🕯️Grain Bin Rescue, Candlelight Services, and Sales Tax

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Good morning, Princeton. Tonight is our “White Elephant Gift Exchange” at youth group at Princeton Bible Church. It’s always a hit — people give bricks, old magazines, PlayStation 2 games, squirt guns, cans of beans, cotton candy. It is quite the hoot. I’m looking forward to getting some cool and absurd stuff later today.

Let’s get after it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
⛪️Local Churches

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Martin Schmeck! 🍰 

• The City of Princeton has announced the garbage and recycling schedule for the holidays. Garbage Routes for Tuesday, December 24, will remain unchanged, but Wednesday’s (December 25) pickup will move to Thursday, December 26. There will be no recycling pickup during the week of Christmas. 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 City Hall will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and December 31 and January 1 for New Year’s. Plan accordingly and have a happy holiday season!

• On December 16, Princeton Fire and EMS crews successfully rescued a male trapped in a grain bin. The individual, submerged past his waist, was freed using grain rescue equipment and transported to the hospital as a precaution. Crews from neighboring departments, including Ohio Fire and Walnut EMS, assisted in the operation. Read the story at KWQC.

• BCR: Princeton looks to keep 1% sales tax on groceries. City may lose about $350,000 to $400,000 in revenue, according to comparative study.

• Stared Rock Media: Princeton is getting more than $216,000 in grant money for park projects.

• Country Guide: Jeff Rowe, CEO of the Syngenta Group, doesn’t often get home to his farm near Princeton, Illinois. He’s usually operating from his base in Basil, Switzerland, instead. But when he does get back to the Midwest, you might catch up to him running a planter in the spring or the combine in the fall…

• Classic Hits 106: The Christmas Station and Liberty Village of Princeton are tracking Santa

• Regional Media News: Bureau County Sheriff Report

• 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.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST 

🎨Get creative at Jolly Nutcracker Paint Night this evening at 6 PM at the Downtown Pub & Event Center, 432 S. Main Street. This festive evening features a pre-drawn Nutcracker canvas for $35 (16x20), perfect for painters of all skill levels. Reserve your spot at paintingpartiesbylucy.com or through Venmo at @LucySchmidt99. Come early for dinner or grab a drink at the cash bar.

🎄Gather the family for Christmas Family Fun Night on Friday at 4 PM at Princeton Wesleyan Church, 421 E Dover Road. Enjoy a night of games, movies, popcorn, and breakfast treats—all in your coziest pajamas. This fun-filled event is perfect for families, children, and young adults. Don’t miss out on this festive evening!

📖Celebrate the holiday season at Grinchmas at True Leaves Bookshop on Saturday, December 21, from 9 AM to 11 AM at 15 Park Ave West. Join the fun with donuts, storytime, and a special visit from the Grinch himself. Don your Who-tastic best for the costume contest and bring a donation for the Teen Hygiene Drive to receive a free donut from Miss Betsy’s Donuts (while supplies last).

🐻‍❄️Enjoy a magical afternoon at the Polar Express Party on Saturday, from 12 PM to 7 PM at 906 North Main Street. Wear your pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and paint winter-themed pottery with unique stencils. Pricing is $7 for kids/students and $10 for adults, plus the cost of pottery. No reservations are needed, but groups of six or more are encouraged to call ahead.

🎸Wrap up your Saturday with live music at the Sheafor & Simes Seasons Greetings Tour on Saturday, December 21, at 7 PM at Barrel Society, 930 N Main Street. This dynamic duo will light up the night with their crowd-pleasing covers and stellar musicianship. Stop by, enjoy the music, and celebrate the season with friends!

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️Today: Mostly cloudy throughout the day with a high of 33°F. Winds will come from the west at 10 to 15 mph. Skies will remain mostly cloudy into the evening but gradually become partly cloudy overnight. Lows will dip to 23°F with winds shifting to the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

🌨️Thursday: Cloudy skies dominate with a high near 36°F. Winds will blow from the south at 10 to 20 mph. By the evening, scattered snow showers are possible with a low of 24°F. Winds will shift to the west at 5 to 10 mph overnight.

🌥️Friday: Partly cloudy skies prevail with a daytime high of 33°F. Winds will stay steady from the west at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight conditions bring a few clouds with temperatures dropping to 22°F. Winds will blow lightly from the west-northwest at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Saturday: The day will feature partly sunny skies and a high of 30°F. Winds will be west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Skies will remain mostly clear overnight, with a low near 17°F. Winds will shift slightly from the west at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.11
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.16
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

Peru Gas 👀

Speedway: $2.76

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Princeton Auto Group is hiring! They are seeking qualified candidates for positions including Sales Consultants, Service Managers, and trained technicians for GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles. Stop by 1402 N Main St. or call 815-326-0026 for more information. Competitive pay, benefits, and bonuses are offered.

💪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!

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautiful farmhouse located at 23779 1480 Ave N, Princeton, is listed for $325,000. This 4-6 bedroom home, sitting on 4.3 acres, blends old charm with modern updates, including a new water softener, electrical system, and furnace in 2024. The home is well-equipped for horse owners with a two-stall barn and a large machine shed. Inside, the property offers spacious wood flooring, a sunroom, and main floor laundry. With its serene country setting and updated features, this home offers both comfort and functionality.

• Located in the charming Timber Ridge subdivision, this ranch home at 2332 Amelia Dr. offers a grand and welcoming feel with a beautiful brick front exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open floor plan living and dining area featuring high ceilings and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and soft-close hardware, perfect for hosting. The home includes a sunroom, a fully finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, and a large family room with in-floor heating. Key updates include a new HVAC system in 2022 and a new roof in 2023, ensuring low maintenance for years to come.

• A well-maintained four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home located at 1133 W Clark St, is available for $219,000. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and opens to a cozy family room featuring a gas log fireplace. Recent updates include new patio doors, a roof from 2020, and a Generac generator installed in 2022. The upstairs has four bedrooms, with the primary bedroom featuring a bath and double closets. The property includes a two-car attached garage and is situated on a crawl space with access to the garage.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Miss Betsy’s has made it easier for donut lovers to place their orders by phone. Simply call 815-878-9066 to enjoy their delicious treats. Don’t miss the chance to satisfy your cravings with a quick call.

• Get your last-minute Christmas shopping done at Wild Honey Boutique. The store is open today from 10 AM to 7 PM for any final gift needs. Stop by for unique items, including apparel, jewelry, and seasonal gifts to complete your holiday list.

• Enjoy delicious specials this week at Cafe Grace. Wednesday offers a Chicken Club, and Thursday brings the Frisco Melt. On Friday, stop by for a Breakfast Chorizo Skillet, Lunch Turkey Club & Soup, or an all-you-can-eat Fried Fish Dinner. Don’t forget to make reservations for their New Year’s Day Brunch from 9 AM to 2 PM.

• Save big at Four Seasons with 50% off all jewelry now through December 22. Shop in-store or online at fourseasonsdirect.com. Selection varies, so don’t miss this chance to grab a special gift.

• The Princeton Moose Lodge has a full week of activities, including tacos on December 19. Don’t miss their Pasta Buffet with music bingo and entertainment on December 20. Mark your calendars for upcoming events like Black Light Bingo on December 28 and a Prime Rib Dinner with entertainment on January 11—reservations required.

• Princeton Animal Control is asking for help locating a missing husky named Akura. She was last seen near Zearing Park on Saturday after getting away from a dog sitter. If you have any information, please call 815-875-1150. Let’s help bring Akura home safely!

• Find a festive duo deal at Once Upon A Craft. Valued at over $130, this seasonal set is now available for $90—but hurry, there’s only one set left! Stop by the store today or claim it online.

• Add charm to your space with a beautiful 6-drawer buffet from Corner Chair Market. Whether you need a dresser or a statement piece, this versatile item will stand out with its stunning wood design. Visit the store today to take a closer look.

• Bureau County Metro Center will extend open swim hours on December 23, 27, and 30, with the pool opening at noon. Three lanes will remain available for reservation during these hours. Take advantage of this schedule for extra swim time during the holidays.

• The Emerald Tablet Collective is offering a holiday deal on gift certificates, with an added 25% value for every $100 spent between December 5 and 15. These certificates are available in any amount and can be purchased throughout the month. Customers are encouraged to drop hints about their holiday wishes using their posts.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This stunning property at 16127 2500 East St. is listed for $963,000 and sits on a 60-acre lot with a private, fully stocked lake. Built in 2018, the home offers four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a 1,780-square-foot main floor, and a fully finished walkout basement. The property includes two master suites with lake views, a whole-house generator, a barn for equipment storage, and 14+ acres of income-producing farmland. Outdoor features include ATV trails, hunting blinds, food plots, and bridges, making it ideal for a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or Airbnb investment. This unique property offers tranquility and versatility.

• This spacious home at 13336 Lovers Lane Rd. is listed for $379,000 and features five bedrooms and four and a half baths across 3,500 square feet. The property includes two master suites, a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a large fenced backyard with mature trees for privacy. The partially finished basement offers additional living space, a full bathroom, and plenty of storage. Outdoor amenities include a three-car garage, a 30x40 red barn with a small office and half bath, horse stalls, and a pasture with turnout shelter. Situated in a serene neighborhood, this home provides both comfort and functionality for country living.

• This beautifully maintained Victorian home at 1402 S Euclid Ave. is listed for $285,000 and offers three bedrooms and one and a half baths across 2,824 square feet. The house features original oak woodwork, light-filled rooms, high ceilings, and hardwood floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The first floor includes a double living room, formal dining room, and a modern kitchen with handmade hickory cabinets, an island, and stainless-steel appliances. Unique highlights include a large family room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, as well as an expansive unfinished attic and basement for additional storage or customization. Situated on an oversized lot with a 30x40 four-car tandem garage and workshop, this property blends charm with practicality.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• An Interstate 80 traffic stop in Bureau County allegedly netted a large amount of packaged cocaine.

• New Illinois laws in 2025 to go in effect

⛪️LOCAL CHURCHES

• Princeton Bible Church invites you for their Christmas Eve Candelight Service, The Story of His Love, at 6pm.

• The Evangelical Covenant Church invites all to attend their Christmas Eve Services on Tuesday, December 24th . A family-friendly service will be held at 5:00 pm and a traditional Christmas Eve service will be at 10:00 p.m. Both will be candlelight services.

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