📡Self-Portraits, Volunteers Needed, and Satellite Dishes

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Good morning, my dear Princeton people. Especially my son Carson, who got 2nd place in the BVEC Art Festival this weekend for his creative self-portrait this weekend. A huge “thank you” goes to his incredible art teachers at Princeton Christian Academy, Lane House and Cindy Smucker. Mom and dad are so proud of him, and thankful to the Lord for the gift that He has given to him. Needless to say, he did not get his art skills from me.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🚨Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🐣Egg Your Yard
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📍Outside City Limits
🦅PCA Opens Registration
🗓️This Week in Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Tiffany Trotter, Brennen Dziadon, and Katy Crawford🍰!

🏐Local Sports

• Logan Junior High wrestler Eric Giaquinto placed fourth in the IESA State Wrestling Tournament.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball celebrates sophomore coach Janelle and former PHS standout Emily Cook (Ellberg) for leading the Princeton Logan 7th-grade team to the IESA State Tournament. The team continues preparing for state competition.

• PHS Noah LaPorte and Jordan Reinhardt were selected Unanimous First Team TRAC-East All-Conference.

📢Community Announcements & Events

• The Rotary Club of Princeton awarded $1,000 grants to 10 local nonprofits through its Love Our Community program to support various community initiatives.

• City crews will begin removing winter decorations and grave coverings from Princeton cemeteries on March 15. Families who wish to keep specific items should retrieve them before the removal date.

• The Flags of Freedom Committee announced its 20th Anniversary fundraiser, scheduled for April 5. The event will feature Amanda Mammana, a finalist from America’s Got Talent.

• The Homestead Festival’s 50/50 goal for 2025 is set at $30,000, with over $5,000 already raised.

🗓️Upcoming Events

• March 10 – Tiskilwa Historical Society will host “History All Around Us”, presented by Logan Junior High students, exploring local history. Open to the public.

• March 12 – Bureau County Genealogical Society will hold a workshop on tracing family history using local records.

• March 14 – Princeton Public Library will host a free movie night featuring a family-friendly film.

• March 15 – Bureau County United Way is holding its annual beer and wine tasting event at Hornbaker Gardens, with proceeds supporting local programs.

• April 12 – Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show will take place from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Free admission, featuring local crafts, vendors, and a flea market.

🗳️Election & Community Engagement

• Consolidated elections shape daily life, yet many remain silent. Don’t be a statistic—register to vote at ova.elections.il.gov.

• Best of the Illinois Valley nominations are open now through March 28. Recognize the best in over 100 categories.

⛓️‍💥Public Safety

• The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Hunter Holland-Roberts on March 7 for unlawful weapon possession.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This two-bedroom, two-bath home at 1217 S Church St in Princeton is listed for $239,500 and offers 1,612 sq ft of living space. Featuring hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and an open floor plan, the kitchen overlooks the great room and includes oak cabinetry, a skylight, and a wood-burning stove. Patio doors lead to a fenced backyard with a deck, and an open staircase connects to a lower level with additional laundry space, storage, and an office area. The roof and hot water heater were replaced in 2019, and the home has new seamless gutters. A spacious two-car garage and a private shaded yard complete the property, located just four minutes from downtown Princeton.

• This 14.77-acre property at 1551 S Main St, Princeton, is listed for $197,000 and offers a mix of agricultural use and development potential. Currently being farmed, it is zoned R-1, making it suitable for residential subdivision projects while maintaining its agricultural heritage. Utilities, including water, sewer, gas, and electricity, are conveniently located at the property’s edge, allowing for easy development. Whether for farming, long-term investment, or a new residential community, this land provides endless opportunities. With its prime location and versatility, this rare offering won’t last long.

🚨VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

These Full Scale Exercises are very important because they give first responders the opportunity to train and learn during the exercises to help them during real life events.

Use the QR code here

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️Today: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 60°F and northeast winds at 15 to 25 mph. The night remains partly cloudy with increasing clouds later, with a low of 35°F and south-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph.

🌥️Wednesday: Partly to mostly cloudy with a high near 64°F and east winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night starts with considerable clouds but clears up later, with a low of 40°F and west-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph.

🌤️Thursday: Sunshine with a few clouds, reaching a high of 71°F. Winds shift from north-northwest to west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The night is partly cloudy with a low of 52°F and southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph.

⛈️Friday: Partly cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms in the evening, reaching a high of 78°F. South-southeast winds at 20 to 30 mph. Overnight, scattered thunderstorms continue with variable clouds and a low of 46°F. Winds remain south-southeast at 15 to 25 mph, with an 80% chance of rain.

🌤️Saturday: Windy and mostly cloudy with a high of 52°F. Winds shift from southwest at 20 to 30 mph to northwest, occasionally gusting over 40 mph. The night remains mostly cloudy early, then partly cloudy after midnight, with a low of 32°F and west winds at 10 to 20 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.24
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.33
Beck’s West/North: $3.33
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.33
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.33

🐣LET GATEWAY EGG YOUR YARD

The 7th Annual Egg My Yard event allows families to have candy-filled eggs scattered in their yards for Easter morning fun. Packages start at 25 eggs for $20, with options up to 100 eggs for $65, and additional eggs can be purchased in increments of 25 for $15 each with no limit. A treat bag and personalized yard sign with a child’s name can be added for $7.50, and a special $5 treat-filled egg is available for cats or dogs. Delivery is offered in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam Counties, as well as LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica, and Cedar Point, with a pick-up option available in Princeton. Orders must be placed by April 14 at 4 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Gateway Services, which works to empower and enrich the community. More details and order forms can be found at https://forms.gle/Y3pgeVEXUCSJfLaBA.

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🦅 PCA REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Princeton Christian Academy is a private Christian school which offers an excellent education in preschool through grade 12 using the rigorous A Beka curriculum, as well as music, art, and theater. The school also shines in extra-curricular competitions in volleyball, boys and girls basketball, speech, art, music, and scholastic bowl. The school is a member of the Bureau Valley Elementary Conference, and it is located 2 miles northeast of Princeton on Route 34 at the Princeton Bible Church.

Registration for the new school year opens this week. Find out more at our website. Interested families may make an appointment to visit the school by calling 815-875-2933. 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Paisanos Ristorante is featuring the Reuben pizza as its March pizza of the month, inspired by St. Patricks Day. This specialty pizza includes a homemade Thousand Island base, shredded slow-cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, and a blend of mozzarella cheese.

• The Believe Foundation is seeking a compassionate volunteer to assist a local cancer patient with transportation to and from her surgery and doctor’s appointments. They are offering gas cards as support and encourage anyone who can help to reach out and make a difference in someone’s life.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering is gearing up for food truck season, offering lunch service Tuesday through Friday this month. Their regular season schedule will start soon, and they invite customers to enjoy their signature barbecue on the go.

• Barrel Society has a full schedule this week, including trivia on Tuesday at 7 PM, whiskey talks on Wednesday, and a whiskey and donut pairing event on Thursday with two spots available. They are also hosting a St. Paddy’s Day 5K and party on Sunday at 11 AM, encouraging participants to donate $10 to Freedom House and enjoy a fun-filled day. Barrel Society is also hosting musician Karl Kirkpatrick for a live performance on March 29 at 7 PM. Known for his heartfelt originals and covers of artists like David Bowie, REM, and Johnny Cash, he promises a great evening of music with no cover charge.

• Corner Chair Market is featuring dressers that can be used beyond the bedroom. The post highlights their versatility for storage in family rooms, dining areas, and kitchens.

• Optimal Health has introduced a new frozen treat called Doughlicious in flavors like Cinnamon Churro and Mint Chocolate Chip. Customers are encouraged to visit before they sell out.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food is serving Khao Soi chicken with fettuccine in mild spicy red curry. Mango and sticky rice is also back on the menu.

• Rachel Rene in Princeton is promoting its Black Cherry Lip Butter, made with natural oils and vitamins. Customers can purchase in-store or online.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton is offering a $10 deal on a thin crust or pan pizza with a salad and drink. The promotion is valid until March 23.

• Taylor’s Way is encouraging customers to schedule spring landscape bed cleanup services. The company offers pre-emergent weed control, mulch installation, and shrub trimming.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is promoting Scott’s Turf Builder Weed & Feed to help maintain weed-free lawns. The product targets over 50 types of stubborn weeds.

• Master Electrician is now serving the Princeton community. Contact 815-200-4816 for services.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge has shared its March calendar, which includes bingo nights, special meal offerings, and fundraising events. Highlights include a St. Patricks Day corned beef and cabbage dinner, a lent fish sandwich special, and a blacklight bingo fundraiser.

• Becks is offering regular-size slushies for 99 cents now through September at participating locations.

• Shannon’s Memorials fosters genuine connections with clients while crafting one-of-a-kind designs to honor their loved ones. Those interested in a tailored and compassionate service are encouraged to reach out for a consultation.

• Two Angels is hosting Easter Bunny Mini Sessions on April 12 at Downtown Pub in Princeton. The 15-minute photography sessions provide a fun setting for children to meet the Easter Bunny, with bookings available online at https://book.usesession.com/s/U4cqjjTZYH.

• Bureau County Metro Center is organizing a volleyball skills clinic for grades K through 5 on April 5. Participants will learn fundamentals from experienced players.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is looking for artists to join its outdoor market on September 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3 at 9 AM. Get full details and apply at https://www.hornbakergardens.com/artisan-market/.

• Rediger Auction Service is holding its next machinery consignment on March 29. They are now accepting consignments for this live and online event.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Adam Lind of the Bureau County ESDA reports the painted satellite dishes, on the north side of WB I-80, west of Spring Valley are gone.

• A spring craft fair will take place at Bureau Valley High School on March 16, showcasing handmade goods from local artisans.

• Major 2025 Changes to Walmart Security May Soon Impact Illinois S 

• The Sidewalk Prophets will perform an acoustic concert at Walnut Community Bible Church on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 PM. Presented by Great Big Family Productions, the event will feature stripped-down versions of their hit songs along with stories behind the music. The band will also debut new music from their upcoming album, Looking Up.

• A pancake breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 27, from 7 AM to noon at the Wyanet fire department. The meal includes pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee, with a free will donation and 50/50 raffles.

• Walnut Public Library offers a Safe Sitter course on April 21st from 9 AM to 3 PM. Designed for 6th-8th graders, the program teaches essential babysitting skills, including safety, first aid, and child care techniques. Registration is $70, and participants must sign up by April 1st.

• The Illinois Road Scholars and Walnut Public Library are hosting an event with Catherine Lambrecht on the "History of American Pies...and Illinois Well Represented!" on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Walnut Public Library. This interactive workshop includes a pie crust demonstration by Catherine, sampling of attendees' pies, recipe sharing, and a discussion session. Registration is required; you can call the library at 815-379-2159.. For more information, please contact the Walnut Public Library District.

• Maizey Sterling is offering babysitting services and has extensive experience working with children of all ages. Currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education, she works in a 5th-grade classroom twice a week and previously assisted in a kindergarten class. 

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton is currently hiring nighttime servers to join their team. Interested applicants can apply online to be part of a fast-paced and welcoming restaurant environment.

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton is hiring for three part-time positions: Director of Music Ministry (15-17 hrs/week), Director of Youth & Family Ministry (9-10 hrs/week), and Media Outreach Technician (6-8 hrs/week). A qualified candidate may fill all three roles for a total of 30-35 hours per week with insurance benefits. Job descriptions are available at www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org, and resumes can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 416 E Dover Rd, Princeton, IL 61356-9551.

• The Princeton Closet is hiring a part-time operations employee to help with donations, cashier duties, and customer assistance. This role also includes organizing spaces and merchandising the sales floor. Those interested can email Amy at [email protected].

• Taylor’s Way in Princeton is hiring a full-time dispatcher at $17-$20 per hour. This role involves coordinating service routes, communicating with clients about scheduling changes, and managing equipment assignments. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be able to maintain clear communication between office staff and field technicians. The company specializes in lawn care, tree care, and pest control, offering career growth opportunities in a stable and expanding team.

• Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton is hiring seasonal, full-time greenhouse retail staff at $15-$20 per hour. The role involves assisting customers, learning about plants, and providing helpful recommendations. Applicants should be eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to multitask while offering excellent customer service. Weekend availability is required, and employees will help visitors with directions, purchases, and overall experience.

• Dairy Queen is hiring for seasonal positions from March to October. They are looking for candidates with upbeat and bubbly personalities.

🗓️THIS WEEK IN PRINCETON

🎨 Austin Burrows Gallery Exhibit – March 7-30: The Prairie Arts Council presents Creatures That Live in My Head, a collection by local artist Austin Burrows. The opening reception is on March 7 from 6-8 p.m., with gallery hours on weekends from 1-3 p.m.

🍩 Whiskey & Donuts Pairing – March 13: Barrel Society and Miss Betsy’s team up for a special whiskey and donuts pairing event on March 13 at 7 p.m. Reservations are required, and spots fill quickly!

➗ Math: Right from the Start – March 15: A professional development event for childcare providers on March 15 at 6:30 a.m. at 633 Masonic Dr. This training focuses on mathematical strategies for young learners.

🪴 Make Your Own Clay Planter – March 15: Join The Knack on March 15 at 11 a.m. for a hands-on clay planter workshop. All materials, including a plant, are provided, and reservations are required.

🦖 Guillermo Meet & Greet – March 15: Boek-el-ZOO invites guests to meet Guillermo, one of their mini dinosaurs, on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free scoop coupons from Sisler’s Ice Cream will be available for kids under 10.

🎶Day Drinking @ Hawg House – March 15: Next Thing Smokin’ brings live ’90s country music to the Hawg House on March 15 from 1-4 p.m. Enjoy great music and drinks in a fun atmosphere.

☘️ 3rd Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K + Party – March 16: Barrel Society hosts a St. Patrick’s Day 5K run/walk on March 16 at 11:30 a.m. with a post-run party featuring Irish music and themed drinks.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Mickey 17 (R)

A mind-bending sci-fi thriller following an expendable clone tasked with dangerous missions on an icy exoplanet, only to uncover shocking secrets about his true purpose.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

The Unbreakable Boy (PG)

A heartwarming true story about a boy with a rare brittle bone disease and autism whose unshakable optimism and faith inspire those around him.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM

Sensory Friendly Showing

• Lights up, volume down, no movement restrictions (Sunday 1:15 PM).

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].