🎤A Bureau County Fair Announcement, Christmas Vendors, and Moana 2

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Good morning, Princeton. I did some investigative reporting for you and discovered that Miss Betsy’s Donuts is in fact one of the most wonderful places on earth. Their donuts are so light and fluffy, beautifully gold, and reasonably priced. Go check them out!

Here we go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥫Fed the Need
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🌻Festival 56 Summer Schedule
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Things To Do This Week
🪩Father/Daughter Dance At The Met
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
💝Magi Baby Chests
📍Outside City Limits
🐅At PHS This Week
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Brian Moell! 🥳

• The Bureau County Fair will announce the 2025 concert lineup this morning at 7 AM. Check it out here.

• BCR: Princeton’s police chief has been meeting with the Princeton Ministerial Association and Arukah Institute of Healing the past several months to come up with solutions for what he said is “a pretty significant unhoused population.

• PHS Varsity Boys Basketball (3-3) defeated Bureau Valley 56-49 in the Calmone Classic. Jordan Reinhardt had 20 points and Noah LaPorte had 19.

• Princeton Wrestling celebrates their athletes’ achievements at the 1st Annual Girls PIT. Highlights include Rylee Backes placing 3rd at 100 lbs, Abby Harris earning 4th at 115 lbs, and Jadeyn Klingenberg finishing 3rd at 130 lbs. Izzy Gibson also performed well, taking 5th at 135 lbs.

• Boys and girls from Kindergarten to 5th grade are invited to join Cub Scouts for an adventure in learning and outdoor fun. With exciting activities and hands-on projects, the program teaches children to overcome challenges and do their best. Registration is available online or in person, with a meeting scheduled at the Prouty Building on Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A spacious single-family home located at 528 W Hudson St. is listed for $260,000. This 1,552-square-foot property includes three bedrooms and three full baths, with a vaulted ceiling in the foyer and a large primary bedroom featuring a walk-in closet and private bath. The main floor boasts an open kitchen, dining area, and living space with a fireplace, while the basement is mostly finished with a family room, additional rooms for various uses, and a bathroom. Outside, a deck overlooks a wooded area, and the house includes a two-car garage. Additional features include a Generac generator, radon mitigation system, and sump pump.

• This beautiful ranch home at 504 Harvey Dr. is listed for $249,500. It features three bedrooms, three full baths, and a spacious 1,862-square-foot layout on a large corner lot with a side lawn. The property includes a heated two-car garage with workshop tables, three outbuildings for storage, and a basement with handicap-accessible features such as a chair lift and laundry area. The family room boasts hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, and an electric fireplace, while the kitchen offers newer windows, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator less than a year old. Additional highlights include slate flooring in the entry and a prime location near Peru St.

• This cozy ranch home at 16 N 1st St. is listed for $130,000 and offers three bedrooms and one bath. The property features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, a freshly painted interior, and includes all appliances. A two-car detached garage and a full basement provide ample storage space, while a new roof installed in 2020 and vinyl tilt-in windows enhance durability and energy efficiency. The home sits on a spacious lot with a nice-sized yard, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Additional updates include a sump pump, ensuring the property is well-maintained and ready for move-in.

🥫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: Mostly cloudy skies dominate the day with a high near 53°F and northwest winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph. The night will clear up, with lows dipping to 26°F and northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Tuesday: The day will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a chilly high of 32°F and winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 20 mph. Tuesday night will begin with mostly cloudy skies that transition to partly clear, with a low of 21°F and light winds.

🌤️Wednesday: Expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of flurries during the day, reaching a high of 26°F with winds coming from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight, temperatures plummet to a frigid 5°F under mostly clear skies, with calm winds prevailing.

Cold Fronts Bring Brief Chill Before Mild Rebound

Another cool front will pass through Monday night, setting the stage for a chilly stretch midweek. Here’s how temperatures trend: after a brief cool spell, milder air quickly returns. The overall weather setup remains relatively quiet, though a storm system on Friday could bring a mix of rain and snow to the area. Any snow would likely melt quickly, thanks to warmer conditions returning for the weekend. After enjoying mild temperatures and sunshine on Monday, the next front will arrive, triggering a steep temperature drop by Tuesday. Expect highs in the 40s and 50s Monday, but by Tuesday through Thursday, they’ll settle into the 20s and 30s. A rebound to the 40s is on tap by week’s end.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.24
Casey’s West/North: $3.26
Beck’s West/North: $3.26
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.26
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.26

🌻Festival 56 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

• Meadows On Main is offering a festive shopping experience from 12 PM to 4 PM. Shoppers can enjoy a 20% discount on Wind and Willow dips, soup, and ciders. The store is beautifully decorated, adding to the holiday cheer.

• The Knack encourages shoppers to give the gift of creativity with paint kits and gift certificates. These kits are customizable with any paints or pottery and include everything needed to create memorable holiday ornaments. Customers can stop in during store hours to purchase or pick up their kits.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is hosting a holiday raffle to support a good cause. Tickets are available for $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased at Hoffman’s or Johnsons Carpet. Don’t miss the chance to win and contribute to a meaningful effort this season.

• Second Story Teen Center is seeking volunteers to wrap gifts for their teens on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 11 AM. This effort is part of a Christmas shopping spree to spread holiday joy. Volunteers can sign up in advance or message the center to participate in making the season special.

• Rachel Rene is helping shoppers prepare for Christmas with a variety of unique gift ideas available from 12 PM to 4 PM. Items include festive bags, decorative soaps, and holiday-themed apparel. Online shopping is also available for added convenience.

• 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.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course will have special holiday hours from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors can purchase golf lessons, season tickets, and range tickets, along with gift certificates. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique gift for the golfer in your life.

• 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.

• Stop by Miss Betsy’s to try the Donut of the Month: Candy Cane. Perfectly festive, this sweet treat is available for a limited time.

• Kinetico Water Systems promotes its K5 with VOC Guard, offering eight filter options to enhance water quality. The system protects against volatile organic compounds, including cleaners, solvents, and pesticides. Customers are invited to contact their Princeton Kinetico to explore the benefits and fall in love with their water again.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering will have a Christmas Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 15th, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Reservations are now open for this festive event featuring Santa and the Grinch.

• Have you reserved your spot for Holiday Tea at Wild Ginger Bistro yet? Join them for a festive afternoon on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd (seatings at 11:00, 12:45, and 2:30), featuring beautifully decorated surroundings, delicious three-tiered trays, and special touches to make your visit memorable. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected], with packages ranging from The Duchess at $33 to The Queen at $47, plus a $17 Children’s Tea option—because everyone, including real men, can enjoy tea!

• Pre-order your favorite holiday ice cream flavors at Sisler’s Ice Cream, including Vanilla, French Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Eggnog. With high demand during the holidays, early orders are highly recommended.

• 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

• The “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Craft & Vendor Show and Gift Sale will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 9 AM to 2 PM at 811 West Peru Street. For more information, visit www.bureaucountyfair.com or call 815-866-3606—vendor spaces are already sold out.

• The First Annual Christmas Market is set to take place at Rotary Park on December 14, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, food and drink, and live music throughout the day. Hosted by Midland States Bank, this holiday event promises seasonal cheer for the whole family. Vendor applications are currently being accepted for those interested in participating. For more details or to apply, contact 815-876-2565 or visit princetontourism.org.

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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

• Six Illinois People Arrested in Human Trafficking Operation

• How cold was the coldest day in Illinois?

• The Absolute 'Best Restaurant In Illinois' According To Guy Fieri

Blue Christmas Event in Sheffield

Sometimes “Merry Christmas” is just not so merry.

You or someone you know may struggle with finding joy this Christmas, because of a recent change or loss due to death, divorce, sickness, or unfortunate and tragic circumstances. The constant refrain on the radio and television, in the shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all of these can make us feel very empty in the midst of celebrating and spending. Adding to this blue mood is the darkest day of the year, the winter solstice, which falls on December 21st of 2024.

The Cornerstone Community Wellness Center in Sheffield is offering a Blue Christmas Candlelight Community Service on December 6th, 2024 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend.

Come experience a simple time of music, readings, and reflection that acknowledge Emmanuel, God with us, in the midst of hard times. You might be surprised by how many people need this kind of service during the season of Christmas.

The short service will be followed by a brief time of light refreshments and fellowship.

🪩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.

🐅AT PHS THIS WEEK

December 9th

• N N Music: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

December 10

• Boys Wrestling vs. Hall/Putnam County Coop: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

December 12

• Girls Sophomore Basketball vs. Mendota High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Mendota High School: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

December 14, 2024

• Girls Sophomore Basketball vs. Kewanee High School: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• N N Music: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Time TBD)

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🎥Now Playing Through December 12th

Wicked (PG)

• A magical retelling of the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, set in the enchanting land of Oz.

Moana 2 (PG)

• The long-awaited sequel to Disney’s Moana, featuring new adventures and the return of beloved characters as Moana continues her journey of self-discovery.

🕐Coming Soon

Bonhoeffer

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

Gladiator 2

• The epic sequel to Gladiator, following the next chapter of Roman battles, political intrigue, and heroism.

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.

Their traditional gift cards are still available for purchase at the box office!

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

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