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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Princeton heads into the weekend with community events, student achievements, and spring activities filling the calendar while the season’s most dramatic weather system approaches the region. From local theater and youth sports to redevelopment efforts and new business activity, there is steady momentum across town even as a major storm prepares to move through the Midwest.

Let’s go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠 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

🥹Heads-up: This newsletter will officially retire in May. Major life changes (good) are taking place in my life, and I will no longer have time to do this. Thanks for reading these last 3(?) years.

• Heads-up again: I previously reported a pancake breakfast to be held March 14 at the fire station. It is a private breakfast for a family who won the event through a silent auction, and it is not open to the public. My sincere apologies for the confusion.

• Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer is up against longtime undercover officer and current Earlville officer Edward Jauch.

• Logan Junior High students will present their research on Tiskilwa’s Indigenous heritage, historic landmarks, and local festivals on Monday, March 16 at the Tiskilwa Museum.

• The Illinois Elementary School Association congratulated Outstanding Sportsmanship Pin winners Sadie Rutledge of Logan Junior High and Vienna Fitzpatrick of Parkside Middle School. Both students were recognized for demonstrating strong sportsmanship.

• Princeton Christian Academy will present The Sound of Music: Youth Edition on March 20 and March 21 at 6:30 p.m. Students have been preparing the production and invite the community to attend the performance.

• A Flags of Freedom Drawdown fundraiser will take place Saturday, April 18 at the Princeton Moose Lodge. The event includes a spaghetti dinner buffet, prize drawings, and limited ticket sales with cash prizes.

• Princeton High School will host its Honors Recital on March 15 at 2 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center. The event will feature student singers and musicians, with free admission and a reception afterward.

• Princeton Youth Soccer League is organizing a community field day on March 14 at Zearing Park to prepare fields for the spring season. Volunteers are invited to help, with coffee, donuts, and a raffle provided.

• Illinois Valley PADS will host a screening of the documentary No Address at 12:30 p.m. on March 21 at the Apollo Theatre. The event aims to raise awareness about homelessness and highlight the challenges faced by people without stable housing.

• The Homestead Festival is promoting its Bureau County Homestead Festival 50/50 raffle. Tickets are available until noon on St. Patrick’s Day, with proceeds supporting Homestead Weekend activities.

• Tiger Town Tanglers congratulated several athletes who qualified for the 2026 IKWF State tournament. The organization recognized multiple wrestlers across different divisions for earning state qualification.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton announced its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Children ages 0–10 are invited to participate, and photos with the Easter Bunny will be available.

• Central Bank Illinois announced a $10,000 donation to the newly established Princeton Foundation to support community initiatives and local development efforts. The contribution is intended to help the foundation grow its resources and expand its ability to support projects that benefit the community.

• The 8th Annual “Egg My Yard” fundraiser at Gateway Services is now taking orders for Easter deliveries. Candy-filled eggs will be delivered in Bureau, Marshall, Putnam Counties and nearby communities, with packages ranging from 25 eggs for $25 up to 100 eggs for $85. Orders must be placed by March 31.

• Friends of the Princeton Public Library will host their Spring Book Sale from March 26–28 in the library’s Friends Sale Room. The event will offer a wide selection of books for purchase while raising funds to support library programs and services.

📍Outside City Limits

• If you love a challenging hike that may get you a little dirty, this could be right up your alley.

• Sheriff corrects earlier account of school bus incident with updated timeline

• La Moille to vote on school consolidation consideration

• Author Denise Moran is coming to Mendota Historical Society

• Prospective students welcome to Explore IVCC

• The Walnut Chamber of Commerce announced its Townwide Garage Sales will take place May 1 and May 2. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate and shop throughout the community.

• The Tiskilwa Community Association announced the headline bands for Pow Wow Days 2026. Flatland Ridge will perform Friday, July 31, and Hairbanger’s Ball will perform Saturday, August 1.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A brick farmhouse-style home at 1322 W. Peru St. is listed for $129,500 and offers 1,730 square feet with three bedrooms and one bathroom on a 1.53-acre lot. Built in 1856, the property features a circular asphalt driveway, fireplace in the family room, thermal windows, an enclosed porch, and spacious living areas. The second level includes three bedrooms, one with a built-in bunk bed designed for two beds. Zoned B2 and located within walking distance of town, the property offers potential for residential living, a home business, or other future uses.

• A three-bedroom, one-bath home at 318 W. Peru St. in Princeton offers 1,428 square feet of living space and carries an estimated value of $132,300. The property is currently being offered through an auction process as a foreclosure. Homes sold this way sometimes sell below typical market value depending on bidding activity. The listing indicates the sale will occur through an online real estate auction.

• A two-bedroom, one-bath Cape Cod–style home at 525 E. Marion St. is listed for $64,900 and offers 1,248 square feet on a quarter-acre lot. The property includes a detached two-car garage and has seen several recent improvements, including a new roof, windows, boiler, radiators, and updates to electrical and plumbing systems. Floor treatments and other upgrades have also been completed, with more than $85,000 reportedly invested in repairs and improvements. The home still needs interior decorating and paint but offers potential for buyers seeking a renovated property at an affordable price.

🌽AG UPDATES

Grain prices surge amid geopolitical tensions: U.S. farmers are rushing to sell stored corn, soybeans, and wheat after grain prices jumped due to conflict in the Middle East, which disrupted fertilizer supply chains and pushed commodity markets higher. The sudden price spike has helped some farmers lock in profits after a difficult 2025 market. Read more about the surge in grain prices.

Illinois Farm Bureau awards rural development grants: Illinois Farm Bureau recently distributed rural development grants to several communities to support agricultural infrastructure, food processing, and local economic development projects. The program is designed to strengthen rural communities and improve opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses. Details about the grant program.

USDA farmer bridge payments already distributing billions: The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than $6 billion has already been allocated through its Farmer Bridge Assistance program to help producers manage financial stress caused by low commodity prices and rising costs. The payments are intended to stabilize farm operations across the country. Learn more about the federal assistance.

Illinois producer honored as a 2026 Master Farmer: An Illinois farmer from Dixon was recently recognized as one of the Prairie Farmer Master Farmers, an award honoring producers who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and long-term contributions to agriculture. The recognition highlights the role of local producers in advancing modern farming practices. Read about the Illinois award.

Farm bill timeline remains uncertain in Congress: The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee says lawmakers are still working toward advancing a new Farm Bill, though negotiations and policy disagreements continue to slow the timeline. The legislation will influence crop insurance, conservation programs, and commodity supports for years to come. Updates on the Farm Bill timeline.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

KWQC: We turn our attention to what could be the season’s biggest storm yet. An intense winter system is set to move into the Midwest, bringing a round of severe storms, followed by near-blizzard conditions for much of our region. A few severe storms will be possible, with damaging winds, hail and an isolated tornado. Then, as the low moves through, temperatures will tumble quickly. This will lead to a rapid changeover to snow by the early evening.

🌥️ Saturday: Overcast skies dominate much of the day with a small chance of a few flurries, keeping temperatures cool with a high near 46°F. Southeast winds 10–20 mph keep conditions breezy. Clouds thicken overnight with rain developing late, and temperatures holding mild with a low around 41°F.

⛈️ Sunday: A powerful system moves in with morning thunderstorms giving way to steady rain and gusty winds during the afternoon, eventually transitioning to snow. Temperatures climb to about 60°F before sharply dropping later in the day. SSE winds shifting west at 20–30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40 mph, could create hazardous conditions. By night, rain changes to snow with near-blizzard conditions possible, temperatures plunging to around 13°F with NNW winds 20–30 mph.

🌨️ Monday: Bitterly cold air settles in behind the storm. Windy conditions with snow showers in the morning gradually taper through the day. High temperatures reach only 18°F, with northwest winds 20–30 mph keeping wind chills very low. The night turns partly cloudy and extremely cold with a low near 2°F and lighter WNW winds 10–20 mph.

❄️ Tuesday: Cold conditions persist with increasing clouds through the day and a high around 21°F. Southwest winds 5–10 mph provide little relief from the chill. Overnight skies remain mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers possible, and temperatures dip to about 19°F with light SSE winds 5–10 mph.

⛅ Wednesday: Considerable cloudiness continues but temperatures moderate slightly with a high near 44°F. South winds 10–15 mph help bring a gradual warm-up after the early-week cold snap. The night becomes partly cloudy with a low around 30°F and lighter SSE winds 5–10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.49
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.56
Casey’s West/North: $3.59
Beck’s West/North: $3.59
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.59
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.59

💼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.

• Apollo Theater Princeton announced showtimes valid March 13–19 for Hoppers (PG) and Crime 101 (R). Showtimes vary by day, with the theater closed Mondays and the final Sunday show open-captioned.

• The Bureau County Historical Society announced the H.W. Immke Exhibit and Research Library are open at the Newell-Bryant Museum. The first floor of the Clark Norris Home will also open for the season from noon to 3 p.m.

• Gateway Services, Inc. invited the public to attend “Next Stop: Independence” on March 24 from 5–8 p.m. at LaSalle-Peru High School. The event will provide information about jobs, education, life skills, and community support resources.

• Princeton Youth Soccer League announced its Field Day has been moved to March 21 at 8 a.m. Volunteers are invited to help prepare the fields for the spring season, with coffee, donuts, and a raffle provided.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe shared a custom Lancer chair selected by a customer. The chair features customizable fabric and wood options and includes a power recliner.

• The Princeton Closet is selling a vintage Tower Chieftain II typewriter for $50. The portable typewriter, made between 1958 and 1962 by Smith-Corona, is described as reliable and in working condition.

• Optimal Health announced the arrival of new Daily Harvest items including smoothies and harvest bowls. The products are being offered at introductory prices for customers.

🎬 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

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎭 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

• Production Operator – Coilcraft (Princeton): Coilcraft is hiring production operators to inspect and assemble electronic components while monitoring manufacturing equipment. The role involves detailed inspection work and maintaining quality standards during production. Pay typically ranges around $17–$19 per hour with benefits such as health insurance and retirement options.

• Pack Operator – Allegion (Princeton): Allegion has openings for pack operators who prepare and package finished products in the manufacturing process. Employees work on production lines, follow quality procedures, and may work overtime during busy shifts. Pay ranges roughly from $17.50 to about $24 per hour depending on shift and experience.

• Cashier – Beck’s / Beck Oil Company (Princeton): Beck’s convenience stores are hiring part-time cashiers to handle transactions, assist customers, and keep the store stocked and organized. The role requires customer service skills and the ability to operate a register during busy periods. Benefits and flexible shifts are often available for employees.

• Dishwasher – Prime Quarter Steak House (Princeton): Prime Quarter Steak House is hiring dishwashers responsible for cleaning kitchen equipment, washing dishes, and helping maintain a sanitary kitchen. The position requires reliability and the ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Opportunities for advancement and employee meal discounts are typically included.

🐕LETTER FROM LORI

Growing up on a farm, we had dogs. Our dogs were never contained. They slept in the house at night, but during the day they lounged around in the yard, chasing the occasional squirrel and dragging carcasses onto the patio to chomp on—much to the dismay of my suburbanite mother, who had neither a love for fur and slobber nor for farm life. They were happy and content in their freedom, and rarely took advantage of it by causing shenanigans. They wandered, but not far. Sometimes they’d come back muddy or stinky from playing in the creek (or CRICK, as us country folks refer to it), or maybe their ear would have a chunk out of it and they’d have a few burrs and ticks.

When I grew up and lived in town, I got a puppy. Since the puppy couldn’t just be left to his own devices outside—because the nearest neighbors were at arm’s length instead of a mile away—it was suggested that I crate train him so that when I wasn’t home he wouldn’t wander the house chewing up my prized possessions and furniture. The feral child in me thought that was a cruel fate for my canine, and I resisted the urge to embark on this journey of containment. Then someone who was smarter than I was on the subject of dog brains explained that dogs actually LIKED a cozy crate. They told me that, like their wolf ancestors, they found security in their den. I rolled my eyes and scoffed, but decided maybe I should try it.

And so the puppy was crate trained. I still had my doubts, but one day I was searching the house for my companion and found him in his open crate with our other dog. They were wedged in there together, snuggled up and sleeping. They had so many choices of where to be—the couch, the bed, or the beam of sunlight on the porch—and yet they CHOSE the security of the crate and each other.

HMMMM. That seemed odd to me. They made a deliberate choice to seek the comfort and security of each other and their “behavin’ place.”

They did enjoy their freedom mostly, but they actually liked the company of one another and wanted to be together.

When I was in my 20s, living a life of debauchery, I looked at Christians and thought they were crate trained. I had the misconception that God had lured them to a place of confinement and kept them there against their real will. It was a way to control them and keep them from negative behaviors. I thought those bad dogs were in church because they had to be in order to gain a reward. I thought they weren’t having any fun and secretly hated where they were.

Now that I am older, a bit wiser, and crate trained myself, I see that church is not a place of confinement but a place of security. I go there not because I’m TOLD to, or because I HAVE to, but because I WANT to. I love the security and warmth of the environment and my church family. I snuggle up in their presence and find myself at peace there.

I’m often told (and I do believe) that you can worship anywhere. You can find God in the woods, in your car, or sitting quietly sipping coffee in your home. That is all true, but there is a certain kind of comfort in joining your fellow Christians at church. There is a closeness you don’t find when you’re alone. Sharing a space with someone else who shares your love and passion for Jesus is a special kind of special.

So Sunday morning I will yawn and stretch, drink my cup of coffee by myself at home, and then seek out my fellow Christians at church. I’ll get hugs and smiles and find comfort in a safe space with people who want to snuggle in too—and it will be my CHOICE.

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

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