👕The Bureau County Jail, The Closet, and Light Up Princeton Winners

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Good morning, Princeton. Especially all the wonderful volunteers at the Princeton Closet. I used to shop there every week in High School. My best friend found his Homecoming ‘fit there as well, which was awesome. You all have made a positive and multi-generational impact on our community. We are so grateful for all you do.

Here. We. Go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏛️Detainee Housing Agreement
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
🚗Local Vehicles for Sale
💡Light Up Princeton Winners

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Jeff Harris and Drew Knipper! 🍰 

• RMN: Bureau County’s 2024 Property Assessment Factor Holds Steady at 1.0000

• BCR: JT Dant edges Sam Lawrence for Masters title by 1 pin: ‘It was crazy’

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is accepting applications for the “Love Our Community” grant until January 31. Ten grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to selected local nonprofits by April 30.

• Princeton Youth Soccer League is looking for individuals interested in becoming referees. For more information, email [email protected].

• Bureau County Tourism is collecting 2025 event details for its Visitors Guide. Submit festivals, concerts, and other events to [email protected].

• Registration is now open for Session Two of the Youth Basketball League at the Bureau County Metro Center. The league, for K–5th grade students, starts on Saturday, February 15, with games at 8:15 a.m. Registration ends Friday, January 24, and entry fees range from $45 to $55.

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🏛️COOK & BUREAU COUNTIES MAY PARTNER IN DETAINEE HOUSING AGREEMENT

The board is exploring an agreement between Cook County and Bureau County that addresses overcrowding — by housing Cook County detainees in Bureau County Jail.

Bureau County will provide housing, medical care, commissary, and other essential services, with Cook County compensating $65 per inmate per day.

Medical care for detainees will be comprehensive, including physical, psychiatric, and medication needs. Cook County will cover all associated costs, including routine and emergency care, with billing details outlined for transparency. Bureau County will provide medical records to Cook County upon request and coordinate with Cermak Health Services for a smooth transfer of detainees and their health records. Commissary access will be available, with Bureau County ensuring compliance with jail policies and returning unused funds upon release or transfer.

Read it here: http://bureaucountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1296&Inline=True

UPDATE: The intergovernmental agreement between Bureau County and Cook County has been tabled to next month (Wednesday, February 5th at 5:30 PM) in the County Board Room in order to gather more info and give the public a chance to attend the committee meeting.

📞Follow the links here to express your opinion to a board member.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: The day will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds, with temperatures reaching a high of 24°F. Winds will blow from the west at 10 to 15 mph, creating a brisk atmosphere. The evening will remain partly cloudy, with lows dipping to 17°F. Winds will persist from the west at a steady 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Thursday: Morning clouds will give way to partly cloudy skies by the afternoon, as temperatures climb to 39°F. Winds from the northwest at 10 to 20 mph will add a crisp chill to the day. The night will feature a few passing clouds, with lows settling at 27°F. Winds will ease to 5 to 10 mph, continuing from the northwest.

🌥️Friday: The day will bring a pleasant mix of sunshine and clouds, with highs reaching a mild 47°F. Winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph will provide a breezy but comfortable atmosphere. The night will see considerable cloudiness, with temperatures dropping to 23°F. Winds will remain steady from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

🌥️Saturday: Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected, with daytime highs of 28°F. Winds from the northwest at 10 to 20 mph will make it feel colder than the actual temperature. The night will stay mostly cloudy, with lows plunging to 5°F. Northwest winds will persist at 10 to 20 mph, keeping the chill in the air.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.14
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Driver | Amazon | Part-time, hourly, eco-friendly, flexible schedule, $16.50/hour

• Delivery Driver | Pizza Hut | Full-time, $31K-$39K/year (estimated)

• Rural Carrier Associate | US Postal Service | Full-time, $38K-$47K/year (estimated), mail carrier/delivery driver

• Cashier | Beck’s Princeton North | Part-time, $16/hour, easy application process

• Personal Shopper | Walmart | Part-time, $15-$22/hour, evening shifts

• Team Member | Casey’s General Stores | Full-time, $15.00-$19.75/hour

• Electronics Department Associate | Walmart | Full-time, $15-$22/hour, evening shifts

💪KATE BUTLER: R3 EXPERT

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes lots of food temptations and goodies. It's easy to overindulge, but let's make good choices and stay healthy. That way, we can get a head start on our New Year's resolutions! 

How many of us resolve to start a new diet in January, only to fall off the wagon and gain back all the weight we worked so hard to lose? I can help you break that cycle with a sensible plan that helps you enjoy the blessing of good food, resets your metabolism, and helps you break the cycle of overeating, dieting, and regaining weight. 

For more info: https://mylastweightlossprogram.com/kate or just call me at 815-878-3278 and we can chat in person..which I prefer!

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Cafe Grace is offering a Wednesday lunch special featuring chicken sliders and onion rings for $7.00. The sliders are made with seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and melted cheese, available for dine-in or to-go orders.

• Scooter’s Coffee is promoting protein-packed beverages and snacks with up to 27g of protein, offering a tasty way to meet daily nutritional goals. Options include flavorful drinks and savory bites designed for a convenient protein boost.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food is open Wednesday to Friday this week, serving lunch from 10:30-2:00 and dinner from 4:00-6:30. Customers can enjoy authentic dishes featuring fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

• Optimal Health introduces a high-protein ramen with 24g of protein and only 5 net carbs, perfect for noodle lovers seeking healthier options. The ramen is available in various flavors for a quick and nutritious meal.

• Paisanos Pizza encourages community members to order pizza on January 16, with proceeds supporting Princeton Elementary Schools. The event is open to carry-out, dine-in, and delivery orders.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is taking orders for Valentine’s Day-themed cookies, offering fun designs like dinosaurs and hearts. Orders are due by January 27, with pickup available on February 13. To order, send a private message to Dessert Your Loved Ones on Facebook.

• Monical’s Pizza is offering a three-day special on 16” thin-crust pizzas with up to three toppings for $18. The deal runs from January 14 to 16 and requires an online coupon code available on their website.

• Simply Nutrition is featuring a snowy day special with hot cocoa in various flavors. Customers can call (779) 239-1781 for curbside pickup or stop by at 418 S Main St.

• Sislers Ice Cream is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Customers can enjoy a variety of treats during these hours.

• Connections Studio hosts a Winter Open House on January 25. Parents and kids (ages 5–14) can attend classes together. Visit ConnectionsStudioInc.com for details.

• Boek-el-ZOO invites you to visit their store and meet their adorable birds, including two still available for adoption. Stop by starting Wednesday at noon to join the fun.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is selling tickets for a chili dinner fundraiser on February 13. Tickets cost $7 and are available on-site.

Upcoming:

Life Line Screening will provide preventive health screenings today at Princeton Moose Lodge at 9am, located at 1301 N Euclid Ave. Screenings include cardiovascular and chronic illness risk assessments; registration is required.

Barrel Society is hosting Blaum Bros. Sampling Night on January 17 from 4 PM to 8 PM at 930 N Main St. Attendees can sample premium bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka for free, with Mark Korich from Blaum Bros. joining the event.

A training session titled “Math: Right from the Start” for childcare providers will be held on January 18 at at 8:30am at 633 Masonic Dr. The session includes professional development and teaching strategies through play, with registration at www.salccc.org.

Nate Rector will perform live at Barrel Society on January 18 at 7 PM, offering a mix of original country music and rock ’n roll covers. The event takes place at 930 N Main St and welcomes all music enthusiasts.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Lostant Teen Recognized For Helping Assist Seizing Student

• Kolowski And Bernabei To Make Their Case For Mayor At Upcoming Forum

• The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Free Throw Championship for boys and girls aged 9-14 at Bureau Valley High School’s small gym. The event takes place on Saturday, January 18, with registration at 1 PM and competition starting at 1:30 PM, sponsored by St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus Council 4537.

• The Gathering Place Community Center in Wyanet is accepting reservations for graduation parties, with dates filling up quickly. The venue offers an indoor space with tables, chairs, and a full kitchen for $100 per day, with no double bookings. Contact Debi Johnson to reserve a date.

• Donald Soens is offering snow shoveling services. For inquiries, call 1-815-940-6730.

• The 9th annual Sheffield Tractor Pull is scheduled for July 12, at its new location, Psycho Silo Saloon. More details about the event will be announced soon.

🚗LOCAL VEHICLES FOR SALE

• This 2006 Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible is listed at $7,495 with 117,004 miles, categorized as a “fair deal” in its market range. It has a gray exterior, black interior, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission, powered by a 2.4L I-4 engine with an estimated MPG of 22–28. Features include alloy wheels, leather seats, and a premium sound system, while the vehicle history notes at least one reported accident. The car has undergone a $2,500 price reduction and is available through Duffy’s Auto Sales with financing options.

• This 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line is priced at $20,801 with only 19,104 miles and features a silver metallic exterior and ebony interior. Equipped with a 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo gas engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, it offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 27 city/34 highway MPG. Notable features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, advanced safety systems, a power liftgate, a roof rack, and a backup camera. Financing options are available, with an estimated payment of $318 per month, and it comes with Kunes’ No Fear Lifetime Certified Preowned Warranty.

• This 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring, priced at $12,255, features a Crystal White Pearl Mica exterior, AWD, and a 6-cylinder gasoline engine. With an automatic transmission and 99,636 miles, it is marketed as being 12,012 miles below the market average. Key highlights include a spacious SUV design and a recent price drop as part of a New Year promotion. The vehicle is available at Princeton Chevrolet GMC, offering a convenient location for purchase inquiries and financing options.

💡LIGHT UP PRINCETON WINNERS

The winners of the 2024 Light Up Princeton competition have been announced!

• The Chamber’s Choice went to the Moats Family at 225 Prairie Lane West

• The Princeton’s Choice was awarded to the Galligo Family at 16 North Euclid

• The Senior’s Choice went to the Novak Family at 701 Park Avenue East

• The Most Traditional was given to the Chlum Family at 1124 Prairie Lane South

• The Most Elegant went to the Hunt Family at 630 East Peru Street

• The Clark Griswold went to the Drozda Family at 309 North Linn

Winners can pick up their trophies and Chamber gift cards starting today at the Chamber office in the Prouty-Zearing Community Building. The Chamber thanks all participants, voters, and sponsors for making this year’s competition such a success.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].