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Happy Thursday morning, Princeton. Have you ever had a Morel Mushroom? It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed one. They are incredible. Morel mushrooms are a rare and tasty wild mushroom that grow in the spring, especially around dead or dying trees like elm and ash. You can’t grow them on a farm—they only show up in the wild, which makes finding them feel like a treasure hunt. But don’t eat them raw—they have natural toxins that need to be cooked out first. More hunting opportunities below.

Now I’m hungry.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🐾Paws on Park Avenue
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🧶Quilter’s Guild
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🎸Free Concert: Bobby Jo Valentine

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Kyle Anderson!🎂

• PHS officially announced the students of the year: The group of students includes Grace Eggers, Kamryn Patterson, Ellie Harp (salutatorian), Ella Kinnamon, Chase Sims, Maximus Wilborn, Gavin Pinter (valedictorian), Ian Morris (valedictorian), Timothy Lewis, and Micah Hult.

• BCR: Princeton tennis team wins own invitational; Princeton’s Jason Smith named IBCA District Coach of the Year

• The Princeton Girls’ Track team edged out Chillicothe IVC with a 62-56 win at the April 28 dual meet. Ashlynn Weber led with first-place finishes in both the long jump (16’ 0”) and triple jump (32’ 5¾”), while Camryn Driscoll earned season-best times in the 100m (12.96) and 200m (27.17). Other standout performances included Emma Wahlgren winning the high jump, Josie Sierens tying for first in pole vault, and Jocelyn Strouss placing in both the 400m dash and 300m hurdles.

• WLPO: Second Story Teen Center Off And Running At New Location

• The 3rd Annual Bureau County Fair Queen Golf Tournament will be held on May 10, 2025, at Spring Creek Golf Course in Spring Valley. Registration is $70 per player before April 10 and $80 after, with check-in at 8:00 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. For questions, contact Shari Marquez at (815) 252-6835 or [email protected].

• Free meals are served twice a month at First United Methodist Church Hall, 316 S. Church Street, Princeton, with doors opening at 4:45 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on listed dates in 2025 including May 12 & 19, June 9 & 23, and more.

• The Friends of Extension and 4-H, a group that helps fund educational outreach for University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County and its 4-H/Youth Development Program, is inviting community members to take part in their upcoming cash raffle fundraiser on Friday, June 13th at the Becker Professional Building, 850 Thompson St. For more information or to request tickets, contact the Extension office at 815-875-2878.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites runners to the Princeton Mile on June 7 at 10:00 AM. Registration is $25. Register here or call the Chamber at 815-875-2616. The Chamber is also hosting a Lunch & Learn on Friday, May 2 from 12–1 p.m. at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building, 435 S Main St, Princeton, IL 61356. Attendees will learn about Conxxus fiber internet for home and business; register by April 30 at (815) 875-2616.

🐾PAWS ON PARK AVENUE

“Paws on Park Avenue” is happening Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Greenfield Retirement Home parking lot at 508 Park Avenue East. The event will feature the always-popular “Strut Your Mutt” Dog Parade. Attendees can browse a variety of offerings at the craft/vendor show and garage sale. There will also be a bake sale and a homemade BBQ meal available for purchase. All food sale proceeds will benefit local animal shelters. Anyone wishing to participate in the dog parade or vendor show must pre-register and fill out the required paperwork. Forms are available on Greenfield’s Facebook page or by visiting the facility directly. For more information, contact Chris at [email protected] or call 815-872-2261.

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎨 Exploring Local History: Women Artists – Learn about Illinois women artists at 24 Park Ave E, Princeton on Saturday, May 3, from 1:30–2:30 PM. Hosted by Bureau County History Center. Free and open to the public.

🏍️ Princeton Swap Meet – A marketplace for motorcycle enthusiasts at Bureau County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 4, from 8 AM-2 PM. Admission $10.

🍕 Chelsea Gives Back Pizza Fundraiser – Stop by Paisano’s Ristorante on Wednesday, May 7 at 4 PM to support Chelsea Gives Back. $4 from every pizza sold (any size, any topping) goes toward the cause.

🥖 Sourdough and Herbs Class – Bake and grow with demos by Sun Oak Farm and U of I Master Gardeners at Bureau Farm Bureau, 1407 N Main St, Princeton on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30–8:30 PM. $20. Call (815) 875-6468 to register.

🎭Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group will present The Michigan MOMsemble Celebrates Mother’s Day at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.

🧺 Mother’s Day Flea Market – Shop vendors and deals at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St, Princeton on Sunday, May 11, from 8 AM–2 PM.

✂️ Pruning Workshop at Hornbaker Gardens – Learn how and when to prune trees and shrubs at a free hands-on workshop at Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 North Ave, Princeton on Saturday, May 24 at 10 AM. No registration required.

🎸 Sweetwater at The Hawg House Saloon – Celebrate Memorial Day Sunday with live music at Hawg House Saloon on Sunday, May 25, from 3-7 PM.

🌳 Homestead Lawn Event – A community event at Owen Lovejoy Homestead on Saturday, June 14, from 5-7 PM to raise funds and celebrate local traditions.

🏠 Annual Covenant Children’s Home Reunion – A gathering for past residents, staff, and volunteers at Simon Conference Center on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM-4 PM. Donations welcome.

🥿 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A one-mile walk in downtown Princeton to support DV and SV survivors on Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Activities, teams, and prizes.

🧶COVERED BRIDGE QUILTERS GUILD TO HOLD MEETING

The Covered Bridge Quilter’s Guild will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, located at 30 N. Sixth St. in Princeton, IL.

This month’s program, How to Hand Tie a Quilt, will be presented by Guild member Janet Moreland. Attendees will assist in hand-tying several quilt tops. Prior to the meeting, starting at 10:00 a.m., the Guild will host an open sew day at the church. Bring your machine, your projects, and enjoy some time sewing with others.

Guests are always welcome at Guild meetings and are encouraged to attend. A $5.00 guest fee applies, which may be credited toward a Guild membership if joining that evening. New members are always welcome! The annual membership fee is $24.00. Whether you quilt, sew, or simply want to learn something new, we’d love to have you join us.

For more information, contact one of our co-coordinators:

• Terry Johnson: 815-866-3534

• Cindy Smith: 573-603-4234

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌩️Today: A few thunderstorms early becoming less widespread during the day. High near 67°F with west winds at 5 to 10 mph. Clouds increase again overnight with a few showers late and a low of 50°F. Winds from the south at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 30–40%.

🌦️Friday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers possible. High near 65°F with northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low near 45°F and lighter north-northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 20%.

🌤️Saturday: A pleasant day with a few clouds from time to time. High near 70°F with east-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Mostly clear overnight, dipping to a low of 47°F with south winds at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 76°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph. Partly cloudy skies at night with a low near 53°F. Winds shift slightly to the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

KWQC: “Active weather returns today and continues through the rest of the work week. The main round of rain arrived overnight. With the late timing, no severe weather is expected. Another wave is likely on Friday, and when all is said and done, some areas could pick up over an inch of rain.

This rainfall will cause rivers—especially the Mississippi—to crest at or near action stage. While not a major concern, stronger currents are possible, so use caution if you’re planning to launch a boat this weekend.

Looking ahead to the weekend: expect plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and highs in the 70s—perfect spring weather!”

⛽️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

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Walmart in Princeton is hiring part-time in-store Personal Shoppers for morning shifts at their 2111 Claude Bailey Parkway location. Pay ranges from $15 to $28 an hour, with potential bonuses and premiums based on performance, schedule, or job duties. The role involves preparing and packaging online orders, ensuring accuracy, and providing customer support when substitutions are needed.

• The Bureau Putnam Marshall County Health Department is hiring an Environmental Health Sanitarian in Princeton, offering $22–$25 per hour. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or an Associate’s degree with at least 9 hours of science coursework; LEHP certification is preferred but not required. The role involves inspecting food establishments, schools, wells, and other facilities, and requires strong communication skills, a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record.

• Liberty Village of Princeton is hiring a Transportation Aide starting at $15 an hour. The role includes helping residents transfer to and from wheelchairs, assisting staff with vehicle transfers, and transporting residents to appointments or outings. Applicants should be team-oriented, compassionate, and able to report incidents or hazards promptly while maintaining positive interactions with residents and staff.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Hungry World Farm is hosting its first Annual Morel Hunt Fundraiser on May 3 and 10 from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, featuring forest exploration, pizza, and a glamping giveaway. Space is limited and RSVP is required online or by direct message.

• Café Grace shared its weekly menu, including Chicken Cordon Bleu Thursday. Friday and Saturday include shrimp, lobster, and steak dishes, with Sunday brunch featuring ultimate loaded biscuits and gravy.

• Rachel Rene now offers a “Make & Take” deodorant station where customers can blend up to three scents and pick up their creation after four hours. Online ordering and in-store customization are both available.

• Meadows on Main is stocked with patriotic décor for Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July. Shoppers can browse Americana-themed items to prepare for the season.

• Apollo Theater Princeton is celebrating new soda flavors at the concession stand.

• Scooter’s Coffee announced that the popular Peach Bliss Quencher is officially here to stay. Fans of the fruity drink can now enjoy it permanently on the menu.

• The Bureau County Senior Center presents a 6-day, 5-night Lancaster Show Trip July 7–12, 2025, for $929/person (double occupancy), including lodging, 8 meals, multiple shows, and tours of Philadelphia and Amish country. Contact Denise Ihrig at (815) 879-3981 for details; deposit due April 30, 2025.

• Steven Becker from Thrivent is seeking sales professionals interested in purposeful careers as financial advisors with strong community values. Learn more and apply at thriventcareers.com/43AMWZq

• Four Seasons in Princeton now carries Ilse Jacobsen’s stylish shoe collection, thanks to Nicci Lynn. Visit the store Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore this line and more.

• Pin Splitter Lanes is hosting an Adult/Youth League from May 31 through August 2, meeting Saturdays at 10 a.m. for 3 games each week; cost is $10 per person or $20 for an adult/youth pair. Call 815-879-5811 to sign up or visit the counter for more info.

• Myrtle’s Pies is currently closed for vacation from April 20th to May 7th. They will reopen following the break with regular business hours.

• Apollo Theater Princeton is offering ad space for $350/year on its big screens, allowing local businesses to reach audiences before each movie. Contact them at [email protected] to get your ad on screen by Friday.

• Cafe Grace is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1009 N Main St, Princeton, IL, with buffet prices ranging from $6 to $28 depending on age; reservations can be made by calling 815-872-4000. Early bird breakfast pricing is available from 8 to 10 a.m. for $12.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is stocked up with summer essentials like gently used swimsuits, sandals, and sundresses at some of the lowest prices in Bureau County. New finds hit the floor daily, making it a great time to save big and refresh your summer wardrobe.

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🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• This home at 719 Park Ave, Princeton, is listed for $315,000 and offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 2,840 square feet of space. Built in 1900, it sits on nearly half an acre and features a 2.5-car heated drive-thru garage. The home has been updated with newer windows, vinyl siding, granite countertops, and French doors, with hardwood floors professionally refinished in 2025. There’s a large main-level bedroom and bath, along with a huge master suite that includes a walk-in closet, bathroom, and attached laundry room. Outdoor features include a front porch, gazebo, and stamped concrete patio inside a fenced yard. Its location near Rt 6, Rt 26, and I-180 makes it highly accessible while offering a park-like private lot.

• 22590 1075 North Ave is listed for $245,000. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has 2,184 square feet and is located in the Lake Arispie community. It features vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace, hardwood floors, a master suite with a walk-in closet, and a loft space for an office or play area. The walk-out basement offers storage and access to a fenced backyard extending to the lake inlet.

• 232 N Euclid Ave is listed for $99,900. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers 1,754 square feet of living space and sits on a 10,836 sq ft lot. Built in 1881, the home includes updates like a half bath on the first floor and a privacy-fenced backyard. The home features a new fridge, appliances that stay, and a driveway that runs from the street to the alley. It is being sold AS-IS, with the front porch needing repair and central air needing replacement.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Thrive on Main – A downtown Sheffield event with mobile boutiques, coffee, florals, home goods, and more on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 10 AM. Family-friendly fun all day.

• The Tiskilwa Community Association has brought back Tiskilwa Gift Certificates, which are valid checks accepted at participating businesses and available year-round at Ron Behrend’s office or Aspen Egan’s. To join the program, email [email protected].

• Prison awaits a Spring Valley woman after pleading guilty to felony theft charges.

• Reward increased in Kewanee fatal hit and run

• Tonica Grade School Threat on April 29, 2025, Was Isolated Incident

• Car Crashes Into Chatham After School Camp, Resulting in Four Tragic Deaths

🎸FREE CONCERT: BOBBY JO VALENTINE

On May 11 (Mother’s Day) at 7:00 p.m., a free concert will be held at Open Prairie Church featuring Bobby Jo Valentine. The concert will take place at 25 E. Marion St., and admission is free, with a free-will offering being accepted. Bobby Jo Valentine is described as a heart-opening, award-winning folk/pop artist. Attendees can expect an evening of music that speaks to deep personal themes and emotional journeys.

One of Bobby Jo Valentine’s songs, “Ready to Be Found,” is about the longing to belong. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFibDE-xZHA. Another song, “The Edge of the World,” explores the courage to say yes to adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4ERx6DdXCo. A third song, “Trading In,” reflects on letting go of harmful beliefs and replacing them with better ones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Wu0vLqkj8.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].