🚊A Magi Gala, A 100th Win, And Model Trains

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Ah, the weekend. Have you ever noticed how a simple ‘hello’ can brighten someone’s day? Whether it’s a stranger passing by or a friend you haven’t seen in a while, small gestures of kindness go a long way. Maybe thinking about smiling and saying “Hi” to a stranger today. But don’t look crazy. Just a nice, normal gesture. Be cool.

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 today Mitch Danielson, and happy birthday tomorrow Mitch McCoy! 🥳

• 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 Tigers Athletic Booster Club has announced the Football Playoff Store is now open. A limited quantity of items will be available in the shed, so early orders are encouraged. The store will remain open until October 23, and orders can be placed online at tigerplayoffs2024.itemorder.com. Don’t miss the chance to grab your gear and support the team!

• An additional sign-up day for Tiger Town Tanglers will take place this Sunday, October 20, at Skoonerz from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Participants should bring a debit card to purchase a mandatory USA Wrestling card for $60, and club fees of $120 can be paid by cash or check, with fees being held until fundraising goals are met. For questions, contact Bryan at 815-915-7025, and note that orders from the team store are due by November 1.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball played Hall Thursday: The freshmen team secured a win with scores of 25-7 and 25-10, while the sophomores fell 18-25, 25-12, and 24-26. The varsity team also faced a loss, with scores of 22-25 in both sets. Their next game wraps up the regular season on Monday at Morris, with matches starting at 5:00, 5:00, and 6:00 PM.

• The Wyaton Hills Golf Course has announced the winners of its Ladies Course Tournament. In the Championship Flight, Carol Towns claimed 1st place, followed by Anna Flaig and Karen Towns. A Flight winners include Deb Maritz in 1st place, with Nita Wyatt and Mary Standard following. B Flight winners are Sue Garvin in 1st, Nancy Bland in 2nd, and Sherri Strum in 3rd place.

• The Second Story Teen Center is nearing its goal of $650,000 to build a new facility, with $480,000 raised so far. Donations are still needed to help reach the finish line and make a lasting impact on the lives of teens in Princeton.

• Bureau County is hosting a free electronics recycling event today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 700 S. Main Street. Accepted items include satellite receivers, computer monitors, digital music players, desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, televisions, video game consoles, microwaves, and more. This is an excellent opportunity to safely dispose of old electronics while supporting environmental efforts. For more information, visit Bureau County’s website.

• The Illinois Valley Pink Ribbon Club has announced a fundraiser for the group at its Culver’s in Princeton. The Illinois Valley Pink Ribbon Club is a breast cancer support group, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fundraiser will take place on Monday, October 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Come dine with them to show your support.

✅THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🖼️The Prairie Arts Council is hosting Fall Art Night today from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at 24 Park Ave E. The gallery will feature work by Basia Krol, and a performance by Al and Jeannie Brown will take place in the theater from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is $10 for non-members, while PAC members and children under 12 can attend for free. Light refreshments will be provided, making it a family-friendly event open to all ages.

⛷️A Fall Garage Sale at 2830 S. Main Street will take place today from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with an additional sale on Sunday at the same hours. Items available include lawn care equipment, cross-country skis, plants, cookware, and a Toro Power Clear 7213 snow thrower. Shoppers can also find lamps, coolers, shovels, and a variety of new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing. With a wide selection of goods, the sale offers something for everyone.

🥁The Killer Riffs perform at Hawg House Saloon today. Enjoy music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon with The Killer Riffs starting at 3 PM. Experience a lively atmosphere with great music and drinks to keep you entertained throughout the day. The event takes place at 18066 US Highway 6.

🏷️Fall Craft & Vendor Sale and Flea Market is tomorrow. Head over to the Bureau County Fairgrounds from 8 AM to 2 PM for a fun day of shopping! Explore a variety of vendors, crafters, and flea market items, all with free admission. Whether you're looking for unique crafts or one-of-a-kind finds, this event has something for everyone. Visit the Bureau County Fair website or call 815-866-3606 for more information.

🏈TIGERS ROAR TO 57-20 VICTORY AS ETHERIDGE SHINES AND PEARSON HITS 100 WINS

The Tigers dominated Mercer County from the start, scoring just 10 seconds into the game and building a 57-12 halftime lead, with Casey Etheridge amassing 265 rushing yards and three touchdowns by halftime. Ace Christiansen added two touchdowns, including a 19-yard score after Mercer fumbled the opening kickoff. Mercer’s John Baldwin responded with a 71-yard touchdown run, but the Tigers’ relentless offense, led by a no-huddle attack, was too much to overcome. The 57-20 victory marked head coach Ryan Pearson’s 100th career win.

🍼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.

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☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Mostly sunny with a high around 74°F. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will bring partly cloudy skies with a low of 43°F. Winds will shift to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high of 78°F. Winds will be from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will remain partly cloudy, with a low of 45°F. Winds will continue from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

🌧️Monday: Mostly sunny with a high of 77°F. Winds will come from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. A few showers are expected in the evening, with a low of 52°F. Winds will become light and variable.

⛽️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: $3.47
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.47

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.87

🏆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

• 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.

• 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.

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats is now offering a Strawberry Funnel Cake Sundae, inviting customers to stop by and enjoy this seasonal delight.

• Josh Taylor from Taylor’s Way participated in a prestigious career fair hosted by the Illinois Arborist Association at The Morton Arboretum in Chicago. Taylor took part in a panel discussion, sharing insights on career opportunities and challenges in arboriculture, and engaged in meaningful conversations about the future of the industry.

• Optimal Health encourages customers to stop by and explore their newest product, CofixRX, designed to provide an extra layer of protection with antiviral ingredients like povidone iodine, helping to guard against seasonal and airborne threats.

• The Knack has extended its online sale for discounted vintage Christmas trees until October 25 at noon, with preordered trees available for painting any time after November 2. After the deadline, trees will be sold at regular prices in-store, subject to availability. A special Christmas tree painting party will be held on November 2 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featuring holiday music and a hot cocoa bar, with tickets available for purchase online before October 25.

• Meadows On Main continues its fall and Halloween sale, offering hot chocolate packets and pumpkin-growing kits marked down to just $1, perfect for seasonal celebrations.

• 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.

• The Studio Boutique invites customers to explore their cozy sweater collection in-store or through their online shop for added convenience. With a variety of options, it’s a great chance to update your wardrobe for cooler weather.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe is offering 25% off all fall décor, making it an ideal time to shop for seasonal items and prepare for the upcoming holidays.

• Kinetico Water Systems encourages residents to schedule a free water test to assess their tap water quality. The test will identify contaminants, water hardness, and other potential issues, providing insights for improving drinking water.

• Meadows On Main is transitioning into the holiday season, gradually switching from fall to Christmas-themed décor, with festive displays now available in-store.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge will host a Black Light Halloween Party on Saturday, October 19. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with food available, bingo starting at 7:00 PM, and a costume contest adding to the fun.

• The Princeton Closet has a variety of new items available this week, including a table and chair set for $125 and four chairs priced at $18 each. Shoppers are invited to explore the store’s offerings, which include a wide selection of clothing, home goods, and seasonal decor.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Collapsed Grain Bin May Keep Route 29 Closed In Putnam Thru The Weekend

• Wild Bears don't usually live in Illinois, but this summer, there have been several sightings throughout the state.

• Mayor: St. Margaret's Spring Valley Property Bought by Calif. Veterinary Entity

• Staggering Amount Of Water And Resources Needed To Control SV Brush Fire

• In Illinois, a transformative approach at the DMVs has significantly enhanced customer experiences statewide.

• 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.

• 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.

• Walnut Acres Country Store has announced new buffet hours: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. They appreciate the community’s continued support and invite everyone to enjoy the variety offered at the buffet. Customers are encouraged to drop by for lunch or an early dinner.

• 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.

• 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.

• The Buda Community Club will host a community coffee event on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Younggren Center. Special guests include “A Little Bit of This and That” with permanent jewelry and Savanna Strong offering her elderberry syrup. Attendees are invited to enjoy coffee and explore unique items from local vendors.

👷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

Monday, October 21, 28, and November 4, 5:30–7:30 PM: Enjoy Monday Night Movies at the Princeton Public Library. The Friends of Princeton Public Library provide free popcorn on the first Monday of each month. Visit princetonpl.org for movie details or call (815) 875-1331. This program is free, and all are welcome.

Thursday October 24, 4-7pm: Donate blood at their monthly blood drive, by ImpactLife. To register for this event go to www.bloodcenter.org. Walk ins are welcome. Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays or tragic events. Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate. Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Schedule an appointment today. Give and get choice of gift card or a donation to Make-a-Wish IL or bonus points to the rewards store!

Friday October 25, 4:30-5:30pm: The monthly Writer’s Club Meeting will take place. This group votes to decide the type of writing they will focus on for the following month. Writers are encouraged to share their work, receive constructive criticism, and share any knowledge about the writing process. Participation in publishing contests with prizes is also encouraged. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

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

Hornbaker Gardens Fall Arboretum Walk (Tuesday, October 22): At 2:30 PM, this walk is part of a series of four seasonal garden tours offered throughout the year, with free participation in each event. Attendees who join all four walks will be entered into a drawing for a $75 gift card to use in 2025. After the gardens close for the season, Dave will guide a special tour showcasing peak autumn foliage, and participants will have an opportunity to purchase remaining trees or place pre-orders for the next year.

ImpactLife Blood Drive (Thursday, October 24): Come to the Princeton Public Library from 4 PM to 7 PM and donate blood at this monthly event hosted by ImpactLife. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register in advance at bloodcenter.org. Every day, patients in need of blood are counting on volunteers to donate. Your donation makes a huge difference, and as a thank you, you’ll get a choice of a gift card or a donation to Make-A-Wish IL. Help save lives by donating today!

Halloween Spooktacular (Saturday, October 26th): Join Princeton First United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a fun-filled Halloween event! Children of all ages are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy games, snacks, crafts, stories, and more. Parents can relax with light refreshments while their little ones have a blast. This event will take place rain or shine inside the church at 316 S. Church Street. For more information, contact the church office at 815-872-2821 or [email protected].

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.

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

Harvest is upon us! The farmers worked hard this summer—preparing the ground, planting seeds, fertilizing, and watering their crops—and now they are reaping the rewards. Technology has taken this process to whole new heights. Some of those tractors are so computerized that I’d never be able to drive one. My 3-year-old grandson, however, could sit at the helm and knock out a 100-acre field in record time.

I come from an era when Dad drove the tractor while my brother and I shoveled oats into some sort of dangerous flinger contraption that scattered them everywhere, hoping a few would take root. Looking back, I can’t believe how recklessly we farmed. Even more unbelievable is that my mother—decades ahead of her time as the safety police—didn’t insist we wear helmets, gloves, steel-toed boots, safety harnesses, and long sleeves. We were out there in shorts and flip-flops with no sunscreen. What were we thinking? How I made it to adulthood with all my fingers intact is nothing short of a miracle.

But back to harvesting. My life verse is Galatians 6:9: “Do not grow weary in doing what is right, for in due time, you will reap a harvest.”

Have you planted seeds in life? Have you been a listening ear for someone whose world feels out of sync? Have you offered a quarter for the gumball machine to a distraught child while their mother frantically digs through her purse?

Have you nurtured those seeds with a phone call, an unexpected meal, or a bouquet of wildflowers? Have you shown kindness where it wasn’t deserved or expected?

If you’ve done those things, you will be rewarded. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but it will come. I cling to that hope, and I’ve been blessed more than once with a semi-trailer full of shelled corn when I least expected it.

And if you haven’t planted any seeds, what are you waiting for? Hook up the John Deere to the rickety cart, grab a shovel, and start flinging oats! It’s never too late—some of those seeds will sprout!

This version maintains the original tone and structure while smoothing transitions, improving grammar, and refining a few sentences for clarity.

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].