👻Pink Ribbons, A Benefit, and Spooky Movie Nights

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Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday. Though the weather still feels a bit Summery, Princeton has plenty of cool Fall stuff to do this weekend.

Let’s get after it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🎳Bowling for Veterans
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🤝Kent Tyne Benefit
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
⛺️Shadows of the Blue and Gray
🚶‍♂️Pedestrian Safety

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, David Biddix 🎂!

• PHS football will play at Mendota on Friday.

• The Princeton Tigresses volleyball teams faced IVC and Kewanee, with the freshmen and sophomores losing their matches in both cases. Against IVC, the freshmen lost 14-25, 25-17, 14-16, and the sophomores lost 17-25, 7-25, while varsity won 27-25, 25-23. Against Kewanee, the freshmen fell 14-25, 18-25, and sophomores lost 18-25, 14-25, but varsity dominated with a 25-8, 25-22 win.

• BCR: Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry and Zoning/Planning Administrator Michael Zearing attended the American in Bloom annual conference in Columbus, Ohio. The initiative focuses on improving economic development and tourism through community beautification efforts. Communities pay $2,000 to participate and receive evaluations and suggestions from volunteer judges on enhancing green spaces. Mabry paid for his own travel, while the city covered Zearing’s expenses for the trip.

• Starved Rock Media: A Princeton family has been selected to receive a Habitat for Humanity home. The family consists of a young couple with four children, the youngest being only two weeks old. The house will be built in the spring, although no specific address has been announced. The family must contribute 500 hours of sweat equity, either by working on the home, providing meals, or assisting at the ReStore facility, and they will repay Habitat with a low-interest loan after completion.

• Liz Piacenti, a member and director of the Illinois Valley Pink Ribbon Club, has announced a fundraiser for the group at its Culver’s in Princeton. The Illinois Valley Pink Ribbon Club is a breast cancer support group, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fundraiser will take place on Monday, October 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Come dine with them to show your support.

• City of Princeton: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours wil be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Participating households should have a porch light on. Trick-or-Treaters should do their best to be visible and be mindful of traffic at al times. Vehicle drivers should do their best to be mindful of low-visibility costumes and children crossing the roadways at all times.

• The Prairie Arts Council is calling for entries for their Holiday Card Design Contest, with submissions due by October 13. The winning design will be featured in card packs and receive a $100 prize. The contest is open to all ages, with the gallery show running from November 1 to November 24.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST

🎃The Knack is hosting a Pumpkin & Pajama Party on Friday, October 11, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Attendees are invited to wear pajamas and paint pottery, with plenty of fall-themed pieces to choose from. The event will include apple cider, donuts, and screen-free fun for families, and no reservation is required.

🧙Witches Night Out is set for Friday, October 11, from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. This event will feature shopping at local stores, Halloween fun, and special treats along the way, creating a magical atmosphere for all. Shoppers can explore charming boutiques while embracing the festive community spirit.

🕵️‍♂️The Knox Hotel is presenting a free interactive murder mystery event based on “Clue” on October 11 from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. The evening includes raffles, spooky snacks, and hot cider, with proceeds going toward hotel renovations.

🍰The Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a sweet fundraiser on October 11th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM during Witches’ Night Out! Stop by in front of The Clark House to purchase a “Nothing Bundt Cake” for only $7 each. A variety of delicious flavors will be available, including carrot, red velvet, chocolate chip, and more. All proceeds will go toward supporting local seniors, making this a perfect opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth while contributing to a great cause.

👻Princeton’s Monster Mash Balloon Bash on October 12 will feature events across multiple locations. At Soldiers & Sailors Park, visitors can enjoy the Princeton Farmers Market from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, a Fall Family Fun Fest from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a costume contest at 4:00 PM. A Halloween parade will begin at 5:00 PM, starting at Soldiers & Sailors Park and ending at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Main Street businesses will host trick-or-treating and a scarecrow contest from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. At the Bureau County Fairgrounds, activities include tethered hot air balloon rides, food trucks, a haunted attraction, and an outdoor movie showing “Hocus Pocus” at 7:30 PM.

🎭Simply Patsy: A Tribute to Patsy Cline will take place on Saturday, October 12 at The Grace Theater on South Main Street. Mary Pfeifer and the Pearl Handle Band will perform and share stories about Cline’s life, highlighting her courage, generosity, and lesser-known recordings. Shows are scheduled for 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are $25 each for this engaging tribute performance.

⛺️The 29th Annual Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War Reenactment will take place on October 12-13 at City County Park, with a special School Day on October 11 by appointment.

😱Prepare for a spine-chilling experience at the Nightmare Haunted Attraction at the Fairgrounds on October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $15 per person. Follow the attraction’s Facebook page for updates and photos to stay informed.

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS

Join us on November 9th at Pin Splitters Lane for a fun-filled day of bowling to support our veterans. There will be three shifts: 1st Shift at 1:00 PM, 2nd Shift at 3:30 PM, and 3rd Shift at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a 9 Pin No Tap format, and participants are invited to form their own teams of four. A silent auction will also take place throughout the event. The registration fee is $20 per person. All donations—cash or items—are welcome and appreciated. If you wish to donate, please reach out to any board members. Let’s come together to show our support for our veterans! For more information, contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Sunny with a high around 81°F. Winds will be from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity at 47%. The evening will be clear with a low of 46°F. Winds will shift to the southeast at 5 mph, with humidity increasing to 62%.

☀️Thursday: Mainly sunny and warm with a high of 83°F. Winds will come from the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, and humidity will be 45%. The night will be clear, with a low of 51°F and winds from the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity will rise to 62%.

☀️Friday: Mainly sunny with a high of 87°F. Winds will be from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, and humidity will be 48%. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a low of 55°F. Winds will shift to the west-northwest at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity increasing to 66%.

☀️Saturday: Partly cloudy skies and warm, with a high of 77°F. Winds will come from the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity at 49%. The night will be partly cloudy with a low of 49°F. Winds will shift to the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity rising to 64%.

Dry Conditions and Hurricane Milton

Forecasts show little to no rain through October 22nd, keeping the region in a persistent dry pattern. Nationally, much of the country is experiencing below-average precipitation, with minimal rainfall expected east of the Rockies through November. Hurricane Milton is the current national weather concern, having weakened from 180 mph to 155 mph, but remains a dangerous storm. Milton is expected to make landfall near Tampa, Florida, as a major hurricane, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surge up to 15 feet. Emergency management officials are urging residents to evacuate vulnerable areas.

Adapted from tswails.com

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.39
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.43
Casey’s West/North: $3.47
Beck’s West/North: $3.47
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.47
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.47

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.93

🤝KENT TYNE BENEFIT

A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids attending by donation at the door. Doors open at 3 pm, with a silent auction from 3-6 pm, followed by a live auction from 6-8 pm conducted by Rediger Auction Service. Food will be served from 4-6 pm, and live music by the Wild Card Band will be featured from 8-11 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Kent was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and is receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Proceeds will help support Kent and his wife, Whitney, as they navigate medical expenses while unable to work. For more information or tickets, contact Barbie at 815-303-3182, Cathy at 941-524-9595, or Staci at 815-503-4427. T-shirts are available through Ashley at Grace & Mae Designs at 815-878-6384.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Store Manager | The Princeton Closet | Full Time | Pay Not Provided

The Princeton Closet is seeking a full-time store manager. The Closet is a faith-based resale organization whose mission is to give back to the community. The manager works full time M-F with once-a-month Saturdays required. Other requirements include retail sales management experience, team orientation, leadership, excellent communication, computer skills, financial skills, and past work with volunteers is a plus. Submit all resumes to [email protected].

• Residential Service Associate | NORTH CENTRAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Account Manager | Lorita Hellman - State Farm Agent | Full Time | $32,000 - $70,000 a year

• Preschool Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full Time | $14.50 - $15.00 an hour

• Scheduling Coordinator | Corteva | 8 Hour Shift | Pay Info Not Provided

• Weekend Porter | Culver’s | Part Time | $15 - $16 an hour

• Office Assistant | Gateway Services, Inc | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Administrative Assistant | Taylor’s Way | Full Time | $16 - $19 an hour

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautiful farmhouse located at 23779 1480 Ave N, Princeton, is listed for $325,000. This 4-6 bedroom home, sitting on 4.3 acres, blends old charm with modern updates, including a new water softener, electrical system, and furnace in 2024. The home is well-equipped for horse owners with a two-stall barn and a large machine shed. Inside, the property offers spacious wood flooring, a sunroom, and main floor laundry. With its serene country setting and updated features, this home offers both comfort and functionality.

• Located in the charming Timber Ridge subdivision, this ranch home at 2332 Amelia Dr. offers a grand and welcoming feel with a beautiful brick front exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open floor plan living and dining area featuring high ceilings and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and soft-close hardware, perfect for hosting. The home includes a sunroom, a fully finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, and a large family room with in-floor heating. Key updates include a new HVAC system in 2022 and a new roof in 2023, ensuring low maintenance for years to come.

• A well-maintained four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home located at 1133 W Clark St, is available for $219,000. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and opens to a cozy family room featuring a gas log fireplace. Recent updates include new patio doors, a roof from 2020, and a Generac generator installed in 2022. The upstairs has four bedrooms, with the primary bedroom featuring a bath and double closets. The property includes a two-car attached garage and is situated on a crawl space with access to the garage.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Paisano’s Ristorante has named Taco Pizza as October’s pizza of the month, featuring a refried bean base, taco meat, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Doritos. Starting tomorrow, they are also bringing back their giant 1.5 lb pretzel, fried and topped with garlic butter and served with nacho cheese.

• Tom Root will be holding his last Illinois Concealed Carry class until next spring on October 19-20 at the American Legion in Princeton, located at 1549 West Peru Street. The class includes the first-time 16-hour course, 8 hours of which are for prior military, law enforcement, and corrections officers. A renewal course will also be available. For more information or to register, call 815-719-0037. Veterans can receive a discount with DD214 documentation.

• Bean Buzz is offering a special treat on Tuesday, October 8th, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Stop by for an afternoon protein pick-me-up and enjoy a free Buzz Bite sample with any purchase, while supplies last. The fall menu features delicious seasonal drinks, including the Apple Crisp Latte, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, Velvet Pumpkin Cold Brew, and Caramel Apple EnergyBuzz.

• Want to see beautiful photography on your wall all year long? Order your 2025 Thrivent calendar featuring the theme “Everyday blessings.”

• Princeton Animal Care Clinic is offering up to 50% off on select pet care items through October 10. Customers can shop online for discounted medications, preventatives, and other essentials.

• Corner Chair Market is ready for fall with new arrivals, including a dresser and buffet, perfect for seasonal decorating. These items are both functional and decorative for the upcoming season.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food announced its hours for this week, offering lunch from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (until 7:00 PM on Friday), open from October 9 through October 11.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ is hosting a Halloween event on Monday, October 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The event will feature a vendor show, trunk-or-treat, free pumpkin painting, and hot dogs and hot chocolate for kids.

• Two Angels is now booking Christmas portrait sessions for November 9th and 10th at Full Circle Farmstead, with an outdoor session at Stark County Kringle Farm to be announced. Spots fill up fast, so booking early is encouraged.

• Freedom House is hosting a Fall Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park. The event will feature a bounce house, face painting, crafts, a bake walk, cotton candy, games, a dunk tank, a scavenger hunt, and more, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

• Coal Creek Brewing Company is hosting Spooky Movie Night every Tuesday in October at 6:30 PM. The event features Halloween-themed films, providing a fun way to enjoy the season.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting its annual Fall Harvest Festival and auction on November 16, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and an auction beginning at 7:00 PM, with proceeds benefiting Royal Family Kids.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• The First Congregational Church of Bureau is hosting their Fall Festival Bazaar and dinner on October 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The dinner will feature chicken dressing casserole and chicken macaroni casserole, with a choice of salads, dessert, and a drink for $12.00. In addition to the meal, there will be woven rugs, RADA knives, dishcloths, and a theme basket raffle. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

• Michelle DeVoss has a vintage four-drawer dresser available at her home shop in Sheffield. All drawers slide well with the runners freshly waxed. The body has been painted in a high-quality cabinet paint and the sides were embellished with paintable wallpaper. A lovely vinyl transfer was used on the front and a bit of dry brushing was made to add to the vintage style. The original drawer pulls were shined-up with metal polish. This is a lovely and solid heirloom piece perfect for a bedroom or nursery. 47” tall x 14 1/2 deep x 33 1/4 wide. You can message Michelle on her Facebook page Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture. 

⛺️SHADOWS OF THE BLUE AND GRAY

The 29th Annual Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War Reenactment will take place on October 12-13 at City County Park, with a special School Day on October 11 by appointment. This event will feature a range of historical reenactments, including daily battles, appearances by historical figures such as President Lincoln and General Grant, Civil War camps, cavalry demonstrations, live horses, artillery displays, and Civil War medicine demonstrations. You can also enjoy interactive activities like a ladies’ tea, frying pan toss, skirmishing, and more.

Food vendors such as the Princeton Veterans Group, Xan Dandy Cotton Candy, Just Poppin By, and Shadow’s Coffee will be on-site, while merchants like Taste of the Past and Cool Creek Forge offer unique wares. Admission is just $5, with children 3 and under admitted free. Reenactors are invited to join with no fees and can register online for bounties, free dinner, firewood, and more.

Don’t miss out on purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win a Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro or $300 in cash! Visit shadowsbluegray.com for more details or find them on Facebook. Mark your calendar for the Blue & Gray Ball happening on March 22, 2025.

🚶‍♂️PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FOR WALKERS

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

Stay safe while walking by following these important tips: Always walk facing traffic if there’s no sidewalk, and be sure to cross at corners or crosswalks where drivers expect pedestrians. Make yourself visible by wearing bright colors or reflective gear, especially at night—flashlights are a smart choice too. Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid distractions like phones or earbuds. Let’s all do our part to keep our streets safe for everyone.

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