⚾️March Madness, 1860’s in Princeton, and a Baseball Preview

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Today brings intense second-round action in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. No. 6 Illinois will face No. 11 Xavier at 8:45 p.m. CT on CBS, while No. 4 Purdue takes on No. 12 McNeese earlier in the day. Top-seeded Houston battles No. 8 Gonzaga at 7:40 p.m. CT on TNT, and Auburn meets Creighton in another marquee matchup. Games will air across CBS, TNT, TBS, and TruTV as teams fight for a spot in the Sweet 16.

Let’s get it done, Illini.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
⚾️Cubs Preview
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🇺🇸Celebrate Flags of Freedom
👷Princeton Job Openings
🚨Volunteers Needed
🌊Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Daniel Barker and Ashlee Dye!🎁

• Don't wait—tickets are selling fast for Trace Adkins with special guest Brushville Live in Concert. Grab your friends and family for a night of amazing music and fun. Get your tickets now.

• Northern Public Radio: Enjoy the sounds and songs of the 1860s in Princeton

• Representative Dan Swanson Talks Illinois Homeschooling Oversight Bill

• BPART (Bureau-Putnam Area Rural Transit) announced the arrival of their new fleet. The updated buses will include new decals, cameras, and additional safety upgrades for passengers and drivers. 

• The Princeton Public Library is hosting a spring book sale today from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

• BCR: Camryn Driscoll and Keighley Davis started playing basketball together in the fifth grade. They have a knack of knowing what each other is going to do and wouldn’t know what to do without one another. Naturally, they share the 2024-25 BCR co-girls Basketball Players of the Year.

• On Wednesday, a semi-truck accident on Interstate 80 near the U.S. 34 overpass caused significant traffic delays. Princeton firefighters and Illinois State Police responded to the scene, with eastbound traffic reduced to one lane for about an hour.

• Payton Frueh Advances to State FFA Awards for Equine Entrepreneurship Success

• Early voting is open today at the Princeton Moose Lodge from 8 AM to 4 PM and at Spring Valley City Hall from 9 AM to 3 PM.

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Career, Job & Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 4, at Princeton High School. Student session: 9:25 a.m. – 3 p.m. Public session: 4–6 p.m.

⚾️2025 CUBS PREVIEW

The Chicago Cubs enter the 2025 season with high expectations, aiming to end a four-year playoff drought and reclaim dominance in the NL Central. After back-to-back 83-win seasons, the Cubs made bold offseason moves to address their lack of depth and star power, signaling a make-or-break year for team president Jed Hoyer.

Key Offseason Moves


The Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker from the Astros in a blockbuster trade, hoping his elite bat will anchor their lineup. However, Tucker is a free agent after this season, adding urgency to their playoff push. To fill the third base void left by Isaac Paredes, rookie Matt Shaw will debut as a starter after impressing in spring training. On the pitching side, Chicago signed Matt Boyd to bolster their rotation, though his history of injuries makes him a gamble.

Roster Highlights


The Cubs’ Opening Day roster features promising talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field and Michael Busch at first base. Dansby Swanson returns at shortstop, while veteran Jon Berti fills in at second base for Nico Hoerner, who is recovering from surgery. Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly will split catching duties.

Season Outlook


The NL Central remains one of baseball’s weakest divisions, giving Chicago a realistic shot at winning the title. With Milwaukee slightly regressing and Cincinnati rising as a contender, the Cubs must capitalize on their improved roster. Manager Craig Counsell’s leadership will be crucial in navigating this pivotal season.

Prediction


Expect the Cubs to take a step forward in 2025, fueled by Tucker’s bat and Counsell’s strategic acumen. A division win and postseason appearance seem within reach, but failure could spell major changes for the franchise.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly to mostly cloudy with a high near 52°F and southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night remains mostly cloudy with a low around 40°F and south winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Sunday: Mostly cloudy skies with rain showers likely and a high of 56°F; winds from the south at 10 to 20 mph. Sunday night turns partly cloudy with a low of 34°F and strong west-northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph.

☀️Monday: Mostly sunny with a high near 53°F and northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night stays partly cloudy with a low of 33°F and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌧️Tuesday: Scattered showers are possible during the day with a high of 54°F and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night brings a few clouds and a low of 33°F with lighter northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

☁️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy skies and morning rain expected with a high of 56°F; winds from the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Skies remain partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low near 37°F and north-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.21
Casey’s West/North: $3.23
Beck’s West/North: $3.23
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.23
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.23

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.99

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Hap at Hap’s Service Station

Reason for Nomination: “We had a tire blow in the car wash. He came to our rescue with his flatbed, loaded our truck, and took it to his station. Then he put the spare on — all on a Sunday. He also didn’t charge us extra because of the day. Great service!”

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 princeton.now61356@gmail.com.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Buttercream Bake Shop is now taking orders for Easter cookies, with pickup scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, from 5 PM to 6 PM at the Princeton Library.

• Bean Buzz is closing on April 12. Don’t forget to find any gift cards or loyalty cards and use them by April 12, 2025.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is showcasing new spring arrivals of handcrafted Polish Pottery. Items include vases, mugs, and juicers adorned with spring-themed designs.

• Miss Betsy’s will be closing early at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, and will be closed all day Monday, March 31. They plan to reopen April 3 with a new donut flavor.

• Little Blue Dress has a new floral print jacket perfect for spring, available in sizes small through large for $74. It’s available in-store or online.

• Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. announced that their popular Red Hot Poker Plants are returning. They are adding three new hardy varieties to try this season and recommend planting tips for best results.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering 20% off when you sign up for text messages. You’ll also receive birthday gifts, seasonal discounts, and updates about special events. Text JOIN to 833-602-4917 to get started.

• Paisanos Ristorante is hosting a pizza fundraiser on March 27 to benefit the Princeton Rotary Club and PHS scholarship funds. All dine-in and carry-out orders that day will support the cause.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is encouraging customers to stock up on spring essentials like paint and planters. Head in-store to pick up what you need for the season.

• Rachel Rene has brought back its Green Tea & Cucumber soap just in time for spring. Visit the store or shop online for this light, fresh fragrance.

• Scooter’s Coffee is now serving a Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oatmilk Latte made with Califia Farms oatmilk. This limited-time drink is smooth, creamy, and available now.

• Gateway Services, Inc. is wrapping up its Rip’s Night fundraiser with a chicken dinner on March 20 in Ladd. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 815-875-4548 ext. 221.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is offering a free Matter of Balance class for adults 60 and over starting June 2. Classes run Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–11 a.m. Call 815-879-3981 to register with Sam.

• Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture has a solid piece of vintage furniture available for $150 or best offer. Contact them if you’d like measurements or more details—Sheffield pickup.

• Signature Land Settings LLC is ready to kick off the spring season by offering lawn care and outdoor space maintenance. Homeowners can contact them for estimates to keep their yards looking pristine. Call or text: 815-719-2831

• 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.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is looking for artists to join its outdoor market on September 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3 at 9 AM. Get full details and apply at https://www.hornbakergardens.com/artisan-market/.

• Rediger Auction Service is holding its next machinery consignment on March 29. They are now accepting consignments for this live and online event.

This Weekend:

🏺The Knack is hosting a cozy PJ-themed pottery painting event this morning from 9 AM to 12 PM, where guests can wear pajamas, paint donut-themed pottery, and enjoy free donuts from Miss Betsy’s. Groups of six or more are encouraged to call ahead, and the studio will remain open afterward from noon to 7 PM.

🐇Boek-el-ZOO is presenting a family event called “Bippity Boppity Boooo!” today from 12 PM to 3 PM, featuring a visit from Cinderella, a themed story time, and a mouse craft. Children under 10 who come dressed as Cinderella or Prince Charming will receive prizes and enjoy fun photo opportunities.

🎤Downtown Pub & Event Center is hosting Karaoke and Open Mic Night tonight from 9 PM to 11:45 PM, offering a relaxed and fun atmosphere for music lovers and performers alike. This event continues every Saturday through May and welcomes both newcomers and regulars to the mic.

🏎️The Modified Racing Series is celebrating Matt Swanson’s championship today at Princeton Station from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Fans are invited to come out, show support, and recognize Swanson’s success and achievements in racing.

🎶Prairie Arts Council invites the public to the Princeton High School Honors Recital tomorrow at 2 PM at the Prairie Arts Center Theater. The event highlights the musical talents of high school students and offers free admission with donations welcomed.

🇺🇸CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF FLAGS OF FREEDOM

The Flags of Freedom is celebrating their 20^th  year of the flags flying at Exit 56 on Interstate 80 as the front door to Princeton and Bureau County.

On September 10, 2005, the flags were raised with great fanfair and enthusiasm enjoyed by over 2500 people, including many local and state dignitaries along with a number of current and past members of the U.S. Armed Forces.  The City of Princeton requested help in July 2016 to help with fundraising for the cost of the flags and the infrastructure, as no tax money is used to support this display.  At that point the Flags of Freedom Committee was formed to support the associated costs of maintaining the Flags of Freedom.

The 20^th  Anniversary Star Spangled Event will be held at the Cider Mill Event Center in Princeton.  Doors open at 5pm, program and auctions will beginning at 5:30 pm sharp.  The food will be heavy  hors d'oeuvres provided by local restaurants.  Las Vegas style fun will follow the program with something for everyone.  New to our event are more trips than ever before.  You can visit our website to view information about the trips and purchase them before the auction.  Purchase a trip before March 1st, and receive a $100 gift card as a bonus.  Tickets for the event and vacations can be purchased under the Donate button on our website www.flagsoffreedomi80.org.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• First State Bank in Princeton is hiring a full-time CSR/Teller, offering $15–$18 per hour with a Monday through Saturday schedule. The role involves providing excellent customer service, assisting with banking needs such as debit card issues, account openings, and wire transfers, as well as issuing debit cards and resolving document exceptions. Teller responsibilities include processing deposits, redeeming savings bonds, issuing cashier’s checks, and handling cash and check transactions with accuracy and attention to fraud prevention. Candidates should have strong customer service skills, computer proficiency, attention to detail, and at least one year of experience in banking or related fields. The position offers a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and profit sharing. This is not a remote or hybrid position and requires a professional, courteous, and efficient approach in every customer interaction.

• Subway in Princeton is hiring part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists, with an estimated annual pay of $30K–$32.6K. No prior experience is needed, and applicants should have at least some high school education. Job responsibilities include providing great guest service, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness, and working well as part of a team. Employees will recommend meals, follow food safety standards, and help keep the restaurant atmosphere welcoming. Benefits include employee discounts, scholarship opportunities, and potential to earn college credit or career experience. The role requires standing, bending, and lifting throughout the shift, and training is provided.

• The Arukah Institute of Healing in Ottawa, IL is hiring a full-time Supervisor of Pathways CCSO Services with a salary range of $60,475–$68,400 per year. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a behavioral or social science field and possess a valid license such as LPC, LSW, or other QMHP-eligible credentials in Illinois. The role requires at least two years of leadership experience in clinical management and two years of professional clinical work related to behavioral and mental health. Key responsibilities include overseeing staff and services related to mental health case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed therapy. Benefits offered include dental, health, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Experience with Microsoft Office is also preferred.

🚨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

🌊LETTER FROM LORI

Waves… a series of ups and downs designed to move things.

I was recently given a friendship bracelet in the shape of a wave. The sentiment behind it was that we had all been there for each other through the highs and the lows.

As someone who spent much of my childhood on the water, I’m familiar with waves. As a child, the waves were exhilarating and delightful. On the beach, we’d “feed the waves” with handfuls of sand, dreaming they’d grow bigger and be more fun to jump over. Red flag days were our favorites, but Mom had rules—we weren’t allowed past our belly buttons, for fear we’d be carried into the depths of the lake. She knew the dangers, even if we were blissfully ignorant.

I remember urging my father to go faster and hit the waves with intense speed, launching our craft into the air. My brother, however, was not as enchanted. When we were in the boat, he got seasick and threw up. I think he even passed out once. But when we were fishing with Dad on “the big Lake” (Michigan), we didn’t turn back—so Jimmy suffered through the nausea.

If you’re a water skier, you love the waves (or wake) behind the boat. Your adventurous spirit might lead you to perform feats of altitude—and hopefully land with a graceful return to the water. I wasn’t blessed with coordination or leg strength, and during my attempts at skiing, waves were not my friend. I often bordered on drowning, pummeled by one wave after another, relying on my life jacket to keep my head above water.

Such is life. Some are master surfers—Jason Momoa comes to mind (although I’m not even certain he surfs; I just like the image of him in a swimsuit with a surfboard playing around in my brain). Some people can “shoot the tube” with style and grace, emerging on the other side in a sunlit spray of droplets, tanned and shining. Others of us cling to our boards, afraid to stand, praying the cord that ties our ankle to buoyancy never breaks.

Some live for the ups and downs. Some dread them. Others are forced into the surf unwillingly—yet endure.

No matter how you end up in the tumultuous water, you’re there. If you let your body ride the whitecaps and breathe with regularity, you might find you enjoy it a bit. But if you panic and thrash, chances are you’ll take on water and choke.

Even though I’m not a graceful swimmer, and I’m not skilled nautically, I have faith in my lifeguard—because He walks on water. I know He’s there with His whistle, ready to warn me of danger, poised to jump in and save me when I can’t save myself.

(By the way, I’m talking about Jesus—not David Hasselhoff—but you can tell your story with whatever characters suit you.)

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

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