🍝Pasta, Scholarships, and Four Seasons

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Good morning, Princeton. It’s March 27th, and here’s the situation: the weather can’t decide what season it is, Paisano’s is serving pasta and scholarships, and Barkley Dog Park just turned its fountains on—hydrated pups, assemble.

Let’s get to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🥣Free Soup Lunch
🗓️Upcoming Events
☀️Princeton Weather
🚨Volunteers Needed
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🎡Kidbucks Game Show
💭Remember in Princeton
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🍏Favorite Foods

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Ben Henrikson! 🎂

• Mike Wittig announces candidacy for Bureau County Sheriff

• BCR: Three candidates—Martin Makransky, Michael McCall, and Don Saletzki—are running for reelection to the Princeton City Council in 2025. Makransky seeks to continue making a positive impact, McCall emphasizes his support for small businesses since 2021, and Saletzki draws on his lifelong knowledge of Princeton’s history and community.

• Tim Lewis, Clayton Rokosz, and Max Wilborn from the Princeton High School Scholastic Bowl team have earned all-sectional recognition from the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is teaming up with the Rotary Club of Princeton on Thursday, March 27, from 4–9 p.m. to raise funds for the high school’s scholarship program. 15% of all sales will be donated, so customers are encouraged to dine in and support a good cause.

• The water fountains are back on at Barkley Dog Park, just in time for warmer weather. Visitors are encouraged to bring a bowl or use the provided fountains to keep their dogs hydrated while enjoying the park.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its Annual Meeting Luncheon & Awards on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center. Tickets are $25 each or $150 for a table sponsorship including six seats, and lunch will be catered by Rossy’s BBQ Joint.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 is hiring a special education teacher for Jefferson Elementary for the 2025–2026 school year. Interested applicants should contact Principal Megan Doty at [email protected].

• The Bureau County Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the IVET loan program, offering up to $40,000 to vet students focused on food animals, with no interest while in school. Applications are due by May 15, and interviews will be held in June.

• The Bureau County Fair 50/50 Raffle is now underway. The drawing will be held at the fair on Sunday August 24th. Please contact a Board Member or call 815-303-2905 to purchase your tickets. Thank you for your support.

• Early voting is open today at the Princeton Moose Lodge from 8 AM to 4 PM and at Spring Valley City Hall from 9 AM to 3 PM.

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🥣FREE SOUP LUNCH

You’re invited to a free soup lunch on Sunday, March 30, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a warm, delicious meal with others in the community. The lunch will be hosted by Open Prairie United Church of Christ. Join them at 25 E. Marion Street in Princeton, just behind the Apollo Theater. No cost, no catch—just good food and friendly faces. Everyone is welcome!

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🚒 Storytime with Firemen – Meet local firefighters during storytime at 605 S Pleasant St today, March 27, from 10–11 AM. Check for last-minute cancellations due to emergencies.

☕ Style Show + High Tea at Four Seasons – Fashion show and full high tea experience at Princeton Four Seasons on today, March 27, at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at the store. Limited to 30 guests.

🍝 Paisanos & Rotary Club Community Night – A fundraiser dinner to benefit community grants and scholarships at Paisano’s Ristorante on today, March 27, from 4–9 PM. 15% of sales will support local initiatives.

🌸 March Into Spring at Simply Nutrition – A celebration with sweets, sourdough, and MarDogs at Simply Nutrition on Saturday, March 29, from 10 AM-1 PM.

🎶 Hollywood & Vine’s Annual Spring Break Party – 12 hours of live music, party favors, and drink specials at Hollywood & Vine on Saturday, March 29, starting at 12 PM.

🎨 “Hippity Hoppity Easter” Paint Night – A spring-themed paint night with snacks and a cash bar at Downtown Pub & Event Center on Thursday, April 3, starting at 6 PM. Paint supplies provided; limited seating available.

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton – Join the fun at Liberty Village of Princeton on Saturday, April 5, at 10 AM for an annual Easter egg hunt.

🐀 Werewolf Rats at Boek-el-ZOO – Meet the zoo’s new rat colony at Boek-el-ZOO, 419 S Main St, on Saturday from 12–3 PM. Kids under 10 get a free scoop at Sisler’s Ice Cream next door.

🎸 Burn N’ Bush at The Hawg House – Live music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon on Saturday, April 5, from 3-6 PM.

🎭PHS’s performances of Cinderella will be on Friday, April 4, at 7 pm, and Sunday, April 6, at 2 pm in Sally Skinner Auditorium at Princeton High School. Tickets may be reserved via links at www.phs-il.org.

🛍️ Craft & Vendor Show & Flea Market – A sale just in time for Easter with crafters and flea market vendors at 811 W Peru St, Princeton on Saturday, April 12, from 3 AM–8 AM.

🧀 Grand Opening of The Gamers Guild Lounge – Free play day with VR, board games, pizza, and drinks at The Gamers Guild Lounge on Saturday, April 12, from 1–9 PM. First come, first served.

🥚 Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Barrel Society – A 21+ Easter egg hunt with candy and prize-filled eggs at Barrel Society on Saturday, April 19. Hunt begins at 12 PM sharp. No cost to participate—drinks available for purchase.

🐾 Up Dog at Princeton Animal Care Clinic – A weekend of agility games behind the Princeton Animal Care Clinic from Friday to Sunday, April 25–27. Select games Friday between 3:30 and 6:30 PM; full runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM–5 PM or sunset.

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

🎸 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.

🚨VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

These Full Scale Exercises are very important because they give first responders the opportunity to train and learn during the exercises to help them during real life events.

Use the QR code here

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Scattered showers are possible in the morning, then mostly cloudy skies for the rest of the day. High of 55°F with southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with a low of 34°F and northwest winds around 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Wednesday: Expect sunshine with a few clouds and a high near 58°F. Winds from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low around 38°F and north-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌧️Thursday: Scattered showers remain possible, with a high of 60°F. Winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. Rain continues in the evening, transitioning to scattered thunderstorms overnight. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low around 50°F with southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance is 70%.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny and windy conditions develop with a high near 80°F. Winds south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph, possibly gusting over 40 mph. At night, skies remain partly cloudy with a low of 57°F and continued strong south-southwest winds at 15 to 25 mph.

🌧️Saturday: Cloudy with showers throughout the day. High near 72°F with south-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Rain chances continue into the night with scattered thunderstorms. Low around 45°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain remains at 60%.

Four Seasons in Four Days

As we look ahead to the weekend, Princeton residents should brace themselves for a true taste of Midwest weather unpredictability. Our forecast shows a classic “four seasons in four days” pattern that’ll keep everyone on their toes. We’ll start off with a hint of spring in the air, perfect for those eager to shake off the winter blues. But don’t put away those heavy coats just yet! By the time Sunday rolls around, you might be wondering if you’ve somehow been transported back to January. It’s the kind of weekend that’ll have you checking the calendar twice!

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.19
Casey’s West/North: $3.23
Beck’s West/North: $3.23
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.23
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.23

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Princeton High School is hiring a full-time paraprofessional to support its Special Education Alternative Program. The position pays from $15 an hour and requires 30 to 40 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday. Responsibilities include assisting with individualized education plans (IEPs), adapting lesson materials, and supporting students’ academic and behavioral needs. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and either hold or be able to obtain a paraprofessional license. Preferred candidates will have experience with diverse learners, particularly in special education settings, and demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• The City of Princeton is accepting applications for two public safety positions. The Fire/EMS Department is hiring part-time Firefighters, EMT-Bs, or Paramedics, requiring certifications such as PEPP, PHTLS, ACLS, and IL OSFM Basic Operations Firefighter. Applicants for the firefighter role must be at least 21 years old and can apply at City Hall during regular business hours. Meanwhile, the Police Department is building a lateral-hire list for full-time Police Officers, and applicants should refer to the Lateral Hire Packet for details. Both opportunities emphasize the city’s commitment to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• The Electronics Department Associate position at Walmart in Princeton, IL, is a full-time role with pay ranging from $15 to $28 per hour. The job involves assisting customers on the sales floor, recommending electronics based on their needs, and maintaining product displays. Shifts include mid-shift and closing, with additional pay incentives based on performance and work conditions. Benefits include a 401(k) plan, dental insurance, and other perks.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Optimal Health has fresh-baked treats available, including oatmeal cream pies, chocolate glazed donuts, cookies with M&M pieces, and more. These goodies are freshly made and ready for purchase to help you treat yourself.

• Boek-el-ZOO encourages visitors who loved woodland animals in the movie “Snow White” to stop by and see real-life hedgehogs, doves, birds, bunnies, and turtles. Visitors with a current movie ticket can receive 10% off one item, though not all animals shown are still available.

• Barrel Society is hosting its second annual Rock Paper Scissors Tournament on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m., promising intense bracket-style elimination and a grand prize trophy. No sign-up is needed—just show up ready for sudden-death fun and drinks.

• Golden Rice Thai Food will be open this week from Wednesday to Friday, March 26–28, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. They will announce later if they’ll be open on Saturday.

• Early Beginnings Parents As Teachers and Mother Moonstone Birth Services are hosting a Walk & Play event Friday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Zearing Park. Everyone is invited for a short lap and time at the playground, weather permitting.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream now offers Cheesy Garlic Popcorn and has several fun new flavors coming soon. Upcoming varieties include Puppy Chow, Jalapeño Cheddar, Chocolate & Caramel Mix, Tiger Stripes, and Salt & Vinegar

• The Bureau County Senior Center will hold a Cooking Club session this Friday, March 28 at 1:30 p.m. Participants will be making pizza bowls and should call Sam to sign up.

• Steven Becker from Thrivent reminds everyone that spring is a great time to review financial goals or insurance information. He encourages people to reach out for help or questions and visit thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

• Cafe Grace is serving up weekly specials featuring scallop bruschetta as the appetizer and salted caramel crunch cake for dessert. They’re open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is promoting five unique cleaners perfect for spring cleaning, offering powerful results with less effort. The cleaners are handpicked to tackle everything from siding dirt to soap scum and are now available in-store.

• The Malden Chess Club begins meeting Thursday, April 3, from 6–8 p.m. at The Feed Store, 212 W. Main Street in Malden. The group offers casual games, friendly competition, and coaching for learners—all are welcome.

• The Princeton Closet opens tomorrow at 10 a.m. with Basket Days deals—12 items for $8 (limit 2)—and a $10 spend promotion where customers can pick a free cup by the register. The store showcases a wide range of clothing, bikes, decor, and home items.

• A two-day machinery auction hosted by Rediger Auction Service is scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2025, in Wyanet, Illinois. Items available include semi-trucks, tractors, mowers, trailers, and farm equipment, with all pieces available for viewing onsite.

• True Leaves Bookshop is reopening its trade-in program for books in excellent condition and has implemented new policies. They now only offer store credit—roughly 50% of their store price—for in-demand titles and no longer pay cash, with the final credit offer being non-negotiable.

• Friends of Strays wants you to meet Buchanan, a new pit mix at the shelter, describing him as a sweet dog who snorts, smiles with “cute little teefers,” and has a great personality.

• Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a baked potato fundraiser on Friday, March 21st, from 11 AM to 1 PM, with all proceeds benefiting the center.

• Buttercream Bake Shop is now taking orders for Easter cookies, with pickup scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, from 5 PM to 6 PM at the Princeton Library.

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🎡KIDBUCKS GAME SHOW AT THE BUREAU COUNTY FAIR

We are pleased to announce that Kidbucks Game Show will be part of our free entertainment at the 2025 Bureau County Fair. This is a great show that provides fun for the whole family.

Kidbucks Game Show is a thrilling game show where randomly selected members of the audience, participate in wild and crazy games. Unlike many “trivia based” game shows where contestants ring a bell and answer a question, Kidbucks is an “action” based game in which the contestants are competing in clever, creative, challenging and entertaining games of a physical nature. The grand champion enters the Kidbucks chamber and grabs as many “Kidbucks” as possible, as they swirl about the chamber. The bucks are tallied and redeemed for a prize based on how many bucks are collected.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 815-303-8247.

💭REMEMBER IN PRINCETON

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• A 4-bedroom, 2-bath home at 914 S Pleasant St is listed for $29,900. The house offers 1,356 square feet and is priced at $22 per square foot. It is being sold in AS-IS condition and needs significant repairs or a complete rebuild. The location is considered ideal, close to downtown Princeton, making it a potential investment opportunity.

• 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.

• 2730 Woodside Dr in Princeton, IL is listed for $435,000. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath A-frame home sits on 11.49 wooded acres and includes a garage, a circular driveway, and even its own tennis court. Inside, the home features a grand stone fireplace, soaring ceilings, a wall of windows, and a modern loft that can function as a third bedroom. The galley kitchen has a large walk-in pantry, and the home offers privacy while being just minutes from town

🍏HOW OUR FAVORITE FOODS HAVE CHANGED IN THE LAST 50 YEARS

What we eat—and how we eat—has changed a lot since the 1970s. Shaped by technology, global trade, shifting lifestyles, and growing health awareness, our daily meals now look quite different than they did 50 years ago. Here’s a closer look at how our eating habits have evolved over time.

We’re eating out more than ever.

Back in the 1970s, most meals were cooked at home. Today, that’s no longer the norm. According to the USDA, the share of food Americans eat away from home nearly doubled between 1977 and 2018. Fast food and restaurant dining have become a regular part of life, offering convenience—but often at the cost of higher calories, saturated fat, and sodium.

Our plates look different.

Many people around the world are eating more vegetables and plant-based foods than they did decades ago, which is a step in a healthier direction. But at the same time, there’s been a sharp rise in processed foods, added sugars, and refined oils—especially in rapidly developing countries like China, South Korea, and Taiwan. These dietary changes have contributed to rising obesity rates, mirroring patterns that emerged in the West years earlier.

Diets have become more diverse—mostly.

As global food systems expanded, the average number of food types consumed in each country grew. A study published in Global Food Security found that since the 1960s, countries have added an average of nine new food items to their typical diets. From quinoa and avocados to sushi and hummus, global cuisine is now part of everyday life for many. But this trend hasn’t reached everyone. In parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and rural Asia, limited food access still means diets that are less varied and lower in nutrients.

We’re cutting back on sugar—some of us, anyway.

Interestingly, some Western countries are consuming less sugar than they did in past decades. In the U.S., U.K., and Australia, added sugar consumption has dropped since the early 2000s—possibly due to public health campaigns, new labeling laws, and a growing interest in low-sugar and low-carb diets. Still, overall sugar intake remains high by global standards.

Looking ahead: balancing health and convenience.

Technology and wealth have brought more choices to more people. But the challenge now is to steer that abundance toward better outcomes: healthier bodies, sustainable farming, and more access to good food. The evolution of our diets over the last 50 years shows we can change—often quickly—when habits, preferences, and policies align.

What’s on our plates tells a bigger story. And as that story continues, the goal is clear: healthier food for more people.

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