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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. We heads into the weekend with Restaurant Weekend underway, spring sports ramping up, and major community events filling the calendar. From city development plans and student achievements to warmer weather ahead and new business activity downtown, the season is clearly beginning to shift.

Let’s go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
📰 Local Student News
🏠 Princeton Homes For Sale
🌽 Ag Updates
☀️ Princeton Weather
⛽️ Princeton Gas Prices
💼 Princeton Businesses
🎬 A Film About Homelessness
🗓️ Upcoming in Princeton
🎭 Festival 56 Local Audition Day
👷‍♂️ Local Job Opportunities
🐢 Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Princeton City Council voted Monday to move forward with plans for a proposed Business Development District designed to fund redevelopment projects through a dedicated sales-tax revenue stream.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton presented the first Love Our Community grants at its Tuesday noon meeting. Recipients included the Princeton Civil War Committee and the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Princeton Tourism is promoting Princeton Restaurant Weekend and encouraging the community to visit participating restaurants, bars, and dessert shops. Local businesses are offering special menus and featured items during the event.

• The Princeton Police Department is establishing a hiring list for Police Patrol Officer. Applications are available through March 19 with testing scheduled for April 11 at the department.

• Four candidates seeking to become the next Bureau County sheriff answered questions during a public candidate forum Tuesday night at Princeton High School ahead of the March 17 primary election.

• Princeton Logan Junior High will host the Class 3A eighth-grade volleyball regional tournament beginning Saturday, entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed.

• Nine Princeton wrestlers earned Three Rivers All-Conference honors this season, including six athletes selected to the conference’s first team.

• The Friends of the Princeton Public Library announced their annual Spring Book Sale will return March 26–28 with more than 5,000 used books, puzzles and media available.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 announced registration and screening for Bright Beginnings Preschool for the 2026–27 school year. Screenings will be held March 19 and March 20 at Douglas Elementary School by appointment.

• Illinois Valley PADS will host a screening of the documentary No Address at the Apollo Theatre in Princeton on March 21, followed by a community discussion on homelessness resources.

• A major renovation project has transformed the historic Knox Hotel near Princeton’s arts district, restoring architectural details while creating updated lodging and event spaces.

• The Princeton girls team opened the season strongly with five first-place finishes at the Westwood track meet Tuesday.

• Registration is now open for spring youth flag football leagues returning to the Bureau County Metro Center later this spring.

• Princeton softball will begin the 2026 season under new head coach Jessica Strauch with several returning starters leading the lineup.

📍Outside City Limits

• The Bureau Valley Schools Foundation awarded more than $15,000 in classroom grants to teachers across the district to fund new educational materials and projects.

• Ottawa and surrounding communities are preparing for the March 17 primary election that will determine which candidates advance to the November ballot.

• Utica will host its annual St. Patrick’s Parade Saturday afternoon, drawing visitors from across the Illinois Valley for the popular early-March celebration.

• The Granville branch of the Putnam County Library will host a free screening of the journalism documentary News Matters on March 17 exploring the impact of newspaper closures and misinformation.

• La Salle-Peru’s basketball season ended this week after a loss to Morton in the sectional semifinal tournament matchup held in Ottawa.

• Crews conducted a controlled environmental burn at Deer Park Golf Club to remove invasive vegetation and promote native plant growth around the course.

• Youth sports programs across the region are gearing up for spring as registration opens for local flag football leagues returning to the Bureau County Metro Center.

📰LOCAL STUDENT NEWS

• Trevyn Munson of Princeton High School was named TRAC All-Conference First Team and IHSSBCA All-Sectional First Team for his performance on the school’s scholastic bowl team.

• Hanna Claiborne of Princeton High School earned TRAC All-Conference First Team recognition after finishing ninth in the conference standings in scholastic bowl competition.

• Isabella Simmering of Princeton High School was named TRAC All-Conference Second Team following her performance during the scholastic bowl season.

• Elin Workman of Princeton High School received IHSSBCA All-Sectional Honorable Mention recognition for her role on the scholastic bowl team.

• Hanna Claiborne of Princeton High School also received IHSSBCA All-Sectional Honorable Mention honors following sectional competition.

• Noah Buck of St. Bede Academy was recognized as one of the Top 10 students in the Class of 2026 and plans to attend Northwestern University to study computer software engineering.

• Harrison Fess of St. Bede Academy was named among the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026, earning honors including Illinois State Scholar recognition.

• Mae Hagenbuch of St. Bede Academy was selected as a Top 10 student in the Class of 2026 and plans to attend Marquette University’s College of Nursing.

• Lillian Soliman of St. Bede Academy was recognized among the Top 10 students in the Class of 2026 with plans to pursue biomedical sciences on a pre-medical track.

• Ryan Soliman of St. Bede Academy was also named among the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026, earning academic honors throughout his high school career.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is listed at $149,999 and offers 1,172 square feet of living space on a 1.39-acre lot. Built in 1958, the property includes a two-car garage, a full unfinished basement, and a 700-square-foot workshop with power. Recent improvements include updated flooring, fresh paint, copper plumbing, and upgraded electrical service. Located just outside city limits, the property provides a large yard and strong potential for buyers seeking space and functionality.

• This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is listed at $25,000 and offers 1,330 square feet of living space on a 6,098-square-foot lot. Built in 1881, the home is being sold as-is and is positioned as a full renovation opportunity. The flexible layout provides potential for investors or buyers interested in a major restoration project. Aggressively priced, the property offers a rare chance to add significant value through updates and repairs.

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath house is listed at approximately $299,900 and offers around 1,600 square feet of living space. The home features a practical floor plan with modern living spaces designed for comfort and functionality. Situated in a quiet residential area, the property offers a balanced combination of interior space and neighborhood appeal. With its condition and location, the home presents a move-in-ready opportunity for buyers seeking stability and convenience.

• This 4-bedroom, 4-bath residence is listed at approximately $385,000 and offers more than 3,700 square feet of living space. The property features multiple living areas, spacious bedrooms, and room for entertaining or large households. Located in an established Princeton neighborhood, the home provides substantial interior space and strong residential appeal. Its size and layout make it one of the more expansive single-family offerings currently available in the area.

🌽AG UPDATES

Crop Insurance Changes: Recent changes to federal crop insurance programs could lower premiums for some corn producers this season. Agricultural economists say the adjustments may improve risk-management options for farmers planning their 2026 planting decisions.

Grain Storage Concerns: Agricultural analysts report that U.S. grain storage capacity is no longer expanding at the same pace as crop production. Tighter storage margins may affect how farmers market and store crops in the coming years.

Soil Health Leadership Program: A statewide soil health leadership program is seeking new Illinois farmers interested in conservation practices. The initiative focuses on improving soil quality and environmental stewardship across the state.

Sustainable Agriculture Workshops: University of Illinois Extension continues offering sustainable agriculture workshops for farmers across northern Illinois. The sessions highlight soil conservation, water quality, and long-term farm profitability.

Winter Forage Benefits: Researchers say planting winter forage crops after harvest can reduce soil erosion and improve organic matter in fields. The crops can also provide additional feed for livestock operations.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️ Saturday: Windy and cool with clouds early and some partial sunshine developing later in the day. Temperatures top out around 54°F, while strong WNW winds 15–25 mph make it feel brisk at times. The evening turns quieter with partly cloudy skies and a low near 33°F, with lighter west winds 5–10 mph overnight.

🌤️ Sunday: A milder but still breezy day with intervals of sunshine and clouds. Afternoon temperatures climb to about 64°F with southwest winds around 10–20 mph, keeping the air moving through the day. The night stays partly cloudy and mild with a low around 46°F and continued WSW winds 10–15 mph.

☀️ Monday: Mostly sunny and unusually warm for early March, with temperatures reaching near 72°F, approaching record levels for the date. Southwest winds 10–20 mph continue to pull warmer air into the region. The night remains mostly clear and mild with temperatures settling around 46°F.

⛈️ Tuesday: A more unsettled pattern develops with partly cloudy skies early and scattered afternoon showers or thunderstorms possible. Temperatures rise to about 65°F, while ESE winds 10–20 mph bring increasing moisture into the area and rain chances around 60%. The evening remains cloudy with occasional showers and a low near 40°F.

🌧️ Wednesday: Cooler air returns with morning rain showers and mostly cloudy skies lingering through the day. High temperatures reach about 51°F, with northwest winds 10–20 mph adding a chill to the air. Conditions gradually trend drier late in the day, and temperatures fall to around 28°F overnight under partly cloudy skies.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.27
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.89

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Apollo Theater Princeton announced showtimes for March 6–12 featuring Hoppers (PG) and I Can Only Imagine 2 (PG). Showtimes vary by day, with the theater closed Mondays and the final Sunday showing offered with open captions.

• Lenny & Joon’s shared that installation of their restaurant hood vent system is underway, marking an important step toward opening. While the work prevented them from participating in Princeton Tourism’s Restaurant Weekend pop-up, they say progress is being made toward a future opening date.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is highlighting special offerings for Princeton Restaurant Weekend. Featured items include homemade tuxedo cake, chicken Alfredo lasagna, taco pizza, and the March pizza of the month, a Reuben pizza.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is now offering a hometown specialty blended grass seed designed specifically for the Princeton area. The grass seed is available in 3-pound, 7-pound, and 25-pound bags.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is celebrating Princeton Restaurant Weekend with a sundae sampler special. The sampler includes Snickers, Cookies & Milk, and S’mores sundaes.

• Princeton Wrestling announced its offseason freestyle camp running March 23 through May 22. Practices will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

• The Princeton Closet is celebrating Gateway Services, Inc.’s 56th birthday. Representatives will visit the store on several dates in March to share information about their programs with the community.

• Spoons and Forks announced an updated menu created by Chef Dave. The menu includes a variety of new appetizers, sandwiches, entrées, soups, salads, and desserts.

• Corner Chair Market shared a completed custom furniture order that was recently finished for a customer. The business thanked the customer and showcased the final painted cabinet.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is hosting a Golden Egg hunt in the store now through Easter. Shoppers who find the hidden egg can enter a drawing for a gift certificate worth up to $50.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a “Mini” Health Fair on Thursday, March 12 from 9–11 a.m. The event will feature four speakers discussing services available for older adults, with an option to sign up for lunch afterward..

🎬 A FILM ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IS COMING TO PRINCETON

A community film event focused on homelessness is coming to downtown Princeton later this month.

Illinois Valley PADS will host a public screening of the documentary “No Address” on Saturday, March 21 at 12:30 PM at the Apollo Theatre on South Main Street. The film follows several people experiencing homelessness and explores the challenges they face while searching for stability and dignity.

Following the screening, local organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness will participate in a discussion and Q&A about resources available in the Illinois Valley.

📍 Apollo Theatre, Princeton
🎥 Saturday, March 21 — 12:30 PM
🤝 Hosted by Illinois Valley PADS

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🍷 Saturday, March 7: Cheers for Change! at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens – An evening of tastings, food, and a silent auction from 5:00–8:00 PM benefiting United Way.

📖 Sunday, March 8: The Living Last Supper at First Lutheran Church – Presented by St. John’s Lutheran of Peru at 2:00 PM at 116 N. Pleasant St. Communion will be served. A free will offering will be taken, and refreshments will follow. All are welcome.

🎶 Sunday, March 8: Live Music at Flour House Bakery – Acoustic music performance during the afternoon with coffee, pastries, and light fare available.

🌱 Tuesday, March 10: Edible Indoor Garden Workshop at Princeton Public Library – Learn how to grow fresh herbs and salad greens year-round from 5:30–6:30 PM at 698 E. Peru St. Registration required in advance.

📚 Thursday, March 12: Teen Game Night at Princeton Public Library – Board games, Nintendo Switch games, and snacks for middle and high school students beginning at 5:00 PM.

🎨 Friday, March 13: Opening Reception for Local Artists Exhibit at Prairie Arts Center – Meet regional artists and view new work during a reception beginning at 6:00 PM.

🥞 Saturday, March 14: Princeton Fire Department Pancake & Sausage Breakfast – Community breakfast fundraiser served from 7:00–11:00 AM at the fire station.

🎭 Saturday, March 14: Community Theatre Auditions at Prairie Arts Center – Auditions for an upcoming spring production beginning at 1:00 PM.

🎤 Sunday, March 15: Open Mic Night at Flour House Bakery – Musicians, poets, and performers welcome to share their talents beginning at 6:00 PM.

📖 Tuesday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Storytime at Princeton Public Library – Family storytime with themed crafts and activities beginning at 10:30 AM.

🎨 Thursday, March 19: Adult Craft Night at Princeton Public Library – Guided craft session and social time beginning at 6:00 PM.

🫖 Wednesday, March 25: High Tea at Four Seasons – A full high tea experience at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and include treats, a fashion show featuring new spring arrivals, and 30% off purchases that day. Limited to 30 guests. Tickets must be purchased in advance in-store or by phone.

📚 Thursday, March 26: Spring Book Sale at Princeton Public Library – Annual sale hosted by Friends of the Library featuring thousands of used books, puzzles, and media.

🎭FESTIVAL 56 LOCAL AUDITION DAY

Festival 56 is hosting a Princeton Local Audition Day for high school, college, and adult actors on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11 AM to 2 PM at 316 S. Main Street. Those interested can request a time slot by emailing [email protected] and including “PRINCETON LOCAL” in the subject line. Auditioners should prepare a short musical theatre selection of 16–32 bars and bring sheet music for the accompanist provided. For those hoping to be considered for Shakespeare in the Park, monologues from A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be available to read at the audition. There will be no dance call, allowing performers to focus on acting and vocal performance.

The 2026 season features a diverse lineup, beginning with The Comedy of Errors, rehearsing from June 15–27 with performances from June 28 through July 29 on Sunday and Wednesday nights. You Can’t Take It With You follows, with rehearsals from June 16 to July 3 and performances running July 3–11, excluding July 4. The season also includes the musical The Bridges of Madison County, rehearsing June 30–July 17 with performances July 17–25. It concludes with Anastasia, rehearsing July 15–31 and performing July 31–August 8, offering opportunities for a wide range of performers throughout the summer.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is currently hiring a Warehouse Associate to support operations at its Princeton distribution center. The position focuses on safely loading trucks, handling inventory, and ensuring products are moved accurately throughout the warehouse. Employees work as part of a team to maintain an efficient and safe distribution environment. Full-time employees may receive benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) matching program.

• Ace Hardware’s distribution facility in Princeton is seeking an Inventory Research Warehouse Specialist. The role involves analyzing warehouse inventory, researching discrepancies, and ensuring accurate stock counts within the distribution system. Employees help maintain efficiency and safety while supporting large-scale product distribution operations. The position offers competitive pay and benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement options.

• Corteva Agriscience is hiring a Production Technician at its Princeton facility. The position supports seed and agricultural production processes while maintaining quality and safety standards. Employees assist with equipment operation, product handling, and production workflow within the plant. Annual pay for the role ranges approximately from $41,000 to $51,000 depending on experience.

• A Princeton State Farm office is hiring a Customer Service Representative to assist clients with insurance needs. The role involves answering questions, managing policy changes, and helping customers understand available coverage options. Employees support daily office operations while building relationships with policyholders in the community. The position offers a salary range around $45,000–$55,000 annually with opportunities for advancement.

• Casey’s General Store in Princeton is hiring Team Members for customer service and store operations. Responsibilities include greeting customers, operating the register, stocking merchandise, and maintaining a clean store environment. Employees work flexible shifts and help deliver friendly service to guests. Compensation typically ranges from about $15 to nearly $20 per hour depending on experience and availability.

🐢LETTER FROM LORI

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a heart for the “differently abled.” Often, at the pet store I own, I get offered a critter that isn’t perfect for one reason or another. Recently, I took in a 4-year-old sulcata tortoise named Rubble. Rubble had an inadequate diet, and it was very evident in the shape of his shell. Where it should have been smooth, Rubble’s shell was “pyramided.” It created a more peaked appearance, and if you didn’t know tortoises, you might even think it looked kind of cool. I know I have some scars and deformities from injuries that I’d like to get tattooed into something colorful and cool, but that’s just me.

He moved and acted like a normal tortoise, but the keen eye of an expert could tell that Rubble had been lacking in his youth. Once I took him in, I corrected his diet and supplements and put him on the road to recovery. My hope is that his shell will smooth out and that he will begin to look more like other tortoises. Only time will tell if he makes a full recovery. Barring any future neglect, you may not even be able to tell by the time he reaches full size (which is about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle).

Had his nutrition continued to lack, his deformity would have become much more severe and potentially debilitating, causing other problems. Early intervention is important in cases like this. Rubble is already four and a half years old, but considering he could live to be over 100 years old, he is pretty much an infant.

How often are people damaged when they are young? Children can be victims of a variety of emotional and mental scars, and those experiences can shape the way they develop into adults. Sometimes, like with Rubble, it may not even be deliberate—just an important element missing from their lives. But if that element is restored, or the harmful influence is removed, a happy, normal life may still follow. There may be slight scars, bumps, or evidence of the damage, but it doesn’t have to define who they become.

In my personal walk with God, I came out of the gate strong. My mother made sure I was rooted in the church. I attended the activities, participated in faith-building groups, and was involved in all the right things. But somewhere in my late teens, I got damaged. A series of events occurred that caused my faith to shift into something that barely resembled a heart filled with God. During that time of my life, when I was not “eating” the proper diet of faith and grace, it was hard to tell which direction I would ultimately go.

I know there were people around me who were betting their paychecks that I would fail and be permanently lost. But then I found a group that believed in me. They gave me the proper nutrients to grow and become my best self. Like life nutritionists, they corrected my input and helped me get healthy again. I have learned to fill myself with the things that help me grow properly and overcome the potential deformities of my youth. I still occasionally eat the proverbial Twinkie from time to time, but now that I understand the long-term damage it can cause, I don’t indulge nearly as much.

So maybe it’s time for me to pick up my latest devotional, grab a bottle of water, and see if I can get my shell to smooth out a little more before I go to bed.

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

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