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Good morning, Princeton friends. The Princeton Tigers defense delivered a jaw-dropping performance Friday, shutting out their playoff opponent 48–0 in a statement win against Erie-Prophetstown. From the opening whistle, the Tigers controlled every inch of the field, forcing turnovers and capitalizing with explosive plays. With momentum surging and the stands roaring, this team looks poised for a postseason run.

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

• Bureau County Sheriff Jim Reed Announces Retirement After 35 Years of Service

• St. Matthews Committee Donates Over $2,000 to Support Royal Family Kids Camp

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball celebrated a successful season, with varsity finishing as conference runner-up and both the freshmen and sophomore teams winning Three Rivers Conference titles.

• The River Bend Food Bank, along with local partners, will host a mobile food pantry at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. The event will be held at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St.

• Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Participating households should have a porch light on.

• The Princeton High School drama department will perform Little Women by Kate Hamill at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. Both shows will take place in the Sally Skinner Auditorium at 103 S. Euclid Ave.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This newly listed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers nearly 2,000 square feet of charm and functionality just blocks from Main Street. The main floor features an open living and dining layout with wood-style floors, detailed trim, and built-ins, while the kitchen includes ample cabinetry and a cozy breakfast nook. Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms and a full bath, with a partially finished basement providing extra space for recreation, hobbies, or a home office. A standout feature is the heated and insulated 23x19 workshop connected to an oversized garage, ideal for year-round projects or storage.

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath farmhouse sits on 2 acres and offers a perfect mix of country living and modern convenience. The property includes two sheds, a corn crib, and a newer 2+ car garage with concrete floors. Inside features updated flooring in many rooms, freshly painted walls, and a spacious 16’ x 12’ back deck ideal for grilling or relaxing under the stars. The enclosed front porch and mudroom with laundry add everyday comfort, while numerous apple trees make it a charming fall retreat.

• 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.

• 1007 W Farnham St, Princeton, IL 61356 is a spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home listed at $127, 000. 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 lovely jewelery armoire available at her home shop in Princeton. It has six drawers for storage and has been painted in soft cream tones. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone who appreciates “handmade” pieces. Limited delivery available. Be sure to check out her Facebook page “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” for upcoming pieces. She can also be reached at [email protected].

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Today: Expect a mostly cloudy, breezy day with a little light rain at times, especially from late morning into the afternoon. High temperatures will top out around 57°F, then fall to about 42°F Tuesday night. The air will feel raw at times because of the breeze and the dampness. Plan on a gray sky for most of the day.

🌧️Wednesday: We’ll have occasional rain and drizzle early in the morning, then it turns mainly cloudy and windy through the rest of the day. Afternoon highs rebound to around 58°F, but the breeze will make it feel cooler than the number on the thermometer. By Wednesday night we slip down into the upper 30s with that wind still noticeable. It’ll feel like a true late-October day.

☁️Thursday: Skies stay largely overcast, and it’s a cooler, more stable day overall. The high will be near 55°F, with another chilly night in the upper 30s. Rain chances look low during the day, but don’t expect much sun. It’s a slow, gray, jacket-on kind of Thursday.

☀️Friday: We break up the clouds a bit, with intervals of sun working through a partly cloudy sky. Highs return to the mid 50s, again around 55°F, and we fall back to the upper 30s Friday night. It’s cool but seasonable for late October/early Halloween evening plans. The breeze is lighter, so it won’t feel quite as raw.

☁️Saturday: Saturday trends cooler with mostly cloudy skies and the chance for a few spotty showers in the afternoon. The high only reaches the upper 40s, around 48°F, and we drop to the mid 30s Saturday night. This will be the first real “cold reminder” of the stretch. You’ll want a heavier layer if you’re out for any afternoon events.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.94
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.96
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.94
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🏀 Tuesday, October 28

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

♟ Wednesday, October 29

Princeton Public Library Chess Club – Join for casual games and friendly competition; coaching available for beginners. 698 E Peru St. 5:30–7:30 PM.

🧺 Thursday, October 30

Mobile Food Pantry – The Bureau County Food Pantry, Old Wheels Club, and First Lutheran Church are teaming up for a mobile pantry at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St. Registration runs from 9:15–10 a.m., with distribution beginning at 10 a.m. Indoors, up to two hours.

🕍 Friday, October 31

Trunk or Treat – Princeton People Church – Enjoy a fun family event with bounce houses, candy-filled trunks, games, hot dogs, and hot cocoa for all ages. 3525 N Main St. 5–7 PM.

🧩 Wednesday, November 5

Gruesome Twosome: Charles Addams & Edward Gorey, presented by Tricia Kelly – A fun and fascinating presentation by storyteller Tricia Kelly on two eccentric cartoonists behind The Addams Family and The Gashlycrumb Tinies. Princeton Public Library, 698 E Peru St. 6 PM.

🔧 Sunday, November 9

Princeton Swap Meet – Hunt for garage treasures at Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap, 811 W Peru St. 8 AM–2 PM. Admission $10, vending $50.

🐶 Saturday, November 15

Pups & Cups – Bring your furry friends (or come solo!) for coffee, donuts, and a walk around Zearing Park, plus a playdate at Barkley Dog Park. Meet at the southwest pavilion, 9 AM. Hosted by Bike and Walk Princeton.

🎸 Wednesday, December 31

Wild Card at Hawg House – Ring in the New Year early with day drinks and live music at Hawg House Saloon, 18066 US Hwy 6. 3–7 PM.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Monica’s Pizza is offering several limited-time deals through November 23, including a $26 Family Pleaser meal, a 14” three-topping pizza for $18.50, and an 8” pizza for $8. A free 5-pack of breadsticks is available with a $25 gift card purchase, and frozen soft dough breadsticks are now available for $5.49.

• Optimal Health is promoting easy 3-minute rice meal options from Grain Trust, featuring cilantro lime, hibachi fried rice, steamed jasmine, and steamed brown rice.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ in Hollowayville is hosting a Trunk or Treat on October 27 from 4 to 8 PM, with candy, local vendors, dancing hags, and more, rain or shine. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween event.

• Beetz Me! has received a large shipment of new seasonal and unique goods, encouraging shoppers to stop in early for holiday gifts. The store is still unpacking but invites customers to explore the new selection now.

• Wild Honey Boutique introduced a new weekend staff member, Emma, who lives in Rock Island and returns on weekends to work. She is pictured in a fall outfit featuring Daze barrel jeans and a forest green sweatshirt.

• Rachel Rene is preparing a wider range of ready-to-go gift sets for the holiday season, and also offers custom gift sets with bath and body products to suit individual needs and price ranges.

• Little Blue Dress is highlighting a sweater tee from Free People, available in an oversized style in sizes XS to L for $98. The item can be purchased in-store or through the linked online shop.

• The Princeton Senior Center is now accepting reservations for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 14 at 11:30 AM. Community members can call and ask for Sam to reserve their spot.

• Los Ranchitos of Princeton is bringing back their popular quesabirrias. The savory dish is served with lime wedges and a rich consomé for dipping.

• Design the 2025 Prairie Arts Council Holiday Card and win $100. Entries are due by November 1 and can be dropped off at 24 Park Ave. East on Saturdays or Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., or anytime through the gallery mail slot before the deadline. Artwork must be 8½” x 11”, flat (not 3D), and include your name and phone number. All entries will be displayed in November, and the winning design will be printed and sold as the official PAC Holiday Card.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has begun winter hours: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Miss Betsy’s will have special spooky-themed donuts on Halloween Day (Friday, 10/31), including mummies, monsters, spiders, and pumpkins. These exclusive treats are first come, first served, and only available that day.

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🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

PHS Football defeated Erie-Prophetstown 48-0 on Friday. They will be traveling to play Bloomington Central Catholic HS for its Round 1 IHSA FB Playoff game. The game will be Saturday, November 1st  at 1:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

👷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

🎬Regretting You (PG-13)

Based on the bestseller by Colleen Hoover, this emotional drama follows a young mother and her teenage daughter whose relationship is tested by tragedy, betrayal and the challenge of rebuilding trust.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:15 pm only

🎬Roofman (R)

A wild true-story crime dramedy starring Channing Tatum as an Army veteran who becomes an unlikely fugitive, hiding out inside a toy store after a bizarre string of heists.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:00 pm only

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