🎼A Starbucks Update, A Music Festival, and Winterizing Your Home

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Good Wednesday, Princeton. Especially all those who directed, served, and participated from Depue, Ladd, Neponset, Malden, Ohio, Lamoille, and Bradford in the BVEC Music Festival last night at Princeton Christian Academy. I think we had 250-300 people in the gym supporting our students. The Band and Choir Concert were terrific. Great work, everyone!

Let’s get after it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🏛️The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🤝Kent Tyne Benefit
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🥶Winterizing Your Home

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Ivy Brown and Chris Flowers 🎂!

• PHS Varsity football will play their final regular season home game against Mercer County this Friday at 7pm.

• Freshman/Sophomore Tigers football delivered an impressive 46-8 victory over Mendota last night.

• PHS volleyball achieved a sweep against Mendota, with victories at all levels. The freshmen team won 25-21, 25-18, and the sophomores followed with a 25-16, 25-15 victory. Varsity secured the sweep with a 25-21, 25-12 win. Their next and final home match is Thursday against conference rival Hall, where they will celebrate seniors Ellie and Karsyn.

• BCR: “Starbucks gave a sign to Princeton residents it is moving forward with the development of a new store at Main Street and Backbone Road in the most literal sense – the Plan Commission recommended approval of a variance for the chain to build a 70-foot sign.“

• Bureau County Farm Bureau is running a winter clothing drive, accepting new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, and socks for all ages to help local families in need. Donation boxes are available throughout the holiday season, with items distributed to community organizations.

• Illinois Valley Pink Ribbon Club has announced a fundraiser at Culver’s. 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.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST 

🍂The MomCo of Bureau County is holding a Fall Fest on Friday, October 18th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, offering free food and fun activities for families. The event will take place at 24 N Main St.

🏷️A Fall Garage Sale will take place at 2830 S. Main Street on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and it will continue on Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The sale features a variety of items, including lawn care equipment, cross-country skis, cookware, plants, planters, and both new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing. Additional highlights include a Toro snow thrower, coolers, kitchen cookware, shovels, and unique décor like Oberon lamps and tins for man caves or chick caves.

🧵The Bureau County Fairgrounds is hosting a Flea Market and Fall Craft & Vendor Sale on Sunday, October 20, from 8 AM to 2 PM This event will feature three heated buildings filled with a wide range of vendors, crafters, and flea market items, offering free admission to all attendees. Shoppers will find a variety of goods, including handmade greeting cards, wreaths, painted boards, jewelry, crystals, stained glass, kitchen crafts, and children’s clothing and accessories. Additional offerings will include baked goods, soy melts, toys, sports cards, quilts, photography, antiques, real-time pain cream, Avon products, and unique items like pink zebra merchandise, resin art, handmade keychains, and DVDs, ensuring there is something for everyone.

🏛️PRESENTING: THE GREEK MYTHOLOGY OLYMPIAGANZA AT PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL

Princeton High School Drama Department presents The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza by Don Zolidis on October 26 at 7PM and October 27 at 2PM in the Sally Skinner Auditorium. Tickets sold at door.

Our two battling narrators PHS seniors Jordan VendeVenter and Onne Adams attempt to cover the entirety of Greek mythology using audience participation, clever costuming, and general theatrical insanity. Famous myths such as Pandora’s Box, Jason and the Argonauts (the original Super Friends), and Hercules: Intern God jostle for space with obscure, weird myths such as the myth of Linus and the Europa. Culminating in a bizarre, musical dance-influenced version of The Iliad complete with a full-scale battle including the Trojan hippo, this play is wild, silly, and a complete blast for audiences of all ages.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Mainly sunny with a high of 60°F. Winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. In the evening, skies remain mostly clear with a low of 33°F. Winds continue from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Thursday: Sunny skies with a high of 69°F. Winds will blow from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The evening will stay mostly clear, with a low of 46°F. Winds will remain from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny with a high temperature of 72°F. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. In the evening, expect a few clouds and a low of 42°F. Winds from the south-southwest will continue at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Saturday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 74°F. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will become partly cloudy with a low of 44°F. Winds will shift to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Dry Conditions Means Burning Stuff Is a Really Bad Idea Right Now

The National Weather Service warns that conditions increase the risk of uncontrolled farm field fires and can make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles while also blowing away unsecured objects like Halloween decorations. Residents are advised to avoid burning, exercise caution with farm equipment, and secure decorations to prevent hazards.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.39
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.43
Casey’s West/North: $3.47
Beck’s West/North: $3.47
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.47
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.47

Peru Gas 👀

Speedway: $2.93

🤝KENT TYNE BENEFIT

A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids attending by donation at the door. Doors open at 3 pm, with a silent auction from 3-6 pm, followed by a live auction from 6-8 pm conducted by Rediger Auction Service. Food will be served from 4-6 pm, and live music by the Wild Card Band will be featured from 8-11 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Kent was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and is receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Proceeds will help support Kent and his wife, Whitney, as they navigate medical expenses while unable to work. For more information or tickets, contact Barbie at 815-303-3182, Cathy at 941-524-9595, or Staci at 815-503-4427. T-shirts are available through Ashley at Grace & Mae Designs at 815-878-6384.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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].

• Residential Service Associate | NORTH CENTRAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Account Manager | Lorita Hellman - State Farm Agent | Full Time | $32,000 - $70,000 a year

• Preschool Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full Time | $14.50 - $15.00 an hour

• Scheduling Coordinator | Corteva | 8 Hour Shift | Pay Info Not Provided

• Weekend Porter | Culver’s | Part Time | $15 - $16 an hour

• Office Assistant | Gateway Services, Inc | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Administrative Assistant | Taylor’s Way | Full Time | $16 - $19 an hour

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautiful farmhouse located at 23779 1480 Ave N, Princeton, is listed for $325,000. This 4-6 bedroom home, sitting on 4.3 acres, blends old charm with modern updates, including a new water softener, electrical system, and furnace in 2024. The home is well-equipped for horse owners with a two-stall barn and a large machine shed. Inside, the property offers spacious wood flooring, a sunroom, and main floor laundry. With its serene country setting and updated features, this home offers both comfort and functionality.

• Located in the charming Timber Ridge subdivision, this ranch home at 2332 Amelia Dr. offers a grand and welcoming feel with a beautiful brick front exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open floor plan living and dining area featuring high ceilings and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and soft-close hardware, perfect for hosting. The home includes a sunroom, a fully finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, and a large family room with in-floor heating. Key updates include a new HVAC system in 2022 and a new roof in 2023, ensuring low maintenance for years to come.

• A well-maintained four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home located at 1133 W Clark St, is available for $219,000. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and opens to a cozy family room featuring a gas log fireplace. Recent updates include new patio doors, a roof from 2020, and a Generac generator installed in 2022. The upstairs has four bedrooms, with the primary bedroom featuring a bath and double closets. The property includes a two-car attached garage and is situated on a crawl space with access to the garage.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Wild Ginger Bistro has exciting holiday plans, including offering Thanksgiving sides for pickup on November 27 so customers can focus on the turkey, with ordering details coming soon. Their popular Holiday Teas, set for December 8th, 15th, and 22nd with multiple seatings, are filling up quickly, and reservations via email are required to secure a spot for this festive experience. They are also open for catering orders, group lunches, and private events, while the popular Chef’s Table offers a unique dining experience for 4-8 guests at $50 per person, available for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30-9:00 PM.

• Jessica Bivins is offering pet care services, including dog walking, pet sitting with photo updates, litter box cleaning, and poop pick-up. Her rates are $20 per day or $20 per walk, with an additional $5 charge for each extra dog. Customers can contact her via text at 815-719-3261 or message her on Facebook for more information.

• The November 9th event at Pin Splitters Lane invites participants to enjoy a day of bowling in support of veterans, featuring a 9 Pin No Tap format with teams of four. There will be three shifts: 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:00 PM, along with a silent auction running throughout the event. With a $20 registration fee per person, all donations of cash or auction items are welcome; those interested in donating can contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521 for more information.

• Eclectic Joy offers fall-themed items now 25% off, featuring seasonal decor and products for a cozy autumn vibe. Customers can explore the collection, including decorative pumpkins, to enjoy the savings while supplies last.

• Princeton Public Library will host a Wizard of Oz-themed escape room on November 8th and 9th, offering an interactive experience where participants solve puzzles to determine who is the “good witch” and “bad witch.” Sign-ups are available online via QR code or by calling the library directly.

• Rachel Rene is offering clearance bath products, with items like bath bombs, body polish, deodorant, and more at discounted prices. Shoppers can stock up on luxurious self-care essentials at reduced rates, with products starting as low as $1.

• Paisano’s Ristorante has named Taco Pizza as October’s pizza of the month, featuring a refried bean base, taco meat, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Doritos. Starting tomorrow, they are also bringing back their giant 1.5 lb pretzel, fried and topped with garlic butter and served with nacho cheese.

• Brody, a playful and loving 1-2-year-old dog, is available for adoption at Friends of Strays. He enjoys playing with toys, spending time outside with other dogs, and going for walks, bringing joy to everyone around him every day. With his docked tail suggesting a boxer mix, Brody is eager to meet new friends—stop by to see him!

• Tom Root will be holding his last Illinois Concealed Carry class until next spring on October 19-20 at the American Legion in Princeton, located at 1549 West Peru Street. The class includes the first-time 16-hour course, 8 hours of which are for prior military, law enforcement, and corrections officers. A renewal course will also be available. For more information or to register, call 815-719-0037. Veterans can receive a discount with DD214 documentation.

• Coal Creek Brewing Company is hosting Spooky Movie Night every Tuesday in October at 6:30 PM. The event features Halloween-themed films, providing a fun way to enjoy the season.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting its annual Fall Harvest Festival and auction on November 16, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and an auction beginning at 7:00 PM, with proceeds benefiting Royal Family Kids.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will host a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 10th, at 11:30 AM. Attendees need to RSVP by December 3rd by contacting Sam at 815-879-3981.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is featuring a special S’mores Milkshake for October, with toasted marshmallow flavor, chocolate chips, graham cracker bits, and whipped cream. A new shake or float will debut each month, only available during that month.

• Wild Honey Boutique is highlighting locally made fall-scented candles from Starved Rock Candle Works. These candles are promoted as great-smelling, long-burning, and perfect for the season.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• The First Congregational Church of Bureau is hosting their Fall Festival Bazaar and dinner on October 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The dinner will feature chicken dressing casserole and chicken macaroni casserole, with a choice of salads, dessert, and a drink for $12.00. In addition to the meal, there will be woven rugs, RADA knives, dishcloths, and a theme basket raffle. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

• The Stark County Sheriff’s Office said 47-year-old Caleb A. Deck was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal trespass to state-supported property, theft and burglary, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia and possession of ammo by a felon. Also arrested was 44-year-old Amanda L. Powell on preliminary charges of possession of meth and drug paraphernalia and possession of an explosive device. Both were taken to the Bureau County Jail.

• Weather conditions Sunday may have proven to be just right to cause a major cornfield fire northwest of Spring Valley, and a flare-up

• The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at 8:37 AM on October 15, 2024, regarding a potential grain silo structure failure at the River Valley Coop Grain Elevator on IL Hwy 29 in Putnam. Multiple agencies, including the Henry Fire Department, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State Police, and Ameren, were involved at the scene. Highway 29 is now closed between IL Hwy 18 and I-180/Kentville intersection until further notice, and IDOT is managing detour routes.

• The Springfield Bridge Office has ordered the immediate closure of the CH24 bridge, known locally as Buda Blacktop, spanning Coal Creek due to significant deterioration. This closure affects the roadway between 650 East Street and a point just past Mautino’s, near 750 East Street. At this time, officials are uncertain how long the bridge will remain closed.

• Illinois Man Critically Injured After 100-Foot Fall at Starved Rock

• Popular Health Food Recalled In Illinois Poses Risk Of Deadly Infection

🥶WINTERIZING YOUR HOME: A GUIDE TO PREPARE YOU FOR THE COLD SEASON

As winter approaches, preparing your home for colder temperatures is essential to ensure comfort, reduce energy costs, and prevent damage. Winterizing your home involves inspecting, maintaining, and upgrading different areas to withstand cold weather. Here’s a comprehensive guide to winterizing your home efficiently.

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can sneak into your home through small openings around doors, windows, and walls. Use weatherstripping around doors and caulk around window frames to block drafts. Pay attention to gaps where pipes or cables enter the house, as these are often overlooked areas that allow heat to escape.

2. Insulate Your Home Properly

Proper insulation plays a crucial role in retaining heat. Check the insulation levels in your attic, walls, and basement. Add additional insulation if needed, especially in the attic, since heat rises and can easily escape through the roof. Consider insulating pipes in cold areas to prevent freezing and bursting during extreme temperatures.

3. Service Your Heating System

Before winter sets in, schedule an inspection for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it’s working efficiently. Change air filters regularly to improve airflow and maintain indoor air quality. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, clean the chimney to avoid fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation.

4. Protect Your Plumbing System

Frozen pipes can lead to costly water damage. To prevent this, wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves and disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Consider installing frost-proof outdoor spigots or using faucet covers. On extremely cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around indoor pipes.

5. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans helps circulate warm air throughout the room. In winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling. This simple trick can make your heating system more effective, keeping rooms comfortable without extra energy use.

6. Check Windows and Doors

Replace any broken glass and consider installing storm windows for added protection against wind and cold. Use thermal curtains to trap heat inside during the night and open them during the day to let in sunlight. You can also install door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent cold air from entering.

7. Clean Gutters and Check the Roof

Clear your gutters of leaves and debris to prevent blockages that can cause ice dams, which may damage your roof. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles that could allow water leaks. Repairing these issues before snowfall will help avoid costly repairs later.

8. Prepare Outdoor Areas

Store outdoor furniture, garden tools, and hoses in a shed or garage. If you have a sprinkler system, drain it to prevent pipes from freezing. It’s also a good idea to stock up on snow removal equipment and ice melt to prepare for winter storms.

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As homes are sealed tighter during the winter months, it’s essential to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test each unit and replace batteries if needed. Ensure you have detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your home for safety.

Conclusion

Winterizing your home helps prevent damage, ensures comfort, and reduces energy costs throughout the colder months. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to face winter’s challenges while keeping your family safe and warm. Take time to inspect your home now, and you’ll enjoy a cozy, stress-free winter season.

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