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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Crisp skies, pumpkin vibes, and community all around. Today’s newsletter is packed: Halloween events galore, Aldi’s big update, fire department open house, downtown shopping, fresh job listings, and a thoughtful new Letter from Lori (bring pancakes). Don’t miss the seasonal weather, costume fun, trick-or-treat times, and local updates from businesses. Scroll down, sip something warm, and enjoy.

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎃Halloween Events
🏛️From the City
👶Zearing Child Enrichment
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🥕Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Body of Princeton Man Recovered from Illinois River as Investigation Continues

• ‘We got you’: community members feed firefighters at chemical manufacturer fire

• Princeton’s 4th Annual Haunt Your Home contest invites residents to decorate their homes for Halloween with judging for creativity, spookiness, and overall impact. Entries must be submitted by October 17 for a chance to win festive prizes.

• Rotarians from Princeton and the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary Club recently worked together to remove a wheelchair ramp at the Bureau County Historical Society Museum, making way for a new accessible entrance. The project was part of a district grant to improve community spaces.

• Princeton Tigers Cross Country Achieve Season Bests at Peoria Invitational

• BCR: Crews have installed Aldi signage at the new store on Backbone and North Main in Princeton, set to open November 13. Jersey Mike’s will also begin construction next week and is scheduled to open in spring 2026.

• The Princeton Fire Department is holding an open house today from 9am–12pm. Events include live firefighter demos, a kids’ obstacle course, and free food/drinks.

• Discover History, Music, and Art at Princeton Public Library This October

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 10-09-2025

  📍Outside City Limits

• Troopers identify 4 injured in head-on crash on Highway 70

• All Hands On Deck Approach Needed To Tame Marquis Energy Blaze

• Boggio’s Orchard is launching its Flashlight Corn Maze Fridays and Saturdays through October 25, from 7–10 PM. Admission is $12 and includes a meal, with guests encouraged to enter the Corn Maze Contest for a chance to win $250.

• Menards Hosts Food Drive Through October 31, 2025, to Support Local Food Pantries

🎃HALLOWEEN EVENTS

🎃 Trunk or Treat Events

• Oct. 7 – 5–7 PM, Hegler Park, LaSalle

• Oct. 11 – 11 AM–1 PM, YMCA, Peru

• Oct. 16 – 4–6 PM, Liberty Village, Princeton

• Oct. 23 – 4–6:30 PM, Goldwater Care, Princeton

• Oct. 25 – 10 AM–1 PM, Peru HyVee

• Oct. 25 – 10 AM–1 PM, Crossbridge, Ottawa

• Oct. 25 – 11 AM–1 PM, OSF Medical Group, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 12–3 PM, Advantage Auto, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 4–6 PM, Illinois Valley Auto, Peru

• Oct. 25 – 4–8 PM, LaSalle Speedway

• Oct. 28 – 5–7 PM, Starved Rock Lodge

• Oct. 31 – 4–5 PM, Liberty Village, Peru

🍬 Trick or Treat Hours

• Granville – 6–8 PM

• Hennepin – 5–7 PM

• Henry – 5–8 PM

• La Moille – 5–7 PM

• LaSalle – 5–7 PM

• Ladd – 5–7 PM

• Magnolia – 5–7 PM

• Mendota – 5–7 PM

• Oglesby – 5:30–7:30 PM

• Peru – 5–7 PM

• Princeton – 5–8 PM

• Seneca – 5–7 PM

• Spring Valley – 5–7 PM

• Streator – 5–7 PM

• Utica – 5:30–7:30 PM

👶ZEARING CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER

CHILDCARE – Immediate Openings

We have immediate openings for a variety of our Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Programs.

Our School-Age program is currently FULL with no openings at this time.

Enrichment Activities

From drawing and writing to pretend play, we provide a diverse range of activities to foster creativity and social skills to set children up for life readiness.

Preschool Programs

Fun and educational hands-on activities to prepare young children for success in Kindergarten. A focus on emotional regulation.

Infant to Two’s Care

Gentle care and attention for our youngest students, ensuring they feel secure and loved. Start as young as 6 weeks old.

Apply Today!

📞 Contact Us: 815-875-2335

🌐 Visit Our Website: www.zcec.org

📍 Our Location: 633 Masonic Drive, Princeton, IL 61356

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today:  Lots of sunshine and a classic early-fall feel—afternoon high around 70–71°F with a light ENE breeze 5–10 mph. Dry air and excellent visibility; no rain in play. A cool, clear night follows with lows dipping to the mid-40s.

🌤️Sunday: Still gorgeous—sunny to mostly sunny and a touch warmer, high near 74–75°F on an easy SE wind 5–10 mph. Humidity stays comfortable and rain stays out of the picture. Evening turns partly cloudy, settling to the low-50s.

⛅Monday: Clouds increase—call it mostly cloudy—with highs near 70–74°F. Most of the day looks dry, but the cloud deck thickens by evening as the pattern turns a bit more unsettled. Overnight holds mid-50s with continued cloud cover.

🌥️Tuesday: Rather cloudy/partly sunny and seasonable with a high around 69–71°F. Any organized rain chances are low; we trend drier through the day behind weak energy aloft. Night falls to the upper-40s to low-50s.

🌤️Wednesday: Brighter again—partly to mostly sunny and cooler with a high near 65–66°F and a light westerly breeze. Air stays crisp and dry; great midweek outdoor weather. Evening heads for the upper-40s under mainly clear skies.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.96
Casey’s West/North: $3.07
Beck’s West/North: $3.09
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.07
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.07

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.76

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Chapel Hill Golf Course is hosting a Fall Campout & Bonfire to cap off the 2025 season—bring your tent, chairs, snacks, and drinks for a fun night on the driving range. Spots are limited, so sign up soon to reserve.

• Golden Rice shared a detailed menu featuring appetizers, soups, curries, stir-fries, rice dishes, and drinks including Thai Milk Tea—most items allow protein customization with chicken, tofu, beef, or shrimp. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday at 1220 N Vernon St.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream just restocked their locally made Black Cherry half gallons. This family-owned business has been serving the community for over 100 years.

• The BELIEVE Foundation, a local non-profit supporting cancer families since 2008, is led entirely by volunteers and funded by local donations. Board members include Mary VanKeulen, Kelly Madsen, and Alayna Blake.

• Rachel Rene’s fall-perfect Tobacco Bourbon Car Diffuser features a blend of cedarwood, rose petals, tonka bean, and aged bourbon. Available in-store from 10–5:30 or online.

• Flowers By Julia invites you to finish your front door decor with fall-themed arrangements. Their shop is full of vibrant seasonal pieces, perfect for Halloween and beyond.

• Sisler’s offers rich, coconut-based dairy-free ice cream and customizable sundaes with toppings like peanut butter sauce, pecans, and rainbow sprinkles. They even make dairy-free milkshakes upon request.

• Corner Chair Market has holiday-ready tables and chairs that comfortably seat six. Larger options and custom upcycling are available on request.

• Paisano’s makes rolled ice cream right in front of you on a freezing pan—watch as it’s chopped, rolled, and turned into spirals of happiness. It’s not just dessert, it’s a show.

• Fresh Finds Princeton now has adorable new book-themed merch, including mugs, bookmarks, and cozy apparel. These make perfect gifts for the book lover in your life.

• Tossed & Found Resale is selling two pieces of 14K solid yellow gold Figaro chain jewelry: a 24” necklace (28g, needs clasp repair) and a 7” bracelet (11g, excellent condition). Both are stamped, tested 14K, 100% real gold, and they’re open to offers with photos/videos available for serious buyers.

• Rossy’s BBQ in Wyanet invites guests to fuel up before or after Halloween festivities with fall-off-the-bone brisket, juicy pork butt, and homemade sides. Open Friday and Saturday 11–9 and Sunday 11–8 with brunch 11–1.

• Miss Betsy’s October flavor of the month is the Black Forest Donut, a rich chocolate cake donut with cherry pie filling, buttercream swirl, chocolate frosting, and a cherry on top. Available all month long.

• Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa will host its final event of the season on Saturday, October 11 from 1–7 PM with wood-fired pizza, a farmers market, and a full lineup of educational and family-friendly activities. Highlights include farm tours, hands-on workshops, animal encounters, and campfire fun.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is now offering Stellar Pretzel Braids for $6.99 per bag in flavors like Maui Monk, French Dijon, and Bold & Herby. These purpose-driven snacks are vegan, gluten-free, and woman-owned.

• A Second Chance Liquidation is running $1 sales today and tomorrow from 10 AM to 4 PM with hundreds of new items stocked on shelves. Special buy items are also marked and available while supplies last.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint in Wyanet is featuring a weekend Brisket Melt special—smoky brisket with melted cheese and caramelized onions on toasted bread, served with a side of your choice. Available Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Upcoming:

🎨 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.

🎸 MOJO ROCKS LIVE at BARREL SOCIETY – Live podcast recording at Barrel Society, 903 N Main St. Saturday, October 11, 5–9 PM. The show airs October 17.

🎟️ Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents Jaden Decker – Nashville-based country artist Jaden Decker live at 316 S Main St. Saturday, October 11, time TBA.

🍁 Fall Arboretum Walk – Guided fall color tour at Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N Ave. Tuesday, October 14, 4:30 PM. Rain date: October 21.

🎃 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.

👖 Pumpkins & PJs – Apple cider, donuts, and pumpkin painting at The Knack, 906 N Main St. Monday, October 13, 10 AM–4 PM. $7 kids, $10 adults + cost of pottery.

🍒 Cherry Jam at Petticoat Junction – Rock n Roll party with Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ at 27915 2060 North Ave, Malden. Sunday, October 19, 2–6 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 JOB OPENINGS

• The Structure Laborer position with Ag View FS in Princeton, IL offers full-time employment at $20–$22 per hour. The role involves assisting in the construction and maintenance of grain bins and buildings under the direction of department managers and foremen. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication, customer service, math, and time-management skills, as well as the ability to perform minor equipment maintenance and lift up to 50 pounds. The company provides competitive benefits, including paid time off, retirement plans with company matching, and an Employee Assistance Program, while emphasizing equal opportunity employment and compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Casey’s General Store is hiring full-time and part-time Team Members at $15.00–$19.75 per hour, offering flexible shifts including mornings, evenings, overnights, and weekends. Responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, operating the register, and preparing food, with no prior experience required and cross-training provided. Benefits include tuition assistance, health insurance, 401(k) with a 6% match, DailyPay access, holiday pay, food and drink discounts, and a customizable career path. Team Members are encouraged to demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and teamwork in a fast-paced retail environment.

• OSF HealthCare in Princeton, IL is hiring a full-time Medical Office Assistant for Prompt Care at a rate of $17.60 per hour, with eligibility for a sign-on bonus of $1,500–$2,000 depending on experience. The position involves both clinical and front office duties, including patient care support and administrative tasks aligned with medical assistant training. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, six months of experience with computers and Microsoft Office, and six months of clinical experience in a healthcare facility. OSF offers a comprehensive benefits package focused on compensation, recognition, well-being, and career growth.

🌼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]. 

🥞LETTER FROM LORI

Have you ever been lost in the dark? It’s horrifying. You can’t see anything. You’re essentially blind. I was the mom who told my kids, “You’re not afraid of the dark. You’re afraid of the things IN the dark that might eat you.” I delivered that line with a straight face, then walked away.

Even though it was humorous at the time (to me), it really captures the truth about darkness. If you have peace in your heart, the darkness isn’t all that scary. It dulls your sight but sharpens your other senses—like hearing. In the dark, visual distractions fade, and you can focus more clearly on the sounds hidden in the shadows.

You might hear an owl hoot and picture his majestic figure perched high in a tree, scanning for tasty nocturnal mammals. Or maybe you’ll hear creekside crickets and be taken back to a summer camping trip with your family. You might even hear the masked bandits rummaging through your garbage cans, searching for a few leftover morsels in a Little Debbie Zebra Cakes wrapper—their tiny hands stuffing frosting and cake into their masked faces. That makes me smile… until I have to clean up the carnage the next morning.

I don’t know about you, but often, when I’m listening to a speaker, I’ll close my eyes and surround my mind in darkness so I can better listen—not just hear. Those are two different skills. You understand this if you’ve ever yelled at a toddler. Given your volume, there’s no doubt they hear you—but that doesn’t mean they actually listen to your instructions or correction.

So sometimes during a sermon at church, I close my eyes to block out visual distractions and stay focused on the words. I know to the casual onlooker—or even the pastor—it may look like I’m falling asleep, but I promise that’s not the case.

In moments like these, darkness can be good. We can’t fully appreciate light without some darkness to contrast it.

As a Christian, I’m often asked how I can believe in a God who allows children to suffer or seems to stand by during war. My answer is this (and I think I heard it in a movie once): “You can’t have a one-sided pancake.” We have to experience both sides for either to exist.

The top of the pancake is soaked in butter and maple syrup. The bottom is the side you hide against the plate because it’s a little burnt—and if your kid sees it, they’ll wail and refuse to eat it. Sometimes we have to embrace the darkness to truly appreciate the light.

Now I’m hungry. I think I’m going to Denny’s.

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].