SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton. Princeton news is packed this week, with local schools and teams making headlines, community fundraisers and events filling the calendar, and key dates announced for elections, registrations, and upcoming activities. Around town, businesses are leaning into the season with Galentine’s events, Valentine specials, hiring opportunities, sales, giveaways, and new products hitting local shelves.

Let’s do it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💕Galentines
💭Remembering in Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Bureau County Senior Center will host a “Meet Your Future Sheriff” event on Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees can hear directly from the candidates and ask questions ahead of the March primary election.

• Princeton Wrestling reported two athletes placing fourth at the Girls Regional tournament. Abby Harris and Jadeyn Klingenberg both qualified for next week’s sectional competition in DeKalb.

• Princeton High School’s scholastic bowl team delivered a solid performance, earning a third-place finish at the Winnebago Invitational. The competition took place on Thursday, January 29.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 announced kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year, scheduled for February 26 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and February 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration will be held in the Douglas Gymnasium for eligible students who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2026.

• Fans attending the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game on Friday, February 13, are invited to stop by the high school cafeteria starting at 5:30 p.m. for a pork chop and pork burger stand hosted by the Princeton FFA Alumni. The stand will remain open until the end of the game or while supplies last. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support scholarships for Princeton FFA seniors, helping advance agricultural education in the community.

• The Princeton Veterans Group is hosting a large garage sale at American Legion Post 125 on Friday, February 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, February 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring household items, tools, collectibles, children’s items, and more, with food available and proceeds supporting local veterans and their families.

• The Princeton High School jazz band will host its annual free Swing Dance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Princeton Moose Lodge. The event will feature live music performed by the band and is open to the public.

• Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Z Tour Bike Ride, taking place July 18, 2026, with a limited-time $25 throwback registration rate available for 24 hours. The charity ride supports Zearing Child Enrichment Center and fundraising efforts for a new outdoor playground.

• Enrollment opens March 4th for Preschool–High School at Princeton Christian Academy.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report February 3

📍Outside City Limits

• With already one unnamed hotel coming to Peru, another chain wants to speak Monday before the City Council.

• Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to join the February “Friends of the Hennepin Canal” hike, set for Sunday, February 15th.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• The three-bedroom, three-bath ranch-style home at 605 Sherwood Glen offers 2,246 square feet of living space set on five wooded acres with abundant wildlife and privacy. Inside, the home features spacious living areas with natural light, vaulted cathedral ceilings, two fireplaces, and a family room with a wet bar designed for entertaining. The kitchen includes ample cabinetry, a breakfast bar, all appliances, and opens to a three-season sunroom overlooking the property, while additional highlights include a sauna, hot tub, and generous storage throughout. The property also includes multiple workshop spaces, a heated and insulated two-car garage, a second attached garage, professional landscaping, a long private driveway, and a new roof installed in 2025.

• A commercial office building at 680 West Peru Street is listed for sale by owner for $179,900, or available to lease for $2,000/month. The listing notes 2,400 sq. ft., a large reception area, 5 large offices, a work room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and that it’s furnished (contact (815) 993-5374).

• This two- to three-bedroom, one-bath home offers 1,330 square feet and is being sold as-is, presenting a full renovation opportunity. With a solid footprint and flexible layout, the property is well suited for investors, flippers, or buyers looking to customize a home from the ground up. The price reflects the work required and offers strong potential to add value through updates and repairs. Whether envisioned as a remodel, rental investment, or personal renovation project, the property provides a rare opportunity for buyers with vision.

• 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.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤 Tuesday: Partly cloudy and breezy, high 46°F with NW winds 10–20 mph. Night turns mostly cloudy, low 25°F, NE 10–15 mph.

☀️ Wednesday: Mainly sunny, high 45°F, light NW 10–15 mph. Evening becomes mostly cloudy, low 28°F, NNW 5–10 mph.

🌥 Thursday: Mostly cloudy with afternoon/evening snow showers possible; high 43°F, SE 5–10 mph. Night partly cloudy, low 29°F.

🌤 Friday: Seasonable and partly cloudy, high 44°F, W 10–15 mph. Night partly cloudy, low 28°F.

⛅ Saturday: Partly cloudy, high 45°F, WNW 10–15 mph. Night mostly cloudy with a wintry mix possible (~30%), low 29°F, ENE 5–10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.92
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.92
Casey’s West/North: $2.94
Beck’s West/North: $2.94
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.89
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.94

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.55

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Bureau County Fair announced a Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show on Saturday, February 14, featuring working train layouts and toys for sale. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds, with $5 adult admission and free entry for kids.

• Little Blue Dress is hosting a Galentine’s Night Out on Friday, February 13, staying open until 7 p.m. The evening will include snacks, drinks, specials, and gifts with purchase.

• Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. is hiring a Garden Center Retail Associate with pay ranging from $15–$20 per hour for seasonal or full-season work. The role runs mid-March through October or mid-July and focuses on customer service, plant care, and retail operations.

• Pin Splitter Lanes has launched Valentine’s-themed drink specials just in time for date nights and the Sweetheart Bowl. Featured drinks include the $7 Sweetheart Mule and the $8 Cupid’s Kiss.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is collecting small furniture pieces as part of a spring cleaning donation initiative. Items such as nightstands, end tables, small kitchen tables and chairs, bistro sets, and farmhouse cabinets can be submitted for review by sending photos through direct message.

• Bureau County Historical Society and History Center is offering a giveaway for a History Center Exploration Kit valued at $115. The winner will be announced February 13 at noon, with entry available through social media engagement.

• Second Story Teen Center is hosting a Drone Club meeting on Monday, February 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The session offers teens a hands-on opportunity to learn and explore drone technology.

• True Leaves Bookshop has added minibooks and phone or e-reader holders from small, women-owned businesses. The shop is also offering Valentine’s-themed Blind Date with a Book bundles for a limited time.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is offering 25% off all candles starting tomorrow to make room for new inventory. The sale is part of a broader effort to refresh merchandise ahead of upcoming arrivals.

• Spoons and Forks is joining the Galentine’s Day celebration on February 13 with a special menu and themed cocktails, with additional Valentine’s weekend offerings to be announced.

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🥃 Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Whiskey Talks with Matt & Mike Blaum of Blaum Bros. Distilling – An intimate evening of local whiskey tasting and conversation beginning at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

💕 Thursday, February 12, 2026: Galentine’s Party Shop + Sip at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Valentine-themed drinks and shopping from local vendors starting at 6:00 PM.

🐖 Friday, February 13, 2026: Porkchop and Porkburger Fundraiser – Food stand opens at 5:30 PM during the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game at Princeton High School, benefiting FFA senior scholarships.

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Live country rock music from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of high-energy fun.

🎤 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 7:00 PM, with proceeds benefiting Freedom House women’s shelter.

💕GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT

Galentine’s Girls Night on Friday, February 13th is a fun, friendship-filled evening designed for besties to laugh, shop, sip, and create together. From 4:00–7:00 PM, participants can stroll Main Street retailers while enjoying treats and beverages, then jump into hands-on activities like soap-making, pottery painting, and crafting one-of-a-kind keepsakes at local shops throughout the evening.

The night continues with dinner and drinks at local restaurants before wrapping up with a classic chick-flick experience at the historic Apollo Theater. Doors open at 9:45 PM, with the movie starting at 10:00 PM; tickets are $10 and include the film, a small drink, and popcorn. It’s a perfect way to celebrate friendship, support local businesses, and enjoy a memorable girls’ night out.

From The Chamber of Commerce

REMEMBERING PRINCETON

🍿AT THE APOLLO

GOAT (PG): PJ Premiere

An inspiring, family-friendly sports drama that follows a young athlete chasing greatness while learning what it truly means to be the greatest of all time. Packed with heart, humor, and determination, this feel-good film celebrates perseverance, teamwork, and believing in yourself.

SEND HELP (R)

A darkly comedic survival thriller about two estranged coworkers stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. As the days stretch on, desperation sets in, trust erodes, and survival becomes a psychological battle as much as a physical one.

Angel Studios: SOLO MIO (PG): One Week Only

A heartfelt animated adventure centered on self-discovery, courage, and finding your voice. Blending humor, emotion, and uplifting themes, this family-friendly film delivers a powerful message about identity, belonging, and embracing who you were created to be.Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].