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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Local businesses are kicking off 2026 with fresh arrivals, winter sales, and creative community events. Little Blue Dress dropped a new floral maxi, Flowers By Julia is clearing out Christmas at 40% off, and Wild Honey reminded shoppers of their dry cleaning drop-off service. From Chicken Alfredo Lasagna at Paisano’s to Kerplunk the adoptable pit mix and CrossFit memberships that break down to just $3.70 per class, there’s something for every interest and every age. Support your hometown shops this January.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
🛍️Buddy Bags
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🗃️Business Development
🤧Winter Health
🎸Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• A four-time Jeopardy! champion from Princeton is returning to the beloved game show.

• The Associated Press (AP) released its first state rankings for the IHSA girls basketball season on Wednesday. Princeton (12-0) represents the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) in the 2A poll at No. 7.

• The 62nd Annual Lyle King PIT began last night at 4:30. Today’s finals will start approximately 3:30pm and will be broadcast live on Tiger Central Live.

• Whether it's Goodwill or the Princeton Closet, donations are gladly accepted. However, there is a proper way to drop off those donations.

• Have you ever heard of the Magi Baby Chest? The charity in Princeton is doing great things.

• Princeton Tourism announced Princeton Restaurant Weekend taking place March 5–8, 2026. The event will feature local restaurants, bars, and bakeries showcasing signature dishes and drinks.

• The Princeton Youth Soccer League has announced key dates for the Spring 2026 season, with registration running January 1–February 15 and the season scheduled for April 13–May 23. The later start avoids Spring Break but may create some scheduling adjustments.

• WLPO News toured a new home build in Princeton last week, as an excited young family was moving in

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 01-06-2026

📍Outside City Limits

• A Bureau County fire could've ended a lot worse if not for an 11-year-old boy.

• As America Turns 250, Eagle-Watching Events About This Winter At State Parks

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This spacious and inviting home on East Thompson offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of well-designed living space with abundant natural light and hardwood floors throughout. The main living areas feature a wood-burning fireplace, crown molding, oversized windows, and a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops, island seating, pantry storage, and an eat-in nook overlooking the backyard. The upper level includes a primary suite with vaulted ceilings, skylights, dual closets with built-ins, and a spa-like bath, along with two additional bedrooms and a full bath. Additional highlights include updated mechanical systems, a functional basement with ample storage, tranquil landscaping, and an oversized two-car garage.

• This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 443 E. Peru St. in Princeton is listed for $275,000 and offers 2,248 square feet of living space on a 0.65-acre lot. Built in 1898, the home features high ceilings, multiple living areas, a bright kitchen with abundant counter space, and a large sunroom that opens to beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Additional highlights include a full basement, potential walk-up attic storage, an oversized 2-car garage with an attached shop, and a landscaped backyard oasis with deck and terrace areas designed for relaxation and entertaining.

• This well-maintained single-family home on 732 N Linn offers 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space on a spacious lot, with a thoughtful layout across multiple levels. The main floor features an inviting foyer, hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, a well-appointed kitchen with hardwood cabinetry, pantry, breakfast bar, and modern appliances, plus a primary bedroom with an attached full bath. The upper level includes two generously sized bedrooms, another full bath, and a hallway study or office area, while the lower level provides a family room, pool table room, workshop, half bath, and utility space. Numerous updates—including newer roof, deck, carpeting, and fencing—add to the home’s appeal and functionality.

🛍️BUDDY BAGS

This year’s Buddy bag program is in full swing with 142 children currently participating in our program.

As everyone is aware groceries are high and the need is great. We are reaching out to businesses, organizations and residents as we approach the holidays for any and all support/donations to the buddybag program.  Our new location is behind Johnson's Carpet in white bldg with our Buddy Bag sign at the door. We meet at 430 to set up and pack at 5 on Wednesday evening. Visitors and extra help always welcome.

Thank you!

Contacts

Mark Frank: 8158767295

Diane Heller: 8153262671

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌨️ Saturday: A few snow showers in the morning, then it turns partly cloudy by afternoon. Breezy WNW winds 15–25 mph with a high near 37°F. Evening becomes mainly cloudy with a low around 20°F and WNW winds 10–20 mph.

🌬️ Sunday: Plenty of sun with a few passing clouds and a noticeable breeze. High near 34°F with W winds 10–20 mph. Partly cloudy at night with a low around 24°F and lighter W winds 5–10 mph.

🌤️ Monday: Sunshine and clouds mixed through the day. High around 44°F with SW winds 10–15 mph. A few clouds at night with a low near 33°F and a light WNW breeze 5–10 mph.

🌧️ Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a few spotty showers possible. High near 48°F with WSW winds 10–15 mph. Partly cloudy Tuesday night with a low around 29°F and WNW winds 10–15 mph.

☁️ Wednesday: Mainly cloudy and cooler through the day. High around 33–36°F with WNW winds 10–15 mph. Skies trend partly cloudy late with a nighttime low in the upper teens to low 20s and a light WNW breeze.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.94
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.94
Casey’s West/North: $2.96
Beck’s West/North: $2.96
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.96
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.96

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.49

🔨RED COVERED BRIDGE UPDATE

IDOT: We’re span-ning some good news for the Red Covered Bridge!

After being damaged by an oversized truck two years ago, Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge remains closed as engineering work continues. Phase I is nearly complete, with repair plans approved, and Phase II design work will begin soon. Repairs will restore the historic structure and add preservation and safety upgrades.

Read the full update: https://idot.click/red-covered-bridge

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Little Blue Dress shared a new floral bell-sleeve maxi dress now available in store and online for $64. The post encourages shopping small while highlighting the bold red floral style.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America announced brand new area rugs have arrived and are now in stock. A variety of styles and sizes are available for customers to browse in store.

• Flowers By Julia is offering 40% off Christmas items, including décor, trees, figurines, and seasonal arrangements. The sale is part of a winter clearance as they transition beyond the holidays.

• The Princeton Closet kicked off the new year with major price cuts on furniture and 75% off Christmas items. The shop also announced Valentine’s décor is out and shared details on upcoming basket days with select clothing items priced at $8.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe announced the arrival of new Homestretch recliners now available for purchase. Customers are invited to stop in and check out multiple styles and options.

• Wild Honey Boutique reminded customers that they offer dry cleaning drop-off and pick-up during regular store hours. The post also clarified payment methods and directed service issues to Sanitary Cleaners.

• Pin Splitter Lanes announced its Sweetheart Bowl event for Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14. The special includes three games of 9-pin no tap bowling for $20 per person with shoe rental included.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton invited 6th–8th grade students to a free outdoor adventure event on Saturday, February 7. The day includes transportation, lunch, a winter hike, nature activities, and campfire food at Echo Bluff Park.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store announced it will reopen on January 22, 2026 under new management. The reopening will feature a new layout, and updates will continue to be shared through future posts.

• Bureau County Metro Center is continuing its Nerf Nights program every Friday through the end of January. The event offers age-specific time slots for K–2nd and 3rd–5th graders, with registration currently open.

• Dairy Queen in Princeton is now accepting applications for the 2026 season. The seasonal positions include day and evening shifts, with employment running from early March through at least the end of October.

• Paisano’s Ristorante introduced a new Chicken Alfredo Lasagna now available for dine-in, carryout, or delivery. The dish features layers of chicken, Alfredo sauce, pasta, baked cheese, and is served with their signature garlic bread.

• Corner Chair Market shared that new vases and planters are now available in store. The shop also noted that dips, coffee, and soup mixes are fully stocked and ready for purchase.

• On the Homestead CrossFit shared a breakdown of its $100 monthly membership, noting it includes at least 27 classes per month. The post highlights that this works out to roughly $3.70 per class, with the option to attend even more frequently.

• Illinois Valley Animal Rescue introduced Kerplunk, a 4-year-old pit mix available for adoption. Kerplunk is described as good with kids and cats, treat-motivated, and available to meet during scheduled hours on Sundays and Wednesdays.

• Book-el-ZOO announced a variety of birds currently available or obtainable, ranging from macaws and cockatiels to finches, doves, and quail. The post emphasizes options for both large and small avian companions, with several species currently in stock.

• Emerald Tablet Collective showcased a freehand thistle tattoo completed by Brandy, highlighting the natural flow achieved by drawing directly on the skin. The shop noted that books are open, walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are encouraged at their North Main Street location.

• Corner Chair Market shared that new colorful baskets have arrived in a variety of shapes and sizes. The post encourages customers to stop in and browse the latest additions as the new year gets underway.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Friday, January 9, 2026: Nate Rector Live at Barrel Society – Local country artist Nate Rector performs live at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

🃏 Saturday, January 24, 2026: Euchre Tournament at Wyanet VFW Post 6634 – Registration begins at 12:00 PM with card play starting at 12:30 PM. $10 buy-in, food and bar available.

🎸 Saturday, January 31, 2026: Day Drinking at Hawg House Saloon with Kickapoo Junction – Live music and a lively afternoon atmosphere from 3:00–7:00 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

🏍 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.

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

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

☘️🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! at Barrel Society – 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, with the St. Patrick’s party to follow. Food served on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM. $5 from each 5K entry benefits Freedom House women’s shelter. (930 N Main St.)

🗃️BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETING

The City of Princeton is inviting residents to a community meeting on January 27th, from 5 to 7 PM, at the Bureau County Metro Center’s Shoemake Hall. The session, organized in collaboration with Hometown Consulting, will focus on the Business Development District and its impact on the local economy. City officials plan to provide an overview of current projects, followed by a question-and-answer segment for public input. All community members and local business owners are encouraged to attend, as the outcomes of this district could influence future development plans throughout Princeton. Doors open ahead of the scheduled meeting for early arrivals and networking. Please RSVP to Michael Zearing at [email protected].

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

Don Saletzki: 1978 newspaper photo of a deer crossing Main Street at Marion. 1978 was the year that I received my drivers license, I had very little fear of hitting a deer at that time as a sighting was rare compared to today. Many may remember fur pelts had value, on the weekend the parking lot behind Nelson Drug store at the north end was full of trappers selling fur to a travelling buyer, consequently hitting small animals at night was also not as common. In this photo you are looking West to Westside ball park, Sears farm store on the Right this was lost to a 1983 gas line explosion, today it is senior center parking in that area. The back building to the left was off street indoor parking for guests at the Clark hotel as it was common to draw people out of the city for an overnight stay. In the 70s Harvy Nieman still had a body shop in the basement and Moline Motors had the Plymouth Chrysler dealership repair on the second story, top story was apartments. We lost this building to make way for another parking lot. I cannot remember if it was Trailways or Greyhound had a bus stop at the Clark.

🤧STAYING HEALTHY IN THE WINTER SEASON

Winter has a way of shrinking our world. Days get shorter, routines tighten, and it’s easy to slip into survival mode—move less, eat heavier, and tell ourselves we’ll reset in spring. But winter health isn’t about waiting it out; it’s about choosing steadiness when comfort and momentum are harder to find.

Staying healthy in winter starts with reframing the season. Cold weather exposes what summer hides. Poor sleep habits catch up to us. Inconsistent movement becomes more noticeable. Isolation creeps in quietly. Rather than fighting these realities, winter invites intentionality. Health becomes less about intensity and more about consistency.

Movement matters, even when motivation dips. You don’t need heroic workouts—daily walks, light strength training, or simple stretching keep circulation moving and energy levels steady. The goal isn’t peak performance but preservation. Bodies thrive on rhythm, and winter rewards those who keep showing up in small ways.

Nutrition also shifts. Comfort foods are natural, but health comes from balance, not restriction. Prioritizing protein, warm whole foods, fruits, and vegetables supports immunity and mood. Hydration is often overlooked in cold months, yet it remains foundational. A warm mug of tea or broth can be both nourishing and grounding.

Ultimately, winter health is about resisting extremes. It’s not about hibernation or rigid self-discipline. It’s about faithful care—doing the next right thing for your body and mind when conditions aren’t ideal. Those quiet choices don’t just get you through winter; they prepare you to step into spring stronger than before.

🎸LETTER FROM LORI

Life is hard. We all know it. We have all experienced it. Some of us were dealt a larger dose of difficulty in this world. Some handled it with grace and seemed to skate through it with beauty and style, in a fashionable skirt, twirling radiantly in the chaos. Some slogged through it like a combat Marine in Vietnam—muddy boots, blasting as we went, taking out peripheral victims who got in our way.

However you faced your challenges, remember this: as you stand here now, you have won all of the battles so far. Even those who look like they did it easily—we have to know that they didn’t. There were hours of prep work. Practices. Watching mentors. Getting up early. Nursing sores on their feet from skates rubbing. How many times did they fall down and get back up again in order to perfect the synchronized dance you see in the end?

Watching footage of the Marine, you can clearly see the hardship. It’s easy to see the mud, the pain, the challenges. His path is much more transparent. His pain seems more real. His path seems harder…but is it?

Both players in the game experience difficulty, even if it’s in different environments and under different circumstances. From an outside perspective, we might relate more readily to one or the other. One story might speak to our soul. It may stir emotions and feelings we understand. That doesn’t mean the other story isn’t important or impactful. Another observer might see that story and feel less alone in their own struggle or journey.

My recent obsession has been Jelly Roll and his music. To look at him, he doesn’t seem to be a warrior of Christ. He has multiple tattoos and a big, messy story. Many devout Christians have taken issue with his message because it comes from a place of mess. I recently watched a self-narrated documentary about his life, and there is no denying he was a fallen angel. His backstory includes crime, sin, and brokenness. He hit rock bottom…several times. Even during his rise to popularity, he fell. He has admitted it, owned it, and continued on—trying to do better.

I believe the attraction to this man is that people see themselves in him. So many of us have lived portions of our lives we’re not proud of. We look back and wrinkle our noses at things we’ve done, said, or felt. We know we were wrong and wonder if we can somehow rise above it. Jelly Roll is a living example that we can.

We can look to biblical examples of these same types of people in ancient texts, but they can feel distant and sometimes unrelatable. Jelly Roll is a modern example—with tattoos and scars. His music is soulful and raw. Sometimes it’s not pretty (one of my favorite songs of his), but neither are our lives. Even once we think we have it all together, sometimes it falls apart. The challenge is to rise again, lean on the One who can carry us through, and move forward. Even if, in our stumbling, we take a step back, we can still will ourselves to advance—like the soldier on the forest floor in a far-away land, covered in mud and bug bites.

So the next time you’re standing in church, or in line at McDonald’s, and you see a purple-haired patron with a cross around their neck, maybe ask about their story.

You might be surprised.

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

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