold us accountable, does He feel more at ease letting us walk alone? Does He fret and worry, crossing His arms and biting His nails as we skip through puddles and drag our bookbags?

All I know is that I’m glad He’s watching. I’m grateful for the assurance that if the stranger with the candy pulls up, He will be right there to save me.

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

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