🍽️Madrigal Dinner, Quarterfinals, and Myrtle’s

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Good morning, Princeton. Today is National Hug a Musician Day! Musicians pour hours into practicing, performing, and avoiding requests for “Free Bird.” If you know a musician who spends their days rehearsing and their nights serenading strangers, give them a big, bear-sized hug.

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
🎶Madrigals
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🍼Magi Gala

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Starved Rock Media: Appellate Court Refuses To Overturn Murder Conviction In Princeton Shooting

• PHS Scholastic Bowl had a strong showing at L-P, with Varsity going 2-1 and JV winning all three matches. Varsity defeated L-P and Geneseo but lost to Streator on the final question.

• Mark your calendar for the second annual Blue and Gray Ball on March 22, 2025. Period dress is preferred but not required; all are welcome to join the event.

• Princeton’s Night of Lights will be held on Friday, December 6th, featuring festive activities for the whole family. The evening begins with a Christmas Tree Lighting at Veterans Park at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Lighted Christmas Parade down Main Street at 6:15 p.m. After the parade, families can enjoy a Candy Cane Hunt at Soldiers & Sailors Park at 7:00 p.m. and visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and live reindeer at Rotary Park starting at 7:30 p.m.

• The Prairie Arts Center’s “Handmade for the Holidays” artisan market will run during the Christmas Walk weekend on November 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can browse unique, locally crafted items and join a free ornament-making class for children on November 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

• The Evangelical Covenant Church is offering a GriefShare seminar, “Surviving the Holidays,” on November 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. This session will provide strategies to help those grieving a loved one’s loss manage the emotional challenges of the holiday season; bringing a water bottle is encouraged, and a $5 workbook is available but optional.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST 

📚The Friends of the Princeton Public Library will hold a fall book sale at the library’s Friends Sale Room, located at 698 E. Peru St. The sale is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 5,000 high-quality used books, available in both hardcover and paperback, will be for sale, each carefully cleaned and organized into over 30 categories for easy browsing. Shoppers can explore a variety of genres, including recent bestsellers, cookbooks, mysteries, children’s and young adult books, history and science books, as well as puzzles, CDs, and DVDs.

🫐Join L&M Sweets at Simply Nutrition on Thursday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they launch their new fitness and health line. Sample healthy treats like protein cakes, blueberry protein balls, and cake cups, with flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and raspberry lemon. These nutrient-dense goodies are crafted for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a guilt-free indulgence. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste delicious, protein-packed sweets.

🎸On Friday, November 15, head to Barrel Society at 7 p.m. to catch CAT-MAN-DOG, an acoustic duo from Griffith, Indiana, performing a mix of originals and favorite covers. Enjoy a relaxed evening in a 21+ setting, where there’s no cover charge. This is a great chance to unwind with some live music and good drinks. Don’t miss this lively performance at one of Princeton’s top spots.

🏈Princeton defeated Chicago King 34-16 to advance to the quarterfinals in high school football. Princeton will host Montini on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. It’s a rematch of last year’s playoff game that knocked out the Tigers.

🚂The Model Train & Farm Toy Show at Bureau County Fairgrounds will feature working train layouts and farm displays on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, while kids enter free, with all three buildings heated for comfort.

🎤On Saturday, November 16, Festival 56 presents Bourbon Country at 316 S Main St. in Princeton, starting at 7 p.m. Known for blending country hits from across generations, this band also performs music from iconic artists like Elton John, the Eagles, and Adele. With influences from jazz, rock, and theater, Bourbon Country brings a rich and eclectic sound. Join them for a night of diverse music that’s sure to please a wide range of tastes.

🩵A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids attending by donation at the door. Doors open at 3 pm, with a silent auction from 3-6 pm, followed by a live auction from 6-8 pm conducted by Rediger Auction Service. Food will be served from 4-6 pm, and live music by the Wild Card Band will be featured from 8-11 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Kent was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and is receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Proceeds will help support Kent and his wife, Whitney, as they navigate medical expenses while unable to work. For more information or tickets, contact Barbie at 815-303-3182, Cathy at 941-524-9595, or Staci at 815-503-4427. T-shirts are available through Ashley at Grace & Mae Designs at 815-878-6384.

🎶Make Sunday a funday with River Road Trio’s debut at Hollywood & Vine in Hollowayville on November 17, starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy their unique sound and help welcome them to the venue for the first time. It’s a casual setting where anyone can come along and enjoy some tunes. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll feel right at home.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️Today: Mostly cloudy with a chance of spotty showers, high near 54°F with south winds at 10-20 mph. Cloudy with showers likely at night, low around 45°F, and southwest winds at 10-15 mph.

⛅️Thursday: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 55°F, and west winds at 10-20 mph. A few clouds at night with a low of 38°F and southwest winds at 5-10 mph.

⛅️Friday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine, high around 59°F with south-southwest winds at 10-15 mph. Partly cloudy during the night, low near 38°F, and south winds at 5-10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.31
Casey’s West/North: $3.33
Beck’s West/North: $3.33
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.33
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.33

Peru Gas 👀

Speedway: $2.72

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Store Manager | Shell | Full-time | From $58,656 a year | 401(k), 401(k) matching, Health insurance, Paid time off

• Crew Member | Princeton McDonald’s | Part-time, Full-time | From $14 an hour | Training and educational programs

• Domestic Violence Advocate | Freedom House, Inc. | Full-time | $19.50 - $19.83 an hour

• Bakery Department Manager | Sullivan’s Foods | Full-time

• Inventory Research Warehouse Specialist | Ace Hardware Corporation | Full-time | $19.00 - $20.50 an hour | Paid sick time, Safety programs

• Account Manager - State Farm Agent Team Member | Lorita Hellman - State Farm Agent | Full-time | $32,000 - $70,000 a year

• Receptionist - Franchise Location | H&R Block | Part-time or Full-time

• 1st Assistant Manager | Road Ranger LLC | Full-time | $16 - $18 an hour | 401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Life insurance, Paid parental leave

• Retail Assistant Manager | Heartland Bank and Trust Company | Full-time | $22.15 - $33.23 an hour

• Residential Service Associate | North Central Behavioral Health System | Part-time

• Child Care Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Temporary, Part-time, Full-time | $15 - $17 an hour

• Assistant Public Defender | Bureau County | Part-time | From $30,847 a year

• Car Wash District Manager | Beck Oil Company of Illinois | Full-time

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

For Sale By Owner - Now making appointment to view our "Move in Ready" home in quiet subdivision in Princeton. Home is a 4 bedroom/2 bath split level on a corner lot. Lots of new: Roof, flooring, SS appliances, bath vanities, painted throughout. Large lower level family room, bedroom, bath and laundry. Call 815-739-6842 to make an appointment to view 624 Aleta, Bird Haven South Subdivision. $185,000.

• 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.

📸TWO ANGELS DESIGN EVENTS

Family Christmas Portraits

• Cozy Christmas: Snuggle up in your pajamas and enjoy a festive atmosphere with our warm, inviting backdrop.

• Elegant Holiday: Dress to impress and create stunning portraits in front of our Farm Fresh Christmas Tree backdrop.

• Packages starting at $125

Santa’s Magical Adventure with Santa John (Original Santa for returning clients)

• One-on-one time with Santa: Your children will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a gift.

• Story time with Santa: Snuggle up with Santa and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas story together.

• Cookies: No Santa visit is complete without Mrs.Clauses delicious cookies.

• Beautiful, lasting images: Our experienced photographer will capture precious moments of your children's magical Santa experience.

• More than just photos, it's a tradition!

• 30 minutes —$325

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The Princeton Closet is inviting customers to join their VIP Text Club by texting “CLOSET” to 815-362-4010. Members receive updates on new arrivals, exclusive offers, and are entered into a monthly raffle.

• Freedom House invites the community to “adopt” a family for the holiday season, offering support and spreading holiday cheer. To participate, contact Amber at (815) 872-0087 for more information.

• Winter gloves and hats are now available at Four Seasons, both in-store and online. Enjoy a 25% discount with code “STUFFING” until November 17, 2024.

• Upcoming events at The Moose Lodge include bingo on November 12 (doors open at 5:30 PM, bingo starts at 7 PM), tacos on November 14 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and a pasta buffet on November 15 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring “Queen of Hearts” and music bingo.

• Myrtle’s Pies’ new take-and-bake freezers are stocked and open Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. The deadline for Thanksgiving orders is November 15.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food announces its schedule for the week of 11/13 to 11/15, with lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (open until 7 p.m. on Friday).

• Shane’s Towing & Repair offers 24/7 tow truck services, including lockouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, tire changes, and winchouts. Reach out for quick, professional, and reliable assistance anytime at (815) 915-1451.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. is hosting their annual Bake and Christmas Sale on November 23rd at the Prouty Building in downtown Princeton. Bakers are encouraged to drop off goods between 8-9 AM.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will host a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 10th, at 11:30 AM. Attendees need to RSVP by December 3rd by contacting Sam at 815-879-3981.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is hosting several winter events, including Igloo Dining, Holiday Tea, and Thanksgiving sides to-go. Igloo Dining, starting December 5th, offers a cozy private experience for up to six people, complete with blankets and champagne. Reservations are open for holiday teas on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd, with three seating times each day. It is also offering Thanksgiving sides in individual or family portions to help make holiday preparations easier. Orders include heating instructions and need to be placed by November 25 for pickup on November 27.

• Kinetico Water Systems promotes its K5 with VOC Guard, offering eight filter options to enhance water quality. The system protects against volatile organic compounds, including cleaners, solvents, and pesticides. Customers are invited to contact their Princeton Kinetico to explore the benefits and fall in love with their water again.

• Liberty Village invites the community to an open house at the Hawthorne Inn on November 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn more about the services provided.

• Meadows Home Decor and Gifts is hosting a Christmas Open House from November 22-24, offering refreshments on Friday and Saturday. Attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere while browsing holiday decor and gift options.

• The Cliff Restaurant will be opening on Friday, November 22. More details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

• Play It Forward Counseling is seeking a licensed clinician to join their team. Interested candidates can find more information at playitforwardcounseling.com and submit resumes to [email protected]. This opportunity promotes healing through play-based therapy.

• The new Secret Sauce Burger Pizza is available now at Godfather’s Pizza, featuring a unique twist with secret sauce. Enjoy it with a 2L soda and large cheesesticks for only $10; try it out before the offer ends soon!

• Cows Coffee will be stationed at CSB in Walnut on Wednesday, 7-10 a.m., and at the Kent Tyne Benefit at The Cider Mill in Princeton on Saturday, 3-6 p.m. Grab a coffee and support the community at these weekly locations.

• Second Story Teen Center is nearing its $600,000 goal to expand their facility, providing much-needed space for teens in Bureau County. Your end-of-year gift can make a difference in opening new doors for local youth.

🎶PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS: “THE CHRISTMAS REVELS”

Join Princeton High School’s Music Department for “The Christmas Revels,” a charming Madrigal Dinner celebrating the holiday season! The event will take place on Saturday, December 14, at 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 15, at 3:00 PM at The Barn in Hornbaker Gardens. Tickets are priced at $30 per person, promising an elegant evening filled with music, food, and festive spirit. The dinner menu features Caesar Salad with grated Parmesan and herbed croutons, followed by a choice of Roasted Ham or Cheesy Kale and Mushroom Strata, accompanied by smashed red jacket potatoes with garlic and butter and seasoned green beans. To top off the meal, guests will enjoy a delicious Spiced Apple Tart with whipped cream.

Reservations are required, and meal selections should match the number of tickets purchased. To secure your tickets, mail your order to Princeton High School, Attn: Mr. Brandon M. Crawford, along with payment made out to Princeton Music Boosters. Tickets will be available at the door, and a confirmation call will be provided once your order is received.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Spring Valley is hosting “Christmas in the Valley” on Saturday, November 18, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities to support local businesses. Visitors can enjoy a trolley ride with Buddy the Elf, listen to a barbershop quartet, and participate in craft activities at the Richard A. Mautino Library from 10 AM to 2 PM. There will be an upscale silent Christmas tree auction benefiting local charities, and Glam will offer 20% off purchases with a chance to win a PS5. The event also includes a special pizza deal at Alfano’s, Santa photos at Cosgroves, and a hot cocoa bar at Jack’s Tap. Kids can enjoy face painting at Core Cafe, balloon artistry at Tee Box, and cookie decorating at Double Country Christmas. The day promises fun for everyone, with festive treats like free donuts, cider, and hot chocolate provided at the SV Mini Market.

🍼THE MAGI GALA AT THE BARN

The Magi Gala will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. This Valentine’s-themed event will benefit The Magi Baby Chest, a baby supply center.

Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:00 p.m., with a cash bar available. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and dancing with the Steve Sharp Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with formal attire requested. Tickets and donations are available online at www.magibabychest.com. They can also be purchased at the St. Louis Church parish office. This event promises an elegant evening supporting a great cause.

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