🌡️Bubble Wrap, Trunk or Treats, and Thermometers

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Hey, we made it to the weekend. Bubble wrap was originally invented in 1957 by two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, as a textured wallpaper. The product never caught on for home décor, but it found new life when IBM began using it in the 1960s to protect delicate computer components during shipping. Today, bubble wrap is one of the most popular packaging materials, with its satisfying pop becoming a beloved stress-relief activity.

Now you know. Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Things to Do This Weekend
🏈Tigers Recap
🍼The Magi Gala
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📚Happening at the Library
🎳Bowling for Veterans
🔭A Look Ahead
🌡️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Mazey Sterling and Mike Birdsley🎂

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• The Princeton City Council took the first steps to reduce the speed limit on Euclid Street from the BNSF railroad crossing to Backbone Road. 

• Starved Rock Media: Freedom House of Princeton is making plans to expand services into Henry County.

• Support Project Fire Buddy at the Princeton Fire Department by entering a raffle for a Traeger Pro 34 grill, with all proceeds aiding children battling serious illnesses. Tickets are $20 for 5 entries or $50 for 15 entries, and the raffle drawing will take place on November 30th. Donations are accepted via Venmo or checks payable to Princeton L4308.

• Save the date! The Z Tour 2025 is officially scheduled for Saturday, June 21st. This annual event promises a scenic and exciting ride, and more details will be shared as the date approaches.

• City of Princeton: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours wil be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Participating households should have a porch light on. Trick-or-Treaters should do their best to be visible and be mindful of traffic at al times. Vehicle drivers should do their best to be mindful of low-visibility costumes and children crossing the roadways at all times.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bureau County Fair judged the 3rd Annual “Haunt Your Home” contest, showcasing eight impressive entries filled with Halloween spirit and creativity. Congratulations to the Mattingly Family (Judges Choice), Dhuy Family (Most Creative), Smith Family (Spookiest), and Novak Family (Honorable Mention) for their outstanding displays.

✅THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🇺🇸The Princeton Veterans Group is holding a huge garage sale at the American Legion Hall, 1549 West Peru, today from 8 AM to 5 PM and tomorrow from 8 AM to 3 PM. The sale features collectibles, household items, kitchen goods, children’s toys, tools, and treasures, with the theme “It doesn’t have to be new to be awesome.” All proceeds will benefit local veterans’ charitable activities.

🏷️A rummage sale will take place today from 9 AM to 12 PM at St. Louis Parish in the gym, located at 616 S. Gosse Blvd. Items for sale include furniture such as a queen bed frame, dressers, dining room sets, and coffee tables, as well as office supplies, kitchenware, artificial Christmas trees, and even musical instruments like an Allen electric organ and a Hinners pipe organ. This event offers a wide variety of household goods, filing cabinets, and church pews, making it a great opportunity to find unique and practical items.

🍫Princeton First United Methodist Church is hosting a Halloween Spooktacular tomorrow, October 26th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at 316 S. Church Street. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy games, snacks, crafts, and stories, while parents can relax with light refreshments. The event will be held rain or shine inside the church, and more information is available by contacting the church office at 815-872-2821.

🎃“Pumpkins in the Pool” will take place at Bureau County Metro Center’s Pool on October 26th from 1-3 PM. Participants can choose a pumpkin from the pool and decorate it using provided supplies like markers and stickers. The event is open to all ages, with pumpkins supplied by Boggio’s Orchard and Produce. Entry fees range from $5 to $10.

🍬Bureau Township Community Church is hosting a Trunk or Treat event today, October 26th, from 5 PM to 7 PM. The event will feature a free dinner, a bounce house, hay rides, and a bake sale, offering fun for all ages.

⛳️Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is hosting an Adult Halloween Party today from 8 PM to 12 AM, featuring a DJ, snacks, drink specials, and more. A $100 cash prize will be awarded to the best-dressed guest, with door prizes offered every hour, including a free membership and overnight stay. Don’t miss this exciting night of music, fun, and festive rewards!

🎭Princeton High School’s Drama Department presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza by Don Zolidis, with performances on October 26 at 7 PM and October 27 at 2 PM in the Sally Skinner Auditorium. This humorous play combines audience participation, creative costuming, and wild retellings of classic myths, including Pandora’s Box, Jason and the Argonauts, and a musical Iliad-inspired finale. Tickets are available at the door, priced at $7 for adults and $5 for students under 17, with free admission for PHS students with ID.

🏈PRINCETON TIGERS CRUSH PANTHERS 61-14 IN COMMANDING WIN

The Princeton Tigers dominated the game against the Erie-Prophetstown Panthers, securing a convincing 61-14 victory in Prophetstown. The Tigers came out strong, taking a commanding lead early on and never looking back.

Ace Christiansen scored a 4-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter, giving the Tigers a 14-0 edge. Casey Etheridge followed with a 23-yard run, extending the lead to 21-0 after Morris nailed the extra point. Etheridge struck again with a 14-yard score set up by LaPorte’s 28-yard reception, pushing the score to 28-0.

The Tigers kept the pressure on as Stuckey made a 16-yard catch, setting up Etheridge’s 9-yard touchdown. Christiansen converted the two-point try, widening the gap to 36-0 with just over a minute left in the half. Prophetstown managed to respond with a 2-yard touchdown catch off a deflected pass, bringing the score to 36-7 before halftime. But Morris closed the half with a 46-yard field goal, giving the Tigers a comfortable 39-7 lead at the break.

In the third quarter, Etheridge broke free for a 29-yard touchdown, and Christiansen added a successful conversion run. With a 47-7 lead and eight minutes left in the third, the running clock was activated for the remainder of the game. The Tigers maintained control, cruising to a 61-14 win as they look ahead to the playoffs, with pairings to be announced soon.

🍼THE MAGI GALA AT THE BARN

The Magi Gala will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. This Valentine’s-themed event will benefit The Magi Baby Chest, a baby supply center.

Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:00 p.m., with a cash bar available. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and dancing with the Steve Sharp Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with formal attire requested. Tickets and donations are available online at www.magibabychest.com. They can also be purchased at the St. Louis Church parish office. This event promises an elegant evening supporting a great cause.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Mostly sunny with a high of 60°F. Winds from the north at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low of 33°F. Winds will be light and variable.

☀️Sunday: A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny with a high of 65°F. Winds from the SSE at 10 to 20 mph. The night will be partly cloudy with a low of 43°F. Winds from the west at 10 to 15 mph.

☁️Monday: More clouds than sun, with a high of 74°F. Winds from the south at 10 to 20 mph. The night will see considerable cloudiness, with a low of 60°F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Midwest Braces for Rain, Cold Fronts, and Early Winter Forecasts

Warmer air arrives early next week, bringing highs in the 70s Monday and possibly 80s Tuesday. A cold front will push in by Wednesday, accompanied by significant rainfall overnight. Halloween will stay dry and cool, with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s, followed by another rain event Friday, November 1st. Long-term forecasts predict winter weather settling in from mid-November through early December. A series of storms is expected, with snow accumulating from Thanksgiving into early December. The Midwest is preparing for colder, snowier conditions as the holiday season approaches.

Adapted from tswails.com

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.33
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.36
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.84

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Cindy Varland

Reason for Nomination: “Cindy Varland works for the Bureau County Senior Center. She is delightful and gives her all to the people they serve. She transports people for appointments, to the Senior Center, and other necessary places. She will step in to help with cooking or working the food pantry.  Cindy is so committed to our local senior citizens, she has been known to come in on her vacation to help when they are short handed. She treats everyone with kindness and respect. She never boasts about her outstanding personality and work ethic because to her it’s normal. She always goes above and beyond. For these reasons and more, I believe Cindy is a local hero.” 

Congratulations, Cindy. You’ve won the Princeton Person of the Week.

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week. Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Sayler’s General Store is hosting a Fall Super Sale with discounts of up to 50% off throughout the store. The sale runs today from 10 AM to 4 PM. Don’t miss this chance to shop local and enjoy great savings.

• Shannon’s Memorials shared a tribute stone created for Duane and Nancy May, commemorating their lives with personalized engravings, including a tractor and floral design.

• Optimal Health has partnered with The Wild Rover to offer organic elderberry tinctures, Hawthorn tinctures, elderberry oxymels, and syrups. Limited quantities are available, so customers are encouraged to stock up soon.

• A new display piece is now available at Corner Chair Market, perfect for showcasing holiday decorations and knick-knacks.

• A Pink Party Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 27th, from 2-5 PM at the Princeton Inn, with Farmer-Smoked BBQ from 12-5 PM. The event is organized to support the Believe Foundation, with all funds raised staying local. There will be a 50/50 raffle and T-shirt sales, both contributing to the foundation. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed participant. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to show support for breast cancer warriors. Those wearing pink will receive a special gift.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• Gateway Services is hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday, November 2 at the Princeton Moose Lodge. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and trivia starts at 6 PM, with food available from 5-6 PM and a cash bar. The entry fee is $15 per person, and teams of 8 can compete for cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.

• The Dairy Queen has announced that it will be closing for the season on October 30, encouraging customers to stop in before the end of the month for a final treat.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Attorney General Kwame Raoul has secured a guilty plea from Brandon Swiskoski, a resident of Spring Valley, Illinois, in a case concerning the possession of child sexual abuse material.

• Large Response To Fire At Marquis Energy

• Illinois Is Currently Covered In Swarms Of Ladybugs–Here’s Why

• Tiskilwa’s village-wide trick or treat event will take place on Sunday, October 27. Costume judging and a parade will start at 4 PM at the post office, followed by Trunk or Treat at West Park from 4:30-5:30 PM. The village-wide trick or treat will run from 4:30-7 PM.

• Trick or Treat in Walnut will be held on Thursday, October 31st, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• Trick or Treat hours for the town of Wyanet will be Thursday, October 31st, from 5:30-7:30 PM. The Wyanet Community Club will host their annual Halloween Supper and goodies at The Gathering Place on October 31st from 4:30-6 PM.

• Allure of Walnut will host an indoor trick-or-treating event on October 31 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering hot dogs, chips, and cookies. Residents are excited to welcome trick-or-treaters inside for some Halloween fun. Families are encouraged to stop by for treats and a festive atmosphere.

• The Rotary Club of Walnut is organizing the first annual chili supper, dessert auction, and music bingo on November 9 at The Rock. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m., a dessert auction from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and music bingo from 6 to 8 p.m. A free-will donation covers supper, and bingo cards will be available for $10.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

Store Manager | The Princeton Closet | Full Time | Pay Not Provided

The Princeton Closet is seeking a full-time store manager. The Closet is a faith-based resale organization whose mission is to give back to the community. The manager works full time M-F with once-a-month Saturdays required. Other requirements include retail sales management experience, team orientation, leadership, excellent communication, computer skills, financial skills, and past work with volunteers is a plus. Submit all resumes to [email protected].

More Jobs:

• Pizza Maker | Paisanos | Part Time | From $14/hr | Paid training, Paid time off, Employee discount

• Warehouse Specialist | Ace Hardware | Full or Part Time | $19.00 - $21.50/hr | Store discount, Health insurance, Tuition reimbursement

• Purchasing Agent | Freedom House, Inc. | Part Time | $18.00 - $21.50/hr | 401(k), Paid time off, Professional development assistance

• 1st Assistant Manager | Road Ranger LLC | Full Time | $16 - $18/hr | Health insurance, Dental insurance, Parental leave

• Crew Member | Princeton McDonald’s | Full or Part Time | From $14/hr | Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for advancement, Employee discount

• Retail Teller | Heartland Bank and Trust Company | Full Time | $15.00 - $19.99/hr | Entry level, High school diploma required, Customer service role

• Child Care Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Temporary/Part Time/Full Time | $15 - $17/hr | Health insurance, Tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

• Kitchen Associate - Donuts/Breakfast | Beck Oil Company of Illinois | Part Time | $15 - $16/hr | Health insurance, Fuel discount, Paid time off

• Pack Department, 1st Shift | Allegion | Full Time | $31.5K - $39.8K/year | Health insurance, Flexible schedule, Employee stock ownership plan

📚HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY

Wednesday October 30, 5-7pm: A night of relaxing music and coloring at the Princeton Public Library. Coloring pages and bookmarks will be provided. Bookmarks can be laminated with contact paper. Feel free to bring your own coloring book from home or any materials you would like to use if you have a preference. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

Saturday, November 2, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Join Tim Burgess at the Princeton Public Library for a Medicare Supplement Seminar. This free program will cover essential information to meet your Medicare needs. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Wednesday, November 8 – Thursday, November 9: Join the Princeton Public Library for The Show Must Go On: A Theatrical Wizard of Oz Escape Room. Participants will immerse themselves in a captivating experience, discovering who is the good witch and who is the bad witch. To reserve a spot, sign up online via the QR code provided or call (815) 875-1331.

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS

Join us on November 9th at Pin Splitters Lane for a fun-filled day of bowling to support our veterans. There will be three shifts: 1st Shift at 1:00 PM, 2nd Shift at 3:30 PM, and 3rd Shift at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a 9 Pin No Tap format, and participants are invited to form their own teams of four. A silent auction will also take place throughout the event. The registration fee is $20 per person. All donations—cash or items—are welcome and appreciated. If you wish to donate, please reach out to any board members. Let’s come together to show our support for our veterans! For more information, contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521.

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

Halloween Paint & Sip Party (Wednesday, October 30th): Join DTP & The Knack at Downtown Pub and Grill for a spooky and creative evening! For $50 a ticket, all supplies and a drink are included. The event starts at 7 PM, offering a night full of painting, cocktails, laughs, and more.

Barrelween 2024 (Thursday, October 31st): Barrel Society will host this Halloween-themed celebration from 3 PM to 10 PM. Enjoy live music from Zack Fedor starting at 6:30 PM and savor Didough’s Pretzels available from 3 PM to 8 PM. The event features exclusive cocktails crafted just for Barrelween. Located at 930 N Main St., this is the perfect spot for drinks, music, and festive fun.

Casting a Historic Vote: Suffrage for Women in Illinois (Saturday, November 2nd): The Bureau County History Center will host historian Jeanne Schultz Angel at 1 PM at the Prairie Arts Center. Her talk will explore the history of universal suffrage both nationally and in Illinois. This free event offers insights into the challenges behind women’s fight for voting rights and remains relevant to today’s discussions.

Princeton Swap Meet (Sunday, November 10th): From 8 AM to 2 PM, enjoy the day at Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet, located at 811 W Peru St, Princeton. Featuring an array of items from British, American, and Japanese goods to leather, t-shirts, and vintage finds, this event has something for everyone. Admission is $10, and vendors can secure a space for $50 by calling 630-985-2097. Don’t miss the chance to clean out your garage or discover a new treasure at this exciting community event.

Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show (Saturday, November 16th): From 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, located at 811 W Peru St, this event showcases HO, N, O, and G scale trains, Thomas toys, farm toys, and a wide selection of collectibles. Attendees can explore Hot Wheels, Ertl, NASCAR merchandise, and books, with admission set at $5. Vendor spaces are available, starting at $35 for a 10x10 space with three tables. For more details, visit www.bureaucountyfair.com or contact Kathy at [email protected] or 815-866-3606 after 5 PM.

2024 Holiday Market at The Elowen Room (Saturday, November 23rd – Sunday, November 24th): Support local artists and makers during this two-day Holiday Market from 10 AM to 4 PM each day! Featuring 8-10 vendors showcasing unique handmade items perfect for holiday gifts and décor. The event will also include festive holiday music and a cozy coffee bar for a warm, cheerful shopping experience. Located near the trolley stop on the North End of Main Street, it’s part of Princeton’s Christmas Walk Weekend, so make sure to stop by!

Trio: Barrel Society (Saturday, December 7): Join The Bart Attacks at the Barrel Society for an evening of live music from 7 to 10 PM. This is their debut performance, and they are excited to perform down by the river. Make sure to check it out for a great night of entertainment!

🌡️LETTER FROM LORI

It’s time for a cool change. Maybe that phrase brings back memories of a song, or maybe you’re too young to have been exposed to such timeless classics. Either way, this fat girl is loving the impending weather. I love snow and cold. I chose to live in Michigan in my early 20s, and I’ll be returning there upon retirement, while others scramble toward warmer climates. My philosophy has always been: You can always put more clothes ON, but there comes a point of illegality in taking clothes OFF—then where do you go from there?

I, for one, enjoy the changing leaves and the cool breezes of autumn. The beauty of the season is unmatched in the Midwest. I have friends and relatives who have migrated to places where it’s the same season all year long—and usually HOT. How boring is that?! Despite their love for the warmth and consistency, even they admit they miss the seasons.

I need a place to live where the temperature occasionally kills off mutant-sized bugs and gives me a little peace for a while. What would life be like without seasons? Sure, sometimes the transitions are tough, but there’s something wonderful about anticipating what each new season will bring. Will the trees turn orange, then red, or go straight from green to brown? In the spring, isn’t it amazing to see the buds appear and the apples ripen on the trees? Will the butterflies dance in the mud puddles?

In summer’s heat, will we enjoy the coolness of a lake or waterway? Could we truly enjoy the cool without experiencing the heat?

During the ‘dead’ of winter, it’s nice to slow down, sit by a warm fire, and savor moments of snuggling—or just having time to unwind. Warmer months seem to keep us constantly on the go.

Through it all, life continues. It emerges, it dies, it thrives, or it waits patiently for the perfect time to awaken. One season flows into the next, each with its own purpose, each to be savored for what it is. There is beauty in every step—if we have the eyes to see it and the attitude to embrace it.

So, if you’re one of the frail, skinny folks who might need a bucket of Crisco and a spoon for Christmas, bundle up for the months ahead. If you’re a chunky, chubby girl like me, don’t give up your flip-flops until the snow is deep enough for the locals to declare you clinically insane and send in the guys with clipboards and white, self-hugging jackets.

If you’re somewhere in the middle and have the eyes and attitude to roll with whatever the thermometer says—grab a margarita, throw on a scarf, and kick back to enjoy the ch-ch-changes (another old-person reference—thanks, Bowie).

This version maintains the original personality and humor while smoothing out awkward phrasing, fixing punctuation, and ensuring consistency in tone.

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].