🎮Colors, Scholarships, and Sega

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. It is cold! Yesterday I had the joy of celebrating my son Hudon’s seventh birthday with my immediate family, as well as my wonderful mother-in-law Maria, and super cool bro-in-law David. We went to Chicago to check out the Museum of Icecream. Interesting place: I ate the most icecream. Then we went over to a place called the Sloomoo Institute of Slime, where we played with, made, and bought, you guessed it, slime. My hands still smell like the slime. Then we ate at the ol’ Cracker Barrel and had a small birthday with all the grandparents. A great day!

Fire up Big Blue, fire up!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opening
🎨Colors by Collette
🔥Amazon Deals
🧹Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday tomorrow Doug Tuntland, Austyn Maloy, Kyle Lilley, and Jesse Strakis! 🎂

• OSF hospitals have updated their mask policy, making masks optional for visitors while continuing to encourage measures that protect high-risk individuals like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The change reflects a shift toward prioritizing personal choice amidst ongoing concerns about COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Additionally, visitor restrictions remain in place, allowing two visitors aged 18 or older per patient, with exceptions for special circumstances like end-of-life situations.

• Registration is now open for Session Two of the Youth Basketball League at the Bureau County Metro Center. The league, for K–5th grade students, starts on Saturday, February 15, with games at 8:15 a.m. Registration ends Friday, January 24, and entry fees range from $45 to $55.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton will be hosting the second annual Scholarship Fair Wednesday January 22nd. The event will be at the Prouty Zearing Community Building 6 to 8pm. Numerous organizations will be on hand to answer your questions and offer assistance with your scholarship needs. Questions contact Joanne at 815 719 2188 or email [email protected].

• Regional Media News: The Bureau County Farm Bureau, in partnership with COUNTRY, is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Impact Grant. This initiative aims to fund local projects that enhance community life in Bureau County. Interested groups can apply until February 28, 2025, with the potential to receive up to $5,000 in funding. For details or to apply, visit the Bureau County Farm Bureau website.

• The Bureau County Historical Society was awarded a $3,500 grant from Landmarks Illinois to pay for a structural study to determine the number of patrons the auditorium on the top floor can hold. This is part of the Phase 2 cosmetic renovation project.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Skies will start partly cloudy in the morning and turn overcast by afternoon, with a high near 22°F. Winds will remain light from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph. Nighttime will be cloudy with a low of 13°F and light northern winds. Conditions remain calm but cold, setting the stage for potential weather changes.

🌨️Sunday: Expect snow showers primarily in southern areas, with a high near 24°F and winds from the west at 10 to 15 mph. By night, skies will turn mostly cloudy with snow showers tapering off early. Lows will dip to 16°F with northwest winds easing to 5 to 10 mph. Snowfall accumulation will likely be light but noticeable.

🌤️Monday: Clouds and sunshine will alternate throughout the day, with windy conditions and a high of 25°F. Winds will blow from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph, bringing a brisk feel to the day. Overnight, skies will start mostly cloudy but clear somewhat after midnight. Temperatures will fall to a chilly 10°F, with light northwesterly winds.

Weekend Weather: Snow Potential

Saturday will begin with sunshine but clouds will increase throughout the day. On Sunday, snow becomes a possibility, particularly in our area, where a few inches could fall. A Winter Storm Watch is in place for areas along and south of Highway 34. Forecast details remain uncertain as weather models show varying scenarios, with some keeping snow south of the area and others bringing it north toward I-80. As the system moves our way, more accurate predictions are expected by Saturday.

Adapted from KWQC

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.16
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.09

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.85

🏆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

• Hurry and enter to win a custom refurbished Sega Game Gear by attending Sonic 3 at the Apollo Theater. This iconic 8-bit handheld console, celebrated for its advanced features, comes fully upgraded with new components, custom artwork, and a copy of Sonic 2. Simply purchase your movie ticket to be entered in the drawing (rules apply, must be present to win).

• Today through Thursday at the Apollo, Mufasa (PG) is showing at 4:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. Sonic 3 (PG) is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. daily. The Apollo is closed on Mondays. Dogman will premier January 31st.

• Downtown Pub & Event Center now has limited-edition crewneck sweatshirts available in vibrant colors like orange, pink, and classic shades like black and gray. These ultra-soft and stylish sweatshirts are in limited supply—once they’re gone, they’re gone!

• Tailholt Trading Post has restocked with new inventory, including a beautiful wooden dining set, vintage bakeware, collectible figurines, and decorative kitchenware. The store opens today at 10, with more unique finds still being arranged.

• Spoons and Forks is serving a Beef Barbacoa ciabatta with mozzarella, pico de gallo, and fries for $11, available for dine-in or carry-out Tuesday to Saturday.

• Optimal Health is now offering new year deals on snacks and groceries.

• A Paint Party at Once Upon a Craft is happening today from 11-4 with crafting options or Take & Paint kits available by online sign-up.

• The annual Sweetheart Bowl will take place on February 8th for $40 per couple, with lanes reserved for four couples each. Call or message Pin Splitter Lanes to register and secure your spot for this Valentine-themed bowling event.

• Offering professional window tinting, Shane’s Shine Shop provides full vehicle side and rear window tints and a 6-inch windshield sun strip. Visit their location at 611 N. Pleasant St. in Princeton or call to schedule your service.

• Rachel Rene will operate on winter hours for January, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays to allow extra time for family.

• Finders Keepers is accepting donations of gently used clothing, household items, furniture, toys, books, and kitchenware in good condition. Proceeds support local causes, including animal shelters and Friends of Strays, helping those in need.

• The Knack offers pottery classes on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-2 p.m., where you can create a mug or bowl in three simple steps. Choose from over 60 colors and bring your own beverages for a relaxed, creative experience.

• Little Blue Dress is hosting a Sorel footwear sale with 25% off select styles starting today. A winter sale is also running simultaneously, offering 30% off additional styles while supplies last.

• Eclectic Joy has added vibrant winter decor to their sale, including frosted greenery, festive red berry arrangements, and rustic wooden planters.

• Downtown Liquidation is stocked with women’s clothing ranging from sweaters and swimsuits to socks and sportswear, all in sizes 0-4X. Most items are $5, with Levi’s jeans priced at $10.

• Cafe Grace features weekend specials like cherry bacon jam scallops today, with Chef Eran joining.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America invites customers to start the new year with a fresh look for their homes. They offer a variety of flooring options, including carpet, tile, and waterproof flooring, perfect for new year projects.

• Bean Buzz is offering smoothies in four refreshing flavors: Strawberry, Strawberry-Banana, Mango, and Piña Colada. These frozen treats are perfect for a holiday pick-me-up. Visit to enjoy this limited-time menu.

• Scooter’s Coffee is offering the Iceberry Ignite Red Bull Infusion for a limited time. This bright blue drink is a festive addition to their seasonal menu. Visit soon to try this refreshing specialty beverage.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Walnut Acres Country Store is hiring a part-time kitchen assistant for Monday-Friday mornings, ideal for someone in school or seeking regular hours. Responsibilities include preparing sandwiches, salads, and deli items, maintaining a clean workspace, and assisting with meal prep and kitchen sanitation.

• Wyanet family looking for answers after sons death

• House Catches Fire In Mendota Hours After Woman Living At Home Was Pronounced Dead

• A jury trial for a Dalzell man accused of arson is scheduled for February 24, following a final pretrial session on Monday. The charges involve allegations of setting a residence on fire while it was occupied, according to court records.

• Walnut is excited to welcome Thrift Parlor+, opening Saturday, January 11th. They will accept consignment items such as name-brand clothing, trendy jewelry, clean shoes, home decor, small furniture, and more, all in excellent condition.

• Lacon Man Arrested for Hitting Kewanee Police Vehicle While Fleeing Police on December 12, 2024

• Toby T. Landrus, 51, was indicted on six counts – two counts Class X and four counts Class 1 – including two occasions of videotaping and four occurrences of photographing a child under 18 years old.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• The Personal Shopper (In-Store) position at Walmart offers part-time evening shifts with a pay range of $15 to $22 per hour, including potential premiums. Additional compensation opportunities include annual or quarterly performance incentives and premiums for specific circumstances, such as schedule or season. The role involves fulfilling and dispensing online orders, ensuring accuracy, making product substitutions, and consulting with customers as needed. Benefits include health coverage (medical, dental, vision), financial perks like 401(k), stock purchase options, and life insurance, along with various paid leave options and disability insurance. Walmart emphasizes competitive pay and performance-based incentives to support employees’ well-being.

• The Bookkeeper position at Sullivan’s Foods in Princeton is a part-time role with benefits such as 401(k) matching, AD&D insurance, caregiver leave, dental insurance, disability insurance, and employee discounts. Sullivan’s Foods is part of Coborn’s, Inc., a fast-growing, employee-owned grocery retailer in the Midwest, offering diverse store formats and services, including online grocery delivery. Coborn’s promotes inclusivity and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply, emphasizing opportunities for career growth and a fun work environment. Employees enjoy a 10% discount, career advancement potential, and the opportunity to work in a supportive and dynamic setting. The company values team diversity and strives to inspire happiness and simplicity for its employees and guests.

• The Electronics Department Associate position offers full-time evening shifts with a pay range of $15 to $22 per hour, including potential premiums for specific circumstances. Responsibilities include greeting customers, assisting with merchandise selection, maintaining entertainment displays, and stocking the sales floor. Additional compensation opportunities include annual or quarterly performance incentives and premiums based on work type or schedule. Benefits provided include 401(k), health, dental, and disability insurance, as well as family leave. Walmart seeks tech-savvy candidates who can recommend products based on customer needs and provide a high level of service.

💪KATE BUTLER: R3 EXPERT

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes lots of food temptations and goodies. It's easy to overindulge, but let's make good choices and stay healthy. That way, we can get a head start on our New Year's resolutions! 

How many of us resolve to start a new diet in January, only to fall off the wagon and gain back all the weight we worked so hard to lose? I can help you break that cycle with a sensible plan that helps you enjoy the blessing of good food, resets your metabolism, and helps you break the cycle of overeating, dieting, and regaining weight. 

For more info: https://mylastweightlossprogram.com/kate or just call me at 815-878-3278 and we can chat in person..which I prefer!

🎨COLORS BY COLLETTE AT THE PRAIRIE ARTS CENTER

The February Gallery Show at the Prairie Arts Center will feature Collette Yelm and her art exhibit: Colors by Collette. Join us for an Opening Reception on February 7th from 6-8pm and enjoy refreshments. The show will run from February 7 – February 23rd. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3pm and is located at 24 Park Ave East in Princeton, IL.

"It all began with a painting class and a finished piece of work that just didn't seem quite right... so I taught myself "Pour Painting." I covered the original piece with a pour painting and I have been hooked ever since! I have presented my pieces at various art exhibits and craft fairs throughout the area and have been commissioned to paint specialty pieces also. I have taught Pour Painting classes at Prairie Arts Center on canvas, vases and Easter eggs. My appreciation of art was inspired by my amazing mother who had a love for "beautiful things." As a mother of 8 children, she was always sewing, painting, hand stitching or creating something amazing in her spare time. I am fortunate that that desire to create and "love beautiful things" was passed on to me. I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, third in line in an Irish, Italian family of 8 children. A graduate of Boylan Catholic High School and Illinois State University with a degree in Social Work. My career included working in mental health for 15 years and 27 years as a social worker at Perry Memorial Hospital. It was during this time that my involvement in home parties kept my creative interest flowing. Selling handmade crafts, specialty clothing, and being a representative for Silpada Jewelry kept me very busy. I live in Princeton, Illinois with my husband, Charlie Yelm, who has been supportive over the years of my ever changing hobbies. We have two beautiful children, Katie in Princeton and Michael in Dallas. We have 5 amazing and creative grandchildren who love to pour paint! I am always trying to improve and create new looks. I hope you enjoy the colors as much as I enjoyed creating them."

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• Maupvit Shoe Storage Cabinet with 2 Flip Drawers: $111.43

🧹LETTER FROM LORI

As I sit here at the end of 2024, reflecting on the year and looking ahead to the next, so many things come to mind. Over the years, I’ve developed the practice of choosing a vocabulary word or theme for each year. Without a doubt, 2024 was defined by LOSS.

It began on January 6th with the loss of my father. He was the rock of our family and the last of my parents, leaving my brother and me as the matriarch and patriarch of the family. I contend that we are now orphans, so I’m identifying as Annie. I haven’t started wearing red dresses yet, and my dog’s name isn’t Sandy… but I digress.

As the year progressed, I lost myself—mentally, in grief and confusion about my new role. Financially, I lost almost everything, including something that was a key element of my life. I grieved over that as well. I became paralyzed and overwhelmed. I withdrew—something those who know me would recognize as a loss of my very personality. Normally, I’m full of positivity, encouragement, rainbows, and sunshine.

With so much loss, I felt as if I had lost my identity. Up until this year, I tied my sense of self to the strength and ambition of my father. Financially, I’d always managed to conquer even the biggest hurdles, no matter the circumstances. I had always found sunshine on a cloudy day (you sang that in your head, didn’t you?). But 2024 discouraged me to the brink of hopelessness. I even prayed for it to end—not in an apocalyptic, nuclear explosion kind of way, but simply for it to disappear so I could move on.

My vocabulary word for 2025 is REDUCTION. Now, you might think that sounds terribly similar to LOSS, but not by my mental definition.

First, I want to reduce my personal weight. I had worked hard to become… not so chunky after a lifetime of roller-coaster dieting. I had conquered the beast—until 2024. A year of not caring about anything led to not caring about what I jammed into my cavernous pie hole, which resulted in a loss of restraint (fitting the year’s theme). With the weight gain came a loss of physical function, making my aches and pains less manageable. So, one of my goals for 2025 is to reduce the amount of medication required to make me functional and productive.

Financially, I am focused on reducing my debt. A year of lost focus resulted in accruing significant debt to those around me. Since I deeply cherish my friendships and the grace of those who love me, I want to show my appreciation by paying them back.

Finally, I want to reduce my stress. Though my faith has remained strong and unwavering, I spent an inordinate amount of time problem-solving this year. I know God has my back, but I obsessed over whether I was doing my part. This year, I want to reduce my sleepless nights and wasted time spent worrying.

There are other things I’d like to reduce:

• Waste: I want to use every available resource.

• Needs: I want to reevaluate what is truly necessary in my life.

• Dirt: Both physical and personal. I want to clean my house and my mind of those dusty, filthy habits that serve no purpose.

As we turn the page to 2025, I challenge you all to find a word to focus on during your daily reflections. It could help better your life. Personally, I think DONUT might work for next year—unless you’re Miss Betsy (if you’re local, you’ll giggle at the reference. For everyone else, I’ll leave you to ponder or Google it).

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

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