SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton friends. Today we honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms. Veterans Day is a reminder that the security and liberty we enjoy were bought at a great cost. We extend our sincere gratitude to every veteran for their service and commitment to our nation.

Let’s move.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🔥Safely Heating Your Home
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
💭Remembering Princeton
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Jean Isaacson and Drew Wallace!🎂

• Aldi will officially open its new Princeton store on Wednesday, November 13, as part of the chain’s national expansion project adding 800 stores across the U.S.

• The 17th Annual Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show returns Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. The event features over 150 tables of model trains, farm toys, and collectibles, with admission set at $5 for adults and free for children under 10.

• Princeton’s Bike & Pedestrian Commission invites residents to Pups and Cups on Saturday, November 15, at 9 a.m. at Zearing Park. The event features a dog-friendly walk, playtime at Barkley Dog Park, and free coffee, donuts, and tennis balls provided by Sullivan’s Foods, Miss Betsy’s, and Scooter’s Coffee.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is preparing for its 33rd Annual Auction, Tailgating for Our Community, taking place Saturday, November 15, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. The evening includes dinner, a cash bar, and both live and silent auctions to support local projects and charitable efforts.

• The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department has issued a recall warning for specific lots of Byheart powdered infant formula after two Illinois infants showed symptoms consistent with botulism. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected lot numbers immediately and contact healthcare providers if symptoms appear.

• The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Friday, December 5 at 6:00 PM, followed by the lighted parade, a Candy Cane Hunt, and a chance for kids to visit with Santa.

• Lot for Sale:  Zoned  R-2 multi family. 75'x150' Includes one car garage. 430 1/2 East Peru St. $15,000, CFD considered. Call/Text  815-878-7793

• Princeton Churches Host Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27, 2025, Reserve by November 26th

• Douglas Elementary is hiring a paraprofessional for the 2025–2026 school year. The position includes assisting teachers and students in daily classroom activities.

🔥 HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

When temperatures drop, space heaters can help take the chill off a room — but they’re also one of the leading causes of house fires each winter. According to national fire safety data, nearly one-third of home heating fires are caused by space heaters. Most of these happen because of misuse, clutter, or unattended operation. These fires are preventable with simple, consistent habits.

For Safe Heating:

• Create a 3-foot safety zone. Keep heaters away from furniture, bedding, curtains, and anything that can burn. Kids and pets should also stay outside that zone.

• Use one heater per outlet. Avoid overloading circuits, and never plug a heater into a power strip or extension cord. These devices aren’t designed to handle the high current draw and can overheat quickly.

• Shut it off before bed. Always turn off and unplug your heater before going to sleep or leaving home, even for a short time.

• Inspect cords regularly. Replace any frayed or damaged cords immediately.

• Choose quality over convenience. Look for heaters with automatic shutoff features, tip-over protection, and a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL safety label.

General Winter Tips:

• Have your chimney and furnace inspected before heavy use.

• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly.

• Add a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms — silent gases from faulty furnaces or generators can be deadly.

For Families:

Winter safety isn’t just about protecting property — it’s about stewardship. God calls us to care for what He provides. Taking 10 extra seconds to unplug a heater or move a blanket could save your home and loved ones. Prepare before the cold arrives: stock batteries, check your smoke alarms, and teach children what to do if a fire occurs.

Warm hearts and wise habits will help everyone enjoy the season safely. Stay alert, stay grateful, and stay safe.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 15 S. Vernon St. in Princeton is listed for $195,000 and offers 1,586 square feet of living space. Built in 1891, the house features hardwood flooring, pocket doors, a formal dining room, and a large kitchen with a mobile island and modern appliances. Recent updates include a new roof (2024), remodeled kitchen and laundry area, vinyl flooring, attic insulation, new windows, an upgraded electrical breaker box, fresh paint, and new light fixtures. The large walk-in closet once served as a fourth bedroom, providing flexible space for families. A spacious basement with tall ceilings offers storage and workshop potential, while a concrete deck off the kitchen creates an inviting spot for outdoor relaxation.

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch at 815 W Hudson St was built in 2008 and offers 1,799 square feet of living space on an 8,886 sq. ft. lot. It features vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, a main floor laundry, and both an open front porch and rear deck for outdoor enjoyment. The home includes a two-car attached garage and a full unfinished basement with plumbing for an additional bathroom, providing room to expand. Move-in ready but with room for updates, it combines modern layout, curb appeal, and long-term potential at a listed price of $242,000.

• Listed at $110,000, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Gothic revival home at 804 S Euclid Ave blends Victorian character with modern comfort. Built in 1867, it features ornate trim, tall near floor-to-ceiling windows, a gas fireplace, an elegant dining room, and an eat-in kitchen. The home also includes a heated and cooled garage, additional family room, and a newer water heater (2022). The backyard patio, about ten years old, offers a cozy spot for relaxing evenings, and the property sits on a spacious 0.29-acre lot with plenty of charm and potential.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌥 Tuesday: Mostly cloudy to start and stay that way much of the day. High near 55°F with a southwest wind at 10–20 mph, so it’ll feel a bit brisk when you’re in the open. Tuesday night stays mostly cloudy with a low near 35°F. Still a light southwest breeze.

🌤 Wednesday: Sunshine mixes with a few clouds — nicest day in this stretch. High around 54°F, with a west-northwest wind 10–20 mph giving it that cool, fall feel. Evening turns mostly clear, dropping to about 31°F. Light north to northwest breeze overnight.

🌤 Thursday: Another mainly sunny-to-partly-cloudy day, seasonably cool. Afternoon highs near 59°F with a west-northwest wind around 10–15 mph. Thursday night is partly cloudy and calmer, low near 40°F. Good night for anything outdoors.

☁️ Friday: Clouds increase and it’s milder. High climbs to around 64°F with a south-southeast wind 10–15 mph. Mostly cloudy Friday night with a low near 47°F. Still breezy out of the south.

⛅️ Saturday: Starts partly cloudy, turns mostly cloudy later. Very mild for mid-November, high near 69°F with a south-southwest wind 10–20 mph. By evening, showers move in — rain likely Saturday night with a low near 53°F. Around a quarter inch of rain possible, winds shifting west 10–20 mph.

🌧 Sunday: Mostly cloudy and cooler behind that rain. Spotty showers around, especially early, with a high near 60°F. Northwest breeze 10–15 mph will add to the chill. Sunday night dips to the upper 30s.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.23
Beck’s West/North: $3.23
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.23
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.25

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

👩‍👧 Tuesday, November 11: MomCo Meet-up with Special Guest Tonya Davis – Hear from WCIC’s “Midday Mama” host Tonya Davis on what being “Resilient and Brave” looks like in motherhood. Thanksgiving-themed meal—bring a side or dessert. 24 N Main St. 6 PM.

🐾 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.

🎄 Sunday, November 23: Reindeer Feed Store – Hosted by Bureau County Ag in the Classroom. Kids can learn what Santa’s reindeer eat and make their own feed bag to take home. Free family event. Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, 435 S Main St. 11 AM–2 PM.

🎸 Saturday, November 29: The Wise Guys at the Hawg House – Enjoy an afternoon of live music and good times with The Wise Guys. Hawg House Saloon, 18066 US Hwy 6. 3 PM.

🎭 Sunday, November 30: A Christmas Carol: The Ghosts of Christmas – Dickens’ classic story performed as a “live radio show” with audience participation, laughs, and sound effects. Venue 450, 450 S Main St. 2:30 PM.

🎶 Saturday, December 6: Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents UpByN00n – A night of high-energy music and storytelling from this creative group exploring life and the digital age. Tickets $15. 316 S Main St. 7 PM.

🎸 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.

🔒PRINCETON NOW PREMIUM

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers receive:

  🚫Ad free

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 191 others.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The Coffee Cup will honor veterans with a free limited menu on Veterans Day, serving from 6–11 a.m. as a thank-you to those who served.

• The Prime Quarter Steak House will honor veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11, with a free sirloin dinner. Guests need only present a military ID; reservations are encouraged but not required.

• Boek-el-Zoo announced that Santa Claus will visit the store on Saturday, December 6, from 12–3 p.m. Pet owners are invited to bring their well-behaved animals to take festive photos with Old Saint Nick.

• Pin Splitter Lanes is hosting its November One Ball Tournament on Saturday, November 22. The event includes five games for a $40 entry fee, with leagues and cosmic bowling continuing throughout the month.

• The Philly Factory food truck will be serving cheesesteaks at 15 West Marquette (behind Barrel Society) on Tuesday, November 11, from 4–7 p.m. The menu includes steak or chicken options like the Factory Favorite, Goodfella, and Mushroom & Swiss.

• Cafe Grace announced weekly specials at 1009 N Main Street, including Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, BLT Blueberry Pancakes, and Maple Pecan French Toast. Thanksgiving Eve carryout dinners will also be available by order.

• Open Prairie UCC will host its annual Christkindlmarkt on Saturday, November 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 25 E Marion Street, behind the Apollo Theater. The festive market will feature international cookies, homemade candies, children’s crafts, and a variety of local vendors. A traditional German lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m., and admission is free.

• Connections Studio has added new Wednesday evening classes by popular demand, including Stretch, Strengthen, Strive at 5:30 p.m. and Pilates at 7:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to contact the studio for registration details.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is celebrating its Holiday Open House, showcasing new seasonal décor, gifts, and cards. The event runs Friday and Saturday from 9–6 and Sunday from 11–3, offering festive shopping and local cheer.

• Little Blue Dress launched its 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas series, starting with $26 Scout necklaces available in gold and silver—perfect for holiday gifting or self-treating.

• 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue is offering new holiday postcards with red envelopes, priced at 10 for $5 or 25 for $10. Cards will also be available at the ranch’s open house on December 6 from 12–4 p.m.

• Friends of Strays will host Home for the Holiday on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All cat adoption fees are waived, and the first seven adopters will receive $15 Amazon gift cards to help with pet supplies.

• Rustique Hair Studio is supporting the Bureau County Christmas for Kids initiative beginning November 11. Donors who bring in a new toy or teen-appropriate gift will receive a sample-size Pureology shampoo and conditioner.

• 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.

• Cafe Grace is offering full Thanksgiving meal packages for pickup on Wednesday, November 26, with orders due by November 23. Customers can choose from meal sizes and desserts for easy reheating at home.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is featuring Mac & Cheese Pizza as November’s Pizza of the Month. The creamy, cheesy favorite is available all month long for the ultimate comfort meal.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is now taking Christmas cookie orders through November 30, with pickup on December 20. Options include decorated sugar cutouts, assorted cookie boxes, and a variety of seasonal flavors.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton now offers online catering orders for any occasion. From office lunches to family feasts, their catering makes it easy to serve a crowd at participating locations.

• The Bureau County Fairgrounds is now accepting winter storage for boats, campers, and vehicles at $9 per foot through April 6. Call Kathy at 815-866-3606 to schedule drop-off times.

• The Cottage in downtown Princeton offers a cozy and stylish place to stay for weekend visitors. Located near shopping and dining, it features a patio with a hot tub, grill, and bags court for relaxation.

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

💭REMEMBERING IN PRINCETON

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Heartland Bank and Trust Company is hiring a full-time Retail Teller in Princeton, Illinois, offering $17.98–$19.98 per hour. The position focuses on providing efficient and accurate customer transactions, promoting products and services, and building positive customer relationships within a professional banking environment. Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent experience, strong customer service skills, and attention to accuracy and fraud prevention.

• Dover Bible Church in Dover, Illinois, is seeking a full-time Pastor to lead and shepherd a congregation of about 30 members. The church, affiliated with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, desires a pastor dedicated to preaching the Gospel, fostering spiritual growth, developing community relationships, and guiding future ministry vision. Compensation includes a total package of $63,600, with salary, health account, and expense allowance, along with a parsonage provided.

• O’Reilly Auto Parts in Princeton, Illinois, is hiring a full-time Parts Specialist with pay ranging from $15–$20 per hour, plus potential bonuses and performance premiums. The position focuses on providing exceptional service to retail and installer customers while supporting store management in daily operations. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off, with bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

• Corteva Agriscience in Princeton, Illinois, is hiring a full-time Production Technician with an annual salary range of $40,080–$50,100, including medical, retirement, and PTO benefits. The role involves operating and monitoring automated equipment, performing harvest and plant operations, conducting quality control and field management activities, and maintaining warehouse functions. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to obtain one within 12 months) and possess strong work ethic, time management, and teamwork skills.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🎬Sarah’s Oil (PG)

A dramatic true-story set in early 1900s Oklahoma, where eleven-year-old Sarah Rector bets everything on the land she’s been allotted and ends up striking oil — launching one of the earliest African American fortunes.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:15 pm only
  

🎬Springsteen: Deliver From Nowhere (PG-13)

This biographical musical drama follows Bruce Springsteen during the creation of his 1982 album Nebraska, showcasing his internal struggle, creative reinvention, and the haunting moments that defined a major chapter in his career.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:00 pm only

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].