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Good Thursday morning, Princeton. Princeton businesses are going all in for Galentine’s, with Little Blue Dress, Four Seasons, and Spoons and Forks offering festive deals, extended hours, and sweet perks for shoppers. From surprise discounts and sparkling drinks to new spring inventory and job openings at Chapel Hill and Dairy Queen, it’s a great week to support local.

Let’s do it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
👷Job Opportunities
💧Presidents Day
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💕Galentines

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Five hours went by before a large brush fire was brought under control in rural Princeton.

• Bureau County Metro Center announced the return of its youth volleyball skills camp with limited spots available. The two-week clinic begins March 24, runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 2, and is open to 2nd–5th graders with registration available online, by phone, or in person.

• Princeton Police Department is establishing a hiring list for police patrol officers. Applications are available February 11 through March 19, with a written exam and orientation scheduled for April 11, 2026, and a March 20 application deadline.

• Lady Panthers Upset Princeton in TRAC Finale

• The Princeton Public Schools Foundation announced that the 2026 scholarship application is now available. The flyer lists multiple scholarships for seniors and recent graduates, with an application deadline of March 19, 2026.

📍Outside City Limits

• Missing Streator Man Found Deceased Near Utica After Going Missing Following Vehicle Accident

• The man behind a violent episode that led to a police standoff in Mendota is prison bound.

• Masters Walleye Circuit 2026 Season kicks off on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, IL

• Colona Man Arrested in LaSalle County Child Exploitation and Unlawful Videotaping Case

• OSF HealthCare Leaders Earn National Recognition for Advancing Rural Hospital Care

• Three people face charges after the Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated a burglary report.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• The Warehouse Associate – Loader position at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Princeton, Illinois is a full-time role paying $20.50 per hour. The position involves safely and accurately loading outbound trucks at the distribution center while working collaboratively as part of a team. Ollie’s emphasizes core values such as teamwork, respect, commitment, continuous improvement, and integrity. The role includes a comprehensive benefits package, with medical, dental, vision, retirement options, and other benefits available after meeting eligibility requirements.

• The Rest Area Crew Member (I-80) position with Sertoma Star Services is a full-time role based in Princeton, Illinois, paying $15.00 per hour. The position focuses on cleaning and maintaining rest area buildings and grounds, including restrooms, common areas, parking lots, and outdoor spaces. The schedule is 40 hours per week with rotating shifts (6 a.m.–2 p.m. or 2 p.m.–10 p.m.) and includes weekend work. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off.

• The Assistant Manager position at Culver’s in Princeton, Illinois is a full-time role paying between $19 and $21 per hour. This position supports daily restaurant operations by leading shifts, coaching team members, and ensuring excellent guest service and food safety standards. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, a positive attitude, and flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays, with prior restaurant experience preferred. The role offers competitive wages, structured training, and benefits including retirement options and paid time off.

🇺🇸PRESIDENTS’ DAY: POWER, LEGACY, AND THE WEIGHT OF LEADERSHIP

Presidents’ Day is a holiday most Americans enjoy without always stopping to think about what it represents. Observed on the third Monday in February, it began as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, which falls on February 22. Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War and his role in shaping the early republic made him an obvious figure to honor. Over time, however, the holiday expanded in popular understanding to include other presidents—especially Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12—even though the federal government still officially calls it Washington’s Birthday.

The modern version of Presidents’ Day took shape in 1971 with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This law moved several federal holidays to Mondays to give workers consistent three-day weekends. As a result, Presidents’ Day now always falls between February 15 and February 21. A curious side effect is that no president was actually born on Presidents’ Day itself. The holiday is symbolic rather than literal, emphasizing remembrance over precise dates.

Presidents’ Day also offers a snapshot of American leadership across more than two centuries. The presidency has been held by war heroes, lawyers, generals, farmers, career politicians, and even a former actor. Some presidents served during moments of national unity, while others governed in times of deep division. The youngest president took office at 42, while the oldest was inaugurated in his late seventies. One president served two nonconsecutive terms and is therefore counted twice in the official numbering of presidents—an odd historical footnote that underscores how unusual the office can be.

Beyond historical facts, the holiday invites reflection on leadership itself. Presidents’ Day is not just about celebrating greatness; it also reminds Americans that the presidency is a human office. Presidents have made courageous decisions and catastrophic mistakes. Some were beloved in their time and criticized later; others were controversial while in office and reassessed more kindly by history. The presidency amplifies both wisdom and weakness, often revealing the true cost of leadership.

Today, Presidents’ Day sits at the intersection of history, civic identity, and cultural habit. It is marked by ceremonies at monuments, lessons in classrooms, and, famously, retail sales. Yet at its best, the holiday encourages Americans to look backward with honesty and forward with responsibility—remembering that the nation’s story has been shaped not only by extraordinary leaders, but by ordinary citizens who entrusted them with power.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️ Today: Overcast with a slight chance of a rain/snow shower; high near 49°F with SSE 5–10 mph. Night turns partly cloudy, low 31°F, light SE breeze.

⛅️Friday: Partly cloudy and seasonable, high around 52°F with W 10–15 mph. Evening stays partly cloudy, low 31°F, WNW 5–10 mph.

⛅️Saturday: Partly cloudy, high near 54°F with a WNW 10–15 mph breeze. Night brings a 30% wintry mix risk, low ~32°F, ENE 5–10 mph.

☀️Sunday: Morning clouds give way to mainly sunny afternoon, high around 55°F with WNW 5–10 mph. Night becomes mostly cloudy, low ~35°F, light WSW wind.

⛅️Monday: Mostly cloudy early, then partly cloudy later; high near 58°F with SSW 10–20 mph. Night stays mostly cloudy, low ~36°F, S 10–15 mph.

⛅️Tuesday: Cloudy early, partly cloudy later, high about 60°F with S 10–20 mph. A few clouds at night, low ~38°F, WSW 10–15 mph.

☁️Wednesday: Some sun AM, increasing clouds PM, high near 60°F with W 10–20 mph. Night is partly cloudy, low ~34°F, WNW 10–15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.94
Casey’s West/North: $2.94
Beck’s West/North: $2.94
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.89
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.94

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Little Blue Dress is hosting a special shopping event this Friday with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shoppers can browse new arrivals, take advantage of the winter sale, and receive a $20 gift card with a $200 purchase on full-price items, plus treats and drinks in store.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is looking for dependable bartenders for the 2026 golf season. Interested applicants are encouraged to call 815-879-6531 for more information.

• The Princeton Closet is highlighting spring vibes with ongoing promotions and Easter merchandise still available. This week includes 50% off coats and cold-weather accessories, plus Friday and Saturday basket days offering 12 clothing items for $8, with updated store and donation center hours posted.

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host Galentine’s Girls Night on Friday, February 13 at the Apollo Theater. The evening features a screening of Pretty Woman, with doors opening at 9:45 p.m., the movie starting at 10 p.m., and tickets priced at $10 including popcorn and a drink.

• Pin Splitter Lanes announced that a team bowling tournament is coming this April. Bowlers are encouraged to start forming teams now as more details are expected soon.

• Four Seasons - Princeton is celebrating Galentine’s Day with a special in-store promotion running February 4–14, 2026. Shoppers can pick a free surprise discount envelope ranging from 30% to 50% off and use it during the event dates.

• Emerald Tablet Collective announced a guest artist appearance on February 19. Visitors are invited to check out featured artwork and watch for flash designs and booking opportunities shared through the shop’s social media.

• Eclectic Joy shared new “gameday” hats that just arrived in store, encouraging shoppers to stop in soon as the styles are expected to sell quickly.

• Princeton Fire Department released details from a recent brush fire incident near 11630 2300 E Street. The fire, which extended from a controlled burn, was fully extinguished with mutual aid assistance, resulted in no civilian injuries, and one firefighter injury.

• City of Princeton Animal Control announced it is giving back to the community by offering donated collars, harnesses, leashes, and other pet supplies. Residents in need are encouraged to stop by this week, and may bring pets along to ensure proper sizing.

• Tailholt Trading Post announced it is open today until 4 p.m. with newly added inventory available to browse. The shop is located at 925 North Main Street.

• Dairy Queen - 615 N Main St is accepting applications for daytime help Monday through Friday. Interested applicants are encouraged to stop in for an application.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream announced limited sale items available on a first-come, first-served basis. The specials include popcorn tins at 50% off and eggnog half gallons priced at $5, with limited quantities available.

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

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

🎨🥂 Friday, February 13: Pottery and Prosecco – A girls’ night out featuring pottery painting and a complimentary glass of prosecco from 4:00–7:00 PM.

🍔🐖 Friday, February 13: Porkchop and Porkburger Fundraiser – Pork chops and pork burgers served starting at 5:30 PM during the Princeton vs. Hall basketball game to support FFA scholarships.

🎶 Saturday, February 14: Wreckin’ Dixie Country Rockin’ at Hawg House Saloon – Wreckin’ Dixie performs live from 3:00–6:00 PM for an afternoon of country rock fun.

❤️🎸 Saturday, February 14: Valentine’s Day w/ Joe Bassa Live – Joe Bassa takes the stage at 8:00 PM for an intimate acoustic Valentine’s night.

🦚🎨 Saturday, February 21: Peacock Pottery Class – A guided pottery painting class using the peacock technique from 5:30–7:00 PM (BYOB).

🥞🥓 Sunday, March 1: Pancake & Sausage Breakfast – Enjoy pancakes and sausage from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM for $10 per person.

🍷🍽️ Saturday, March 7: Cheers for Change! – An evening of tastings, food, and a silent auction from 5:00–8:00 PM benefiting United Way.

☘️🏃 Saturday, March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! – The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, followed by food, festivities, and live music at 7:00 PM benefiting Freedom House women’s shelter.

💕GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT

Friday, February 13th

Grab your gals and your giggles—because this night is made for besties.

Roses are red, pink is the vibe,

Call up your gal pals—it’s time to tribe.

Laugh, shop, sip, and create something cute,

A sweet little love fest—no boys required… phew!

Shop, Sip & Swoon Until 7:00 PM

Stroll Princeton’s fabulous Main Street retailers until 7:00 PM, with sweets, treats, and beverages from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Snack while you browse, toast to your crew, and fall head-over-heels for something sparkly and new.

Rachel Rene – Princeton IL (until 7:00 PM)

Whip up something sweet—make your own soap, scented with love and laughs.

The Knack (until 7:00 PM)

Get artsy and create a lasting treasure by painting pottery with your favorite people.

Corner Chair Market (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Create a one-of-a-kind barnwood heart—rustic, cute, totally you.

Once Upon a Craft Princeton (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Paint an exclusive Galentine’s design made just for this magical night.

Dine, Drink & Dish

Between the crafts and the laughs, don’t forget to visit our local restaurants and bars for dinner, drinks, and all the girl talk your heart can handle.

And Then… A Chick Flick Finale

Wrap up the night the way only Princeton can do—at the historic and beloved Apollo Theater Princeton. Because no Galentine’s is complete without a classic rom-com and popcorn, hosted by the Chamber.

Doors open: 9:45 PM

Movie starts: 10:00 PM

Tickets: $10.00 each – includes movie, small drink, and small popcorn

Tickets available at the Chamber Office beginning Monday, January 19th

Movie title to be announced later this week

Laugh louder. Shop longer. Make memories while supporting small businesses. Spend time with your favorite ladies. There’s no better place to celebrate Galentine’s Day than in Princeton, Illinois—where friendships sparkle, Main Street shines, and girls’ night out is practically an art form.

From The Chamber of Commerce

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