🅿️Van Justice, Teen of the Year, and Teacher Appreciation

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Good morning, friends. Your thoughtful emails and messages really do encourage me. It takes about two hours to finish each newsletter — it’s hard work, but I enjoy curating the best of Princeton. It has so much to offer.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🍎Teacher Appreciation Week
🌤️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
😎Vacation Bible Schools
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🎤At the Psycho Silo
🥁Princeton Music
🗓️Princeton Events
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Cory Friel! 🥳

• KWQC: “A man has been charged in the case involving a theft in Princeton where a van and sound equipment were stolen from a retired police officer back in October…The owner of the van and sound equipment is retired police officer Gary Swanson.”

• Kelsea Mongan, a student from PHS, has been named the female Elks Teen of the Year nominee by the Mendota Elks Lodge. After winning at the district level, she has now advanced to the state level competition.

• Congratulations, Michael Ellis and Caitlin Meyer! They were Saturday evening’s Prom King and Queen at Princeton High School.

• The Princeton Rotary Club is set to host its third annual ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo, a family-friendly event, on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Rotary Park. Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and eight hours of live music.

• During the month of May the artwork of Princeton native Rebecca Kautz will be on display Saturday and Sunday at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery.

• Princeton NOW Premium Subscribers now receive Food Inspections, Local Marriages, Board, and City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Join 131 others and upgrade today.

🍎TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Teacher Appreciation Week is here, and it's a perfect time to reflect on the profound impact that educators have on our lives. In my own life, Elaine McVety, Joy Schertz, Elizabeth Anderson, and Anne Hartz exemplified the dedication and passion that are the hallmarks of great teaching. They not only imparted knowledge but also shaped the lives of countless students through their commitment and care, including me.

As we celebrate this week, it's important to remember the daily contributions of teachers in building a brighter future for all of us. They do more than teach; they inspire, challenge, and support their students at every turn. The influence of a good teacher lasts a lifetime, helping to mold not just scholars but thoughtful, capable individuals.

Let’s use this week to say a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who have made a difference in our lives. Whether it's sending a note, sharing a story, or simply expressing gratitude, let's make sure our teachers know just how much we value their hard work and dedication. After all, a little appreciation can go a long way in uplifting those who do so much for us every day.

Who was your favorite teacher?

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: The day will be partly cloudy and warm with a high of 77°F. Winds will be light from the east at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, expect partly cloudy skies initially, with thunderstorms developing after midnight. The overnight low will be around 61°F, with winds shifting to the southeast at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain increases significantly to 90%.

Tuesday: Tuesday morning will see thunderstorms, possibly accompanied by gusty winds and small hail, tapering off to partly cloudy skies by the late afternoon. The high will be around 75°F, with winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will have a few clouds with a decrease in temperature to a low of 52°F. Winds will be light from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, and the chance of rain remains high at 80%.

Wednesday: The day starts mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day as temperatures rise to a warm 73°F. Winds will come from the east-southeast at 10 to 15 mph. Evening conditions include mostly cloudy skies with showers and a few thunderstorms continuing into the night. The chance of rain is 60%, with a low temperature near 52°F and north winds at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.71
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.74
Casey’s West/North: $3.77
Beck’s West/North: $3.77
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.77
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.77

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.15
Casey’s West/North: $3.92
Amoco, N Main St: $3.92
Sullivan’s: $3.92

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Peter Pappas is offering dog sitting services at his home in Princeton, with rates of $30 per night or $20 for stays of 5 nights or longer. Their home features a fenced-in backyard on a slab, ideal for older dogs who struggle with stairs, and dogs have full access to the house without being caged. Peter's wife brings over 20 years of experience working with veterinarians. If interested, you can message them for booking.

• Jennifer's Superior Cleaning Service offers a range of residential and commercial cleaning options in LaSalle and Bureau County. Services include window and laundry services, deep cleans, and organizing, with availability for weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules. Reach out today at 815-875-7860 to secure your spot.

• Discover new treasures at Finders Keepers Resale Store, featuring a vibrant assortment of clothing and unique home goods. Visit them at 230 E. Backbone Rd., between 10-4pm.

• Flower’s by Julia has some beautiful flower arrangements for Mother’s Day.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is opening Wednesday for lunch and will soon start taking dinner reservations. They offer a unique dish featuring garlic Parmesan meatballs, charred onions, Oaxacan cheese, oven-roasted tomato, smoked yogurt, and pistou. The bistro appreciates community support and asks for patience as they continue to expand their services, including online ordering.

• At Five 22, find the ideal ensemble with their new offerings: straight, step-hem denim from Risen priced at $64 and a cozy favorite sweater for $42. Enhance your outfit with the stylish Ellen sling bag and playful earrings.

• Discover the charm of Covered Bridge Cottage: a cozy guest suite perfect for a relaxing getaway. This well-appointed studio offers privacy within a private garden, steps from local attractions, and includes modern comforts such as a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and exclusive access to a scenic patio.

• At Optimal Health, you can buy cases of your favorite groceries or mix and match 12 items of the same brand to save 25%. Visit the store for more information.

• Today, Dairy Queen is offering a Mobile Monday Deal: buy one large, one topping sundae at regular price and get a second one for just $0.99! Download their app to receive this sweet deal.

• Julie Wagner invites everyone to her "ROCK SHOP" public crystal sale on May 14th from 12-6 PM at 924 N Pleasant St, Princeton, Illinois, featuring a variety of crystals, gemstones, minerals, and more from around the world. The shop is part of her private collection, usually only open seasonally, and also offers other products like new Intention Bracelets, Crystal Mystery Bags, and newly published books.

• The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home will be deducting the sales tax for any grave markers purchased from now through the month of May.

• Paisano's Ristorante has launched a new pizza for May called the EGGROLL pizza, starting with a Crab Rangoon pizza base, topped with sweet and sour sauce, shredded cabbage, carrot, ground pork, and a hint of sriracha, plus mozzarella, green onions, and sesame seeds. This creative blend is available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery within a 10-mile radius, promising a unique taste experience.

• Discover unique and stylish storage options at Tailholt Trading Post. Visit them today at 925 North Main Street to explore their lovely wicker furniture pieces perfect for enhancing any home decor.

• Cafe Grace is offering a delectable Mother's Day celebration on May 12th. Start your Sunday with a brunch featuring Nutella and white chocolate pancakes, and conclude with a savory dinner of honey lime glazed salmon. Plus, enjoy a variety of dishes from our Mother's Day buffet, ensuring a memorable day for all moms!

• Cricket offers a promotional deal of 4 lines of unlimited data for just $25 per line per month, including taxes and fees. There's no contract required, and you can enjoy 5G service. Visit the nearest authorized Cricket retailer at 200 Ace Road, Suite 3, or call 815-915-2026 for more details.

• Grandma Rosie's Sweet Treats is now offering BBQ sandwiches and ice cream, including a special German Chocolate flavor. Additionally, they have introduced new some sundaes worth checking out.

😎VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

• Princeton Bible Church | June 9th - 13th | 6-8:30pm | Sign Up Here

• Evangelical Covenant Church | June 10th - 14th | 9-11:30am | Sign Up Here

• Bureau Township Community Church | July 8th-12th | 6pm | Website 

Add your church to the list — email: [email protected]

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Gamma Team Security | Ollie’s Bargain Warehouse | Full, Part-time, $18/hr | [email protected] 

• Dishwasher/Server/Bartender/Line Cook | Wild Ginger Bistro | [email protected] 

• Police Officer, lateral hire list | City of Princeton | Full-time

• Firefighter/EMT-B or Paramedic | City of Princeton | Part-time

• HR Supervisor | Ace Distribution Center | Full-time

• Sales | AutoZone | Part-time

• Bridal Consultant | Sean Philips Bridal | Part-time

• Maintenance | Greenfield Retirement Home | Full-time

• Garden Center Crew | Hornbaker’s | Full-time

• 2nd Shift Custodian | Princeton High School | Full-time

Add a job to the list — email: [email protected]

🎤AT THE PSYCHO SILO

• May 10: Gates open at 11 am, Free Jukebox from 7-10 pm

• May 11: 12-4 pm, Burn N Bush | 5-9 pm, Free Beer & Chicken Band

• May 12: 1-5 pm, Problem Child

• May 17: Gates open at 11 am, Free Jukebox from 7-10 pm

• May 18: 1-5 pm, Back the Blue | 7-11 pm, Fueled by Whiskey

• May 19: 1-5 pm, Cherry Jam

• May 24: Gates open at 11 am, Bocephus Wayne from 7-11 pm

• May 25: 1-5 pm, On The Tree | 8-10 pm, Hairbangers Ball Concert

• May 26: 1-5 pm, Industrial Wood | 3 pm Memorial Service | 7-11 pm, Patrick and Swayze Band

• May 27: 1-5:30 pm, 4 County Band | 3 pm Memorial Service

• May 31: Gates open at 11 am

• June 1: 1-5 pm, Small Town Smoke | 7-11 pm, King Jeremy

• June 2: 1-5 pm, Moonshine Run

• June 7: Gates open at 11 am, Cody Calkins from 7-11 pm

• June 8: 1-5 pm, Bonesauce | 7-11 pm, 80s Bush

• June 9: 1-5 pm, Written Warning

• June 14: Rock N' Roll with Senior Johnny & June Special from 12:30-3:30 pm | Phantom Rae from 7-11 pm

• June 15: 1-5 pm, Righteous Hillbillies | 7-11:30 pm, Ryan Daniels Concert

• June 16: 1-5 pm, Trip a Hazard

• June 21: Creed Fisher Concert, Gates open at 11 am, concert after 5 pm for ticket holders

• June 22: 1-5 pm, Staggard | 6-10 pm, Koe Wetzel Concert

• June 23: 1-5 pm, Tommy Steele Band

• June 28: Gates open at 11 am, Tyler Duckworth Acoustic from 7-11 pm

• June 29: 1-5 pm, Forced Country | 7-11 pm, Trippin Molly

• June 30: 1-5 pm, Boomstick

🎸PRINCETON MUSIC

• Sheafor and Simes LIVE | Barrel Society | May 18th, 7pm

• Not Petty | Black Rose Saloon | May 24th, 7pm

• Miles Over Mountains | Barrel Society | May 24th, 7pm

• Brushville | Hollywood & Vine | May 27th, 2pm

• Flash in A Pan | Barrel Society | June 1st, 7pm

• Infinity | Shrimp Fest | June 1st, 1-4pm

• Blue Iris Rocks | The Black Rose Saloon | June 1st, 6pm

• Yakuza and Nequient | Barrel Society | June 15th, 7pm

• The Wise Guys | Princeton Inn | June 22nd, 5pm

• Seventh Day Slumber | New Hope Church of the Nazarene | June 25th, 6pm

Add your music to the list — email: [email protected]

🗓️PRINCETON UPCOMING EVENTS

• Fair Queen’s Golf Tournament | Spring Creek Golf Course | May 11th, 8am

• Nellie Becker: A Titanic Story | Venue 450 | May 11th, 2pm | Tickets

• Mother’s Day Flea Market | Fairgrounds | May 12th, 8-2pm

• Logan Junior High Band/Choir Concert | LJH | May 16th, 6:30

• Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony | PHS | May 18th, 10am

• Logan Jr. High 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony | PHS | May 21st

• Shrimp Fest and Brew Hullabaloo | Rotary Park | June 1st, 1-4pm

• Princeton Band Concert | Soldiers and Sailors Park | June 2nd, 6pm

• John Elvis Lyons & The Jailhouse Hound Dogs | Grace Theater | June 8th

Add your event to the list — email: [email protected]

🍿AT THE APOLLO

• "Unsung Hero," (PG) directed by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, is a heartfelt drama that portrays the journey of the Smallbone family, including the members of the Christian pop duo for King & Country, as they overcome adversity after moving from Australia to Nashville. The story explores their challenges and the impact of their faith and family unity. "Unsung Hero" will be shown at 6:00 pm from Tuesday to Thursday.

• "One Life" (PG) is a historical drama directed by James Hawes, featuring Anthony Hopkins. It recounts the inspiring story of Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who saved hundreds of Czechoslovakian children from the Nazis by arranging their safe passage to Britain. The movie will be shown at the Apollo Theater from Tuesday to Thursday at 6:15 pm.