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Good morning, Princeton friends. Congratulations to Casey Etheridge, who set a new Bureau County all-time rushing record during the Tigers’ win over Hall. The Tigers defeated The Hall Red Devils 28-12 and Casey Etheridge rushed for 223 yards to bring his total over 4,387 yards, passing Ronde Worrels. His outstanding performance continues to energize the Princeton football program and community.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🐅PHS Varsity Football
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Shannon Sissel and Michael Luft! 🎁

• Even though the hot air balloons were canceled due to predictions of high winds, the Monster Mash at the fairgrounds in Princeton entertained whole families.

• Motorcyclist Dies in Late Night Crash on Illinois Highway 6

• BCR: Lydia Johnson, a senior at Princeton High School, has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, Principal Andy Berlinski announced

• Princeton Public Library Expands Digital Services with New App and Online Tools

• Stage 212 unveils 2026 season with Theme ‘Nostalgia Reimagined’

• Dan Smith joins Princeton Park Board to boost community recreation

• The Tiskilwa Historical Society invites the community to a special free program on Monday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. with award-winning Ojibwa author and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus McIver.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report October 3, 2025

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Listed at $499,900, this 2,934 sq. ft. brick two-story home features 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, offering endless possibilities on over 2 acres in a prime location. A circular driveway leads to a spacious layout that includes a 4-car garage, first-floor bedroom, and generous room sizes such as an 11’ x 15’ primary suite. With 6 total bathrooms (5 full, 1 half) and bedrooms measuring up to 10’ x 14’, this well-designed home has been long admired and is now finally available. It combines comfort, space, and convenience in a property perfect for family living or entertaining.

• Priced at $265,000, 823 W Central Ave in Princeton, IL is a charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 2,292 sq. ft. of living space on a 0.3-acre corner lot. Built in 1886, this move-in-ready home features rich wood trim, hardwood floors, an original staircase, and a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a large center island with pendant lighting. The home includes an inviting living room with natural light, a spacious upper-level bonus room, main-level laundry, and a mix of old-world character and modern finishes throughout. A 2-car attached garage, an additional detached garage, and a flexible layout make this property ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

• 1007 W Farnham St, Princeton, IL 61356 is a spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home listed at $159,900. The property sits on nearly half an acre with a fenced yard, a two-car detached garage, and an additional storage shed. Inside, the home offers built-ins throughout, a den/office with a closet that could serve as a fourth bedroom, and several updates including a new roof in 2023, exterior paint in 2022, and a water heater in 2021. Additional features include fruit trees, a long driveway with ample off-street parking, and updated windows throughout most of the home.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted jewelry cabinet available at her home shop in Princeton for $135. Standing 40” tall by 15” wide and 8” deep, it’s a one-of-a-kind statement piece. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤Today: Showers or a rumble or two possible before sunrise, then drying out with clouds breaking by midday. Cooler behind the front: afternoon highs around 72°F, falling to a crisp mid-40s overnight. Northwest breeze near 10 mph will make it feel fresh, especially late. Keep the light jacket handy for the evening ballgame.

☀️Wed: Bright, quiet fall weather on tap—plenty of sun with just a few fair-weather clouds. High near 68–69°F, low around 42°F with excellent visibility and low humidity. Light WSW wind around 5–10 mph. That’s prime leaf-peeping weather.

🌤️Thu: Seasonable and tranquil with filtered sun. Afternoon tops out near 68°F; evening slips to mid-40s. Light SE breeze ~7–8 mph; dry air holds—no rain expected. A comfortable day to get yard work done.

⛅Fri: A few morning clouds, then mostly sunny and warmer. High pushes low-70s (~73°F), with a milder night near 51°F. Winds S to SSW 8–10 mph; rain chances remain very low. Feels more like late September than mid-October.

⛅Sat: Mix of sun and clouds, quiet and pleasant. Afternoon near 69–73°F; evening settles into the upper-40s. Light SSE wind around 8–10 mph. Great for the pumpkin patch or a late-day hike.

⛅Sun: Another calm day—partly cloudy with comfortable humidity. High around 68–70°F, low mid- to upper-40s. Gentle E/SE breeze under 10 mph. Outdoor plans look good from brunch through sunset.

☁️Mon: Clouds increase through the day ahead of the next weak wave. High near 72°F with a spotty shower chance (~20%) late or at night; breezes SSE ~9 mph. Muggy by October standards Monday night with lows in the mid-50s. Have the umbrella by the door—most stay dry, but a few sprinkles are possible.

🌥️Tue: Partial clearing, still mild. Afternoon near 72°F, nighttime around 51°F. Light SSW wind ~8 mph and only a small (10%) chance for a stray sprinkle early. Air quality and visibility look good for the commute.

🌧️Wed: A couple of early showers (~30%), then turning partly cloudy behind a passing boundary. High holds near 69°F with drier, more comfortable air filtering in by late day; low around 50°F. Winds trend WSW 10 mph, easing toward evening. The back half of the day looks just fine for after-school activities.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.89
Casey’s West/North: $2.92
Beck’s West/North: $2.92
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.90
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.92

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 MOJO ROCKS LIVE at BARREL SOCIETY – Live podcast recording at Barrel Society, 903 N Main St. Saturday, October 11, 5–9 PM. The show airs October 17.

👖 Pumpkins & PJs – Apple cider, donuts, and pumpkin painting at The Knack, 906 N Main St. Monday, October 13, 10 AM–4 PM. $7 kids, $10 adults + cost of pottery.

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Fun games, food & candy at Liberty Village of Princeton, 140 N 6th St. Thursday, October 16, 4–6 PM.

🎨 Fall Craft and Vendor Show – A wide selection of fall crafts and goods at Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St. Saturday, October 18, 8 AM–2 PM.

🚜 Heritage Tractor Halloween Howl – Trick-or-Tractor & costume contest with treats and John Deere toys (while supplies last). Heritage Tractor, 20144 1800 Ave N. Saturday, October 25, 8 AM–12 PM.

🏀 Harlem Wizards Game – High-flying hoops and family fun at Logan Jr High School (Pannebaker Gym), 302 W Central Ave. Tuesday, October 28. Doors open 5:30 PM, game at 6:30 PM.

🛠️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find old garage treasures at Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap, 811 W Peru St. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM. $10 admission, $50 vending.

🎶 Wild Card at Hawg House – Day drinking and live music at Hawg House Saloon, 18066 US Hwy 6. Wednesday, December 31, 3–7 PM.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Optimal Health now offers a variety of simple and satisfying breakfast options, including high-protein sausage sandwiches and egg bites. These convenient, nutritious choices are available in-store while supplies last.

• Little Blue Dress has just stocked a bold new floral maxi dress, available in sizes Small to Large for $64. This eye-catching piece is expected to sell quickly—shop in-store or online before 5:30 p.m. today.

• Wild Honey Boutique is open today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring new fall arrivals, jewelry, candles, and seasonal sales. Shoppers can also browse online at wildhoneyboutique815.com for the latest offerings.

• Friends of Strays is currently in need of free and clear laundry detergent to care for animals with sensitive needs. Community donations are greatly appreciated and help support daily operations.

• Golden Rice is hiring with flexible hours and no experience required. Interested applicants can apply in person at 1220 N Vernon St., Princeton, or call 815-878-5139 for more information.

• Pin Splitter Lanes will host their Bowl-O-Ween Bash on Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m., featuring 3 games of 9-Pin No-Tap, drink specials, a costume contest, and family fun for $15 per person. Reservations are encouraged at the counter or by phone.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream reopens Tuesday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring the October special “Dirt & Worms” made with chocolate ice cream, Oreo crumbs, syrup, and gummy worms. Two new fall flavors are also set to debut tomorrow, including one returning collaboration.

• On the first Monday of each month, The Princeton Closet evaluates its inventory and offers select items for free in front of the store. Items are added throughout the day, and weather-sensitive goods are brought in around 2:30 p.m., with future availability dependent on seasonal conditions.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is offering Bundt cakes for $8 each in a variety of flavors, with all proceeds benefiting the center. Orders can be placed in person or by phone between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. throughout the week.

• Meadows on Main is continuing its 25% off Halloween sale, with exclusions on vintage items and light bulbs. Seasonal décor and festive pieces are available in-store while supplies last.

• Tony’s Butt Shack is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on October 27 from 4:00–8:00 p.m., rain or shine, featuring candy, local vendors, and live entertainment. Businesses are invited to participate by setting up trunks and contacting the host directly.

• Apollo POP is open Wednesday through Sunday, located right next to the Apollo Theater in Princeton. The store offers gourmet popcorn and invites visitors to stop in for a taste.

• Cows Coffee will be in Walnut on Wednesday from 7–10 a.m. at CSB and at City County Park in Princeton on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Shadows of the Blue & Gray event. Follow their mobile schedule for more updates.

• Four Seasons is offering 24% off an entire purchase with the code “OCTOBER” through October 12, 2025. Some exclusions apply, and free shipping is available on orders over $75.

• Finders Keepers is featuring a vintage floral boudoir chair priced at just $30. The item will be available starting Thursday at 10 a.m., while supplies last.

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🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic L

• September 5 – vs Rockridge L

• September 12 – at Sherrard* W

• September 19 – vs Kewanee* W

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville* L

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County* W

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Casey’s is hiring friendly, team-oriented individuals to join their Princeton location in full-time or part-time roles. Responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, operating the register, and preparing food items—with cross-training provided and no prior experience required. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and available for a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays. Benefits include DailyPay, flexible scheduling, food discounts, medical insurance, 401(k) with 6% match, tuition assistance, and a customizable career path.

• Goldwater Care Princeton is hiring a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to provide essential resident care, supporting daily living activities while ensuring the safety, health, and dignity of residents. Responsibilities include assisting with meals, hygiene, mobility, comfort, documentation, and HIPAA-compliant care practices. Candidates must hold current CNA and CPR certifications, be at least 18 years old, and preferably have long-term care experience. The role requires physical activity such as lifting up to 100 lbs, walking, bending, and standing regularly.

• Sullivan’s Foods is hiring a Bakery Department Manager to lead and develop a customer-focused team, maintain high product quality, manage inventory, and ensure cleanliness and safety in the department. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, with retail or customer service experience preferred. Benefits include daily pay, PTO, holiday premium pay, and discounts, with full-time employees eligible for health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and caregiver leave. The role offers a vibrant, team-oriented environment focused on employee growth and a rewarding workplace culture.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

One Battle After Another (R)

A dramatic thriller following a man’s journey through addiction, loss, and redemption as he fights to rebuild relationships and his own identity.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM

The Senior (PG)

Based on a true story, The Senior follows a 59-year old who returns to college to play football and face his past choices, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 6:15 PM only

🍿 Note: Apollo Pop is now open! Check out more at www.apollo-pop.com

🍿 Note: Apollo Pop is now open! Check out more at www.apollo-pop.com

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].