🅿️A New Firefighter, a Dog Park Opening, and Lawn Mowers

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, neighbor. Did you lose any branches yesterday? We did. Limbs, branches, sticks — our yard is littered with them. The important thing is, we’re all safe and sound, and the storm we were expecting was all bark and no bite. Weathermen are awesome — I’m super thankful for them. They do a lot of cool weather stuff that I don’t know anything about. But they tend to…hype the forecast a bit.

Anyways, get fired up! It’s Wednesday.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🌥️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🍔Chelsea Gives Back Cookout
💼Princeton Businesses
🏷️Priceton Garage Sales
📢City Announcements
🌮Food Trucks
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🔥Things to Do This Week
📍Outside City Limits
🔧Lawn Mower Repair
🚴2024 Princeton Bike Fest
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
😎Vacation Bible Schools

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Congratulations to Daniel Crowe on being sworn in as the newest full-time firefighter. Thank you for selflessly serving this wonderful town!

• Keep your newsletter from getting dropped or going to spam: add this email address to your contacts, your VIP, or whitelist today.

• Don’t forget to nominate your Princeton Person of the Week for Saturday’s newsletter.

• PHS incoming Senior Noah LaPorte gave an interview to 247 Sports: Princeton (Ill.) tight end Noah LaPorte reported his first two officials to 247. “May 31st I'm going to Northwestern and Kansas has me down for June 21st,” he said. “Michigan State wants to get me on one as well.”

• BCR: Douglas Elementary students in Princeton raised more than $3,332 in the past several weeks to help improve the landscaping around the building.

• The Princeton Park District will have a soft opening for the new dog park, located at the east end of Zearing Park, on Thursday, May 23rd, at 10:30am. Please park at the far east end of the gravel lot, between the baseball diamonds and the soccer and flag football fields. The Dog Park is approximately 50 yards to the north, along the east end of the park. If you have any questions, please contact the Princeton Park District office at 8158720840.

• The Rotary Club invites the community to the ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo on Saturday, June 1st at Rotary Park, with festivities running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and food and music continuing until 9 p.m. The event promises a day packed with family fun, featuring various activities suitable for all ages:

  • Craft Center: Hosted by the Rotary Interact Club, offering creative projects.

  • Entertainment: Performances by Mr. Cinnamon the Balloon Twister and gigantic bubbles by The Bubble Lady.

  • Transportation: Mike's Little Train rides, sponsored by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Princeton Tourism.

  • Face Painting: Available for children and those young at heart.

• Planning a lemonade stand this summer? Get it into the newsletter: [email protected].

• A Princeton resident is offering free hostas.

• The Most Picturesque Small Towns In Illinois: “Exploring the downtown corridor promises amazing shopping opportunities, thanks to a cluster of welcoming antique and gift shops, including Eclectic Joy. The Apollo Theater is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy Box Office productions- it offers a remarkable movie experience inside a rustic venue, where guests can catch the latest Hollywood movies.”

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🚫Ad free

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 140 others.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Expect mostly sunny conditions with some occasional passing clouds. There's a slight chance of a rain shower with a high temperature around 75°F. Winds will be from the west at 10 to 20 mph. The sky will be mostly clear with a low temperature of 52°F in the evening. Winds will shift to west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: It will be sunny throughout the day with a high near 82°F. Winds will be from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Expect partly cloudy skies in the evening, with a low around 60°F. Winds will be light and variable.

Friday: The day will see scattered thunderstorms, potentially severe, with a high temperature around 80°F. Winds will be from the south at 10 to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 60%. Thunderstorms are expected in the evening, which will clear up to partly cloudy skies overnight. The low will be around 53°F, with winds shifting to the west at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain increases to 70%.

Given the varying conditions, it’s advisable to carry an umbrella and possibly a light jacket, especially towards the end of the week when thunderstorms are expected.

Pollen count:

• Wednesday: Medium-high, 7.8

• Thursday: High, 9.5

• Friday: High, 9.5

• Saturday: Medium-high, 8.5

On days with high pollen counts, keep windows closed and use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.64
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
Casey’s West/North: $3.69
Beck’s West/North: $3.69
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.69
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.69

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.75
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $3.85
Casey’s West/North: $3.75
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.75

🍔CHELSEA GIVES BACK COOKOUT

Chelsea Gives Back is excitedly announcing their upcoming Wyanet Locker Cookout today from 10 am to 1 pm. This event promises a sunny day filled with delicious food options like seasoned pork chops, pork burgers, hotdogs, precooked brats, along with sides of soda, water, and chips at affordable prices. Instead of a traditional bake sale, the event will feature Christina from Just Poppin By who will offer her gourmet popcorn. Proceeds from the sales will contribute to the Chelsea Gives Back Secret Santa Givings, supporting community initiatives.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce wants you to know about their Gift Card Program, with cards available in $5, $10, and $20 increments, purchasable at the Chamber office inside the Prouty-Zearing Community Building. In 2023 alone, $42,475 worth of these cards were bought, significantly supporting local businesses. These cards, which never expire, are touted as ideal for last-minute gifts and ensure that spending remains within the local community.

• Simply Nutrition announced that they are open for business on South Main Street, encouraging families to bring their children who will love their range of delicious shakes.

• Catch Seventh Day Slumber and Joseph O'Brien’s performance on the "These Summer Nights Tour" at the New Hope Nazarene Church on June 25; doors open at 6 PM, all proceeds benefit the Second Story Teen Center.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is expanding, with renovations to the adjacent space for use in regular dining and private events, expecting to complete in the next few weeks. Their Father's Day event menu, titled "NOT TEA," offers a variety of locally sourced dishes, including smoked brisket and 20-hour pulled pork, served family style with a cocktail from the Barrel Society. The event also includes a children's menu with gourmet options and a to-go alternative, excluding the cocktail. Reserve your spot today: [email protected].

• The Corner Chair Market has just finished crafting unique side tables featuring sewing machine drawer side pockets, adding a creative twist to traditional furniture design.

• The Studio Boutique offers a variety of sunglasses, ranging from classic to modern styles, featuring vibrant frames in colors such as red, blue, yellow, and pink, as well as more understated options. The sunglasses they offer include a pair with large, round, purple-tinted lenses and a stylish pair adorned with sparkling embellishments on the sides, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any sunny day outfit.

• Cafe Grace invites you to try their refreshing blueberry pecan salad or a hearty grilled chicken sandwich, featuring a deliciously melted cheese topping and served with crispy waffle fries, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones by business owner Julie Pinter is offering unique Father's Day cookie sets, featuring themes like tools, fishing, and barbecue, available for $20 per set if ordered by June 1st for pickup on the Saturday before Father’s Day, with designs packaged in specially themed boxes on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Wild Honey Boutique is promoting a cute and comfortable plus-size romper, now limited in stock with only two left, available alongside their new Ink & Alloy earrings, and the store is open throughout the week with extended online availability at wildhoneyboutique815.com.

• Optimal Health is offering a variety of fresh baked goods including blueberry muffins, double chocolate chip and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, dairy-free cranberry oatmeal cookies, and pumpkin and banana chocolate chip muffins, catering to diverse dietary preferences and tastes.

• Mavolan's boutique is offering a variety of colorful summer tees paired with an extensive selection of stylish jean shorts, inviting customers to visit until 5:30 PM to explore their trendy seasonal offerings.

🏷️PRINCETON GARAGE SALES

• There will be a large multi-family garage sale at 203 Park Ave East on Memorial Day weekend. The sale will run from May 24th to May 26th, with hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Items for sale include holiday decor, home goods, collectibles, clothing, and many useful things.

• Another large multi-family sale is set to take place at 240 South State Street in Tiskilwa, offering a wide array of items including adult and children's clothing, games, household goods, a Blackstone grill, and dressers. The sale will run today.

• The United Pentecostal Church in Princeton is hosting a garage sale on Thursday and Friday, May 23-24, from 8 AM to 4 PM. The event will take place at 2303 South Main Street. Shoppers can explore a wide range of items for sale over these two days.

• A large garage sale will be held at 709 E Thompson today to Friday, May 24th, from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, May 25th from 8 am to 12 pm. The sale will feature a wide range of items including tools, housewares, quilting and embroidering supplies, and a Janome 11000 quilting and embroidering machine. This event promises something for everyone, catering to a variety of interests and needs.

• There will be a large sale with all proceeds aimed to support children's activities including a Washington DC trip and summer sports camps. The event will take place at 340 N Jefferson St Tiskilwa on Friday, May 24th, and Saturday, May 25th from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Items on sale will range from girls' clothing sizes 7/8 to women's large, and include toys, furniture, and home decor.

• More in Bureau County is hosting a county-wide garage sale event on Father's Day weekend, June 14 and 15. This year, the event extends beyond its traditional Route 34 location, inviting the entire community to participate. Residents who wish to have their garage sales listed or who seek more information about participating venues can contact [email protected]. Sale details will be included in a printed directory available to all shoppers during the event.

Add your garage sale to the list — email: [email protected]

📢CITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

• City of Princeton: ”We are currently out of both sizes of recycling totes and have some on order. If you are wanting to recycle and have not contacted us please make sure to call City Hall at 815-875-2631 Option 2 to be added to the list.”

• Recycling and Garbage Information:
  
  Recycling:

  Recycling will resume the week of May 20th with pick up being the same day as your trash service. Recycling will be every other week thereafter. Please make sure garbage and recycle totes are out by 5:00 AM for pick up. The 2024 Recycle schedule is attached along with a reminder as to what is accepted for recycling.

  Garbage/Stickered Items:

  Going forward, ALL garbage stickered items will be picked up on Fridays. If you have stickered items that need to be picked up we ask that you please call City Hall at 815-875-2631 Option 2 to be added to the Friday pick up.
  

  Old Garbage Cans:

  We have been asked by several residents as what they are to do with their old garbage cans. The week of May 20th we will have a drop off location for old garbage cans across the street from the Street Compounds at 1105 N Euclid. The area will be marked as to where they shall be placed.

• The City has also just launched a new app. Check it out and Explore Princeton.

🌮FOOD TRUCKS

Wednesday

• Farmer Smoked BBQ | 11am-1pm; 4:30pm-6pm | Bonucci Farms

• Lucero’s Tacos | 11am-7pm | 106 S. Main Street

Thursday

• Lucero’s Tacos | 11am-7pm | 106 S. Main Street

Friday

• La Katrina | 3pm-8pm | 15 W. Marquette

• Lucero’s Tacos | 11am-7pm | 106 S. Main Street

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• The Manager of Recovery Services position at Arukah Institute of Healing involves conducting grant and programmatic reporting, and engaging with state and federal funders as well as presenting to stakeholders on program progress. The job requires a GED or high school diploma, and candidates must be certified recovery support specialists or alcohol and drug counselors, with the ability to obtain the CRSS certification within a year of hire. Applicants are expected to have personal lived-experience in mental health and/or substance use and be willing to share this as part of their role. Additionally, over five years of experience in reentry, community supports, recovery support work, direct substance use services, behavioral healthcare, and crisis response work is required.

• Chapel Hill is currently hiring servers. They are looking for candidates with prior experience in the hospitality industry, who can ensure customer satisfaction through excellent service and effective communication. Key responsibilities include greeting customers, taking orders accurately, and collaborating with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of food and drinks.

• The Rest Area Crew Member position at Sertoma Star Services offers a full-time role paying $15 an hour. The job involves maintaining rest area buildings and grounds, including cleaning restrooms, lobbies, and the immediate outdoor area. Responsibilities include performing maintenance tasks, using POS systems for payments, and collaborating with kitchen staff for timely order delivery. Shifts are 6 am-2 pm and 2 pm-10 pm, with weekends included on a rotating basis.

• Sherwin-Williams is urgently hiring for their Management & Sales Training Program in Princeton, Illinois, offering a starting salary of $51,500 per year. This full-time, entry-level position provides an accelerated path to store management within 18-24 months, focusing on operations, client relations, and market strategy to oversee a million-dollar business. The role typically involves a 44-hour work week that may include evenings and weekends, preparing trainees for advancement to Assistant Store Manager upon successful completion of the program.

• Gamma Team Security Inc is urgently seeking part-time unarmed security officers for Ollie’s at a rate of $18 per hour. Applicants should ideally have experience in public safety and high integrity, managing secure environments effectively at all times. The job involves patrolling, monitoring entrances and exits, and ensuring the safety of premises, assets, and personnel. Additional responsibilities include operating surveillance systems, handling incidents, and providing detailed reports of daily activities.

Announce your garage sale: [email protected] 

🔥THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• On Friday at 4:30 pm, the Princeton Public Library hosts Barry Cloyd's presentation "Over There...The U.S. in World War I," a tribute to his grandfather's wartime experiences, culminating in the original song "Keep A Candle Burning...A Soldier's Letter Home," at 709 E Thompson St, Princeton; the event is free to the public.

• Join the lively "Miles Over Mountains" bluegrass event at the Barrel Society, 930 N Main St. on Friday at 7 PM. Enjoy an evening of beers, bourbon, and banjos with a $10 suggested donation at the door.

• Catch "Not Petty," America's favorite Tom Petty Tribute Duo, at The Black Rose Saloon on Friday from 7 PM to 10 PM. Enjoy two full sets of Tom Petty's hits, B-sides, and rarities, with a special middle set featuring songs influenced by Petty and original tracks by the band.

• Meet 10-year-old Breckin, an aspiring exotic animal vet, at "A Boy and his Dragon" event at the Boek-el-Zoo on Saturday from 12 PM to 3 PM. Breckin will share his knowledge and experiences with his bearded dragon, Maui, and guests are encouraged to bring their dragons too! All children under 10 years old attending the event will receive a free scoop coupon from Sisler's Ice Cream next door.

• The Prairie Arts Center is hosting "Rebecca Kautz: Homes of Strangers Art Gallery Exhibit" Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3 PM at 24 Park Ave E.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Psycho Silo Saloon is hosting a Memorial Day 4-day weekend celebration starting Friday, May 24, with gates opening at 11 am, featuring live music from Bocephus Wayne and a Hairbangers Ball concert among other acts. The event will also include a special Memorial Service at 3 pm on Monday, May 27. Additionally, a bonus food trailer will be available for the weekend to cater to the festivities.

• A Buda resident is offering sweet autumn clematis. Free for the digging.

• The Walnut Public Library is gearing up for a fun-filled summer with a host of free programs designed to entertain and educate children of all ages. Here are some highlights:

  • Children's Business Fair: Held at the Farmer's Market on Liberty Square, the event encourages young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses.

  • Programs for Various Age Groups: Activities are tailored for children from preschool through 8th grade, with registration now open.

  • Diverse Activities: The library's summer lineup includes interactive and educational events such as seed planting, environmental care, and a special end-of-summer celebration.

  • Community members can find registration links and more details on the library’s social media page.

• The Sheffield Splash Pad is now open.

• Kewanee AD Tim Atwell, a dedicated figure in educational sports, was recently honored as the Class 1A/2A State Division Athletic Director of the Year during the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Conference.

🔧LAWN MOWER REPAIR

• Diller-Rod, Inc.: Website

• Eric Gualandi: 815-915-5803

• Dave’s Small Engine Repair: 815-878-0577

• Dan Colvin: Facebook

• Ralph Wedekind: Facebook

• Bryan Rowley: 815-878-0804

• Sam Coon: Facebook

🚴2024 PRINCETON BIKE FEST

The Princeton Bike Fest is set to be the biggest cycling event in Bureau County on June 22, taking place at Zearing Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. This festival will coincide with the Z Tour, adding an exciting competitive edge to the day. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities and amenities, including:

• Bike Swap & Super Sale: Opportunities to buy, sell, or trade bicycles and related gear.

• Kids' Activities: Ensuring fun for all age groups with child-focused entertainment.

• Wellness Services: Free massages and helmet fittings to promote safe and healthy cycling.

• Food Options: Availability of food trucks to cater to all tastes throughout the event.

The event promises a vibrant community atmosphere with something for every biking enthusiast and their families to enjoy.

🤝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.

🏠HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 205 Elm Pl, this charming 1881 home is on the market for $88,000. It offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and spans 1,840 square feet on a large 0.47-acre corner lot. Features include spacious living areas, built-in storage, and a two-car garage, making it an ideal candidate for a family looking for space and comfort near local shopping and dining. The property requires some TLC, presenting a great opportunity to revive its historical character.

• At 428 E Thompson St, this meticulously maintained single-family home, first on the market in almost 40 years, is listed for $247,500. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and spans 2,452 sqft on a 9,100 sqft lot. The house boasts a hardwood floored foyer, an open floor plan with a spacious living room that includes a masonry fireplace and crown molding, an updated kitchen with island and glass front upper cabinets, and a private backyard facing south, complete with oversized thermal windows to enhance energy efficiency and provide ample natural light.

• This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home located at 801 W Boyd Ave is listed for $189,500. The property spans 2,336 square feet and offers an open floor plan that includes a family room with a cozy fireplace and a separate dining area. Additional highlights include a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a private backyard with a trellis-covered patio, and ample space for landscaping and outdoor activities, making it an ideal canvas for creating your dream home.

😎VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

• Princeton Bible Church | June 9th-13th | 6-8:30pm | Sign Up Here

• Evangelical Covenant Church | June 10th-14th | 9-11:30am | Sign Up Here

• Bureau Township Community Church | July 8th-12th | 6pm | Website 

• Princeton First United Methodist Church | July 8th-11th | 6pm | Sign Up

• Tiskilwa Community Church | June 24th-28th | 6pm | Sign Up: 815-878-4763

Add your church to the list — email: [email protected]

📢1300+ subscribers, 10,000+ monthly impressions — want to advertise in the Princeton NOW newsletter? Inquire here: [email protected].