🅿️Wild Ginger Opening, Bagels, and Track

Well, we made it to Saturday, Princeton. It’s gonna’ feel a bit like Spring today. Also, congratulations to Princeton Christian Academy, who had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Let’s get started.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👟Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
🎡Bureau County Fair Update
🎭Festival 56 Update
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
🏡Princeton Homes for Sale
🤩Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Newsweek: “Illinois hit by mass layoffs as four factories close…The Quaker Oats Company, Blommer Chocolate Company, Rivian and Monterey Mushrooms have all announced or enacted layoffs since January this year.

• BCR: Hall and Princeton have postponed Thursday’s baseball and softball games scheduled at Princeton. The schools have also postponed yesterday’s games, that had been rescheduled from Monday, and will now play doubleheaders in Spring Valley starting at noon today. The school’s F/S baseball teams will play a doubleheader Saturday at Princeton, also starting at noon.

• Princeton High School is proud to announce the spring show, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical April 19 at 7PM and April 21 at 2PM. Tickets can be ordered via an online form on the PHS website: www.phs-il.org, or by calling (815) 875-3308. All tickets are $10 with reserved seating. PHS student tickets are free.

• According to Theresa Wittenauer, new Princeton garbage cans will be issued the week of April 29th. Old garbage cans no longer will be allowed for pickup. Call 815-875-2631 for more information. According to the BCR, May 6th will be the new garbage truck’s first route.

• Bureau County EMA invites you to responsibly dispose of your old electronics at our recycling event on Saturday, April 27th, from 9 AM to noon, or until capacity is reached. Don't miss this opportunity at the Bureau County Highway Department, 595 Elm Place.

• Friends of Strays is looking for volunteers to assist with cleaning cat rooms and supporting their cat care team. They're open every day and offer flexible scheduling. They're specifically looking for help between 8 am and 12 pm and would appreciate a commitment of 3 hours. Given rising costs, they're hoping to alleviate some of the burden with additional volunteer support. If interested, you can visit the shelter to fill out an application and discuss further.

• Princeton NOW+ subscribers also receive Local Marriages and City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Join 105 others and upgrade your newsletter today.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: It’s a sunny day ahead with a high of 56°F. Winds coming from the east at 10 to 15 mph. By evening, the skies will remain clear until they become cloudy with a likelihood of rain after midnight. The low will be around 39°F, with east-southeast winds picking up to 10 to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 80%.

Sunday: Rain and wind are expected early, followed by a cloudy afternoon with occasional showers. The high will be 56°F, with strong southeast winds at 20 to 30 mph. Rainfall could be near a quarter of an inch, and there’s a possibility of higher wind gusts. The chance of rain is 100%. The evening will have a few clouds from time to time with a steady low of 46°F. Winds will lighten to southeast at 10 to 15 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 69°F, which is quite a warm-up. Southwest winds will be blowing at 10 to 20 mph. The evening is looking to be partly cloudy with a low of 46°F and winds turning west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.69
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.76
Casey’s West/North: $3.77
Beck’s West/North: $3.77
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.79
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.79

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $4.09
Casey’s West/North: $3.99
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $3.89
Road Ranger: $4.11

👟PRINCETON PEOPLE OF THE WEEK

🏅Logan Track Coaches

Reason for Nomination: “Jessica Strouss is doing a wonderful job with the kids and has more numbers this year than last year of kids going out for track. The assistant coaches are doing an amazing job. The kids look up to them and are excited and very happy to be at track.”

Noble work, team. You’ve won the illustrious Princeton People 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

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is having a sale today. 25% off all white tags in houseware and clothes. It is a “Once in a Blue Moon Sale.”

• Princeton Dental Care announced its "Summer Dental Clinic" on August 2nd and 3rd. It is now doing a giveaway for a Prime Quarter Steakhouse giftcard. Schedule a hygiene appointment to be eligible to be entered to win.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is opening May 4th, offering lunch service and an array of dining experiences including a special Mother's Day To-Go Tea. Regular hours and a diverse menu will roll out, alongside a Father's Day special pre-fixed dinner in June, with reservations recommended due to limited space.

• Get creative at the Corner Chair Market's craft class on April 23rd, at 6:30 PM. For $45, all your supplies are provided for a fun session making stick, wood, and metal art. Snacks will be available, and remember—it might get messy with hot glue involved! Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot. Feel free to bring any extra treasures you’d like to incorporate into your artwork. Call (815-915-7968) to join the crafting fun.

• Choose from an array of freshly baked bagel options at Bean Buzz, including the cheesy Asiago, sweet Cinnamon Raisin, spicy Jalapeno, classic Blueberry, savory Everything, indulgent Chocolate Chip, and the timeless Plain.

• At the Apollo Theater: "Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire" and "Cabrini" from April 5th to April 11th, 2024. "Godzilla X Kong" will run twice daily on Fridays and Saturdays, and "Cabrini" will screen in the evenings throughout the week.

• Paisano’s Ristorante will be dishing out their delicious taco pizza and giant-sized pretzels this month.

• The Closet features a fresh selection of high-quality men's and baby clothing, chic designer purses, and delightful toys. Remember, today is "basket day" — perfect for shoppers looking to score great deals.

• Head to Hungry World Farm every Friday from 5 to 8 pm for Wood Fired Pizza Nights starting April 12, 2024. Crafted by Chef Andy Lanier, their pizzas are made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients. Choose from a variety of pizzas, complemented by garden-fresh salads and more. Bring your chairs, BYOB, and enjoy a meal under the stars. Don't miss out on Twilight Farm Tours and our kids’ playground. Stay over in our Airbnb, cabin, or glamping tent to extend the fun.

• There will be an Adult Dodgeball Tournament at the Metro Center on April 27th. Matches begin at 6pm. It is $75/team.

• Early registration for the Bureau County Fair Queen Golf Outing ends April 12th. There will be a $500 cash prize.

• Hornbaker Gardens invites you to a cosmic journey with their "Out of this Galaxy Airplants" workshop on May 4th. Engage in creating your own air plant holder and learn how these resilient plants can thrive with minimal care, no soil needed—a perfect gathering for both Jedi and plant enthusiasts! A $10 deposit is required, which will be deducted from the total cost of materials on the day of the event.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• Insider Monkey ranks Princeton as the #1 place to retire in Illinois.

• Flowers by Julia is selling this “Beautiful in Blue” flower arrangement.

• Hoppy-Go-Lucky Hollands Rabbitry has two 8 week old baby bunnies available.

🎡BUREAU COUNTY FAIR UPDATE

• Bureau County Fair: “We’re thrilled to announce the concert acts for the 2024 Bureau County Fair are confirmed! The concert will be held Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 7:30pm. While we apologize for the later-than-usual announcement, we assure you that the show will be well worth the wait!

• Here are the key details:

  • Concert Details Announcement: We’ll reveal the complete concert lineup on the morning of April 13th.

  • Ticket Sales: Concert tickets will go on sale starting at 10:00am on April 19th. You can purchase tickets exclusively at www.bureaucountyfair.com. The site will not be active until that time.

• New Features for 2024:

  • Expanded Handicapped Seating: We’re reserving almost 100 seats in Box A and Box B to better accommodate those who need assistance. Additionally, our courtesy cart shuttles are available for additional support.

  • Track Tickets: All track tickets will be general admission this year. There will not be any chairs on the track, ensuring a standing-room-only experience. No chairs, blankets, pets, coolers, etc. will be allowed on the track. We will continue to have plenty of seating options in the Box sections and Grandstand.

  • Diamond Club Tent: Due to popular demand, the Diamond Club tent will continue this year. It offers complimentary food and drinks, along with premium views of the show. For more information on Diamond Club packages, feel free to email us at [email protected].”

🎭FESTIVAL 56 UPDATE

• Festival 56 is looking for host families for their upcoming summer season. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You will have the chance to forge meaningful connections with talented individuals from various backgrounds. By opening your home, you will provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment where they can rest and recharge after long days of rehearsals and performances. This is also a unique opportunity to be a part of the exciting world of theater. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would be more than happy to provide you with further information and to discuss the details of this arrangement. Please contact Tracy at 815-876-6303 or Tammy at 815-878-1253.

• Girls Like Us | Grace Theater | April 11th, 7:30pm | Tickets 

• Magician David Casas | Grace Theater | April 27th, 7:30pm | Tickets

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

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• General Laborers | Empire Acoustical Systems | 815-261-0072

• Help Needed | KS Lawn & Snow | 815-878-6126

• Teller, Member Service Rep | Illinois Valley Credit Union | Full-time

• Team Member | Grandma Rosie’s | 815-872-1200

• Line Cook, Bartender | Downtown Pub | 815-915-8395

• Team Member | Culver’s | Full and Part-time

• Delivery Driver | FedEx Express | Full, Part, and Temp-work

• General Labor | Advanced Services | Full-time

• Post Office Handler | Postal Service | Full-time

• Food & Grocery | Walmart | Full and Part-time

🏡 PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This newly-listed property at 19235 1900 North Ave in Princeton, listed for $389,900, offers country elegance on 3.67 acres with a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 1858. This estate promises a balance of seclusion and accessibility, featuring a spacious interior with skylights, cathedral ceilings, a family room with a fireplace, and outdoor areas including two patios and a tranquil pond.

• This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence is perfect for first-time buyers or downsizers. Located at 427 S 5th Avenue Dr, it's priced to sell at $79,500. This cozy abode offers an efficient single-level floor plan spread across 936 sq ft, showcasing original hardwood floors and a spacious backyard. The property includes a one-car garage and boasts newer vinyl windows. It's an excellent investment, situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac, and is being sold as-is.

• This home at 621 N Chestnut St is a spacious and inviting property boasting a blend of charm and practical amenities. This two-story home, listed at $112,000, has four bedrooms and a single bathroom, covering 1,624 square feet of living space at a cost-effective $69 per square foot.This house is perfect for those who appreciate classic hardwood floors and enjoy outdoor living, with both front and back open porches and a sizeable yard, making it ideal for pets and children alike.

🤩LETTER FROM LORI

I'm part of a tight-knit chat group of women who bonded over shared humor and perspectives, dubbing ourselves The Feisty Soul Tribe. Despite our diverse views on faith, our acceptance of each other is unwavering and absolute. Our conversations range from inspiring insights to the most risqué jokes, with everything—and I mean everything—provoking laughter.I am the eldest, a business owner with insights into aging, entrepreneurship in a struggling economy, and the joys of grandmotherhood. Another member, at 48, is facing stage 4 bone cancer and adapting to life after a recent divorce, bringing a perspective of resilience through life-altering challenges. Another battles the aftermath of benign brain tumors and a severe infection that almost claimed her life, living with constant uncertainty yet exhibiting unmatched dedication to work and family.

Today, I shared a frustration in our group and received a response filled with empathy, albeit with a typo—"Awe lady" instead of "aw." This slip led to a profound realization: each of us harbors our own "AW," the personal trials and tribulations that might seem insignificant to others but are monumental to us. My concerns about my grandchildren pale in comparison to waiting for cancer scan results, and an unexpected long workday is hardly on par with sudden severe health scares. Yet, there's also our collective "AWE"—admiration for each other's strength and resilience. I am in awe of how my friends confront their health challenges with humor and hope, and they've shared their admiration for how I rebounded from losing my business to a fire. Through every high and low, we've stood by each other—celebrating milestones, enduring hardships, and sharing both tears of sorrow and fits of laughter.

We cherish each unique trait within our tribe, fostering a judgment-free environment filled with deep appreciation. I encourage you to reach out to someone navigating their own "AW" and help them uncover their "AWE." Let's spread the blessing of supportive friendship.

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