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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Fireworks, trolley rides, reindeer, and Santa sightings all across town. Plus, Logan heads to state, the Magic of Christmas returns, local scammers resurface, weather turns wintery, and Lori reminds us what really matters. It’s a day for small-town magic—and we’ve got it all right here.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🚨Scam Alert
🛍️Buddy Bags
🧤Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🛍️Small Business Saturdays
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
👷Princeton Job Inspections
🐅Saturday at PHS
👷Job Openings
✨The Magic of Christmas
❄️Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Tigers and Tigresses of Princeton High School could soon be playing their games in a fieldhouse.

• Princeton Logan won the Class 3A, 7^th Grade sectional in Morris with a 24-12 win over Lisle. Logan plays at Auburn Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in a state quarterfinal game against Hillsboro.

• Scammers doing their dirty tricks in the Princeton Elementary School District.

• The Bureau County Coroner has issued a report of his first year in office.

• Community members were invited to line Main Street to send off the Logan Lions 7th Grade Girls Basketball team on Saturday, December 6. The team bus will depart at 10:30 a.m. en route to their state tournament game in Auburn.

• Z Tour Bike Ride announced that Z Tour 2026 will take place in Princeton on July 18 and encouraged riders to save the date.

• Princeton Firefighters announced a raffle to benefit Project Fire Buddies, with proceeds supporting children battling serious illnesses. Tickets are available through December 20, with multiple entry options and drawing details included.

• Bureau County Metro Center announced its “Jingle All the Weigh” donation drive running December 6–15. Donors who bring items for the Bureau County Food Pantry will receive discounts on memberships.

• Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-Thru runs November 28th–December 21st, with additional dates December 22nd–25th. Visitors can enjoy festive displays Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9 p.m. and Sundays from 5–8 p.m. at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• Bureau County Tourism invites residents to a Christmas fireworks pyromusical on Saturday, December 6th at 7 p.m. Attendees can tune in to 87.9 FM or use the Pyrocast app to listen to the music synced with the show

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 12-04-2025

  📍Outside City Limits

• Hayden Bailey of Sparland, Illinois, had both of his legs amputated after a 2013 car crash. Today, more than 2.2 million people follow his journey on TikTok.

• Tiskilwa will host its annual “Walk Tiskilwa’s Christmas Market” on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The festive event will feature more than 20 vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music by AMC Sound. Guests can also enjoy treats from Mr. Cinnamon, visit with Santa Claus, and meet alpacas on the lawn of the Tiskilwa Inn. At 11:30 a.m., Main Street will come alive with a special and entertaining performance by The Mistletoe Misfits—a highlight you won’t want to miss.

• Boyd’s Grove United Methodist Church has moved its Live Nativity Drive-Thru event to Saturday, December 6th due to the weekend weather forecast. They ask the community to share the update to help spread the word.

• The Buda Community Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 6 at the Buda Community Hall with a visit from Santa at 1:00 PM. Bingo will follow from 2:00–3:30 PM, and attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item.

🚨SCAM ALERT

As many of you may have heard, the Logan Junior High 7th grade girls' basketball team has qualified for the IESA State Finals Tournament with their Sectional victory last night. While we are celebrating their accomplishments and their upcoming trip to state, we have unfortunately learned that a phone scam has started where callers are requesting a donation to "send the team off to state." Please be advised that this is a scam and is not legitimate. Neither PES nor Logan Junior High School are seeking any fundraising to send our 7th grade girls' basketball team to state.

🛍️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

🧤Volunteers Needed for Overnight Staffing of Planned Shelter in Princeton

Your help will be needed this winter to provide warmth and comfort to those who'll need it.

Starting in late December, a new overnight shelter will be in place to warm the homeless in the community. And volunteers who can serve as overnight staff at the shelter are very much in need.

The shelter will be located at Arukah Institute of Healing, at 1916 Main Street in Princeton. Concerned citizens, faith communities and other agencies are setting up a warming center to bring comfort to those who will be needing it during the long winter ahead.

If you're interested, you'll be required to go through training, and sessions are scheduled for December 10 and 11.

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the project as an overnight volunteer, send an email by clicking here. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

❄️Saturday: Mostly cloudy and cold. High near 28°F with a light NW wind 5–10 mph. Saturday night: Snow develops (~80%); 1–3” possible. Low 18–21°F with ENE 10–15 mph—slick roads late.

🌥️Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a few early flurries. High around 24°F with NNE 10–15 mph. Sunday night: Partly cloudy and bitter; low near –3°F with NNE 5–10 mph.

⛅Monday: Some sun early, turning mostly cloudy. High near 24°F with SSW 5–10 mph. Monday night: Partly cloudy late, low around 18°F with SSW 10–20 mph.

☁️Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; late-day light mix/showers possible (~30%). High near 36°F with WSW 5–10 mph. Tuesday night: Cloudy, low around 27°F with WSW 10–15 mph.

☁️Wednesday: Cloudy and breezy; morning near 33°F then falling to around freezing. Rain/snow mix possible; WNW 15–25 mph with higher gusts. Wednesday night: Partly to mostly cloudy and colder. Low near 16°F with WNW 5–10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.09
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.12
Casey’s West/North: $3.12
Beck’s West/North: $3.12
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.12
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.12

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.76

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Rachel Rene shared that a large restock of popular socks has arrived. The store is open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12–4 p.m.

• Little Blue Dress announced a Small Business Saturday sequel on Saturday, December 6. Shoppers will receive a $15 gift card with every $100 spent, along with select discounts on sweaters, sweatshirts, Sorel, and Birkenstock items, plus a free gift with purchase.

• Spoons and Forks invited the public to an Ugly Sweater Christmas Brunch at Coal Creek Brewing on December 21 at 11 a.m. The five-course brunch is priced at $25 per person.

• Miss Betsy’s reminded customers to stop in on Saturday to make a purchase and receive a sticker for their Monopoly board. The shop shared that it looks forward to seeing customers during the Small Business Saturday event. Miss Betsy’s announced December’s flavor of the month as Peppermint Hot Cocoa, available in donut form. The seasonal flavor features hot chocolate frosting and crushed candy cane topping.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe encouraged shoppers to stop in for Small Business Saturday and browse their Christmas décor selection. The store highlighted a variety of seasonal decorative items available for holiday shopping.

• Cafe Grace announced that pastries will be available all weekend, including monster cookies, fruit tarts, blueberry bagels, and chocolate croissants. Dine-in and carryout options are available, along with hearty menu items.

• Apollo Theater released showtimes valid from December 5 through December 11. Movies include Zootopia 2 and Wicked: For Good, with multiple daily showings and open-captioned Sunday night performances.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream announced a Small Business Saturday giveaway on December 6. Customers who make a purchase can enter to win a handcrafted Christmas tree candle, and Chamber Monopoly participants can also enter for a $100 gift card drawing.

🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Small Business Saturday – TAKE 2!

Shop Small, Shop Princeton, & Play Monopoly with our many Chamber member retailers & restaurants for a chance to be 1 of 5 winners of $100.00 in Chamber Gift Cards! Some stores will open early at 9:00 AM. Check individual store pages for more details! Thank you to Heartland Bank and Trust Company for sponsoring.

The Princeton Trolley will run on Main Street for the final time in 2025 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Weather dependent as always.

Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Cookie Wonderland & Project Holiday Cheer

Cookie decorating and creating merry mail for our nursing home residents.

Prouty-Zearing Community Building | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Santa’s Workshop

Activity & craft stations, food, Santa, Mrs. Claus, & live reindeer visits.

Bureau County Fair | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

All are welcome! Free entry but we encourage everyone to donate a canned good, non-perishable food item, toiletry item, or make a monetary donation to the Bureau County Food Pantry upon entering.

Tri-County Opportunities Council

A Christmas Story

Free showing compliments of Klinefelter Electric.

Apollo Theater Princeton | 1:30 PM

Holiday Concert

Bureau County Chorus & Princeton Community Band

Evangelical Covenant Church – West Building | 3:00 PM

Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive Thru

Bureau County Fair | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Christmas Firework Spectacular | 7:00 PM

City of Princeton licensed UTVs & golf carts are welcome. Free to enter but donations are strongly encouraged to keep this event going.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Saturday, December 6: Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents UpByN00n – A night of high-energy music and storytelling from this creative group exploring life and the digital age. Tickets $15. 316 S Main St. 7 PM.

🎻 Saturday, December 6: Fiddlerock! at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Enjoy rock, country, pop, metal, and festive Trans-Siberian Orchestra favorites, all reimagined on violin. Coal Creek Brewing Company, 430 South Main St. 6 PM.

🎅 Saturday, December 6: Walk Tiskilwa – Visit Santa, shop the Bake Sale, and browse rugs, knives, pot holders, and dish cloths for sale. Hosted by Tiskilwa Community Church, 145 W Main St, Tiskilwa. 10 AM–1 PM.

🍽️ Monday, December 15: Freezer Meals Fundraiser Pickup – Order a box of 10 frozen meals (five varieties, two of each) for $100 to support Bureau County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, then swing by to pick up your sealed box. Bureau County Farm Bureau, 1407 North Main St. 3–4:30 PM (pre-registration and payment required by November 24).

♟️ Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 PM: Princeton Public Library Chess Club – Join in for casual chess games and friendly competition, with coaching available for those who want to learn. All are welcome. Princeton Public Library, 698 E Peru St.

🎸 Wednesday, December 31: Wild Card at Hawg House – Ring in the New Year early with day drinks and live music at Hawg House Saloon, 18066 US Hwy 6. 3–7 PM.

🐅SATURDAY AT PHS

Boys Wrestling (All Levels) at Auburn Super Duals

Girls Wrestling (All Levels) at PHS PIT Girls Invite

Girls Basketball (Fresh/Soph, JV, Varsity) at Morris

Boys Basketball (JV) vs. BV at Hall Colmone Classic

Boys Basketball (JV) vs. IVC at Hall Colmone Classic

Boys Basketball (Varsity) vs. BV at Colmone Classic

Winter Band Concert

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Beck’s West Princeton is hiring a part-time Drive Thru Cashier for the 2nd shift, working from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with pay ranging from $16 to $16.50 per hour. This on-site role focuses on delivering excellent customer service, accurately handling transactions, and maintaining a clean, well-stocked environment. Employees enjoy benefits including weekly gas discounts, free fountain drinks or coffee during shifts, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and a casual dress code. Additional benefits include access to health insurance options, a company-matched 401(k), and participation in an employee-owned (ESOP) program.

• Taylor’s Way is hiring a full-time Lawn Applicator in Princeton, offering competitive pay ranging from approximately $20 to $22.50 per hour. This role supports lawn care, tree care, pest control, and seasonal services while working with state-of-the-art equipment in a team-oriented environment. Employees receive extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement, along with performance-based bonuses. The company also offers strong benefits, a Monday–Friday work schedule, and long-term stability with a well-established, debt-free organization.

• R.P. Lumber is hiring a full-time CDL Driver in Princeton with an hourly pay range of $20 to $25. This position is responsible for safely delivering lumber and building materials to customer job sites while ensuring accuracy, professionalism, and compliance with safety regulations. Duties include loading and unloading materials, securing return loads, completing delivery paperwork, and maintaining vehicle cleanliness and safety checks. The role reports directly to the General Manager and emphasizes customer service, accountability, and operational efficiency.

✨THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

The Prairie Arts Council is bringing back The Magic of Christmas for the first time since 2019—a heartwarming community theater children’s musical written and directed by Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Families are invited to enjoy a festive, joy-filled performance that celebrates the wonder of the season with music, story, and talented young local actors. Performances will be held at the Prairie Arts Center, offering a cozy holiday atmosphere that’s perfect for kicking off December. With affordable ticket prices and multiple showtimes, it’s a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, and kids to experience live Christmas theater together.

This year’s production is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Princeton Closet. Tickets can be purchased by calling the number provided, and seating is expected to fill quickly. Gather your loved ones, step into the warmth of community arts, and let this charming musical become part of your holiday tradition. The Magic of Christmas promises an evening (or afternoon) of smiles, music, and festive storytelling.

• Performances: December 5 & 6 at 7 p.m. | December 7 at 2 p.m.

• Location: Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Avenue East, Princeton, IL

• Tickets: Adults $15 • Children $10

• To purchase: Call (719) 290-0954

❄️LETTER FROM LORI

A whole day! In the wake of snowpocolypse this week, so many things got put aside or cancelled. One of those things was church. OUCH. When you love and enjoy your church family, having to go two weeks without that soul-filling interaction hurts a little. Since I am someone who tries to make every negative a positive, I decided to set aside the WHOLE DAY immersed in seeking Him more intentionally. I chose to leave my phone on my nightstand and not allow myself to be a slave to the worldly interaction I find there. Its only purpose today is to emit some Spotify music of the uplifting kind.

I spent the day cleansing… my house, my intestines (I fasted for a period in order to gain clarity in my writing), my body… I took a proper shower, complete with moisturizing and shaving—not one of those toddler-mom showers I’m so used to where you get wet and maybe get some soap on a few of your stinky parts before you are beckoned by household noises you can’t quite identify. I sat and read The Cross and the Switchblade, a book I had not indulged in since my youth. After purging this column from my soul, I plan on watching the movie with Erik Estrada from 1970. Ponch is going to make a wonderful gang member on the screen in contrast to the motorcycle-riding law enforcement agent of the late 70s. (IYKYK)

I’m stating all of this sort of casually, but to be this intentional about something takes some willpower and focus. I don’t know about you, but my season of motherhood created an ADHD version of my younger self. I’m not sure I’m even capable of doing one thing at a time anymore. If I’m watching TV, I have a craft in my lap. If I’m cooking, I simultaneously squeak 40 tasks into the cracks of time while I’m waiting for the water to boil, or (thanks to my KitchenAid, which “revolutionized my life,” according to my pre-teen son when I finally caved in and invested in the 4000 lb beast that takes up too much counter space) letting something mix, or while cookies are baking.

So, to focus on my spiritual well-being for a whole day seemed an insurmountable task for my squirrel brain. It has taken a lot of stopping, re-centering, refocusing, and staying on task. How easily we get distracted.

We are conditioned from infancy to be distracted. As a mother, it was the most formidable weapon in my arsenal for stopping a cosmic meltdown in a toddler. When you see them flop to the floor and begin to flail, you calmly try to redirect their emotion from hysterical to happy by casually asking about the puppy across the road, or the promise of a lollipop if they cease their current path. How often are we pulled from a good, clear direction by temptations? Do you listen to God’s direction and follow His lollipop, or are you more prone to leave the stairway to heaven because you saw an interesting bug on the highway to hell?

As I am navigating my day, I realize that intentional choices are what determine my success or failure in my direction. I need to be a chess player and see how Move A will get me to an ultimate win and how it affects Move B, Move C, and all of those in between. So, as your pawn advances across your board, where is your queen, and where is your King? As I attempt to find the words to conclude my thoughts here with a little bit of cleverness that ties it all together, the House Horse begs to go outside, and as I’m heading back to my computer I determine that the log sitting by the back door needs to go into the fireplace, so then I have to wash my hands and the cat darts between my feet asking to be fed and then I take an opportunity to go to the bathroom as long as I’m up and then… five minutes later, I’m back on task.

Rook to queen… CHECKMATE!!

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

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