🎮T-Ball, Ho-Chunk Nation, and Minecraft

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Good morning, Princeton friends. T-ball registration is open, which means Princeton parents need to mentally prepare for snack schedules, glove confusion, and kids chasing butterflies in the outfield. Also, Shadows of the Blue & Gray is raffling off prizes, the Minecraft movie hits the big screen, and in an unrelated update: yes, someone will probably try to pay for Scooters coffee with Monopoly money this morning. It is, after all, April 1st.

—Phil Collins

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🚨Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
📎Job Fair
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📍Outside City Limits
⛺️Civil War History
🗓️This Week in Princeton
🧶Covered Bridge Quilters
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Jonathan Henrikson 🍰!

• BCR: “Noah LaPorte was destined for stardom in basketball the moment he picked it up. He went from an understudy role as a sophomore starter on Princeton’s 2022-23 No. 1-ranked sectional finalist to the leading role on two more Sweet 16 teams.”

• RMN: The Princeton girls track team tied with Erie/Prophetstown for first place at the Dillon Frosh/Soph Indoor Invitational, scoring a meet-high 113 points. The Tigers saw a wave of personal and season bests, including standout performances from Annie Thompson in pole vault and Ruby Acker in the 1600-meter run. Coach Patrick Hodge praised the team’s effort, noting that nearly every athlete contributed by placing in at least one event.

• Roadwork on I-80 in Bureau County resumes today, resurfacing from the Bureau-Henry County line to east of the Illinois 40 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through late fall; drivers should expect delays.

• The PROMise Sale at Princeton First United Methodist Church will be held April 5–6 from 12:00 to 4:00. Hundreds of dresses in every color and style are available for $50 or less.

• Illinois State Board of Elections reminds voters who requested a mail-in ballot but want to vote in person to bring their ballot to the polling place to avoid having to vote provisionally.

• 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.

• Shadows of the Blue & Gray is holding its annual raffle, with a choice of three prizes or $300 cash. Only 300 tickets will be sold at $20 each; contact Debi Johnson or a committee member to purchase.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 3/30/2025

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• The property at 204 S Church St, Princeton, IL is listed for $39,999 with an estimated mortgage of $347 per month. It features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,400 square feet of space. Located on a corner lot, it’s just two blocks from Main Street, one block from Route 6, and two blocks from the high school. The home is in need of updates but offers significant potential. The listing notes it could be worth up to $185,000 when improved, making it a strong investment opportunity.

• The property at 625 N 1st St in Princeton, IL is listed for $29,900. It features a 25x34 garage on a double lot, with a concrete floor in great shape and a newer roof. The estimated mortgage is around $279 per month.

• Listed at $239,500, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home at 1217 S Church St offers 1,612 square feet of living space on a newly renovated street. The home features hardwood floors, natural woodwork, vaulted ceilings, and an open floor plan with a kitchen overlooking a spacious great room. Highlights include a wood-burning stove, home office, bay window, patio doors leading to a fenced backyard with a two-tiered deck, and a generous two-car garage. The lower level has additional rooms for laundry and a second office with cherry cabinetry. Updates include a 2019 roof and water heater, plus newer seamless gutters with guards.

🚨VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

These Full Scale Exercises are very important because they give first responders the opportunity to train and learn during the exercises to help them during real life events.

Use the QR code here

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️Today: The day will be cloudy and increasingly windy, with a high of 50°F. Winds blow from the east-southeast at 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40 mph. Showers continue into the evening with thunderstorms developing overnight. There is potential for severe weather. The low will be near 45°F with east-southeast winds at 20 to 30 mph and a 90% chance of rain.

⛈️Wednesday: Thunderstorms are expected in the morning, followed by partial clearing and windy conditions in the afternoon. The high will be around 72°F with winds from the south at 25 to 35 mph. Rain chances are at 60%. The night stays mostly cloudy with a low of 41°F and southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

☁️Thursday: A few clouds pass through the day with a high of 58°F. Winds blow from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a low near 38°F and winds from the south at 10 to 20 mph.

☁️Friday: Expect overcast skies throughout the day with a high of 57°F. Winds shift from the east-northeast at 10 to 20 mph. At night, scattered showers and storms are possible with a low near 39°F. Winds turn west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph, and rain chances are at 30%.

🌧️Saturday: The day will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers and storms possible. The high will be near 56°F, with north-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Overnight, scattered showers continue with a low of 35°F and north winds at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.33
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.35
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

📎3RD ANNUAL JOB FAIR AT PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL

The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 3rd Annual Career, Job & Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 4th at the Princeton High School gymnasium. The event will feature over 60 businesses, colleges, and organizations, offering opportunities for students and the public alike. It will be held from 9:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for students (closed to the public) and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the general public.

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⛺️CURIOUS ABOUT CIVIL WAR HISTORY?

Looking for a fun family activity?

Curious about Civil War history?

Enjoy camping in the great outdoors?

We’d love for you to join us!

We are a living history group looking for new members. If you’re interested, here are a few ways to learn more:

1. Stop by our display tables at this weekend’s Gun Show at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

2. Send a private message to: [email protected]

3. Attend this year’s Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War living history reenactment at City-County Park in Princeton, IL.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Four Seasons in Princeton has new high-low style dresses from Ruby Rd., perfect for weddings or events. Pair with any shoe and layer with a mesh short Creation cardigan for a finished look.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will serve lunch Monday through Friday at 11:30 with a salad bar. Call a day in advance to sign up. The center will be closed on Good Friday. It will also host a Health, Wealth, and Wellness Expo on Thursday, June 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Transportation is available by calling 815-879-3981.

• Scooter’s Coffee introduces the Peach Bliss Quencher, a refreshing drink with sweet peach and tropical mango flavors. Naturally caffeinated with green coffee extract, it’s a must-try for spring.

• The Princeton Closet highlights a 10-inch Mikasa crystal-cut glass lotus bowl.

• Corner Chair Market added a new low dresser with a barn board top and eight drawers in response to customer requests. Stop in to check it out while it’s available.

• Mavolan’s has new denim pieces for spring in sizes 7–14/16. Shop this weekend—Saturday from 10–5 and Sunday from 12–4.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge shared its April calendar, featuring taco nights, fish specials, bingo, and an Easter egg hunt on the 12th at 11 a.m. Regular events run throughout the week, including Queen of Hearts and music nights.

• Sophisticuts Salon-Spa is offering Seize the Day merchandise in support of a charitable mission. Learn more or donate at www.seizethedaywithhudson.com.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has restocked Dippin’ Dots for the season at just $3.99 per bag. Choose from a variety of flavors while supplies last.

• Hornbaker Gardens is now offering the Biltmore Ballgown plant, a tiger-striped bloom originally from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Learn more or order at hornbakergardens.com.

• Bean Buzz Coffee Shop is currently for sale. Interested buyers can contact Janet at 815-875-7990 for more information.

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

• Rachel Rene is offering Paint Your Own Egg Bomb Kits, which include 2 bath bombs, 6 colorants, a brush, and instructions. Available in-store Monday–Friday 10–5:30, Saturday 10–4, and Sunday 12–4, or online at rachelrene.com.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is featuring “Chubby Bunny” as the April flavor of the month and an Easter Sundae starting April 1. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 8:00. I am, personally, thrilled by this because I am a Peep enthusiast.

• Shane’s Shine Shop will be at Princeton High School next week for the 3rd Annual Job Fair hosted by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Optimal Health now offers iced or blended lattes with 21 grams of protein in vanilla, mocha, or matcha. Low in calories and sugar.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• A man is dead following a standoff with law enforcement in La Salle on Sunday afternoon.

• Illinois Cracks Down on Distracted Driving with Statewide Campaign

• A Bureau County woman has been tapped to head up La Salle County's Court Appointed Special Advocate organization.

• Today voters in the Ohio (Illinois) high school district will vote to keep their school open or to close it.

• Register Early for the Walnut 5K Run Walk to Support ALS Research on July 5

• Starting April 3rd, the Malden Chess Club meets every Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Feed Store - 212 W. Main Street, Malden, IL. Join them for casual chess games and friendly competition. Chess coaching will be available for those who want to learn. All are welcome! Questions? E-mail us: [email protected]

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Park Tavern is hiring experienced cooks who are available to work nights and weekends. Interested applicants are encouraged to stop in and apply in person.

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton is hiring for three part-time positions: Director of Music Ministry (15-17 hrs/week), Director of Youth & Family Ministry (9-10 hrs/week), and Media Outreach Technician (6-8 hrs/week). A qualified candidate may fill all three roles for a total of 30-35 hours per week with insurance benefits. Job descriptions are available at www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org, and resumes can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 416 E Dover Rd, Princeton, IL 61356-9551.

• 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.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. in Princeton, IL is hiring part-time kennel staff, offering $15 per hour for morning or afternoon shifts. Applicants with experience are preferred, and interested individuals can stop by the shelter during designated hours for more information.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton is currently hiring nighttime servers to join their team. Interested applicants can apply online to be part of a fast-paced and welcoming restaurant environment.

• 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue is hiring help for cleaning stalls, offering a 1099 contract position at $23 per hour. The role requires lifting at least 50 pounds, taking direction well, and working various hours throughout the week.

• IHCC Hospice Services is hiring for a Hospice CNA position and invites applicants to apply online or in person at their Princeton, IL location. The locally owned and operated hospice service emphasizes compassionate care and encourages individuals to join their team.

🗓️THIS WEEK IN PRINCETON

Thursday, April 3

🎬 Minecraft Movie Premiere at Apollo Theater – See the new Minecraft movie on Thursday, April 3, at 6 PM. Tickets available at apolloprinceton.com or at the box office.

🐇 “Hippity Hoppity Easter” Paint Night at Downtown Pub – A fun, spring-themed paint night with snacks and a cash bar. Held Thursday, April 3, at 6 PM. Tickets at paintingpartiesbylucy.com.

Friday, April 4

🌿 Get Outside! with MomCo of Bureau County – Join the fun Friday, April 4, from 5:30–8 PM at 24 N Main St. Food, childcare, and a great time to reconnect with real life.

Saturday, April 5

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton – A free, family-friendly Easter egg hunt at Liberty Village on Saturday, April 5, at 10 AM. Grouped by age for children up to 8 years old.

🎨 Book Cover Painting at Princeton Public Library – Join in the fun of decorating and painting book covers from 12–2:30 PM at the Princeton Library’s Matson Room. Supplies provided, creativity encouraged.

🐀 Werewolf Rats Meet & Greet at Boek-el-ZOO – Meet the start of a new rat colony at Boek-el-ZOO (419 S Main) from 12–3 PM. Kids under 10 get a free ice cream coupon from Sisler’s next door.

🎯 Dart Tournament at Hollywood & Vine – A competitive dart tourney with $500 added to the pot, blind draw for teams, and food available. Starts Saturday, April 5, at 1 PM. Sign-up at noon.

🛍️ H.D. Shelving Sale at 2955 N Main – Final day of the sale! Saturday, April 5, from 1–4 PM. Includes shelving, plant saucers, office desks, and more at half Menards list price.

🐰 Burn N’ Bush at the Hawg House – A day-drinking festival with live music at Hawg House Saloon on Saturday, April 5, from 3–6 PM.

🎤 Karaoke and Open Mic at Downtown Pub – Sing your heart out at Open Mic & Karaoke Night at Downtown Pub on Saturday, April 5, starting at 9 PM. Happens every Saturday through May.

🧶COVERED BRIDGE QUILTERS GUILD TO HOLD MEETING

The Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30 PM at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 30 N. Sixth St. in Princeton, IL.

Our program this month will feature Gerald Savage, a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation and an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar speaker. Savage’s formal native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago). He will discuss the reintroduction of his family into the Illinois area, tribal customs and ways, the history of the Ho-Chunk tribe, modern natives, naming ceremonies, stereotypes, environmental concerns, tribal settlements, reservations, and how he got his Chief’s bonnet.

Gerald’s grandparents were very influential in the teaching of Gerald the native customs and ways. He carries on his grandfather’s tradition of teaching people about their tribal customs and ways. His program is about the history, past and present, from a Native perspective.

Guests are encouraged and always welcome at guild meetings. There is a $5.00 guest fee which can be applied to the guild membership fee if someone joins the night of the meeting. We are always looking for new members and anyone interested in joining the guild may do so for an annual membership fee of $24.00.

In addition to our monthly meeting, the Guild will also have an open sew day at the church starting at 10:00 AM on Thursday. Bring your projects, machine, hand work, or whatever you would like to work on and join us.

For more information, please contact one of our co-coordinators, Cindy Smith at 573-603-4234 or Terry Johnson at 815-872-0534.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

A Minecraft Movie (PG)

Based on the best-selling video game, this adventure brings the blocky world of Minecraft to life with action, humor, and creativity.

• Thursday Only: 6:00 PM (Premiere)

Rule Breakers (PG)

A group of misfit kids turns their school upside down as they challenge the rules to stand up for what’s right, delivering laughs and heartfelt moments along the way.

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

• Thursday: 7:00 PM only

Snow White (PG)

The beloved fairy tale returns with a bold new take on courage, friendship, and the power of kindness.

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

• Thursday: 4:30 PM only

The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].