🅿️Prom Premier, the Kentucky Derby, and 100 Trees

Good morning, Princeton. Especially Sean Philip Bridals. After a delivery mishap, they drove 1.5 hours to pick up prom dresses and tuxes for some of our PHS students to make sure everyone had what they needed for their special day today. Great job, ya’ll. Keep Going. 

Let’s get started.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go Today
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👤Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
👶Magi Baby Chest
🏷️More on 34
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
🌱Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy 40th Birthday, Chelsea Sanchez! 🍰

• The City of Princeton is requesting residents to inform City Hall if they received a 95-gallon waste tote and prefer to exchange it for a 65-gallon one. Residents should call 815-875-2631 (Option 2) and leave their tote where it was placed for collection.

• Starved Rock Media: “The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission is hosting a historic home tours event Saturday from 9 until 4. You'll meet at the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and be shuttled to six different homes. Lunch will be served on the lawn at the Bureau County History Center. As of Thursday afternoon, a few tickets remained. You can see about tickets by clicking here.”

• BCR: “The first of 100 trees were planted by the City of Princeton Tree Committee. Denny Taylor, president of the Tree Committee, said the group is trying to restore elms back in Princeton.”

• KWQC: “Scammers passing counterfeit cash have swindled seven businesses in Princeton, Illinois, in the past two weeks. According to police, they struck using fake $100 bills with altered watermarks and security strips…Princeton Police Chief Thomas Kammerer told TV6 Investigates they have suspects and are working with businesses who might be able to identify them.”

• The Ottawa Police Department donated dozens of abandoned bikes to The Bike Place in Princeton.

• Titanic Historian Peter Cook will be at the Bureau County History Center on May 11th from 2-5pm. offers a chance to learn about the final days of the Titanic from a seasoned expert. The presentation, which includes items raised from the Titanic and insights from global Titanic societies, will take place at 450 S. Main Street. Tickets are available for $15 for BCHC members and $18 for non-members and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.

• Douglas Elementary is planning grounds enhancements and new playground equipment using Preschool for All grant funds. Community members can support this project by making donations which can be sent with students or dropped off at the school's main office. For more information or to contribute, please contact Principal Mandy Hunt at 815-872-9741 or email [email protected].

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✅PLACES TO GO TODAY

• Head over to the Steak & Seafood Extravaganza from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Tractor Supply Co. Hosted by Fat Daddy Meats, this event promises a day of unbeatable deals on high-quality meats and seafood, including 20 ribeyes for just $40 and a variety of family bundles. Available payment options are cash, credit, debit, CashApp, and EBT, with special discounts for veterans, active duty, first responders, nurses, teachers, and seniors.

• Immerse yourself in a unique literary experience with the "Read to a Pet" event hosted by Boek-el-ZOO. This family-friendly gathering encourages reading by allowing you to either bring your own pet or borrow one from the event to read to. In addition to fostering a love for books, participants are invited to donate gently used books related to animals to the True Leaves Bookstore to aid their move to a new location. Each donation will earn you a $1 gift certificate, up to a maximum of $10 per customer. The Laila Marie Learning Center provides a cozy space with a couch, chair, and pillows for a comfortable reading experience. Kids under 10 can also look forward to a free ice cream coupon for Sisler's Ice Cream next door. Don't miss this delightful mix of literacy and pet love!

• Join us for an afternoon to remember at the Princeton High School Prom Premier. Due to the possibility of rain, the event kicks off at 3:30 PM in the PHS gymnasium. This glamorous occasion is the perfect opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this premier event where we celebrate our students in style.

• Get ready for the excitement of the Kentucky Derby with the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Party, hosted by Barrel Society today at 4 PM. It will be an unforgettable experience featuring Woodford Mint Juleps. Dress up in your most outrageous suit or hat, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the Derby while enjoying exclusive swag and goodies provided by Woodford Reserve. Don't forget to leave your horse at home but bring your enthusiasm for a fantastic time with friends and fellow Derby fans.

• Celebrate Mother's Day with a special event hosted by the Bureau Township Community Church, today at 6 PM at 19126 Wyanet Walnut Rd, Princeton, IL. This Mother-Daughter Ladies Carry-in is a wonderful opportunity for all ladies to come together, share a dish, win prizes, and explore God's view of womanhood.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: The day starts with partly cloudy skies and transitions to scattered thunderstorms by the afternoon. Expect gusty winds and the possibility of small hail. The high will be around 81°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain is 70%. In the evening, rain showers will taper off, giving way to clearer skies. Overnight low will be around 47°F, with winds shifting to the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday: A mix of sun and clouds throughout the day with a high near 71°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will see a few clouds with a low of 46°F. East winds will continue at 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: Partly cloudy and warm with a high of 76°F. East winds at 10 to 15 mph during the day. The evening may bring a few showers followed by scattered thunderstorms overnight. The temperature will drop to around 60°F. There’s a 60% chance of rain, with southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

⛽️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: $3.79

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.89
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.15
Casey’s West/North: $3.89
Amoco, N Main St: $3.89
Sullivan’s: $3.89

👤PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

🏅Denise Ihrig

Reason for Nomination: “Denise is the director of the Bureau County Senior Center. Each weekday, many local seniors go to the center for lunch. Denise also organizes food drives for both the seniors and the public. She treats everyone with respect and dignity, and her positive attitude is contagious. She is a valuable asset to the community.”

An outstanding winner. Congratulations, Denise! You’ve won the magnanimous Princeton Person 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

• Join the "Stronger You Bureau County" initiative for their official wellness program launch on May 6th at 3:30 pm in Zearing Park. This new effort is dedicated to improving community health in Bureau County through education, partnership, and outreach activities. For updates and more details, follow Stronger You Bureau County on Facebook.

• Rachel Rene is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurses Appreciation Week, and Mother's Day with an array of gift ideas. They offer premade sets or the option to create your own gift set for that special someone. Shop in-store Monday-Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM, or visit their website at www.rachelrene.com for more options.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar will open for lunch on May 8th and will start dinner service on May 22nd. They are currently hiring cooks. Additionally, while their Mother’s Day Tea is sold out, they offer a "To Go Tea For Two" package for $50, available for pickup on weekends. For reservations or special event queries, email [email protected].

• Introducing the new Ranch Dip Combos! Delight in the taste of natural flavored baked pretzel stuffed with creamy ranch dip. Grab this snack at a special price of 2 for $6 this May at Beck’s gas station. Perfect for ranch lovers looking for a savory crunch.

• Tony's Butt Shack BBQ & Catering is now hiring. They’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the team at 601 US HWY 6. Available positions include cooks, servers, hostesses, and bartenders. If you're interested in working with us, please call 815-894-2277 for more details or visit their website.

• Join the Bureau County Senior Center for a Pizza Hut Fundraiser on May 7th. Support the Senior Center by dining or carrying out from Pizza Hut in Princeton between 10 AM and 10 PM. Remember to bring the fundraiser flyer when you pay. If you need a flyer, stop by the Senior Center to pick one up. All proceeds will go directly to supporting the Senior Center's activities and programs.

• Grandma Rosie's Sweet Treats has introduced delicious new menu items. They've introduced wraps and a mouth-watering Big Heads Jalapeño Popper Burger that's sure to spice up your meal. And don't forget to try their special flavor this month: a 24oz German Chocolate Cake Shake.

• Dairy Queen is offering a tasty deal! Pick any two of the following for just $5: a chili dog (no cheese), a small one-topping sundae, an order of pretzels, or a fountain drink. This special runs daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.

• Eclectic Joy has restocked some of its favorite candle wax fragrances and introduced new ones for the spring and summer seasons. These delightful scents are perfect for Mother's Day, a teacher gift, or just to treat yourself! You can find fragrances like "The Flower Shop," "Fresh Tulips," "Salt Water Taffy Wild Berry," "Concession Stand," "Snickerdoodle," and "Peach Sweet Spring" among others.

• The Corner Chair Market is celebrating its first anniversary today. Drop by from 10 AM to 5 PM for a fun day of dip tasting, both sweet and savory, coffee tasting, and the introduction of their new line of teas. Plus, receive a special gift with any purchase of $25 or more.

• Splash Tech Solutions is now offering Mini-Website Audits! Regularly priced at $97, you can avail of this service for just $47 throughout May. You'll receive a report with three actionable recommendations to enhance your website. You can either apply these changes yourself or consult with your current web designer. For more complex issues, consider hiring Splash Tech to handle the improvements. Take advantage of this deal to boost your online presence!

• Optimal Health is now taking orders for their graduation cream cheese mints. These delightful mints are perfect for celebrating your special moment and are available at $5 a dozen. Don't miss out on these old-fashioned treats for your graduation festivities!

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• Princeton High School announced the Class of 2024 Top Ten: Jadah Shipley (salutatorian), Caitlin Meyer (valedictorian), Kelsea Mongan, Ellie Welte (valedictorian), Morgan Bartkiewicz, Abigail Brown (valedictorian), Morgan Foes (valedictorian), Caleb Novak, Bennett Williams (valedictorian), and Tyson Phillips. Click here to read all about these amazing PHS Seniors!

• Four Seasons is excited to bring back their popular "Steal & Deals" event! Now through May 2nd, enjoy a whopping 50% off on wearable items. This limited-time offer is available both in-store and online, allowing you to shop comfortably from anywhere. Please note that the selection may vary by store and the discount is not applicable to previous purchases nor can it be combined with other offers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to update your wardrobe at a fantastic price. Shop now.

• Swing by the Mullet Bros Merch Shop for a selection of unique and humorous tees that capture the irreverent spirit of the mullet lifestyle. From the catchy "Ain't Vibin With Dyin" to the classic "got mullet?" there's a shirt for every personality. Don't miss the "I'm Not That Fat" hoodie for cooler evenings. Visit their website for a full view of the collections that are defining trends with a wink and a nod to iconic hairdos.

👶🏻MAGI BABY CHEST

Don't miss the opportunity TODAY to visit the Magi Baby Chest at St. Louis Parish located in Princeton. From 9 AM to 12 PM, families are invited to this monthly event dedicated to providing essential baby and toddler supplies. For just a $5 cash-only donation at the door, each family unit will receive one coupon certificate. Each certificate contains 10 coupons which can be used to obtain a variety of items from the Magi Baby Chest.

The selection includes gently used baby items, an array of maternity clothes, beautifully handmade baby products, Similac formula, and baby food, all designed to support the needs of growing families. This event serves 80-100+ families every month, making it a significant support system for the community.

In addition to shopping, the Magi Baby Chest is an excellent place for donating unneeded baby items. If you have baby goods that are unclaimed and gathering dust, consider donating them to help other families. This event not only supports the community but also promotes sustainability by reusing and recycling items.

The coupon system is straightforward: Coupons cannot be pooled between different individuals but can be carried over to the next month, ensuring that no family misses out due to timing. These coupons are valid for a year from their issue date, though they hold no cash value and cannot be exchanged for cash. Supplies may have limits, so it's advisable to consult with an attendant for details. While every effort is made to ensure availability, some items might run out, and substitutes may be offered.

For Spanish-speaking participants, assistance is available to ensure everyone can access the services provided by the Magi Baby Chest.

Join in today to contribute, collect, or both, and help enrich the lives of families in your community.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Food and Grocery | Walmart | Full, part-time

• Utility Billing Clerk | City of Princeton | Full-time

• Traffic Dispatcher | Ace Hardware Corp. | Full-time

• General Laborer | Ag View FS | Full, part-time

• Production Technician | Corteva | Full-time

• Retail Teller | Heartland Bank | Full-time

• Shift Manager | Pizza Hut | Full-time

• Parts Specialist | O’Reilly Auto Parts | Full-time

• Barista | Scooters Coffee | Part-time

• Closing Shift Manager | Wendy’s | Full-time

🏷️MORE ON 34 - BUREAU COUNTY

It's time to add your address to the list of garage sales for the annual "More in Bureau County" event, which will be held on Father's Day weekend, June 14th and 15th, 2024. Bureau County Tourism will publish a list of participating addresses. This list will be available in print and also shared on the Bureau County Tourism and More on 34 Facebook pages.

To have your garage sale listed at no charge, please send your address and the days your sale will be open to [email protected] or message the Bureau County Tourism Facebook page. The deadline to get your sale listed is June 8th.

This event is no longer limited to Rt 34; any location within Bureau County is welcome to participate. Princeton and Wyanet are planning townwide sales that weekend. If your community would like to join, please email or call Kathy at 815-866-3606.

🏡 PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• For sale at $260,000, this charming property at 1714 S Euclid Ave features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms across a spacious 1,944 sqft. Nestled on a 0.52-acre lot, this home boasts a range of modern conveniences including an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, heated tile floors, and a coffee station. The open floor plan includes a double-sided fireplace enhancing both the kitchen/dinette area and the living room. The primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet and vaulted ceiling with skylights, enhancing its spacious feel. Additional highlights include a large living room with a fireplace, access to a patio and a fully fenced backyard—ideal for secure outdoor relaxation and entertainment.

• For sale at $174,900, this delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome at 409 S Gosse Blvd offers comfortable living with modern updates. Built in 2006, the home features 1,300 sqft of space and a convenient layout perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Freshly painted interiors and new carpeting enhance the bright and spacious feel, alongside key highlights like a large picture window, heated tile floors, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with a coffee station, island, and pantry, opening onto an extended patio overlooking a lush fenced backyard. The master suite boasts a walk-in closet and is adjacent to a full bathroom. Additional perks include a large two-car garage and a full-sized laundry room, making daily chores a breeze.

• The property at 24 N Pleasant St is listed at $219,000. This charming home, built in 1891, offers 2,048 sqft of beautifully updated living space, including four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It boasts modern finishes while retaining its original charm, featuring a new kitchen, bathrooms, furnace, water heater, and more. The main floor bedroom includes a gorgeous leaded glass window, and the home is equipped with two 100 amp circuit breakers for ample power. The exterior features a 24' x 36' three-car garage. This home, with its extensive updates and spacious garage, offers a blend of modern convenience and historical charm.

🌱LETTER FROM LORI

With spring and the planting season upon us, living in a farming community makes us all aware of what it takes to make things grow—some are better at it than others. What does it take to successfully make a seed eventually produce a flower, fruit, or an edible vegetable? First, you need to bury the seed. You must dig or poke a hole in the dark, black soil and cover it up. Seeds can sometimes grow if you just drop them on the surface, but it might take longer, or they may not be in the proper position to send roots down to stabilize them through their growth and give them the strength to hold onto their fruit or flower.

Next, you need to water it. Each type of seed requires a certain amount of water. Some require moister soil, while others become overwhelmed with too much. It helps if the water carries vital nutrients to encourage growth.

Some seeds have to germinate longer than others, and it seems they will never sprout. We wait, watch, and almost give up hope, but then we see the green shoot rise above the surface, curled at first, shyly poking its head out.

Some seeds seem to sprout overnight and burst forth when we aren't looking, full of leaves, tall and proud.

As the greenery reaches for the sun, below the surface, the roots are growing. They reach in the opposite direction to offer stability. The deeper the root growth, the stronger the plant. They gather food from the soil and nourish the "business end" of this agricultural project.

Along the way, it is important to pay close attention and prune off dead leaves and growth that may rob the main plant of vital nutrients.

Eventually, as it reaches maturity, it will produce a bloom that creates beauty, and then a fruit that will bear seeds to perpetuate its kind.

We, as people, often lament our time in the dirt. We feel buried, dark, and lost. Some of us take longer to emerge from that darkness. Often, we aren't planted in a rich environment, but we all have the potential to grow. We need to surround ourselves with a caring community that will nurture our growth, offer us nutrients, and help us reach our full potential so that we can perpetuate our gift of life. We can also take a role as the farmer and plant the seeds. We can encourage, nurture, and even prune to help others reach for the Son.

So go out today and draw some parallels to farming in your own life so that we can all be fruitful!

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