🪩A Daddy/Daughter Dance, Candy Cane Donuts, and Brunch with Buddy

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Good morning, Princeton. I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We sure did. We have so much to be thankful for, don’t we? I’m thankful for Jesus, my family, my church, Princeton, and you.

Here we go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
⚾️Support the Camp Family
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Things To Do This Week
🪩Father/Daughter Dance At The Met
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
💝Magi Baby Chests
📍Outside City Limits
🎶The Christmas Revels
🍿At the Apollo
🐈Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• KWQC: Princeton man killed, 2 family members seriously injured after fatal crash Friday

• BCR: Princeton High School Illinois State Scholars are Nolan Anderson, Grace Eggers, Ellie Harp, Timothy Lewis, Ian Morris, Gavin Pinter, Arianne Tirao and Maximus Wilborn.

• The River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will be in Bureau County on Thursday, Dec. 5. The mobile pantry will begin distribution at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton. Registration is from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Those using the pantry should arrive 30 minutes before distribution. The distribution will be indoors and may take up to two hours. The food pantry is coming to Princeton in partnership with the Bureau County Food Pantry, Old Wheels Club and First Lutheran Church. For information, visit riverbendfoodbank.org.

• The Bureau County Chorus and Princeton Community Band will join forces for a holiday performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, in the Princeton High School auditorium. The event promises a festive celebration featuring both groups sharing their musical talents in a collaborative concert.

• City of Princeton: Last Thursday’s garbage will be collected today, December 2, and Friday garbage on Tuesday, December 3, with regular routes for December 2 and 3 unchanged.

• Princeton’s Night of Lights will be held on Friday, December 6th, featuring festive activities for the whole family. The evening begins with a Christmas Tree Lighting at Veterans Park at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Lighted Christmas Parade down Main Street at 6:15 p.m. After the parade, families can enjoy a Candy Cane Hunt at Soldiers & Sailors Park at 7:00 p.m. and visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and live reindeer at Rotary Park starting at 7:30 p.m.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautifully maintained Victorian home at 1402 S Euclid Ave is listed at $290,000, recently reduced from $300,000. This spacious property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double living room/parlor, complemented by handcrafted hickory cabinets in the kitchen. Highlights include a second-level family room, an expansive unfinished attic, and a heated 30’ x 40’ tandem garage with workshop space. With its character-filled details and proximity to parks and recreation, this home is perfect for the holidays.

• This two-bedroom, one-bath home at 23671 N 2300th Ave is listed for $119,500, reduced from $139,500. Set on 1.1 acres, the property features a spacious living area with open kitchen and dining, plus a 40’ x 56’ heated shop with concrete floors, high ceilings, and loft storage. The shop includes two oversized doors, a half bath, an office area, and good lighting, perfect for various uses. Located in a peaceful rural setting, the home offers great potential with a little renovation.

• This 5.53-acre property at 19364 State Highway 34 is listed at $377,000, recently reduced from $397,000. The four-bedroom, two-bath home has been updated with new windows, central air, and upgraded plumbing and electrical systems. Additional features include a 3+ car garage, three outbuildings with new electric service, and a large barn ready for heavy equipment or livestock. The yard includes mature trees, perennials, and a gazebo, offering a peaceful rural setting just outside town.

⚾️SUPPORT THE CAMP FAMILY

On November 29th, the Camp family was involved in a tragic car accident. David Camp did not survive. Melinda and Michael sustained serious injuries and are currently in Rockford after being airlifted from a hospital in Ottawa. Thankfully, Lexee was discharged after a few hours of observation.

David’s passing will have a profound impact on the family, both emotionally and financially. We are seeking support to cover the cost of his funeral and services, as well as the medical expenses Melinda and Michael will incur during their hospitalization.

Let’s come together to show the Camp family how much they mean to our community. David was a friend to all and will be deeply missed.

Please consider showing support through this GoFundMe account.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥️Today: Intervals of clouds and sunshine dominate the day, with a high near 29°F. Winds from the west will range between 10 to 15 mph. Nighttime brings partly cloudy skies, and temperatures dip to a chilly 15°F. Winds continue from the west but remain light.

💨Tuesday: The day features partly cloudy skies, and temperatures rise to a high of 33°F. West-northwest winds will blow at 10 to 15 mph. During the night, the clouds increase, bringing mostly cloudy skies and a low near 25°F. Winds will shift slightly to the west-southwest.

🌨️Wednesday: Considerable cloudiness persists throughout the day, with an isolated rain or snow shower possible and a high of 42°F. Breezy conditions bring west winds at 10 to 20 mph. Night skies start mostly cloudy but clear partially after midnight, with lows plummeting to 10°F. Winds ease but linger from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Winter’s Rollercoaster: Brief Warm-Up, Arctic Blast Ahead

The work week begins with a continuation of chilly conditions, as highs linger in the mid to upper 20s under occasional cloud cover. By Tuesday, temperatures are expected to climb closer to the freezing mark, with further warming on Wednesday bringing highs near 40. However, this brief reprieve ends as a cold front sweeps through, delivering an even sharper drop in temperatures. Ahead of the front, rain showers might develop, transitioning to light snow as the system passes. While precipitation remains a possibility, the overall chances are minimal. Once the front clears, a surge of arctic air will bring the season’s lowest temperatures on Thursday. Looking ahead, another system may bring precipitation opportunities by the weekend.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.17
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

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Frost, a 4-year-old gentle and sweet dog, is looking for his forever home. Fully vetted and friendly with both dogs and cats, Frost has great manners, walks well on a leash, and would make a wonderful family companion.

• Beck’s is celebrating the first week of its Holiday Advent Calendar by offering a free medium coffee or fountain drink to Beck’s Rewards members. Visit your nearest Beck’s this week to claim your free gift and enjoy a treat on them!

• 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.

• Wild Honey Boutique features a must-have Steve Madden jacket for $109 in sizes XS, M, and L, along with Vervet baggy wide-leg jeans for $72. These pieces make excellent gifts or additions to your winter wardrobe.

• 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.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America is helping customers prepare for the holidays by upgrading their homes with luxurious flooring options. The large showroom features a variety of vinyl planks, tiles, carpets, and hardwood flooring for any style.

• 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.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is now offering Pop Daddy Pretzels in Maple & Brown Butter and Beer Cheese flavors for just $4.99 per bag. Stop by and grab a bag to enjoy these delicious snacks.

• Little Blue Dress has extended hours in December, staying open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select Wednesdays, along with special holiday hours leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

• Rachel Rene invites you to shop for great holiday gifts and earn triple rewards points. Visit their store from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. today or shop online with free shipping through Monday.

• Four Seasons highlights the Southern Lady Family collection featuring comfortable tops, tunics, jackets, and cardigans. Shop their cozy and stylish options for winter essentials.

• Maupin’s Providence Homestead showcases beautiful new furniture pieces and vintage finds. Visit their shop today to explore unique and timeless home decor options.

• The Rotary Club is now accepting applications for its 2025 “Love Our Community” grants, which aim to provide $1,000 awards to ten nonprofit organizations. Applications can be submitted through January 31, 2025, with recipients announced by April.

• Monical’s Pizza offers various coupon deals, including a 16-inch Family Pleaser for $25.50 and gluten-free dippers for $6.99. Offers are valid for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery until December 24.

• 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.

• Shane’s Towing & Repair offers 24/7 tow truck services, including lockouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, tire changes, and winchouts. Reach out for quick, professional, and reliable assistance anytime at (815) 915-1451.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will host a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 10th, at 11:30 AM. Attendees need to RSVP by December 3rd by contacting Sam at 815-879-3981.

🗓️THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• Christmas Delight: Celebrate Christmas with MomCo on Tuesday, December 3, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 24 N Main St. Pastor Jessica Boggs will be the special guest speaker at this holiday brunch and gift exchange event. Participants are encouraged to bring a wrapped gift worth $5 or less for the white elephant theme and their favorite Christmas dish to share.

• Brunch with Buddy the Elf: Join Buddy the Elf for a fun and festive brunch on Saturday, December 7, at 11 a.m., located at Cafe Grace, 1009 N Main St. Guests can expect plenty of activities, laughs, and a “buddylicious” feast.

• Trio at Barrel Society: The Bart Attacks are performing at the Barrel Society on Saturday, December 7, starting at 7 p.m. This debut event promises live music from 7 to 10 p.m.

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👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• 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.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• 2 charged after Illinois State Police seize more than 1000 pounds of cocaine in Henry County

• Two Pontiac men identified as those killed in LaSalle county wreck

• Deer hunters find success on opening weekend

• Oregon commit racks up over 500 yards, scores 7 TDs in Illinois state title win

Walk Tiskilwa

The Tiskilwa Historical Society invites everyone to join the festivities at the Christmas Markets in Tiskilwa on Saturday, December 7th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Attendees can explore local history displays, visit a variety of vendors, and meet Santa Claus. The event will also feature live music, decorated Christmas trees, carriage rides, tours, and opportunities to participate in drawings and raffles. This is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

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.

🎶PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS: “THE CHRISTMAS REVELS”

Join Princeton High School’s Music Department for “The Christmas Revels,” a charming Madrigal Dinner celebrating the holiday season! The event will take place on Saturday, December 14, at 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 15, at 3:00 PM at The Barn in Hornbaker Gardens. Tickets are priced at $30 per person, promising an elegant evening filled with music, food, and festive spirit. The dinner menu features Caesar Salad with grated Parmesan and herbed croutons, followed by a choice of Roasted Ham or Cheesy Kale and Mushroom Strata, accompanied by smashed red jacket potatoes with garlic and butter and seasoned green beans. To top off the meal, guests will enjoy a delicious Spiced Apple Tart with whipped cream.

Reservations are required, and meal selections should match the number of tickets purchased. To secure your tickets, mail your order to Princeton High School, Attn: Mr. Brandon M. Crawford, along with payment made out to Princeton Music Boosters. Tickets will be available at the door, and a confirmation call will be provided once your order is received.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🎥Now Playing Through December 5th

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!

🐈LETTER FROM LORI

My cat and I have a love-hate relationship. I never thought I’d get another cat after my last one passed. He was a bit of an accidental rescue—my kids fell in love with him, but I did not. I will say, he made me a better housekeeper since I couldn’t leave anything out without him knocking it over or destroying it.

As a pet store owner, I’m often asked why I don’t care for cats. My answer is simple: there are so many other pets I wouldn’t be able to have because of a cat. Cats are predatory and might harass or kill anything else in the house.

So, when Beulah came along, I resisted. I thought maybe early-onset dementia had set in when I agreed to take this kitten. I had never even considered getting another cat and proclaimed almost daily that it would never happen.

Never say never.

This long-haired calico demon became part of my household. At first, her Puss in Boots eyes saved her from a lot of wrath. She’d do something ‘catty,’ and I’d start to boil. Then she’d jump up and purr, and I’d let it go.

As her infractions became more severe, the eyes didn’t save her anymore. I started wielding a squirt bottle, and if I caught her in the act, she got wet. However, when I wasn’t around, the chaos I’d come home to drove me to tears:

• Paper towels all over the floor.

• Pee in Cher’s food bowl.

• Poop in my bathtub.

• Scratched and mangled drywall.

• My African Gray screeching as Beulah wiggled her butt and set up for an attack.

She takes great delight in tormenting my father’s toy poodle. Yes, I’ve discovered that dogs actually scream. Of course, since they’re the same size, there’s nowhere for Belle to hide that Beulah can’t follow, so the harassment is endless until I intervene.

To say she’s a pain in my rear end would be an understatement.

You’d think I’d be delighted when I came home one cold, snowy evening to find my door blown open by the wind and the cat nowhere in sight. I wasn’t. My parental anxiety kicked in as I realized the cat was gone.

I’m neither an optimist nor a pessimist—I’m a realist. I had no idea how long the door had been open. I live just blocks from the river, where coyotes are a threat. Other wildlife could easily make her a snack on this wintry night. My house is also on a main road, where a passing car might not notice a streak of feline crossing in front of it. The realist in me knew I had little chance of finding her, especially since she’d never been outside since I brought her home.

I unpacked my car with an aching heart. Where did that come from? She’s a pain—I should be relieved she’s gone. Belle would certainly be thrilled.

Then I heard a little jingle.

Wait—her collar! I’d bought her a bell so I’d know which room she was destroying.

Jingle. Jingle.

There she was at the side of the house, just outside the ring of light from the porch.

I called her. She ran—straight toward the road!

Great. I’d get to witness her demise and carry the guilt and mental image with me until my death.

But she stopped near the bushes at the front of the house. As I lumbered over, I saw her glowing eyes in the dark. She looked terrified. I called again, hoping I wouldn’t have to lie in the cold, wet grass and squeeze myself into the hedge to capture her.

The cat who never came when called came! Hallelujah!

As I carried her back into the house with tears of relief streaming down my face, she hissed, fought, and clawed at me, trying to escape. I’m not sure why, since she obviously wasn’t having fun outside.

Back in the warmth of the house, where her food bowl, toys, and victims awaited, she casually sauntered through her kingdom, sizing up her next disaster. First, though, she needed a nap. Being a wild puma was exhausting, and she needed to rest to inflict maximum damage later.

How often we escape from the grip of God after wreaking havoc in His kingdom. I’m sure He rolls His eyes and maybe even gets a bit irritated with our shenanigans. I’m sure He’s frustrated when we don’t learn our lessons and continually make His work harder.

But I’m also certain that when we’re hiding under the bushes, He’s willing to get on His belly, retrieve us, and return us to His kingdom. We may hiss, scratch, and fight Him on the way back, but deep down, we’re glad to be loved like that. Even if we won’t admit it, it brings us comfort.

So, when the door is wide open and decisions need to be made, will you face the coyotes, or walk back to the couch?

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

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