⛳️Spring, Golf Courses, and Easter Eggs

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Spring is waking up! Wyaton is officially open, Liberty Village is hosting a fun Easter egg hunt today, and Finders Keepers is hiding Easter eggs in their store for a chance to win a special basket. Sunshine or sprinkles, it’s a good weekend to get out and enjoy it!

Let’s check it out.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
⚾️PHS Sports Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🐅Youth Advisory Council
👷Princeton Job Openings
🚨Volunteers Needed
🏍️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Vickie Holmes and Brittany Lowdermilk 🍰!

• BCR: Brody Anderson, head coach of the Princeton High School Scholastic Bowl team, has been named the Scholastic Bowl Coach of the Year by the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association.

• The American Legion Auxiliary 125 will be meeting 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Legion Post. 1549 W. Peru St., Princeton.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League reminds families that online registration for T-ball is open until April 30, 2025. Sign up now to get your child ready for the season. I signed up my preschooler, John, and whoo boy this Summer will be entertaining.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course this spring, providing students a chance to gain valuable life-saving skills and a competitive edge in the job market. The course will be held during Spring Break, April 14–16, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Metro Center pool.

📍Outside City Limits

• Mother and child injured in fall at Starved Rock State Park, rescued from canyon

• Take a Musical Trip Down Route 66

• Voter turnout averaged around 20 percent in local counties for Tuesday's consolidated election

• Discover Talent at Illinois Valley Community Colleges Annual Art Show Beginning April 7

• An Illinois-based trucking and logistics company has notified its 250 drivers that the carrier is ceasing operations immediately.

⚾️PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Saturday, April 5

Soccer

• Varsity Girls vs Alleman Catholic – Home – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ⚽

Baseball

• Sophomore Boys vs Rochelle – Home – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ⚾

• Varsity Boys @ Rochelle – Away – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ⚾

Monday, April 7

Softball

• Varsity Girls vs Newman Central Catholic – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🥎

Soccer

• Varsity Girls vs Streator – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM ⚽

• F-S Girls vs Streator – Home – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM ⚽

Tennis

• Varsity Boys vs Newman Central Catholic – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:20 PM 🎾

Baseball

• Sophomore Boys @ Newman Central Catholic – CANCELLED ❌
  (Originally 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM)

Tuesday, April 8

Track & Field

• Varsity Girls @ Hall High School – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🏃‍♀️

Tennis

• F-S Boys @ Coal City – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🎾

Thursday, April 10

Baseball

• Varsity Boys @ Newman Central Catholic – Away – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM ⚾

• Sophomore Boys vs Hall – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM ⚾

• Sophomore Boys vs Newman Central Catholic – Home – CANCELLED ❌

Softball

• Varsity Girls @ Newman Central Catholic – Away – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🥎

Track & Field

• Varsity Girls – Howard-Monier Invite – Home – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🏃‍♀️

Friday, April 11

Music

• N N Music Event – Time: TBA – Home – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM 🎶

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Cloudy with a few showers possible, reaching a high of 54°F with north-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. During the night, scattered showers remain possible, and the temperature drops to around 33°F with winds from the north at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Sunday: Except for a few afternoon clouds, the day will be mainly sunny with a high of 55°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph. At night, skies become mostly cloudy with a low near 32°F. Winds stay from the north at 10 to 15 mph.

🌤️Monday: Sunshine and clouds will mix, bringing a high near 48°F with north winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night remains mostly clear and chilly with a low of 26°F. Winds continue from the north at 10 to 20 mph.

☀️Tuesday: Sunny skies are expected with a high of 53°F. Winds will be from the west-northwest at 5 to 10 mph. At night, a few clouds will move in with a low around 40°F. Winds shift from the north to southeast at 10 to 15 mph.

☁️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy skies dominate the day with a high of 62°F and south winds at 15 to 25 mph. Showers become possible overnight with a low near 44°F. Winds will be from the south at 10 to 15 mph, with a 40% chance of rain.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.34
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.35
Casey’s West/North: $3.35
Beck’s West/North: $3.35
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.35
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.35

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.21

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week. Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt today, inviting shoppers to find a hidden Easter egg somewhere in the store. The lucky person who finds it and brings it to the cashier will win a special Easter basket made by Finders Keepers. Shoppers can also enjoy 50% off the entire Children’s Department through the end of today.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course is now open for the season, with season tickets available for purchase. Planned events include a Men’s Scramble on April 26, a Two-Man Better Ball on April 28, and the start of Men’s League Play on April 30. Additional events include the Ladies Opening Scramble on May 1, Junior Golf returning in June, and club fitting days on May 7 and May 21.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is welcoming spring with a fresh new selection of yard and garden décor. Colorful spinners, adorable animal statues, and a wide variety of cheerful outdoor decorations have arrived. Stop by today to browse the newest additions and get your yard ready for the season.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe is showcasing another custom project completed by Emily and Dominic. Today, they crafted a new rug by cutting a carpet sample from their showroom floor to the customer’s exact measurements and binding the edges for a polished finish. If you’re interested in a custom rug, stop in and see what they can create for you.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge is collecting candy donations for their upcoming Easter Egg Hunt. If you’re able to help, please bring individually wrapped candy to the Moose Lodge by Thursday, April 10. Your donations will help make this year’s event special for the kids in the community.

• Rachel Rene in Princeton is offering a huge clearance sale today with all apparel pieces marked down to just $10 each. The sale includes a variety of items, from comfy graphic tees to cozy sweaters and colorful spring tops. You can shop the clearance rack in-store or online at rachelrene.com.

• Eclectic Joy has added a selection of small Easter basket items, perfect for last-minute Easter shopping. Today, you’ll find a fun mix of miniature toy cars, bunny decorations, colorful chicks, and other adorable surprises. Stop by to pick up a few unique goodies for your Easter baskets.

• Corner Chair Market is highlighting a beautiful new piece today — a 40” long dresser that’s perfect for small spaces. This compact dresser features a stylish two-tone finish and would make a great addition to an entryway, bedroom, or living area. Visit the store today to see it in person and browse their latest home décor.

• Dairy Queen is getting ready to launch a new set of app-exclusive deals starting April 7, and running through April 13. Deals include $2 any-size Misty Freezes, $2.99 small shakes or malts, $2 off a four-piece chicken strip basket, and $1 off online or app orders of $5 or more. Download the DQ app today.

• Bureau County Animal Control is looking for homes for two adorable puppies available for adoption today. Both puppies are about 11 weeks old and believed to be hound-pit mixes. Puppy 2 is a brown female with black markings, and Puppy 4 is a tan female with a dark face. To adopt, you’ll need a wellness appointment, rabies vaccine, and a scheduled date for spay or neuter. Contact 815-879-5981 for more information or to begin the adoption process.

• Room 303 at The Knox Hotel, also known as the “Pink Room,” is a charming, education-themed space inspired by Princeton High School, the oldest high school in Illinois. Sponsored by Bruce McVety in memory of his wife Elaine McVety, a beloved history teacher, the room reflects her passion for education, vibrant art, and local heritage, and features a faux balcony overlooking Main Street.

• The City of Princeton Animal Control announced their pet vaccine clinic is now open with walk-in hours April 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. More public clinic dates will be added soon and updates are available through the Granny Rose Animal Shelter website.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering 20% off when you sign up for text messages. You’ll also receive birthday gifts, seasonal discounts, and updates about special events. Text JOIN to 833-602-4917 to get started.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is offering a free Matter of Balance class for adults 60 and over starting June 2. Classes run Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–11 a.m. Call 815-879-3981 to register with Sam.

• Boek-el-ZOO reminds pet owners to plan ahead for summer vacations by booking boarding services for their exotic pets. Their care includes spa treatments, nail trimming, and customized enclosures to keep animals comfortable while owners are away.

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

This Weekend:

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton — A free, family-friendly Easter egg hunt at Liberty Village on today, April 5, at 10 AM. Grouped by age for children up to 11 years old.

🎨 Book Cover Painting at Princeton Public Library — Join the fun decorating and painting book covers today from 12–2:30 PM in the Matson Room. Supplies provided, creativity encouraged.

🐍 Make Your Own Clay Flower at The Knack — Create your own flower jewelry dish or wall hanging at The Knack today from 1:30–2:30 PM. High school age and older. BYOB welcome.

🎯 Dart Tournament at Hollywood & Vine — Competitive dart tournament with $500 added to the pot today. Blind draw for teams, food available. Noon sign-up; 1 PM start.

🎨 LaMoille Schools: April Gallery Exhibit — View art from LaMoille students K–12 at the Prairie Arts Center today from 1–3 PM.

🎸 Burn N’ Bush at the Hawg House — Live music and a day-drinking festival at Hawg House Saloon, April 5, from 3–6 PM.

🐅PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL AT THE STATE CAPITOL

Princeton High School students Arthur Burden, Nora Shultz, Clayton Rokosz, and Max Wilborn recently visited the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield as members of State Senator Li Arellano’s Youth Advisory Council. During their visit, the students toured the Capitol building, engaged in a hands-on experience with the legislative process, and participated in a mock legislative session where they successfully debated and passed a mock bill. This invaluable experience provided them with a deeper understanding of government operations and the importance of civic engagement.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is hiring for a part-time, seasonal Grounds Crew position starting at $15 per hour. The role involves landscaping tasks like mowing, mulching, irrigating, and building hardscapes to maintain the appearance and health of outdoor areas. Candidates should be able to handle physical labor, work outdoors in various weather, and ideally have some landscaping or mechanical experience. Strong attention to detail and a willingness to deliver quality work are important. A valid driver’s license may be required depending on the specific duties.

• Park Tavern is hiring experienced cooks who are available to work nights and weekends. Interested applicants are encouraged to stop in and apply in person.

• First State Bank in Princeton is hiring a full-time CSR/Teller, offering $15–$18 per hour with a Monday through Saturday schedule. The role involves providing excellent customer service, assisting with banking needs such as debit card issues, account openings, and wire transfers, as well as issuing debit cards and resolving document exceptions. Teller responsibilities include processing deposits, redeeming savings bonds, issuing cashier’s checks, and handling cash and check transactions with accuracy and attention to fraud prevention. Candidates should have strong customer service skills, computer proficiency, attention to detail, and at least one year of experience in banking or related fields. The position offers a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and profit sharing. This is not a remote or hybrid position and requires a professional, courteous, and efficient approach in every customer interaction.

🚨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

🏍️LETTER FROM LORI

As I was driving the other day, I noticed a scar on my arm. It was pretty significant, but I have no recollection of how I got it. I started looking carefully at my wrinkled old lady skin and noticed several others. I’ve never minded scars. In a world that focuses on beauty and appearances (especially in women), you would think that I would care a little more. By my way of thinking, those scars represent the fact that I did not live my life carefully. I took chances. I did things that I maybe shouldn’t have. I learned the life lesson that actions have consequences, and sometimes they are not pleasant.

I have a scar on my ankle that I got when I was trying to open and close a gate while on horseback, like the cowboys did. Unfortunately, my horse was not as cooperative as the ones in the movies, and my flesh met barbed wire. I got down off of my trusty steed, put her in the barn (like a responsible horseman would), and hobbled, bleeding, to the house, holding the wound together and dashing to the bathroom before my mother could panic and rush me to the hospital for stitches I probably needed, but never got, since I just bandaged it up and lied to my mother about its severity.

I have another significant scar on the same leg from riding my brother’s Kawasaki 75 on the gravel driveway when I was 10 years old… in a swimsuit (not the brightest choice for dirt biking). I laid it down when I tried to turn too fast. The muffler burned, but cauterized, a patch on my shin that didn’t bother me until about a week later, when it started to heal and draw together, causing me immense pain. It resulted in a week-long stay in the hospital that required a skin graft. My father was angry that he paid all that money for me to have two scars (one was on my thigh, where they took the donor skin).

The secondary scar was cool. It was a square of dark skin with a lighter patch of skin where they returned what they hadn’t used. It was in the shape of Africa. I can’t even see either of these scars over 47 years later. They have faded so much that only my brain remembers them.

A few years ago at the store, I was carrying a baby fox and wiped out, tripping over nothing but air, catching my shin (same leg… I have a theme going here) on some unknown object and literally peeling the flesh off of my bone in front of 50 people. It didn’t really hurt, but I pulled my pant leg up, and my initial reaction of “I’m fine” turned into, “I’m NOT fine,” so I drove myself to the ER and got 33 stitches — but returned to the store and finished out my shift. It was a Saturday, and there were customers to attend to!

Most recently, my left leg (I guess my right leg had had enough abuse and deferred to my other supporting limb) blew up like a hot, red balloon. When I was no longer mobile enough to make it to the bathroom, I allowed a friend to escort me to the ER once again. There, they intentionally gave me an incision to drain the infection out. So now, a month later, I have a small scar, but it basically saved my leg from amputation.

When I think about life, I can draw parallels to some of my physical wounds. As in my cowboy story, I made a poor decision and paid the price. The dirt bike incident didn’t hurt at first — I didn’t even really realize I was hurt — but the pain when I was healing was extreme and made me spend a lot of time and money fixing it. When I fell with the fox, it was just a clumsy misstep out of my control. I had a cool story to tell, but it took a long time to heal and required a lot of attention.

The cellulitis required me to intentionally hurt myself to drain the “pus” out of the situation, but it was completely necessary to start the healing process. I wanted to continue opening that wound to get more junk out, but my doctor assured me that every time I reopened it, I increased the risk of an even deeper infection like sepsis. It was best to leave it alone and let nature take its course, while applying salves and antibiotics.

Such is life. We can hardly ever make it through without some types of scars. Some try to hide theirs with plastic surgery or high collars. I wear mine with pride. Am I as beautiful as those who choose to cover theirs? Nope, but I don’t care. Mine tell a story, or open a door of conversation that might lead to someone not feeling so silly about their own scars and the events that led them to don that indelible mark. We are not alone in our clumsiness, our missteps, our bad choices.

So, the next time you find a white line on your skin, remember what you did to get it, contemplate if you learned something from it, and formulate the story in your head about how you might share it with someone else.

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

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