🚶‍♂️Master Gardener, Murder Mystery, and Family Exercise

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Happy Saturday, Princeton.Today is Family Health and Fitness Day. Take a walk, go rollerblading, try underwater cycling, hardcore parkour, recite poetry on a paddleboard, pole vault, dog-chase, tire-flip, interpretive dance — be healthy and fit today.

Hopefully I see you doing at least one of these things with your family around town this weekend.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Things to Do This Weekend
🏈Local Football Scores
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📚Happening at the Library
🔭A Look Ahead
🧩Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Brian Carrington! 🥳

• The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Departments will hold a flu clinic on Thursday, October 3rd, at the Bureau County Senior Center from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

• Princeton’s Gay Kyle Received Master Gardener Award During the State Master Gardener Conference

• PHS football (4-1) lost to Monmouth-Roseville (5-0) last night 31-3.

• Early voting is now available at the Bureau County Clerk’s Office, open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM until November 5th.

• Youth basketball registration at the Metro Center is open through Friday, October 11th, for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Games will be held on Saturdays from November 2nd to December 14th at the Metro Center. Registration can be completed online, in person, or by phone.

• WLPO: Princeton Man Jailed For Handful Of Violent Charges

• Illinois DOT is now hiring seasonal snow removal help.

• Regional Media News: Princeton Cross County Scores Second Place for Boys and First for Girls in Mendota

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

Ranch style home at 830 Bruce Lane, Princeton, IL 61356, Bureau County. Located in Greencroft, a desirable subdivision on the west side of Princeton.

A spacious single story home built in 1981. This home offers 1878 +/- sq. ft. which includes an eat-in kitchen, dining room w/gas fireplace, living room, family room and 3 bedrooms (1 currently a laundry room). There is a partial basement, 19' x 22' garage and a new driveway in 2020. All appliances will be included.

The home has vinyl siding, asphalt shingle roof, gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Lot size is 76.75 x 159.37 x 142.65 x 153.73 (.4 acres). The backyard opens up to 7 acres of open meadow owned by the city.

Tax ID # is #16-17-452-020, 2023 taxes paid in 2024 were $3,685.38.

Asking price - PRICE REDUCTION: $209,000

Open House: Sunday September 29th.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

✅THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🥤The Apollo Theater will be showing The Wild Robot (PG) at 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM on Saturday, with showings on Sunday at 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. Transformers One (PG) will be screened on Saturday at 4:45 PM and 7:15 PM, and Sunday at 2:15 PM, 4:45 PM, and 7:15 PM.

🦞Join the 4-year anniversary at Hollywood & Vine celebration this Sunday, September 29th, with over 9 hours of live music starting at 11:30 AM. Cousins Maine Lobster will be serving from 12 PM to 7 PM, with a bags tournament kicking off at 1 PM. The event includes performances by 3 On The Tree at 11:30 AM, Greenfield Station at 2 PM, Jon Swags at 4 PM, and Brushville from 6 PM to 9 PM. Bring your own chairs and come early to claim your spot for this all-day event.

🏈LOCAL FOOTBALL SCORES

• Erie-Prophetstown 20 - Mercer County 14

• Kewanee 42 - Hall 17

• Sterling Newman 15 - Rockridge 7

• Prairie Central 47 - Illinois Valley Central 7

• Sycamore 63 - Ottawa 0

• Sherrard 28 - Mendota 21

• Bureau Valley 46 - Knoxville 13

• Dixon 56 - Rockford Lutheran 13

• Sterling 32 - Beloit Turner 0

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Saturday: A mix of sunshine and clouds with a slight chance of a rain shower east of the area. The high will be 79°F with north-northeast winds at 10 to 20 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low of 57°F. Winds will continue from the north-northeast at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Sunday: Expect intervals of clouds and sunshine with a high near 80°F. Winds will come from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will remain partly cloudy with a low of 56°F. Winds will be light, from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Monday: Partly cloudy skies with a high around 82°F. Winds will be light and variable throughout the day. The evening will feature a few clouds, with a low of 56°F. Winds will stay light and variable.

Dry Weather Outlook Continues

Dry conditions are expected through the end of September and into early October, with no significant rain in the forecast. The remnants of Tropical Storm Helene will stay to the southeast, and a strong ridge of high pressure will keep weather patterns quiet. Rain prospects remain minimal through next Wednesday, as shown in the forecast models. Additionally, precipitation chances stay low through October 10, as highlighted in the 8-14 day precipitation outlook. Despite the latest Drought Monitor report not showing significant changes, the region is still experiencing dry conditions. Overall, a return to wetter conditions is needed, but not too much at once.

Adapted from TSwails.com 

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.39
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.45
Casey’s West/North: $3.49
Beck’s West/North: $3.49
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.49
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.49

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week.

Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The 5th Annual Harvest Festival at Hungry World Farm takes place on Saturday, October 5th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering expanded hours and activities for all ages. Educational tours and free kids' activities are available, and attendees can enter to win a free overnight stay in "glamping" tents. Scheduled events include pumpkin painting (1:30 PM), hayrack rides (2:30 PM & 5:00 PM), a livestock tour (5:15 PM), and goat milking (6:30 PM). Ongoing activities, such as a petting zoo, bounce houses, and farm games, will run throughout the day. Food options like wood-fired pizza, garden salads, and s'mores kits will be available, with the last pizza order taken at 7:00 PM.

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats in Princeton is offering a gyro grilled cheese sandwich. Customers can order lunch today and take advantage of delivery options.

• Friends of Strays is looking for a driver to assist with various tasks. The position is ideal for retirees or those seeking extra cash. Applicants must be dependable, with a clean and valid driver’s license.

• On October 11th, The Knox Hotel is hosting an interactive murder mystery event from 4 PM to 10 PM at 956 N Main Street. Entry is free, and attendees will have the chance to win a free one-night stay. Proceeds from the event will help with hotel renovations, and spooky snacks and hot cider will be available for purchase.

• Wild Ginger Bistro is offering a new lunch delivery menu available from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. Join them for dinner tonight from 4:30 PM to 9 PM, and keep an eye out for upcoming events. Orders can be placed online or by calling 815-872-3976.

• Optimal Health is offering grain-free, no-sugar-added cereals and oatmeal cups at 50% off their already low prices. Stock up now for a healthy breakfast option while supplies last.

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• If you're a fan of frozen custard and steak burgers and live in Illinois, you'll be happy to learn that a giant that specializes in both is bringing two locations to the state and neither is in Chicago.

• This neat and clean 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home is ready for you. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and is open to the breakfast area and family room.

• Tethered hot air balloon rides will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. The event is part of the Monster Mash Balloon Bash.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Kennel Attendant | Friends of Strays | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• Housekeeper | Liberty Village of Princeton | Part-Time | Pay not provided

• Crew Member or Delivery Driver | Jimmy John’s | Full-Time/Part-Time | $14-$23 an hour

• Lawn Care Specialist | Taylor’s Way | Full-Time | $18-$21 an hour

• Maintenance | Prime Quarter Steak House | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• Groundskeeper | Princeton High School | Full-Time | $15-$17 an hour

• In-Home Caregiver | In-Home Care Connection | Part-Time | $17-$19 an hour

• Laborer | Corteva Agriscience | Contract | $18.25 an hour

• Administrative & Property Management Assistant | Brush Creek Investments and studioK Architecture | Part-Time | $15-$17 an hour

• DSP | Gateway Services, Inc. | Full-Time | Pay not provided

• Journeyman Lineman | Corn Belt Energy Corporation | Full-Time | $53.29 an hour

• Assistant Manager | Culver’s | Full-Time | $17-$20 an hour

• Preschool Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full-Time | $14.50-$15.00 an hour

⛪️Part-time positions open at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church:

• Director of Music Ministry

• Director of Youth & Family Ministry

• Media Outreach Technician

For more details, visit www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org or send resumes to [email protected].

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• A quake confirmed by a seismologist was located just to the northeast of Keyesport, Illinois that just happened at 9:50pm Wednesday night.

• Spring Valley Man Indicted on Robbery Charge

• The La Salle County Grand Jury has indicted a Spring Valley man for robbery.

• “The jet stream this winter is likely to be a repeating pattern of cold air "arctic blasts" that will keep Illinois on chill most of the winter.”

• When Do Humming Birds Show Up In Illinois, And When Do They Head South For The Winter?

• The state of Illinois is about to become home to a new truck stop big enough to fit 1,000 semi trucks which will make it the biggest in America.

• The FBI shared a bulletin about a scam that is truly sinister and it preys on those in Illinois that are looking for work and/or need financial help

📚HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY

From Regional Media News

Wednesday October 2, 10-3pm: Engage with the Creative Crafters group, offering value for both seasoned fiber artists and newcomers. Looking for a Wednesday morning pursuit? Bring your fiber craft and benefit from guidance by accomplished crafters. Meetings occur on the first Wednesday of every month, from 10am to 3pm. This meeting is free and all are welcome to attend.

Thursday October 3, 5:30-6:30pm: Learn about Winter Growing with the gardening club. This meeting will focus on keeping plants throughout the winter to extend growing season in Zone 5. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

Friday October 4, 4-5pm: The Princeton Public Library is hosting a true crime presentation by Chicago’s History Cop: Ray Johnson, former criminal investigator, author, historian, and lecturer. He is the owner and founder of Johnson Research Services and since 2005 has conducted historical research for television production companies, documentarians, authors, attorneys, and family historians. He has been featured on television shows and documentaries on Discovery ID, History Channel, PBS, BBC and has appeared on numerous local television shows and print media. ​For almost two years from May 1981 through December 1982, a crew of serial killers hunted down as many as 20 victims in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Who were they? Who were their victims? Why have most people never heard of this crew? What was their motivation? How did they get caught? Where are they now? ​​

Saturday October 5, 10-2:30pm: Tim Burgess will be at the Princeton Public Library to talk about Medicare needs and questions. Join us Saturday October 5 from 10-2:30 for this free program. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday October 9, 5:30-6:30pm: A community music night at the Princeton Public Library. Calling all musicians, avid listeners, and everyone in between. Whether you are participating or taking it all in, we’d love to see you there. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

Thursday October 10, 6-7:30pm: Join the Page Turners Book Club Thursday October 10th to share your thoughts and feelings about this month’s literary work All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. (#1 New York Times Bestseller) In the propulsive debut novel from the host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie, a journalist uncovers her hometown’s dark secrets when she becomes obsessed with the unsolved murder of her childhood neighbor—and the disappearance of another girl twenty years later. Order your own copy on PrairieCat or stop by circulation desk to be put on hold for your own borrowed copy. Page Turners meetings are free, and all are welcome to attend.

Thursday October 24, 4-7pm: Donate blood at our monthly blood drive, by ImpactLife. To register for this event go to www.bloodcenter.org. Walk ins are welcome. Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays or tragic events. Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate. Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Schedule an appointment today. Give and get choice of gift card or a donation to Make-a-Wish IL or bonus points to the rewards store!

Friday October 25, 4:30-5:30pm: The monthly Writer’s Club Meeting will take place. This group votes to decide the type of writing they will focus on for the following month. Writers are encouraged to share their work, receive constructive criticism, and share any knowledge about the writing process. Participation in publishing contests with prizes is also encouraged. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

Wednesday October 30, 5-7pm: A night of relaxing music and coloring at the Princeton Public Library. Coloring pages and bookmarks will be provided. Bookmarks can be laminated with contact paper. Feel free to bring your own coloring book from home or any materials you would like to use if you have a preference. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

Leslie Goddard Presents Eleanor Roosevelt (Saturday, October 5th): Award-winning actress Leslie Goddard brings Eleanor Roosevelt to life in this engaging performance at 1 PM. Learn about Roosevelt's journey from a shy orphan to a powerful advocate for human rights. This event, held at 24 Park Ave E, is free and open to the public.

Pumpkin & Pajama Party (Friday, October 11th): Put on your favorite pajamas and fuzzy slippers and head to The Knack for a fun pottery painting session from 10 AM to 2 PM! Choose from a wide selection of fall pottery, including pumpkins. Sip apple cider, enjoy donuts, and spend quality screen-free time with friends and family. Pricing: $7 for kids/students, $10 for adults, plus the cost of pottery ($10-$70, average $15). No reservation required.

Simply Patsy at Festival 56 (Saturday, October 12th): The Pearl Handle Band joins Mary Pfeifer for a lively tribute to Patsy Cline, with two shows at 2 PM and 7 PM. Enjoy the story of Cline's trials and successes with the band backing Mary’s excellent vocals. Tickets are $25, and the event is located at Grace Theater, 316 S Main St.

Shadows of the Blue and Gray (Saturday, October 12th): Step back in time at this Civil War reenactment event held at City County Park from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy battle reenactments, artisans, music, food, and storytelling, preserving history in a fun and engaging way. This is a family-friendly event perfect for history enthusiasts.

6th Annual Halloween Parade (Saturday, October 12th): Join the Bureau County Fair’s Halloween Parade, featuring spooky floats and family fun. Starting at 5 PM, this free parade promises a festive atmosphere. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the sights at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

The Killer Riffs at Hawg House Saloon (Saturday, October 19th): Enjoy music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon with The Killer Riffs starting at 3 PM. Experience a lively atmosphere with great music and drinks to keep you entertained throughout the day. The event takes place at 18066 US Highway 6.

Fall Craft & Vendor Sale and Flea Market (Sunday, October 20th): Head over to the Bureau County Fairgrounds from 8 AM to 2 PM for a fun day of shopping! Explore a variety of vendors, crafters, and flea market items, all with free admission. Whether you're looking for unique crafts or one-of-a-kind finds, this event has something for everyone. Visit the Bureau County Fair website or call 815-866-3606 for more information.

2024 Holiday Market at The Elowen Room (Saturday, November 23rd – Sunday, November 24th): Support local artists and makers during this two-day Holiday Market from 10 AM to 4 PM each day! Featuring 8-10 vendors showcasing unique handmade items perfect for holiday gifts and décor. The event will also include festive holiday music and a cozy coffee bar for a warm, cheerful shopping experience. Located near the trolley stop on the North End of Main Street, it’s part of Princeton’s Christmas Walk Weekend, so make sure to stop by!

🧩LETTER FROM LORI

My 3-year-old grandson has recently become interested in puzzles. He has an app on his electronic device that he can play, but at Crammy's house, we do it the old-fashioned way—cardboard pieces and chaos. The chaos comes from a curious kitten and a one-year-old 'Sissy' who wants to help.

The entire time I am guiding his choices, I remind him (and Sissy, because the kitten doesn't really grasp the English language) that you need all the pieces to complete the puzzle and get the picture. If one drops to the floor, you need to retrieve it immediately before the kitten swats it under the couch or Sissy chews on it so it doesn't fit anymore.

As we struggle to piece it all together, we watch for colors to line up and patterns to emerge. We gauge the size and shape of potential matches. At Crammy's house, we make it fun by shouting "CLICK!" when we're successful (electronics don’t do that!).

Each time we attempt to complete it, we succeed faster because we’ve learned from previous mistakes. Once the puzzle is finished, we admire it with pride and bask in the applause and praise for conquering the challenge.

Part of the fun is destroying the completed project so we can start over, try again, and see if we can do it even faster this time!

As our skills improve, we might choose a puzzle with more pieces or a more complex pattern. I've seen the ones with no color, or just one color, or pieces all uniform in shape, giving fewer clues. My old brain isn't up to that challenge. I'll stick to simpler puzzles and use my free hand to remove the kitten from the table and pick up spilled pieces, while prying soggy cardboard from a determined toddler’s jaws.

At the end of the day, I’ve mastered my goal and created a beautiful picture from the pieces of my life. They’re all there, clicked into place. If you look close enough, you’ll see a little drool and floor dirt stuck to them, but that’s okay.

Now, I wonder if I have the desire to destroy it and start again with a different challenge. For now, I’m just going to kick back and enjoy the sound of applause echoing in my ears.

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

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