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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Princeton Elementary honored Veterans yesterday at their annual Veterans Day program. Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 to recognize and thank all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, honoring their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to preserving our freedom. Thank you to all who served!

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🚨Princeton Police Department
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🦌Deer and Driving
🚑King Care-A-Van
📆Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• After Piling Up More Than 500 Wins, Tigresses Head Coach Retires

• Princeton Tigers Runners Shine with Personal Bests at Sectional Meet as Payton Frueh Qualifies for State

• The Bureau County Fairgrounds will host its Huge Winter Garage Sale on Saturday, November 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to bring canned food donations for the local pantry.

• Aldi opening new store in Princeton on Nov. 13

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is also offering a Tulum, Mexico Getaway raffle to benefit community initiatives. The package includes four nights in a luxury villa with concierge service, giving participants the chance to make a difference while planning their dream vacation.

• Princeton Tourism invites pet owners to Pups and Cups at Zearing Park on November 15 at 9 a.m. Enjoy free coffee, a donut, and a tennis ball for your pup, plus a doggy playdate at Barkley Dog Park.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to shop local this holiday season. Christmas Walk Weekend is November 21–23 and will include free carriage rides and more.

• Small Business Saturday is November 29 with special offers, local Monopoly board promotions, and gift card giveaways across participating stores.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball congratulated several players for earning Three Rivers All-Conference honors, including Keighley Davis and Caroline Keutzer on the Unanimous 1st Team. Additional honorees included Keely Lawson, Camryn Driscoll, Makayla Hecht, and Kathy Maciczak.

• OSF Saint Clare Medical Center is offering BLS and Heartsaver CPR/AED certification courses through the American Heart Association. Upcoming sessions are set for November 11 and December 16, with limited space available at 530 Park Ave. E. in Princeton.

• The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Friday, December 5 at 6:00 PM, followed by the lighted parade, a Candy Cane Hunt, and a chance for kids to visit with Santa.

• Lot for Sale:  Zoned  R-2 multi family. 75'x150' Includes one car garage. 430 1/2 East Peru St. $15,000, CFD considered. Call/Text  815-878-7793

• Princeton Churches Host Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27, 2025, Reserve by November 26th

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report November 7

  📍Outside City Limits

• Tiskilwa will host its annual “Walk Tiskilwa’s Christmas Market” on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The festive event will feature more than 20 vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music by AMC Sound. Guests can also enjoy treats from Mr. Cinnamon, visit with Santa Claus, and meet alpacas on the lawn of the Tiskilwa Inn. At 11:30 a.m., Main Street will come alive with a special and entertaining performance by The Mistletoe Misfits—a highlight you won’t want to miss.

• State Representative Ryan Spain will hold a Legislative Q&A on Monday, November 10, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Mason Memorial Public Library in Buda, Illinois. He will share a legislative update on the recently concluded Veto Session and take questions from attendees. The event offers residents a chance to engage directly with their state representative on current legislative issues.

• The Princeton Community Band and Bureau County Choir will present a Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N Main Street, with free admission and donations accepted.

• Blood drive in Buda honors pediatric cancer survivor Marissa Marquis

🚨PRINCETON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Please be aware there are scammers currently targeting people in the area purporting to be with the City of Princeton electric department.

They will make contact either by phone or email and tell the victim their electric payment was not received. They will then instruct the victim how to make the payment. It is a scam.

If you have any doubt about the intention of the call please hang up and contact the city.

Thank you.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Today: Cloudy most of the day with temps only making it to the upper 40s — about 47°F on the high. Rain develops later in the day and becomes more widespread toward evening, and as colder air drains in, that rain can mix with or briefly change to wet snow before tapering. Northeast winds 5–10 mph turning north-northwest 10–20 mph in the evening will make it feel colder. Evening temps fall quickly toward the upper 20s.

🌬Sunday: Colder air is in place — we only reach the mid 30s, near 36°F. Skies are partly cloudy, but it turns windy, with NW winds 10–20 mph and gusts making it feel more like the 20s at times. A stray flurry or snow shower can clip the area in the evening, but most spots stay dry. Nighttime drops to the lower 20s, around 22°F.

☀️Monday: Bright but cold — sunshine and a high near 39°F. It will stay breezy with WNW winds 10–15 mph, so plan on it feeling several degrees cooler than the thermometer. Clouds increase late day and especially at night. Lows fall back to the mid 20s.

🌥Tuesday: Considerable cloudiness through the day, but we moderate — high near 52°F. It’s a windy one, with southwest winds 15–20 mph and gusty, so it’ll feel brisk even with the warmer number. Tuesday night stays mostly cloudy with a low in the mid 30s. Winds ease just a bit after dark.

🌤Wednesday: A nicer, more November-normal day — intervals of sun and clouds, breezy, high around 55°F. Northwest winds 10–15 mph will still add a bit of a chill, but not as sharp as the weekend. Evening turns partly cloudy. We fall to the lower 30s overnight.

⛅️Thursday: Partly cloudy to mostly sunny and seasonable, high again near 55°F. Winds turn WNW around 10–15 mph, so it’s still a light-jacket day. Dry air in place means no rain concerns. Nighttime dips to the low 30s.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

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

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.78

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Optimal Health is now offering Brothers Nuts, a line of organic, sprouted, and locally sourced snacks. Shoppers can stop by 918 N Main Street to grab these healthy treats and support local wellness-focused businesses.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting a Willamette Valley Oregon Wine Tasting Getaway fundraiser on November 15 at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. Proceeds support the Community Donation Fund, with attendees entered to win an Oregon wine getaway experience.

• The Senior Center is hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 14 at 11:30 a.m. at 16 West Marion Street for $5 per person, with RSVP requested by calling 815-879-3981. Guests can enjoy a warm meal and fellowship as the community celebrates together.

• Mavolan’s is showcasing holiday fashion with cozy faux fur jackets and festive attire for the season. The boutique is open 10-5:30 Monday through Friday, 10-5 Saturday, and 12-4 on Sunday.

• Fresh Finds Princeton has launched its Holiday Open House featuring festive décor, gifts, and ornaments. Shoppers spending $50 or more receive a goody bag and a sweet treat while browsing the store.

• The Princeton Living Room is collecting donations of men’s jeans, hoodies, boots, gloves, socks, and hats at 1916 N Main Street. Community members are encouraged to contribute to help meet local needs this season.

• The Apollo Theater is showing Sarah’s Oil (PG) and Springsteen: Deliver From Nowhere (PG-13) from November 7–13. Showtimes vary throughout the week, and Sunday’s last show includes open captions for accessibility.

• The Princeton Public Library is hosting the opening reception for the 2025 Art Teachers Show: Expressions of the Heart from 6–8 p.m., offering refreshments and a chance to meet the artists. The exhibit runs through November 26, with a virtual tour available for those unable to attend.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is holding a community fundraiser on Thursday, November 13, from 4–9 p.m. A portion of all pizza sales that day will support the Princeton High School Prom and After Prom events.

• Hornbaker Gardens reports stunning fall colors across its arboretum, with vibrant maples, oaks, and ginkgos creating a breathtaking autumn scene. Visitors are encouraged to take a peaceful drive through the gardens Monday–Friday from 8–5 to enjoy the final weeks of color.

• Four Seasons in Princeton introduced manager Alex, who has been with the store since April 2022 and loves the Zac and Rachel brand. The store highlighted its newest cozy fall styles, including sweaters, plaid tops, and accessories.

• Blue Jay Way Records has updated its store hours to 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays. Customers can stop in to browse their wide selection of vinyl records and music merchandise.

• Rachel Rene announced that popular Sherpa cardigans are back in stock in several colors. Shoppers can visit the store from 10–5:30 or order online before they sell out again.

🦌DEER AND DRIVING

As autumn colors sweep across Illinois and days grow shorter, state officials are warning drivers about increased deer activity on the roads. The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources note that deer-vehicle collisions peak during the fall mating season, especially at dawn and dusk through December. Last year, more than 14,000 crashes involved deer, with most occurring in rural areas and under low-light conditions. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch for the reflection of deer eyes along roadsides, and avoid swerving if a collision is unavoidable.

“In your travels this fall, please remember that deer can appear suddenly and in some surprising environments,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “If you do see deer, the safest choice is to stay in your lane, brake firmly, and avoid swerving in traffic to avoid them.”

Safe driving tips for deer-mating season:

• Deer adapt to both rural and urban areas. Always assume they could be nearby, especially where deer crossing signs are posted.

• Scan the sides of the road for the reflection of headlights in their eyes.

• Slow down if you spot a deer, as others may be following.

• Be prepared for unexpected stops; deer may freeze in the road.

• If a collision is unavoidable, don’t veer—try to glance your vehicle off the deer and stay in your lane.

“Deer are a common part of the Illinois outdoors and are active during mating season,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Drivers should be aware of their presence and drive cautiously this time of year, especially during dark and low-visibility conditions.”

Last year, over 6,000 deer-related crashes—nearly half of the yearly total—occurred in October, November, and December, with November being the highest-risk month. Most incidents took place after dark or at twilight, particularly in rural regions. Cook County recorded the most collisions with 550, followed by McHenry, Sangamon, and LaSalle counties, while Rock Island ranked tenth. If you hit a deer, pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and call 911.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Beck’s West Princeton is hiring a part-time drive-thru cashier for the 2nd shift (12:00 PM–8:00 PM), offering $16–$16.50 per hour. The role involves greeting customers, processing transactions accurately, maintaining a clean and organized store, restocking merchandise, and supporting team goals. Ideal candidates are friendly, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment. Beck’s provides strong benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a 401(k) with company match, flexible scheduling, and employee-ownership. Additional perks include weekly gas discounts, a casual dress code, and free coffee or soda during shifts.

• Culver’s in Princeton is hiring a part-time porter at $17–$19 per hour. This position plays a key role in preparing the restaurant for daily operations, maintaining cleanliness, and performing light maintenance. Responsibilities include cleaning floors and equipment, unloading trucks, organizing supplies, and assisting with basic plumbing and landscaping. The role requires reliability, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to handle early morning and weekend shifts. Culver’s emphasizes a welcoming, team-oriented culture focused on quality food and exceptional guest experiences.

• Wendy’s in Princeton is hiring a Restaurant Manager for full-time or part-time work, offering $25,000–$35,000 annually with benefits including medical, life, retirement, and PTO. The role involves leading daily operations, supervising staff, maintaining food safety and cleanliness, and ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds brand standards. Managers are expected to train and mentor team members, monitor performance, adjust scheduling, and uphold a positive, efficient work environment. Wendy’s values integrity, tenacity, fun, family, and authenticity, aiming to create meaningful experiences for both employees and guests. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and committed to leadership built on excellence and teamwork.

🚑ONCALL KING CARE-A-VAN

OSF HealthCare is inviting community members to a free health-focused event on Friday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center. The OSF OnCall King Care-A-Van will be making a stop to provide a wide range of free health services to the public.

Staffed by digital health workers and a certified medical assistant, the Care-A-Van will offer blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings, along with on-the-spot testing for COVID-19, flu, and strep—no appointment needed. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual visits for common minor illnesses.

In addition, Diabetes Educator Kandi Burlingame will give a presentation on how to recognize and manage diabetes, providing valuable insights for those looking to improve their health. The University of Illinois Extension will also be present, sharing heart-healthy recipes, nutritious food samples, and expert nutrition advice to encourage better eating habits.

This event offers a convenient and educational way for residents to take proactive steps toward better health and wellness.

🌹LETTER FROM LORI

As someone who never really had a green thumb, I was always baffled by those who could make things grow, bloom, and look beautiful. I came from a family of hunters, not gatherers. My mother had some houseplants and was pretty good at it—and when I look back, I realize why. While I’ve spent my whole life busy running around and spreading myself thin, my mother had the luxury of more traditional times—staying home and nurturing. She nurtured her family. She nurtured her home. She had time to nurture her plants.

Later in life, when I slowed down from A.J. Foyt status to Kyle Larson performance, I was home more and discovered that plants thrive when you actually water them more than once a month and remove dead leaves. If you take the time to pay attention to them, they tend to show more life and bloom more readily.

Wow! Mind-blowing, I know.

Recently, it’s been suggested that perhaps more parents should prioritize homeschooling. This has been a very controversial subject, and I won’t take sides here—but we should look at the parallels and merits when comparing plants and our children. As parents, if we spend more time and attention with our children and invest in them according to what we see as a recipe for success, won’t we have better results? That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take advice from a master gardener or search the internet for answers when we have questions, but we can still mix up the fertilizer in the way that best benefits our plants.

We could hire someone to tend our garden. They’d probably do an adequate job—they were trained and may even have a diploma or awards—but they don’t have a personal stake in the results. They get paid whether your roses bloom or not. Their paycheck isn’t dependent on how many hibiscus blossoms appear. Their success is measured by how well they keep the plants alive.

If you tend your own garden, you know that Grandma Sally’s rose bushes are generational—brought from the old country when she sailed over at twelve years old and settled in the Midwest. You know Grandma’s mom had a recipe to keep aphids from eating early blooms, and it worked. You know she religiously trimmed off the dead heads to make room for new growth.

So it is with our children. We can recognize when they need a nap or a mental break to help them absorb knowledge better. You know if they respond best to the spoken word or the written word. You know if they struggle with a concept and how to explain it in a way only they can understand. You know that a well-timed snack might prevent an epic meltdown that would otherwise derail learning that “B” comes after “C.” You can weave learning into everyday tasks without it ever feeling like a classroom.

Recently, my two-year-old granddaughter and I have been making bird toys for the store. While we sit together in the living room, I tell her I need three red beads for that creation. She’s learning to count and recognize her colors. When I did home daycare, I often took the kids exploring the levees at the duck club my father owned. Once, we found some coyote scat (a.k.a. poop) and dissected it with a stick—probably; I may have used my hands—and discovered a mouse skull and bones. We talked about carnivores, predators, prey, and the circle of life. They didn’t even realize they were learning. Some kids listened to what I said, some wanted to pull apart the poop themselves, and some wandered off into the tall grass—so we shifted to talking about herbivores and another lesson altogether.

The point is this: when we slow down and pay attention, we become far more effective. Talking to a group gets the information out there, but sitting across the table from one person allows us to meet their specific needs, read their learning style, and lend more credibility to our instruction. It also gives them the freedom to ask questions and seek truth in a more personal way.

So, I encourage you—go home, water your plants, and sit with your children or grandchildren (or a neighborhood child, if you aren’t blessed that way). Dissect an owl pellet (a.k.a. vomit) and exchange some ideas about it all.

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

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