🏐Tournament Champs, Princeton in 1988, and Minimalism

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton. The 7th Grade Logan Girls Volleyball team claimed the championship at the Trinity Catholic Tournament, kicking off their season with an impressive win. Congratulations to the players and coaches!

Let’s get to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🎭Festival 56
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
💝Magi Baby Chest
🎨Colors by Collette
📱Minimalism
🏀Upcoming High School Sports
🔥Amazon Deals
💭Remember When
🚒Wildfire Relief
📍Outside City Limits
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Drew Compton!🎂

• At the Lyle King PIT, Ace Christiansen earned 2nd place. Cade Odell and Kane Dauber both secured 3rd place finishes, while Etheridge took 4th place. Swanson finished in 6th place. PHS finished 5th overall. PHS Boys Varsity Basketball lost 62-54 to the Hall Red Devils Friday.

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

• The Bureau County Fairgrounds is offering rental opportunities for events in 2025. Interested parties can contact the facility (815-303-3905) for details and scheduling. Registration is open for the Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show which takes place February 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Princeton Youth Baseball & Softball League registration begins January 13 online and January 29 and February 1 in person at the Prouty Building. Visit www.pybsl.org for details.

• 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.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now 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 HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 778 Mayfair Drive in the heart of Princeton, this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch offers both comfort and convenience. The home boasts updated carpet, a large laundry room, and a fenced backyard perfect for relaxation or entertaining. With a newer roof replaced in 2023, the property is move-in ready and features a wood deck ideal for outdoor enjoyment. A spacious 2-car garage adds ample storage and parking options. Don’t miss your chance to see this well-maintained gem!

• This charming ranch home at 504 Harvey Dr. is listed for $244,500 and offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 1,862 square feet of living space. The property features a double-door entry with slate flooring, a large corner lot with a spacious lawn, and an oversized two-car heated garage with workshop space. Inside, the family room boasts hardwood flooring, built-in cabinets, and an electric fireplace, while the updated kitchen includes newer windows, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator less than a year old. Handicap-accessible features include a chair lift to the finished basement with a laundry sink, washer, and dryer. With additional storage buildings and a desirable location, this home is a rare find.

• This lovely home at 3101 Bedford Dr. S. is listed for $119,900 and offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 1,300 square feet of living space. Featuring vinyl siding and a spacious primary bedroom, this property is perfect as a starter home or rental investment. It sits on a full-size lot with room for outdoor enjoyment and includes an attached one-car garage for convenience. With its affordable price, this home is a great opportunity to customize and make your own. Ideal for first-time buyers or those seeking a manageable investment property.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Daytime temperatures reach a chilly 21°F with clear skies and winds from the northwest at 10-15 mph, making for a blustery day. The evening turns partly cloudy, and temperatures drop to a frosty 4°F. Winds continue from the northwest but decrease slightly to 5-10 mph. It’s a cold day with a calm, yet frigid, night.

🌦️Tuesday: The day starts with a few light flurries before transitioning to mostly sunny skies, reaching a high of 14°F. Winds from the west keep the chill factor strong at 10-15 mph. Nighttime sees mostly clear skies with a frigid low of 5°F. Winds remain gentle at 5-10 mph from the northwest.

⛅️Wednesday: Expect a mix of sun and clouds during the day, with temperatures peaking at 25°F. Westerly winds persist at 10-15 mph, keeping conditions cool. The night will be partly cloudy, with lows dropping to 17°F. A few scattered clouds and a steady breeze round off this cold but manageable day.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.16
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

🍼HELP BABY ZANE

Reyne Dockins recently welcomed her baby boy, Zane, who is now two months old and facing significant health challenges. He was born with a serious heart condition involving a double right ventricle outlet deposition, two VSDs, and a damaged pulmonary artery. Zane recently underwent open-heart surgery and fought through it, but doctors have now discovered brain bleeds, and additional heart surgeries will be needed in the future. Reyne is doing her best to care for Zane while also supporting her 13-year-old son, Brayden, but the demands of this situation have left her unable to work. The family is in need of help to cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, travel, and gas during this time. Support is being requested to ease their financial burden and help them focus on Zane’s recovery and Brayden’s well-being.

Find out more here.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Once Upon a Craft now offers hand-painted ornaments all year round. Share your ideas for custom designs and find the perfect keepsakes.

• 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.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is offering a variety of soups for dine-in or takeaway, including Tomato Basil with Grilled Cheese and Chicken Tortilla with all the trimmings.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is seeking volunteers for flexible hours on Thursdays and Fridays to support their community mission.

• True Leaves Bookshop showcases their curated puzzle collection, including a beautiful Great Gatsby puzzle. Shop now for high-quality puzzles and bookish treasures.

• Apollo Theater showings this week include “Homestead” (PG13) and “Gladiator II” (R). Sunday’s last showing offers open captions.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is now open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Paisano’s Ristorante will be hosting a fundraiser on January 16 for Princeton Elementary Schools. 20% of proceeds will go to the PTO. The Birria Pizza is available throughout January.

• Optimal Health features burritos paired with Mexican brown rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa for a complete meal.

• The annual Sweetheart Bowl will take place on February 8th for $40 per couple, with lanes reserved for four couples each. Call or message Pin Splitter Lanes to register and secure your spot for this Valentine-themed bowling event.

• Offering professional window tinting, Shane’s Shine Shop provides full vehicle side and rear window tints and a 6-inch windshield sun strip. Visit their location at 611 N. Pleasant St. in Princeton or call to schedule your service.

✉️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.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now 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 JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Porter | Culver’s | Part-time

  Supports restaurant cleanliness and guest experience. Pays $15–17 per hour with health and dental insurance.

• Warehouse Specialist | ACE Hardware | Full-time

  Handles warehouse tasks, including stocking and logistics. Pays $19–21.50 per hour with benefits.

• Operations Assistant Manager | Dollar Tree | Full-time

  Supports store operations and staff. Includes health and dental insurance.

• Assistant Store Manager | Dollar General | Full-time

  Assists with daily store management. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off.

• Warehouse Associate (Production) | Ollie’s Bargain Outlet | Full-time

  Processes and stocks inventory for efficient store operations. Includes health and dental insurance.

• Cashier, Drive-thru | Beck’s Princeton West | Full-time

  Handles customer service tasks and drive-thru operations. Offers paid time off and dental insurance.

• Housekeeper | Goldwater Care Princeton | Full-time and Part-time

  Ensures cleanliness and upkeep of facilities. No degree required.

• Online Order Filling Team Associate | Walmart | Part-time

  Assists in fulfilling online orders. Benefits include dental and health insurance, as well as paid time off.

• Shift Manager | Pizza Hut | Full-time

  Oversees shifts and staff operations. No degree required.

• Assistant Store Manager | O’Reilly Auto Parts | Full-time

  Supervises store activities, manages inventory, and supports customer needs. Offers health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off.

• Retail Sales Associate | AutoZone | Part-time

  Assists customers with product selection and maintains stock levels. Includes health and dental insurance.

• Senior Retail Sales Associate | AutoZone | Full-time

  Supports store operations and customer needs. Includes health and dental insurance, along with paid time off.

• Server | Pizza Hut | Full-time

  Provides excellent customer service and ensures prompt food delivery. No degree required.

• Stocking & Unloading | Walmart | Full-time

  Manages inventory unloading and stocking. No degree required.

• Manager Trainee | AutoZone | Full-time

  Develops leadership skills while managing store tasks. Benefits include health and dental insurance, and paid time off.

• Construction Laborer | Express Employment Professionals | Full-time and Contractor

  Performs various construction tasks. Requires communication and motor coordination skills.

• Lead Sales Associate | Dollar General | Part-time

  Assists with customer service and sales goals. Includes health and dental insurance, and paid time off.

• Sales Associate | Dollar General | Part-time

  Provides customer service and processes transactions. Pays $14–14.10 per hour with benefits including dental and health insurance.

• Medical Office Assistant (Gastroenterology) | OSF HealthCare | Full-time

  Handles office administrative tasks and assists patients. Includes health and dental insurance.

•  Production Technician | Corteva | Full-time

  Operates equipment and ensures production quality. Includes paid time off and dental insurance.

• Receptionist | H&R Block | Full-time

  Provides front-desk support and assists with administrative tasks. No degree required.

• Restaurant General Manager | Pizza Hut | Full-time

  Oversees restaurant operations and ensures customer satisfaction. No degree required.

💪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!

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• This is the 2nd anniversary of the Carus Fire

• GriefShare support groups begin this week, offering a 13-week program to help individuals cope with grief. Sessions are held on Tuesday mornings at Cornerstone in Sheffield and Wednesday evenings at Bunker Hill Church in Buda.

• Sundays in January and February in Walnut, there are open gyms 1pm-3pm and adult volleyball from 3pm-4pm.

• Multiple rounds of new store closings have been announced including Kohl's which will soon close 27 stores including some Illinois places.

🎭Festival 56

Summer Schedule

•  “Hairspray the Musical” will be staged from June 27 to July 5 at the Grace Theater. This vibrant production follows Tracy Turnblad, a bold teen striving for racial equality on a 1960s TV program.

•  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will grace Soldiers and Sailors Park from July 6 to July 30. Shakespeare’s enchanting play delves into love, confusion, and whimsical fairy interventions.

• “Carrie: The Musical” runs July 11 through July 20 at the Grace Theater, unraveling the story of an outcast teenager navigating bullying and family conflict while discovering her supernatural abilities.

• “The Little Mermaid” is set for July 25 to August 3, showcasing Ariel’s quest for freedom and transformation in a captivating tale of courage and sacrifice.

• The Cabaret Series offers performances from June 20 through August 3, spotlighting diverse musical styles and creating a dynamic connection between audiences and performers.

Tickets can be purchased online at Festival56.com, at the box office, or by calling 815-879-5656.

💝MAGI BABY CHEST

The Magi Baby Chest in Princeton has set the date for its Magi Gala, a Valentine’s evening celebration, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the barn at Hornbaker Gardens.

This formal fundraising event will feature dinner and dancing in support of the Magi Baby Chest. Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The Steve Sharp Band will provide live music, and the evening will include a small silent auction and additional activities. The nonprofit describes the event as a mix of fun and sophistication, designed to help babies and toddlers in need.

Proceeds from the gala will fund baby supplies for families. The event’s aim is not only to generate financial support for the Magi Baby Chest but also to engage the broader community and highlight the services the organization provides to local families.

The Magi Baby Chest hopes to expand its donor base and inspire ongoing support beyond the St. Louis parish community. The nonprofit encourages attendees to invite friends interested in learning about and supporting a pro-family initiative.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be purchased online at magibabychest.com or at the St. Louis parish office. Open seating will be available unless a table of eight is reserved. Tickets are priced at $75 per person or $600 for a table. Quantities are limited. Donations can also be made online or by mailing a check to St. Louis Church, with “MBC” noted in the memo line.

🎨COLORS BY COLLETTE AT THE PRAIRIE ARTS CENTER

The February Gallery Show at the Prairie Arts Center will feature Collette Yelm and her art exhibit: Colors by Collette. Join us for an Opening Reception on February 7th from 6-8pm and enjoy refreshments. The show will run from February 7 – February 23rd. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3pm and is located at 24 Park Ave East in Princeton, IL.

"It all began with a painting class and a finished piece of work that just didn't seem quite right... so I taught myself "Pour Painting." I covered the original piece with a pour painting and I have been hooked ever since! I have presented my pieces at various art exhibits and craft fairs throughout the area and have been commissioned to paint specialty pieces also. I have taught Pour Painting classes at Prairie Arts Center on canvas, vases and Easter eggs. My appreciation of art was inspired by my amazing mother who had a love for "beautiful things." As a mother of 8 children, she was always sewing, painting, hand stitching or creating something amazing in her spare time. I am fortunate that that desire to create and "love beautiful things" was passed on to me. I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, third in line in an Irish, Italian family of 8 children. A graduate of Boylan Catholic High School and Illinois State University with a degree in Social Work. My career included working in mental health for 15 years and 27 years as a social worker at Perry Memorial Hospital. It was during this time that my involvement in home parties kept my creative interest flowing. Selling handmade crafts, specialty clothing, and being a representative for Silpada Jewelry kept me very busy. I live in Princeton, Illinois with my husband, Charlie Yelm, who has been supportive over the years of my ever changing hobbies. We have two beautiful children, Katie in Princeton and Michael in Dallas. We have 5 amazing and creative grandchildren who love to pour paint! I am always trying to improve and create new looks. I hope you enjoy the colors as much as I enjoyed creating them."

🔥TOP-RATED CHARITIES ACTIVE IN THE LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORT

Massive wildfires are devastating the Los Angeles area of Southern California. As of Thursday morning, at least five people were killed, more than 100,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, and nearly 2,000 homes and businesses were destroyed.

Here are some of the groups that earned high marks from the organization for providing immediate support to the victims of the wildfires and wildfire-affected communities.

📱MINIMALISM IN A DIGITAL AGE: SIMPLIFYING YOUR ONLINE LIFE

In today’s hyper-connected world, digital tools and technologies have become integral to daily life. While they offer unparalleled convenience and opportunities, they also create an overwhelming digital clutter—unused apps, overflowing email inboxes, endless notifications, and a deluge of information. Minimalism in the digital age focuses on simplifying our interaction with technology, prioritizing quality over quantity, and making deliberate choices about what we use and how we use it.

The Digital Clutter Problem

The sheer volume of digital interactions can create inefficiencies in how we work and live. Constant notifications interrupt workflows, while countless apps and services demand our attention, reducing our ability to focus on what truly matters. Digital clutter isn’t just about storage space; it’s about how technology can overwhelm our schedules, complicate decision-making, and create unnecessary noise in our daily routines.

What Is Digital Minimalism?

Digital minimalism is about intentionality—identifying the digital tools and practices that add genuine value and removing those that don’t. It’s not about rejecting technology altogether but rather optimizing it to serve specific goals. The aim is to create a streamlined digital life where every app, service, and device has a clear purpose.

Practical Steps to Embrace Digital Minimalism

1. Declutter Your Devices

Begin by assessing the contents of your devices. Review apps, files, photos, and downloads. Delete anything redundant or no longer useful. Organize your files into labeled folders to make them easily accessible, and consider using cloud storage for essential documents to reduce device clutter.

2. Streamline Your Notifications

Notifications can disrupt productivity and create unnecessary distractions. Review the settings on your devices and turn off notifications for non-essential apps. Consider batching notifications, checking them at set times instead of responding immediately.

3. Limit Social Media Usage

Social media can be a significant source of digital clutter, often providing limited value. Identify platforms that align with your personal or professional goals and reduce time spent on others. Set specific times for usage or explore tools that track and limit your daily screen time.

4. Organize Digital Communication

Email inboxes and messaging apps can quickly become overwhelming. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and promotional emails. Create folders or labels for organizing important messages, and aim for “inbox zero” by responding to or filing emails promptly.

5. Use Technology with Intention

Ask yourself what specific purpose each app or device serves. If it doesn’t support your priorities, consider removing it or finding an alternative. Opt for single-purpose tools when possible, as they can reduce complexity and streamline your workflow.

6. Adopt a Content Diet

Be selective about the digital content you consume. Replace endless scrolling with curated newsletters, podcasts, or articles that align with your interests. Prioritize depth over breadth to get more value from your time online.

The Benefits of Digital Minimalism

Embracing digital minimalism allows for greater efficiency and focus. By reducing unnecessary interactions with technology, you create space for more meaningful work and leisure activities. It simplifies decision-making and enhances productivity by eliminating distractions. Additionally, a well-organized digital life can make navigating tasks and information far easier.

Minimalism in the digital age is not about rejecting innovation but embracing it with purpose. By decluttering and refining how we use technology, we can enjoy its benefits while avoiding the pitfalls of excess. Simplifying our digital lives allows us to focus on what truly matters and ensures that technology enhances, rather than complicates, our everyday experiences.

🏀UPCOMING HIGHSCHOOL SPORTS

Monday, Jan 13:

• Girls Basketball (Freshman) @ Ottawa, 5:30 PM

• Boys Basketball (Freshman) @ Ottawa, 5:30 PM

• Girls Wrestling @ Geneseo, 6:00 PM

• Scholastic Bowl vs. Mendota & Riverdale, 5:00 PM

Thursday, Jan 16:

• Girls Basketball (FS & Varsity) @ Newman, 5:30 PM

• Wrestling vs. Orion, 6:00 PM

Friday, Jan 17:

• Wrestling @ Kewanee HS, 5:30 PM

• Boys Basketball (FS, JV & Var) vs. EP, 5:30 PM

Saturday, Jan 18:

• Boys Basketball (FS) @ Newman Jamboree, 9 & 11:15 AM

• Wrestling vs. Coal City & Dakota, 9:00 AM

• Boys Basketball (Varsity) @ BCC vs. BCC, 1:00 PM

• Girls Basketball (FS & Varsity) vs. Alleman, 4:30 PM

🔥AMAZON DEALS

• Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater: $49.99

• Queen Mattress: $179.99

• ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear: $129.99

• MANSPOT Manscape Groin & Body Hair Trimmer for Men: $31.98

• KTC 32 inch 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor: $169.99

💭REMEMBER WHEN…

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🎥Now Playing Through January 16th

Angel Studio’s Homestead (PG-13)

• A heartfelt tale of resilience and family in challenging times.

• Showtimes: Tuesday: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM; Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Gladiator II (R)

• The epic continuation of the Gladiator saga, featuring heroic battles and powerful storytelling.

• Showtimes: Tuesday: 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 PM; Thursday: 6:00 PM

🔜Coming Soon

A Complete Unknown

• Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in this captivating biographical film directed by James Mangold, exploring the life and music of the iconic artist.

Captain America: Brave New World

• Marvel Studios brings a new chapter in the Captain America saga, following Sam Wilson as he embraces the mantle of Captain America in a world filled with challenges.

Flight Risk

• Mark Wahlberg leads this thrilling drama directed by Mel Gibson, centering on a daring pilot’s struggle for survival and redemption.

Dog Man

• DreamWorks adapts the beloved graphic novel series into an animated feature about a hero who’s part dog, part man, and all heart.

🪧Want to advertise? 1,300 subscribers, 10,000+ impressions monthly. Give your business the attention it deserves. Email: [email protected].