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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Last-minute shoppers, rejoice—local businesses are pulling out all the stops this weekend. From festive socks at Little Blue Dress to pies at Myrtle’s, gift cards at Niel & Shorty’s, and family dining at Tony’s Butt Shack, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer. Shop special hours, stock up on frozen breadsticks before they’re gone, and don’t miss unique gift ideas like eco coolers, BOGO pet toys, and private Thai dinners. It’s the final push before Christmas—support local and savor the season.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎄Christmas Eve Services
🛍️Buddy Bags
🧤Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🗃️Business Development
🎅Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• BCR: “Firefighters from Malden, Bureau, Walnut, Princeton, Spring Valley, Ladd and Wyanet responded to a structure fire in the 300 block of South Chestnut Street on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 in Princeton. Flames could be seen when the fire departments arrived coming from the second story. The fire happened shortly after 5:15p.m.”

• Congratulations to the Logan Lions 6th grade boys basketball teams on closing out their season with two wins over Mendota Holy Cross. The B team finished the year with a 6–3 record, while the A team went 12–1, with their only loss coming against undefeated Sterling.

• Princeton High School announced the hiring of Libby Boyles as the new head volleyball coach. A 2022 graduate, Boyles brings club coaching experience, local roots, and a strong development background, and officially begins her role following board approval.

• City Hall offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for New Year’s. Garbage pickup will run early on December 24 and December 31, with December 25 pickup moved to December 26 and January 1 pickup moved to January 2.

• Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries statewide.

• Princeton Bible Church invites the community to the Warm Hearts Winter Outreach today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Second Story Teen Center. Soup and dessert will be provided. All are welcome to come enjoy a warm meal and time together during the winter season.

• Princeton church donates $7,000 to Christmas For Kids

• Princeton Firefighters announced a raffle to benefit Project Fire Buddies, with proceeds supporting children battling serious illnesses. Tickets are available through December 20, with multiple entry options and drawing details included.

• 2025 NewsTribune Offensive Football Player of the Year: Princeton’s Casey Etheridge

• Illinois State Police investigating death in Bureau County

• Appointments can be made for IVCC's low-cost dental clinic

• Pistol Shrimp Unveil 2026 Schedule

• Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-Thru runs November 28th–December 21st, with additional dates December 22nd–25th. Visitors can enjoy festive displays Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9 p.m. and Sundays from 5–8 p.m. at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

🎄CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

• Princeton Bible Church will hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6pm.

• Evangelical Covenant Church will hold a 7 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.

• St. Louis Catholic Church will hold Christmas Eve Masses at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Christmas Day Mass will be at 9 a.m.

• The People Church will hold two candlelight Christmas Eve services at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (“Church on the Hill”) will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service led by Pastor Wayne Derber at 7 p.m.

• New Hope Church of the Nazarene will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m.

🛍️BUDDY BAGS

This year’s Buddy bag program is in full swing with 142 children currently participating in our program.

As everyone is aware groceries are high and the need is great. We are reaching out to businesses, organizations and residents as we approach the holidays for any and all support/donations to the buddybag program.  Our new location is behind Johnson's Carpet in white bldg with our Buddy Bag sign at the door. We meet at 430 to set up and pack at 5 on Wednesday evening. Visitors and extra help always welcome.

Thank you!

Contacts

Mark Frank: 8158767295

Diane Heller: 8153262671

🧤Volunteers Needed for Overnight Staffing of Planned Shelter in Princeton

Your help will be needed this winter to provide warmth and comfort to those who'll need it.

Starting in late December, a new overnight shelter will be in place to warm the homeless in the community. And volunteers who can serve as overnight staff at the shelter are very much in need.

The shelter will be located at Arukah Institute of Healing, at 1916 Main Street in Princeton. Concerned citizens, faith communities and other agencies are setting up a warming center to bring comfort to those who will be needing it during the long winter ahead.

If you're interested, you'll be required to go through training, and sessions are scheduled for December 10 and 11.

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the project as an overnight volunteer, send an email by clicking here. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

KWQC: Another front moves through early Saturday with yet a stronger front moving through early Sunday highs the second half of the weekend will only be in the 30s after Sunday morning lows in the teens.

Christmas week looks milder than average. Highs will hit the 40s Monday and Tuesday with 50s Christmas Eve and Christmas day. With a warm front in the neighborhood Thursday, some might get the gift of 60 degree weather on Christmas day! Friday looks to cool off, but just a bit with highs near 50!

Warmer than average weather looks to continue into the end of the month. Also, travel conditions surrounding the holiday look to be fairly good!

🌤️Saturday (12/20): Cloudy early, then turning partly cloudy in the afternoon. High near 43°F with a W wind 10–15 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~74%. Saturday night: Partly to mostly cloudy, low around 19°F with a NNW wind 5–10 mph and humidity ~79%.

🌤️Sunday (12/21): Partly cloudy through the day with a seasonable chill. High near 34°F and a light NE wind 5–10 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~79%. Sunday night: Clouds increase for a time, then thin late; low near 23°F with a SSE wind 5–10 mph, humidity ~82%.

☁️Monday (12/22): Mostly cloudy from start to finish. Afternoon high around 42°F with an ENE breeze 5–10 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~78%. Monday night: Mostly cloudy and quiet, low near 30°F with NE 5–10 mph and humidity ~82%.

☁️Tuesday (12/23): Another mostly cloudy day, a touch milder. High near 46°F with a NW wind 5–10 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~75%. Tuesday night: Mainly cloudy, low around 32°F with a NW wind 5–10 mph, humidity ~81%.

☁️Wednesday (12/24): Mostly cloudy and notably milder for December. High near 52°F with an easterly-to-SE breeze ~5–10 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~79%. Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy and soft, low around 44°F with a NNW wind 10–15 mph, humidity ~85%.

☁️Thursday (12/25): Mostly cloudy and unseasonably warm. Afternoon high around 59°F with a WSW wind ~10–15 mph. Precip: 0%; humidity ~78%. Thursday night: Mostly cloudy and cooler toward daybreak, low near 40°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.04
Casey’s West/North: $3.06
Beck’s West/North: $3.07
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.06
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.07

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.57

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton shared that their frozen breadsticks will no longer be available after December 21. Customers are encouraged to stock up before the product leaves for the season.

• The Studio Boutique shared updated holiday hours. The store will be open Sunday, December 21 from 12–4, Christmas Eve from 9–1, and New Year’s Eve from 10–4. The store will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with online shopping available anytime.

• La Katrina food truck will be set up Saturday, December 20, from noon to 7 p.m. at 15 West Marquette Street, behind Barrel Society.

• Niel & Shorty’s BBQ Company is offering gift cards as a last-minute holiday gift option. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11–2 and 4–8, and will be closed Christmas Wednesday and Thursday, reopening Friday, December 26, with normal hours.

• Myrtle’s Pies will be open December 24 for special orders only from 8–10 a.m. The shop will be closed December 25 through December 30, reopen December 31 through January 3, and then close for the season from January 4 through April 3.

• The Princeton Closet announced extended holiday hours and a 50 percent off sale on Christmas items. The store will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with donation hours remaining 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The donation center will be closed December 23 through January 5, and the store will be closed December 25 through January 7.

• The Senior Center announced its New Year’s Eve party for 2026, scheduled for 1 p.m., and invites attendees to celebrate together as the year wraps up.

• Little Blue Dress announced new Christmas socks now available in-store and online, encouraging shoppers to pick up pairs for gifting and personal wear during the holiday season.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine is offering private party meals for groups of 10–20 throughout the holiday season, excluding Christmas night. The menu includes noodles, fried rice, curry or stir-fry, appetizers, sushi rolls, and drinks, with pricing between $30–$35 per person. Reservations can be made by messaging the restaurant directly.

• Cafe Grace announced reservations are now being accepted for a New Year’s Eve dinner, along with a New Year’s Day buffet running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The restaurant is located at 1009 North Main Street.

• Tony’s Butt Shack will host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve dinner from 3–8 p.m. with a full holiday menu, kids eating free from the hot buffet, and complimentary hats, horns, and sparkling grape juice. Reservations are required.

• Optimal Health is now carrying reusable eco coolers designed to keep food cold for up to 24 hours. The coolers are priced at $5.99 each and are available in-store for easy holiday gatherings.

• The Sculpting Haus announced its January 2026 opening along with an opening giveaway. One winner will receive a private Barre & Besties experience in February, with classes beginning January 5 and the giveaway winner announced January 15.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment will hold a Saturday-only Warm Up & Save Sale with 30 percent off all clothing and no exclusions. The discount is valid during the first two hours and the final hour of the day, with prices starting at $1.99.

• Shane’s Shine Shop is promoting its $25 Budget Buster detailing package, which includes a hand wash, exterior window cleaning, tire and rim care, and towel dry. Appointments can be booked online.

• Apollo Theater released its showtimes valid through December 25, featuring Avatar: Fire & Ash and The SpongeBob Movie. BYOB 2026 shirts are now on sale, and Apollo Pop concessions are open.

• Wild Honey Boutique is encouraging shoppers to stop in for the final weekend before Christmas, featuring in-store deals and last-minute gift options available Friday through Sunday.

• The Prairie Arts Council announced upcoming performances of “The Cemetery Club,” a comedy by Ivan Menchell. Shows run February 21, 22, 28, and March 1 at the Prairie Arts Center.

• Myrtle’s Pies shared updated hours and ordering details ahead of Christmas. Regular hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the final day for Christmas orders on Saturday, December 20, and special hours on Christmas Eve from 8–10 a.m., along with several seasonal pie flavors available.

• Mavolan’s highlighted youth apparel for local Tiger fans, offering gift-ready clothing in sizes 2T through 14 and encouraging early holiday shopping for kids’ items.

• Book-el-Zoo shared its holiday schedule and specials. Dry goods arrived Thursday, fresh feeders and fish on Friday along with double punches for Frequent Feeder Friday, and a Children’s Time event runs Saturday from 12–3 p.m. The shop will be open Christmas Eve from noon to 5 p.m. with a Lottery Tree drawing, closed Christmas Day, and is offering BOGO deals on select pet toys, bonus Lottery Tree chances, and gift certificate specials through Christmas.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course announced extended holiday shopping hours, opening Sunday, December 21 from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday, December 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store will hold its final sale before Christmas, with the entire store 50 percent off and Christmas merchandise discounted up to 75 percent. The sale runs tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Hornbaker Gardens released a last-minute local gift guide highlighting thoughtful, community-based gift ideas from area businesses, encouraging shoppers to slow down and savor the season.

• Pin Splitter Lanes will host a Holiday 9-Pin No Tap event on Sunday, December 28 from 1–6 p.m. The $20 event includes bowling and hot cocoa, with festive attire encouraged and open bowling available for walk-ins.

• Meadows On Main is offering gourmet chocolate-covered pretzels in a variety of flavors, promoted as a ready-to-go stocking stuffer option.

• True Leaves Bookshop shared its Christmas schedule, featuring daily specials on teas and candles, Sprouts Kids Club on Saturday morning, a “Stuff Your Stocking” sale running multiple days through Christmas Eve, and a Christmas clearance sale on December 27. The shop will be closed December 25, 26, 31, and January 1.

• Second Story Teen Center announced its rental space is available for corporate events, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings, with all proceeds benefiting the teen center.

• Cafe Grace will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., noting it will be closed Saturday evening for a private Christmas party.

• The Bureau County History Center is promoting gift memberships for the holiday season, with memberships starting at $25 for seniors and $35 for individuals, supporting local history exhibits and archives.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎄 Saturday, December 20: Christmas Crafts, Gifts & Vendor Show – A holiday vendor show hosted by the Bureau County Fair from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM at 811 W. Peru St.

🎁 Saturday, December 20: Women’s Christmas Craft Event (FREE) – A free community craft event hosted by First Baptist Church from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM in Wyanet. All supplies provided.

🎅 Saturday, December 20: Tailgate Confessions Ugly Sweater Xmas Party – Live music, prizes, and ugly sweaters from 9:00 PM–11:59 PM at Hollywood & Vine in

🧶 Sunday, December 21: Ugly Sweater Christmas Brunch – A five-course brunch by Spoons & Forks hosted at Coal Creek Brewing. Tickets are $25, with brunch beginning at 11:00 AM. Festive attire encouraged.

🎨 Sunday, December 21: Christmas PJs and Pottery Party – A relaxed pottery-painting event from 12:00–5:00 PM at The Knack. Pajamas welcome, hot cocoa served, and 20% off holiday pottery.

✝️ Wednesday, December 24: Blast! Bible Lessons and Singing Too!! – A kids’ Bible lesson and singing hour from 5:45–6:45 PM at St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

🎨 Late December: Winter Paint Night at Downtown Pub – A guided paint night hosted by Painting Parties by Lucy at Downtown Pub & Event Center. Food and drinks available; tickets required.

🌱 Early 2026: 2026 PFR Insight Meeting – A farm-focused educational meeting hosted by Beck’s Hybrids at The Cliff Restaurant & Event Center. Tickets required.

🎶 Friday, January 9, 2026: Nate Rector Live at Barrel Society – Local country artist Nate Rector performs live at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

🗃️BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETING

The City of Princeton is inviting residents to a community meeting on January 27th, from 5 to 7 PM, at the Bureau County Metro Center’s Shoemake Hall. The session, organized in collaboration with Hometown Consulting, will focus on the Business Development District and its impact on the local economy. City officials plan to provide an overview of current projects, followed by a question-and-answer segment for public input. All community members and local business owners are encouraged to attend, as the outcomes of this district could influence future development plans throughout Princeton. Doors open ahead of the scheduled meeting for early arrivals and networking. Please RSVP to Michael Zearing at [email protected].

🎅LETTER FROM LORI

I wrote this 20 years ago, but I find the content still to be pertinent today.

With the Christmas season upon us, and a 10-year-old in the house, I had somewhat prepared myself for the age-old statement, “I don’t believe in Santa anymore.” I don’t think we can ever fully prepare ourselves for the loss of innocence in our oldest child. There is something disheartening about knowing they have moved on to another stage of belief. As much as I had pondered how I would respond, I was quite impressed with myself when I was finally confronted with the issue.

I don’t believe in lying. It’s all too messy an affair, and with my feeble memory—too hard to keep track of which story has been told to which person. Truth is always best, but there are occasions when the truth seems too harsh, or just a tad inappropriate for the situation. The loss of Santa in a child’s world is one of those occasions.

Many have great issues with the fat man in the red suit and his commercialization of the Christmas season. I choose to focus on the essence of Santa. His concept is good. He gave toys to children who had nothing. He was selfless. He worked hard to make others happy. When we speak of Santa in our house, it is not to detract from the celebration of Jesus’ birth, but to enhance the celebration of giving and the spirit of love.

Lily declared to me, “Santa isn’t real.” I asked her why she felt that way. Her response was, “I know YOU put the packages under the tree. I know YOU wrote the note he left last year. I know YOU put the stuff in our stockings. I know YOU did all the things you let us believe Santa did.” (I also eat the cookies every year. Why should they go to waste?)

So I said to her, “Does that mean God isn’t real?” She would never dream of questioning that reality, and I knew it. Indignantly, she said, “Of course God is real!” So I told her that I do God’s work. I help out at church. I perform tasks that many attribute to godly work. I said that her argument against Santa meant that God didn’t exist either. I left it at that. I was hoping to invoke some thinking in her. I did (yeah!).

Time went by, and I went about my business. Shortly after, she came to me and said, “Mom, I was thinking about what you said, and I think Santa is real.” Chalk one up to fat old mom ingenuity! It’s not what we see that makes something real—it’s how we perceive it and how it makes us feel. I know it won’t last forever, and someday she will know that the bearded man doesn’t come down our chimney (if we had one!) on Christmas Eve, but I have held back her innocence for one more year, and now she understands the reason for the season just a little better.

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

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