📺King Tut, Binge Watching, and Senior Night

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. On February 15, 1929, President-elect Herbert Hoover’s Belgian police dog, King Tut, caused chaos at the White House by barking at visitors and creating security concerns. Known for his fierce loyalty, the energetic pup once even trapped a staffer in a room. Though Hoover loved him, King Tut eventually retired from public life due to the stress of Washington, D.C.

Let’s get it to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✍🏻Bing Watching: The Time Warp Trap
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Openings
💭Remember When…
📍Outside City Limits
🤲Hands of Hope
⛽️Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Marlene Platte and Suzie Gee🥳!

• The Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show at the Bureau County Fairgrounds has been postponed to Saturday, February 22 due to the weather forecast.

• Check out this special message from Trace Adkins. Purchase your tickets today at www.bureaucountyfair.com

• On Senior Night, PHS Varsity Basketball defeated the Hall Red Devils 51-29.

• BCR sports editor Kevin Hieronymus projects the seeds for the upcoming Class 1A and 2A boys basketball subsectionals based on strength of schedule and head-to-head play against the field.

• A meeting for those interested in becoming vendors at the Farmers Market is scheduled for noon on Friday, February 21, at the Prouty Building, 435 South Main Street.

• The Princeton Lions Club will mark its 100th anniversary with a fundraiser starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, at the Princeton Moose Lodge, located at 1339 North Euclid Avenue.

• Princeton Tourism is hosting a four-day Restaurant Weekend from March 6 to March 9, highlighting the local culinary scene with creative specials and hometown hospitality. Participants can enjoy diverse menus, support local businesses, and look forward to exclusive deals and features at various dining establishments.

• The Bureau County Fair 50/50 Raffle is now underway, with the drawing set for Sunday, August 24 at 4 PM during the fair. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5, and proceeds benefit the Bureau County Fair; to purchase, contact a Board Member or call 815-303-2905.

📺BING WATCHING: THE TIME WARP TRAP

Binge-watching TV shows has become a cultural norm, with 70% of Americans admitting to binge-watching at least occasionally, according to a 2023 Deloitte survey. This behavior, defined as watching multiple episodes or an entire season in one sitting, has profound psychological effects, particularly on our perception of time. The average American spends 3 hours and 15 minutes daily watching TV, per Nielsen data, with streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu enabling seamless, uninterrupted viewing. This immersion can distort our sense of time, making hours feel like minutes—a phenomenon psychologists call "time compression."

Research from the University of Chicago found that prolonged screen time, especially during binge-watching, activates the brain's reward system by releasing dopamine, similar to the effects of social media scrolling. This dopamine rush creates a sense of pleasure but also disrupts our internal clock. A 2022 study in Psychology of Popular Media revealed that 62% of binge-watchers reported losing track of time, with 45% feeling disoriented after long sessions. This temporal disorientation stems from reduced activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex, which governs time perception and self-regulation, according to neuroimaging studies.

Binge-watching also impacts sleep, further skewing time perception. A 2021 Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study found that 75% of binge-watchers experienced delayed bedtimes, with 40% reporting poor sleep quality. Sleep deprivation impairs the brain's ability to process temporal intervals, making days feel fragmented. Over time, this can lead to "time anxiety," where individuals feel they're falling behind in life. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association noted that 58% of young adults felt anxious about time management, with binge-watching cited as a contributing factor.

Socially, binge-watching can alter our perception of productivity and leisure. A 2022 Pew Research study found that 53% of viewers felt guilty after binge-watching, equating it to wasted time. Yet, the same study showed that 67% valued the emotional escape, highlighting a tension between guilt and gratification. This duality reshapes how we prioritize time, often prioritizing instant gratification over long-term goals.

Ultimately, binge-watching compresses our sense of time, disrupts sleep, and fuels anxiety, yet its emotional rewards keep us hooked. As streaming platforms continue to dominate, understanding these effects is crucial for balancing entertainment with well-being in our time-starved lives.

🪑DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this fun coffee/game table for purchase at her home studio in Sheffield ($150). It’s been decoupaged with a colorful octopus print, hand-painted and had a glossy acrylic pour added to the top. The sides and legs have been painted in a deep purple furniture enamel. 30” wide x  17” tall. Local delivery may be available.  You can reach Michelle on her Facebook page “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” or by email at [email protected]. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌨️Today: Snow is likely throughout the day with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches expected. High temperatures will reach 31°F with northeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. There is an 80% chance of snowfall. By nighttime, skies will turn partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 10°F, and northwest winds continuing at 10 to 15 mph.

🥶Sunday: The day will start cloudy with flurries and strong winds, turning breezy as temperatures fall from a high of 16°F to around 10°F. Northwest winds will range from 20 to 30 mph, with stronger gusts possible. At night, a few clouds will remain with temperatures plunging to -9°F and winds continuing at 10 to 15 mph.

🥶Monday: Expect a cloudy day with occasional flurries or light snow showers. High temperatures will struggle to reach 4°F, with west-northwest winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will remain mostly cloudy, with scattered snow showers early on. Temperatures will drop sharply to -10°F, with northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph and a 20% chance of snow.

Winter Weather Alert: Snow, Wintry Mix, and Extreme Cold Expected

The National Weather Service warns of continued active winter weather over the weekend and into next week. Two rounds of snow are expected, with a wintry mix on Saturday. Extreme cold will follow, lasting into the middle of next week.

According to the latest forecast:

• Wind Gusts: Up to 30 mph on Friday night and Saturday night.

• Snow and Wintry Mix: Two rounds will impact the are — one Friday evening and another Saturday into Saturday night. The Saturday system may bring a mix of snow, rain, and ice before turning into all snow.

• Snow Accumulation: Snow will continue into Monday and Tuesday, with heavier snowfall expected mainly south of Interstate 80.

• Extreme Cold: Much colder temperatures will settle in Sunday, with wind chills dropping below -15 degrees. By Monday night, wind chills could be lower than -25 degrees, posing a high risk for frostbite and hypothermia. Dangerous cold will persist into Tuesday.

Residents should prepare for hazardous travel conditions, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures. Plan ahead for winter weather safety and stay updated with the latest forecasts.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.92

🏆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

• Five 22 is offering new markdowns and fresh arrivals, including spring handbags, accessories, tops, denim, and dresses. Sale prices have just dropped, and most sale items are 25 dollars or less. Stop by Friday from 10 to 530 or Saturday from 10 to 4 before they are gone.

• Princeton Animal Care Clinic is alerting pet owners that Save This Life Microchips has shut down, leaving registered pets unsearchable in national databases. PetLink is offering a lifetime registration for Save This Life microchips for 499 using code STL499, and those needing help identifying their pets microchip registration can call or text 815 875 4419. Discounts on new microchip registrations are also available through PetLink, HomeAgain, and AKC Reunite.

• Myrtles Pies is celebrating Valentines weekend with a variety of fresh baked goods, including pumpkin spice cookies, molasses cookies, gluten free root beer cookies, cinnamon rolls with several icing options, and a wide selection of pies. Available flavors include apple, Dutch apple, red raspberry, lemon meringue, salted caramel, French silk, and chocolate peanut butter.

• Little Blue Dress has new jewelry, with complimentary gift wrapping available. Stop by to see the latest selection of necklaces, earrings, and other accessories.

• Friends of Strays is searching for volunteers to help in the shelter and store with cashiering, donation processing, and other tasks. Training is provided for all roles, and those interested can call 815 879 7387.

• Paddington in Peru (PG) and Captain America: Brave New World (PG-13) are now playing at Apollo Theater from February 14 to February 20. Showtimes for Paddington in Peru are Tuesday through Thursday at 4:30 PM and 7:15 PM. Captain America: Brave New World shows Tuesday through Thursday at 4:15 PM and 7:00 PM, with the last Sunday show open captioned.

• Optimal Health is offering a new sourdough bread from Porto Fino. They are excited to share this addition with their customers.

• The Knack is introducing small plants to pair with fired pottery. They are open Thursdays through Sundays and are ready to serve groups with reservations.

• Bureau County Metro Center is organizing a volleyball skills clinic for grades K through 5 on April 5. Participants will learn fundamentals from experienced players.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe announces new spring arrivals to brighten up your home. They highlight fresh decor to welcome the season.

• Rediger Auction Service is holding its next machinery consignment on March 29. They are now accepting consignments for this live and online event.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• 2 dogs found fatally shot, Bureau County Animal Control investigating

• Injuries Reported In Crashes That Occured Minutes Just Minutes Apart In Peru And La Salle

• Thursday, Senior Marlie Orlandi became the 6th Ottawa Lady Pirate to score 1,000 career points.

• Daniel Sorens of Wyanet is offering snow shoveling services. To inquire, call 1-815-940-6730.

• New Illinois Bill Focuses On Funding For Professional Sports Teams Stadiums

• The Day The Tri-States Cried: A Few Words In Memoriam of Reese Ramsey

• If you're looking to take the family out for dinner but looking for an affordable place so you can take the children too, check out this list of Illinois restaurants where kids eat free.

• The Illinois Road Scholars and Walnut Public Library are hosting an event with Catherine Lambrecht on the "History of American Pies...and Illinois Well Represented!" on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Walnut Public Library. This interactive workshop includes a pie crust demonstration by Catherine, sampling of attendees' pies, recipe sharing, and a discussion session. Registration is required; you can call the library at 815-379-2159.. For more information, please contact the Walnut Public Library District.

• A new Dementia Caregiver Support Group will begin meeting in Walnut Illinois on the first Tuesday of each month starting March 4 from 1 to 2 PM at the Walnut Public Library located at 101 Heaton Street Walnut Illinois 61376. This group is presented by the Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter in partnership with CGH. To sign up contact Beth Dementia Navigator at 815 625 4790 extension 3977.

• Maizey Sterling is offering babysitting services and has extensive experience working with children of all ages. Currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education, she works in a 5th-grade classroom twice a week and previously assisted in a kindergarten class. 

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Princeton Fire Department is accepting applications for part-time firefighter and EMT positions. Pay ranges from sixteen to nineteen dollars per hour.

• Dairy Queen is hiring for seasonal positions from March to October. They are looking for candidates with upbeat and bubbly personalities.

• Tractor Supply Company is hiring a Merchandising Sales Associate to work with the Field Activity Support Team. Responsibilities include executing planograms, inventory tasks, assembling fixtures, and maintaining signage while delivering excellent customer service. Applicants must have a high school diploma and strong communication and problem-solving skills. Preferred experience includes farming, ranching, or welding knowledge and basic computer skills. The position requires flexibility to work varied shifts and overtime as needed.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Deli and Bakery Team Associates for $17 to $23 per hour. Responsibilities include preparing food, engaging with customers, maintaining food safety standards, and moving merchandise to the sales floor. Shifts are available for opening, mornings, mid-day, and closing. Employees receive benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k. This position emphasizes customer service and adherence to safety standards.

• Greenfield Retirement Home is hiring a housekeeper for $15 per hour with full-time morning shifts. Responsibilities include daily and deep cleaning, maintaining hygiene standards, and adhering to infection control policies. Candidates must ensure safe use of cleaning equipment and respect residents privacy and needs. Greenfield Retirement Home has served older adults since 1911 and values dedicated employees. Benefits include a 401k and food provided.

• Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons in Illinois is hiring a full-time Medical Assistant for 40 hours per week, working Monday through Friday during daytime hours with six paid holidays, and opportunities for Saturday overtime. The position involves traveling between multiple clinic locations including Dixon, Princeton, Peru, Ottawa, and Streator. Key responsibilities include managing patient flow, maintaining medical records, performing clinical tasks like administering injections, and managing inventory. Candidates must have completed medical assistant training, possess strong recordkeeping and basic computer skills, and be adept at using office equipment. Interested applicants should email their resume to [email protected].

• Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton is hiring Garden Center Retail Staff for $15 to $20 per hour, based on experience. Positions are seasonal, running mid-March through October, with full-time and part-time options available. Responsibilities include watering, pricing, arranging, and maintaining plants, as well as customer service and product assistance. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and be available for weekend shifts. Additional benefits include weekly direct deposit and PTO accrual.

💭REMEMBER WHEN…

🤲HANDS OF HOPE

Hands of Hope Ugandan Ministry is hosting a trivia night on Sunday, February 16th at 4pm. It will be at New Hope Church in Princeton. It is $15 a person (all ages welcome to join). We are looking to have 8-10 people per team. You are more than welcome to create your own team or if you don’t have enough, no worries, we can help group some people/teams together! 

If you don’t feel confident in trivia, have no fear! This is a team effort, there are many different categories, and it just makes for an enjoyable night out. We will also have some snacks, desserts, and drinks. If you have any questions or would like to sign up, you can go to the Facebook group event at https://fb.me/e/2idwGAazc?mibextid=wwXIfr. Or if you don’t have Facebook, feel free to email Keli Pinter at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

🎼LETTER FROM LORI

I LOVE to sing. I'm not saying I'm good at it, but I love doing it. When I am in the car by myself, I am a one-person concert at full volume. I'm sure the passing traffic wonders if I'm off my seizure medication or if I suffer from Tourette's or some other affliction. I don't care. I find it is a natural outlet for my inner joy. When my kids were little, I always smiled when I'd hear them playing by themselves and singing a silly little tune. I often accompany my show tunes with animated actions too. Air guitar? Drum set? Microphone? All done dramatically, and even though onlookers can't see them, they are REAL to me! If I'm fortunate enough to be on my feet, I look like Mumble in Happy Feet (for this generation) or Fred Astaire for the older generation. MY generation might imitate Paula Abdul or Michael Jackson. Of course, it's not nearly as graceful, and I'm often glad for curtains and blinds on my home.

Like I said, to me, singing is a natural expression of joy in your heart. Whistling too, but not everyone is as good as King Julian (who aspires to be a world-class whistler... phhllllbbt!). I can't help but smile when my male canary is warbling the most beautiful tune from my front porch. When I moved my store to its current location, I had a customer walk in, hear the male canary in the bird section, smile, and say, "The store sounds HAPPY." Yes, for the most part, music makes people happy. One of the most glorious things about my church is the musical talent of Phil Kauffman. Many times, I recorded some of our songs so I could privately listen to them at home later on. If I was having a bad day or feeling a little down, turning on those tunes lifted my spirits.

Last year was a rough one. I've made no secret of it. I knew my soul was sinking when I'd be traveling in the car and wasn't warbling along. I stopped singing. I didn't dance around the house. There were no "Silly Songs by Larry" coming out of my face. Kind of like the Don McLean song... "The Day the Music Died." Gone. There was a void.

In January, I made the decision to reverse the damage of 2024 and be more proactive in my own happiness and success, and encourage that in others. I'd have to say it's working. Not to toot my own horn (that's musical!), but I feel like I'm seeing more positivity in those around me. I'm feeling more positive vibes. By smiling more, I see others smiling more. I've also noticed that I'm singing more. I've caught myself repeating lyrics and melodies I thought I had forgotten. I love that music has returned to my soul, so the next time you pass me on the highway and roll your eyes at my silliness, why don't you try turning up the volume on your radio and jamming hard? I promise, I'll smile!!

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

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