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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Athletes are breaking records, murals are being imagined, parks are under construction, and spring events are stacking up across the calendar. Farmers are beginning to roll equipment into fields, warm air is pushing into the Midwest, and local businesses are shifting from winter survival to spring momentum. From track meets and community grants to craft shows, concerts, planting season, and small-town conversations that turn into big ideas, Princeton finally feels like it’s stepping into a new season.

Boom.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠 Princeton Homes For Sale
🌽 Ag Updates
☀️ Princeton Weather
⛽️ Princeton Gas Prices
💼 Princeton Businesses
🗓️ Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️ Local Job Opportunities
🌼Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Princeton Girls Track Dominates Howard-Monier Invitational with Record-Breaking Team Effort.

• Congrats to the Princeton High School scholastic bowl team on a strong 2025–26 season, with the varsity finishing 63-37 and the JV going 34-4, highlighted by standout Trevyn Munson's First Team All-Sectional honors.

• The Princeton Public Arts Commission has launched a Community Art Grant Program for local businesses and nonprofits looking to create murals, sculptures, or public installations — applications are due May 31 and can be found at Princeton City Hall or on the commission's Facebook page.

• Princeton Youth Soccer League announced Justin Jenkins will become director on July 1, 2026, following Jeremy’s departure on June 30.

• City County Park announced its construction project is on schedule and reminded residents that the park remains closed to car traffic during active construction.

• Tiger Pride Golf Scramble announced its fundraiser for Princeton High School athletics and Scholastic Bowl will be held Saturday, May 30 at Chapel Hill Golf and Event Center, with registration at 9 a.m. and shotgun start at 10 a.m.

• A Coalition is hosting a free community event on Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at the Prouty Building in Princeton, featuring speaker Rodney Perez of Patriots for America on the topic of human trafficking in Bureau, LaSalle, and surrounding counties.

• Festival 56 has two off-season events coming up at the Grace Theater in Princeton — the play "Living, Breathing Things" on April 17–18 and a chamber music concert "Intimate Songs" on April 25, with tickets at $25 each available at festival56.com.

• Win Cash Prizes and Support Youth Education with the Friends of Extension and 4-H Raffle.

• Princeton Police Department issued a scam alert warning residents about fake court notices tied to unpaid tickets or tolls. The department said courts will not request payment through QR codes or urgent payment demands and urged residents not to scan or pay if they are unsure.

• Bureau County Fair promoted signups for its Sports Cards, Pokémon, TCG, Memorabilia & More Show set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• Princeton Tourism announced planning for America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Princeton. Parade registration is now open, and residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming community celebrations.

📍Outside City Limits

• Right in the heart of Peru, Illinois, a low-key smokehouse is quickly building a reputation as one of the state’s standout BBQ stops.

• Performances of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are at 7:30 the next two Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights with Sunday matinees at 2.

• Young welders will compete for prizes on Friday, April 17, during the annual Welding Competition presented by Illinois Valley Community College and the American Welding Society.

• A planned burn in La Salle created some commotion Thursday morning.

• The Walnut Chamber of Commerce announced its Townwide Garage Sales will take place May 1 and May 2. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate and shop throughout the community.

• The Tiskilwa Community Association announced the headline bands for Pow Wow Days 2026. Flatland Ridge will perform Friday, July 31, and Hairbanger’s Ball will perform Saturday, August 1.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This listing at 426 N. Pleasant Street in Princeton is an active $98,500 single-family home offering 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 618 square feet, a 0.11-acre lot, and a two-car detached garage. The 1916 home has been completely renovated and is described as move-in ready, with major updates that include a new roof, furnace, central air system, siding, plumbing, electrical, and wiring. Inside, the property features a bright living space with updated flooring, fresh paint, and a modernized kitchen and bathroom designed for low-maintenance living. A major additional feature is the 29-by-20 garage with substantial loft storage above, adding practical space beyond the home itself.

• This listing at 1218 Margaret Drive in Princeton is an active $195,000 single-family home offering 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,240 square feet of living space, and a 0.255-acre lot. Built in 1968, the bi-level home is located in the Birdhaven subdivision and is described as a spacious, well-maintained property with a flexible layout that includes two separate living areas and room for a variety of living arrangements. Interior and utility features include laminate flooring, built-in features and bookcases, central air, natural gas forced air heat, and included appliances such as a range, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, washer, and dryer. Outside, the property includes an attached two-car garage, concrete driveway, back deck, and screened-in porch, adding practical outdoor living space in a quiet neighborhood.

• This listing at 1935 Deerfield Road in Princeton is an active $395,000 single-family home offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,100 square feet, and a 3-acre lot. Built in 1978, the property includes cathedral ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, central air, natural gas heat, and an attached two-car garage. The home offers a spacious rural setting with an irregular lot, concrete driveway, and practical layout suited for both everyday living and entertaining. With its combination of acreage, updated listing status, and solid interior features, the property presents a higher-end country residential option in the Princeton market.

🌽AG UPDATES

Illinois Farmers Begin Planting Season. Planting has officially started in parts of Illinois, with USDA reporting about 1% of corn planted so far. Warm temperatures and above-average rainfall helped prepare fields, while winter wheat conditions remain mostly good across the state. Read more about planting progress.

Black Vultures Becoming Problem for Illinois Livestock Farmers. Illinois Farm Bureau is now issuing special permits to farmers dealing with black vultures attacking newborn livestock. The birds are protected under federal law, so farmers must obtain approval before removal. The issue has grown as the birds migrate farther north into Illinois. Read more about vulture permits.

Corn Acres Expected to Drop Across Midwest. New USDA estimates show farmers planning fewer corn acres and more soybeans in 2026 due to fertilizer costs and lower crop prices. Illinois is among the states expected to see reduced corn acreage this season. Read more about crop acreage.

Biodiesel Demand Increasing for Illinois Soybeans. Illinois’ new B20 biodiesel law is now fully in effect, increasing soybean demand and expanding biofuel markets. Industry leaders say this could provide stronger long-term support for Illinois soybean farmers. Read more about biodiesel demand.

Rainfall Improving Soil Moisture Across Corn Belt. Recent rainfall across the Midwest is improving soil moisture heading into planting season. Analysts say conditions are becoming favorable for early planting, though dry conditions remain a concern in some wheat regions. Read more about weather conditions.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️ Saturday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers developing in the afternoon. High near 58°F with ESE winds 10–15 mph. Saturday night stays overcast and mild with a low around 52°F and SSE winds 10–15 mph.

⛈️ Sunday: Cloudy early, then windy and much warmer with rain developing later in the day. High near 73°F with SSW winds 20–30 mph. Sunday night brings rain showers and scattered thunderstorms, with a low around 60°F and SSW winds 15–25 mph.

🌤️ Monday: Very warm with mostly cloudy skies early, then becoming partly cloudy. High near 82°F with SSW winds 10–20 mph. Monday night remains mild with a few clouds, and a low around 64°F.

⛈️ Tuesday: Warm and increasingly unsettled with scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day, some potentially strong to severe. High near 84°F with SSW winds 15–25 mph. Tuesday night brings thunderstorms likely, with a low around 62°F.

🌦️ Wednesday: Scattered thunderstorms possible with periods of showers early, then gradual clearing later. High near 74°F with southwest winds 10–20 mph. Wednesday night sees early showers, then partial clearing with a low around 54°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $4.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $4.17
Casey’s West/North: $4.19
Beck’s West/North: $4.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $4.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $4.19

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Princeton Closet announced craft week specials featuring sewing, needlepoint, crocheting, beading, and junk journaling supplies. The store also shared basket day details and said store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with the donation center open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

• Myrtle’s Pies announced it will reopen on Thursday, April 23.

• Second Story Teen Center announced scholarship fund applications are now being accepted and invited donations designated to the SS Scholarship Fund to help support teens.

• Bureau County Senior Center announced a pork chop fundraiser on April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals are $10 and include a pork chop sandwich, homemade potato salad, baked beans, and a cookie.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats promoted new menu items including a Sugar Cookie Sundae, Sugar Cookie Tornado, a $6.99 tenderloin sandwich, and a $7.99 tenderloin combo.

• The Knack showcased new customer pottery pieces and encouraged walk-in painters to visit Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are requested for groups larger than eight.

• Bureau County Historical Society and History Center announced its “Saved by JFK” presentation will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Raymond Sapp Memorial Library in Wyanet.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store announced it will be open Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store also highlighted kids activities, coffee, books, furniture, athletic clothing, records, and sheet music.

• Cafe Grace promoted a private reservation-only culinary art and wine pairing event with Beetz Me! on Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. featuring a five-course chef’s tasting experience.

• Little Blue Dress featured a spring blouse priced at $53 and described it as a roomy fit.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware announced a three-day sale on 40-pound bags of Ace wild bird food at two for $30 through Sunday, April 12.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe highlighted American Olean Studio Haven tile for backsplashes and said the tile is available in Espresso Glossy, Almond Glossy, Honey Glossy, and Fog Glossy.

• Apollo POP announced it will be closed Sunday, April 12 through Sunday, April 19, but is offering $20 refills on 2-gallon tins tomorrow before the closure.

• Bureau County Fair promoted its Saturday, April 11 vendor event with more than 150 tables across three buildings and free admission. The post highlighted a wide range of items that will be available for sale, including collectibles, crafts, baked goods, antiques, and household items.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🐾 Saturday, April 11: Spring Fever Craft and Vendor Show/Flea Market in Princeton — A springtime vendor and flea market event at the Bureau County Fairgrounds featuring Templeton’s Treats, homemade dog treats, and a variety of vendors.

🎻 Saturday, April 11: Fiddlerock! at Hawg House Saloon — A live afternoon music event at Hawg House Saloon featuring violin-driven rock, pop, metal, country, and more, with song requests and a jam-session atmosphere.

🍷 Wednesday, April 15: Wine Tasting Wednesday at Coal Creek Brewing Company — A 6:00 PM red wine tasting featuring a curated flight of reds paired with a charcuterie board full of savory bites.

🌷 Saturday, April 18: Discover What’s New for 2026 at Hornbaker Gardens — A 10:00 AM informational workshop highlighting new plants for the 2026 season, including perennial introductions, notable trees, and expert guidance for gardeners and landscapers.

🎨 Wednesday, April 22: “Pots & Prickles” Paint Party at Downtown Pub & Event Center — A 6:00 PM creative night where guests will paint “Pots & Prickles” on canvas, enjoy food and drinks, and can come early for dinner; spots are limited.

🌸 Sunday, May 3: May Day Festival at Rotary Park — A 10:00 AM–4:00 PM community spring festival hosted by the Princeton Art District with handmade goods, live music, family-friendly fun, and a celebration of spring.

🔥 Tuesday, May 5: Fuego Sculpt at 1001 N Main Street — A Cinco de Mayo-themed fitness experience blending yoga-inspired flow, slow controlled strength work, and an energizing Latin-inspired playlist for a challenging and restorative workout.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Patient Access Associate — OSF HealthCare: This is a part-time Princeton opening with pay listed at $18.80 to $22.12 per hour. The posting indicates 20 hours per week and points to front-end healthcare support work such as patient access and registration functions. It is a verified direct job page for a current Princeton opening.

Cashier - Beck’s West Princeton - Part-time Drive Thru 2nd Shift — Beck Oil Company: This Princeton position is listed at $16.00 to $16.50 per hour and is a part-time customer service and sales role. The job page specifically identifies the location as 605 West Peru Street, Princeton, IL 61356 and includes benefits such as health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. It is an exact direct link to the posting.

Kitchen Associate - Beck’s Princeton West — Beck Oil Company: This Princeton opening is listed at $16 an hour and focuses on food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen support in a fast-paced convenience-store setting. The posting also notes benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and fuel discounts. This is a verified direct posting page tied to the Princeton location.

Stocking Team Supervisor — Walmart: This full-time Walmart opening in Princeton is listed at $20 to $33 per hour. The direct posting identifies the location as 2111 Claude Bailey Parkway, Princeton, IL 61356 and describes it as a store stocking leadership role with benefits including health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and parental leave. It is an exact direct job link.

Membership Sales Representative — NFIB: This Princeton-based full-time sales position is listed at $80,000 to $200,000 per year. The direct posting describes it as a W-2 role with commission-based compensation, paid training, mileage reimbursement, and benefits after 30 days. It is a verified direct posting page for a Princeton opening.

🌼LETTER FROM LORI

Dandelions! When you think of them, how do you feel? If you are a master gardener, I’m sure you think of them as a nuisance and do what you can to eradicate them. WEED! They are invasive and take over everything. Oh sure, they are yellow and add a pop of color to your lawn, but when you want monochromatic green, and your backyard looks like it has infected pustules of pox scattered across your level, manicured piece of ground, you wage war. As they mature, those dry, fluffy heads let loose with a fuzz that invades every air intake in their immediate radius. Air conditioner… CLOGGED! Screens… COVERED. Nostrils… INVADED! ACHOOO!

If you are like me… NOT a master gardener, but a lazy old woman, you delight in the sweet little dots of sunshine adorning your uneven lawn. They kind of camouflage the mountains of dog poop I tend to overlook because I’m half crippled, live alone, and don’t really care. I recently learned that every part of the dandelion is edible and even has medicinal qualities. I know my critters at the store enjoy them, so now I guess I should try munching on them sometimes too. I might look like a giant bovine, but apparently they won’t hurt me and might even help!

I also know that they are an important first food source for bees. Bees are necessary for the production and propagation of our other plant life, so without dandelions, we might not have apples, cherries, and strawberries.

How odd that what some people consider a nuisance or an enemy is actually 100% USEFUL. Every part. No waste.

Sometimes I look in the mirror and I see a weed. I see someone who is overbearing and may be a blight to my environment. I tend to take over and overwhelm a situation or space.

As I gaze at my reflection, I picture God standing behind me, reminding me that every part of me is useful. My hands can help a stranger carry groceries. My mouth can sing praises, just maybe not in tune! My feet can lead, albeit with a “hitch in my giddyup.” My arms can hug. My eyes can smile across the room, letting someone know they are seen. Every part of me has a purpose.

So often a majestic sunflower is used in analogies concerning God (I’ve even written one), but now that I see dandelions in a different light, I’m going to notice and appreciate them just a bit more, and hope maybe someone will recognize me that way too.

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

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