💊Wildfire Relief, Walmart Pharmacy, and The PIT

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. This weekend marks one of the top regular-season IHSA wrestling competitions as the 61st Princeton Invitational Tournament (PIT) kicked off yesterday and runs through today. The tournament showcases 35 teams this year. Go Tigers!

Let’s get it.

—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
🍼Magi Baby Gala
🔥Wildfire Relief
🎭Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday David Ross, Kim Brokaw, and Harold Elmore! 🎂

• Princeton Fire Department responded to 2,250 total runs last year, including 2,001 EMS calls, 45 fires, and 91 false alarms. Thank you so, so much for your care and service!

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

• AroundPTown: Lady Panthers Pummeled By Princeton

• PHS Football Star Arthur Burden has received an offer to play football at Aurora University.

• BCR: Authorities are examining the case of a deceased 18-year-old discovered unresponsive in the 100 block of East Second Street in Wyanet. The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, led by James Reed, confirmed via email on Wednesday that the death is being treated as suspicious.

• KWQC: One Bureau County resale shop whose journey began over five decades ago with just a few pairs of shoes and boots has made another major donation to its community.

• Festival 56 is announcing their 2025 theater season, featuring shows like “Hairspray,” “Carrie,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “The Little Mermaid.”

• Princeton Youth Soccer League’s spring registration is open through February 2. Visit pyslsoccer.com for details. 

• 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].

• Bureau County Tourism is collecting 2025 event details for its Visitors Guide. Submit festivals, concerts, and other events to [email protected].

• 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 Fairgrounds is offering rental opportunities for events in 2025. Interested parties can contact the facility (815-303-3905) for details and scheduling. Registration is open for the Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show which takes place February 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Next Auction:

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Preview: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Time: 10:00 a.m. Online begins at 12 noon.
Location: 642 Easy Road, Ohio, Illinois 61349
Click to view website

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: The day will be partly to mostly cloudy with a high of 34°F and winds coming from the WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, skies will remain mostly cloudy, and scattered snow showers are expected with a low of 28°F. Winds will continue from the WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Snowfall accumulation will be minimal.

🌨️Sunday: Morning snow showers will give way to more scattered flurries throughout the day, with a high of 33°F. Winds will be from the WSW at 10 to 15 mph, with a 30% chance of snow, though accumulations will stay under one inch. By night, skies will clear late, leaving mostly cloudy conditions with a low of 10°F. Winds will shift to the NW at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Monday: The day will be sunny with temperatures only reaching a high of 17°F. Winds will come from the WNW at 10 to 15 mph, keeping conditions cold but clear. Overnight, skies will remain partly cloudy with a low of 4°F. Winds will stay light, coming from the WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Tuesday: Mostly sunny conditions will dominate the day with a high near 14°F. Winds will come from the W at 10 to 15 mph, maintaining a chilly feel. Overnight, skies will stay partly cloudy with a low of 4°F. Winds will continue from the WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️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.: $2.79

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

💊Walmart Pharmacy Staff

Reason for Nomination: “I would like to nominate the entire staff at the Walmart Pharmacy in Princeton. In my career—now retired—I traveled extensively for 40 years and have never encountered a better pharmacy anywhere. All of the staff and pharmacists working there are, in my opinion, top-notch. I have never dealt with more helpful, friendly people anywhere—and I mean every last one of them. I have been a regular customer for the past four years and have not had a better experience with people anywhere.”

Great job, everyone. I totally agree. Congratulations, ya’ll! You’ve won the Princeton People of 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

• 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.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is offering a variety of soups for dine-in or takeaway, including Tomato Basil with Grilled Cheese and Chicken Tortilla with all the trimmings.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is seeking volunteers for flexible hours on Thursdays and Fridays to support their community mission.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is now preparing for spring with a winter clean-out.

• Bean Buzz is featuring January specials, including Chocolate Malt Shaken Espresso, Tiramisu Latte, Amaretto Sour Energy Buzz, Shirley Temple Italian Soda, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Boba Milk Tea.

• Apollo Theater showings this week include “Homestead” (PG13) and “Gladiator II” (R). Sunday’s last showing offers open captions.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is now open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Paisano’s Ristorante will be hosting a fundraiser on January 16 for Princeton Elementary Schools. 20% of proceeds will go to the PTO. The Birria Pizza is available throughout January.

• Optimal Health features burritos paired with Mexican brown rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa for a complete meal.

• Boek-el-Zoo encourages supporting small businesses with specials running through Saturday, featuring coupons for future purchases.

• The Princeton Closet offers discounts, including 75% off Christmas items and a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal on throw pillows through Saturday.

• Cafe Grace is offering cozy specials, including hearty soups, comforting entrées, and seasonal drinks. Thursday’s feature is scallops with avocado bruschetta, while Friday includes a breakfast steak skillet and scallops for dinner.

• Bug Off Taylor’s Way offers professional pest control to keep your home critter-free this winter. Studies show hiring experts can reduce infestations by up to 50%. Call 815-875-8231 for effective and lasting results.\

• Hornbaker Gardens features Polywood Adirondack furniture designed for all seasons, with various colors and styles available. Customers can find these durable and stylish pieces in their showroom.

• Simply Nutrition invites customers to stop by for shakes, teas, and positive vibes to fuel their day. The business focuses on health and hydration for achieving goals.

🪑DANDELION WISHES FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted, 3-drawer dresser available from her home studio in Sheffield. It’s the ideal size for extra storage and a true statement piece of furniture. The dimensions are 26 3/4” tall x 18” deep x 30” wide.

Delivery may be available in the Bureau County area. You can reach Michelle by email at [email protected] or on Facebook at Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture. Be sure to follow her page for other eclectic designs!

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Visit the Tiskilwa museum on Main today from 10–1 to see Cecille Gerber’s original artwork, followed by more artifacts at the gallery on Galena.

• Cows on the loose shuts down part of I-80 in Bureau County

• Henry-Senachwine Board to Issue $18 in Bonds for New Wing

• Girl Scout Cookie season is here. What you need to know and how to get them in Illinois

• Two Individuals From LaSalle County Accused of Possessing & Dealing Fentanyl in Morris

• Barge Worker Falls Into River In Spring Valley

• Peru Kohl's NOT among stores slated for April closing

• 300 pounds of brass memorial plaques stolen, sold for scrap

• Imposter Scam Notification and Impersonating Police Officials

• Byron Nuclear Plant seeks enterprise zone incentives with capacity improvements coming

• Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted, 3-drawer dresser available from her home studio in Sheffield. It’s the ideal size for extra storage and a true statement piece of furniture. The dimensions are 26 3/4” tall x 18” deep x 30” wide. Delivery may be available in the Bureau County area. You can reach Michelle by email at [email protected] on Facebook at Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture. Be sure to follow her page for other eclectic designs! 

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• Liberty Village of Princeton is hiring a Medical Records Coordinator for their retirement community, offering $15–$16 an hour for a full-time, day-shift position. Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and meet facility vehicle requirements. The role includes competitive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, holiday pay, 401K with company match, and training opportunities. Additional perks include a team-focused environment, state-of-the-art equipment, online scheduling, and direct deposit. This position seeks candidates passionate about teamwork and making a difference.

• Sullivan’s Foods is hiring part-time Guest Service Representatives, offering $15–$21 an hour. The position focuses on providing exceptional customer service, supporting store operations, and handling various transactions. Benefits include career growth opportunities, a positive work environment, and competitive compensation packages for all employees. Applicants should be dependable, enjoy working with people, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive team. Sullivan’s Foods is part of the Coborn’s family of stores, which is an employee-owned Midwest grocery retailer.

• Tractor Supply Company is hiring a Merchandising Sales Associate. The role involves working with the Field Activity Support Team (FAST) to maintain merchandise standards, complete planograms, handle store layout initiatives, and perform inventory counts. Candidates must have a high school diploma and preferred knowledge of farming, ranching, pet care, or welding. Strong communication, problem-solving, and basic computer skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently. The position requires a flexible schedule, including varied hours, and provides an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic retail environment.

💪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!

💝MAGI BABY CHEST

The Magi Baby Chest in Princeton has set the date for its Magi Gala, a Valentine’s evening celebration, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the barn at Hornbaker Gardens.

This formal fundraising event will feature dinner and dancing in support of the Magi Baby Chest. Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The Steve Sharp Band will provide live music, and the evening will include a small silent auction and additional activities. The nonprofit describes the event as a mix of fun and sophistication, designed to help babies and toddlers in need.

Proceeds from the gala will fund baby supplies for families. The event’s aim is not only to generate financial support for the Magi Baby Chest but also to engage the broader community and highlight the services the organization provides to local families.

The Magi Baby Chest hopes to expand its donor base and inspire ongoing support beyond the St. Louis parish community. The nonprofit encourages attendees to invite friends interested in learning about and supporting a pro-family initiative.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be purchased online at magibabychest.com or at the St. Louis parish office. Open seating will be available unless a table of eight is reserved. Tickets are priced at $75 per person or $600 for a table. Quantities are limited. Donations can also be made online or by mailing a check to St. Louis Church, with “MBC” noted in the memo line.

The deadline for purchasing gala tickets is January 31st.

There will be some great silent auction items, as well as vacations available, to purchase that night. You can buy a vacation and also benefit the Magi Baby Chest.

🔥TOP-RATED CHARITIES ACTIVE IN THE LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORT

Massive wildfires are devastating the Los Angeles area of Southern California. As of Thursday morning, at least five people were killed, more than 100,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, and nearly 2,000 homes and businesses were destroyed.

Here are some of the groups that earned high marks from the organization for providing immediate support to the victims of the wildfires and wildfire-affected communities.

🎭LETTER FROM LORI

Sooooo, who’s on the “new year, new me” train? Do we really want a whole new “me”? I mean, I’ve spent a lot of time creating the me I am now and don’t want to lose all I’ve gained (except maybe the 20+ pounds from this past year). There’s been a lot of trial and error in creating this person. I’d like to think it’s all been forward movement, but I know there have been setbacks from time to time.

A new me? How about an improved me? Until I hit “Jesus” status, there’s always room for improvement. It might be little daily choices, like not cramming a Twinkie in my pie hole at midnight, or it could be something big, like buying a 10-acre farm and a brand-new Ford F-150 on a part-time McDonald’s salary.

Every choice we make leads us to where we are. No one is ever 100% happy with who they are—it’s the American way. Even if we’ve got our life priorities in line and have saved for the future so we can retire comfortably, we might still be dissatisfied with the width of our nose or the size of our feet. If we finally reach our goal weight and fit into single-digit sizes, we might hate that we haven’t spoken to our mom for months. Every life has its disappointments.

We need to set realistic goals for ourselves within a reasonable time frame. Sure, we might aspire to be award-winning novelists, but we’re not going to sit down and hammer out a bestseller in a week so it can be published by the next full moon. Maybe we dream of becoming doctors and curing cancer, but it’s not going to happen by our next birthday (at least not this year).

We also have to recognize that some things have to be done in a specific order. My “old lady” daily routine insists on this. I’ve learned the hard way (because that seems to be how I learn best) that you can’t put on menthol arthritis cream before putting in your contacts. It makes no sense to rinse your hair before shampooing it. And for heaven’s sake, feed the dog before taking it outside to do its duty—or doody, as the case may be.

Timing is important in life. We need to get more comfortable with allowing life to unfold naturally. I’ve always loved the illustration of the rosebud. We admire a fully bloomed rose for its beauty, but if we try to force a rosebud open, we’ll destroy it. Instead of a glorious bloom, we’re left with a pile of wilted petals and shredded greenery. How disappointing.

In this age of instant gratification, waiting is a struggle. I’ve spent countless hours in hospital waiting rooms while my dad went through tests. I hated the waiting—until I realized the others there hated it too. By striking up conversations, I often made new friends. I heard amazing stories from lives I’d previously known nothing about. And since I tend to be a little witty, I hope I brought some brightness to their day as well.

Sometimes, in the waiting, we find a blessing. Sometimes, in what feels like “wasted time,” we realize that life isn’t just about the ultimate goal (like going home to eat a Twinkie!). When we quiet our minds and reflect on the process, we can appreciate everything else a little more deeply.

So, the next time you’re stuck in the car or waiting in line at the bank while an elderly gentleman insists on applying for a car loan despite being told to meet with a loan officer, turn up the radio. Sing at full volume and delight the kids in the next car over. OK, maybe “delight” is an exaggeration—but at least you’ll make them laugh! I know I would.

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].