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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. 2025 Shadows of the Blue and Gray promises a full weekend of immersive Civil War history on October 11th and 12th, starting Saturday morning with gates opening at 9:00 a.m. Guests can experience authentic Confederate and Union drills, a General Lee presentation, blacksmithing at Cool Creek Forge, a skirmish reenactment, and a lively dance near the pavilion. Saturday afternoon features the highlight battle reenactment along with the Gettysburg Address, pass and review ceremony, a medical demonstration, and a dinner exclusively for reenactors. The weekend wraps up Sunday with another dramatic battlefield reenactment and final salute, along with a public church service and additional historical presentations.

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎃Halloween Events
👶Zearing Child Enrichment
🍁Halloween Costumes
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🥕Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: Motorcyclist dies in single-vehicle crash on Route 6 in Bureau County

   

• Steven Olson: Jeopardy seems much faster in studio, full of pressure

• The Monster Mash Balloon Bash’s hot air balloon rides have been canceled due to high winds, but all other Halloween festivities will still take place as planned on Saturday, October 4, including trick-or-treating on Main Street, a costume contest, the Halloween Parade, and more fun at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• The Princeton Fire Department is holding an open house on October 11, 2025, 9am–12pm. Events include live firefighter demos, a kids’ obstacle course, and free food/drinks.

• The Princeton Fire Department issued a burn ban beginning Sept. 30, 2025, due to drought, affecting areas in and around Princeton. Fall landscape burning is also suspended until at least Nov. 30 and will be reevaluated later.

• Retired Teachers Luncheon and Program Offers Community Gathering in Princeton on October 15

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

  📍Outside City Limits

• Walnut Fall Fest Car Show Set for Saturday

• LaSalle County, IL Teen Faces Assault, Firearm Charges After Shooting

• 1931 Ahrens-Fox Pumper Responds to a Second Call 83 Years Later

• OSF: New OB Care Model Starts in Ottawa, Peru, Mendota

• Hegeler Carus Mansion Gets in the Halloween Spirit Saturday

• Doors open at Illinois Valley Food Pantry's new location

• Burn Bans in Place Until Further Notice

• OSF OnCall to offer enhanced obstetric care in the I-80 region

🎃HALLOWEEN EVENTS

🎃 Trunk or Treat Events

• Oct. 7 – 5–7 PM, Hegler Park, LaSalle

• Oct. 11 – 11 AM–1 PM, YMCA, Peru

• Oct. 16 – 4–6 PM, Liberty Village, Princeton

• Oct. 23 – 4–6:30 PM, Goldwater Care, Princeton

• Oct. 25 – 10 AM–1 PM, Peru HyVee

• Oct. 25 – 10 AM–1 PM, Crossbridge, Ottawa

• Oct. 25 – 11 AM–1 PM, OSF Medical Group, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 12–3 PM, Advantage Auto, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 4–6 PM, Illinois Valley Auto, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 4–8 PM, LaSalle Speedway

• Oct. 28 – 5–7 PM, Starved Rock Lodge

• Oct. 31 – 4–5 PM, Liberty Village, Peru

🍬 Trick or Treat Hours

• Granville – 6–8 PM

• Hennepin – 5–7 PM

• Henry – 5–8 PM

• La Moille – 5–7 PM

• LaSalle – 5–7 PM

• Ladd – 5–7 PM

• Magnolia – 5–7 PM

• Mendota – 5–7 PM

• Oglesby – 5:30–7:30 PM

• Peru – 5–7 PM

• Princeton – 5–8 PM

• Seneca – 5–7 PM

• Spring Valley – 5–7 PM

• Streator – 5–7 PM

• Utica – 5:30–7:30 PM

👶ZEARING CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER

CHILDCARE – Immediate Openings

We have immediate openings for a variety of our Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Programs.

Our School-Age program is currently FULL with no openings at this time.

Enrichment Activities

From drawing and writing to pretend play, we provide a diverse range of activities to foster creativity and social skills to set children up for life readiness.

Preschool Programs

Fun and educational hands-on activities to prepare young children for success in Kindergarten. A focus on emotional regulation.

Infant to Two’s Care

Gentle care and attention for our youngest students, ensuring they feel secure and loved. Start as young as 6 weeks old.

Apply Today!

📞 Contact Us: 815-875-2335

🌐 Visit Our Website: www.zcec.org

📍 Our Location: 633 Masonic Drive, Princeton, IL 61356

🍁IT’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME SEASON

Halloween Costume Tips: Creativity Over Cost

As fun as costumes are, the costume hunt can bring stress: the pressure to be creative, to stand out, or even to just find something last-minute. The good news? Great costumes don’t come from the price tag but from the thought and creativity you pour into them. Here are some ways to rethink your Halloween approach.

1. Start with What You Already Have

Before running to the store, open your closet. Many of the most memorable costumes come from clever combinations of ordinary clothing. A white shirt and sunglasses can transform you into a “Men in Black” agent. A trench coat, a magnifying glass, and a notebook can turn you into a detective. Using what you have doesn’t just save money—it pushes you to be resourceful. Plus, it often sparks unique ideas that mass-produced costumes don’t.

2. Add a Twist of Humor

The costumes that people remember are often the funny ones. Puns are especially powerful. For example, wear a nametag that says “Life” and carry around a basket of lemons—you’re “Life giving you lemons.” Or tape cereal boxes to your shirt with fake knives sticking out and you’re a “cereal killer.” These kinds of costumes cost little, but they spark conversation all night long.

3. Lean Into Pop Culture—But Make It Yours

Pop culture costumes are always popular, from superheroes to TV characters. The risk is blending into the crowd. The trick is to add your own spin. Maybe instead of a regular Batman, you’re “retired Batman” in sweatpants. Instead of Barbie, you’re “Barbie after a long day,” complete with messy hair and slippers. These twists not only stand out but also show personality and humor.

4. Think Group or Duo

Costumes are more fun with friends. Group themes multiply the creativity. Three people can show up as rock, paper, scissors. A couple might be peanut butter and jelly. A family could dress as characters from the same movie or video game. Group costumes take the pressure off individuals and create a collective wow factor.

5. Focus on One Bold Detail

You don’t need a head-to-toe transformation. Sometimes a single striking detail makes the whole costume. A glowing staff, oversized glasses, or a fake mustache can carry the entire look. Anchor your outfit around one memorable element, and the rest can be simple. Minimal effort, maximum effect.

6. Comfort Over Complexity

This tip is underrated. If you’re sweating through layers of plastic or struggling to walk in awkward shoes, your night will be miserable no matter how cool you look. Choose something breathable, something you can move in, and something you won’t regret two hours in. A good costume should add to the fun, not take it away.

Final Thought

Halloween isn’t a contest of money but of imagination. The costumes that last in memory are the ones that make people smile, laugh, or double-take. Whether you’re using cardboard, thrift finds, or a clever pun, the point is to play, to create, and to enjoy the one night a year when you can be anyone—or anything—you want.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Sun-soaked and hot, with highs right around 90° and a light-to-moderate south breeze 5–15 mph, gusts to ~25 mph. Dry air and essentially no rain risk. Evening stays clear and warm, easing to the low–mid 60s.

☀️ Sunday: Another bright, very warm day; highs in the upper 80s. Winds stay on the lighter side and it remains bone dry. Mostly clear and mild Sunday night near 60–63°.

🌦️ Monday: Still warm (around 80–81°) as a front approaches. Spotty showers possible late morning, with a better shot at showers—and a rumble or two—overnight (roughly 40–60% coverage), lows in the upper 50s. Southerly breeze 5–15 mph.

⛅ Tuesday: Cooler behind the front; any early showers give way to partial sun. Afternoon highs settle near the low 70s with a crisp NW breeze and a clear, chilly night in the mid-40s.

☀️ Wednesday: Classic early-October feel—sunny, dry, and pleasantly cool—with highs in the upper 60s and a light west breeze. Another clear, cool evening follows.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.96
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.96
Casey’s West/North: $2.92
Beck’s West/North: $2.99
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.92
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.09

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.84

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Tossed & Found Resale is selling two pieces of 14K solid yellow gold Figaro chain jewelry: a 24” necklace (28g, needs clasp repair) and a 7” bracelet (11g, excellent condition). Both are stamped, tested 14K, 100% real gold, and they’re open to offers with photos/videos available for serious buyers.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ announced the last night for gambling and alcohol at the Shack, encouraging customers to help finish the inventory. They also promoted Taco Tuesday with all-you-can-eat tacos for dine-in and a 10-for-$20 Taco Box deal.

• Hungry World Farm invites the public to their final wood-fired pizza nights on Sat, Oct 4 (5–7:30 PM) and Sat, Oct 11 (1–5 PM) during the Harvest Festival. Activities include fresh pizza from Chef Andy, a farm tour with animals, goat milking, BYOB, and scenic views.

• Rossy’s BBQ in Wyanet invites guests to fuel up before or after Halloween festivities with fall-off-the-bone brisket, juicy pork butt, and homemade sides. Open Friday and Saturday 11–9 and Sunday 11–8 with brunch 11–1.

• Dana Gustafson’s home has been lit in pink as part of Lit Up Taylor’s Way’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month tradition. Dana continues her courageous journey through chemo, surgery, and radiation, serving as an inspiration to many.

• Miss Betsy’s October flavor of the month is the Black Forest Donut, a rich chocolate cake donut with cherry pie filling, buttercream swirl, chocolate frosting, and a cherry on top. Available all month long.

• Wild Ginger Bistro’s weekend special features Chef Dan’s shrimp tacos and $5 margaritas.

• Art lessons for kids ages 8 to 14 begin October 8 at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery, taught by Judy Gosse for $10 per lesson plus a $20 materials fee.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats is hiring in Princeton and Lacon. Open Monday–Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm.

Upcoming:

• Hosted by Bureau County Fair, the Halloween Parade will take place today, October 4th at 5:30pm. To register to participate, contact the Princeton Chamber at 815-875-2616.

• Celebrate the season with games, activities, and fun for the whole family while we come together to honor October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Come and enjoy free crafts, bake walk, games, & a scavenger hunt. Saturday, October 11, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Soldiers and Sailors Park.

• Princeton’s Oktoberfest will be held on October 18th at Rotary Park. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, games, and traditional German music from the Heidelberg German Band. The event promises festive community vibes with Bavarian flair.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• The Structure Laborer position with Ag View FS in Princeton, IL offers full-time employment at $20–$22 per hour. The role involves assisting in the construction and maintenance of grain bins and buildings under the direction of department managers and foremen. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication, customer service, math, and time-management skills, as well as the ability to perform minor equipment maintenance and lift up to 50 pounds. The company provides competitive benefits, including paid time off, retirement plans with company matching, and an Employee Assistance Program, while emphasizing equal opportunity employment and compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Casey’s General Store is hiring full-time and part-time Team Members at $15.00–$19.75 per hour, offering flexible shifts including mornings, evenings, overnights, and weekends. Responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, operating the register, and preparing food, with no prior experience required and cross-training provided. Benefits include tuition assistance, health insurance, 401(k) with a 6% match, DailyPay access, holiday pay, food and drink discounts, and a customizable career path. Team Members are encouraged to demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and teamwork in a fast-paced retail environment.

• OSF HealthCare in Princeton, IL is hiring a full-time Medical Office Assistant for Prompt Care at a rate of $17.60 per hour, with eligibility for a sign-on bonus of $1,500–$2,000 depending on experience. The position involves both clinical and front office duties, including patient care support and administrative tasks aligned with medical assistant training. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, six months of experience with computers and Microsoft Office, and six months of clinical experience in a healthcare facility. OSF offers a comprehensive benefits package focused on compensation, recognition, well-being, and career growth.

🌼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]. 

🥕LETTER FROM LORI

Sitting here this morning, drinking my coffee and looking at my feet. Usually, I have cankles and swollen joints. It makes mobility difficult and often painful. But this morning, I can actually spy bone under the skin, and my pain level is lower.

In this day and age, there’s a lot of talk about what kind of junk we’re putting into our bodies—from vaccines, to chemicals and dyes, to inhaled pollutants. Most of these foreign substances have negative side effects. Even things designed to help often come with consequences: suicidal thoughts and tendencies, high blood pressure, dry mouth, fever… anal leakage!

So how do we decide what to put in? Most people agree that natural foods are best. The less intervention with your food source, the better the outcome.

The reason for my lack of cankles is that last week, I jumped back on the “I need to do something or die more quickly” train. For a week now, I’ve been choosing water over soda. I’ve been eating eggs (farm fresh!) instead of cinnamon rolls. I’ve been eating lettuce instead of buttery popcorn.

The things that are bad for my health (because I can’t do anything in moderation—so popcorn is made on the stove with oil, butter, and salt, and consumed by the bucket, not the handful!) provide me with immediate gratification and a stroll through nirvana… but they don’t lead to a picture of good health.

Is it easy with all the temptation out there? NOPE. Do I meet a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on every corner? Yep. Do my friends and family—who claim to love me—still ask if I want to join them in their unhealthy habits? Every day. But I’ve found that the longer I walk this health journey, the less they ask—out of respect. Because they love me, they want to see me healthy. They might even join me in support of my goals… which, in turn, strengthens their resolve. They may still indulge in a chocolate sundae piled high with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top—but not in front of me.

Isn’t this how it is with our Christian lives? When we put in more good stuff—like prayer and devotions—more good stuff comes out, like love and kindness. It’s hard at first to form those habits, but it gets easier as time goes on. Eventually, it becomes who we are, not just something we do. Onlookers will see the change and be inspired to join the journey. They’ll be less inclined to tempt us to stray, because they’ll respect and love what they see in us. They’ll recognize the transformative power of what we’re doing—and might even want it for themselves.

No amount of nagging about diet or Bible reading will convince someone to do what seems difficult. But when they see it—see you dropping weight like a pro wrestler two days before weigh-in, or see the light you bring into the lives of others—they might peek around the corner and tiptoe in your direction. Maybe even lock arms with you. Maybe they’ll match you step for step. And soon, you’ve got a chorus line of followers doing high kicks on stage, performing the most magical of dances.

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].