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Good Saturday morning, Princeton friends. How about them Bears?! They walked into Philly on a short week and ran the ball down their throat. Love to see it. 9-3!

On to Green Bay.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🧤Volunteers Needed
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🛍️Small Business Saturdays
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🎅The Christmas Walk
👷Princeton Job Inspections
👮🏻‍♂️From the Police Department
✨The Magic of Christmas
🚙Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Forecasters remain confident that we're in for several inches of snow this weekend.

• From the City: Alternate garbage pick-up for Thursday, November 27th will be Monday, December 1st and for Friday, November 28th will be Tuesday, December 2nd.

• Princeton’s Small Business Saturday takes place November 29th and encourages shoppers to support local makers and family-run shops. Activities include a Monopoly game, trolley rides, Santa visits, and chances to win Chamber gift cards.

• Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-Thru runs November 28th–December 21st, with additional dates December 22nd–25th. Visitors can enjoy festive displays Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9 p.m. and Sundays from 5–8 p.m. at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• Bureau County Tourism invites residents to a Christmas fireworks pyromusical on Saturday, December 6th at 7 p.m. Attendees can tune in to 87.9 FM or use the Pyrocast app to listen to the music synced with the show.

• Princeton Pair Indicted On Drug Charges

• Illinois Residents Can Now Add Driver’s Licenses to Apple Wallet for Enhanced Convenience and Security

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 11-20-2025
  

  📍Outside City Limits

• Tiskilwa will host its annual “Walk Tiskilwa’s Christmas Market” on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The festive event will feature more than 20 vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music by AMC Sound. Guests can also enjoy treats from Mr. Cinnamon, visit with Santa Claus, and meet alpacas on the lawn of the Tiskilwa Inn. At 11:30 a.m., Main Street will come alive with a special and entertaining performance by The Mistletoe Misfits—a highlight you won’t want to miss.

• Despite the weather, the Walnut Chamber of Commerce will hold its Christmas Open House tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visitors can participate in a Christmas Quote Scavenger Hunt with chances to win a prize basket filled with gift certificates and local goodies.

• Boyd’s Grove United Methodist Church has moved its Live Nativity Drive-Thru event to Saturday, December 6th due to the weekend weather forecast. They ask the community to share the update to help spread the word.

• IVCC Invites Local Residents to Free December Holiday Concerts Featuring Choir and Ensembles

• Upgraded Peru Ice Rink Getting Closer To Opening

• Thrift Parlor+ is collecting non-perishable food donations through December 1, with each donation entering participants into a $50 gift certificate drawing. The shop has also restocked its 90% off rack and added new items to its 50% off purple-tag section.

• The Buda Community Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 6 at the Buda Community Hall with a visit from Santa at 1:00 PM. Bingo will follow from 2:00–3:30 PM, and attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This $30,000 move-in-ready mobile home at 2003 Maple Acres Dr, Princeton, IL 61356 features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a bright living room with updated windows that provide excellent natural light. The home has been recently remodeled with new carpet, paint, furnace, and air conditioning, and the kitchen offers generous cabinet space with attractive glass details. All appliances stay, and the property includes an easy-access laundry area, a 6×8 porch, and a large outdoor storage shed. Lot rent covers garbage, water, and sewer, and all buyers must obtain park approval.

• Discover the possibilities in this spacious and versatile 2-story home situated on a desirable corner lot. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated, this property offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, a full partially finished basement, and a 2-car detached garage-perfect for homeowners seeking space, convenience, or potential multi-use flexibility. The main level features a comfortable layout with a bedroom, a full bathroom, laundry area, and an inviting living space. The large, functional kitchen provides plenty of storage and workspace, making everyday living effortless. The upper level includes 2 additional bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a second kitchen.

• This $220,000 fully renovated home at 14370 1600 East St, Princeton, IL 61356 offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,700 sq ft of move-in-ready living space on a 0.25-acre lot. The home features extensive upgrades throughout, including fresh paint, new flooring, new trim, new carpet upstairs, refinished kitchen cabinets and countertops, and all-new stainless steel appliances plus a new washer and dryer. Both bathrooms have been completely updated with new fixtures, flooring, lighting, and finishes, while the lower level includes new ceiling tiles, lighting, trim, and flooring. Additional improvements include a replaced water heater, improved landscaping with decorative rock and mulch, and two newly painted decks ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

• This $120,000 home at 1007 W Farnham St, Princeton, IL 61356 offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,610 sq ft on nearly half an acre with a fenced yard, a two-car detached garage, and an additional storage shed. It includes a den/office that could serve as a fourth bedroom, along with built-ins and well-sized bedrooms for ample storage. Recent updates feature a new roof (2023), exterior paint (2022), a new water heater (2021), and updated windows throughout most of the home. The property also offers raspberries, a cherry tree, a plum tree, and plenty of off-street parking via a long driveway.

• Step right into this freshly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 full bath corner-lot charmer, where 2025 did all the hard work so you don't have to. Seriously-this place got more upgrades this year than most of us managed in the last decade. You'll find all new flooring, fresh paint, sleek new siding on both of the house and garage, new furnace and air conditioner, new doors, trim, new gutters, new garage door opener, new bathroom fixtures, and a bunch of new windows (because natural light is cheaper than therapy). A brand-new kitchen waits for you to pretend you're on a cooking show, and an additional full bathroom was added so no one has to negotiate morning shower schedules ever again.

🛍️BUDDY BAGS

This year’s Buddy bag program is in full swing with 142 children currently participating in our program.

As everyone is aware groceries are high and the need is great. We are reaching out to businesses, organizations and residents as we approach the holidays for any and all support/donations to the buddybag program.  Our new location is behind Johnson's Carpet in white bldg with our Buddy Bag sign at the door. We meet at 430 to set up and pack at 5 on Wednesday evening. Visitors and extra help always welcome.

Thank you!

Contacts

Mark Frank: 8158767295

Diane Heller: 8153262671

🧤Volunteers Needed for Overnight Staffing of Planned Shelter in Princeton

Your help will be needed this winter to provide warmth and comfort to those who'll need it.

Starting in late December, a new overnight shelter will be in place to warm the homeless in the community. And volunteers who can serve as overnight staff at the shelter are very much in need.

The shelter will be located at Arukah Institute of Healing, at 1916 Main Street in Princeton. Concerned citizens, faith communities and other agencies are setting up a warming center to bring comfort to those who will be needing it during the long winter ahead.

If you're interested, you'll be required to go through training, and sessions are scheduled for December 10 and 11.

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the project as an overnight volunteer, send an email by clicking here. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

A major winter storm is expected to come through the area. The NWS has also placed our area under a Winter Storm Warning until 6:00 AM Sunday. Accumulations of at least 8-12 inches are anticipated.

While this is a slow moving snow storm, snow will gradually pile up giving crews time to keep up with the main roads at times. However, traveling conditions will be dangerous due to slick roads and drifting snow from gusty winds.

❄️Saturday: Heavy snow at times; travel could be dangerous. High near 33°F with SE 10–20 mph winds; snow chance 100% with 6–10” additional accumulation. Night: Snow easing to snow showers, low around 21°F, WNW 10–20 mph, ~1” extra.

🌨️ Sunday: AM flakes end, turning cold and breezy. High near 26°F with WNW 10–20 mph (gusts to ~30). Night: Mostly clear and frigid, low around 5°F, NW 10–15 mph.

🌨️ Monday: Mostly cloudy; light snow develops late (≈60%). High near 21°F with a N ~10–12 mph breeze. Night: Scattered snow showers, low around 8°F, NW 5–10 mph.

☀️ Tuesday (12/2): Mostly sunny and cold. High near 25°F with light winds ~5–10 mph. Night: Partly to mostly cloudy, low around 15°F, SSW ~5–10 mph.

🌥️ Wednesday (12/3): Mostly cloudy and chilly, high near 30°F with WSW 5–10 mph. Night: Mostly cloudy with a few flurries, low around 7°F, NNW 5–10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.09
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.12
Casey’s West/North: $3.12
Beck’s West/North: $3.12
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.07
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.15

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.89

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Apollo Theater has postponed the BYOB 2026 shirt sale to Sunday, November 30th due to the incoming winter storm. They encourage the community to help spread the word about the schedule change.

• Miss Betsy’s is offering the final days of their November Flavor of the Month, Salted Caramel Espresso. They also have their pumpkin pie donut available again today.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream will close for the season from December 21st through February 6th. They will reopen on Saturday, February 7th with early hours to celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.

• The Sauk Trail Gun Show remains scheduled for Saturday as planned. Organizers have confirmed the event will proceed despite weather concerns.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is offering its “Jingle All the Weigh” promotion December 6th–15th. Guests who bring a donation for the Bureau County Food Pantry will receive a discount on an annual or three-month membership.

• Rachel Rene is offering a one-day sale with Bubble Bombs and Soy Candles at Buy One, Get One Half Off, both in-store and online. Customers will also receive triple reward points and gifts with purchase, and updates may follow due to the anticipated snowstorm.

• The Bureau County Fair still has spaces available for the Home for the Holidays Christmas Craft & Vendor Show on Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various booth sizes with or without tables are offered, and details are available on their website’s event calendar.

• Tailholt Trading Post announced that they have received their cottage food certification and will begin selling handmade artisanal fudge this weekend. Flavors include peanut butter, cookie butter, malt, and chocolate, all crafted from scratch.

• Corner Chair Market is featuring new handcrafted pieces from a local artist, including a CaseIH cabinet and Farmall shelf. Several other unique items are also available for shoppers to browse in-store.

• Little Blue Dress introduced a cozy knit sweater jacket made with plush fabric, available in sizes Small through Large for $80. The design adds everyday charm and can be purchased online through their shop link.

• Illinois Valley Animal Rescue introduced two new adoptable dogs, Guss and Lily, who come from a difficult situation and are described as good with dogs, cats, and kids. They can be visited during adoption hours or applications can be submitted online.

• The Princeton Closet is putting out snow toys and sleds this afternoon in anticipation of tomorrow’s weather. The store is open until 5 p.m. for anyone needing winter items.

🛍️SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

From the Chamber of Commerce: Shop Small. Shop Princeton, Illinois! for SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

Small businesses make our communities feel like home, especially during the holidays! When you choose to shop small, you’re choosing to keep local makers, dreamers, and family-run shops thriving through the busiest season of the year. Every purchase, every visit, every share makes a difference. Shop Princeton on Saturday, November 29th and show our small business owners some love! While shopping, take part in our annual Small Business Saturday Monopoly Game, sponsored by Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and be entered for your chance to win $100.00 in Chamber Gift Cards! Five winners will be drawn!

Other events and activities on this day will include: Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating for kids, and create merry mail for senior nursing home residents in Princeton all at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Trolley rides on Main Street will run from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Let’s celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our community!

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🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 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.

🍊 Monday, December 1: Fresh Florida Citrus Stop – PRINceton – Stock up on fresh Florida grapefruit, satsumas and more using Tree-Ripe’s simple reservation system, then pick up your order at the truck. Princeton Moose Lodge, 1339 N Euclid Ave. 3–4:30 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.

🎻 Saturday, December 6: Fiddlerock! at Coal Creek Brewing Company – Enjoy rock, country, pop, metal, and festive Trans-Siberian Orchestra favorites, all reimagined on violin. Coal Creek Brewing Company, 430 South Main St. 6 PM.

🎅 Saturday, December 6: Walk Tiskilwa – Visit Santa, shop the Bake Sale, and browse rugs, knives, pot holders, and dish cloths for sale. Hosted by Tiskilwa Community Church, 145 W Main St, Tiskilwa. 10 AM–1 PM.

🍽️ Monday, December 15: Freezer Meals Fundraiser Pickup – Order a box of 10 frozen meals (five varieties, two of each) for $100 to support Bureau County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, then swing by to pick up your sealed box. Bureau County Farm Bureau, 1407 North Main St. 3–4:30 PM (pre-registration and payment required by November 24).

♟️ Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 PM: Princeton Public Library Chess Club – Join in for casual chess games and friendly competition, with coaching available for those who want to learn. All are welcome. Princeton Public Library, 698 E Peru St.

🎸 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.

🚔FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Princeton Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

We have a lot to be grateful for in our community. We are grateful for all of the community partnerships and giving spirit that happens in Princeton every day.

Thank you to the nurses, doctors and first responders who are working today to keep us safe while we enjoy time with our loved ones.

Please remember to keep an eye on your neighbors, especially our seniors, who may be homebound this holiday. With the impending snow this weekend show them you care by checking in on them and making sure they are safe. If you are concerned about their wellbeing, give us a call. We are always willing to stop by and make sure they are OK.

Please be safe this holiday weekend and enjoy the great food and family time.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• The part-time Cashier position at Beck’s West Princeton (Drive-Thru, 2nd shift) seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented team member who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. The role involves engaging with customers, delivering excellent service, and contributing to a positive team atmosphere. The position offers $16–$16.50 per hour and includes several benefits such as weekly gas discounts, a casual dress code, free fountain soda or coffee during shifts, paid time off, comprehensive health insurance, a company-matched 401(k), ESOP ownership benefits, flexible scheduling, and a supportive, rewarding work environment.

• The Logistics Manager position at Ace Hardware’s Princeton Distribution Center is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing the traffic department to ensure efficient, profitable operations and exceptional transportation service for ACE retailers. This manager provides leadership, direction, and strategic oversight for logistics personnel, systems, and outbound shipments, while also managing backhaul opportunities and ensuring the overall financial success of the department. Key responsibilities include planning and controlling product movement, resolving transportation and logistics issues, maintaining reports and safety records, directing outbound logistics and warehouse activities, and negotiating transportation rates or supplier agreements. The role also involves driving supply chain efficiency, meeting departmental financial goals, and supporting both the distribution center and retail support objectives.

• The 1st Material Handler role at Allegion is a full-time position responsible for receiving, staging, issuing, and delivering materials throughout the facility to support production schedules and customer orders. The job requires following established procedures, operating pallet jacks and other material-handling equipment, loading and unloading trucks, conducting cycle counts, assisting with physical inventories, and entering accurate inventory transactions into ERP/MRP systems. The position supports Allegion’s broader mission of safety and security and reports to a supervisor or manager within the SC-Materials job family. Pay ranges from $18.50–$27.98 per hour, depending on experience.

✨THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

The Prairie Arts Council is bringing back The Magic of Christmas for the first time since 2019—a heartwarming community theater children’s musical written and directed by Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Families are invited to enjoy a festive, joy-filled performance that celebrates the wonder of the season with music, story, and talented young local actors. Performances will be held at the Prairie Arts Center, offering a cozy holiday atmosphere that’s perfect for kicking off December. With affordable ticket prices and multiple showtimes, it’s a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, and kids to experience live Christmas theater together.

This year’s production is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Princeton Closet. Tickets can be purchased by calling the number provided, and seating is expected to fill quickly. Gather your loved ones, step into the warmth of community arts, and let this charming musical become part of your holiday tradition. The Magic of Christmas promises an evening (or afternoon) of smiles, music, and festive storytelling.

• Performances: December 5 & 6 at 7 p.m. | December 7 at 2 p.m.

• Location: Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Avenue East, Princeton, IL

• Tickets: Adults $15 • Children $10

• To purchase: Call (719) 290-0954

🚙LETTER FROM LORI

I love music when I’m driving. It’s therapeutic for me, and I can sing at top volume and screw up the words without judgment. Cher (my Great Dane… aka House Horse) often rides with me, and she hardly ever howls when I’m off key. She also doesn’t know the words, so she can’t call me out on my inaccuracies.

I’ve been listening to WBGL lately, which is upbeat, faith-based music. It powers my day and reflects my current mindset in life. It’s full of goodness and mercy, and themes of brokenness, forgiveness, and redemption. My heart and soul get filled as I journey from one destination to another. Last week, I hit a geographical spot that caused my radio to flip-flop between WBGL and one of the stations I used to listen to regularly. THAT station is filled with… let’s just say, not-so-uplifting music. My old life is reflected in those tunes. The lyrics are raw and speak of worldly and earthly things. Sin is often the prevalent theme in a lot of those lyrics.

As the music changed back and forth, I thought about how my life goes through those seasons—where I hit a patch of time and go back and forth between my new heart and indulging in the old ways. I have days where I find myself backsliding into gossip or hateful thoughts. Sometimes I’m tempted to keep my life tuned to those numbers on my radio dial. Sometimes that station comes in strong and I don’t want to fiddle with the knob and return it to the new station. It’s often easier just to let those radio waves take over and listen to songs of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. I don’t always lean forward and finesse the sound waves back to HALLELUJAH from HELL YEAH!

But I don’t get what I really want from that music. It makes my butt boogie in time, but it doesn’t evoke the emotional response of heartfelt tears that I often experience when I’m cruising down the highway listening to Brandon Lake or Jelly Roll. I don’t raise my arms in praise; I raise my fist and bang my head. The more I listen to WBGL, the more I crave it and all that comes with it.

I also see that what I put in is what comes out in my daily life. If you put coffee in your cup, you can’t dump tea into the sink. So, I’m trying to be more aware of what I put in my vessel. I can start with music and maybe work my way up. Reading inspirational material is another challenge I’m conquering. I’m not sure I’ll ever get a firm grip on my dietary choices. So, if you hear me singing loudly off key at the store, in the street, or in public (jamming a cookie in my pie hole), please don’t howl—or smack the cookie out of my lips!

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

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