🅿️Schools out, Alexander Pool, and the National Anthem

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton. School is officially out. In Sweden, schools traditionally celebrate the end of the year by raising the Swedish flag and singing traditional songs, a ceremony known as “skolavslutning,” which marks the beginning of a nearly 10-week-long summer holiday, one of the longest in the world.

Yep. 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 of the Week
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
⚡️Need Help Paying Your Energy Bill?
👕Garage Sales
🏁2024 Old Wheels Show
🎲Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy birthday, Kirsten Johnston! 🎂

• City of Princeton: “We are currently out of both sizes of recycling totes and have some on order. If you are wanting to recycle and have not contacted us please make sure to call City Hall at 815-875-2631 Option 2 to be added to the list.”

• The Alexander Pool will open for the season on Saturday, June 1st. Pool passes are available for purchase now at the Bureau County Metro Center (BCMC), with hours and pricing consistent with the previous year.

• Princeton Tourism is seeking performers to sing or play the National Anthem at their street concerts. Interested individuals can participate by recording their performance on a phone and sending it to [email protected] along with their name, contact information, and a brief bio. This opportunity is open to seasoned performers as well as passionate newcomers eager to showcase their talent.

• The Princeton Youth Soccer League is back with their Soccer Summer Camps for 2024, offering two separate weeks to accommodate different schedules. The camps are designed for all ages and skill levels, featuring a comprehensive curriculum with international and professional staff. Registration details and more information can be found here.

• The Bureau County Cattlemen will host the 45th Annual Beef and Ag Festival on Saturday, June 15th at Soldiers & Sailors Park. This all-day event features activities including a petting zoo, pedal pulls, and live music by Jason Pritchett from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Additional attractions include performances by Seven Miles South and G’s Combo throughout the day. The festival also offers local food options provided by the Bureau County Cattlemen, Princeton Lions Club, and other local vendors, along with pie sales by St. Louis Parish.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🚫Ad free

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 142 others.

✅PLACES TO GO TODAY

• The Chelsea Gives Back Wyanet Locker Cookout event will be held today from 10 AM to 1 PM. It's a community gathering that offers an opportunity to enjoy good food and company for a great cause.

• Join 10-year-old Breckin, an aspiring exotic animal vet, at the "A Boy and his Dragon" event tomorrow from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Boek-el-Zoo. Breckin will share his knowledge and experience with his bearded dragon, Maui, including fun facts and care tips, and attendees may have the opportunity to hold Maui.

• The Prairie Arts Center is hosting the "Homes of Strangers Art Gallery Exhibit" featuring the paintings of Rebecca Kautz today from 1 PM to 3 PM at 24 Park Ave E.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Sunny with a high of 78°F and winds from the north-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers developing later at night. Low near 58°F, with winds shifting southeast at 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday: Thunderstorms likely in the morning, then scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some storms may be severe. High around 75°F with south winds at 10 to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 90%. Evening will see a few clouds from time to time with a low of 54°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny with a high of 76°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. The evening may bring scattered thunderstorms, then becoming clear overnight. Low around 54°F. Chance of rain is 40%.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.64
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
Casey’s West/North: $3.69
Beck’s West/North: $3.69
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.69
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.69

👤PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

🏅MAX WALLACE

Reason for Nomination: “He has been the crossing guard at N. Main and Clark. He has done this for the past 13 years during cold, sleet, rain, and fog!”

He is such a reliable, gracious, important member of our community. We appreciate you, Max! You’ve won the illustrious 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

• Rachel Rene is celebrating their anniversary today from 10 AM to 5 PM with special promotions, including giveaways, treats, and triple reward points for customers. The event invites everyone to join in the celebration of this milestone.

• Johnson Carpet Shoppe has a large amount of Mohawk Carpet on sale right now. The sale runs till June 30th. Come check out some of their favorites and don’t miss out all they have to offer.

• Ace Hardware announced that they are selling Dippin' Dots ice cream, marking the product's return just in time for summer. Customers are encouraged to treat themselves during their next visit to the store.

• Join Gateway Services for their 5th Annual Online Silent Auction starting June 2nd at 12 PM and ending June 9th at 9 PM. Explore and bid on a variety of items donated by local businesses and community members. Engage with our community and support a great cause while securing unique items from the comfort of your home.

• Rebekah Lynn is expanding her teaching schedule to accommodate more piano students, as her ability to teach has grown with her son getting older. She is now offering three new lesson times and encourages interested parties to contact her for details or to arrange a session. Call 207-745-3123.

• Downtown Liquidation is selling 15-foot Prism Frame Premium Pool Sets, ideal for a summer project, priced at $300 each with only two available.

• Don’t forget: Through the month of May, Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home will be deducting the sales tax for any grave markers purchased.

• Brushville will perform live at Hollywood and Vine in Hollowayville, on Memorial Day, at 2 PM. Known for their dynamic live performances, Brushville's shows are likened to a seamlessly orchestrated hockey game, praised for their ability to switch between songs with flawless continuity.

• Cathcart Photography, by the movie theater, now offers high-resolution film scanning for 35mm slides and prints, complete with color correction and scratch removal. This service allows customers to preserve, digitize, and share their old images conveniently without having to send them offsite.

• Friends of Strays has welcomed a new dog named Grace. They are still getting to know her and promise more information soon. Additionally, the shelter is in urgent need of kitten food and dog chew toys such as Nylabones or Benebones due to a recent influx of strays. Supporters can contribute by purchasing items from their Amazon wishlist.

• If you're worried about the quality of your water, Lee's Water Systems has you covered as an authorized dealer of Kinetico Water Systems, renowned for their efficiency and reliability. They're currently offering a free water test to help you determine the best Kinetico drinking water system for your needs. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your water consumption experience—visittheir website here.

• On The Homestead CrossFit is offering a special summer package for students during their school break. For $100, students can join and attend classes from May 26th to August 26th, ensuring they have a consistent fitness routine throughout the summer.

• Optimal Health has expanded their inventory to include the popular Rowe Casa product line, ideal for summer wellness. They are currently taking orders to restock and enhance their collection of organic health and beauty products.

• Steve Becker at Thrivent provides personalized financial services in the Princeton area, offering strategies in retirement planning, life insurance, and annuities. His approach not only aids in achieving personal financial goals but also fosters community contribution through various philanthropic programs.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

•  The City has just launched a new app. Check it out and Explore Princeton.

• Farm Week Now: “Pulling onto the gravel road leading to Evan Hultine’s home, a rock engraved with ‘Hultine Farms’ sits to the right.”

• Located at 205 Elm Pl, this charming 1881 home is on the market for $88,000. It offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and spans 1,840 square feet on a large 0.47-acre corner lot.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Paisano’s Ristorante is currently hiring for several positions, including front of house servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, offering part-time hours with weekly pay. While experience in the roles is beneficial, the restaurant is open to training newcomers who are eager to learn. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the restaurant in person to complete an application.

• Mullet Bros Printing is currently hiring and looking for an energetic individual to join their team as a salesperson. The company emphasizes that no degree or prior sales experience is necessary, as they are primarily looking for someone who is good with people and eager to learn. The ideal candidate should be friendly, outgoing, possess good communication skills, and be ready to tackle new challenges. They should also be willing to learn on the job. Interested parties are encouraged to send a message on Facebook to Mullet Bros Printing if they are interested in the role.

⚡️NEED HELP PAYING YOUR ENERGY BILL?

The Bureau County Senior Center is offering assistance with energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Residents of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, or Whiteside County facing high home energy costs can apply for help. Eligibility depends on household income, with thresholds set for different family sizes; for example, a single-person household qualifies with a maximum monthly income of $2,430. A household of four can earn up to $5,000 per month to be eligible. Interested individuals should contact the Tri-County Opportunities Council for more information. The council can be reached at 815-879-6035, or more details are available on their website at www.tcochelps.org.

👕GARAGE SALES

• A garage sale is scheduled at 203 Park Ave East, with hours from 9 AM to 4 PM today and 10 AM to 2 PM on Sunday.

• There will be a large multi-family garage sale at 203 Park Ave Easton Memorial Day weekend. The sale will run from May 24th to May 26th, with hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Items for sale include holiday decor, home goods, collectibles, clothing, and many useful things.

• A large garage sale will be held at 709 E Thompson today from 8 am to 12 pm. The sale will feature a wide range of items including tools, housewares, quilting and embroidering supplies, and a Janome 11000 quilting and embroidering machine. This event promises something for everyone, catering to a variety of interests and needs.

• There will be a large sale with all proceeds aimed to support children's activities including a Washington DC trip and summer sports camps. The event will take place at 340 N Jefferson StTiskilwa today from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Items on sale will range from girls' clothing sizes 7/8 to women's large, and include toys, furniture, and home decor.

• Another large multi-family sale is set to take place at 240 South State Street in Tiskilwa, offering a wide array of items including adult and children's clothing, games, household goods, a Blackstone grill, and dressers. The sale will happen today,Saturday, May 25.

• More in Bureau County is hosting a county-wide garage sale event on Father's Day weekend, June 14 and 15. This year, the event extends beyond its traditional Route 34 location, inviting the entire community to participate. Residents who wish to have their garage sales listed or who seek more information about participating venues can contact [email protected]. Sale details will be included in a printed directory available to all shoppers during the event.

Announce your garage sale: [email protected]

🤝HELP WANTED

Dauber Company, a manufacturer of high-quality silicon carbide products, is family-owned and operated and is located in Tonica, Illinois.

We are hiring experienced maintenance workers starting at $32/hr, entry-level maintenance workers at $25-31/hr, and laborers starting at $24/hr.

Dauber Company offers paid holidays and vacation, 100% free medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k plan, profit sharing, and advancement opportunities.

Apply by sending an email to [email protected], mailing to 577 N. 18th Rd, Tonica, or calling 815-442-3569, extension *813.

🏁2024 OLD WHEELS SHOW

The 2024 Old Wheels Show is set to display an array of antique, classic, and special interest vehicles including cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles on Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event will take place in the parking lot of First Lutheran Church at the corner of Farnham & Pleasant Streets. Attendees will enjoy a variety of food from 11 AM to 1 PM or while supplies last, featuring brats, hot dogs, and items from a bake sale which begins at 10 AM. The show will also offer musical entertainment provided by AMC Sound and special activities for children, such as a bounce house. Admission is free, and all proceeds from the event will go towards local community projects.

🎲LETTER FROM LORI

Do you like games? What is your game of choice? I'm good at some games, like Scrabble and Yahtzee. I tend to choose more cerebral games. By looking at me, you can tell that I would never excel at ones that require running, jumping, or any cardio-based activities. Long-distance running is not safe for my ocular integrity, no matter how well-engineered the sports bra may be. We all have a favorite. I avoid card games because of the mental math, but I do love dice! Some take it to the next level and enjoy chess, where I still call the knight the "horsey guy."

The point is, there's this game we call LIFE. We all have to play it, but we all play it differently. Some of us have conquered the 'doing' part of it and leap feet first into every challenge. Some have mastered the financial aspect and amass wealth like a Monopoly player. Others are more like 'Trivial Pursuit' and are knowledgeable in a broad range of facts. I have friends who are more Chutes and Ladders or Candyland—full of color and fun, without much thought to the hardships of life, just enjoying the game. If your game is fitness, good for you, but I just want to be 'fit 'n' eat' this cheeseburger in my face.

When I look around me, I see so many players. Everyone plays within their skill set. Each brings a unique aspect to the larger game. If you meet someone who plays differently than you, do not pass GO, do not collect $200, and for heaven's sake, don't fling the game pieces all over the room and stomp away mad. Just focus on your game and play it with everything you have. Just because you're winning at yours doesn't mean you have to wish someone else will lose.

As I am fond of saying, 'If one succeeds, we ALL succeed.' So go out today, play your game, and when you cross paths with another player, pat them on the back, offer a 'rah rah,' and keep on moving. And smile!

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

📢1300+ subscribers, 10,000+ monthly impressions — want to advertise in the Princeton NOW newsletter? Inquire here: [email protected].