📞Call a Friend, Players of the Year, and Coffee

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. With Christmas behind us and New Year’s approaching, December 28 is National Call a Friend Day—a perfect reminder to reconnect with loved ones. Amid the busyness of work, family, and personal time, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. While technology has the power to connect us, it often overwhelms us with notifications and tasks, leaving us feeling less connected. This December 28, take a moment to call a friend and enjoy the simple joy of a heartfelt conversation.

Let’s go.

—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
🗓️Today in Princeton
✅Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday tomorrow Daniel Gerber and Kelly Kelley! 🎂

• Princeton Wrestling faced tough competition narrowly lost to #9 Petersburg Porta with a score of 33-39 last night. They will compete again tomorrow in the Silver Bracket at 9:00 a.m. In earlier pool matches, Princeton had notable victories: 60-18 over Hillsboro, 58-18 over Shelbyville, and 65-12 over Melrose Park. The team fell short in a close match against #12 Roxana, 39-40.

• Tickets for the Bureau County Fair’s upcoming concert featuring Trace Adkins are on sale. The event is scheduled for August 21, with various seating options available, including pit, track, and grandstand areas. Pricing starts at $30, with additional fees applied at checkout.

• BCR: Cade Odell was named the 2024 NewsTribune Defensive Football Player of the Year for his 74 tackles, helping the Tigers reach the Class 3A quarterfinals. Casey Etheridge was honored as the Offensive Football Player of the Year after an outstanding performance, rushing for 1,706 yards and 25 touchdowns. Both players exemplify the skill and dedication of Princeton’s football team.

• BCR: The Bureau County Historical Society received a $3,500 grant from Landmarks Illinois to fund a structural study of the auditorium’s capacity on the building’s top floor. This effort is part of Phase 2 in the building’s cosmetic renovation project. The grant supports ongoing historical preservation in the community.

• BCR: The Princeton City Council approved a $177,302 bid from Ski Seal Coating and Maintenance of La Salle for the Marion Street storm sewer project. The project aims to address infrastructure needs and improve stormwater management. Work is scheduled to proceed promptly following this decision. 

• The City of Princeton has announced the garbage and recycling schedule for the holidays. For New Year’s, routes on Tuesday, December 31, remain the same, while Wednesday’s (January 1) collection will shift to Thursday, January 2. Residents are reminded to put items out early.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Expect overcast skies with showers. Highs will reach 52°F with winds out of the SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers tonight. Lows will drop to 38°F with WSW winds at 5 to 10 mph. A 40% chance of rain.

🌥️Sunday: Mainly cloudy skies. Highs near 48°F with WSW winds at 10 to 15 mph. Mostly cloudy conditions in the evening will persist. Lows will be around 35°F with NW winds at 5 to 10 mph.

☁️Monday: Cloudy skies with a few showers in the afternoon. Highs will climb to 47°F, with WSW winds shifting to NE at 10 to 15 mph. Showers in the evening, transitioning to a cloudy night. Expect lows around 34°F with SW winds at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 30% chance of rain.

KWQC: Saturday starts cloudy but brings a partly sunny sky in the afternoon. Sunday will bring more clouds and slightly cooler temperatures. There will also be a chance for rain, mainly east of the Mississippi early in the day. More rain will be possible Monday into early Tuesday. Tuesday morning the last raindrops might be mixed with a few snowflakes farther north as our cool down begins. Saturday, Sunday and Monday our highs will top off in the mid and upper 40s to low 50s. Tuesday and Wednesday bring 30s with 20s for highs by Thursday and Friday. Mid-January looks to trend cooler so our chance for our first significant snowfall might be just around the corner.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.06
Casey’s West/North: $3.09
Beck’s West/North: $3.09
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.09

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.79

🏆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

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner with a four-course menu for $69 per person. The event includes dishes like oysters, pan-seared scallops, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Reservations are required for both indoor and igloo outdoor dining.

• Four Seasons introduces their “Napa Valley” collection with a wide array of colors available in all size ranges, including missy, petite, and plus sizes. The collection features stylish options suitable for various preferences and is available for immediate purchase. Customers are encouraged to visit the store and explore the new arrivals.

• 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.

   

• Simply Nutrition is offering a tea and shake combo discount to celebrate Friday, with a “buy two, get one free” deal. They encourage customers to start their day with their energizing tea blends and nutritional shakes, available from 6:30 AM to 2 PM. The shop emphasizes its commitment to staying connected with the community.

• Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. shared their custom “Grinch cotton candy tubs,” created for a special request from a mom surprising her Grinch-loving son. The tubs feature green cotton candy and custom labels inspired by the Grinch theme.

• Miss Betsy’s announces their holiday hours, opening from 5:30 AM to 11 AM on New Year’s Eve, closing on New Year’s Day. The shop encourages preorders for large orders of a dozen or more items to ensure availability. Customers can message or email for placing holiday orders.

• 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.

• The Knack invites participants to reserve private “Paint Your Partner” parties, combining art with fun in a BYOB setting. This creative experience is open to all, with no painting skills required. Contact them to schedule a memorable session.

• A Second Chance Liquidation hosted a $1 Day sale at 772 W. Backbone Road, featuring specialty items and discounts. Shoppers could find practical and decorative pieces perfect for the holidays. It was an opportunity to stock up on deals before Christmas.

• Five 22 has cozy sweaters in stock and is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Shoppers can refresh their wardrobe or redeem gift cards for the season’s latest styles. Check out their collection of warm winter essentials.

• 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.

• Spoons and Forks will feature a festive menu on New Year’s Eve, including Surf and Turf with beef tenderloin and scallops. They are open from 11 AM to 8 PM, and reservations are recommended. Join them for a special dining experience to welcome the new year.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ is taking reservations for their New Year’s Eve dining experience. Guests can enjoy a Winter Wonderland Cocktail, French Onion Soup, and Shrimp Alfredo with a side salad. Call ahead to secure a table for this celebration.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe offers beautiful 2025 calendar planners to help start the year organized. These planners are perfect for staying motivated and keeping track of important dates. Visit the shop to pick one up and prepare for a productive year.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Wyanet family looking for answers after sons death

• Kewanee Man Found Guilty at Bench Trial for One Case will Represent Himself on Remaining Cases

• A medical helicopter took a person to a Peoria hospital after a crash on Interstate 39 in LaSalle County Thursday night.

• The Kewanee man who pleaded guilty to threatening to shoot employees at Great Dane was back in jail following new charges for allegedly threatening to kill people.

• Sheffield will host ‘Cooking the Mediterranean Way’ on January 14, 2025, at Cornerstone Community Wellness.

• Illinois State Police Make Arrest in State Trooper Involved Fatal Crash

👷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!

🗓️TODAY IN PRINCETON

⛄️The Snowman Storytime, Painting, & Snacks event invites families to enjoy a fun winter activity. Taking place at The Knack today at 1 PM, the event includes storytime, pottery painting, and a make-your-own snowman snack. Admission is $7 for kids and students and $10 for adults, plus the cost of pottery, with no reservations required.

🎤Downtown Pub hosts Open Mic Night and Karaoke tonight at 9 PM. Attendees can showcase their talents or enjoy performances from musicians, comedians, and poets. This weekly event is designed for entertainment and community fun in a relaxed setting.

✅LETTER FROM LORI

I recently read a list of goals for the geriatric set. As a newly inducted member of this prestigious group, I paid close attention. One of the items on the list was “slow mornings.” Hmmm. Sounds wonderful—but until recent years, it wasn’t a reasonable possibility.

As a child living on a farm, mornings were anything but slow. Upon rising, there were chores to be done. Critters got fed before people did. Considering I had a 45-minute bus ride to school, it was imperative to move quickly so all the necessities were accomplished before Mom drove us to the bus stop at the end of our 3/4-mile lane. On days we had to walk it, we moved even faster.

College wasn’t much different. There were required classes held before noon (what kind of insanity was that?). Not being a morning person, I would lounge in bed as long as possible before leaping to my feet, grabbing coffee, and hopefully the right books, then sprinting across campus. Most mornings, I slid into my desk like a drifter from Fast & Furious just as the professor started his lecture.

Then came the working world. My first job allowed me to leave when my work was done, but the catch was starting at 4 a.m. So, my mornings—while not quite “Sonic the Hedgehog” level—were a lot quicker than a snail.

And then I had kids. If you’re a parent (or have seen them on sitcoms), you know getting them out the door requires running shoes, a grande mocha latte, and constant vigilance. No time for lounging, even if your messy robe and freestyle hair suggest otherwise. Like a border collie, you’re ducking, dodging, darting, dipping, and diving. Parental reflexes must be lightning-fast to keep the chaos in check.

Now, I’ve officially entered the empty-nest phase. Well, not entirely empty—my critter population is still going strong—but the urgency to fill a bowl isn’t quite like the old days of filling plates. My current cuddle crew is more laid-back. When the alarm goes off, they burrow in a little deeper. Cher, the greatest of Danes, would hit the snooze button for me if she had opposable thumbs. Beulah, my resident terrorist cat, has mellowed with age. When she isn’t scattering my belongings across the house, she curls up like a proper mature feline. Even the birds tweet and twitter without urgency.

So now, as I groan, stretch, and crackle my way out of bed, my mornings have slowed. My eyes open gradually. My feet shuffle, not sprint. Thanks to years of trial and error (and many coffee ground catastrophes), I’ve mastered the art of preparation. The coffee pot only needs me to poke a button because I’ve learned the wisdom of setting it up the night before.

Owning my own business has also blessed me with the luxury of choosing my hours. Since not many customers shop for pet supplies at dawn, opening before 10 a.m. (or noon) isn’t necessary.

And here I am now, at the crack of noon, sipping coffee in front of my fireplace. The canary sings; the house horse snores. I’m reading devotions, communicating with friends, and enjoying this slower pace. My arthritic body appreciates the time for my pain meds to take hold. Life feels good at this speed. It allows me to clearly see the important things I might have missed in the blurred rush of my younger years.

Geriatric goal #1: Slow mornings. CHECK. ✅

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

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