🅿️Mother’s Day Offers, Stamp Out Hunger, and Michigan State

Good morning, Princeton. The Stamp Out Hunger Postal Carrier Food Drive is this morning. Postal carriers will be picking up donated food items during their routes. Plastic bags from Sullivan’s have been distributed during the week of May 6-10 for the Princeton city and rural routes. Please place your food items out for pick up by 7am this AM. Volunteers working the food drive will also be helping the postal carriers to pick up food items. Help support of the Bureau County Food Pantry!

Also, Happy early Mother’s Day to my beautiful wife Deb, my lovely mother Audrey, and my wonderful mother-in-Law Maria. Your loyal love and nurturing hearts enrich our lives beyond measure.

Let’s get started.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go Today
🌥️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💃Princeton Person of the Week
💐Mother’s Day Offers
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
🎟️Overdrive Monster Trucks
☀️Princeton Summer Camps
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
📍Outside City Limits
🥧Myrtle’s Pies
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
🏃Princeton Sports
🏛️Letter from Lori

🤝HELP WANTED

Dauber Company, a manufacturer of high-quality silicon carbide products, is family-owned and operated and is located in Tonica, Illinois.

We are hiring experienced maintenance workers starting at $32/hr, entry-level maintenance workers at $25-31/hr, and laborers starting at $24/hr.

Dauber Company offers paid holidays and vacation, 100% free medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k plan, profit sharing, and advancement opportunities.

Apply by sending an email to [email protected], mailing to 577 N. 18th Rd, Tonica, or calling 815-442-3569, extension *813.

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy belated birthday, Nicole Pelszynski! And happy birthday today, John Rumley! 🍰🥳

• PHS Junior Noah LaPorte received an offer from Michigan State University to play football. He’s also received offers from University of Ohio, Kent State, Northwestern, and Ball State.

• The Princeton Farmers Market 2024 season is quickly approaching. This year’s market will kick off on Saturday, May 25th and run every Saturday through October 26th.

• BCR: “Senior Morgan Foes brought the thunder for Princeton in Thursday’s Class 2A sectional, qualifying for state in the shot put and discus. Teammate Camryn Driscoll provided the lightning by qualifying in the 400 meters.“

• Yahoo: “Just outside Princeton, Illinois, sits one of the most secluded magazine worthy gardens in the state. Hornbaker Gardens is a destination center for plant enthusiasts. Offering everything from perennials and trees to garden art and decor, come take a look at all the beauty this garden center has to offer. Joining us today is Dave Hornbaker, Co-Owner of Hornbaker Gardens.”

• Join Gateway Services, Inc. for their 5th Annual Online Silent Auction starting June 2nd at 12 PM and ending June 9th at 9 PM. Explore and bid on a variety of items donated by local businesses and community members. Engage with our community and support a great cause while securing unique items from the comfort of your home.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

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✅PLACES TO GO TODAY

• Dive into a community treasure hunt at the multi-family garage sale on 127 S Church St. This event features a vast array of items from multiple families, including furniture, tools, clothes, and games, with special free items up for grabs. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity for great finds and deals from 9am-4pm.

• Immerse yourself in creativity at the Spring Art Night hosted by the Prairie Arts Council, featuring local artist Rebecca Kautz. Join the event today at 1PM to explore her exhibit "Homes of Strangers," showcasing her notable works as an artist and Art Lecturer from UW-Madison.

• Join Titanic historian Peter Cook today for an engaging presentation on the iconic ship's history, hosted by the Bureau County Historical Society. Learn from Cook’s extensive research, which includes artifacts, survivor autographs, and a wealth of knowledge from his affiliation with multiple Titanic societies and visits to significant Titanic locations. Buy tickets here.

• Meet Chris Dixon and his pet fox Bandit at the Boek-el-ZOO, a crowd-pleasing event for all ages. Attendees can learn about the care of domestic foxes and explore the pros and cons of having them as pets, while children under 10 receive a free ice cream coupon for Sisler's Ice Cream next door.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 71°F. Winds will be blowing from the northwest at 10 to 20 mph, providing a fresh breeze throughout the day. The evening will see clear skies with temperatures dropping to a low of around 47°F. Wind speeds will decrease slightly to 5 to 10 mph coming from the west.

Sunday: The day will be mostly sunny with just a few afternoon clouds. Temperatures will peak at a warmer 82°F, with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will start with partly cloudy skies which will become overcast later, cooling down to a low near 60°F.

Monday: Monday brings rain, starting with showers early in the day, then transitioning to a steady rain. Expect a high around 70°F with winds from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Rainfall may total near a quarter of an inch. The chance of rain is 100%. The evening will continue to be rainy, then turning to cloudy skies with occasional showers late, and a low around 51°F. Winds will shift to the northeast at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain in the evening is 90%, with similar rainfall amounts.:

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.71
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.72
Casey’s West/North: $3.74
Beck’s West/North: $3.74
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.75
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.77

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.95
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $3.79
Casey’s West/North: $3.89
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.95

💃PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

🏅Lindsay Philhower

Reason for Nomination: “Miss Lindsay is the owner of MSDA and a full-time teacher at PHS. The number of kids she positively impacts daily in this community is enormous. She is also currently planning one of the biggest spring events in the community—the Main Street Dance Academy Spring Showcase. She is absolutely deserving of this nomination!”

I wholeheartedly agree. Congratulations, Lindsay! You’ve won the stupendous Princeton Person of the Week.

Okay, everyone. It’s time for you to nominate someone for next week’s Princeton Person of the Week here.

💐MOTHER’S DAY OFFERS

• Make any purchase over $50 at local Chamber Member Retailers or Restaurants today and tomorrow and you'll have the chance to win a Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Card! This is a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and find the ideal gift for Mom, or even a little treat for yourself.

• Treat your mom to a delightful dining experience at Prime Quarter Steak House. With every adult entrée purchase, they’re offering a complimentary glass of wine or a slice of cheesecake for moms. They still have plenty of reservations available.

• Sisler's Ice Cream invites all moms to enjoy a day of sweetness and smiles. Stop by their shop today and indulge in a complimentary small scoop of your favorite ice cream. It's their way of saying thank you to all the wonderful mothers out there.

• Indulge in the perfect culinary blend at Café Grace this Mother's Day. Join them for a sumptuous Mother's Day Buffet featuring classics like scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, and sausage alongside their delightful strawberry & cream French toast, savory chicken strips, and much more. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today.

• For a soothing Mother's Day gift, consider a therapeutic massage at Princeton Family Therapeutic Massage. They're offering special promotions to celebrate, ensuring a relaxing "Me Time" for moms. For more details or to book an appointment, contact them at 815-481-2747.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• As True Leaves Bookshop prepares to move to its new location in the Mason Building, they're hosting a celebration for mothers and graduates with enticing promotions. This weekend, enjoy a complimentary greeting card with any purchase over $25, plus 25% off journals, candles, and pens—ideal for finding that perfect gift.

• Don’t forget: Through the month of May, Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home will be deducting the sales tax for any grave markers purchased.

• Make your way today to A Second Chance Liquidation for their exclusive Dollar Day event. Dive into unbeatable deals where everything is just $1. They will be closed the following Sunday, so make sure to catch these steals while you can.

• Step into Spoons and Forks to savor their global comfort food. Their special Birria Melt, rich and hearty, is waiting to delight your taste buds. They're open from 11 AM to 8 PM.

• If you're worried about the quality of your water, Lee's Water Systems has you covered as an authorized dealer of Kinetico Water Systems, renowned for their efficiency and reliability. They're currently offering a free water test to help you determine the best Kinetico drinking water system for your needs. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your water consumption experience—visit their website here.

• There will be a community cookout hosted by Princeton Chevy GMC. Come enjoy a delicious meal featuring hot dogs, brat patties, or hamburgers complete with chips and a drink, all for just $8. The event is scheduled for May 29, 2024, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Every dollar spent will contribute directly to the Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League.

• Splash Tech Solutions is now offering Mini-Website Audits. Regularly priced at $97, you can avail of this service for just $47 throughout May. You'll receive a report with three actionable recommendations to enhance your website.

• Steve Becker at Thrivent provides personalized financial services in the Princeton area, offering strategies in retirement planning, life insurance, and annuities. His approach not only aids in achieving personal financial goals but also fosters community contribution through various philanthropic programs.

• Catch thrilling cinematic experiences at Apollo Theater with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Challengers. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes offers an adventurous continuation of the famed franchise, with showings on Saturday and Sunday at both 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, featuring an open-captioned session on Sunday evening to ensure accessibility for all audiences. For those seeking a different vibe, the R-rated Challengers delivers intense drama and is available Tuesday through Thursday at 6:15 PM, immersing viewers in a compelling story of competition and personal stakes. Tickets for these captivating films are available online at www.apolloprinceton.com or at the theater's box office, providing a perfect escape for movie lovers of all tastes.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• KWQC: “A man has been charged in the case involving a theft in Princeton where a van and sound equipment were stolen from a retired police officer back in October…The owner of the van and sound equipment is retired police officer Gary Swanson.”

• Discover the charm of Covered Bridge Cottage: a cozy guest suite perfect for a relaxing getaway. This well-appointed studio offers privacy within a private garden, steps from local attractions, and includes modern comforts such as a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and exclusive access to a scenic patio.

• Logan Track & Field Princeton celebrates a new school record set by Landen Hoffman in discus throwing, achieving a remarkable distance of 163 feet 8.5669 inches, surpassing the previous record by 19 feet! WOW! Crazy!

🎟️OVERDRIVE MONSTER TRUCKS

The Overdrive Monster Trucks are set to perform at the Bureau County Fairgrounds with events starting at 10am and 4:30pm on July 20th. Attendees can enjoy two large shows featuring more action, more shows, and a variety of monster trucks starting at a ticket price of $10. Highlighted trucks include Amp'd Up driven by Ryan Holman, Block Head driven by Daron Basl, and others, with a new addition called Overdrive Wildcards.

The event offers a Track Party Experience where fans can meet the drivers and get a close look at the 12,000lb trucks. For added excitement, spectators can take a ride in a real monster truck. VIP tickets provide additional perks such as early access, a tour poster, a lanyard, and a free truck ride experience. Tickets are limited and available for pre-purchase online to guarantee entry to this high-energy monster truck event.

☀️PRINCETON SUMMER CAMPS

• Princeton Girls Basketball is announcing a girls' basketball camp scheduled for Monday, June 17 to Thursday, June 20. It's open to all girls entering grades 2 through 12 in the fall of 2024. The camp timings are divided by grades: Grades 2-5 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, Grades 6-8 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, and Grades 9-12 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Email: [email protected].

• The PHS Boys Basketball Camp is scheduled for June 3-7, 2024, focusing on basketball fundamentals, guided by PHS Head Coach Jason Smith and his team. Registration is open for boys from 3rd to 8th grade in the mornings and 9th to 12th in the evenings, costing $50 per camper.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball is hosting a three-day volleyball camp from June 10th through 12th for 3rd through 12th graders. Participants need to register by filling out an online form for each athlete and sending payment by May 20th, either online or via Venmo.

• The Princeton Tiger Football Camp will take place at Princeton High School from July 22nd to July 26th, 2024. It is open to all incoming 9th through 12th grade students. The camp sessions are scheduled as follows: July 22nd to 25th: 5:30 PM to 8 PM and July 26th: 9 AM to 11 AM. Located at Little Siberia Football Field, participants are required to wear helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, and shorts. The camp costs $60 per individual athlete, with a family rate of $50 per athlete for families registering more than one participant.

• Camp 56, organized by Learning Stage of Princeton Theatre Group, offers a two-week summer day camp for youth entering third grade up to 2024 Junior High graduates, focused on various aspects of live performance production. Camp directors Jenna Tremblay-Reilly and Reid Tomasson will lead activities in song, dance, makeup, and more, with a special onstage chorus ensemble appearance in Festival 56's production of "Urinetown." The camp runs weekdays from June 24 to July 5, costs $125 per child with scholarships and family discounts available, and is supported by several community sponsors including the Sun Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council. Registration forms are obtainable from the theater, via email, or online with additional service fees for online payments.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Servers/Phone Person/Pizza Maker/Oven Person | Paisano’s Ristorante | Contact

• Kitchen Staff | Spoons and Forks | Contact

• Cosmetologist | Sophisticuts Salon | Full, Part Time

• Patient Access Associate | OSF Healthcare | Full-time

• Food and Grocery | Walmart | Full, part-time

• Utility Billing Clerk | City of Princeton | Full-time

• CDL A Driver | Ace Hardware Corp. | Full-time

• General Laborer | Ag View FS | Full, part-time

• Automation Coordinator | Corteva | Full-time

• Retail Teller | Heartland Bank | Full-time

• Shift Manager | Pizza Hut | Full-time

• Parts Specialist | O’Reilly Auto Parts | Full-time

• Barista | Scooters Coffee | Part-time

• Shift Manager | McDonald’s | Full-time

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• BCR: “Four Malden Grade School students earned a trip to the IESA state track meet - Lane Goskusky, Joseph Perez, Carter Rossler and Brady Peach.”

• Thrive on Main in Sheffield: Taking place today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 6th annual Thrive On Main market is all set to take over downtown Sheffield, transforming Main Street into a lively showcase of local talent and commerce. This event invites you to enjoy a day of small-town shopping with your mom, friends, and family, while supporting an array of central Illinois vendors.

  As you stroll through the market, you'll discover a diverse selection of products and services ranging from mobile boutiques, home decor, and tween and kids clothing to permanent jewelry, customized hats, and more. To enhance your experience, local artist Angela Meyer will be performing live music throughout the day, adding a melodic backdrop to your shopping.

  For foodies, the market will also feature an array of food and coffee stands, alongside beautiful floral displays.

🥧MYRTLE’S PIES

Myrtle’s will be open from 8am-12pm tomorrow for Mother’s Day.

Here are the pies and desserts they posted Thursday:

• 99% Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Apple

• Banana Cream

• Blueberry Lavender Cookies

• Brownie Bottom Salted Caramel Coffee Cream

• Cherry

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

• Chocolate Cream

• Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

• Coconut with Cookie Crust

• Coconut with Pastry Crust

• Dutch Apple

• Fireball Red Hot Cookies

• French Silk

• Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

• German Chocolate

• Key Lime Custard

• Lavender Blueberry Overboard

• Lavender Lemon Overboard

• Lemon Blueberry

• Lemon Meringue

• Lemon Shortbread Cookies

• Monster Peanut Butter

• Monster Peanut Butter Cookies

• Myrtle's Turtle Cheesecake Pie

• No Sugar Added Apple

• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Orange Cookies

• Peach Cobbler Pie

• Red Raspberry

• Red Raspberry Cream

• Rhubarb

• S'mores Pie

• Strawberry Rhubarb

🏡 PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Discover the comfort and charm of this newly-listed, fully renovated home at 608 N Church St, priced at $234,900. It features brand new kitchen appliances, a spa-like bathroom, refinished hardwood floors, and includes a screened porch for relaxing. Perfect for those who value a beautiful interior with modern amenities and a touch of outdoor serenity.

• Located at 520 W Crown St in Princeton, this charming 1948 home offers three bedrooms, one bath, and a versatile layout with a potential fourth bedroom. Priced $100,000, $85 per square foot, the property includes a spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, a three-season room with its own heater, and a well-sized yard with a shed, all complemented by a new boiler and concrete driveway.

• Enjoy the quaint charm of this cozy two-bedroom home at 319 N. Chestnut, priced at only $92,500. Featuring a well-appointed kitchen with plentiful cabinetry, main floor laundry facilities, and a bathroom on each floor for optimal convenience. Freshly updated with new paint and essential appliances, this home includes a new furnace and water heater installed recently in November 2023. Enjoy the outdoors with an open front porch and a spacious backyard. Don’t miss out on this affordable gem perfect for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize.

🏃PRINCETON SPORTS

Saturday, May 11

• Soccer - Varsity Girls @ IHSA Regionals (Time TBD)

• 10:00 AM: Softball - Soph Girls vs. Stillman Valley

• 10:00 AM: Softball - Varsity Girls @ Stillman Valley

Monday, May 13

• 4:30 PM: Baseball - Varsity Boys @ IHSA Regionals

• 4:30 PM: Softball - Varsity Girls @ IHSA Regionals

• 4:30 PM: Tennis - Freshman-Sophomore Boys vs. Dixon High School

• 4:30 PM: Tennis - Varsity Boys vs. Dixon High School

Tuesday, May 14

• 4:30 PM: Softball - Varsity Girls @ IHSA Regionals

Wednesday, May 15

• Softball - Varsity Girls @ IHSA Regionals (Time TBD)

• 4:00 PM: Baseball - Varsity Boys vs. IHSA Regionals

Thursday, May 16

• 4:00 PM: Baseball - Varsity Boys vs. IHSA Regionals

Friday, May 17

• 9:00 AM: Track and Field - Varsity Girls @ IHSA State

• 1:00 PM: Varsity Boys Tennis @ IHSA Sectionals

• 4:30 PM: Softball - Varsity Girls @ IHSA Regionals

Logan 7th Grade Track 

Congratulations to the Starved Rock Conference Champions!

• 7th boys 4 x 200 Relay: Tristan Salazar, Logan Walter, Kolten McCarter, Ethan Knaak

• 7th boys 4 x 400 Relay: Gabe Heaton, Bryce Cochran, Dominick Sandoval, Paxton Knudson

• 7th boys Shot Put: Paxton Knudson

• 7th boys Discus: Paxton Knudson

• 7th girls 1600 M Run: RayyLee DePauw

• 7th girls 400 M Dash: Lenora Hopkins

• 8th boys Shot Put: Landen Hoffman

• 8th boys Discus: Landen Hoffman

• 8th girls 400 M Dash: Jocelyn Strouss

• 8th girls 800 M Run: Jocelyn Strouss

• 8th girls 4 x 400 M Relay: Lenora Hopkins, Leila Acker, Chloe Moats, Jocelyn Strouss

🏛️LETTER FROM LORI

Last night, while I was in Michigan, there were storms. Apparently, they were of epic proportion. I didn't realize it because I was in my happy place at the cottage, noticing only that it was dark and rainy. I saw the winds picking up but had no clue that outside my little paradise, people were battening down the hatches and steeling themselves against impending danger.

I was just do-doo-ta-dooting my way through the day. Honestly, if it weren't for social media, I wouldn't have known my life was in jeopardy. The concern for my well-being was heartwarming, but I felt it was unnecessary. After all, I'm in a brick cottage, and the trees around me were shielding me from the storm.

Of course, the very things that were protecting me could have been my demise. If outside forces became strong enough, the trees could have fallen onto the cottage, collapsing the bricks put in place 70 years ago by my grandfather. He built a firm foundation here that has weathered every storm for the generations that followed... so I was not concerned.

As parents, isn't it our duty to construct a firm foundation for our children so they have peace of mind and security when faced with the storms of life? Shouldn't we think ahead and plan ahead so that no matter what, our children don't fear stormy weather? Even if fear creeps in, do they know you are there for them to pick up the pieces if a wayward branch penetrates one of their windows, or if their roof leaks a little? Love covers a lot of pain, but security brings peace of mind. We can't control the weather. We can't keep bad things from happening, but we can be there to hold a hand, dry an eye, and hug away some anxiety.

So it is with God. Sometimes He calms the storm, but more often, He calms His child. So after the storms of life, enjoy the rainbow. The sunshine always comes afterward.

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