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Good Thursday morning, Princeton. We have the greatest town in America. I can’t wait for you to read all the cool things Princeton people have done in this newsletter. It’s awesome!

Let’s do it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
💧Winter Plumbing
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💕Galentines
👷Job Openings

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Princeton Closet distributed $200,000 to more than 40 Bureau County organizations during a Lending a Hand funds event on Jan. 20, continuing a 16-year total of $2.3 million in local donations.

• Quilts of Valor will host a National Sew Day on Feb. 7 where participants can work on quilt and block kits, buy a $7 lunch with free drinks, and enjoy door prizes plus a silent auction at 1339 N. Euclid Ave.

• Representative Ryan Spain invited Flags of Freedom I-80 to the Illinois House today celebrating 20 years of these flags flying high at Exit 56 in Princeton, IL on I-80.

• The Princeton Public Schools Foundation announced that the 2026 scholarship application is now available. The flyer lists multiple scholarships for seniors and recent graduates, with an application deadline of March 19, 2026.

• Enrollment opens March 4th for Preschool–High School at Princeton Christian Academy.

• The Rotary Club also invites 6th–8th grade students to a free outdoor adventure event on Saturday, February 7. The day includes transportation, lunch, a winter hike, nature activities, and campfire food at Echo Bluff Park.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 01-20-2026

📍Outside City Limits

• Free Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the Walnut Fire Department on February 8

• Bureau County Authorities Investigate Train and Truck Collision Near US Highway 6

• Two people were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation after a blaze broke out Tuesday morning inside the historic Westclox complex.

• LaSalle man arrested on multiple warrants

• New details are out regarding a head-on crash on the north end of La Salle.

• IVCC offers airplane pilot training class

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A commercial office building at 680 West Peru Street is listed for sale by owner for $179,900, or available to lease for $2,000/month. The listing notes 2,400 sq. ft., a large reception area, 5 large offices, a work room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and that it’s furnished (contact (815) 993-5374).

• The commercial property at 923 N. Main Street is listed for $255,000 and offers approximately 2,200 square feet in a high-traffic business district. The building has undergone extensive renovations, including a new roof sealant, HVAC system, updated electrical service, plumbing, insulation, lighting, and bathroom fixtures. The main level features about 1,100 square feet of open space suitable for retail, office, or service use, with restored original hardwood floors adding character. The upper level includes a newly renovated two-bedroom, one-bath apartment that can provide rental income or owner occupancy. Nearby public parking and the property’s prominent location add to its convenience and long-term potential.

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home is listed for $159,999 and offers 1,172 sq ft of living space on a 1.39-acre lot. Inside, recent updates include newer flooring and fresh paint, plus a standout bathroom with heated floors and a double walk-in shower with bench seating. Convenient features include main-level laundry with washer and dryer, a floored attic for storage, and a full unfinished basement ready for future finishing. Additional upgrades and amenities include copper plumbing, newer 6-inch gutters, 200-amp electrical service, and ample outdoor storage with a 2-car detached garage and multiple outbuildings; the property is being sold as-is with conventional or cash buyers only.

💧WINTER PLUMBING PREPAREDNESS NOTICE

Central Illinois is experiencing an extended period of extreme cold through Friday, increasing the risk of frozen and burst pipes. During prolonged subzero temperatures, even well-maintained homes can be vulnerable. Taking preventative steps now can help protect your plumbing system and reduce the risk of costly water damage while ensuring your home stays warm and dry.

To minimize freezing risk, allow a small, steady drip of cold water from faucets located farthest from your main water line, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Inspect your basement, crawlspace, and exterior walls for drafts, broken windows, or gaps where cold air may enter, and seal them as needed. Keep garage doors closed if plumbing runs through shared walls, and open kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. If garden hoses are still connected, disconnect them promptly to prevent ice from backing up into your home’s plumbing.

It is also important that everyone in your household knows the location of the main water shut-off valve. In the event a pipe freezes or bursts, shutting off the water quickly can significantly limit damage. If you wake up to little or no water flow, your pipes may already be frozen—turn off the main water supply immediately and contact a professional plumber before the situation worsens. Proactive preparation now can save time, stress, and repairs during severe winter conditions.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

KWQC: Late in the week this arctic high-pressure will spell a big drop to the basement for our temperatures and chills – for a few days. Friday morning and Saturday morning will be First Alert Days with wind chills Friday at or colder than -40! Chills will be as cold as the -20 Saturday morning. Saturday will have to be watched for some snow mainly from the Metro QC south and east. Some of that could linger into Sunday morning.

After sub-zero highs Friday and single digit highs Saturday, the week ahead will slowly moderate with not very active weather and highs in the teens possibly touching 30 by Wednesday.

☁️ Today: Partly sunny early becomes cloudy with a few flurries; high near 25. West winds 10–20 mph. Night turns bitterly cold near -10 with clouds and NW wind; wind chills may approach -40.

🌤️ Friday: Mostly sunny but brutally cold with a high around -1. North winds 10–20 mph. Evening is mostly cloudy and frigid with lows near -5.

🌥️ Saturday: Intervals of sun and clouds; high near 6. Light north breeze 5–10 mph. Partly cloudy and very cold at night around 1.

🌨️ Sunday: Cloudy early with a chance of light snow; high near 13. North-northwest winds 10–15 mph. Partly cloudy at night and near -2.

🌤️ Monday: Sun and clouds mix with a high near 16. West breeze 10–15 mph. Night is partly to mostly cloudy with lows near 5.

⛅ Tuesday: Morning sun gives way to more clouds; high around 26–27. WNW winds 10–15 mph. Mostly cloudy at night with lows near 15 and a bit breezy.

🌥️ Wednesday: Considerable clouds early with some clearing later; high near 30. WNW winds 10–20 mph. Night is partly cloudy with lows near 6.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.94
Casey’s West/North: $2.96
Beck’s West/North: $2.96
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.96
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.96

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.49

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. at 421 S. Main Street. The event will feature specialty breakfast items and giveaways, with more details to come.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is holding a book sale with 25% off adult and children’s books, with three days remaining.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. is assisting with the adoption of Henry, a 9-year-old dog who is heartworm negative and vaccinated. Henry will be at the Finders Keepers Resale Store on January 22 beginning around 11 a.m. for a short visit, with adoption processed through Bureau County Animal Control.

• The Princeton Closet has received new cold-weather merchandise and accessories. Current promotions include buy one, get two free on socks, and Basket Days on Friday and Saturday, offering select clothing items for $8.

• Bureau County Tourism shared a list of upcoming events at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Scheduled events include the Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show on February 14, a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on March 1, a Winter Garage Sale on March 14, a Black Light Bingo Fundraiser on April 4, and the Spring Fever Craft and Vendor Show with a flea market on April 11.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store has added a new vintage section to its inventory, featuring collectible and older items.

• Cafe Grace is offering Valentine’s Day dining with a special menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests may bring their own wine or beer, and multiple payment methods are accepted.

• Four Seasons – Princeton is carrying password keeper books designed to help organize login information, notes, and reminders in one place.

• Little Blue Dress is featuring Valentine-themed apparel and seasonal styles currently available in-store.

• The Bureau County Republican Women will host a sheriff candidates meet-and-greet on February 11 at the Spring Valley Community Center, beginning at 6 p.m.

• Corner Chair Market continues to offer home décor items including furniture, vases, florals, and seasonal accents, with new displays highlighted this week.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Friday, January 9, 2026: Nate Rector Live at Barrel Society – Local country artist Nate Rector performs live at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

🃏 Saturday, January 24, 2026: Euchre Tournament at Wyanet VFW Post 6634 – Registration begins at 12:00 PM with card play starting at 12:30 PM. $10 buy-in, food and bar available.

🎸 Saturday, January 31, 2026: Day Drinking at Hawg House Saloon with Kickapoo Junction – Live music and a lively afternoon atmosphere from 3:00–7:00 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

🏍 Sunday, February 8, 2026: Princeton Motorcycle Swap Meet – Held from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with $10 admission and vendor spots available for $50 at 802 W Peru Street.

💘 Thursday, February 12, 2026: Galentine’s Party Shop + Sip at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Enjoy Valentine-themed drinks and shopping from local vendors starting at 6:00 PM.

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Wreckin’ Dixie performs live from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of country rock fun.

☘️🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! at Barrel Society – 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, with the St. Patrick’s party to follow. Food served on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM. $5 from each 5K entry benefits Freedom House women’s shelter. (930 N Main St.)

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Dairy Queen in Princeton is now accepting applications for the 2026 season. The seasonal positions include day and evening shifts, with employment running from early March through at least the end of October.

• Steven Becker of Thrivent in Princeton shared that Thrivent offers multiple paths to becoming a financial advisor, including building your own practice, joining a team, or starting as a virtual advisor.

• The City is accepting applications for a full-time Waste Water Treatment/Maintenance Operator at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Starting pay is $31.00 per hour minimum, and applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.

• Taylor’s Way is hiring! They have full-time openings in Princeton and Mossville, including Dispatcher, Tree Groundsperson, Tree Climber, Plant Health Care Technician, and Lawn Applicator. Positions include year-round work, health benefits, retirement match, and paid training—no prior experience required.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].