SPONSORED BY

Good Tuesday morning, my favorite Princeton people. He dropped back, then dropped back even more, then kept dropping back, then launched it on a rope 40+ yards on 4th down..touchdown Bears! Just when you thought you saw the best throw in playoff history against the Packers, Caleb Williams went and made a better one Sunday against the Rams. Their magical season is over, but we have a quarterback, friends.

Bear down.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes For Sale
🛍️Buddy Bags
🦅Building the Future at PCA
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗳️Vote By Mail
💼Princeton Businesses
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💭Remembering in Princeton
💕Galentines
👷Job Openings
🥤At The Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Knights of Columbus Council 5591 presented a $3,002.58 donation from the annual Tootsie Roll Drive to CFO Mandi Johnson of Gateway Services on Thursday. The fundraiser supports organizations serving people with intellectual disabilities, and the group expressed gratitude for the Knights’ generosity.

• The feel-good moment we all worked so hard to achieve! The latest Habitat family has just moved into the Princeton home. Right now, donations are being matched by the Miller Group Foundation to get our next project going. Find out more about how to help here: HabitatLBPC.org. Catch Tom’s Take on YouTube.

• The Magi Gala, a formal benefit for the Magi Baby Chest, will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The Barn at Hornbaker Garden. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:00 p.m., a silent auction (5:00–9:00 p.m.), dinner at 6:00 p.m., and dueling pianos and dancing from 7:30–10:00 p.m., with tickets priced at $80.

• Online registration for the Princeton Youth Baseball & Softball League opened Thursday, January 15, 2026. Several age divisions are available, and registration deadlines apply.

• 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.

• Enrollment opens March 4th for Preschool–High School at Princeton Christian Academy.

• The Rotary Club of Princeton, IL is promoting Black Light Bingo on January 31st at the Princeton Moose Lodge, with doors at 5 PM and bingo at 7 PM. Boards are $10, food will be available for purchase, there will be raffles, and proceeds benefit the PHS Scholarship Fund.

• The Rotary Club also invites 6th–8th grade students to a free outdoor adventure event on Saturday, February 7. The day includes transportation, lunch, a winter hike, nature activities, and campfire food at Echo Bluff Park.

• Bureau County Sheriff Arrest and Citation Report 01-12-2026

📍Outside City Limits

• The Sheffield Summer Festival is scheduled for June 25–27 at West Park and will include live entertainment, a carnival, a 5K race, and a kids’ parade. Organizers are also raising funds to help complete this year’s festival and welcome community support.

• Illinois Valley Community College has opened registration for its 27th annual Eagles Softball Clinic.

• Three men from out of state face charges in Lee County after they were reportedly found in a disabled car with drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons, according to deputies.

• It's now been more than a week since 50-year-old Concepcion Villa Herrera was last seen.

🗳️VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

As a result of recent changes by the United States Postal Service, the County Clerk’s strongly recommend all Vote-By-Mail Ballots be placed in the mail to be returned to the County Clerk’s Office no later than March 10, 2026, for this upcoming March 17th Illinois Primary Election.

I recommend any ballots returning to our office after March 10th, 2026, be hand delivered to my office in Princeton or if after office hours put in the drop box on the west side of the courthouse rather than be placed in the mail. Ballots for the March 17th Illinois Primary Election will be mailed out February 5th, 2026.

Early Voting/Curb Side Voting starts Feb 5, 2026 in Princeton at the Bureau County Clerks Office. This service is for anyone. (Interested in Curb Side call 815-875-2014 and let us know you are on your way)

Make sure you are registered to vote at this link.

Thanks, Matt Eggers Bureau County Clerk & Recorder

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This spacious single-family home at 1203 W Clark St. is listed at $239,000 and offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 3,024 sq ft of living space on a 9,583 sq ft lot. The main level features a large living room plus an open kitchen with peninsula seating, ample cabinet storage, and included appliances, flowing into a formal dining area. The lower level adds excellent flexibility with a huge family room featuring a woodburning stove, a bonus room ideal for an office/craft/playroom, a utility/laundry area with washer and dryer, and a converted half bath. Outdoors, enjoy a massive back deck and backyard for entertaining, along with a two-car attached garage and central A/C (2021).

• A commercial office building at 680 West Peru Street is listed for sale by owner for $179,900, or available to lease for $2,000/month. The listing notes 2,400 sq. ft., a large reception area, 5 large offices, a work room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and that it’s furnished (contact (815) 993-5374).

• This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home is listed for $159,999 and offers 1,172 sq ft of living space on a 1.39-acre lot. Inside, recent updates include newer flooring and fresh paint, plus a standout bathroom with heated floors and a double walk-in shower with bench seating. Convenient features include main-level laundry with washer and dryer, a floored attic for storage, and a full unfinished basement ready for future finishing. Additional upgrades and amenities include copper plumbing, newer 6-inch gutters, 200-amp electrical service, and ample outdoor storage with a 2-car detached garage and multiple outbuildings; the property is being sold as-is with conventional or cash buyers only.

• This well-maintained, move-in-ready property at 19364 US Highway 34 is listed at $375,000 and offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,112 sq ft on a 5.53-acre lot, with a 3+ car garage and multiple outbuildings. Updates include new windows and central air, replacement of walls with drywall, and updated electrical and plumbing for improved comfort and peace of mind. All three outbuildings have new electric service, the larger barn can accommodate a truck and trailer, and the driveway is designed to handle up to a 96,000-pound load. The grounds feature mature trees, perennials, and a gazebo for entertaining, plus a ready-to-use shed suitable for animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats, horses, or cattle, all located just a few miles outside town within the Princeton school district.

🛍️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

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Sunshine and clouds mix with a high near 26°F and a light SW wind at 5–10 mph. Clouds thicken late with a few evening flurries or snow showers possible. Night falls to around 18°F with SSW wind 10–15 mph.

🌥️ Wednesday: Some sun early, then turning mostly cloudy; high around 31°F with a west wind 10–20 mph. A few flurries can’t be ruled out in the afternoon. The night is mostly cloudy and colder near 14°F with WNW wind 10–15 mph.

🌥️ Thursday: A little sun in the morning gives way to increasing clouds; high near 22°F with a west wind 10–15 mph. It turns bitterly cold at night. Lows dip to about -6°F with NNW wind 5–10 mph under mostly cloudy skies.

☁️ Friday: Considerable cloudiness holds temperatures near 0°F with a NNE breeze 10–15 mph. It stays harsh and dry through the day. At night, a few snow showers are possible; lows near -10°F with NNW wind 10–15 mph (around a 20% chance).

🌤️ Saturday: Intervals of sun and clouds with a high close to 3°F and a light north wind 5–10 mph. Very cold air lingers despite the brighter skies. Night is partly cloudy and frigid near -5°F with NW wind 10–15 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $2.89
Sullivan’s Foods: $2.94
Casey’s West/North: $2.96
Beck’s West/North: $2.96
Road Ranger, N Main St: $2.96
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $2.96

Peru Gas 👀

Caseys, Shooting Park Rd.: $2.49

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Los Ranchitos of Princeton is celebrating its 19th anniversary on Tuesday, January 20. Buy one meal at regular price and get the second meal half price (equal or lesser value), plus $1.99 margaritas all day.

• National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. at 421 S. Main Street. The event will feature specialty breakfast items and giveaways, with more details to come.

• Optimal Health is highlighted as a go-to spot for fun, healthier snacks, easy grab-and-go options, and clean-ingredient foods, with vegan and gluten-free choices plus a freezer/fridge section. The store has been remodeled to be bigger and brighter.

• Combined Cleaning & Restoration is offering $50 off any pressure washing or house washing job. The post says the offer runs until September 30.

• Rachel Rene - Princeton IL announced that Butter Creme Lip Scrub is back in stock. The post describes it as a sugar-based scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes with oils and butters.

• Four Seasons is featuring Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day items from the vendor Life is Good. The post notes sizes Small–XXXL, multiple color options, and a 24% discount with code COZY.

• Fresh Finds Princeton shared that their reading-themed gifts have been popular and invited shoppers to stop in this week from 9–6. The post also says their 30% off promotion is still going on.

• Connections Studio is taking sign-ups for its next 8-week session beginning 2/2/26, with classes including First Steps, Basic Tumble, Pilates Intro 1, Line Dance, and Stretch Strengthen Strive. Contact Connections Studio to secure your spot, and see the post for the listed class days and times.

• The Princeton Closet is open Thursday–Saturday from 9–5, and the Donation Center is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9–3. This week includes a beach theme, Easter merch, and promotions like 90% off Christmas items, select buy-one-get-one deals, and Basket Days (12 items for $8) on Friday and Saturday.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is now accepting artist submissions through March 2. They’re seeking local and regional fine artists (18+) for the 12th annual Artisan Market, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10am–4pm.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine is offering free delivery on $40+ orders. The post notes deliveries are available today and includes their phone number (815-878-5139).

• Pin Splitter Lanes announced its Sweetheart Bowl event for Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14. The special includes three games of 9-pin no tap bowling for $20 per person with shoe rental included.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store announced it will reopen on January 22, 2026 under new management. The reopening will feature a new layout, and updates will continue to be shared through future posts.

• Bureau County Metro Center is continuing its Nerf Nights program every Friday through the end of January. The event offers age-specific time slots for K–2nd and 3rd–5th graders, with registration currently open.

• On the Homestead CrossFit shared a breakdown of its $100 monthly membership, noting it includes at least 27 classes per month. The post highlights that this works out to roughly $3.70 per class, with the option to attend even more frequently.

• Book-el-ZOO announced a variety of birds currently available or obtainable, ranging from macaws and cockatiels to finches, doves, and quail. The post emphasizes options for both large and small avian companions, with several species currently in stock.

✉️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.

🗓️️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 Friday, January 9, 2026: Nate Rector Live at Barrel Society – Local country artist Nate Rector performs live at 7:00 PM at Barrel Society.

🃏 Saturday, January 24, 2026: Euchre Tournament at Wyanet VFW Post 6634 – Registration begins at 12:00 PM with card play starting at 12:30 PM. $10 buy-in, food and bar available.

🎸 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.

🏍 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.

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

🥁 Saturday, February 14, 2026: 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, March 14, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day Party + Charity 5K! at Barrel Society – 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 AM, with the St. Patrick’s party to follow. Food served on-site, and live music at 7:00 PM. $5 from each 5K entry benefits Freedom House women’s shelter. (930 N Main St.)

💕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

💭REMEMBERING PRINCETON

Don Saletzki: The original Immke photo was taken in 1868. It shows a section of town businesses that we would never suspect to be located on Elm Place before the Elms.

💕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

🦅BUILDING THE FUTURE AT PCA

Since 1981, Princeton Christian Academy has partnered with families and the local church to provide academic excellence, biblical discipleship, and preparation for students to stand firm in Christ.

As cultural challenges intensify, the need for a dedicated, Christ-centered high school facility has become increasingly urgent. We want to offer families in our area another option and provide our current students with greater opportunities to grow and thrive.

We are now raising support to build a new facility that will serve as a hub for Christ-centered learning and ministry.

This new building will include spaces for technology training through a biblical worldview, large classrooms, gathering areas for youth and college ministries, a stage for music and drama, and amenities such as a basketball court and weight room to support student development.

We invite you to join this vision through prayer, generous giving, professional expertise, or by helping share the story.

Please call or message us to learn more about how you can support this project.

Through the strength and guidance God provides, our desire is to equip even more of the next generation to be grounded in truth, grow in faith, and impact the world for God’s glory.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Dairy Queen in Princeton is now accepting applications for the 2026 season. The seasonal positions include day and evening shifts, with employment running from early March through at least the end of October.

• Steven Becker of Thrivent in Princeton shared that Thrivent offers multiple paths to becoming a financial advisor, including building your own practice, joining a team, or starting as a virtual advisor.

• The City is accepting applications for a full-time Waste Water Treatment/Maintenance Operator at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Starting pay is $31.00 per hour minimum, and applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.

• Taylor’s Way is hiring! They have full-time openings in Princeton and Mossville, including Dispatcher, Tree Groundsperson, Tree Climber, Plant Health Care Technician, and Lawn Applicator. Positions include year-round work, health benefits, retirement match, and paid training—no prior experience required.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

SONG SUNG BLUE (PG13) follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who start a Neil Diamond tribute band and discover new hope, love, and purpose along the way.

• Showtimes: Tue–Thu 6:00 PM.

ANACONDA (PG13) is an original comedy about lifelong friends who head into the Amazon to remake their favorite movie—until a real giant anaconda turns their chaotic set into a deadly situation.

• Showtimes: Tue–Thu 6:15 PM only.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].