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Good morning, Princeton friends. October 14 is National Dessert Day, a delicious excuse to indulge in your favorite sweet treats. From pies and cakes to cookies and ice cream, it’s a celebration of everything sugary and satisfying. Many bakeries and restaurants offer special deals to mark the occasion. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fruit fanatic, it’s the perfect day to treat yourself.

Let’s move.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🐅PHS Varsity Football
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Pam Friel! 🎁

• A large manufacturing employer in Princeton is planning to layoff workers.

• Oktoberfest kicks off Saturday, October 18 at 3 PM with a lederhosen bike ride, followed by food, beer, music, and games at Rotary Park until 8 PM.

• BCR: Casey Etheridge, son of Scott and Andrea Etheridge, was honored with the SAR Outstanding Citizen Award for the Princeton High School class of 2026, presented by the Sons of the American Revolution. Levi Boggs was recognized with the DAR Good Citizen Award, sponsored by the Princeton-Illinois Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Both students were celebrated for their exemplary character, leadership, and service at Princeton High.

• Bureau County Fairgrounds' schedule is booked with fun fall activities

• Princeton Tigers Cross Country Sterling Invitational Results

• The Princeton Veterans Group will hold a huge garage sale October 17–18 at the American Legion Post 125 with tools, collectibles, toys, and more. Baked goods, cinnamon rolls, BBQ, coffee, and water will be available with proceeds supporting local veterans.

• A unity gathering for peace and revival will take place Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the park across from Princeton City Hall. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, bring signs of hope, and honor Charlie Kirk’s birthday through prayer and solidarity.

• Neighborhood Women’s Walks will launch Wednesday, October 15 at 4 PM at the Zearing Park Pavilion. Led by host Kate Butler, the walks aim to foster friendship, encourage physical activity, and promote safer walking habits in the community. Women are invited to join 2–3 times per week for 30–45 minute walks—strollers are welcome, but pets are not. To join, text 815‑878‑9006.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 10-09-2025

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 210 N Church St. is listed for $49,900 and offers 954 sq. ft. of living space on a 7,841 sq. ft. lot. Built in 1891, it features a front porch, a 1.5-car garage, and a spacious yard perfect for gardening or outdoor relaxation. The home needs some TLC but has solid bones and great potential as a first home, cozy retreat, or investment property. Sold as-is, this charming fixer-upper invites buyers to add their personal touch and make it shine.

• Listed at $499,900, this 2,934 sq. ft. brick two-story home features 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, offering endless possibilities on over 2 acres in a prime location. A circular driveway leads to a spacious layout that includes a 4-car garage, first-floor bedroom, and generous room sizes such as an 11’ x 15’ primary suite. With 6 total bathrooms (5 full, 1 half) and bedrooms measuring up to 10’ x 14’, this well-designed home has been long admired and is now finally available. It combines comfort, space, and convenience in a property perfect for family living or entertaining.

• Priced at $265,000, 823 W Central Ave in Princeton, IL is a charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 2,292 sq. ft. of living space on a 0.3-acre corner lot. Built in 1886, this move-in-ready home features rich wood trim, hardwood floors, an original staircase, and a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a large center island with pendant lighting. The home includes an inviting living room with natural light, a spacious upper-level bonus room, main-level laundry, and a mix of old-world character and modern finishes throughout. A 2-car attached garage, an additional detached garage, and a flexible layout make this property ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

• 1007 W Farnham St, Princeton, IL 61356 is a spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home listed at $159,900. The property sits on nearly half an acre with a fenced yard, a two-car detached garage, and an additional storage shed. Inside, the home offers built-ins throughout, a den/office with a closet that could serve as a fourth bedroom, and several updates including a new roof in 2023, exterior paint in 2022, and a water heater in 2021. Additional features include fruit trees, a long driveway with ample off-street parking, and updated windows throughout most of the home.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted jewelry cabinet available at her home shop in Princeton for $135. Standing 40” tall by 15” wide and 8” deep, it’s a one-of-a-kind statement piece. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤Today: A classic mid-October day: partly sunny, comfortably warm, and light winds. Afternoon highs land near 73–75°F with a NE breeze ~5–10 mph; it stays dry through the day, then a slight (≈20%) shower chance creeps in after midnight as clouds thicken and temps slip to the mid–upper 50s. Great evening for a walk—just grab a light layer for the late-night cool-down.

🌥 Wednesday: More cloud cover filters in, turning the day mostly cloudy and a touch cooler. Expect a high near 68–71°F on a gentle E wind around 5–10 mph; most spots stay dry despite the overcast. The night remains mostly cloudy with lows near low–mid 50s.

🌤 Thursday: Back to brighter skies—partly to mostly sunny and pleasantly warm. Highs rebound to around 75–76°F with light winds and comfortable humidity; ideal midday and after-school weather. Evening settles into the upper-50s under mostly clear to partly cloudy skies.

⛅ Friday: Very warm for October: sunshine gives way to increasing high clouds during the afternoon. Highs soar to the upper-70s (near 79°F) with a light southerly breeze; daylight looks dry, but a late-night shower risk builds after 1 AM as moisture noses in (chance trending 40–50%). Overnight lows hold in the upper-50s.

🌧 Saturday: Turning cloudier and not as warm; plan on a couple of showers and perhaps a rumble of thunder, most likely morning into midday, then some breaks later. Afternoon highs near 70–72°F, with a subtle wind shift behind the passing disturbance. Saturday night cools briskly toward the upper-40s as drier air returns

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.99
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.99
Casey’s West/North: $3.07
Beck’s West/North: $3.07
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.07
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.07

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Fun games, food & candy at Liberty Village of Princeton, 140 N 6th St. Thursday, October 16, 4–6 PM.

🎨 Fall Craft and Vendor Show – A wide selection of fall crafts and goods at Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St. Saturday, October 18, 8 AM–2 PM.

🚜 Heritage Tractor Halloween Howl – Trick-or-Tractor & costume contest with treats and John Deere toys (while supplies last). Heritage Tractor, 20144 1800 Ave N. Saturday, October 25, 8 AM–12 PM.

🏀 Harlem Wizards Game – High-flying hoops and family fun at Logan Jr High School (Pannebaker Gym), 302 W Central Ave. Tuesday, October 28. Doors open 5:30 PM, game at 6:30 PM.

🛠️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find old garage treasures at Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap, 811 W Peru St. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM. $10 admission, $50 vending.

🎶 Wild Card at Hawg House – Day drinking and live music at Hawg House Saloon, 18066 US Hwy 6. Wednesday, December 31, 3–7 PM.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Fall fashion has arrived at Wild Honey Boutique with cozy sweaters, distressed jeans, and a new suede mule clog. The shop is open today from 12 to 4 for in-store browsing.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course will host an open house on Saturday, October 18 from 12–4 p.m. where guests can meet state champion Wyatt Novotny.

• Friends of Strays is hiring an experienced Animal Care Tech with weekday and weekend availability. Applicants must be able to transport animals to vet appointments and should email their resume—no Facebook messages accepted.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ is serving up a hot lunch buffet featuring baked chicken, garlic parm wings, green bean casserole, and apple crisp. Food is available until 8 p.m. or while supplies last.

• Boek-el-Zoo has large, beautiful aquatic creatures in stock and ready for delivery. Supplies are limited, so grab yours while you can.

• The Princeton Closet spotlighted several vintage finds, including mid-century Nancy Drew books and a 1920s homemaking volume with recipes and veterinary advice. One notable item includes a musty Hemingway copy with original ownership marked from Denver, Colorado.

• Miss Betsy’s will close early Saturday (10/18) at noon and remain closed Sunday (10/19) and Monday (10/20), reopening Thursday (10/23).

• The Craftsman Airbnb offers a charming and centrally located stay in a fully renovated 1916 home, perfect for a weekend getaway in Princeton.

• Wild Honey Boutique is offering 30% off all remaining Steve Madden pieces. Styles and sizes are going fast, with in-store and online shopping available.

• The Princeton Youth Soccer League posted its U11 and U15 tournament play-in schedule, with games running October 13–18. Third place and championship matchups will be held Saturday morning.

• Golden Rice is hiring with flexible hours and no experience required. Interested applicants can apply in person at 1220 N Vernon St., Princeton, or call 815-878-5139 for more information.

• Pin Splitter Lanes will host their Bowl-O-Ween Bash on Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m., featuring 3 games of 9-Pin No-Tap, drink specials, a costume contest, and family fun for $15 per person. Reservations are encouraged at the counter or by phone.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream reopens Tuesday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring the October special “Dirt & Worms” made with chocolate ice cream, Oreo crumbs, syrup, and gummy worms. Two new fall flavors are also set to debut tomorrow, including one returning collaboration.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is offering Bundt cakes for $8 each in a variety of flavors, with all proceeds benefiting the center. Orders can be placed in person or by phone between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. throughout the week.

• Meadows on Main is continuing its 25% off Halloween sale, with exclusions on vintage items and light bulbs. Seasonal décor and festive pieces are available in-store while supplies last.

• Tony’s Butt Shack is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on October 27 from 4:00–8:00 p.m., rain or shine, featuring candy, local vendors, and live entertainment. Businesses are invited to participate by setting up trunks and contacting the host directly.

• Apollo POP is open Wednesday through Sunday, located right next to the Apollo Theater in Princeton. The store offers gourmet popcorn and invites visitors to stop in for a taste.

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🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic L

• September 5 – vs Rockridge L

• September 12 – at Sherrard* W

• September 19 – vs Kewanee* W

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville* L

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County* W

• October 10 – vs Mendota* W

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Casey’s is hiring friendly, team-oriented individuals to join their Princeton location in full-time or part-time roles. Responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, operating the register, and preparing food items—with cross-training provided and no prior experience required. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and available for a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays. Benefits include DailyPay, flexible scheduling, food discounts, medical insurance, 401(k) with 6% match, tuition assistance, and a customizable career path.

• Goldwater Care Princeton is hiring a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to provide essential resident care, supporting daily living activities while ensuring the safety, health, and dignity of residents. Responsibilities include assisting with meals, hygiene, mobility, comfort, documentation, and HIPAA-compliant care practices. Candidates must hold current CNA and CPR certifications, be at least 18 years old, and preferably have long-term care experience. The role requires physical activity such as lifting up to 100 lbs, walking, bending, and standing regularly.

• Sullivan’s Foods is hiring a Bakery Department Manager to lead and develop a customer-focused team, maintain high product quality, manage inventory, and ensure cleanliness and safety in the department. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, with retail or customer service experience preferred. Benefits include daily pay, PTO, holiday premium pay, and discounts, with full-time employees eligible for health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and caregiver leave. The role offers a vibrant, team-oriented environment focused on employee growth and a rewarding workplace culture.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Tron: Ares (PG-13)

A high-octane sci-fi adventure set in the digital frontier. Tron: Ares follows a lone hacker who must navigate a dangerous cyber world to stop a tyrannical program and protect both real and virtual realms.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:00 pm only

Gabby’s Dollhouse (G)

A whimsical, family-friendly animated musical where Gabby steps into her magical dollhouse and goes on colorful adventures with her toy pals. Bright, cheerful, and perfect for younger audiences.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:15 pm only

🍿 Note: Apollo Pop is now open! Check out more at www.apollo-pop.com

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].