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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Local businesses are keeping things lively this winter with creative sales, special events, and fresh opportunities. From comfort food at Paisano’s and vacation-ready outfits at Little Blue Dress to Consignment flash sales and a call for artists at Hornbaker, there’s no shortage of reasons to shop local. Apollo POP is giving out movie tickets with their popcorn tins, Connections Studio is taking registrations for dance and fitness classes, and Ace Hardware is already planting seeds for spring. Whether you’re filling your bag, your freezer, or your calendar—shop smart, support Princeton.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
🛍️Buddy Bags
🦅Building the Future at PCA
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💕Galentines
🗓️January: A Weird Month
🏺Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: Princeton band director Steven Olson will appear on 'Jeopardy!' Tournament of Champions on Friday, Jan. 23

• Ava Easter to Headline Festival 56 Sound Stage Series at Grace Theater on January 24

• KWQC: From donated shoes to $2.3M: How Princeton thrift store transforms generosity

• Grady Thompson has been named to the Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Watch List. The recognition highlights him as one of the players to watch this season.

• The Magi Gala, a formal benefit for the Magi Baby Chest, will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The Barn at Hornbaker Garden. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:00 p.m., a silent auction (5:00–9:00 p.m.), dinner at 6:00 p.m., and dueling pianos and dancing from 7:30–10:00 p.m., with tickets priced at $80.

• Online registration for the Princeton Youth Baseball & Softball League opened Thursday, January 15, 2026. Several age divisions are available, and registration deadlines apply.

• The City is accepting applications for a full-time Waste Water Treatment/Maintenance Operator at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Starting pay is $31.00 per hour minimum, and applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.

• The Tigers finished in 14th place at the PIT, with Augustus Swanson placing 1st and Casey Etheridge placing 2nd. Congratulations to both athletes on their top finishes.

• Princeton High School will host the Tiger Cup Scholastic Bowl Tournament on Saturday, with 24 high school teams competing in academic competition.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton invited 6th–8th grade students to a free outdoor adventure event on Saturday, February 7. The day includes transportation, lunch, a winter hike, nature activities, and campfire food at Echo Bluff Park.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 01-12-2026

📍Outside City Limits

• Many are in mourning with the tragic loss of a beloved musician and teacher.

• The Sheffield Summer Festival is scheduled for June 25–27 at West Park and will include live entertainment, a carnival, a 5K race, and a kids’ parade. Organizers are also raising funds to help complete this year’s festival and welcome community support.

• A Kewanee school bus was totaled last Friday when it was struck by a vehicle while parked in Rock Island.

• A senior at St. Bede Academy recently won a gold medal.

• A message sent to parents from MHS Principal Joe Masini states that local law enforcement conducted an operation near the high school campus.

• LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office asks for help finding missing man

• Folks with Jamie's OutPost Parlor/Mix's Trading Post say they're selling the bar and grill and retail shop for $998,000.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home is listed for $159,999 and offers 1,172 sq ft of living space on a 1.39-acre lot. Inside, recent updates include newer flooring and fresh paint, plus a standout bathroom with heated floors and a double walk-in shower with bench seating. Convenient features include main-level laundry with washer and dryer, a floored attic for storage, and a full unfinished basement ready for future finishing. Additional upgrades and amenities include copper plumbing, newer 6-inch gutters, 200-amp electrical service, and ample outdoor storage with a 2-car detached garage and multiple outbuildings; the property is being sold as-is with conventional or cash buyers only.

• This spacious and inviting home on East Thompson offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of well-designed living space with abundant natural light and hardwood floors throughout. The main living areas feature a wood-burning fireplace, crown molding, oversized windows, and a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops, island seating, pantry storage, and an eat-in nook overlooking the backyard. The upper level includes a primary suite with vaulted ceilings, skylights, dual closets with built-ins, and a spa-like bath, along with two additional bedrooms and a full bath. Additional highlights include updated mechanical systems, a functional basement with ample storage, tranquil landscaping, and an oversized two-car garage.

• This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home at 319 N Chestnut St is listed for $60,000 and offers 921 sq ft of living space, with a main-floor bedroom and laundry. The property includes a large yard, a carport, and two parking spaces, with a lot size of approximately 5,227 sq ft and an estimated $65 per square foot. It is a HUD-owned home being sold strictly as-is and is subject to appraisal, with the seller making no representations or warranties regarding condition. Buyers should verify all listing information, note that lead-based paint disclosures may be limited, and plan showings through proper agent sign-in procedures.

🛍️BUDDY BAGS

This year’s Buddy bag program is in full swing with 142 children currently participating in our program.

As everyone is aware groceries are high and the need is great. We are reaching out to businesses, organizations and residents as we approach the holidays for any and all support/donations to the buddybag program.  Our new location is behind Johnson's Carpet in white bldg with our Buddy Bag sign at the door. We meet at 430 to set up and pack at 5 on Wednesday evening. Visitors and extra help always welcome.

Thank you!

Contacts

Mark Frank: 8158767295

Diane Heller: 8153262671

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

KWQC: The weekend looks much colder with Saturday morning chills from 5 to -5 and highs in the teens along with a few possible snow showers. Sunday brings chills of 0 to -10 and highs in the low 20s along with afternoon snow showers. Overall, total weekend snow accumulations should be either side of an inch for most places.

❄️ Saturday: Cloudy and very cold with a few flurries or light snow possible. High around 17°F with a WNW wind 10–20 mph. Evening turns partly cloudy and frigid with a low near 7°F.

🌤 Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance for a few flurries at times. High near 22°F with WNW 10–15 mph keeping wind chills in the single digits. Night is mostly clear and bitter with a low around 5°F.

🌥 Monday: Partly cloudy and very cold. High near 13°F with a WNW wind 10–20 mph. A few clouds at night with a low near 4°F and a lighter west wind 5–10 mph.

☀️ Tuesday: Sunshine and clouds mixed and a touch milder. High near 25°F with a SW breeze 5–10 mph. Night is partly cloudy with a low around 18°F.

🌤 Wednesday: Partly cloudy with some sun and a seasonably cold feel. High around 30°F with a WSW wind 5–10 mph. Night turns mostly cloudy with a low near 14°F and a WNW wind around 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.91
Casey’s West/North: $2.96
Beck’s West/North: $2.96
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.96
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.96

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.49

🦅BUILDING THE FUTURE AT PCA

Since 1981, Princeton Christian Academy has partnered with families and the local church to provide academic excellence, biblical discipleship, and preparation for students to stand firm in Christ.

As cultural challenges intensify, the need for a dedicated, Christ-centered high school facility has become increasingly urgent. We want to offer families in our area another option and provide our current students with greater opportunities to grow and thrive.

We are now raising support to build a new facility that will serve as a hub for Christ-centered learning and ministry.

This new building will include spaces for technology training through a biblical worldview, large classrooms, gathering areas for youth and college ministries, a stage for music and drama, and amenities such as a basketball court and weight room to support student development.

We invite you to join this vision through prayer, generous giving, professional expertise, or by helping share the story.

Please call or message us to learn more about how you can support this project.

Through the strength and guidance God provides, our desire is to equip even more of the next generation to be grounded in truth, grow in faith, and impact the world for God’s glory.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. at 421 S. Main Street. The event will feature specialty breakfast items and giveaways, with more details to come.

• Los Ranchitos of Princeton is celebrating its 19th anniversary on Tuesday, January 20. Buy one meal at regular price and get the second meal half price (equal or lesser value), plus $1.99 margaritas all day.

• Connections Studio is taking sign-ups for its next 8-week session beginning 2/2/26, with classes including First Steps, Basic Tumble, Pilates Intro 1, Line Dance, and Stretch Strengthen Strive. Contact Connections Studio to secure your spot, and see the post for the listed class days and times.

• Prime Quarter Steak House is hiring for immediate Grill Chef openings in Princeton, with full-time and part-time options and pay listed at $16–$20 per hour. The post highlights responsibilities like prep, customer guidance, cleanliness, and food safety, with benefits including competitive pay/tips, flexible scheduling, and employee discounts.

• The Princeton Closet is open Thursday–Saturday from 9–5, and the Donation Center is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9–3. This week includes a beach theme, Easter merch, and promotions like 90% off Christmas items, select buy-one-get-one deals, and Basket Days (12 items for $8) on Friday and Saturday.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is now accepting artist submissions through March 2. They’re seeking local and regional fine artists (18+) for the 12th annual Artisan Market, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10am–4pm.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is announcing a flash sale with 50% off all clothing tomorrow only. The post also mentions a $5 fill-a-bag room and lists shopping hours as 10am–4pm.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is celebrating customer appreciation month with 30% off purchases during January. The post notes they are open today from 9–6 and encourages shoppers to stop in for Valentine’s Day outfit options.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine is offering free delivery on $40+ orders. The post notes deliveries are available today and includes their phone number (815-878-5139).

• Little Blue Dress, Princeton, IL is sharing vacation outfit inspiration and promoting elevated basics along with one-of-a-kind pieces. The post encourages shoppers to browse in-store or online.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League announced that online registration opens Thursday, January 15, 2026. The flyer directs families to sign up at PYBSL.org and lists registration fees by age group, including a $160 family max.

• After the recent snowfall, Paisano’s is promoting a “Snowy Night = Comfort Food Night” with seasonal favorites. Featured items include a Chili Pizza, Velvet Chocolate Pie, and a new Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, with dine-in or carryout available.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is encouraging early winter sowing and has seeds and starter kits available for the season. Shoppers can find a variety of options to help get gardens started.

• Apollo POP announced it will be closed Monday for National Popcorn Day. To make up for it, they are offering $20 refills on 2-gallon tins from now through Sunday, plus two complimentary Apollo Theater passes with the purchase of a new tin for $35.

• Wild Honey Boutique reminded customers that they offer dry cleaning drop-off and pick-up during regular store hours. The post also clarified payment methods and directed service issues to Sanitary Cleaners.

• Pin Splitter Lanes announced its Sweetheart Bowl event for Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14. The special includes three games of 9-pin no tap bowling for $20 per person with shoe rental included.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store announced it will reopen on January 22, 2026 under new management. The reopening will feature a new layout, and updates will continue to be shared through future posts.

• Bureau County Metro Center is continuing its Nerf Nights program every Friday through the end of January. The event offers age-specific time slots for K–2nd and 3rd–5th graders, with registration currently open.

• Dairy Queen in Princeton is now accepting applications for the 2026 season. The seasonal positions include day and evening shifts, with employment running from early March through at least the end of October.

• On the Homestead CrossFit shared a breakdown of its $100 monthly membership, noting it includes at least 27 classes per month. The post highlights that this works out to roughly $3.70 per class, with the option to attend even more frequently.

• Book-el-ZOO announced a variety of birds currently available or obtainable, ranging from macaws and cockatiels to finches, doves, and quail. The post emphasizes options for both large and small avian companions, with several species currently in stock.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Friday, January 9, 2026: Nate Rector Live at Barrel Society – Local country artist Nate Rector performs live at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

🃏 Saturday, January 24, 2026: Euchre Tournament at Wyanet VFW Post 6634 – Registration begins at 12:00 PM with card play starting at 12:30 PM. $10 buy-in, food and bar available.

🎸 Saturday, January 31, 2026: Day Drinking at Hawg House Saloon with Kickapoo Junction – Live music and a lively afternoon atmosphere from 3:00–7:00 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

🏍 Sunday, February 8, 2026: Princeton Motorcycle Swap Meet – Held from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with $10 admission and vendor spots available for $50 at 802 W Peru Street.

💘 Thursday, February 12, 2026: Galentine’s Party Shop + Sip at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Enjoy Valentine-themed drinks and shopping from local vendors starting at 6:00 PM.

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Wreckin’ Dixie performs live from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of country rock fun.

☘️🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! at Barrel Society – 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, with the St. Patrick’s party to follow. Food served on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM. $5 from each 5K entry benefits Freedom House women’s shelter. (930 N Main St.)

💕GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT

Friday, February 13th

Grab your gals and your giggles—because this night is made for besties.

Roses are red, pink is the vibe,

Call up your gal pals—it’s time to tribe.

Laugh, shop, sip, and create something cute,

A sweet little love fest—no boys required… phew!

Shop, Sip & Swoon Until 7:00 PM

Stroll Princeton’s fabulous Main Street retailers until 7:00 PM, with sweets, treats, and beverages from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Snack while you browse, toast to your crew, and fall head-over-heels for something sparkly and new.

Rachel Rene – Princeton IL (until 7:00 PM)

Whip up something sweet—make your own soap, scented with love and laughs.

The Knack (until 7:00 PM)

Get artsy and create a lasting treasure by painting pottery with your favorite people.

Corner Chair Market (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Create a one-of-a-kind barnwood heart—rustic, cute, totally you.

Once Upon a Craft Princeton (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Paint an exclusive Galentine’s design made just for this magical night.

Dine, Drink & Dish

Between the crafts and the laughs, don’t forget to visit our local restaurants and bars for dinner, drinks, and all the girl talk your heart can handle.

And Then… A Chick Flick Finale

Wrap up the night the way only Princeton can do—at the historic and beloved Apollo Theater Princeton. Because no Galentine’s is complete without a classic rom-com and popcorn, hosted by the Chamber.

Doors open: 9:45 PM

Movie starts: 10:00 PM

Tickets: $10.00 each – includes movie, small drink, and small popcorn

Tickets available at the Chamber Office beginning Monday, January 19th

Movie title to be announced later this week

Laugh louder. Shop longer. Make memories while supporting small businesses. Spend time with your favorite ladies. There’s no better place to celebrate Galentine’s Day than in Princeton, Illinois—where friendships sparkle, Main Street shines, and girls’ night out is practically an art form.

From The Chamber of Commerce

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

Douglas Criner: Elm Grove School 1951 - The date is on the blackboard. Elm Grove was a country school at the northwest corner of W. Peru Street and Gosse Blvd (near where Beck's West is located). No information on the kids' names.

🗓️JANUARY: WHAT A WEIRD MONTH

January has always felt like a doorway month—half looking back, half stepping forward—and history has filled it with moments that are far more interesting than its gray skies suggest. The month takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, a fitting symbol for a time when civilizations have repeatedly decided to turn new corners. Ancient Romans actually celebrated New Year in March until 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar and pushed the start of the year to January 1, tying the month permanently to ideas of renewal and reform.

Some of history’s boldest moves unfolded in January. On January 10, 49 B.C., Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, a decision that reshaped the Roman world and gave us the phrase for passing a point of no return. Centuries later, on January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, transforming the purpose of the Civil War and the future of the United States. Exploration, too, left its mark: in January 1778 Captain James Cook became the first European to visit the Hawaiian Islands, opening a new chapter of global contact.

January has also been a month of scientific firsts. In 1610 Galileo discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter, proving that not everything revolved around Earth and unsettling the assumptions of his age. The first successful kidney transplant took place in January 1954, a breakthrough that launched modern organ transplantation. Even everyday life changed: London’s Underground began operating in January 1863, and the first public television demonstration in the U.S. occurred in January 1928.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States, minus 80 degrees in Alaska, occurred in January 1971, while the Northern Hemisphere’s shortest days slowly begin to lengthen. From revolutions to discoveries to quiet seasonal turning points, January carries the energy of a starting line—proof that even in the stillest part of winter, history rarely sleeps.

🏺LETTER FROM LORI

Tonight I had the privilege of attending a paint party organized by a friend of mine to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. When I was invited, I was immediately drawn to the example of the piece we would be creating. In the online invitation there was a picture of an adorable, weathered snowman on a serving tray. “HOW CUTE!” I thought, but I knew my limited knowledge of painting might not produce the result I was hoping for. I knew there would be instruction, but I still had my doubts.

When I arrived, all the tools I needed were set at my appointed place at the table. Everyone was given identical supplies to work with. As the program began, my friend started talking us through the steps designed to help us transform our slab of wood into a masterpiece. I had visions of hanging mine in the Louvre when it was completed—as in the art museum, not the loo like the bathroom! She spoke eloquently and precisely, but my eyes were constantly drawn back to the photograph we were given to guide our steps. By looking at the picture, I could see how the brushstrokes followed the grain of the wood and how the colors blended together. I could SEE the outline, the eyes, and how the white snowflakes danced around the circle. That picture was a constant. Her words were fleeting, and if I got distracted by a proverbial squirrel—or by hot cocoa and a peppermint stick—I might have missed a key piece of instruction. So as I painted, my eyes went back, time and time again, to the image in front of me.

Often I have felt this way about preaching. I do enjoy a good sermon and listening to faith-based speakers who are trying to help me reach my goal of heaven, but the ones who have the most impact on me are the ones who LIVE their faith. Those people are the ones I can look at and turn to when I feel a little lost or lacking in my abilities. They are there to show me how to live and how to navigate the path. They don’t just stand on the sidelines cheering me on; they take me by the hand and show me how it’s done. They jog beside me and run through the mud with me.

I often tell people I don’t preach—I share. I share my testimony. I share the reasons for my faith. I try to share the EXAMPLE of how to be a good Christian.

One thing I noticed at the paint party is that, despite the visual example, everyone’s creation turned out a little differently. Each artist put their own unique brand of creativity into their finished product. I heard a lot of the women lamenting, “It doesn’t look good” or “I did it wrong!” Some were very similar to the original, but others were a bit outside the box and added something unexpected. No two Christians are alike either. We all have gifts from God that we use in our own unique way. Some of us are loud and bold. Some are soft and compassionate. Some are affectionate and will hug the stuffing out of you when they greet you. Some will call and check on you constantly, while others will reliably show up whenever they are needed. No matter what kind of twist you put on it, when you are a creation of God, you can’t screw it up! Your nuances are what make you YOU. So what if your eyes aren’t quite centered, or you’ve added more snowflakes than the one sitting on the front table? Your orange carrot nose is too skinny? SO WHAT!

At the end of the day, you can look in the mirror and know that even Picasso and Pollock had admirers!

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

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