🅿️A Restaurant Opening, New Police Officer, and a Mother Daughter Banquet

Good morning, Princeton. It’s real: Spoons & Forks is open from 11am-8pm today. Go visit them and check out their menu this weekend. I also had one of most delicious food combinations ever at Grandma Rosie’s yesterday.

Let’s get started.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go Today
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👩‍❤️‍👨Princeton Couple of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
🗑️Princeton Garbage Update
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🍽️Mother and Daughter Banquet
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
💃Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The PHS Boys Basketball Camp is scheduled for June 3-7, 2024, focusing on basketball fundamentals, guided by PHS Head Coach Jason Smith and his team. Registration is open for boys from 3rd to 8th grade in the mornings and 9th to 12th in the evenings, costing $50 per camper.

• Officer Seth Woolley is the newest addition to the Princeton Police after graduating top of his class from the police academy at Sauk Valley Community College. A lifelong local and a legacy in public service, Woolley’s speech at the ceremony moved attendees. He begins field training next week, upholding a family tradition of dedication to community safety.

• Starved Rock Media: “Of the 102 counties in Illinois, only 2 have the same or higher unemployment rates than Bureau, La Salle, and Putnam counties.”

• Lasalle News Tribune: “Karin Cartwright realized Lincoln School in Princeton hadn’t done any community service since COVID-19. It was past time to change that so Cartwright took a poll: How would you like to help? Answer: Help out stray and unwanted cats and dogs [for the Princeton Animal Shelter].”

• Princeton NOW+ subscribers also receive Local Marriages, Board and City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Join 124 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.”

✅PLACES TO GO TODAY

• Cars-N-Coffee 50/50 to Benefit Coats for Kids | Scooter’s Coffee | 8am-11:30am

• Argonaut Co. Seafood | Barrel Society | 12pm

• Jay Reed Art: The Omnipotent Outdoors | Prairie Art Center | 1pm

• Magician David Casas | Grace Theater | 7:30pm

• The Murph N Hellzer Duo | Socks Place, Wyanet | 8pm

• Brushville Band | Hawg House Saloon | 9pm

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: The day starts with cloudy skies but will clear up to partly cloudy later on, with a high near 78°F. Winds will be from the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph. There’s a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm. The evening will bring rain showers and the possibility of numerous thunderstorms developing overnight. The low will be around 62°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph, and an 80% chance of rain.

Sunday: Expect overcast conditions with rain showers at times. Thunder is possible, with a high of 73°F. South winds will be brisk at 15 to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 60%. Thunderstorms are likely in the evening, continuing with occasional showers overnight. The low will be 61°F with a rain chance of 80%.

Monday: Mostly cloudy skies are forecasted, with the possibility of a stray shower or thunderstorm. The high will approach 70°F, with southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. The evening should clear up to partly cloudy with a low of 49°F and west winds at 10 to 15 mph.

Get those sump pumps ready. It’s gonna’ rain!

⛽️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: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.15
Casey’s West/North: $3.92
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.99

👩‍❤️‍👨PRINCETON COUPLE OF THE WEEK

🏅Steven and Megan Olson

Reason for Nomination: “They are co-directors of our music programs at Logan Jr. High and Princeton High School. They are such a joy for our students, they are supportive, and they go above and beyond more than any music teacher I have known.”

Way to go, Steven and Megan. You’ve won the illustrious Princeton Couple 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

• The Bureau County Senior Center is seeking donations of shower chairs and rollator walkers. If you have these items and they are no longer needed, please consider donating. For inquiries or to donate, call 815-879-3981. Your contributions are appreciated!

• The Bureau County Fair is seeking to partner with a group to help with concert setup and teardown on August 22nd. It’s hard work, but we aim to create a mutually beneficial arrangement. If you’re interested, please contact Kyle Burrows at 815-303-8247.

• Grace Cafe is offering a Mother's Day Buffet with a variety of choices including scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and strawberries & cream French toast. For lunch, there are options like salmon, chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, lasagna, and salad. Assorted desserts will round out the meal.

• A Second Chance Liquidation is having a store-wide sale where everything is priced at $4 for one day only, including mystery boxes. The sale is happening today.

• The Grace Theater, located at 316 S. Main St., proudly presents the Princeton Theater Group's encore performance featuring David Casas. Experience an evening of enchantment and humor as the renowned magician and comedian, with over two decades of experience, captivates the audience. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th—prepare to be amazed!

• The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home is offering a special deal for the month of May: they will be deducting the sales tax on any grave markers purchased during this period.

• Catch the latest movies at Apollo Theater. "Unsung Hero" (PG) screens on Friday and Saturday at 4:15 & 7:00 pm, Sunday at 1:30 & 7:00 pm, and Tuesday to Thursday at 6:00 pm. "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" (R) plays Friday and Saturday at 4:30 & 7:15 pm, Sunday at 1:45 & 7:15 pm, and Tuesday to Thursday at 6:15 pm. Note: The theater is closed on Mondays.

• Prepare for summer at Optimal Health with the Skin Drink body care line, currently offering a promotion where you can buy two products and get one free. Customers are encouraged to mix and match products to find the best fit for their skin needs.

• Join Pin Splitter Lanes for summer fun with events for all ages. Enjoy the Bowling Clinic on Fridays, the 9 Pin League on select Thursdays with a free beer pitcher per team, bi-weekly Bags Tournaments with beer perks, and Unlimited Bowling every Monday evening. Prices start at $10 with additional shoe rental if necessary.

• Hornbaker Gardens invites you to join Dave and Molly for a free workshop on new plants today at 10am. Located in the parkway, learn about exciting varieties like Cercis c. Flame Thrower®, Living Tree Chairs, and 'Eclipse' Hydrangea, plus new perennials. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your gardening knowledge!

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is buzzing with anticipation for their opening! They've adjusted their schedule, aiming for perfection, and are set to welcome diners for lunch and dinner starting May 22nd. For special occasions like graduation parties or bridal showers, they offer gourmet artisan sandwich trays and salads. Currently taking orders at [email protected], they're also offering custom PBR buckets perfect for enjoying on the patio. Interested in joining the team? They're hiring cooks. Email them for details: [email protected].

• Crazy Eight Homestead Farm Stand, located at 24797 1900 North Ave Princeton IL, is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, offering self-serve chicken and duck eggs at $2 per dozen or $2.50 per 18-pack, and $1 per 6-pack, accepting cash, Venmo, and Cashapp.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• Twine and Twig Home offers home organization solutions for those looking to declutter, arrange, or organize their living spaces. They aim to create a more comfortable and functional home environment, ensuring areas for work, rest, and play are optimized for peace of mind and usability.

• This man has been accused of using counterfeit money at multiple Princeton establishments, including Beetz Me, True Leaf Bookshop, and Walmart.

• The Tiskilwa Inn, a bed and breakfast located at 155 High Street is always open and can be contacted at +1 815-646-1300 or via email at [email protected]. The inn boasts newly finished basement amenities, including a card room, wine cellar, billiards, foosball, darts, a media room, and an exercise room, offering a cozy yet engaging stay. For more information or bookings, visit their website at thetiskilwainn.com.

🗑️CITY OF PRINCETON GARBAGE UPDATE

• Princeton is introducing new side-load garbage trucks with robotic arms, expecting delivery by May 1, 2024, and will begin operation on May 6, with recycling on a bi-weekly schedule starting May 20.

• Residents will receive one 95-gallon garbage tote for weekly pickup and can request a recycling tote for bi-weekly pickup, with no extra bags or cans unless arranged and prepaid.

• Tote delivery starts on April 29, 2024, and residents must pre-request a smaller 65-gallon tote if needed; totes are registered to the address and must stay with the property if residents move.

• Residents are responsible for their tote’s condition and will incur a $75 replacement cost; totes must be placed within 5 feet of the street with 5-foot clearance all around, or they won’t be picked up.

• Detailed instructions will accompany the totes upon delivery, and placement during delivery will indicate where totes should be set for future pickups.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

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

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

• Archaeologist (Cultural Resource Specialist) | USDA | 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

• Freight Handler | Ollie’s Bargain Outlet | Full-time

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

• Barista | Scooters Coffee | Part-time

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

🍽️MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BANQUET

Seatonville Community Church will hold a banquet on May 4 for the whole family. The evening will honor mothers and daughters. The potluck meal begins at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. Meat, bread, and beverages will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring side dishes, salads, or desserts. Reservations for the meal can be made by calling the church at 815-894-2697.

Following the meal everyone is invited to enjoy the a concert by Phil and Pam Kaufmann who will be performing at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. There is no charge for the evening, but a freewill offering will be taken during the concert.

Phil and Pam Kaufmann have been providing music in a variety of settings throughout their 46 years of marriage. In addition to weekly music leadership in their small rural church, they provide music for special services and programs at churches and various community events.

🏡 PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• The home at 19235 1900 North Ave is a blend of country charm and modern convenience. On a nearly 4-acre lot, it offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a spacious 3,000 sqft living area. The interior boasts a family room with a full wall of windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and top-quality appliances. It's a home of natural light, with hardwood floors and a large screened porch perfect for relaxation. The property also includes a two-car garage, barn, shed, and a gazebo set amidst a black walnut grove. It's been on the market for just over a week with a list price of $389,900. This estate is a remarkable find with its serene outdoor space and substantial living quarters.

• Offering unparalleled country elegance, this 2018-built residence is more than just a home; it's a haven on 60.7 acres priced at $978,500. It features a modern 1,780 sq ft interior with an expansive 1,700 sq ft walkout basement. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and additional rooms for an office or hobby space, the home is a blend of luxury and practicality. Standout amenities include a private lake, advanced insulation, a commercial RO water system, and a full home generator. The property also provides ample space for outdoor activities and potential income with its vast farmland, making it ideal for various lifestyles just two hours from Chicago.

• This property is a stunning residence boasting country elegance and modern amenities. Listed at $389,900, it features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths within its spacious 3,000 sq ft layout. Nestled on nearly four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, it includes an inspiring black walnut grove. The expansive three-season room and a family room with a full bank of windows and wood-burning fireplace exude warmth and charm. Quality finishes like engineered-hardwood floors, two patio areas, and a gazebo enhance the outdoor living experience. The master suite is an inviting retreat with a walk-in shower, complemented by two additional bedrooms that offer versatility. Additional luxuries include a 2-car insulated garage, a huge barn, and abundant storage. Just 2 hours from Chicago, this estate is an ideal sanctuary for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.

💃LETTER FROM LORI

Do you like to dance? I do. The fact is, I'm not very good at it, though. I love music and how it moves my soul, but sometimes the way it moves my body is just... embarrassing. I still do it.

Often, when I have danced in public, I have felt the eyes of judgment upon me as my audience tries to discern whether what they are witnessing is intentional, a result of a disorder, or if they should dial 911. I still do it.

To me, dancing and singing are undeniable consequences of joy. They are an outward expression of an inward sunshine. In my 20 years of doing daycare, one of my favorite parts was watching the kids dance and sing. They didn't care if they did it right. So what if they couldn't keep the beat? Who cared if their pitch was off? No one judged if their little feet got going so fast that their legs got tangled and they plummeted to the ground. They just hopped up and kept on moving. Nothing could stop them or deter them once their wiggly parts were infused with the rhythm.

I noticed they engaged ALL of themselves. Heads would bob. Hips would gyrate. Arms would flail. Sometimes they would even close their eyes to become more in tune with what they were hearing. As we age, we become more self-conscious. We look around to see who is watching, and we wonder what they are thinking. That concern depletes our joy, thus reducing our wild, out-of-control movements.

Adulthood shouldn't be like that. As long as our Grover-like gyrations don't whap someone else in the face, blackening their eye, we should allow ourselves to become consumed by the things that spark our fire and express it openly and without hesitation or reservation. Who knows, your enthusiasm might inspire someone else to head out onto the dance floor, close their eyes, and let their sweet Napoleon Dynamite moves come to life, despite a critical audience.

So go out today and don't just tap your toe. Get up on that stage and DANCE!

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