🗳️Invisible Presidents, Free Soup, and Fireman Storytime

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Good morning, Princeton friends. Camryn Driscoll is running so fast she might qualify for air traffic control, Seatonville and Tiskilwa are holding the first ever “invisible mayor” elections, and early voting is live at the Moose Lodge—just don’t pet the Moose. They are big and dangerous.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🚨Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🥣Free Soup Lunch
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📍Outside City Limits
🦅PCA Opens Registrations
🗓️This Week in Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Abigail Beneke 🍰!

• SRM: Seatonville And Tiskilwa Have No Candidates For Village President

• Princeton High School had a strong showing at the Silver Streak Last Chance Indoor Invitational on Saturday, with several personal and school records set. Camryn Driscoll led the way, winning the 400m dash with a PHS Meet Best and Junior Record, and placing second in the 60m dash with a personal best and PHS Indoor Record. Other medalists included Ashlynn Weber in the Triple Jump (season best), Alexandra Waca in the 3200m (PHS Meet and Personal Best), and Jocelyn Strouss in the 800m (personal best).

• Princeton Christian Academy received a $1,000 Spring Ag Literacy Grant from the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation to support agricultural education. Additionally, their speech team, consisting of students in grades 1–8, earned top honors while competing at Christian Hills School in Orland Hills and the Bureau Valley Elementary Conference Meet at Bureau Valley Junior High.

• The Bureau County Clerk & Recorder announced that early voting is now open at the Princeton Moose Lodge and Spring Valley City Hall. Voting hours are from 8 AM to 4 PM at the Princeton Moose Lodge and from 9 AM to 3 PM at Spring Valley City Hall. Residents are encouraged to participate and cast their votes.

• The Coalition for Constitutional Rights will feature two guest speakers at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the Prouty Building, 435 S. Main St., Princeton.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home at 1428 S Euclid Ave is listed for $290,000 and sits on a spacious 1.33-acre lot. The house offers 2,498 square feet of living space, including a formal living room with a bay window, built-in bookcases, and a wood-burning fireplace. A large family room features a beamed ceiling, pocket doors, and a second stone fireplace, while the upstairs includes a primary suite with a bonus room. The home also boasts main floor laundry, a full basement, and a two-car garage. Recent updates include a new roof (2023), water heater (2024), sump and septic systems (2024), and HVAC units (2019).

• Listed at $239,500, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home at 1217 S Church St offers 1,612 square feet of living space on a newly renovated street. The home features hardwood floors, natural woodwork, vaulted ceilings, and an open floor plan with a kitchen overlooking a spacious great room. Highlights include a wood-burning stove, home office, bay window, patio doors leading to a fenced backyard with a two-tiered deck, and a generous two-car garage. The lower level has additional rooms for laundry and a second office with cherry cabinetry. Updates include a 2019 roof and water heater, plus newer seamless gutters with guards.

🚨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: Scattered morning showers give way to mostly cloudy skies, with a high of 55°F. Winds from the southeast at 10 to 15 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with a low of 34°F and northwest winds around 10 mph.

☀️Wednesday: Sunny with a few clouds and a high of 58°F. Northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. At night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low of 37°F, with north-northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌧️Thursday: Scattered showers are possible, with a high of 57°F and south-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. During the evening, skies remain mostly cloudy with a few thunderstorms developing late. The low will be 49°F with east-southeast winds near 9 mph. Chance of rain is 30%.

⛈️Friday: Mostly cloudy skies with a few showers or storms later in the day. High near 72°F with south-southeast winds at 10 to 20 mph. At night, clouds increase with showers developing after midnight. Low around 56°F, and winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. Rain chance remains at 40%.

From KWQC: Breezy and sunny start to the week

Looking at a fairly typical week of Spring weather including average highs in the 50s before a quick warm-up to the 70s that could bring a round of severe storms. Tuesday will bring more clouds and a few showers with increasing sun Wednesday. Thursday we’ll see another chance for rain which will be followed by more rain Friday. Saturday evening we’ll watch a front that could produce some strong to severe storms in the evening. The Storm Prediction Center already has portions of the area under a risk for severe storms. The closer we get to Saturday the more details surrounding the timing and types of weather the storms will produce will be able to be worked out. Behind the Saturday system Sunday will bring windy conditions and more rain with a cool down early next week. Highs will stay in the mid 50s through Thursday with 70s Friday and Saturday. 60s Sunday will be followed by 50s Monday.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.23
Casey’s West/North: $3.23
Beck’s West/North: $3.23
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.23
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.23

🥣FREE SOUP LUNCH

You’re invited to a free soup lunch on Sunday, March 30, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a warm, delicious meal with others in the community. The lunch will be hosted by Open Prairie United Church of Christ. Join them at 25 E. Marion Street in Princeton, just behind the Apollo Theater. No cost, no catch—just good food and friendly faces. Everyone is welcome!

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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

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has just five pints of Grasshopper ice cream available, featuring a creamy mint flavor like their shamrock shakes. Once they’re gone, this seasonal favorite won’t return until December.

• Sophisticuts Salon-Spa is offering Seize the Day merchandise in support of a charitable mission. Learn more or donate at www.seizethedaywithhudson.com.

• Tailholt Trading Post has added new collectible cars and more Harley Davidson apparel. Stop in soon to check out their latest arrivals.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has restocked Dippin’ Dots for the season at just $3.99 per bag. Choose from a variety of flavors while supplies last.

• Paisano’s Ristorante features five types of pasta, including spaghetti and mostaccioli from Salerno, Italy. They also serve a 6-layer lasagna and offer upgrades like garlic bread; open 4–9 p.m.

• Four Seasons in Princeton is selling new Mother’s Day T-shirts from Life is Good in sizes S–XXXL with a 25% discount using code CLOVER (expires 3/23/2025). Shop online at fourseasonsdirect.com.

• Rachel Rene is holding a clearance sale on sleep shorts, available for just $10 in-store today from 12–4 p.m. or online at rachelrene.com.

• Hornbaker Gardens is now offering the Biltmore Ballgown plant, a tiger-striped bloom originally from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Learn more or order at hornbakergardens.com.

• Miss Betsy’s shared a sweet treat moment featuring their pecan roll and sprinkled donut, perfect for satisfying that morning craving.

• Bean Buzz Coffee Shop is currently for sale. Interested buyers can contact Janet at 815-875-7990 for more information.

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

• 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

• Former Illinois Deputy Charged with Death of Teen Jackson Kradle

• Illinois Legislation Advances to Equip Firefighters with Off-Road Vehicles

• Fire departments from across the Starved Rock area were needed in the past couple of days to put out fires on and along interstates.

• On April 1st voters in the Ohio (Illinois) high school district will vote to keep their school open or to close it.

• Starting April 3rd, the Malden Chess Club meets every Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Feed Store - 212 W. Main Street, Malden, IL. Join them for casual chess games and friendly competition. Chess coaching will be available for those who want to learn. All are welcome! Questions? E-mail us: [email protected]

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Friends of Strays, Inc. in Princeton, IL is hiring part-time kennel staff, offering $15 per hour for morning or afternoon shifts. Applicants with experience are preferred, and interested individuals can stop by the shelter during designated hours for more information.

• 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.

• 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.

• 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue Princeton Illinois is hiring help for cleaning stalls, offering a 1099 contract position at $23 per hour. The role requires lifting at least 50 pounds, taking direction well, and working various hours throughout the week.

• IHCC Hospice Services is hiring for a Hospice CNA position and invites applicants to apply online or in person at their Princeton, IL location. The locally owned and operated hospice service emphasizes compassionate care and encourages individuals to join their team.

• 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.

🗓️THIS WEEK IN PRINCETON

🚒 Storytime with Firemen

Firefighters will join for a fun story time session for kids at 605 S Pleasant St. on Thursday from 10–11 AM. Note that the event could be canceled last minute if there’s an emergency.

🫖 Style Show + High Tea

A fashion show paired with high tea takes place Thursday at 2:30 PM at Four Seasons. Tickets are $10 and limited to 30 guests, available at the store in advance.

🍝 Community Night with Paisanos & Rotary Club

On Thursday from 4–9 PM, Paisano’s hosts a night benefiting community grants and a local scholarship program. 15% of food sales support the Rotary Club’s causes.

🐀 Werewolf Rats at Boek-el-ZOO

Saturday from 12–3 PM, meet the quirky new rat colony featuring breeders like Sleepy, Laser, and Hairy. Kids under 10 get a free ice cream coupon from Sisler’s next door.

🔫 Princeton Gun Show

Held at the Bureau County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, this show offers buy/sell/trade options for firearms and related gear. Open 8:30–4 Saturday and 8:30–2 Sunday with free parking and food available.

🎸 The Killer Riffs at Hawg House

Saturday at 3 PM, enjoy music and festivities at the Hawg House Day Drinking Festival. It’s a laid-back afternoon of celebration and live tunes.

🌴 Spring Break Party at Hollywood & Vine

Running Saturday 1 PM to midnight, this 11-hour bash includes live bands, drinks, and tiki-themed décor. Kickapoo Junction, Greenfield Station, and 3 on the Tree are scheduled to perform.

🎤 Karl Kirkpatrick Live at Barrel Society

Saturday at 7 PM, enjoy Karl’s mix of heartfelt originals and rock classics at Barrel Society. No cover charge—just good vibes and great music.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Snow White (PG)

A dazzling reimagining of the classic fairy tale, where a brave young princess joins forces with seven quirky outcasts to overcome an evil queen.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

Novocaine (R)

A dark comedy-thriller about a mild-mannered dentist whose life unravels after a dangerous encounter with a mysterious patient.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

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