☘️4-H, the Playoffs, and a Christmas Walk

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton. Shout-out to a local nonprofit, 4-H, which allows kids to engage in hands-on learning and showcase their skills at the Bureau County Fair and, possibly, the State Fair. This year’s theme is “4-H is Out of This World,” and I’m excited to see what’s next. A special shout-out as well to Lydia Hardy for another year as 4-H’s student president.

—Carson Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🐅At the High School
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🎄Christmas Walk
🎳Bowling for Veterans
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
❤️Local Obituaries
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday yesterday, Ashley Emmett!🎂

• PHS Football will host the first round of the IHSA 3A football playoffs on November 1 at 7 PM, facing Oregon. Gates will open at 5 PM, and tickets are available at the gate for $6. Fans are encouraged to come out and show support for the team. Playoff apparel orders can be picked up at The Shed on October 29 from 5 to 6:30 PM. This is the only pickup time available before the game, but any remaining orders will be distributed when the gates open on game night. Princeton is also calling on Tiger fans to light up the town in blue to show spirit for the football playoffs. Fans are invited to decorate with blue lights and share their photos online. This campaign encourages the community to rally together in support of the team.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a Lunch & Learn event on November 1 from 12 PM to 1 PM at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building. The session will educate attendees on becoming part of a Dementia Friendly Community to better support individuals with dementia. Lunch is provided by Rossy’s BBQ, and participants can register with the Chamber by October 30.

• A benefit event for Kent Tyne will take place on Saturday, November 16, at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids’ admission by donation. The event features a silent auction from 3-6 PM, a live auction from 6-8 PM, food from 4-6 PM, and live music by the Wild Card Band from 8-11 PM, along with a 50/50 raffle. Funds raised will support Kent, who is battling multiple myeloma, as he undergoes chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant.

• The Clark Street Pet Pantry at 309 West Clark Street offers pet food assistance, allowing people to take what they need and donate what they can. Donors are asked to leave full-sized bags at the garage door for easier distribution. This community resource is designed to help families manage pet food needs.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This five-bedroom, five-bath home on Lovers Lane Road offers an exceptional opportunity for luxurious country living. Situated on over 5 acres, the property is perfect for equestrian enthusiasts with horse privileges and a large fenced backyard. The spacious interior features two master suites, with one on the main floor and the other among four additional bedrooms upstairs. A newly remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, multiple living spaces with fireplaces, and a formal dining room enhance the home’s charm and functionality. A 3-car garage, a 30x40 ft barn with horse stalls, and ample storage offer additional versatility for hobbies and farm equipment. Outdoors, a paved driveway, landscaped yard, and a vast turnout pasture provide room to enjoy the scenic surroundings. Priced at $425,000, this home invites you to explore elegant country living while staying close to modern amenities and transportation hubs.

• This property at 225 E Peru St in Princeton offers an income-generating opportunity with three separate rental units, priced at $179,000. Conveniently located a few blocks from the south-end business district, tenants have easy access to local shops and dining. The home has been updated over the past few years, including the addition of two porches in 2019, roof repairs, and a shower replacement. Apartment 1 is equipped with radiant heat and central air, while Apartments 2 and 3 feature their own furnaces and window units. A two-car garage and private parking area at the back provide ample space for tenants. Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a multi-unit living solution, this property offers versatility and location benefits. Schedule your tour today to see if this home fits your needs.

• This charming home on a corner lot near Zearing Park offers great value at $128,000. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy upstairs loft with an open area ideal for a home office or TV room. Beautiful yellow southern pine accents the dining room, while oak hardwood floors enhance the bedrooms. The waterproofed basement includes a transferable warranty, and the roof, furnace, and AC system have all been updated within the past five years. The spacious backyard includes a newly stained deck, perfect for relaxing, and a carport offers protection for your vehicle during winter. With most windows replaced in 2018, this well-maintained property is ready to welcome its new owners. Don’t miss out—schedule a tour today!

🐅AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

October 28

🏐 Girls Volleyball - IHSA Regionals, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Away)

October 29

🏐 Girls Volleyball - IHSA Regionals, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Away)

November 1

🏈 Boys Varsity Football - IHSA Playoffs Round 1 vs. Oregon, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Home)

November 2

🧠 Coed Scholastic Bowl - Limestone High School, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Away)

🏃‍♂️ Coed Cross Country - IHSA Sectionals, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Away)

Cross Country

Princeton’s cross-country teams competed at the Seneca 1A Regional on October 26, 2024, where the boys’ team did not field a full squad, but Augustus Swanson qualified individually for the sectional. The girls’ team placed 3rd with 84 points, earning a spot in the Rock Island (Alleman) Sectional, marking their best regional performance since 2010. Rebekah Lord and Ruby Acker delivered standout performances, with Acker becoming the 17th PHS girl to place in the top 8 at regionals.

Interactive Club Presents: Trunk or Treat

🍫Princeton High School’s Interact Club is hosting its first annual Trunk or Treat on October 30th. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the PHS parking lot. It is open to all ages, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with fun treats. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️Monday: The day will have more clouds than sun, with a high of 72°F and winds from the south at 10 to 20 mph. The evening will see considerable cloudiness, with a low of 64°F and winds shifting to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Tuesday: Expect sunshine mixed with clouds during the day, reaching a high of 84°F, with winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 25 mph. Overnight will bring partly cloudy skies, with a low of 69°F and winds from the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

🌦️Wednesday: Cloudy conditions are expected with occasional showers throughout the day, reaching a high of 76°F, with winds from the southwest at 10 to 20 mph and a 70% chance of rain. The evening will bring occasional storms, with a low of 48°F, winds continuing from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, and a 90% chance of rain.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.35
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.36
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is hosting a holiday pop-up shop featuring Department 56 Villages at 50% off. The shop is located at 535 S. Main Street.

• Boek-el-ZOO is seeking volunteers to lead Children’s Time on Saturdays from 12 to 3 PM, with an urgent need for this Saturday. Volunteers can engage children with craft projects, read books aloud, or bring along critters to provide an interactive educational experience. All ages are welcome to participate, and other Saturdays remain available for those interested.

• Play It Forward Counseling is seeking a licensed clinician to join their team. Interested candidates can find more information at playitforwardcounseling.com and submit resumes to [email protected]. This opportunity promotes healing through play-based therapy.

• Friends of Strays is reintroducing Tyson, a friendly American Bulldog mix who loves to swim and play. Tyson is housebroken, well-behaved, and weighs around 72 pounds, but requires a meet-and-greet with any potential canine companions. The shelter hopes to find Tyson his forever home soon.

• Liberty Village of Princeton is welcoming the Philly Factory on Tuesday, October 29, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Visitors can enjoy the pop-up event at Liberty Village during these hours. The event promises delicious food and a fun experience.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is holding a quilt raffle with tickets priced at $1 each or six for $5. The winner will be drawn on November 23, and all proceeds will benefit Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. Participants can visit the store to purchase tickets and support this cause.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is offering Elf on the Shelf cookies for $6 each, with orders accepted until November 7. Customers can pick up their personalized cookies between November 28-30. To place an order, send a message with the name and hair color preferences.

• A Second Chance Liquidation is preparing for the arrival of a semi-load of discounted baby supplies within the next two weeks. The sale aims to offer parents essential baby products at unbeatable prices. Shoppers are encouraged to follow their page for updates on when the truck arrives.

• The Argonaut Co. will be at the Barrel Society on November 2 from 12 PM to 6 PM, offering lobster rolls, oysters, bisque, clam chowder, and take-and-bake boils. Guests are encouraged to preorder their meals through the event page. The event promises a seafood feast in the inviting atmosphere of Barrel Society at 930 N Main Street.

• Next Thing Smokin’ will perform live music at the Hawg House Saloon on November 2 from 3 PM to 6 PM. The band will bring the sounds of 80s and 90s country music to the venue. Located on Highway 6, the saloon invites everyone to enjoy the music, food, and drinks.

• The Knack is hosting a Vintage Christmas Tree Paint Party on November 2 from 12 PM to 4 PM, where participants can paint their own pottery trees. Trees will be fired and ready to decorate before the holidays. Guests are encouraged to secure tickets early as stock may run out closer to the event.

• The Black Rose Saloon presents the Haunted Circus & Carnival on November 2 from 8 PM to 2 AM, featuring games, snacks, and a DJ starting at 9 PM. A costume contest will take place at midnight, with sign-ups required by 10 PM. The event promises a thrilling night of entertainment and fun.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• Gateway Services is hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday, November 2 at the Princeton Moose Lodge. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and trivia starts at 6 PM, with food available from 5-6 PM and a cash bar. The entry fee is $15 per person, and teams of 8 can compete for cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.

• The Dairy Queen has announced that it will be closing for the season on October 30, encouraging customers to stop in before the end of the month for a final treat.

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🎄THE PRINCETON CHRISTMAS WALK

Princeton’s Christmas Walk will take place from November 22 to 24, offering a festive shopping experience and holiday activities throughout the weekend. Stores will extend their hours on Friday night until 8 PM, giving visitors extra time to find holiday gifts and enjoy the downtown atmosphere. Attendees can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be available for photos and holiday greetings.

The event will feature a Christkindl Markt at Open Prairie Church, where unique holiday goods will be available for purchase. Families can participate in the annual Elf Hunt along Main Street, turning shopping into a fun scavenger hunt. Free trolley rides will be offered along historic Main Street, adding charm to the festive atmosphere.

Entertainment includes live caroling and holiday music filling the streets with cheer. Horse-drawn carriage rides, provided by Heartland Bank, will transport visitors around town, offering a nostalgic holiday experience. Guests can enjoy complimentary popcorn from the Lions Club by donating to the Bureau County Food Pantry. Additional activities include reindeer food making, pottery painting, s’mores with the senior center, and bake sales hosted by Friends of Strays, ensuring fun for all ages.

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS

Join us on November 9th at Pin Splitters Lane for a fun-filled day of bowling to support our veterans. There will be three shifts: 1st Shift at 1:00 PM, 2nd Shift at 3:30 PM, and 3rd Shift at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a 9 Pin No Tap format, and participants are invited to form their own teams of four. A silent auction will also take place throughout the event. The registration fee is $20 per person. All donations—cash or items—are welcome and appreciated. If you wish to donate, please reach out to any board members. Let’s come together to show our support for our veterans! For more information, contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• The Area Manager role at the Princeton Walmart has opened up with a salary range of $50K to $100K per year. The manager will be responsible for overseeing operations in areas like fashion, imports, jewelry, and more, focusing on staffing, scheduling, and achieving production and quality goals. Key duties include communicating with staff and external partners, ensuring compliance with company policies, and maintaining safety and quality standards. Additionally, the role requires monitoring productivity through reports, resolving concerns from associates and customers, and coordinating workloads. The Area Manager will also supervise and train associates, offering feedback to develop leadership within the team. This role was posted three days ago, indicating a fresh opportunity to apply.

• The Account Manager role at Lorita Hellman’s State Farm Agency in Princeton offers a salary range of $32K to $70K per year. This full-time position focuses on growing the agency by developing customer relationships and delivering friendly, accurate service in areas such as insurance claims, policy changes, and coverage inquiries. Responsibilities include achieving individual and team goals, promoting long-term client satisfaction, and building trust through excellent customer service. Candidates with prior sales experience or background in client management are preferred but not required. The position comes with benefits like bonuses based on performance, paid time off, and training and development opportunities.

• The Assistant Store Manager role at Scooter’s Coffee in Princeton, IL is a full-time position focused on supporting a fast-growing specialty coffee franchise. Established in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee values sustainability, simplicity, and community connections, using hand-crafted ingredients. The company emphasizes integrity, love, humility, and courage as core values and seeks passionate individuals to enhance customer experiences. This position is with a franchisee, meaning the hiring and employment terms are set by the franchise owner and may vary. The role involves managing operations to ensure customer satisfaction and an outstanding in-store experience.

❤️PRINCETON OBITUARY

Larry Allen (1953-2024)

Larry Allen, 71, of Princeton passed away on Monday October 22, 2024 at OSF St. Claire Hospital in Princeton. He was born on March 16, 1953 in Princeton to Hilding and Joann (Kitterman) Allen. He graduated from Wyanet High School in 1971. Larry married Kathy Woods on December 30, 1972 at the Bureau Township Community Church in Princeton. He was a lifelong farmer and retired from Allen Pork Farms Inc. in 2015.

Larry was a member of the Bureau Township Community Church where he served as a board member. He took several mission trips with Missionary Church Incorporated, where he helped with Building and Agriculture, one of these was to Haiti, two to Ecuador, and one to Bulgaria. Horseback riding was a passion of Larry’s. He was a member  of the Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Riding Association, and had an endurance record of 355 miles with UMECRA. Larry was also a member of Bureau County Search and Rescue, and Bureau County Pork Producers. He also enjoyed hunting and especially loved spending time with his granddaughter Ellie.

Larry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy Allen of Princeton. Also surviving are his two daughters Julie Allen of Princeton and Jennifer (Colton) Teske of Wyanet; his granddaughter Ellie Teske, still at home and his mother Joann Allen of Princeton. Surviving as well are his sisters Vicki (Kent) Ackerman of East Moline and Cathie Losey of Princeton.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hilding Allen and his brother-in-law Allen Losey.

Memorial Service will be Monday, October 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Bureau Township Community Church in Princeton. [click to read more]

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Venom: The Last Dance (PG-13)

• The latest installment in the Venom series, following Eddie Brock as he faces new challenges with his symbiotic alter-ego.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00 PM

We Live in Time (R)

• A drama that explores the complexity of love and the choices that shape our lives.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:15 PM

Tickets are available at apolloprinceton.com or at the box office.

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