🅿️New Record, Darius Miller, and Lunch in the Park

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Good morning, neighbor. That double rainbow was awesome, wasn’t it? Stunning. A kind and gracious reader noticed I mistyped Logan Junior High’s Band/Choir Concert date. I wrote the 6th when I should’ve written the 16th. I’m sorry about that.

Onward.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🎵At the Bureau County Fair
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
🧺Lunch in the Park
🔥Things to Do This Week
👨‍🔧Local Plumbers

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Angie Husser! 🎂

• BCR: “Princeton mailer carriers and volunteers will be collecting nonperishable food items Saturday from residents as part of the Stamp Out Hunter initiative…Sullivan’s Foods in Princeton has donated shopping bags for residents to fill with items and leave on their porches. All the food collected will go the Bureau County Food Pantry to be distributed as part of its Second Helping program. Residents will need to set out nonperishable food items by 7 a.m. Saturday.”

• 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!

• BCR: “The Princeton City Council approved Monday a $542,952 agreement with Advanced Asphalt to complete the work. City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said that bid was about $200,000 less than the city expected…Improvements to the Darius Miller Rail Campus and Parking Lot in Princeton are set for this summer, some time shortly after the ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo on June 1 in nearby Rotary Park.”

• The Princeton Park District is offering group swim lessons from June 3rd to June 13th at Alexander Pool. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday for two consecutive weeks with sessions at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Limited to 20 participants per session, ensure your spot by registering here or by contacting the Bureau County Metro Center.

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⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Expect a day with intervals of clouds and sunshine. While the morning might start clear, there’s a possibility of a stray shower or thunderstorm developing later in the day. Temperatures will reach a high of around 78°F with southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. By evening, scattered thunderstorms are possible, turning to variable clouds overnight with lows around 54°F. Winds will shift to the east-northeast at 10 to 15 mph, with a 60% chance of rain.

Thursday: The day will be cooler and predominantly cloudy, with occasional rain showers and a high of around 58°F. North-northeast winds will blow at 10 to 20 mph, keeping the chance of rain at 60%. The evening should see some clearing with just a few clouds around and a low near 45°F.

Friday: The weather will improve slightly with partly cloudy skies and a high of 68°F. Northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph during the day will provide a refreshing change. Evening showers are possible, followed by partly cloudy conditions overnight. The low will be around 49°F, and there’s a 40% chance of rain during the evening.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

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

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The "Coping with Loss" Bereavement Support Group meeting, hosted by In-Home Care Connection Hospice, is set to take place on Tuesday, May 21st from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 680 West Peru Street. This group is open to the public, providing a supportive environment for individuals to learn to manage their 'new normal' after loss. For additional information, you can contact Angela or Darwin at 815-872-7447.

• This Friday, take advantage of an early school dismissal and head to The Knack for a special pottery session designed just for students. Enjoy a 20% discount on all pottery pieces from 12 PM to 7 PM—no reservations needed. Their shelves are stocked with numerous options to spark your creativity. Bring your friends and spend the afternoon exploring the arts at a great price. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to craft something unique!

• The wait is over. Head to Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar today for a delectable lunch featuring dishes like Mediterranean Salad, Thai Chili Bowl, and their special Mac and Cheese Bowl from 11-2:30 PM; takeout orders welcome at 815-872-3976.

• Take advantage of the 'Wednesday Walk About' at Boek-el-ZOO and get 20% off any online purchase made before Thursday night. Pick up your favorite pet supplies and exotic pets during regular store hours.

• Celebrate Mother's Day with Flowers By Julia! They’re open this Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM to fulfill all your floral needs, with delivery options available to make the day extra special.

• For Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food, you can catch them from Wednesday to Friday this week for lunch from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, and for dinner from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. They also offer a limited daily special of Mango and Sticky Rice.

• At Farmer Smoked BBQ food truck will be at 1155 East Peru Street in Princeton today, serving a menu that includes Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket, and various sides from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Sophisticuts Salon-Spa is actively hiring full and part-time cosmetologists to join their team. They emphasize a professional, stable, and friendly working environment.

• On The Homestead Crossfit has introduced new Earth Fed Muscle products that are all-natural and derived from 100% grass-fed cow's milk. They offer flavors like mocha, peanut butter cup, and dark chocolate sea salt, and are also giving away free samples and t-shirts with purchases.

• Lee’s Kinetico Water Systems is encouraging people to love their water by offering a free water test to help identify the most suitable drinking water system for their needs. They aim to solve water quality issues with advanced filtration and softening technology.

• Optimal Health introduces two new flavors of Dan-O's seasoning—Original and Sea-Soning, with low sodium content. Spice up your cooking with these unique tastes, perfect for enhancing any meal.

• Mavolan presents a fresh collection of dresses and rompers for graduation season, including a stylish floral romper paired with braided sandals, available in sizes 4-14. Ideal for graduation celebrations or any spring event.

• Discover a variety of personal care and household items at Second Chance Liquidation. Discover incredible prices this Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

🎵MITCHELL TENPENNY AND LAUREN ALAINA AT THE BUREAU COUNTY FAIR

Mitchell Tenpenny, a multi-talented entertainer known for his hit single "Drunk Me," which helped him surpass over 1.5 billion streams globally, will perform at the Bureau County Fair on August 22nd. Joining him as a special guest is Lauren Alaina, another chart-topping artist from Big Loud Records, who recently released her debut EP "Unlocked" on June 9, 2023.

The concert promises to showcase their significant achievements in country music, with Tenpenny also featuring on multiple high-profile tours this year, including Jason Aldean's "Highway Desperado Tour." Lauren Alaina has graced some of the highest-profile stages, including performances at the White House and national broadcasts like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Both artists have extensive portfolios with multiple platinum hits and have shared stages with big names like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. Tickets for their upcoming performance at the fair are available online, with the show scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. in the Grandstand.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Sophisticuts Salon-Spa is currently hiring both full-time and part-time cosmetologists to join their team. They are seeking Illinois Licensed Cosmetologists who are passionate about hairstyling and coloring for women, men, and children's hair, offering a creative and stable work environment. The salon promises a non-stressful, positive work setting with perks such as guaranteed hourly wage, professional training, and paid vacation. Interested candidates can send their resumes to [email protected] or contact the salon at 815.579.6993 to apply.

• Hotsy Equipment Company is searching for a full-time Service Technician position with no experience necessary, offering a starting wage of $18 per hour. The role includes a comprehensive benefits package with health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus 401(k) with company matching and paid time off. The position promises factory training and support, aiming for a professional and stable work environment for mechanically inclined individuals who enjoy teamwork and have a strong work ethic. This role is ideal for those looking to develop their skills in a supportive, no-nonsense workplace.

• Gateway Services is looking for full-time Bureau & Putnam Area Rural Transit (BPART) drivers in Princeton, IL. The position requires the safe and efficient transportation of passengers and is available to those with a high school diploma or GED, aged 21 or older, and with a valid driver's license. The job offers a salary ranging from $32.5K to $41.2K annually, with work hours from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, including some holidays. Interested applicants can apply online or visit the Gateway Services office.

🧺LUNCH IN THE PARK

11am-1pm — Soldiers and Sailors Park

• May 17th: Lunch: VFW Post #4323 - Bake Sale: Second Story Teen Center

• May 24th: Lions Club of Princeton - Open Prairie UCC

• May 31st: Bureau County Senior Center - Royal Family Kids

• June 7th: New Hope Church - Liberty Village of Princeton

• June 14th: Flags of Freedom - Princeton High School Cheer

• June 21st: First Presbyterian Church - Prairie Arts Center

• June 28th: Bureau County Republican Women - Gamma Phi

• July 5th: City of Princeton - Princeton Chamber of Commerce

• July 12th: Amvets Post #180 - Second Story Teen Center

• July 19th: Covered Bridge Barbershop Chorus - Hampshire Colony Church

• July 26th: Flags of Freedom - Friends of Strays

• August 2nd: Rotary Club of Princeton - Princeton Junior Woman's Club

• August 9th: Hands of Hope - First Lutheran Church

• August 16th: Bureau County Republican Women - St. Louis Parish

• August 23rd: Bureau County Senior Center - First United Methodist Church

• August 30th: American Legion Post #125 - American Legion Auxiliary

• September 6th: Princeton Police/Second Story - Bureau County MOPS

• September 13th: Princeton Chamber of Commerce - New Hope Church

• September 20th: Bureau County United Way - Gateway Services

• September 27th: Dementia Friendly Princeton - Hands of Hope

🔥THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• Enhance your artistic skills at the Watercolor Tutorial Class with Melody Best at the Princeton Public Library. The class is scheduled for today from 5 PM to 7:30 PM, includes all necessary materials for a $30 registration fee, and welcomes all skill levels.

• Explore engaging discussions at the Page Turners Book Club, hosted by The Princeton Public Library on Thursday at 6 PM. This session will cover "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise" by Colleen Oakley, a tale of an unconventional friendship and unexpected adventures.

• Get creative this Mother’s Day at the Charm Bar hosted by Let's Link Jewelry at The Elowen Room (938 N. Main), where you can craft a unique charm necklace. The event takes place Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, with tickets available for $55, covering jewelry-making supplies and a choice of three charms.

• Immerse yourself in creativity at the Spring Art Night hosted by the Prairie Arts Council, featuring local artist Rebecca Kautz. Join the event on May 10th from 6 PM to 8:30 PM 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 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.

• Start your weekend mornings at Hungry World Farm's "Breakfast on the Farm," happening this Saturday from 8-10:30. Enjoy a variety of locally sourced, freshly made breakfast items, partake in special educational workshops, and explore the farm's beautiful surroundings. More details are available for these unique weekend outings.

• Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Bureau County Fair’s Flea Market on Sunday, May 12th from 8 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy free admission and explore a variety of unique finds at this public event, with concession stands available for refreshments.

👨‍🔧LOCAL PLUMBERS

• Dan Whitlock Plumbing and Htg: 815-872-4541

• Pioneer Plumbing Inc.: 815-872-5055

• Brandstatters Plumbing and Heating: 815-925-7013