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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. What did the painter tell his girlfriend? 

“I love you with all my art.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️Job Opportunities
✍🏻Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Thorp family will host a house fire fundraiser at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Venue 450 in downtown Princeton. Community members are invited to attend the event to show support and help the family as they recover from the recent fire.

• BCR: Princeton High School recently announced its honor roll for the first semester of the 2025-26 school year.

• Busy schedules are no match for the latest offering from the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation and Custom BBQ of Lanark.

• OSF HealthCare Saint Clare Medical Center has opened applications for its 2026 health care scholarship awards, offering three distinct scholarships.

• The way to a man's heart....might be the Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show today.

• The Illinois Master Gardeners will present an indoor growing program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the Princeton Public Library. The session will teach community members how to successfully grow fresh produce indoors throughout the year.

📍Outside City Limits

• A 53-year-old man was airlifted to a Rockford hospital Thursday night after a severe crash in Lee County.

• The Hegeler Carus Mansion has recently been designated one of the 150 great places in Illinois by the Illinois Council of the American Institute of Architects.

• A Life Flight helicopter was needed after a wreck north of Ohio.

• Kewanee Police have arrested two people following an investigation into a newborn who suffered severe injuries.

• More than 380 acres of Illinois farmland sold in the first week of February 2026.

• For the second time in a year, a section of voters in Bureau County are being asked the tough question of deactivating their school.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• The commercial property at 330–338 Backbone Road in Princeton is available for lease at $17.40 per square foot per year. The approximately 5,500-square-foot building, constructed in 1990, is currently configured for office use and includes central air, 101- to 200-amp electrical service, and flexible interior walls that can be reconfigured to meet tenant needs. About 1,900 square feet is presently vacant, featuring a reception area, utility room, kitchenette, conference room, and multiple smaller office or exam rooms, with additional space potentially becoming available in the coming months. Zoned COMMR and located in Bureau County within the Hollowayville/Princeton MLS area, the property offers adaptable space suitable for a variety of professional or commercial uses.

• NEW LINK: This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family farmhouse offers 1,440 square feet of living space on a 2-acre lot and was originally built in 1908. The property includes two sheds, a corn crib, multiple apple trees, a newer 2+ car garage with concrete floors, and a brand-new gravel driveway. Interior highlights include fresh flooring in several rooms, newly painted spaces, a functional mudroom with laundry, and an enclosed front porch, along with a 16’ x 12’ rear deck. Priced at $219,800, the home combines rural charm with recent updates and ample outdoor space.

• The single-family home at 2003 Maple Acres Drive in Princeton is listed at $30,000 and features one bedroom and one full bath. Situated on a corner lot, the move-in-ready property offers a spacious living room with new windows, a recently updated interior with new carpet and paint, and a kitchen with ample cabinet space and decorative glass details. Additional updates include a new furnace and air conditioning system with warranty, and all appliances are included. The home is being sold as-is, requires park approval for applicants, and lot rent covers garbage, water, and sewer services.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Cloudy and mild with a high around 55° and a low near 35°. There’s a 30% chance of precip with a “rain south” setup showing up, and a wintry mix is possible later. Winds stay light (SSE 5–10 mph), humidity sits near 70%, and the UV index is low.

🌤️ Sunday: AM fog possible, then skies trend brighter with mainly sunny conditions by afternoon. High around 58°, low near 38°, with a 0% precip chance. Winds are WNW 5–10 mph, and humidity is about 65% during the day.

🌥️ Monday: Mostly cloudy early, then partly cloudy later with a noticeably milder feel. High around 63°, low near 43°, with 0% precip. Winds pick up to SSW 10–20 mph, and humidity runs around 64%.

🌦️ Tuesday: Cloudy early, then partly cloudy with rain possible late (30% chance). High near 65°, low around 46°. Winds are breezy (SSW ~17 mph), humidity around 58%, and Tuesday night trends mostly cloudy with a few showers and SE 10–20 mph.

🌤️ Wednesday: Sunshine and clouds mixed with a cooler night ahead. High near 62°, low around 34°, with 0% precip. Winds run W 10–20 mph (lighter overnight from the WNW 10–15 mph), and humidity is about 57% during the day.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.91
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.92
Casey’s West/North: $2.93
Beck’s West/North: $2.94
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.94
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.94

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Studio Boutique is promoting gift cards as a versatile Valentine’s option that can be used for services, tanning, or boutique merchandise, with each purchase including chocolate. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with online shopping available at any time.

• Miss Betsy’s is taking preorders for Fat Tuesday paczki, offering six flavors at $2 each and opening Tuesday specifically for the occasion. Customers are encouraged to preorder in advance due to limited in-store availability.

• The Prairie Arts Council – Princeton is presenting The Cemetery Club, a comedy by Ivan Menchell, at the Prairie Arts Center with performances scheduled for late February and early March. Tickets are available for adults and youth, with showtimes offered Friday through Sunday.

• The Bureau County Fair is hosting a Wild Wild West Black Light Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, at the Princeton Moose Lodge to benefit the Bureau County Fair Foundation. The event will include dinner, bingo, raffles, and prizes for best themed attire.

• The Princeton Closet has received donated musical instruments and is offering them free of charge to students or band groups in need. Interested recipients are encouraged to call promptly, as instruments will be provided to the first responders.

• Apollo Theater Princeton has announced updated showtimes for GOAT (PG) and Wuthering Heights (R) running through February 19, with select open-captioned screenings on Sundays. Tickets are available at the box office, and Apollo Pop is now open to visitors.

• Bureau-Putnam Area Rural Transit (BPART) is offering rolls of previously used vinyl for sale, suitable for signage and advertising projects. Interested buyers may contact the office for additional details and availability.

• Optimal Health is promoting convenient at-home Valentine’s meal options, including smash burgers, ribeyes, sirloin steaks, and a full range of sides and desserts. The store highlights its selection as an easy solution for a special dinner without reservations.

• The Princeton Art District is hiring an Event Coordinator to plan art walks, markets, and seasonal events while managing vendors, sponsors, logistics, and budgets. Applicants with community-building experience are invited to submit their resume and event background.

• Paisano’s Ristorante in Princeton is celebrating Galentine’s Night and Valentine’s Day with themed specials and a heart-shaped pizza promotion. Guests can enjoy a specialty pizza with garlic nuggets at a featured price and finish the evening with house-made desserts.

• Bureau County Metro Center has announced the return of the Shamrock Shuffle on March 17, inviting participants to compete for a chance to win a free pool party. Registration is available by phone, in person, or online, with the event beginning at 4 p.m. in the pool.

• Emerald Tablet Collective has released a new limited merchandise drop, including shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies available in sizes S–4XL. The shop is offering walk-ins throughout Friday the 13th, with shipping available for an additional fee.

• Eclectic Joy is highlighting a selection of home décor and gift items and inviting customers to shop local, with extended hours until 7 p.m. today. The store encourages the community to enjoy a bright shopping day in Princeton.

• Bug Off Taylor’s Way is emphasizing its commitment to safe and effective pest control services designed to protect homes and provide peace of mind. The company continues to focus on treatments that keep pests out while prioritizing customer confidence.

• Bureau County Historical Society and History Center recently hosted a private tour of the H.W. Immke Exhibit and is inviting employers, organizations, and clubs to schedule group tours. The center encourages community members to explore local history through guided exhibit experiences.

• Four Seasons – Princeton is featuring new Zac + Rachel casual tops in missy sizes, highlighting lightweight fabrics and relaxed fits ideal for everyday wear. Customers can also take advantage of a limited-time savings offer with a promotional code at checkout.

• The Coffee Cup is offering a Valentine’s Day Surf & Turf special featuring a New York strip steak paired with seafood options and dinner sides. The restaurant is promoting the limited-time menu for guests seeking a holiday dining experience.

• City of Princeton Animal Control is encouraging residents to consider adopting a mother dog and her remaining puppy ahead of Valentine’s Day. Both dogs are described as friendly, good with children, and ready for permanent homes.

• Little Blue Dress in Princeton is showcasing a new oversized sweater available in sizes small through large, with in-store and shipping options offered. The boutique is also hosting a Galentine’s Day event with extended hours and special purchase incentives.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is welcoming customers with complimentary coffee and treats during select business hours. The store invites shoppers to enjoy a relaxed sip-and-shop experience Thursday through Saturday.

• The Princeton Closet is offering a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors in Bureau County. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026, at midnight, with eligibility details available via the QR code provided in the post.

• The Princeton Youth Soccer League is seeking volunteers to support its growing program, including referees with training provided and coaches of all experience levels. Volunteers are asked to be dependable, care about kids, value teamwork and sportsmanship, and have an interest in giving back to the community, with opportunities to support local youth and help children develop skills and confidence.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Saturday, February 14: 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, February 14: Valentine’s Day w/ Joe Bassa Live – Joe Bassa takes the stage at 8:00 PM for an intimate acoustic Valentine’s night.

🦚🎨 Saturday, February 21: Peacock Pottery Class – A guided pottery painting class using the peacock technique from 5:30–7:00 PM (BYOB).

🥞🥓 Sunday, March 1: Pancake & Sausage Breakfast – Enjoy pancakes and sausage from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM for $10 per person.

🍷🍽️ Saturday, March 7: Cheers for Change! – An evening of tastings, food, and a silent auction from 5:00–8:00 PM benefiting United Way.

☘️🏃 Saturday, March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! – The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, followed by food, festivities, and live music at 7:00 PM benefiting Freedom House women’s shelter.

🎤 Saturday, February 21, 2026: Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents Ava Easter – Folk and indie singer-songwriter Ava Easter performs live at 7:00 PM at Festival 56 Sound Stage.

🎶 Sunday, February 22, 2026: Craig Gerdes (Solo) at Hawg House Saloon – Heartland-born outlaw country artist Craig Gerdes performs solo starting at 2:00 PM.

🍀🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K at Barrel Society – The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day party, food on-site, and live music at 7:0

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

Don Saletzki: Construction of interurban track on Main Street. These were exciting times a mix of different modes of travel, horse and buggy, rail, and the early days of the automobile. It’s not often that you will see this in photos, but still very prevalent are the hitching posts lining the edge of the sidewalk.

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Vitale Construction is hiring a part-time Secretary in Princeton, Illinois, offering $22.03–$25.00 per hour. The role focuses on providing administrative support, managing front desk operations, handling phone inquiries, scheduling appointments, and performing data entry and document organization. Ideal candidates are highly organized, professional, strong communicators, and comfortable using office management tools, with QuickBooks experience being a plus.

• Bureau County’s Assessor’s (Zoning) Office is seeking a temporary, part-time Office Clerk in Princeton, Illinois, paying $17 per hour. The position involves in-person administrative and clerical duties such as data entry, photocopying, document handling, and operating office equipment during a standard day shift of up to seven hours when work is available. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, at least two years of clerical or administrative experience, proficiency in Microsoft Word, and pass a background check.

• Walmart is hiring a part-time Checkout Team Associate in Princeton, Illinois, with hourly pay ranging from $15 to $28 based on experience, scheduling, and potential premiums. The role includes evening, mid-shift, and closing shifts, with opportunities for additional incentive pay depending on circumstances such as season or workload. Benefits include options such as parental leave, military leave, and a 401(k).

✍🏻LETTER FROM LORI

Good enough.

This is not a phrase we ever used in our house. The expectation was always to exceed the minimum. If we were assigned a task, it was assumed we would go the extra mile.

When I cleaned houses for a living, I told my kids, “I don’t make the money I do because I’m an excellent housekeeper. I make sure I do MORE than my client expects.”

This did not apply to my own home, as I’d sit, sipping coffee in my minion pajama pants, glance at the cobwebs and dog hair, and think to myself, “I’d fire me.”

As I’ve aged and come face to face with some physical limitations, I’ve had to accept the concept of “good enough.” There are just some times when I can’t do MORE. There are times when the speed bumps of my youth have become brick walls.

I’m not used to it. I’m not comfortable with it. I HATE it, but it’s a harsh reality. Having limits is not how I was raised. My father was Superman. He did it all. He built empires from dirt. If it seemed impossible, he made it possible.

I look back at what he accomplished in his lifetime and my jaw drops. As an adult, I’m even more amazed now that I know the reality of life. His entrepreneurial spirit spawned countless businesses over the years—from a thriving dispatching firm, fencing company, 500-head milk-fed veal operation, 800-acre duck club, heavy equipment service, and probably several side gigs that I didn’t know about as a child or have forgotten over the years. Some of those efforts ran simultaneously. He was proud of the fact that he provided well for his family and that other men admired him.

But beneath all of the work, his driving force was feeling like he was never good enough. I know this because when I look at pictures of him and all of his endless accomplishments, I see ME.

I can’t pretend that I’ve made millions like my dad, but in my own right, I’ve done okay. I could write a list, and it would be somewhat lengthy—but at the end of the list, I’d still feel like it wasn’t enough.

I struggle with this daily… in everything I do. I make an intentional effort to shake it, and I know all of the psychology surrounding it, and yet…

So last year, as a reminder to myself, I tattooed it on my arm. The word ENOUGH. Matty at Torrid Tattoos made it “fancy” and placed it right where I asked him. It is on the inside of my arm so I can see it easily. It represents that I AM enough, that I DO enough, and that I’ve HAD enough.

I’ve thought about my relationship with God when it comes to effort. I try. I fall short. Every day I fail and feel like I’m not enough. I know there is always room for improvement and that I could do more. Is God disappointed in me? Does He look at me and shake His head and demand more than my best?

I don’t think so. I’d like to think that He knows I am flawed—and sometimes a little fat and lazy when it comes to my faith and relationship with Him—but guess what? He loves me anyway. In His eyes, I am enough. If I were perfect, I wouldn’t need Him.

So the next time you’re on South Main in Princeton, stop by and see Matty. He’ll ink a permanent, fancy reminder on your arm that you ARE enough…

Or you can use a fine-line Sharpie marker.

And that will be good enough.

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

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