🏈A Super Bowl, a Delayed Jail Decision, and an Essay Winner

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Tomorrow, Super Bowl LIX will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, featuring a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Personally, I find this matchup unappealing—I hope both teams lose. They last met in Super Bowl LVII, and I felt the same way back then. As a Bears fan, I am offended by such displays of greatness. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and, some might say, the referees, are aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat," seeking their third consecutive Super Bowl victory. I, on the other hand, will be eating an unprecedented amount of food.

Let’s get it to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✍🏻Essay Contest
☀️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, Dane Suarez and Jordan Baker 🎂!

• WQAD: Announcing this week's Midwest Technical Institute Score Standout, Keighley Davis

• BCR: Princeton got two clutch free throws from junior point guard Camryn Driscoll with 12 seconds to take a 1-point lead and made a defensive stop at the end to hold on for a 56-53 win over Seneca in a nonconference matchup of two of the best teams on the I-80 corridor.

• The PHS boys varsity basketball team secured a strong 62-38 road win against Mendota and will next face Byron at home, with JV at 5:30 and Varsity at 7.

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

• The Bureau County Board delayed a decision on whether to accept inmate transfers from Cook County. Members unanimously agreed to revisit the issue after finalizing key details, such as daily compensation per inmate, post-release transportation, and capacity limits. Once those terms were established, the proposal could move to the full board for approval.

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

• The Bureau County Senior Center is selling tickets for a chili dinner fundraiser on February 13. Tickets cost $7 and are available on-site.

• 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.

• First Presbyterian Church is hosting the fourth annual Glamorous Gourmet Dinner on February 14. Reservations are required for this elegant event.

• Z Tour Bike Ride encourages early registration before February 15 to avoid a price increase. The event promises an exciting cycling experience.

• 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.

✍🏻MAXIMUS GIBSON OF PRINCETON WINS ESSAY CONTEST

Princeton Christian Academy freshman, Maximus Gibson, has been named the chapter winner of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. The topic for the contest was “Patriots of the American Revolution,” and Max wrote his essay on Rodger Sherman. Maximus and his parents, Gladys and Aaron Gibson, are invited to a luncheon hosted by the DAR on March 7 where he will read his essay and receive his award. 

Maximus was surprised at Princeton Christian Academy by DAR Regent, Nancy Gartner, who announced his achievement before the high school. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌨️Today: The morning starts with a wintry mix, transitioning to light snow in the northern areas. Clouds linger throughout the afternoon. High temperatures reach 33°F with winds shifting from northeast to northwest at 10 to 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Evening skies are partly cloudy with a low of 18°F. Winds diminish to 10 to 15 mph.

☀️Sunday: Mostly sunny conditions dominate the day with a high near 30°F. Winds come from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. The night is partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 14°F, and winds slow to 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Monday: The day remains mostly sunny with a high of 33°F and winds blowing from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. During the evening, considerable cloudiness develops with a low of 18°F. Winds decrease to 5 to 10 mph.

KWQC: Saturday morning freezing drizzle will sneak in from the south and there will be light snow developing in the north, later in the morning into the early afternoon. The system as a whole will become stronger to our east but we’ll have a brief shot at getting some slick conditions to develop as we start our weekend. As we saw Wednesday evening, it doesn’t take a lot of ice and/or snow to cause major issues! Saturday morning and afternoon will likely be slick on untreated roads surfaces, sidewalks and overpasses. Overall, the pattern in the following days will be one of colder weather and a mix of clouds and sun. Super Sunday bring a bit of sun back. Snow chances will be low Monday night and early Tuesday with a better chance for impactful snow on Wednesday.

⛽️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 👀

Shell, 5247 Trompeter Rd: $2.95

🏆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

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

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

• Hornbaker Gardens offers Sunblaze roses as a colorful and hardy option for Valentines Day. Gift cards and new rose varieties are available for pre-order.

• Four Seasons is celebrating Galentines Day with discounts up to fifty percent and a free chocolate bar promotion. The event runs through February fourteenth.

• Eclectic Joy is open for shopping from 10 to 5 today. They invite everyone to enjoy their unique selection.

• Scooters Coffee is offering four medium drinks for fifteen dollars on February 9. This deal is available when using their app for payment.

• 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.

• Apollo Theater is showcasing Captain America Brave New World and other movies this week. Their Sunday evening shows are open-captioned for accessibility.

• Bean Buzz suggests preordering a coffee bouquet for Valentines Day. They highlight this as a thoughtful gift idea.

• Sislers Ice Cream features a maple nut sundae with caramel sauce and pecans. This special is available while supplies last. . Sislers offers dairy-free ice cream with customizable toppings. They also feature a dairy-free root beer float and milkshake options.

• 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.

• Miss Betsys provides customized donuts for special events. Customers are invited to contact them to create their perfect treats.

• 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

• 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. 

• Peru Police Handle Vehicle Break-In Call Along With Battery At OSF St. Elizabeth

• Register for Spring 2025 Welding Classes at Illinois Valley Community College

• For a Truly Unique V-Day Gift, Visit Thursday's IVCC Art Club Sale

• Join the Bureau County Farm Bureau Soups and Stews Cooking Class on February 20, 2025

• These two newsworthy appearances by Illinois coyotes may have you wondering why, in the middle of winter, we're seeing our state's population of coyotes getting out, about, and really active.

• It seems as if the Real ID deadline gets moved every year but it's coming for real this time. The Real ID deadline is May 7. Have you booked your appointment? Discover a quicker and easier way to get one before the end of February.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• 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

How easy is it to get distracted? I start 42 things and hardly ever accomplish even one of them in a proper amount of time. I have good intentions, I write lists, I'm organized, and yet...

At the store, on the days that I'm closed, I try to focus, but it's hard. I start feeding the critters in my orderly manner and pattern, but then I come to the guinea pig enclosure and (squeal!!) someone gave birth last night. So, then I have to stop what I'm doing to kiss and cuddle the youngster and make sure Mom is okay, and so I run back to get her an extra orange because a new mama needs extra Vitamin C. While I'm cutting oranges, I may as well cut enough for everyone, so I go around distributing them. Dang it, the light bulb is burned out on the tortoise enclosure. So, I go hunting for a proper light bulb. Will the 75-watt one do? I'd better get a 100-watt since it's cold outside and the store is slightly chilly, so they could use extra heat. Where did I put those extra 100 watts? In the back room. Dig, dig, dig.

Oh, I haven't watered the roach colony in a while, so I'd better do that while I'm thinking of it and back here by the sink. (waters roach colony) They could probably use some oranges too, since oranges help them reproduce more effectively. (gives them oranges and makes sure the lid is on tight because we wouldn't want loose roaches in the store)

What was I doing? Oh yeah. Light bulb. FOUND IT. (returns to the front and screws in the light bulb) Not working. Poopy. There were no more in the bin, so I go to the reptile room to see if someone in there can spare one from their enclosure. YEAH! That snake sold last week, so that enclosure doesn't need its current bulb. (unscrews bulb and returns to the front) Viola! The tortoises have heat again. There is the pile of oranges I abandoned. Back to orange distribution. Wait—Gus can't have oranges because they are too high in Vitamin C and will bind iron into his system. Iron is toxic to lorikeets, so he has to have apples. (goes to the counter and finds an apple and slices it—returns to Gus's cage and gives him his apple as he bobs wildly in anticipation)

"Hi Gus! How are you doing, you little red-feathered menace? Don't poop on me!"

Oh yeah... back to the feed cart and continue...

Anyway, you get the picture. Welcome to my ADHD brain and my day. I like routine, but like I said, I get soooo distracted.

I was telling Justin that I was writing my column TONIGHT because I had already sat down 3 times this week and it still wasn't done. Last week I wrote it at 1 am on Friday night. He publishes it early on Saturday. WHOOPS. Sorry, Justin.

Anyway, I used to be that way with my devotions in the morning too. I never stayed focused enough to get to them and through them. Now that I've gotten older and my body has slowed down, it's a little easier. My brain, however, needs to stay focused even when my plump old lady body is content to sip coffee and relax. Once I breathe deeply a few times, close my eyes, and return to my reading, I can read and listen to what God has to tell me. I'm sure, while He is waiting, He taps His fingers and rolls His eyes. I'm thankful He is patient with me. 'Cause you know, if you give a mouse a cookie... (anyone who has had kids in the past 20 years should be familiar with that particular children's book and can relate!)

Maybe my next writing project should be, "If you give a guinea pig an orange." Now I want to go and sketch out some illustrations and search the internet for publishers. Until next week!!!

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

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