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Good morning, Princeton friends. Downtown’s buzzing today with spooky style, crisp weather, and fall energy, and tonight’s full of treats, live music, and a pumpkin-launching competition. Tomorrow’s even wilder. In today’s issue: cross country highlights, weekend events, updated homes for sale, local business updates, Cubs playoff drama, and your full fall weather outlook.

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🏈Football Schedule
🐻Cubs Review and Preview

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Three Rivers Conference Cross Country Championships at Zearing Park saw strong performances from both Princeton teams.

• Festival 56 Launches Sound Stage Music Series with Rising Country Star Jaden Decker

• Fall Trout Season Starts Oct. 18

• Witches Night Out is happening Friday, October 3rd from 4–10 PM. Enjoy a magical evening of shopping, food, drinks, and live music downtown. Celebrate the 10th anniversary with spooky fun and local deals.

• Hosted by Bureau County Fair, the Halloween Parade will take place Saturday, October 4th at 5:30pm. To register to participate, contact the Princeton Chamber at 815-875-2616.

• Celebrate the season with games, activities, and fun for the whole family while we come together to honor October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Come and enjoy free crafts, bake walk, games, & a scavenger hunt. Saturday, October 11, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Soldiers and Sailors Park.

• Princeton’s Oktoberfest will be held on October 18th at Rotary Park. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, games, and traditional German music from the Heidelberg German Band. The event promises festive community vibes with Bavarian flair.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• 823 W Central Ave in Princeton, IL is a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with 2,292 square feet of living space. The property features warm hardwood floors, a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops and a large island, and a bonus room perfect for a second living area, office, or playroom. Additional highlights include a spacious living room with natural light, a two-car attached garage plus an extra detached garage, and a large corner lot with porch and deck. Listed at $266,000, this home offers a blend of historic charm, modern finishes, and versatile living space.

• Located at 443 E Peru St in Princeton, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.65-acre lot. The home blends classic charm with updated functionality, featuring 9-foot ceilings, original wood trim, leaded-glass details, and a bright kitchen with an island and ample counter space. Highlights include a large sunroom, a walk-in main floor shower, and an upstairs bonus room with kitchenette potential. The professionally landscaped backyard provides a serene oasis with a water fountain, large deck, firepit, and 2-car heated garage with an attached workshop. Listed at $285,000, this property offers a combination of elegance, versatility, and peaceful outdoor living.

• The property at 127 N Beech St, Princeton, IL 61356 is listed for $159,900 and features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 864 square feet of living space. This low-maintenance ranch has been extensively updated, including a new concrete driveway, sidewalks, and roofs on the house, garage, and shed. Inside, the home offers an updated kitchen and bathroom, new plumbing and electric service, fresh flooring, and paint. Additional highlights include a 24x24 coach house garage, updated heating and air conditioning, and a move-in ready condition.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

WLPO: Hot, Dry Weather Expected Until Next Week; Cool-Down on the Way

⛅Today: We’re running hot again: mostly sunny to partly cloudy with an afternoon high near 90°. Light west wind 5–10 mph, moderate UV, and humidity running in the mid-50s. Tonight is mostly clear and comfortable, down to 61° with a light south breeze; great visibility for the waxing gibbous moon just after 5:20 PM.

☀️Sunday: Plenty of sunshine and still summer-like, topping out around 89°. It’ll be a bit breezier SSW 10–20 mph with humidity near 60%. Partly cloudy Sunday night, low near 61° with a light ENE wind.

🌥️Monday: A touch cooler with more cloud cover, high around 78°. Clouds thicken late and a few late-evening/overnight showers may pop (~30–40%). South-southwest wind near 9 mph; we dip to 54° under a full moon.

🌥️Tuesday: Could see a pre-dawn shower, then we brighten to partly cloudy by afternoon, high near 72°. A refreshing NW wind ~8 mph; humidity moderate. Tuesday night turns crisp and partly cloudy, low around 45°.

🌥️Wednesday: Noticeably cooler but pleasant with a mix of sun and clouds, afternoon high near 68°. Light WSW breeze 5–10 mph and moderate UV. Skies trend mostly clear Wednesday night; you’ll feel that fall air with a low near 42° and the moon sliding into its waning gibbous phase.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.09
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.11
Casey’s West/North: $2.99
Beck’s West/North: $3.09
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.99
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.09

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎃 Nightmare Haunted Attraction – Opening Night – Haunted barns, bonfire, food, and souvenirs at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St, Princeton. Friday, October 3, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM. Hosted by Bureau County Fair.

🌼 Customer Appreciation Days at Hornbaker Gardens – Free lunch served 10:30 AM–2:00 PM at 22937 1140 North Ave, Princeton. Celebrate the season with food, sales, and plants marked up to 50% off. Friday–Saturday, October 3–4, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

🎸 MOJO ROCKS Live at Barrel Society – Enjoy a live recording of Mojo Moomey’s radio show featuring classic rock and ’90s indie hits. Saturday, October 11, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM at Barrel Society, 930 N Main St, Princeton. Show airs October 17.

🚗 Illinois Valley Toy Run – Bring a new $10 unwrapped toy for a child and enjoy the 40-mile countryside cruise, live DJ, and prize drawings. Sunday, October 12, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM at Soldiers & Sailors Park, S Main St, Princeton.

👻 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Enjoy fun games, sweet treats, and food at Liberty Village of Princeton, 140 N. 6th St. Thursday, October 16, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.

🎭 Samhain: The Celtic Roots of Halloween – Learn the ancient origins of Halloween with music and storytelling by Barry Cloyd. Tuesday, October 21, 6:00 PM at the Princeton Public Library, 698 E Peru St.

🎼 Classical Guitarist Peter Fletcher – Hear music spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century in this acclaimed solo recital. Thursday, October 23, 6:00 PM at the Princeton Public Library, 698 E Peru St.

🚜 Princeton Swap Meet – Find unique items and motorcycle parts at this popular swap meet. Sunday, November 9, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM at 811 W Peru St. $10 admission; vending $50. Also listed as the Homestead Festival Flea Market.

🚂The Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show is set for Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. The event features HO, N, O, and G scale trains, accessories, Thomas toys, and farm collectibles.

🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights at Hungry World Farm – Relax with farm-fresh pizza, lawn games, and baby goat snuggling in Tiskilwa. Saturdays through October 7, 6:30 PM. Personal-sized pizzas $16. Located at 19183 Plow Creek Rd, Tiskilwa.

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🌼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 BUSINESSES

• Hungry World Farm will host its 6th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11, from 1–7 PM, featuring farm tours for adults, free kids’ activities, and food like wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and campfire fun. Scheduled events include workshops, petting zoo experiences, goat milking, garden tours, solar energy demonstrations, and live farm activities from 1:00 PM through the evening, with the last pizza orders taken at 6:45 PM and a campfire starting at 7:00 PM. Ongoing activities throughout the day include bounce houses, kids’ coloring, hiking trails, games, and opportunities to interact with animals.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is running a flash sale through October 9, offering 24-packs of Feit LED bulbs in soft white or daylight for $14.99, marked down from $28.99. This limited-time deal is available while supplies last.

• Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. will be at Witches Night Out on Friday, October 3, from 4–8 p.m. near the Prouty building and again Saturday, October 4, from 4–8 p.m. at the fairgrounds for the Monster Mash Balloon Bash, featuring flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Cherry-Limeade, and Blue Raspberry.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting free outdoor adventure events for 6th–8th graders, starting with a ropes course, ziplining, archery, and human foosball on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Additional events include a winter hike on February 7, 2026, and an outdoor survival course on April 28, 2026, all at Echo Bluff Park with lunch and transportation included.

• The Bureau County Senior Center has released its October 2025 calendar, highlighting activities such as exercise classes, Bingo, crafting, and special trips. Events run throughout the month, offering community connection and seasonal festivities.

• Five 22 is showcasing new fall fashion arrivals, including a “pumpkin patch outfit” perfect for the season. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by starting Friday to browse the updated floor collection.

• Boggio’s Orchard will host their Flashlight Corn Maze on Fridays and Saturdays, October 10–11, 17–18, and 24–25, from 7–10 p.m. Admission is $12 per person and includes the maze plus a meal of hot dog, chips, and a drink.

• Connections Studio is holding parent meetings for its next dance team picks on Friday, October 10, and Friday, October 17, both at 6 p.m. The meetings will provide information and refreshments at 956 Main Street, Suite B.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is featuring giant 1.5 lb pretzels for October, fried crispy outside and soft inside, served with garlic butter and nacho cheese for $14.99. Their pizza of the month is Taco Pizza, available now.

• Corner Chair Market is offering fall-themed table decor perfect for family gatherings through Thanksgiving. Their displays feature festive arrangements with pumpkins, candles, and autumn florals.

• Miss Betsy’s has introduced its October flavor of the month, the Black Forest Donut, a chocolate cake donut topped with cherry pie filling, chocolate frosting, buttercream, and a cherry. This limited-time treat is available all month long.

• Rachel Rene will feature Halloween bath bombs during Witches Night Out on Friday, October 3, opening at 10 a.m. with festivities starting at 4 p.m. The shop is also open Monday–Thursday 10–5:30, Saturday 10–4, and Sunday 12–4.

• Barrel Society is hosting its first Pumpkin Chuckin’ Competition on Friday, October 3, with check-in at 5:45 p.m. and the contest at 6 p.m. La Katrina Autentica will serve food from 3–8 p.m., and the event is 21+ with prizes for the winner.

• The Princeton Closet invites shoppers to Witches Night Out on Friday, October 3, with shopping, treats, and live music. Their Basket Day promotion runs Friday and Saturday, offering 12 items for $8, while regular store hours are Thursday–Saturday 9–5.

• Didoughs Twisted Pretzel Co. will be downtown during Witches Night Out on Friday, October 3, from 4–9 p.m. The food truck will be set up next to the theater.

• Trunk-or-Treat events begin October 17 at Hegeler Park in LaSalle from 5–7 p.m. and continue with various dates through October 31 at locations including Peru, Ottawa, Princeton, and more.

• Optimal Health is promoting its new Protein Sturdy Sauce, available in flavors like sweet basil, garlic & herb, and marinara. Each jar contains 80 grams of protein and is marketed as a pantry staple.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course is offering a 2026 membership special where anyone who pays early can golf for free all of October. Early rate pricing of $450 is available until December 1, 2025, after which prices increase.

• Barrel Society will host musician Silas Tockey for an acoustic set on Saturday, October 4, from 7–10 p.m. The free event promises live music, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

• Apollo Theater will run showings from Friday, October 3 through Thursday, October 9. Featured films include Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl (October 3–5 only), One Battle After Another (R), and The Senior (PG).

• Art lessons for kids ages 8–14 begin Wednesday, October 8 at Prairie Arts Center Gallery, with six 1-hour weekly classes taught by artist Judy Gosse.

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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*

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie-Prophetstown

🐻CUBS’ WILD CARD WRIGLEY RUMBLE AND BREWERS’ NLDS SHOWDOWN

Under Wrigley Field’s buzzing lights, the Chicago Cubs clawed their way through a heart-pounding 2025 Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, a three-game saga that felt like a love letter to October baseball. The Cubs, brimming with swagger after a 92-win season, welcomed a scrappy Padres squad hungry to keep their postseason dreams alive. Game 1 was a Wrigley party: Matthew Boyd, the grizzled lefty, danced through four innings, dodging trouble like a cat burglar. Then Seiya Suzuki, Wrigley’s new folk hero, launched a moonshot into the left-field bleachers, the crowd roaring as if the ivy itself cheered. Carson Kelly’s two-run blast followed, a dagger to San Diego’s heart. The Cubs’ bullpen—Taylor Rogers and Drew Pomeranz tossing heat like old-school gunslingers—slammed the door for a 3-1 win, snapping an eight-year playoff series drought. Game 2, though, was a Padres ambush. Manny Machado’s bat cracked like thunder, his fifth-inning homer soaring into the night, while Luis Arraez’s pesky bunts and Mason Miller’s unhittable sliders silenced Chicago 3-0. The decider on October 2 was pure chaos. Suzuki, a man possessed, ripped a double off Yu Darvish, whose road woes haunted him again. Michael Busch’s RBI single sparked hope, and when Héctor Neris coaxed a double-play grounder from Machado in the eighth, Wrigley erupted. The Cubs held on, 3-1, etching their first-ever home winner-take-all victory into lore. Suzuki, a one-man wrecking crew, and a bullpen that laughed at pressure sent San Diego packing, their injury-thinned roster no match for Chicago’s fire.

Now, the Cubs march into Milwaukee for a best-of-five NLDS showdown with the Brewers, the NL’s 97-win juggernaut and top seed. This ain’t just baseball—it’s a family feud. Craig Counsell, the prodigal son who ditched Milwaukee for Chicago’s millions, returns to American Family Field, where he’s still the Brewers’ winningest skipper. Game 1 on October 4 promises fireworks: Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, a wizard with a wicked fastball, faces a Cubs lineup that’s whiffed against him before. The Brewers, rested and ruthless, play small ball like poets, with Christian Yelich and Willy Adames stealing bases and breaking spirits. But Chicago’s got thunder—Suzuki’s locked in, and their bullpen’s a flamethrower. Expect stolen bases, daring slides, and Counsell outfoxing his old pals with sneaky tactics. Milwaukee’s home fortress and deeper pen give them a slight edge, but the Cubs, riding high, smell an upset. This series could stretch to a Game 5 classic, with Chicago’s heart meeting Milwaukee’s grit. The winner faces the Phillies or Dodgers in the NLCS, but for now, it’s a Central showdown where every pitch feels like destiny.

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