🅿️Concert Lineups, Plant Lovers, and Priorities

Good morning, Princeton. There’s no other way to say this, but…this might be the prettiest weekend of the year so far. Warm, sunny weather. Get out and do something! Also, have you seen this video I made for Bean Buzz? Maybe it will inspire you.

Let’s get started.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏈Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
🗑️Princeton Garbage Update
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
📋Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Bureau County Fair Facebook page will announce their 2024 concert lineup today at 10am.

• The Princeton Water Department is providing the following public service announcement:

  • In preparation of our semi-annual water main flushing, the Princeton Water Department has adjusted chlorine levels. During this time you may notice a slightly stronger chlorine odor. If you find this odor objectionable for drinking you may keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator and the chlorine will dissipate after a few minutes. We are planning on starting our city-wide hydrant flushing on Monday, April 22. During this time customers may experience a slight chlorine odor, cloudy or discolored water and brief periods of low water pressure. We urge you to please be cautious near open fire hydrants. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Princeton Water Plant at 815-872-0811 ext. 1304.

• The plant lover's dream garage sale at 304 Zearing Ave in Princeton offers an extensive range of items from plant and pet supplies to home decor and kitchen items. The sale runs on Tuesday, April 16th from 3 pm-7 pm, Wednesday, April 17th from 3 pm-7 pm, and Friday, April 18th from 8 am-4 pm.

• The 12th Annual Z Tour Bike Ride on June 22nd invites all ages to a charitable ride through North-Central Illinois' finest cycling routes, benefiting the Zearing Child Enrichment Center in Princeton. Sign up now for a day of family-friendly cycling and support a good cause!

• BCR: “Princeton junior [Noah Kloepping] hit his second walk-off hit in six days, delivering a two-out, RBI single to right field in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift the Tigers to a 3-2 Three Rivers East win Thursday at Prather Field.”

• WQAD: “Nellie Becker survived the Titanic, along with her three children. She's buried with one of them and her husband in Princeton's Oakland Cemetery.”

• Princeton High School is proud to announce the spring show, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical April 19 at 7PM and April 21 at 2PM. Tickets can be ordered via an online form on the PHS website: www.phs-il.org, or by calling (815) 875-3308. All tickets are $10 with reserved seating. PHS student tickets are free.

• Princeton NOW+ subscribers also receive Local Marriages, Board and City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Join 113 others and upgrade your newsletter today.

  • Susan: “I’m so glad that I subscribed, it’s well worth the price! Keep providing this great content, Justin.”

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: It'll be mostly sunny with abundant sunshine and a high of 74°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph. By evening, expect partly cloudy skies and a comfortable low near 60°F, with winds continuing from the south-southwest.

Sunday: Look forward to partly cloudy skies and warmth, with a high reaching a balmy 83°F. Winds from the west-northwest will blow at a gentle 10 to 15 mph. Clear skies await in the evening as the temperature dips to a low of 48°F, and the winds shift north-northeast.

Monday: The sunny weather continues, with a high of 78°F under generally sunny skies. Winds will be from the east-southeast at a light 5 to 10 mph. As the night falls, expect partly cloudy skies, with increasing clouds and a chance of showers after midnight. The low will hover around 58°F, with the chance of rain at 60%.

Enjoy the sunshine and mild evenings, and don’t forget an umbrella for late Monday night showers!

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.79
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.86
Casey’s West/North: $3.89
Beck’s West/North: $3.89
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.89
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.89

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.05
Casey’s West/North: $3.95
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.99

🏈PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

🏅Brody Anderson

Reason for Nomination: “He is an energetic young man who is heavily involved at PHS and the community. A social studies teacher, director/producer of Tiger Central Live, varsity scholastic coach, assistant golf coach, and auditorium director. He also slings drinks at Coal Creek and is on the Bureau County Historical Board.”

That’s what I’m talkin’ about, Brody. Way to go! You’ve won the illustrious Princeton People of the Week.

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

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Wild Ginger Bistro is gearing up to open for lunch in three weeks, featuring a menu inspired by their own farm's blossoming produce. They are actively hiring for various positions; interested candidates should send their resumes to [email protected]. For Mother's Day, WGB has expanded seating with clear igloo tents and an additional room, offering tea service options priced between $15 to $45; reservations can be made at [email protected]. They are also preparing for a Father's Day dinner on June 15th and 16th, which will include a four-course meal focused on proteins, with advance reservations recommended. For further inquiries or to secure a reservation, patrons should contact WGB directly via the provided email addresses.

• Tailholt Trading Post has a beautiful mid-century modern full-size bedroom set for sale, which includes two dressers, a headboard, and a footboard, all sold together. Located at 925 North Main Street in Princeton, the store invites you to visit between 10 am to 4 pm to check out this stylish find.

• Rachel Rene has watermelon bath bombs available that not only look like watermelon but also boast an amazing scent. These hand-painted bath bombs can be purchased at their local store or online, with the store open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Enjoy a weekend flash sale at Rachel Rene: Buy 3 clearance apparel items and get the 4th free! The sale is happening today from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. Don't miss out, the sale ends Sunday!

• Bean Buzz announces the return of Dragonfruit Boba, back in stock due to popular demand! This vibrant and flavorful beverage is available now for fans of this unique and refreshing drink.

• Indulge in a delectable treat as Sisler's Ice Cream now offers ice cream cake by the slice! Grab a slice to satisfy your sweet tooth with Sisler's premium ice cream cakes, perfect for an on-the-go dessert.

• Kristin Mehlbrech is reopening her self-serve egg stand today. She offers chicken and duck eggs at their stand located at 24797 1900 North Ave Princeton IL, accepting cash, Venmo, or CashApp, and encourages customers to recycle their empty cartons at the stand.

• At the Apollo Theater, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" (PG13) roars onto the today at 4:15 pm and 7:00 pm, Sunday at 1:30 pm, 4:15 pm, and 7:00 pm, with open-captioned shows for the last slot, and regular shows at 6:00 pm from Tuesday to Thursday. The drama unfolds in "Civil War" (R), screening today at 4:30 pm and 7:15 pm, Sunday at 1:45 pm and 7:15 pm, and from Tuesday to Thursday at 6:15 pm.

• Get ready to rock at Hollywood & Vine with Written Warning on today from 7 PM to 11 PM. The event promises a night of Rock n Roll, open to anyone.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is offering Princeton Tiger Blue Yeti tumblers for a limited time! These are perfect for showing your team spirit, so snag one quickly to support the tigers in style.

• Princeton Dental Care is hosting a giveaway to support local businesses and Magi Baby Chest. To enter for a chance to win a Mother's Day gift basket, bring donations such as diapers or baby food to their office, spreading kindness and joy this Mother's Day.

• Optimal Health announced a new ice cream: Alec's Ice Cream featuring two delicious flavors: Peanut Butter Fudge Honeycomb and Honey Blueberry Lavender. Get ready for summer vibes with these delectable treats that promise to be a hit with ice cream lovers!

• The Princeton Closet is fully stocked with a fresh selection of spring items, including patio décor, floral arrangements, furniture, toys, and more. They invite everyone to come and see the new collection.

• Get ready for a night of great music at Barrel Society where Sheaford and Simes are set to perform live again on Saturday, May 18th at 7 pm. After their unforgettable performance in December of 2023, the excitement for their encore is palpable among fans and newcomers alike!

• If crafting is your calling and you love to create, don’t miss the chance to attend a hands-on crafting session with Jocelyn, hosted by Boek-el-ZOO. Head over to 419 S Main from 12 PM to 3 PM, where you can dive into making a custom project to share with your pet, with a variety of types available to perfectly suit your needs.

• Paisano's Ristorante is offering a pizza that's a must-try for pepperoni aficionados – The Pepperoni Lover, which features a sweet and tangy pizza sauce base topped with three types of pepperoni and a unique drizzle of hot honey. Available for a limited time, this dish promises to elevate your pizza experience. Dive into their giant-sized pretzels with garlic butter and salt, savor the Pizza of the Month featuring taco toppings.

• Hornbaker Gardens invites you to a cosmic journey with their "Out of this Galaxy Airplants" workshop on May 4th. Engage in creating your own air plant holder and learn how these resilient plants can thrive with minimal care, no soil needed—a perfect gathering for both Jedi and plant enthusiasts! A $10 deposit is required, which will be deducted from the total cost of materials on the day of the event.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• Evan Driscoll and Cade Odell, Princeton High School students, want you to use codes CADE19 or EWDUPDG on upperparkdiscgolf.com for 15% off any of your disc golf needs.

• The Ladd Police Department says numerous residents have called to report blue paint on their vehicle and/or their residences.

• Enjoy a vibrant "Hydrangeas" Paint Night at Downtown Pub today at 6pm. Get creative with all materials provided, dine, and enjoy a cash bar while you paint your own 11x14 canvas for just $30—reserve your spot at paintingpartiesbylucy.com or by calling 815-910-5221.

🗑️CITY OF PRINCETON GARBAGE UPDATE

“Dear Customer:

The City of Princeton is excited to announce our two (2) new garbage trucks will be arriving soon!

We have an anticipated delivery of the trucks of May 1, 2024. As you probably already know, the City Sanitation Department is transitioning from the old-style ride on garbage trucks, to the new side-load trucks equipped with a robotic arm. This transition will also require all new garbage totes for residents. The City will provide one 95 gallon, rolling tote for garbage pick-up once per week, and one 95 gallon recycling tote (by request only) for pick-up every other week. No extra bags or cans will be picked up unless prearranged with the Sanitation Department and paid in full.

The new garbage trucks will officially begin operation on May 6, 2024, with routes as usual. However, recycling will move to a bi-weekly schedule (every other week). Recycling routes will resume as normal the week starting on May 20, 2024. If you elect to recycle, please reserve your tote by calling City Hall at 815-875-2631 and one will be delivered to you.

Tote delivery will begin on April 29, 2024, on your normal garbage pick-up day. A crew will be delivering your new assigned garbage tote after your usual route is picked-up for that day. All residents will automatically be delivered a 95-gallon garbage tote, unless the resident pre-requests a 65-gallon garbage tote by calling City Hall at 815-875-2631. Dimensions of each tote are listed at the bottom of the page.

Each household will be assigned a tote (by skew number) registered to that address. The assigned tote(s) stay with the address. If you move, the tote(s) assigned to your address stays with the house. You will be responsible for the condition of your tote(s) or any replacements of that tote in the future at a cost of $75 each. There will be additional instructions attached to your new totes upon delivery. Please note: where the totes are set upon delivery will be where they need to be placed each week for pick-up. Reason being, all totes need to be within 5 feet of the street with at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides. If totes are not set in the area indicated upon delivery, totes will not be picked up by the truck.

More information will be coming as the delivery of the totes comes near. Thank you for everyone's patience as we work through this transition.

Sincerely,

Theresa J. Wittenauer, Princeton City Manager”

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Delivery Driver | FedEx Express | Full, Part, and Temp-work

• Kitchen Associate | Beck’s West | Full-time

• Kitchen Help | Monical’s | Days, Nights, Weekends

• Retail Supervisor | Heartland Bank | $18.76-$27/hr

• Team Member | Casey’s | Part-time

• General Labor | Advanced Services | Full-time

• Post Office Handler | Postal Service | Full-time

• Food & Grocery | Walmart | Full and Part-time

• General Laborers | Empire Acoustical Systems | 815-261-0072

• Help Needed | KS Lawn & Snow | 815-878-6126

• Teller, Member Service Rep | Illinois Valley Credit Union | Full-time

• Team Member | Grandma Rosie’s | 815-872-1200

• Line Cook, Bartender | Downtown Pub | 815-915-8395

• Team Member | Tractor Supply Company | Full-time

🏡 PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Newly-for-sale 625 S Church St, a spacious abode nestled in Princeton, offering ample room for living and entertaining. This property boasts 4-5 bedrooms, an adaptable bonus room, and convenient dual bathrooms. The open-plan setting accentuates the generous living, dining, and kitchen areas, complemented by hardwood floors and original woodwork. Outdoors, find a two-car garage, extensive back decking, and a charming front porch. All kitchen appliances, along with washer and dryer, are included, making this an attractive, move-in-ready opportunity.

• The home at 19235 1900 North Ave in Princeton, IL, offers an idyllic blend of country charm and modern amenities. Set on a spacious 3.67-acre lot, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence is enveloped by a serene black walnut grove. It boasts a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, an office, a screened porch for relaxed outdoor living, and two patios for entertaining. This property features ample storage with a 2-car insulated garage, a large barn, a shed, and a dog kennel. A gazebo and hidden grassy pasture add to the appeal, inviting one to explore and unwind in this natural retreat. The home, built in 1858, combines the historical allure with modern comforts, truly a gem for those seeking space and tranquility just five minutes from Princeton's conveniences.

📋LETTER FROM LORI

I've always tried to keep my priorities in order when it comes to family, kids, and grandkids, but there are times when things have gotten out of order, like a roadside rest area! During those times, I have felt other aspects of life being affected too. It seems that when one domino falls, it triggers a chain reaction, knocking down everything in its path. We often have to deliberately and carefully line everything back up and hold our breath. It takes a steady hand, patience, and planning, but we CAN do it. Sometimes it's us who bumps the domino; other times, it's an outside force, like a clumsy cat that destroys our creation. But when we are sitting, looking at the wreckage, our faces in our hands crying, WE are the ones who need to clear the area and start over. Along the way, we can call in others for assistance, but the ultimate responsibility belongs to us.

So, plop yourself on the floor this morning, grab a handful of life (and maybe a cup of coffee), and get your priorities in line. Make a beautiful pattern out of them, and SMILE!

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