🏰Wassail, the All-Tournament Team, and Hypothermia

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Good morning, Princeton. Especially the Princeton High School Madrigal singers, who put on two terrific performances this weekend at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. Great music, great food, and great wassail!

Here we go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥫Feed the Need
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🎭Festival 56
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Things To Do This Week
🪩Father/Daughter Dance At The Met
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
💝Magi Baby Chest
🐶Animal Control
🏀Upcoming High School Sports
📍Outside City Limits
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Grace Griffin! 🥳

• BCR: A century ago, disastrous blaze destroyed Princeton High School

• Princeton boys basketball fell to Mendota 58-56 Saturday in a hard-fought game, finishing 1-3 in the Colmone Classic. Jordan Reinhard was named to the tournament’s all-tournament team.

• The City of Princeton Firehouse will host a cheerful visit from Santa Claus for a holiday gathering! Children and their families are encouraged to stop by on Tuesday, December 17th, between 6 PM and 8 PM, for a joyful evening filled with seasonal fun. Guests will have the chance to snap photos, share their holiday dreams, and savor festive goodies. Be sure to bring along your holiday joy—and perhaps a wish list to share with Santa himself.

• Princeton Bible Church invites you for their Christmas Eve Service, The Story of His Love, at 6pm. Yours truly will be singing a song with his family.

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  🏡Property Transfers

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This spacious two-story home at 405 N Church St. is listed for $90,000 and offers five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,760 square feet of living space. The main floor includes an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, laundry room, and a bedroom with a bathroom. Upstairs, additional bedrooms and a second bathroom await, though the upstairs bath needs renovation. The property also features a detached two-car garage and sits on a corner lot, making it ideal for buyers seeking space and value. Being sold “as is,” this home provides a great opportunity for customization and upgrades.

• This charming farmette at 20763 2215 East St. is listed for $240,000 and sits on 2.4 picturesque acres. The cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home features updated wiring, plumbing, a brand-new roof, and a radon mitigation system for added peace of mind. A spacious living area connects to an attached bonus room that could serve as a fourth bedroom. The property includes a classic red barn with a workshop area and a newer two-car garage that complements the home’s aesthetic. Additional updates like the new septic system and Kohler generator make this a perfect opportunity for peaceful country living.

• This cozy home at 3101 Bedford Dr. is listed for $119,900 and offers three bedrooms, one bathroom, and 1,300 square feet of living space. Featuring vinyl siding and central air, it is ideal as a starter home or rental property. The house sits on a spacious lot and includes an attached garage for convenience. With potential for customization, this property offers an excellent opportunity for investment or first-time buyers. Its affordable price and charming layout make it a must-see.

🥫STARVED ROCK MEDIA: FEED THE NEED

As the need grows, Feed the Need grows, too. 

With more Illinois Valley families than ever facing food insecurity, Miller Group Charitable Trust and we here at Starved Rock Media are expanding the annual Christmas Feed the Need fund drive. 

This month, when you make a monetary donation to one of five food pantries, the Trust will match the gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $17,500. The participating food pantries are the Bureau County Food Pantry, Community Food Basket of Ottawa, Hall Township Food Pantry, Illinois Valley Food Pantry, and Putnam County Food Pantry.

Just click here to learn more, and to be directed to the pantries online.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️Today: Clouds and scattered showers will linger through the middle of the day, giving way to sunshine by the afternoon. High temperatures will reach 40°F with brisk WSW winds at 10 to 20 mph. The evening will see mostly clear skies as temperatures dip to 29°F. Winds will remain steady from the WNW at 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Tuesday: Partly cloudy skies dominate the day with a high near 39°F. Westerly winds will continue at 10 to 15 mph. The night brings increasing clouds with a chance of a wintry mix of rain and snow. Lows will settle around 28°F, with winds calming slightly to 5 to 10 mph.

🌥️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy conditions will prevail throughout the day as temperatures peak at 32°F. Winds will blow from the west at 10 to 15 mph. By nightfall, skies will start mostly cloudy but clear late, allowing lows to drop to 17°F. Winds will shift slightly to the WNW, maintaining speeds of 10 to 15 mph.

Weather Whiplash: Fog, Cold Fronts, and a Midweek Chill

Fog has formed as the ice melted, releasing moisture into the air. The fog will stick around through early Monday before a cold front moves through, clearing things up. Temperatures will warm up just enough to melt more of the remaining ice.

Behind the front, Tuesday will bring cooler temperatures. Another cold front late Tuesday could lead to light snow or flurries overnight into early Wednesday. Wednesday will be chilly, with highs staying below freezing. By Thursday, a warm front will push temperatures back up, but the weekend looks colder again. Precipitation chances stay low through this time, which is good news for holiday travel. While it’s quiet now, we’ll all be hoping for a White Christmas to kick off the holiday spirit!

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.15
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.17
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

🎭Festival 56

Festival 56 asks: Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite theatergoer? Or perhaps you’d like to treat yourself to the world of drama, laughter, and unforgettable performances? Don’t miss out on ticket savings!

The Santa Special Festival Pass for 2025 is $150.00, and the Flex Four package for 2025 is $110.00. Purchase online at Festival56.com or at the Box Office at 316 S. Main St., Princeton, which will be open on Saturdays, December 14th and 21st, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Summer Schedule

•  “Hairspray the Musical” will be staged from June 27 to July 5 at the Grace Theater. This vibrant production follows Tracy Turnblad, a bold teen striving for racial equality on a 1960s TV program.

•  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will grace Soldiers and Sailors Park from July 6 to July 30. Shakespeare’s enchanting play delves into love, confusion, and whimsical fairy interventions.

• “Carrie: The Musical” runs July 11 through July 20 at the Grace Theater, unraveling the story of an outcast teenager navigating bullying and family conflict while discovering her supernatural abilities.

• “The Little Mermaid” is set for July 25 to August 3, showcasing Ariel’s quest for freedom and transformation in a captivating tale of courage and sacrifice.

• The Cabaret Series offers performances from June 20 through August 3, spotlighting diverse musical styles and creating a dynamic connection between audiences and performers.

Tickets can be purchased online at Festival56.com, at the box office, or by calling 815-879-5656.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past offers “Grab and Go” goody mugs for $10. Each includes a choice of festive mug, Ghirardelli hot cocoa, chocolates, and Lindt truffles. The mugs are ready for gifting or adding a gift card.

• Rachel Rene has a variety of stocking stuffer options available. Shoppers can visit the store or shop online at www.rachelrene.com. Items include soaps, keychains, and holiday-themed products.

• Four Seasons features Napa Valley sweaters for under $20, with petite and plus sizes available. The sweaters have a soft, cable-knit design for versatile wear. The deal runs through December 2024 and cannot be combined with other offers.

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats now offers sweet Italian sausage for $6. Customers can order the sausage with or without grilled onions. Delivery is available through DoorDash.

• Simply Nutrition promotes pre-packaged “Take & Make” Boosted Teas as holiday gifts. Customers can preorder, take advantage of bulk discounts, and enjoy a 12 Days of Christmas surprise flavor event. The teas are available for pickup during store hours.

• Downtown Liquidation is offering a 9-foot Christmas tree for free. The lights do not work, and it is first come, first served.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is keeping the community cozy this winter with a selection of blankets, pillows, and pillowcases. The store offers a variety of styles and patterns to fit every home. Customers are invited to stop by and browse their collection.

• The holiday season brings many food temptations, but making healthy choices now can set you up for success with your New Year’s resolutions. Many people struggle with dieting cycles, losing weight only to regain it, but there’s a better way. Kate Butler offer a sensible plan to reset your metabolism, enjoy good food, and break the cycle of overeating and dieting. For more information, visit mylastweightlossprogram.com/kate or call her directly at 815-878-3278.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering freshly made caramel, cheese, and plain popcorn, with bags priced at $4.99 and $6.99. Holiday popcorn tins are available for $20 (small) and $35 (large), with a $5 discount for preorders. Customers can enjoy these handmade treats for the season.

• Optimal Health has introduced a selection of plant-based crackers from Mary’s Gone Crackers. The offerings include organic options such as cheese, sea salt, chocolate, cinnamon, and honey flavors. These healthy snacks are now available in-store.

• Corner Chair Market features a six-drawer black dresser, combining style with ample storage space. The dresser is presented as a great gift idea for the season. Customers are encouraged to visit the store to view this unique piece.

• Boek-el-ZOO invites shoppers for a unique experience with exotic pets and special deals this weekend. For every $25 spent, customers are entered into a Lottery Tree drawing, which will be held on December 20. The store combines shopping with entertainment for the holidays.

• Blue Jay Way Records has a wide selection of Christmas music available on LPs, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. Shoppers can find nostalgic holiday tunes to enjoy throughout the season. The store’s collection includes classic albums and rare finds for music enthusiasts.

• Paisano’s Ristorante introduces December’s Pizza of the Month: The Leftover. Topped with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry drizzle, this creative pizza brings Thanksgiving flavors to your table.

• The Clark Street Pet Pantry accepts donations of pet food to help furry friends in need. Donations can be left at 309 W. Clark Street, with larger quantities portioned into smaller bags.

• Freedom House invites the community to “adopt” a family for the holiday season, offering support and spreading holiday cheer. To participate, contact Amber at (815) 872-0087 for more information.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is hosting a Nerf event on Friday, December 20, with sessions for K–2nd grade (2:45–3:30 PM), 3rd–5th grade (3:45–4:30 PM), and 6th–8th grade (4:45–5:30 PM). Participants should bring their own launchers, while standard darts and balls will be provided (or bring your own larger ammo if needed). The cost is $10 for members, $15 for residents, and $20 for non-residents. The Alexander Ice Rink is now open for the season with hours from 12–8 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 12–7 p.m. Friday–Sunday. Ice skates are available for $5 rental, with all rentals to be returned before closing. For details, contact the Metro Center.

🗓️THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• Kick off the week with MomCo’s Mom’s Night Out on Monday, December 16, at The Knox Hotel, 956 North Main Street. Enjoy a fun Home Alone-themed escape room challenge starting at 7:30 PM. The cost is $10 per person, and participants are encouraged to arrive by 7:15 PM. Bring your friends for an evening of laughs and friendly competition.

• Get creative at Jolly Nutcracker Paint Night on Wednesday, December 18, at 6 PM at the Downtown Pub & Event Center, 432 S. Main Street. This event offers a pre-drawn Nutcracker canvas for $35 (16x20), perfect for painters of all skill levels. Book your spot online at paintingpartiesbylucy.com or via Venmo at @LucySchmidt99. Arrive early to enjoy a meal or grab a drink from the cash bar while you paint.

• Celebrate the season at Christmas Family Fun Night on Friday, December 20, at 4 PM at Princeton Wesleyan Church, 421 E Dover Road. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with games, movies, popcorn, and breakfast treats. Wear your coziest pajamas and enjoy a night of laughter and connection with friends and family.

• Join the fun at Grinchmas at True Leaves Bookshop on Saturday, December 21, from 9 AM to 11 AM at 15 Park Ave West. Enjoy donuts, storytime, and plenty of holiday cheer with family and friends. Don’t miss a special visit from the Grinch himself—dress in your Who-tastic best for a festive morning of reading, laughter, and joy.

• Wrap up the season with the Polar Express Party on Saturday, December 21, from 12 PM to 7 PM at The Knack, 906 North Main Street. Stay warm in your pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and paint winter-themed pottery using stencils for unique designs. Pricing is $7 for kids/students and $10 for adults, plus the cost of pottery. No reservations are needed, but groups of six or more are encouraged to call ahead.

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👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Logan Junior High School is hiring classroom paraprofessionals for the 2024–2025 school year, starting January 6, 2025. The role involves assisting teachers and students in education, supervision, and management; licensing information is available online, and applications can be directed to Mr. Zach Smith.

• Team Member | Tractor Supply Company | Full-time

  Overtime, Weekends as needed | Responsibilities include operating cash registers and using equipment as necessary.

• Inventory Research Warehouse Specialist | ACE Hardware | Full-time

  $19.00 - $20.50 an hour | Overtime, Paid sick time

• Outpatient Registrar | Perry Memorial Hospital | Full-time

  Handles switchboard operations, emergency code transmission, and communication tasks.

• Bakery Department Manager | Sullivan’s Foods | Full-time

  Responsibilities include providing excellent customer service for in-store and special orders.

• Car Wash District Manager | Beck Oil Company of Illinois | Full-time

  Leads daily operations while managing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

• Team Member | Casey’s General Stores | Full-time

  Focuses on tasks like stocking, cashiering, and providing friendly customer service.

• Environmental Services Specialist | Perry Memorial Hospital | Full-time

  Requires communication skills, ability to work independently, and motor coordination.

• Team Supervisor | Gateway Services, Inc | Full-time

  Weekends as needed | Duties include training, scheduling, and budget oversight.

• Breakfast Crew Member | Wendy’s | Part-time

  Provides excellent customer service in a pleasant, upbeat environment.

• Patient Access Associate | OSF HealthCare | Part-time

  $18.80 an hour | Requires a high school diploma or GED and customer service experience.

• Assistant Public Defender | Bureau County | Part-time | From $30,847 a year

  Requires Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and a license to practice law.

• Delivery Driver | AutoZone | Part-time

  $14.15 - $14.43 an hour | Full-time opportunities available | Weekends as needed | Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift and deliver merchandise.

• Merchandising Sales Associate | Tractor Supply Company | Full-time

  Responsible for traveling with the Field Activity Support Team (FAST) to manage projects within an assigned district.

• Checkout Team Associate | Walmart | Part-time

  $15 - $22 an hour | Evening shift | Responsibilities include greeting customers, processing payments, and maintaining a positive attitude.

💪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!

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Dugosh Farms offers honey, maple syrup, popcorn, and dried spices as Christmas gift options. Additional produce includes butternut squash and baking pumpkins. Items are available for purchase at 815-878-2831.

• Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture in Sheffield shares progress on end tables and an Alice in Wonderland jewelry box. The custom pieces feature intricate designs and artwork. These projects will be listed for sale soon.

• Sheffield’s West Park ice rink is now open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Conditions of the ice will be updated on park signage and Facebook. Lights and heated restrooms are available, with plans for project phases two and three underway.

• The mysterious drones that were first spotted over New Jersey have now been spotted over Illinois as 4 new videos prove.

• Joe Biden commuted the sentence of former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell, who stole millions from the community to supplement her lavish lifestyle.

🪩FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE AT THE MET

The Princeton Park District is hosting a Father/Daughter Dance at the Metro Center on Saturday, December 28, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. This special event will feature crafts, photos, and dancing for all attendees. Admission is $10 for BCMC members, $12 for Princeton residents, and $15 for nonresidents. Fathers and daughters are invited to enjoy an afternoon of bonding and fun activities. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting memories together!

💝MAGI BABY CHEST

The Magi Baby Chest in Princeton has set the date for its Magi Gala, a Valentine’s evening celebration, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the barn at Hornbaker Gardens.

This formal fundraising event will feature dinner and dancing in support of the Magi Baby Chest. Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The Steve Sharp Band will provide live music, and the evening will include a small silent auction and additional activities. The nonprofit describes the event as a mix of fun and sophistication, designed to help babies and toddlers in need.

Proceeds from the gala will fund baby supplies for families. The event’s aim is not only to generate financial support for the Magi Baby Chest but also to engage the broader community and highlight the services the organization provides to local families.

The Magi Baby Chest hopes to expand its donor base and inspire ongoing support beyond the St. Louis parish community. The nonprofit encourages attendees to invite friends interested in learning about and supporting a pro-family initiative.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be purchased online at magibabychest.com or at the St. Louis parish office. Open seating will be available unless a table of eight is reserved. Tickets are priced at $75 per person or $600 for a table. Quantities are limited. Donations can also be made online or by mailing a check to St. Louis Church, with “MBC” noted in the memo line.

🐶PRINCETON ANIMAL CONTROL: WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A HYPOTHERMIC ANIMAL

DO NOT feed.
DO NOT submerge in water.

DO bring inside out of the weather.
DO dry the animal off.
DO stroke to stimulate blood flow.
DO get to a vet immediately.

If you feed a kitten with a temperature <97, you can kill it!
If you warm them up too fast, you can kill it!
If it is frozen to the ground, DO NOT pull it off! Instead, get LUKEWARM water and pour it around and under the animal.

DO NOT use hot water. Once free, immediately dry it off, wrap it in a dry towel, and get it to the nearest vet.

🏀UPCOMING HIGHSCHOOL SPORTS

Thursday, December 19th

• Girls Basketball (FS & Varsity): The teams are gearing up for the Ottawa Tournament. Freshmen/Sophomores will face an opponent to be determined at 5:30 PM, while Varsity will take on Streator at 7:00 PM. Early dismissal at 4:00 PM for participants. Let's show our school spirit and support our Tigers!

Friday, December 20th

• Boys Basketball (FS): Freshmen/Sophomores play at Oregon at 5:15 PM, with an early dismissal at 3:00 PM. Varsity's game time is TBD.

• Girls Basketball (FS & Varsity): Continuing in the Ottawa Tournament, with games against TBD opponents.

• JV & Varsity Boys Basketball: Home games against Mendota High School at 5:30 & 7:00 PM in the PHS Prouty Gym. Come cheer on our Tigers!

Saturday, December 21st

• Boys Basketball (FS): Game time TBD at Oregon High School.

• Girls Basketball (FS & Varsity): Continuing their tournament run at Ottawa High School with game times TBD.

• Wrestling: The team is off to DeWitt for the Sabre Invite, starting bright and early at 8:00am

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🎥Now Playing Through December 19th

Bonhoeffer (PG-13) One Week Only!

• A gripping historical drama about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and spy who resisted the Nazi regime, showcasing his courage and sacrifice.

• Tuesday to Wednesday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

• Thursday: 4:15 PM (Last Show!)

Moana 2 (PG) Last Week!

• The sequel to Disney’s Moana, continuing the beloved heroine’s journey of discovery and adventure.

• Tuesday to Wednesday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

• Thursday: 4:30 PM only

Sonic 3 (PG)

• Premiere: Pajama Premiere Day!

• Thursday: 7:00 PM

Tickets are available at apolloprinceton.com or at the box office. Thy now have Electronic Gift Cards available on their website as well. Instantly available for use, they make the perfect last minute gift or if you don't have the possibility to hand over gift in person.

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