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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. Roses are red, violets are blue, guys — make sure you start thinking about Valentines Day before it’s too late because that day will sneak up on you and your significant other will be quite disappointed in your effort level if you grab some cheap flowers and head to a fastfood joint and don’t get a baby sitter if you need one and don’t write a nice card that is thoughtful and funny… I am just writing this as a reminder to myself too.

Also Super Bowl Sunday. Onward.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
👷‍♂️Job Opportunities
👨🏼‍⚕️Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Last month, 103.9 WLPO reported on a case in Princeton involving armed robbery, kidnapping, and vehicular hijacking charges. Two new arrests have been made in that case.

• BCR: Keighley Davis, Payton Brandt combine for 42 of Tigresses’ 48 points in win against Hall

• Local Girls Basketball Sub-Sectional Seeds Released

• The Princeton Veterans Group is hosting a large garage sale at American Legion Post 125 on Friday, February 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, February 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring household items, tools, collectibles, children’s items, and more, with food available and proceeds supporting local veterans and their families.

• A Night to Remember Prom will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Life Center at Evangelical Covenant Church, offering a free, inclusive prom experience for individuals with special needs, complete with a red carpet, refreshments, and photo opportunities.

• The Princeton High School jazz band will host its annual free Swing Dance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Princeton Moose Lodge. The event will feature live music performed by the band and is open to the public.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report February 3

📍Outside City Limits

• Folks with Illinois Valley PADS on Thursday said they recently received a gift of $25,000. They call the gift “remarkable”, while keeping the donor anonymous.

• The brief lockdown of two Kewanee schools was due to a U.S. Marshals operation executing arrest warrants.

• The Annawan School District seeks input from families on its cooperative athletic agreement with Wethersfield School.

• Following some deep-cleaning and reorganizing, Star Union Spirits in Peru is close to reopening.

• An Illinois woman has been sentenced in connection with a crash that killed a pedestrian in Lee County.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home at 814 N. 1st Street offers 1,330 square feet of living space on a 6,098-square-foot lot and is listed for $25,000. Built in 1881, the property is being sold as-is and is suited for a full renovation or redevelopment. The layout provides flexibility for a remodel, rental investment, or custom restoration, making it well-positioned for investors or buyers with vision. Priced to reflect its condition, the home presents an opportunity to add significant value through repairs and updates.

• This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath historic residence at 405 E. Peru Street offers 3,712 square feet of living space on a 0.77-acre corner lot. Built circa 1900, the Queen Anne–style home has undergone a meticulous 16-year restoration that preserves its architectural character while incorporating modern updates. Interior features include hardwood flooring, a grand foyer, formal living and dining areas, and a custom chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, premium appliances, and a fireplace. The property is listed at $385,000, reflecting a blend of historic significance, craftsmanship, and modern functionality.

• NEW LINK: This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family farmhouse offers 1,440 square feet of living space on a 2-acre lot and was originally built in 1908. The property includes two sheds, a corn crib, multiple apple trees, a newer 2+ car garage with concrete floors, and a brand-new gravel driveway. Interior highlights include fresh flooring in several rooms, newly painted spaces, a functional mudroom with laundry, and an enclosed front porch, along with a 16’ x 12’ rear deck. Priced at $219,800, the home combines rural charm with recent updates and ample outdoor space.

• This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 308 N. Main Street offers 1,810 square feet of living space and is priced at $159,000. The property features hardwood floors, a formal dining room, a welcoming fireplace with built-in bookcases, and a main-floor bedroom for added convenience. Upstairs includes additional bedrooms, flexible living space, and ample storage, while the basement provides room for storage and workshop use. Located along Main Street, the home offers walkable access to community events, local amenities, and nearby park space.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Sunshine with a few clouds; high near 31°F, winds SE 10–15 mph. Evening turns partly cloudy and colder near 20°F with a light WNW breeze.

⛅Sunday: Sun and clouds mixed; high around 43°F, winds WNW 10–15 mph. Night stays partly cloudy and seasonably cool near 28°F.

🌞Monday: Bright and milder with some clouds; high near 55°F, winds S 10–15 mph. The evening is partly cloudy and not too cold around 39°F.

☁️Tuesday: Partly to mostly cloudy; high near 54°F, winds WNW 10–15 mph. Clouds thicken at night with lows near 30°F and a light NE breeze.

🌥️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers possible; high around 43°F, winds NNW 10–15 mph. Skies trend partly cloudy overnight with lows near 26°F and a gentle SSW wind.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.91
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.92
Casey’s West/North: $2.94
Beck’s West/North: $2.94
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.94
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.94

Peru Gas 👀

Flying J.: $2.55

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Princeton Closet is offering a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors in Bureau County. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026, at midnight, with eligibility details available via the QR code provided in the post.

• The Princeton Youth Soccer League is seeking volunteers to support its growing program, including referees with training provided and coaches of all experience levels. Volunteers are asked to be dependable, care about kids, value teamwork and sportsmanship, and have an interest in giving back to the community, with opportunities to support local youth and help children develop skills and confidence.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is offering 50% off all clothing for one day only, including major name brands. The sale highlights a limited-time opportunity to refresh wardrobes at a steep discount.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is welcoming spring early with new merchandise throughout the store. Shoppers are encouraged to stop in this weekend to browse the latest home décor, gifts, and seasonal items.

• Rachel Rene – Princeton IL has restocked its popular car diffusers and added new scents. Customers can shop in-store during posted hours or order online for convenient pickup or delivery.

• Bug Off Taylor’s Way is promoting stress-free pest control services with free quotes and quick scheduling. Their experienced team offers safe, effective treatments for homes and businesses.

• Blue Margaritas Mexican Bar & Grill Princeton is officially opening and inviting the community to celebrate. The restaurant encourages guests to enjoy bold flavors, refreshing margaritas, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Meadows On Main has received a new collection of vintage Easter and spring candles in excellent condition. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no holds.

• Connections Studio is launching a new modern teen and adult movement class beginning soon. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the studio for availability and enrollment details.

• Cafe Grace is encouraging Valentine’s Day reservations and has shared a special menu for the occasion. The post highlights comfort food favorites along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is celebrating National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day this morning. Guests are invited to enjoy ice cream in the morning for fun and unique treats.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store shared new inventory featuring home décor, clothing, and gift items with a rustic and farmhouse style. The shop highlighted a variety of recently added pieces available for in-store shopping.

• Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe showcased new signs and wall décor recently added to the store. The post also noted a sale on coffee cups and tumblers available while supplies last.

• Apollo POP announced that Valentine’s Day popcorn options are now available for purchase. Customers were encouraged to stop in early to secure themed flavors and gift-ready items.

• Niel & Shorty’s BBQ Company promoted upcoming food availability tied to game-day meals. The post included reminders about ordering and listed current lunch and dinner hours.

• Flowers By Julia shared details about Valentine’s Day offerings, including arrangements available for delivery or in-store pickup. The business also noted that additional custom and Teleflora arrangements will be featured soon.

• Spoons and Forks encouraged customers to make Valentine’s Day reservations in advance. The restaurant highlighted a special menu planned for the occasion alongside its regular dining hours.

• Second Story Teen Center posted a request for community support through donations. Funds raised help cover programming costs and ongoing operations for local teens.

💕GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT

Galentine’s Girls Night on Friday, February 13th is a fun, friendship-filled evening designed for besties to laugh, shop, sip, and create together. From 4:00–7:00 PM, participants can stroll Main Street retailers while enjoying treats and beverages, then jump into hands-on activities like soap-making, pottery painting, and crafting one-of-a-kind keepsakes at local shops throughout the evening.

The night continues with dinner and drinks at local restaurants before wrapping up with a classic chick-flick experience at the historic Apollo Theater. Doors open at 9:45 PM, with the movie starting at 10:00 PM; tickets are $10 and include the film, a small drink, and popcorn. It’s a perfect way to celebrate friendship, support local businesses, and enjoy a memorable girls’ night out.

From The Chamber of Commerce

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 Saturday, January 31, 2026: Day Drinking at Hawg House Saloon with Kickapoo Junction – Live music and a lively afternoon atmosphere from 3:00–7:00 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

💘 Tuesday, February 3, 2026: MomCo Galentine’s Day Meet-Up – Dinner, a fun activity or craft, and meaningful conversation from 6:00–8:00 PM at 24 N Main St.

🏍️ Sunday, February 8, 2026: Princeton Motorcycle Swap Meet – Held from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with $10 admission and vendor spots available for $50 at 802 W Peru Street.

🥃 Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Whiskey Talks with Matt & Mike Blaum of Blaum Bros. Distilling – An intimate evening of local whiskey tasting and conversation beginning at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

💕 Thursday, February 12, 2026: Galentine’s Party Shop + Sip at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Valentine-themed drinks and shopping from local vendors starting at 6:00 PM.

🐖 Friday, February 13, 2026: Porkchop and Porkburger Fundraiser – Food stand opens at 5:30 PM during the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game at Princeton High School, benefiting FFA senior scholarships.

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Live country rock music from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of high-energy fun.

🎤 Saturday, February 21, 2026: Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents Ava Easter – Folk and indie singer-songwriter Ava Easter performs live at 7:00 PM at Festival 56 Sound Stage.

🎶 Sunday, February 22, 2026: Craig Gerdes (Solo) at Hawg House Saloon – Heartland-born outlaw country artist Craig Gerdes performs solo starting at 2:00 PM.

🍀🏃 Saturday, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K at Barrel Society – The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day party, food on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM, with proceeds benefiting Freedom House women’s shelter.

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

Don Saletzki: Construction of interurban track on Main Street. These were exciting times a mix of different modes of travel, horse and buggy, rail, and the early days of the automobile. It’s not often that you will see this in photos, but still very prevalent are the hitching posts lining the edge of the sidewalk.

🍽️LENNY AND JOON’S UPDATE

Hi everyone! We know we’ve been a little quiet, and while we don’t love posting constant “no opening date yet” updates, we also don’t want silence to leave people wondering—so here’s where we’re at.

The short answer: we still don’t have an opening date, but real progress is happening.

Right now, we’re working through several big (and necessary) kitchen projects that are both time-consuming and expensive:

• Hood vent: We’ve officially given the go-ahead and are on the contractor’s schedule with a 4–6 week timeline. After months of waiting on quotes and approvals, this is a major win.

• AC & mop sink: The health department requires a mop sink on the main floor. The only place we can put one is in our kitchen closet, where our current AC handler is located. We can’t just move our existing unit—we have to replace the entire system with one that can be installed in the ceiling. While this was a tough pill to swallow, it gives us the opportunity to upgrade to a more powerful system that will do a better job keeping the dining room cool and comfortable, especially during the summer months. We’re currently waiting on one final quote before moving forward.

• Electrical upgrades: To support our kitchen equipment, we need to update some electrical in the kitchen.

• Finishing the kitchen: Installing remaining equipment, hooking everything up, and figuring out walls, ceilings, lighting, and all the other little details that go into building a restaurant kitchen.

• Dining room furnishings: We still need to select and purchase tables, chairs, and the rest of our dishes.

What we’ve been up to recently: we’ve been working on building out a handicap-accessible entrance for our customers (in the back). This was something we went back and forth on since it cuts into our already small kitchen space, but we ultimately felt it was important to do it now and do it right.

There’s still a lot happening behind the scenes, and Corbin has been putting in the work every day. The next few months will definitely be a grind, but we’re moving forward.

Our kitchen space is very much in construction mode, but it is our goal to have things in a suitable enough place to (fingers crossed 🤞🏼) do a pop-up during the Princeton Tourism restaurant weekend in March. We’ll see how progress goes and will announce if we’re able to participate as we get closer.

Most importantly: we WILL open. We’re confident in that. It’s not a question of if, just when.

Thank you all for your patience, support, and for following along. We’ll do better about sharing progress as these big projects move forward!

👷‍♂️LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Vitale Construction is hiring a part-time Secretary in Princeton, Illinois, offering $22.03–$25.00 per hour. The role focuses on providing administrative support, managing front desk operations, handling phone inquiries, scheduling appointments, and performing data entry and document organization. Ideal candidates are highly organized, professional, strong communicators, and comfortable using office management tools, with QuickBooks experience being a plus.

• Bureau County’s Assessor’s (Zoning) Office is seeking a temporary, part-time Office Clerk in Princeton, Illinois, paying $17 per hour. The position involves in-person administrative and clerical duties such as data entry, photocopying, document handling, and operating office equipment during a standard day shift of up to seven hours when work is available. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, at least two years of clerical or administrative experience, proficiency in Microsoft Word, and pass a background check.

• Walmart is hiring a part-time Checkout Team Associate in Princeton, Illinois, with hourly pay ranging from $15 to $28 based on experience, scheduling, and potential premiums. The role includes evening, mid-shift, and closing shifts, with opportunities for additional incentive pay depending on circumstances such as season or workload. Benefits include options such as parental leave, military leave, and a 401(k).

👨🏼‍⚕️LETTER FROM LORI

To say my humor is inappropriate would be an understatement. I was the constant source of my mother’s heavy sighs and eye-rolling. There is not much beyond the boundaries of good taste when it comes to what I will laugh at or joke about. My children grew up with it, and between the three of them, they either adopted my humor or shunned it entirely. When you first meet me, you may think it’s charming, but after a while, you will wonder if my egg is all the way cooked—or just juicy and scrambled.

Years ago, someone was expressing their concern over malignant melanoma, and I (with a straight face) told them that if it occurred, to just take one of those serrated spoons you use to eat grapefruit and dig it out. Viola!! Cancer free!! The person with whom I was speaking rolled his eyes and said, “You are not wrapped right.” He was probably correct. If you have battled this illness, I apologize out of respect. Even though I am nuttier than a squirrel’s poop, I realize that not everyone shares my view of life from the trenches, and I NEVER mean to offend—so I am free with my apologies.

I am a frustration to my doctor also. At my last visit, she informed me that I am, in fact, going to die of a heart attack or stroke. When my response was an emphatic “GOOD!!,” she gave me a quizzical look. I explained that I need to go fast and couldn’t linger in this world since I don’t have anyone to take care of me, or the financial resources to go to a nursing home. She rolled her eyes (it’s a theme with the people around me) and said, “I am going to write on your chart that I did my job.”

When I was contemplating my walk with Jesus in the early 2000s, I desperately wanted to give my life to Him fully—but knowing ME, I thought maybe He would find my humor offensive, and that our good Lord and Savior would also have to perfect His eye roll if I joined His flock. I wasn’t sure Jesus was prepared for me.

I was under the misguided impression that I would have to “tone it down” a bit and become dour. Around this time, I attended a three-day retreat, looking for some enlightenment about the whole issue. It was then that I discovered that God also has a wonderful sense of humor. He met me right where I was. The first sign that He “got” me was that the group I was in during the weekend was named Dorcas. I had never even heard of this woman in the Bible, but I figured I was a “dork,” so it was appropriate. When I discovered she was a seamstress, it made it even funnier—since I can’t sew a straight line, have hot-glued buttons onto my children’s clothing, and adopted the motto, “If I can’t glue it, I don’t DO it.” So right out of the gate, He was speaking to me.

The next sign of Him giggling behind His hand was that two of the women He put in my group share my brand of humor. Almost three decades later, we still connect almost daily and share Facebook memes—sometimes privately, so as not to offend the general public. They showed me that you can love Jesus with all of your heart and still stay true to who you are at the core. After all, He created this hot mess, so He must not hate me too much.

Over the years, I have come to understand that it takes all kinds. This kingdom needs personalities like mine just as much as the more serious biblical scholars. We all reach different demographics. There is room for everyone—and a real NEED for us all. Those two women are still friends and mentors to me because they were LIKE me. There were over 60 women there that weekend, but those are the two I connected with most strongly.

I was ready to conclude my writing, but had to touch on the subject of Jelly Roll first. If you haven’t heard of him, I assume you have been living in a remote cave in the mountains of Colorado. This man lived a life that was far from the teachings of Christ, and it is visible all over his face with the prison tattoos he sports. But somewhere, somehow, he found God. He uses his music as a way to communicate his redemption. Last week, he won a Grammy for one of his songs and, during his acceptance speech, used that platform for the glory of God instead of sharing his political beliefs, as many other artists did. His emotion and genuine nature echoed through the room, and his presence made even the hardest heart contemplate a relationship with Jesus. To look at this man, you would never think that God could use such an obvious sinner—and yet… He is the epitome of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” I guarantee he will bring more people to the hem of the robe than the most polished, Bible-thumping preacher. He had another powerful moment as a judge on Star Search, week two. If you didn’t see it, look it up.

So the next time you look in the mirror and wonder if you qualify as a warrior of Christ, remember that some carry swords, some carry Bibles, some sport a clown nose and big shoes, and some have facial tattoos. If He can use me and Jelly, He definitely can use you!!

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

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