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Good morning, Princeton. This morning’s letter will be short and sweet, as I’m at a pastor’s conference this week. Enjoy the warmer weather, maybe even go outside without a coat — go crazy!

Let’s do it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
🍽️Lenny and Joons
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💕Galentines
👷Job Openings
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Fans attending the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game on Friday, February 13, are invited to stop by the high school cafeteria starting at 5:30 p.m. for a pork chop and pork burger stand hosted by the Princeton FFA Alumni. The stand will remain open until the end of the game or while supplies last. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support scholarships for Princeton FFA seniors, helping advance agricultural education in the community.

• The Princeton Veterans Group is hosting a large garage sale at American Legion Post 125 on Friday, February 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, February 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring household items, tools, collectibles, children’s items, and more, with food available and proceeds supporting local veterans and their families.

• Final results from Regionals were posted for Princeton Wrestling, with the top three finishers in each weight class advancing to Sectionals. First-place finishers included Augustus Swanson (113), Kane Dauber (138), Casey Etheridge (165), and Eli Berlin (190), while Corbin Brown placed third at 132, Allister Swanson placed fourth at 120, and Rhett Pearson placed fourth at 215.

• A Night to Remember Prom will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Life Center at Evangelical Covenant Church, offering a free, inclusive prom experience for individuals with special needs, complete with a red carpet, refreshments, and photo opportunities.

• The Princeton High School jazz band will host its annual free Swing Dance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Princeton Moose Lodge. The event will feature live music performed by the band and is open to the public.

• BCR: Portions of the former Monterey Mushrooms property in Princeton have been sold, while the main processing plant remains unsold, according to the real estate agent involved. Bureau County records list Sundog Roamer LLC as the buyer of the property

• Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Z Tour Bike Ride, taking place July 18, 2026, with a limited-time $25 throwback registration rate available for 24 hours. The charity ride supports Zearing Child Enrichment Center and fundraising efforts for a new outdoor playground.

• Quilts of Valor will host a National Sew Day on Feb. 7 where participants can work on quilt and block kits, buy a $7 lunch with free drinks, and enjoy door prizes plus a silent auction at 1339 N. Euclid Ave.

• Enrollment opens March 4th for Preschool–High School at Princeton Christian Academy.

📍Outside City Limits

• Over the weekend, a fireplace did something it's not suppose to do. Start the surrounding wall of a rural Mendota home on fire.

• Meet Wanda: Starved Rock visitors get an up-close look at groundhog ambassador before Groundhog Day

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family farmhouse offers 1,440 square feet of living space on a 2-acre lot and was originally built in 1908. The property includes two sheds, a corn crib, multiple apple trees, a newer 2+ car garage with concrete floors, and a brand-new gravel driveway. Interior highlights include fresh flooring in several rooms, newly painted spaces, a functional mudroom with laundry, and an enclosed front porch, along with a 16’ x 12’ rear deck. Priced at $219,800, the home combines rural charm with recent updates and ample outdoor space.

• A commercial office building at 680 West Peru Street is listed for sale by owner for $179,900, or available to lease for $2,000/month. The listing notes 2,400 sq. ft., a large reception area, 5 large offices, a work room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and that it’s furnished (contact (815) 993-5374).

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home is listed for $159,999 and offers 1,172 sq ft of living space on a 1.39-acre lot. Inside, recent updates include newer flooring and fresh paint, plus a standout bathroom with heated floors and a double walk-in shower with bench seating. Convenient features include main-level laundry with washer and dryer, a floored attic for storage, and a full unfinished basement ready for future finishing. Additional upgrades and amenities include copper plumbing, newer 6-inch gutters, 200-amp electrical service, and ample outdoor storage with a 2-car detached garage and multiple outbuildings; the property is being sold as-is with conventional or cash buyers only.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌨️Tue 2/3: Cloudy and cool near 29°, with a few flurries or a passing snow shower possible and a light NNE breeze 5–10 mph. Night turns colder near 11° with variable clouds and a small chance of spotty flurries.

☁️Wed 2/4: Mostly cloudy with a stray flurry; high around 29° and a WNW wind 5–10 mph. Evening stays mostly cloudy, dipping to the mid-teens with a 10–15 mph breeze.

☀️Thu 2/5: Intervals of sun and clouds, milder near 39° with a west wind 10–20 mph. Partly cloudy at night, low in the low-20s with a gentle WNW breeze.

⛅️Fri 2/6: Partly cloudy and seasonable, high near 38°. Night remains partly cloudy and colder, around 17° with a light WNW wind.

⛅️Sat 2/7: Partly cloudy and cool, afternoon high near 34° with a WNW 10–15 mph breeze. Mostly clear to partly cloudy at night, low near 17°.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.92
Casey’s West/North: $2.94
Beck’s West/North: $2.94
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.94
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.94

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.47

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Four Seasons – Princeton is running an in-store blowout sale, offering 50% off clearance items with two or more red-line tags. The sale is in-store only and runs through February 8, 2026, while supplies last.

• Eclectic Joy has received new embroidered journals, featuring a variety of colorful, artistic designs now available in the shop.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is featuring February specials, including Birria Pizza as Pizza of the Month and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake as Dessert of the Month, both available throughout February.

• Barrel Society has announced its February lineup, including live music, trivia, a whiskey talk with Blaum Bros. Distilling, a single-barrel Elijah Craig release, Fat Tuesday festivities, and multiple live performances throughout the month.

• Spoons and Forks is joining the Galentine’s Day celebration on February 13 with a special menu and themed cocktails, with additional Valentine’s weekend offerings to be announced.

• Princeton Tourism is spotlighting “Shop & Stay Saturday” at Pie in the Sky, a downtown lodging option above Myrtle’s Pie Shop, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and rail travel, with online booking available.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

💘 Tuesday, February 3, 2026: MomCo Galentine’s Day Meet-Up – Dinner, a fun activity or craft, and meaningful conversation from 6:00–8:00 PM at 24 N Main St.

🏍️ Sunday, February 8, 2026: Princeton Motorcycle Swap Meet – Held from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with $10 admission and vendor spots available for $50 at 802 W Peru Street.

🥃 Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Whiskey Talks with Matt & Mike Blaum of Blaum Bros. Distilling – An intimate evening of local whiskey tasting and conversation beginning at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

💕 Thursday, February 12, 2026: Galentine’s Party Shop + Sip at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Valentine-themed drinks and shopping from local vendors starting at 6:00 PM.

🐖 Friday, February 13, 2026: Porkchop and Porkburger Fundraiser – Food stand opens at 5:30 PM during the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game at Princeton High School, benefiting FFA senior scholarships.

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Live country rock music from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of high-energy fun.

🎤 Saturday, February 21, 2026: Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents Ava Easter – Folk and indie singer-songwriter Ava Easter performs live at 7:00 PM at Festival 56 Sound Stage.

🎶 Sunday, February 22, 2026: Craig Gerdes (Solo) at Hawg House Saloon – Heartland-born outlaw country artist Craig Gerdes performs solo starting at 2:00 PM.

🍀🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K at Barrel Society – The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day party, food on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM, with proceeds benefiting Freedom House women’s shelter.

💕GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT

Galentine’s Girls Night on Friday, February 13th is a fun, friendship-filled evening designed for besties to laugh, shop, sip, and create together. From 4:00–7:00 PM, participants can stroll Main Street retailers while enjoying treats and beverages, then jump into hands-on activities like soap-making, pottery painting, and crafting one-of-a-kind keepsakes at local shops throughout the evening.

The night continues with dinner and drinks at local restaurants before wrapping up with a classic chick-flick experience at the historic Apollo Theater. Doors open at 9:45 PM, with the movie starting at 10:00 PM; tickets are $10 and include the film, a small drink, and popcorn. It’s a perfect way to celebrate friendship, support local businesses, and enjoy a memorable girls’ night out.

From The Chamber of Commerce

🍿AT THE APOLLO

HAMNET (PG13)

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture

A powerful and intimate historical drama inspired by the life of William Shakespeare’s family. Centered on love, loss, and grief, the film explores how personal tragedy shaped one of history’s greatest writers and the enduring impact of a single, devastating moment.

SEND HELP (R)

A darkly comedic survival thriller about two estranged coworkers stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. As desperation sets in, tensions rise, secrets surface, and the fight to survive becomes as much psychological as it is physical.

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