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IN-HOME CARE CONNECTION
PAISANO’S RISTORANTE
FIOCCHI-JENSEN FUNERAL HOME
LANDMARK REALTY OF ILLINOIS, LLC
LEE’S KINETICO WATER SYSTEMS
STEVE BECKER - THRIVENT
SHANNON’S MEMORIALS
REDIGER AUCTION SERVICES

Princeton NOW+
Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. I saw so, so many great costumes out there last night. There were some escaped convicts, some minions, Caitlin Clarks, Alvin and the Chipmunks, astronauts, and more. The “daddy tax” was in full effect when we got home too — lots of Reeses were confiscated.

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🏡Property Transfers
❤️Princeton Obituaries
👷Princeton Job Openings
📆Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Lacy McBride!🧁

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball defeated Newman in the IHSA 2A Regional with scores of 25-18 and 25-16. They will face Peoria Notre Dame next in the Sectional Semi-Final at 7:00 p.m. at Riverdale High School.

• Here on Teachers' Lounge, we're revisiting our 2022 conversation with David Gray! He’s a social studies teacher at Logan Jr. High in Princeton, Illinois.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its 4th Annual Haunt Your Home competition. Highlights include 929 South Church taking home the Judge’s Choice award and 319 West Crown earning the title of Spookiest. Locals are encouraged to tour all the decorated homes that brought this year’s Halloween spirit to life.

• Lot for Sale:  Zoned  R-2 multi family. 75'x150' Includes one car garage. 430 1/2 East Peru St. $15,000, CFD considered. Call/Text  815-878-7793

• Culver’s of Princeton will host a fundraiser for Princeton Christian Academy on Monday, November 3, from 5–8 p.m. A portion of all sales during that time will support the school.

• The Health Department reports that nearly half of the adult Black Legged Ticks collected recently tested positive for Lyme Disease. Residents are advised to use permethrin-treated clothing and check for ticks after spending time in wooded areas.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to shop local this holiday season. Christmas Walk Weekend is November 21–23 and will include free carriage rides and more.

• Small Business Saturday is November 29 with special offers, local Monopoly board promotions, and gift card giveaways across participating stores.

• The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Friday, December 5 at 6:00 PM, followed by the lighted parade, a Candy Cane Hunt, and a chance for kids to visit with Santa.

• Bureau County Coroner allowing Fire/EMS to summon his office

• Princeton Girls Cross Country Advance to Sectionals Following Sectional 1A Regional Meet

• Bureau County Sheriff Report October 30, 2025

  📍Outside City Limits

• Blood drive coming to St. Bede Academy

• No injuries reported after grain bin south of Earlville collapses Monday morning

• Drought conditions worsen across parts of northern Illinois

• Update: Person Killed in Fiery Crash Near Oglesby Identified

• Social media misstep prompts policy change by park district

• Riverdale, Princeton, and Rowva/Willamsfield volleyball all win Regional titles

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Today: Mostly cloudy and cool with a few spotty showers around. Afternoon highs top out near 48°F. North-west winds 10–15 mph add a chill. Evening turns partly cloudy and colder with a low near 30°F and a light W breeze.

🌤️Sun: Mix of sun and clouds and a touch milder. High reaches about 54°F. A SW breeze at 10–15 mph. Partly cloudy Sunday night with a low near 39°F and a light WNW wind.

☀️Mon: Bright sunshine and breezy at times. Afternoon high near 59°F with WNW 10–20 mph winds. Dry air keeps it crisp. Mostly clear and chilly at night, low around 37°F.

☀️Tue: Mostly sunny with a few fair-weather clouds. High near 62°F; winds WSW shifting to SSE 10–15 mph. Still dry and pleasant. Partly cloudy Tuesday night with a low near 41°F (full moon overhead).

☀️Wed: Plenty of sun and seasonably mild. Afternoon high around 63°F with a S 10–15 mph breeze. Comfortable humidity and good visibility. Mostly clear Wednesday night, turning cooler toward 40°F with a light N wind.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.21
Casey’s West/North: $3.25
Beck’s West/North: $3.25
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.25
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.25

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.78

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Design the 2025 Prairie Arts Council Holiday Card and win $100. Entries are due by November 1 and can be dropped off at 24 Park Ave. East on Saturdays or Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., or anytime through the gallery mail slot before the deadline. Artwork must be 8½” x 11”, flat (not 3D), and include your name and phone number. All entries will be displayed in November, and the winning design will be printed and sold as the official PAC Holiday Card.

• A community tailgate fundraiser will be held at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, November 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the auction begins at 7:00 p.m.; tickets are $30.

• Shannon’s Memorials completed an in-shop repair on a headstone where a letter had chipped. They offer custom headstone repair and can be reached at 815-878-3682.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is running a buy-one-get-one-free CD/DVD special and offering half off all Halloween items this week.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is taking pre-orders through November 15 for two 9” Thanksgiving cakes—Apple Pie and Turtle—each serving 12–16 people.

• Cafe Grace has posted weekend specials including Friday mushroom & Swiss chicken sandwiches and Sunday brunch caramel pecan pumpkin pancakes.

• The Knack is hosting a K-Pop-themed pottery painting party on Sunday, November 2 from 12–3 p.m. at 906 N Main with no reservations needed.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has begun winter hours: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

👷PRINCETON JOB O PENINGS

• Beck’s West Princeton is hiring a part-time drive-thru cashier for the 2nd shift (12:00 PM–8:00 PM), offering $16–$16.50 per hour. The role involves greeting customers, processing transactions accurately, maintaining a clean and organized store, restocking merchandise, and supporting team goals. Ideal candidates are friendly, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment. Beck’s provides strong benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a 401(k) with company match, flexible scheduling, and employee-ownership. Additional perks include weekly gas discounts, a casual dress code, and free coffee or soda during shifts.

• Culver’s in Princeton is hiring a part-time porter at $17–$19 per hour. This position plays a key role in preparing the restaurant for daily operations, maintaining cleanliness, and performing light maintenance. Responsibilities include cleaning floors and equipment, unloading trucks, organizing supplies, and assisting with basic plumbing and landscaping. The role requires reliability, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to handle early morning and weekend shifts. Culver’s emphasizes a welcoming, team-oriented culture focused on quality food and exceptional guest experiences.

• Wendy’s in Princeton is hiring a Restaurant Manager for full-time or part-time work, offering $25,000–$35,000 annually with benefits including medical, life, retirement, and PTO. The role involves leading daily operations, supervising staff, maintaining food safety and cleanliness, and ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds brand standards. Managers are expected to train and mentor team members, monitor performance, adjust scheduling, and uphold a positive, efficient work environment. Wendy’s values integrity, tenacity, fun, family, and authenticity, aiming to create meaningful experiences for both employees and guests. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and committed to leadership built on excellence and teamwork.

🏛️CITY OF PRINCETON

Hosting a Public Event in Princeton?

If you’re planning a public gathering or event on City property — including any of our parks, public spaces, and rights-of-way — please remember to complete a Special Event Application beforehand.

This applies to all types of events, such as:

• Concerts or performances

• Festivals or community celebrations

• Walks, runs, or fundraisers

• Political/Religious rallies or gatherings

• Private parties or large group picnics

Applications can be found on our website here.

Printed copies are also available at City Hall.

Let’s work together to ensure every event held in our community is safe and organized.

🏡PRINCETON PROPERTY TRANSFERS

• October 20, 2025 – 618 W Putnam St, Princeton: QCII LLC / ServPro of Moline-Rock Island filed a $2,416.48 lien against Michael Weinmann (J.D. Mercer’s Addition).

• October 20, 2025 – 303 Park Ave W, Princeton: Eric E. Santos and Joseph Santos recorded an agreement and plat with Diana Hill and Justin Hill involving Lots 5–6 in the Princeton Subdivision.

• October 20, 2025 – 816 Park Ave W, Princeton: Michelle M. Cobb, Benny L. Nooks, and Susan L. Nooks entered a loan modification mortgage with The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for $13,216.44.

• October 20, 2025 – 22558 1100 North Ave, Princeton: Rocket Mortgage LLC and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems released their lien for H. Laurence, Herbert, and Janet K. Johnson (First Addition Lake Arispie Subdivision).

• October 20, 2025 – 55 Robert E. Bird’s Haven Addition, Princeton: Patrick Scott Repp and Catherine Ann Ruff executed a quit claim deed transferring the property to Patrick Scott Repp individually for $10, followed by a transfer on death instrument naming Tina O’Brien as beneficiary.

• October 21, 2025 – 21 N Gosse Blvd, Princeton: Joseph Hodge sold to Maciej Mucha for $75,000 (J.D. Mercer’s Addition).

• October 21, 2025 – 21019–21115 North Ave, Princeton: David White filed a financing statement with Sunstrong Capital Holdings LLC.

• October 21, 2025 – 1009 N Beech St, Princeton: Barclays Bank Delaware filed a lis pendens against Jody and Kevin L. Coleman (Case No. 25-FC-40).

• October 21, 2025 – 1202 Sunset Dr, Princeton: Midland States Bank released its lien for Mary B. (Mary Beth) Crowe (Sunset Prairie Subdivision).

❤️PRINCETON OBITUARIES

Cary Alan Hewitt (1964-2025)

SSG Cary Alan Hewitt, also known affectionately by the nickname "FallBack," was born on September 8, 1964, in Paola, Kansas. After a life dedicated to service, passion, and family, Cary passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton, IL on November 17, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at the Malden Cemetery. Pastor Michael Rust will be officiating.

Cary's devotion to his country was exemplified through his military service in the United States Army, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He proudly served for over 20 years, earning numerous awards and commendations for Meritorious Service, and was honored to participate in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, South Korea, Bosnia and Kosovo. His commitment to supporting POW/MIA soldiers and Vietnam Veterans was one of his proudest accomplishments, reflecting his deep respect for those who served before him.

Beyond his military career, Cary was a graduate of Malden High School class of 1983. He led an adventurous life, filled with experiences that enriched his spirit and brought joy to those around him. He shared a profound love for traveling with his beloved wife Cheryl Ann Koch Hewitt. Together, they explored various corners of the United States on their motorcycle, creating cherished memories along the way. Cary also enjoyed the finer things in life, such as playing golf and engaging in weightlifting and running during his younger years, which contributed to his vibrant personality.

He leaves behind his devoted wife Cheryl, along with his sons Skip Magner and Tony Magner (Vanessa), and daughters Chandel Magner and Polly Magner. His legacy continues through seven grandchildren: Alivia, Aaron, Bryce, Meeka, Michael, Rowyn, and Mya. Cary is also survived by his brother Jackie Hewitt, stepmother Anita Gage Hewitt, and a host of extended family, including niece Sara Williams (John), nephews Keith Pesavento (Maria), Charlie, Darryl, nieces Courtney, Caitlin, Corallynn, great-niece Ava Pesavento, and great-nephew Blake Pesavento.

Cary was preceded in death by his father Jackie Junior Hewitt, mother Margaret A. Leatherwood Hewitt, brother Darryl B. Hewitt, and sister Paula J. Quin. The contributions he made throughout his life, both in service and in love, will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends who carry forward the impact he had on their lives.

There will be a gathering to continue remembering Cary at the VFW Hall in Ottawa, IL., following the graveside service.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this storage piece available at her home shop in Sheffield. It would be the perfect size for a coffee bar or extra storage in any room of your home. It has four drawers and is in good solid shape.The front has been decoupaged and sealed, the cabinet base has been painted with a dark gray enamel and the top has been painted with a faux wood paint finish. 23 wide 35 tall 17 deep. Be sure to follow Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture on Facebook. Michelle can also be reached at [email protected]. Limited delivery may be available. 

📆LETTER FROM LORI

So often, it is hard to plan ahead. My mother taught me that preparation is the key to success. She was a master of list writing and organization. Personally, she should have bought stock in Post-it Notes—she would have been independently wealthy. Nothing was spontaneous. If I asked her to go to Walmart with me, she’d ask for an hour to get ready, even if she was already up and dressed for the day. She was always ready for anything, but still needed time to collect her things, gather her thoughts, make a list, and (of course) go potty one last time.

My father, on the other hand, was Mr. Spontaneity. On a whim, he’d pick up and drive to Florida for a couple of days. A midnight trip to Chicago wasn’t unusual for him. Once, when we lived in town, he came back from a sale barn with two newborn calves in the front seat of his Ranchero because they were just too cute. His justification was that we had a fenced-in yard, so Toro and Beauregard found a home on the north end of Hennepin until we moved to a small farm outside of town.

Being raised by two such different parents wreaked havoc on my inner dialogue and shaped my split personality. Part of me wanted the organization, but I was also known to jump in the car and head for parts unknown with no real destination. I’ve sought middle ground, but I tend to be one or the other at any given time.

There are benefits to both ways of thinking. It’s good to know what you’re doing, where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll need to have. But there’s also a wild freedom in flying by the seat of your pants and experiencing life to the fullest, in the moment. I’ve loved—and benefited from—both sides of my personality.

Some days, I’m a note writer with a list I can check off. Some days, I get up and let my day unfold at random.

When my children were young, my sister-in-law (at the time) decided that visiting my in-laws in Florida sounded like a great idea. Around 11 a.m., I phoned my husband (at the time) and told him we were heading out. I didn’t ask permission—it was more of a courtesy call to let him know I wouldn’t be home when he got back from work. (I’m not suggesting this as good relationship advice, since we’re now divorced.) By 1 p.m., she and I were loaded up with our five children—all under six years old—and headed south. We called the in-laws on the way to see if they could find us a hotel. It was a fun trip, and we didn’t run into too many roadblocks.

When I traveled to Florida again a few years later, it was a completely different story. We were taking the kids to Disney World, and I spent months preparing. I made lists, phone calls, and packed weeks in advance so that the five of us could have the best possible experience. I was annoyingly organized with my hourly schedule that everyone had to follow to make sure we saw everything. I didn’t want to miss a thing.

So it is with life. We can plan and dream and make lists so we know where we’re going, but sometimes we’re thrown a curveball and have to adapt and alter our thinking. Not all plans come to fruition. Flexibility is key. I love that I grew up with both examples. My mother gave me faith and a sense of planning so I know where I’m going, but my father taught me how to have fun getting there—even if the path isn’t straight.

The important thing is that our destination is the same, and we’ll all be together—Mom with her lists, Dad with adventure in his eyes. Mom will have the map and be the informative tour guide. Dad will grab my hand and pull me toward all the best places to find joy and fun.

What a glorious time it will be!

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].