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Good morning, Princeton friends. Mrs. Krahn, Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Puck, Mrs. Hartz, Miss Schertz…I’ve had so many great teachers throughout the years. We are blessed to have some of the best educators here in the greatest town in the universe. Happy Teacher’s Appreciation Week!

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥁Down in Mainstreet
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
❓Trivia
💼Princeton Businesses
🎭Summer Drama Camp
✉️Food Drive
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Cory Friel! 🎈
  

• BCR: The Princeton Public Library announced a donation of $80,000 from the estate of Jean Lawton, which will significantly enhance the library’s educational programs, community outreach efforts and infrastructure improvements.

• Princeton defeated the Mendota varsity softball team, 15-5, in Three Rivers Conference action on April 29 at Princeton.

• The Princeton Tiger Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for the 28th Annual Tiger Classic Golf Outing at Chapel Hill Golf Course on August 16. Be on the lookout this week for mailings and sponsorship opportunities that support PHS athletics.

• A Message From Gamma Phi Chapter of Women's Educators: “Thanks to all the teachers of Bureau County for their dedication and caring for our children.”

• Festival 56 in Princeton is offering up three paid apprentice positions this summer for people between the ages of 14 and 22. Over 8 weeks, each apprentice will be assigned to work in one or more areas including, but not limited to directing, scene design, lighting and sound, production, and public relations.

• The Princeton Boots Vs. Badges Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, May 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Princeton Fire Department, with appointments available through ImpactLife by phone or QR code.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This home at 509 N Main St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $164,900 and offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,120 sq ft of space. It’s ideally located for enjoying local events like the Homestead Parade and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The home features a circular rear driveway, a concrete ramp, and multiple guest entry points including rear steps. Recent updates include full repainting, a new boiler (2016), new Pex water lines (2025), and new windows. The property has a walk-up attic, dry basement for storage, a garage, and established landscaping with antique perennials. Vinyl windows, beautiful hardwood floors, and charming period woodwork add character throughout.

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch at 423 S Randolph St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $175,000 and offers 1,462 sq ft of living space. Built in 1960, it features a main-floor laundry room that could be converted into a fourth bedroom if needed. The home includes an updated kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floors throughout, and a fenced backyard with a storage shed and two outdoor sitting areas. All appliances are included, and the home has a full unfinished basement ideal for storage. It sits on a 7,840 sq ft lot and is well-maintained, offering classic charm with practical updates. The listing is attracting a lot of attention, with over 2,300 views in just two days.

• This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-level home at 1051 Lora Ave, Princeton, IL, is listed for $200,000 and offers 1,441 sq ft on a 0.25-acre lot. Built in 1972, the main floor features a living room, dining room, and updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a peninsula with seating. A sliding glass door opens to a large deck and a fully fenced backyard. The upper level contains all three bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level provides a second living space with a wood-burning fireplace, half bath, and laundry room with storage. The home also includes an attached 2-car garage and is move-in ready.

🥁2025 DOWN ON MAIN SUMMER STREET CONCERT SERIES

The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series will be back in Princeton this summer. Here are the dates!

Friday, June 20: Mae Estes

Friday, July 18: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Friday, Aug. 8: Face 2 Face, the Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Show

Thursday, Sept. 4: Electric Avenue

Saturday, Oct. 18: Heidelberg German Band for Oktoberfest

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Mostly sunny and warmer. High near 75°F with light and variable winds. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 52°F and south-southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity increases slightly to 63%.

☁️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a spotty shower possible. High near 78°F with east-northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy skies at night with a low around 49°F and east-southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 20%.

⛅️Thursday: Partly cloudy and cooler. High near 72°F with northeast winds at 10 to 20 mph. Skies stay partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 44°F and east winds at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity near 64%.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 74°F. Winds from the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy at night with a low of 48°F and light ENE winds. Humidity stays around 59%.

⛅️Saturday: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High near 79°F with west winds at 5 to 10 mph. Skies remain mostly clear overnight with a low around 54°F and winds from the east at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity around 63%.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.26
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

🐕FRIENDS OF STRAYS TRIVIA NIGHT

Friends of Strays is hosting a Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Princeton Moose Lodge (1339 N Euclid Avenue). Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the trivia action starts at 6 PM sharp. Teams of six to eight players can jump in for $25 per person, and your entry includes light appetizers to keep your brain fueled. Plus, there’s a special treat — magician Cory will be performing table-side magic before trivia kicks off! Between rounds, enjoy a live auction packed with exciting items. The top trivia team will even go home with a trophy! All proceeds will help Friends of Strays care for local dogs and cats.

Want to get involved? Sign up your team and submit payment during business hours at the Friends of Strays office.

Questions? Call 815-872-7387 for more info.

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🎭SUMMER DRAMA CAMP

Registration is underway for the Annual Children’s Summer Drama Camp at the Prairie Arts Center for children entering 2nd-9th grades. Camp will run Monday-Friday, June 16-27, from 2-5 PM. The camp cost is $100 with special rates for siblings. Need-based scholarships are also available upon request for those who meet the criteria.

Drama Camp at the PAC culminates at 5:30 PM on June 27 in a performance of an original play written specifically for the campers and, to a large extent, tailored to the needs and abilities of the campers. Campers name their own production. Children get the hands on experience of creating a show, from set and light work to costuming to performing. Past theater-learning topics have included theatrical accents, sets, Shakespeare, costuming, stage make-up, mime, choreography for the stage, stage lighting and design, musical theater, and opera. Camp activities also include theater and improvisational games like one might see on the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

Children’s theater programming at PAC has always been about more than just theater skills. We strive to offer a safe, wholesome environment in which children can learn, grow, and have fun. Over the many years that we have run the summer drama camps as well as other children’s drama programming, we have been privileged to witness the transformation of many of our children from ducklings to beautiful, talented swans. Fostering the growth of our community’s children is the greatest benefit of PAC children’s theater programming. To register, contact camp director Rachel Gorenz-Johnson at: 815-876-6284 or [email protected]

Payment is expected by June 2. Please make checks payable to Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Checks and registration forms can be returned to: Rachel Gorenz-Johnson, 3 South 5th Street Princeton, IL 61356.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Princeton Closet is launching extended store hours starting Thursday, with shopping open Thursday and Friday from 10–5:30 and Saturday from 9–5. Donations are still accepted Tuesday–Saturday from 9–3, and they urge donors not to leave items outside after hours.

• Beck’s is welcoming spring with their refreshing Breezer drinks, available at all Coffee House locations. It’s a perfect way to energize your day and get into the spring spirit.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is supporting Chelsea Gives Back by donating $4 from every pizza sold between 4–9 p.m. this Wednesday. Dine in, carry out, or order delivery and help them top last year’s total of 92 pizzas.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a craft day on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. Guests are invited to join them in making Moody Moon May Poles in a fun afternoon of creativity.

• Second Story Teen Center will hold Art Night on Wednesday, May 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come create a fun make-and-crate project—no art experience required.

• Barrel Society is bringing back Joe Rian this Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. for a night of alt-country originals and covers. There’s no cover charge—just good music and a great time.

• The Princeton Public Library is hosting a week of events including Monday Night Movie, Storytime Tuesday, and Chicks with Sticks Wednesday. The Page Turner Book Club meets Thursday at 6 p.m., and the Café will be open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has stocked up on colorful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Stop by to browse their vibrant spring selection and freshen up your garden.

• Miss Betsy’s is ready for graduation season with custom-colored sprinkles to match any school colors. You can order themed graduation donuts by calling or messaging them on Facebook.

• Four Seasons in Princeton has introduced a new makeup line called Minori, featuring creamy, buildable textures that are gentle on sensitive skin. The line includes tinted moisturizer, highlighter, lip gloss, and mascara—all available now during their 10–5 Monday–Saturday hours.

• Café Grace invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with their brunch buffet this Sunday. The menu features scrambled eggs, shrimp scampi, roasted pork loin, pancakes, and more.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe has a fresh stock of thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts. From mugs to candles and charming signs, there’s something special for every mom.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is open for shopping and filled with trendy, affordable clothing finds. While they’re not currently buying, customers can browse their racks at 225 Backbone Road East, behind Sullivan’s.

• The Studio Boutique will be open from 10–5 Tuesday with fresh fashion finds. Stop in to shop and enjoy a little tanning too.

• Bureau County EMA encourages residents to sign up for their Rave Alert mass notification system for emergency weather and public safety alerts. Register by visiting readybureau.com. Bureau County EMA is located at 700 South Main St., Princeton, IL 61356.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is taking graduation orders for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candy. The Princeton-based business, owned by Julie Pinter, also offers catering for parties.

• Pin Splitter Lanes now offers unlimited bowling on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $10. It’s a budget-friendly way to get some practice in or enjoy a fun night out.

• Main Street Dance Academy will host its Summer 2025 Camps and Intensives beginning with Rising Stars Dance Camp for K–1st grade from June 16–20. Weekly intensives run from June 23 through August 1, offering sessions in Jazz & Hip-Hop, Jumps/Leaps/Turns, Contemporary & Lyrical, and Conditioning & Choreography for students in grades 2–12, with tiered pricing starting at $55 and registration due by June 6.

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✉️LETTER CARRIERS STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

Saturday, May 10^th , marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving- the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. 

Letter carriers walk through the community daily, often facing the sad reality of hunger for too many. 

So, each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers nationwide collect non-perishable food donations from our customers.  These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in the Princeton area who need our help.   

Throughout its 33-year history, the drive has collected well over 1.82 billion pounds of food, thanks to the postal service's universal delivery network, which spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In a past postal drive, the Princeton area donated 31,000 pounds of food for the Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.  

The need for food donations is great.  More than 42 million Americans are unsure where their next meal comes from.  More than twelve million children feel the impact of hunger on their overall health and ability to perform in school.  And nearly 5.2 million seniors over the age of 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help. 

Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, and they enter the summer low on supplies, when many school breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable to children in need. 

Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Drive is simple.  Carriers will leave a postcard with a plastic bag in your mail.  Leave a non-perishable food donation in the bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th, and your letter carrier will do the rest. Please help us fight to end hunger, as we celebrate our 33rd anniversary year in America’s great day of giving.           

Sincerely, 

Princeton and Surrounding Area Letter Carriers and Vanessa Hoffeditz, Bureau County Food Pantry Manager.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

THUNDERBOLTS (PG-13)

A Marvel action-thriller bringing together antiheroes like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and Red Guardian for a risky government mission filled with chaos and redemption.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM

• Sunday: 1:15 PM, 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM*

SINNERS (R)

A gripping drama starring Michael B. Jordan that explores the dark weight of guilt, justice, and redemption in a broken world.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Sunday: 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM*

*The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

Tickets available now at www.apolloprinceton.com or at the box office.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].