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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Princeton businesses are buzzing with winter updates and upcoming events—from Tossed & Found’s upcoming move to Wild Honey’s hot chocolate Saturdays. Local favorites like The Knack and Cafe Grace are offering cozy experiences, while Princeton Closet and Finders Keepers are restocking with vintage finds and seasonal deals. The Bureau County Fairgrounds has announced a full event calendar, and Johnsons Carpet is running a book sale through the weekend. Whether you’re shopping, sipping, or supporting a cause, it’s a great week to shop local—let’s go, Princeton.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
📎From The Rotary Club
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
📫Postmarks
📝Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: Princeton School District is exploring plans for a new indoor fieldhouse that could serve both youth and high school sports programs. In December, the Princeton City Council amended zoning ordinances to accommodate the proposal, which is still in its early planning stages and would involve purchasing approximately 15 acres north of Liberty Village. The proposed facility, estimated at 50,000 to 80,000 square feet with parking, would be located behind the Princeton High School softball field known as Little Siberia.

• Learn the New Dietary Guidelines at Bureau County Senior Center Event January 27

• Galentine’s Girls Night is set for Friday, February 13, featuring an evening of shopping, sipping, and hands-on activities with friends along Main Street from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Local businesses will host creative experiences, and guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner and drinks at area restaurants throughout the night. The evening wraps up with a chick flick at the historic Apollo Theater, with a 10:00 p.m. showing and $10 tickets that include the movie, a small drink, and popcorn.

📍Outside City Limits

• Free Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the Walnut Fire Department on February 8

• Bureau County Authorities Investigate Train and Truck Collision Near US Highway 6

• A couple of DePue men are behind bars on weapons and drug charges.

• The bitter cold made for hard work in battling a La Salle house fire Friday afternoon.

• The National Weather Service [NWS] has elevated Friday’s deep freeze to an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills expected to fall to 25 to 30 degrees below zero.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A three-bedroom, one-bath single-family home built in 1958 is listed at $159,999 and offers 1,172 square feet of living space on a 1.39-acre lot in Princeton. The home features newer flooring, fresh paint, hardwood floors, a family room, and a main-level laundry area, along with a standout bathroom that includes heated floors and a double walk-in shower with bench seating. Additional interior highlights include a floored attic for storage and a full unfinished basement with potential for added living space. Recent updates include copper plumbing, newer six-inch gutters, and a 200-amp electrical service with capacity for future expansion. The property also includes a two-car detached garage with storage above, multiple sheds, a workshop, and expansive open land behind neighboring homes, and is being sold as-is to conventional or cash buyers only.

• A 4.99-acre land offering priced at $150,000 is available along Park Avenue West in Princeton, consisting of five separate parcels located near the center of town. The property is contiguous to R-3 zoning and presents potential for rezoning to support multi-family housing development. Access is provided via city streets, with the easternmost parcel offering frontage along South First Street. The size and location make the site well-suited for residential or investment-focused development. The listing highlights the property as a long-term investment opportunity with flexibility for future use.

• A five-bedroom, two-bath single-family home built in 1891 is listed for $221,900 and offers approximately 1,900 square feet of living space on a large corner lot in Princeton. The home features numerous updates, including new flooring, kitchen appliances, sink, backsplash, refreshed cabinetry, and new carpeting in all bedrooms. Additional improvements include updated bathrooms, new PEX plumbing in the basement, and a radon mitigation system. The layout includes a main-floor primary bedroom and bath, four additional bedrooms upstairs, a laundry/mudroom off the kitchen, and a basement. Original character details remain, highlighted by a prominent staircase, and the property includes a detached two-car garage.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌨️Today: Overcast and very cold. A few evening snow showers are possible. High around 6° with ENE winds 5–10 mph.

🌨️ Sunday: Very cold with a chance of snow mainly south of I-80 early. High near 11–12°. North wind 10–15 mph with about a 30% chance of snow.

🌤️Monday: Sun and clouds mix. High near 12° with a low around 10° at night. West wind 10–15 mph.

🌥️Tuesday: Some sun early, turning cloudier later. High near 23°; very cold at night near 5°. WNW wind 10–20 mph.

☁️Wednesday — Cloudy much of the day with some decrease late. High around 18°; night near 0° and partly cloudy. WNW wind 10–20 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.94
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.94
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

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment announced plans to relocate to 902 N. Main Street, with an anticipated opening in March 2026. The business will continue operating at its current Backbone Road location through mid-February while inventory is reduced.

• Wild Honey Boutique plans to offer complimentary hot chocolate beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday for shoppers visiting the store.

• The Knack is open this weekend during regular hours and continues to offer paint-your-own pottery sessions, welcoming guests to bring their own snacks and beverages.

• Bureau County United Way announced its “Cheers for Change” fundraiser will take place Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens, featuring tastings, food, and a silent auction.

• Second Story Teen Center is hosting “Second Story Voices,” a free teen art and photography program held every second and fourth Tuesday from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is holding a book sale with 25% off adult and children’s books, with three days remaining.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. is assisting with the adoption of Henry, a 9-year-old dog who is heartworm negative and vaccinated. Henry will be at the Finders Keepers Resale Store on January 22 beginning around 11 a.m. for a short visit, with adoption processed through Bureau County Animal Control.

• The Princeton Closet has received new cold-weather merchandise and accessories. Current promotions include buy one, get two free on socks, and Basket Days on Friday and Saturday, offering select clothing items for $8.

• Bureau County Tourism shared a list of upcoming events at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Scheduled events include the Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show on February 14, a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on March 1, a Winter Garage Sale on March 14, a Black Light Bingo Fundraiser on April 4, and the Spring Fever Craft and Vendor Show with a flea market on April 11.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store has added a new vintage section to its inventory, featuring collectible and older items.

• Cafe Grace is offering Valentine’s Day dining with a special menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests may bring their own wine or beer, and multiple payment methods are accepted.

• Four Seasons – Princeton is carrying password keeper books designed to help organize login information, notes, and reminders in one place.

• Little Blue Dress is featuring Valentine-themed apparel and seasonal styles currently available in-store.

• Corner Chair Market continues to offer home décor items including furniture, vases, florals, and seasonal accents, with new displays highlighted this week.

📎FROM THE ROTARY CLUB

At Tuesday's noon meeting, Rotarian Jenica Cole had the program and shared a few facts about Princeton. Of note was the fact that 6 - 8 local businesses have closed in recent months. Jenica commented that the City of Princeton is looking at economic development efforts and establishment of a business development district. There is a small work group collaborating with a contracted firm to answer questions and identify the benefits of a business development district. Jenica shared survey links for businesses, residents, and visitors and asked Rotarians to complete the appropriate survey and spread the word. Michael Zearing then talked about some economic development goals including improvement of the business culture, retention, expansion, and attraction; qualify of life; childcare quality and opportunities; housing; employment quality; and workforce development. Some of these can be accomplished by easing small business start-up and/or expansion ability; enhancing resources for developers; providing financial support for rehab and construction; increasing recreation and tourism; enhancing streetscape; and succession planning. The Business Development District would be funded by a 1/4 - 1% sales tax, with specific uses noted in the statute. Some potential projects that have been mentioned are a splash pad, vocational education center, pedestrian and bike pathways, fairgrounds improvement, rehab of the Converse Building downtown, demo and rehab of the J&J building, and more. The work group and consulting firm have scheduled a public meeting for further discussion on January 27 at the Metro Center from 5 - 7 p.m. The first reading of the ordinance by City Council is scheduled for February 16 at 6 p.m., and the second reading on March 2 at 6 p.m. Anyone interested in more information is encouraged to attend the meeting (RSVP to Michael Zearing!)

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🃏 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.

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

✉️IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USPS POSTMARKS

A postmark is the date and location stamp applied to mail by the USPS when they officially accept it. Postmarks can be very important for tax filings, mail-in ballots, bills, and anything else with a firm deadline.

Important Postmark Deadlines

Because the USPS recommends mailing items at least one week before a deadline to ensure they are properly postmarked, here are a few important dates to keep in mind this year:

U.S. Tax Day — Deadline: April 15, 2026

To be safe, mail your tax documents no later than April 8, 2026 to ensure they are postmarked on or before April 15.

Midterm Elections — Deadline: November 4, 2026

Mail your ballot no later than October 28, 2026 to ensure a valid postmark on or before Election Day.

You can also request a manual local postmark by taking your mail directly to the post office and asking them to hand-stamp it. This service is free.

✍🏻LETTER FROM LORI

I hate autocorrect. I know how to spell. I’m pretty good with the English language. I feel like my computer is being judgmental when it turns my words into something they are not. Sometimes it doesn’t even make sense. Sometimes it flip-flops the entire meaning of what I’m trying to say.

Today I sent a message to someone declaring, “I CAN’T,” and autocorrect changed it to “I CAN.” I hit send before I noticed the mistake and had to tell the person that my computer had more confidence in my abilities than I did!!

I also have a wicked, warped sense of humor and like to leave the g off of some words to make them sound like a hillbilly wrote the text. Autocorrect likes to add them back in, turning my rhetoric into something more that a Mountain William would compose. My head screams, “I WANTED to sound dumb!”

When my mother and I ran a daycare center, sometimes we would spell words we didn’t want the children to know, using our own brand of spelling that would make outsiders wonder if our IQs were anywhere near triple digits. If we caught their quizzical looks, we’d assure them that we had, in fact, graduated from high school—and even completed quite a bit of college.

As someone who writes, I do appreciate the little red lines under questionable words so I can go back, check them out, and see if they actually convey the intelligence I’d like my readers to perceive. What I hate is the AUTOcorrect. Mr. Computer, who are you to assume you know what I was trying to say? Why would you even question my spelling of that particular word? I appreciate the heads-up on a missing apostrophe—that was a matter of my fat farmer fingers and a tiny keyboard, my fingers getting ahead of my brain, or just a general lack of coordination when it comes to typing. Please do not assume that in my angry email I was making a comment about ducks.

How often do we take offense at being corrected? Even when it’s proven that we’re wrong, it’s hard to actually own the mistake. Where is the shame? After all, everyone does things (not THONGS, as I just typed in my haste!) that aren’t accurate or in alignment with what is correct. Why is it so hard to say, “Thank you for your concern. I’ll fix that and move on”? Most of us bristle. Some of us get embarrassed. Some get downright angry and lash out. Why? When we’re corrected, doesn’t it help us become better? Don’t we all want to be better? And yet, it’s hard to be gracious when we’re told we didn’t do something right.

Sometimes it’s how correction is presented. Being mad at my computer is silly, because it’s clearly not a personal attack on my intelligence. Criticism is hard for me because I like to think I’m a perfectionist. I obviously am not perfect, but maintaining that illusion in my own mind is comforting at times, and words to the contrary can shatter my protective mindset. I’ve seen coaches scream at their players in an effort to correct improper behavior and enhance performance, only to have the opposite effect by leaving a kid disheartened.

I’ve also noticed there are two types of people when it comes to criticism and correction. Type 1 will say, “Never mind,” and give up, convinced that they can’t do it right and won’t continue to try. I fall into Type 2—the type that sees it as a challenge. Tell me I can’t, and I’ll prove to you that I can. I’ve noticed my grandson also falls into that category, though it’s not quite as endearing in a four-year-old. When I tell him he can’t do something, he does it anyway.

Me: “Don’t jump on the couch!”

Him: boing boing boing!!!

I’ve learned to use it to my advantage.

Me: “I bet you can’t eat all of your chicken.”

Him: nom nom nom

Score one for Crammy.

Sew, az ewe wauk threw lyfe, luk a-round nd sea wat ewe nede two due too mack thinks ezier.

I meant to do that… 😉

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

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