☄️A Ball of Energy, Great Deals, and Volunteers Needed

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Good morning, Princeton. My son Hudson turns 7 tomorrow, which is just wild to me. He was so crazy active in the womb, rambunctious as a toddler — and now unrelenting ball of energy as a First Grader. He’s Sonic the Hedgehog in human form. He never stops. It can be…a lot, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s get after it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🍼Help Baby Zane
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🔥Great Amazon Deals
🩸Volunteers Needed

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Nicole Newton! 🍰 

• Second Story Teen Center is nearing the completion of its new facility at 125 S. Main St., expected to open in the spring, but still needs $250,000 to reach its funding goal of $600,000–$700,000. The nonprofit offers meals, mentorship, and a safe space for 150 teens in sixth through 12th grade each week.

• BCR: The Princeton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is accepting scholarship entries from high school seniors attending public, private, or home schools. Scholarships are available for U.S. citizens attending Illinois colleges, with financial need and academic merit as key factors. The chapter will sponsor a $1,000 general scholarship and the Gen. Henry Dearborn American History Scholarship.

• PHS Basketball’s Luke Smith and Asa Gartin both earned the “Heart and Hustle” award for their outstanding performances during the Mike Hutchins Sherrard Tournament. Luke received his award after the team’s victory over Geneseo, while Asa was honored following another impressive win. Congratulations to both players for their dedication and effort!

• OSF HealthCare announces updated safety measures starting today, requiring masks for all employees, patients, and visitors due to widespread respiratory illnesses. Visitor restrictions limit patients to two adult visitors at a time.

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🍼HELP BABY ZANE

Reyne Dockins recently welcomed her baby boy, Zane, who is now two months old and facing significant health challenges. He was born with a serious heart condition involving a double right ventricle outlet deposition, two VSDs, and a damaged pulmonary artery. Zane recently underwent open-heart surgery and fought through it, but doctors have now discovered brain bleeds, and additional heart surgeries will be needed in the future. Reyne is doing her best to care for Zane while also supporting her 13-year-old son, Brayden, but the demands of this situation have left her unable to work. The family is in need of help to cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, travel, and gas during this time. Support is being requested to ease their financial burden and help them focus on Zane’s recovery and Brayden’s well-being.

Find out more here.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

❄️Today: Partly cloudy conditions prevail with a chance of isolated snow showers during the day. High temperatures reach 33°F with winds from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph. By night, clouds increase with late-night snow flurries expected. Lows drop to 14°F as winds remain light.

🥶Friday: Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures peaking at 23°F. Winds will come from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy as the low falls to a chilly 9°F. Winds stay light, maintaining the cold and calm conditions.

❄️Saturday: A mix of clouds and sun dominates with snow showers possible during the day. Temperatures remain cold, with highs around 21°F and light southeast winds. Snow showers continue into the night as temperatures drop to 12°F. Winds persist from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

From KWQC: Thursday brings another round of light snow that begins in the late morning and ends by evening. This could produce some light accumulations of around 1 to 2 inches mainly south of Highway 30 leading to some slick roads for the afternoon and the evening commute. This system will also be on the leading edge of colder air! Friday and Saturday will be sunny with some clouds and next week will likely get progressively colder! Sunday will bring the next chance for snow but we’re too far away from its arrival for any certainty on the impact to the area. The weather models have been shifting the potential track every few hours. As we get closer to the weekend we might get more confidence on just where the snow will fall and potentially how much! Right now it looks as if the bulk of any snow will fall in the southern TV6 viewing area. Highs will remain in the 30s Thursday with 20s into nearly next week. We might only see teens by the middle of next week.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.06
Casey’s West/North: $3.09
Beck’s West/North: $3.09
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.09

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Ace Hardware - Warehouse Specialist

A full-time Warehouse Specialist role offers a pay range of $19.00–$21.50 per hour, with weekly bonuses. Benefits include store discounts, paid holidays, health and dental insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. The position requires five years of experience and includes entry-level opportunities. Candidates will assist with warehouse tasks, ensuring smooth operations. Paid sick leave and disability insurance are also included.

Freedom House - Preventionist

This full-time Preventionist position starts at $43,680 per year, focusing on the Sexual Violence Program. Benefits include health savings accounts, paid holidays, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling. Candidates need a high school diploma or GED, three years of experience, a valid driver’s license, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Responsibilities involve education and outreach on prevention strategies. The role is ideal for those with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a related field.

Corteva Agriscience - Production Technician

The Production Technician position offers an estimated salary range of $36.5K–$46.3K annually. Benefits include health insurance, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, two years of experience, and skills in Microsoft Office and lean manufacturing. Responsibilities include operating machinery and maintaining production standards. This entry-level role values communication and time management skills.

Gateway Services - Accounting Assistant

The Accounting Assistant role has a salary range of $32.9K–$41.7K annually and focuses on maintaining accurate financial records. Applicants must be proficient in accounting software and capable of creating spreadsheets for data analysis. The position involves handling accounts payable and receivable, payroll duties, and administrative tasks. Benefits include paid time off and health insurance. This entry-level job requires excellent organizational skills for managing invoices and reports.

💪KATE BUTLER: R3 EXPERT

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes lots of food temptations and goodies. It's easy to overindulge, but let's make good choices and stay healthy. That way, we can get a head start on our New Year's resolutions! 

How many of us resolve to start a new diet in January, only to fall off the wagon and gain back all the weight we worked so hard to lose? I can help you break that cycle with a sensible plan that helps you enjoy the blessing of good food, resets your metabolism, and helps you break the cycle of overeating, dieting, and regaining weight. 

For more info: https://mylastweightlossprogram.com/kate or just call me at 815-878-3278 and we can chat in person..which I prefer!

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautiful farmhouse located at 23779 1480 Ave N, Princeton, is listed for $325,000. This 4-6 bedroom home, sitting on 4.3 acres, blends old charm with modern updates, including a new water softener, electrical system, and furnace in 2024. The home is well-equipped for horse owners with a two-stall barn and a large machine shed. Inside, the property offers spacious wood flooring, a sunroom, and main floor laundry. With its serene country setting and updated features, this home offers both comfort and functionality.

• Located in the charming Timber Ridge subdivision, this ranch home at 2332 Amelia Dr. offers a grand and welcoming feel with a beautiful brick front exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open floor plan living and dining area featuring high ceilings and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and soft-close hardware, perfect for hosting. The home includes a sunroom, a fully finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, and a large family room with in-floor heating. Key updates include a new HVAC system in 2022 and a new roof in 2023, ensuring low maintenance for years to come.

• A well-maintained four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home located at 1133 W Clark St, is available for $219,000. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and opens to a cozy family room featuring a gas log fireplace. Recent updates include new patio doors, a roof from 2020, and a Generac generator installed in 2022. The upstairs has four bedrooms, with the primary bedroom featuring a bath and double closets. The property includes a two-car attached garage and is situated on a crawl space with access to the garage.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Four Seasons showcases Vera Bradley’s vibrant spring collection, featuring purses, wallets, and more to get you ready for warmer days.

• Scooter’s Coffee introduced its new winter menu, including Blackberry Macchiato, Strawberry Protein Shakes, and $6 Brews & Bites Combos.

• The Princeton Closet’s donation center will be reopening on January 2. Security cameras are in place, and unauthorized dumping is prohibited outside the center’s operating hours. The organization thanks donors for their support and asks the community to respect posted guidelines.

• Paisano’s Ristorante launched its Birria Pizza, inspired by the Birria Taco, featuring marinated beef, queso, onions, and a consommé dipping sauce.

• Bean Buzz invites you to try their new Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea, available in small and large sizes.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America invites customers to start the new year with a fresh look for their homes. They offer a variety of flooring options, including carpet, tile, and waterproof flooring, perfect for new year projects.

• The Knack invites participants to reserve private “Paint Your Partner” parties, combining art with fun in a BYOB setting. This creative experience is open to all, with no painting skills required. Contact them to schedule a memorable session.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe offers beautiful 2025 calendar planners to help start the year organized. These planners are perfect for staying motivated and keeping track of important dates. Visit the shop to pick one up and prepare for a productive year.

• Hornbaker Gardens features Polywood Adirondack furniture designed for all seasons, with various colors and styles available. Customers can find these durable and stylish pieces in their showroom.

• Simply Nutrition invites customers to stop by for shakes, teas, and positive vibes to fuel their day. The business focuses on health and hydration for achieving goals.

• Miss Betsy’s has made it easier for donut lovers to place their orders by phone. Simply call 815-878-9066 to enjoy their delicious treats. Don’t miss the chance to satisfy your cravings with a quick call.

• Eclectic Joy is offering a sale with discounts of 40–50% on seasonal items, including decorations and gifts. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by for these special deals.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This stunning property at 16127 2500 East St. is listed for $963,000 and sits on a 60-acre lot with a private, fully stocked lake. Built in 2018, the home offers four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a 1,780-square-foot main floor, and a fully finished walkout basement. The property includes two master suites with lake views, a whole-house generator, a barn for equipment storage, and 14+ acres of income-producing farmland. Outdoor features include ATV trails, hunting blinds, food plots, and bridges, making it ideal for a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or Airbnb investment. This unique property offers tranquility and versatility.

• This spacious home at 13336 Lovers Lane Rd. is listed for $379,000 and features five bedrooms and four and a half baths across 3,500 square feet. The property includes two master suites, a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a large fenced backyard with mature trees for privacy. The partially finished basement offers additional living space, a full bathroom, and plenty of storage. Outdoor amenities include a three-car garage, a 30x40 red barn with a small office and half bath, horse stalls, and a pasture with turnout shelter. Situated in a serene neighborhood, this home provides both comfort and functionality for country living.

• This beautifully maintained Victorian home at 1402 S Euclid Ave. is listed for $285,000 and offers three bedrooms and one and a half baths across 2,824 square feet. The house features original oak woodwork, light-filled rooms, high ceilings, and hardwood floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The first floor includes a double living room, formal dining room, and a modern kitchen with handmade hickory cabinets, an island, and stainless-steel appliances. Unique highlights include a large family room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, as well as an expansive unfinished attic and basement for additional storage or customization. Situated on an oversized lot with a 30x40 four-car tandem garage and workshop, this property blends charm with practicality.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Rock Island family desperately searches for missing teen as mother battles for life in ICU

• Trump Hotel Cybertruck Blast: What We Know About Possible Terrorist Attack

• 15 dead, at least 30 hurt after man plows into crowds in New Orleans French Quarter

• New Year’s Eve Kewanee high speed police chase ends in multiple citations

• Fulton wins at the buzzer 49-47

• Lee County Sheriff’s Department K9 Nemo retired on Tuesday after serving his community for 6 years.

🔥GREAT AMAZON DEALS

• Sperax Walking Pad, 2.5HP Under Desk Treadmills for Home

• Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller

• Adhesive Shower Caddy

• Aquasonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush

• YIVIEW Sleep Mask for Side Sleeper

🩸VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The American Red Cross is urging individuals to become volunteers as disaster responses have nearly doubled over the past decade. Interim CEO Catherine Rabenstine highlighted the critical need for more volunteers due to the rising number of disasters nationwide. The Red Crossprovides essential services such as disaster relief, blood donation, and support for military families. Interested parties can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

“We’re seeing both the frequency and intensity of disasters increase across the country and the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago to help people. This uptick in responses means we need more volunteers. The need to help has never been greater,” said Catherine Rabenstine, Interim CEO of the Illinois Red Cross.

DISASTER VOLUNTEERS ─ Some of our most needed disaster-related volunteer roles include:

• Disaster Action Team: Most of the 60,000 emergenciesthat the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires, and these are no less devastating to the families affected. As a

• Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, or supplies, and connecting them to long-term recovery services. We supply all the training you need.

• Disaster Recovery Care: Casework volunteers provide support to people after disasters to help them get back on their feet. This can include providing referrals to other organizations, serving as an advocate, and issuing financial assistance through a special online system. Volunteers are needed to help both virtually and onsite after disasters.

• Disaster Mental Health: Disaster Mental Health volunteers provide mental health support to those impacted by a disaster. To be qualified, you must hold a master’s degree and a current, unencumbered license as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, school psychologist, or school counselor. Current psychiatric nurses with state licenses as registered nurses and at least two years of experience in a psychiatric setting are also qualified, as are retired mental health professionals who were licensed and maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement.

BIOMEDICAL SERVICES ─ The Red Cross helps to supply about 40% of the nation’s blood, and we depend on volunteers to help ensure patients have access to this lifesaving gift.

• Blood Donor Ambassador: Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. They greet donors, answer questions, and thank them for their donations.

• Blood Transportation Specialist: Volunteer Transportation Specialists deliver life-saving blood products from Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. Typical shifts are about 4 hours. We ask for a commitment of 2-4 shifts per month (or more if you can).

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