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Good morning, Princeton friends. From our hometown Jeopardy champ to upcoming fall events, fresh home listings, local arrests, business spotlights, and weather outlooks—consider this your all-in-one guide to what’s happening in and around Princeton. Whether you’re making weekend plans or checking in on community news, I’m glad you’re here.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🐅PHS Varsity Football
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Logan Junior High’s Music Education teacher, Mr. Steven Olson, is now a two-day Jeopardy champ! Wow! He won $26,000 and has a two day total of about $46,000. He returns on today. Channel 6 - KWQC airs Jeopardy at 4:30pm.

• Princeton Tiger Cross Country Geneseo Invitational Results

• WLPO: From a school stage to a soundstage; Princeton instructor plays "Jeopardy" in L.A.

• Apartment Fire Tackled In Princeton

• The Tigers scored 42 first quarter points on their way to a 63-12 win against the Kewanee Boilermakers last Friday.

• Bureau County school and village of Wyanet seek state grant

• The Tiskilwa Historical Society invites the community to a special free program on Monday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. with award-winning Ojibwa author and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus McIver.

• The Princeton Public Library will host a free Beginner’s Chess Workshop on September 24 from 5:30–7:30 PM, led by Erik Czerwin, who will teach participants the basics of chess, including how the pieces move, scoring, and turn tracking. All ages are welcome, though children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

• The Princeton Chamber of Commerce is selling tethered hot air balloon ride tickets for the Monster Mash Balloon Bash. Limited spots are available online now—don’t miss the chance to float into spooky season.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Listed at $499,900, this 2,934 sq. ft. brick two-story home features 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, offering endless possibilities on over 2 acres in a prime location. A circular driveway leads to a spacious layout that includes a 4-car garage, first-floor bedroom, and generous room sizes such as an 11’ x 15’ primary suite. With 6 total bathrooms (5 full, 1 half) and bedrooms measuring up to 10’ x 14’, this well-designed home has been long admired and is now finally available. It combines comfort, space, and convenience in a property perfect for family living or entertaining.

• Priced at $265,000, 823 W Central Ave in Princeton, IL is a charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 2,292 sq. ft. of living space on a 0.3-acre corner lot. Built in 1886, this move-in-ready home features rich wood trim, hardwood floors, an original staircase, and a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a large center island with pendant lighting. The home includes an inviting living room with natural light, a spacious upper-level bonus room, main-level laundry, and a mix of old-world character and modern finishes throughout. A 2-car attached garage, an additional detached garage, and a flexible layout make this property ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

• Priced at $125,000, 20 S Church St in Princeton, IL is a charming 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering 1,978 sq. ft. of space filled with the warmth and character of its 1890 architectural design. Inside, you’ll find spacious living and family areas, large bedrooms, an extra storage room, a bright kitchen with pantry, and an abundance of natural light throughout. The property also features a 2-car garage, a beautiful backyard with year-round blooms, and a welcoming front porch ideal for relaxing outdoors. With its timeless charm, functional layout, and prime location in historic Princeton, this home is a great blend of comfort, character, and value.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted jewelry cabinet available at her home shop in Princeton for $135. Standing 40” tall by 15” wide and 8” deep, it’s a one-of-a-kind statement piece. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤Today: Mostly cloudy with isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms, most likely south of I-80. High around 78°F with N winds 5–10 mph; rain chance near 30%. Evening brings a shower or two early, then partly cloudy with a low near 60°F and NE winds 5–10 mph.

🌧️Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers at times. High near 74°F with a NE breeze 10–15 mph and a 30% chance of rain. Partly cloudy at night, low around 54°F, NE winds 5–10 mph.

⛅Thursday: Partly cloudy and seasonable. Afternoon high about 76°F with N winds 5–10 mph and low humidity. A few clouds at night, low near 53°F, winds light and variable.

⛅Friday: Mix of sun and clouds and a touch warmer. High around 81°F with SSW winds 5–10 mph and dry conditions. Partly cloudy Friday night with a low near 56°F and SE winds 5–10 mph.

☀️Saturday: Mainly sunny and pleasant. Afternoon high close to 82°F with NE winds 5–10 mph and comfortable humidity. Mostly clear Saturday night, cooling to 54°F with light, variable winds.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.13
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.15
Casey’s West/North: $3.15
Beck’s West/North: $3.15
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.15
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.15

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

👻 Nightmare Haunted Attraction – Haunted barns, bonfire & concessions at Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St. Opening night Friday, October 3, 7–10 PM.

🎸 MOJO ROCKS LIVE AT BARREL SOCIETY – Classic rock & indie vibes at Barrel Society, 930 N Main St. Saturday, October 11, 7–11 PM.

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Fun games, food & candy at Liberty Village of Princeton, 140 N 6th St. Thursday, October 16, 4–6 PM.

🛠️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find old garage treasures at Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap, 811 W Peru St. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM. $10 admission, $50 vending.

🚜 Heritage Tractor Halloween Howl – Trick-or-Tractor & costume contest with sweet treats and John Deere toys (while supplies last). Heritage Tractor, 20144 1800 Ave N. Saturday, October 25, 8 AM–12 PM.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Miss Betsy’s is now offering donut toppings like chopped peanuts or coconut—just ask when you order.

• Cafe Grace is open with cozy fall hours and a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch comfort foods at 1009 N Main St.

• Connections Studio offers classes for all ages—from toddlers to seniors—under one roof in Princeton.

• Pin Splitter Lanes is celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary on Saturday, September 27 with $10 unlimited bowling from 12PM to 12AM, plus drink specials and games.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is stocked with spooky season gifts and decor, including the popular Wicked Mix.

• Corner Chair Market completed two new custom furniture pieces featuring navy blue paint and stained wood finishes.

• Little Blue Dress has launched new $54 cardigans for fall and is taking online orders now.

• Princeton Tigresses Freshman Volleyball team placed 2nd at their first high school tournament, the Ottawa Invite.

• Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting a free outdoor challenge event for 6th–8th graders on October 18 at Echo Bluff Park, including ropes courses, ziplining, archery, and more.

• Apollo Theater is showing “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” and “The Senior (PG)” through September 25, with showtimes listed online.

• Optimal Health is offering Bach Rescue Pastilles and Rescue Spray for kids—natural stress relief options with no side effects, perfect for back-to-school jitters. These homeopathic remedies with Bach flower essences are available now in-store.

• Rachel Rene has one 15oz tumbler left—triple-walled, vacuum insulated, and copper-lined to keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. It includes a sealed locking lid, anti-slip base, sweat-free finish, and is shatter/leak-proof. Available in-store from 12–4pm or online.

• Culver’s in Princeton is hosting a Superhero & Princess Night today from 5–8pm with $5 kids meals. Kids can dress up, hang out with Scoopie, and pose for photos in costume.

• The Bike Place at 701 N Main St will be open Friday through Sunday of Homestead Weekend with custom BMX bikes, Schwinn City vintage bikes, repair/swap options, and even free bikes. Come see the new “Chat Benches” and learn about upcoming plans.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past is hosting a Fall Open House October 4–6 with refreshments, a drawing for a fall-themed gift basket, and the shop filled with seasonal home décor and gifts. Located at 119 N Main St.

• Chasing Butterflies is holding a Fall Sale through Saturday. Take 20% off all clothing and enjoy 30–70% off clearance racks. The shop is located in downtown Princeton.

• Expressions Hair Salon is accepting new clients for fall color appointments. Message them now to book your spot and refresh your look for the season.

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🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic L

• September 5 – vs Rockridge L

• September 12 – at Sherrard* W

• September 19 – vs Kewanee* W

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville*

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County*

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Ollie’s is hiring full-time Warehouse Associates in Princeton, IL at $18/hour. This position involves moving inbound and outbound freight—including receiving, stocking, loading, picking, and processing—while using pallet jacks, forklifts, RF scanners, and 2-way radios as needed. Candidates should be able to work independently, complete tasks efficiently, and demonstrate Ollie’s core values: teamwork, caring, value obsession, and commitment. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and RX coverage after 90 days, 401(k) with company match, 20% associate discount, and flexible scheduling; a high school diploma is preferred but not required.

• Dollar General in Princeton, IL is hiring part-time Sales Associates at an estimated pay range of $13.50 to $18.25 per hour. This on-site role involves providing excellent customer service, operating the cash register, stocking and recovering merchandise, and maintaining store cleanliness. Associates are expected to greet customers, assist with locating products, and support overall store profitability while protecting company assets. Benefits include medical, retirement, and paid time off, and the company emphasizes respect, service, and growth opportunities for all team members.

• Sertoma Star Services is hiring full-time Rest Area Crew Members at the Greater Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 near Wyanet, IL, offering $15/hour with benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, retirement, and PTO. This 40-hour/week janitorial role includes maintaining restrooms, lobbies, windows, picnic areas, and parking lots, as well as handling trash, snow, and landscape upkeep on a rotating schedule including weekends. Candidates may also transport staff and equipment if approved as drivers, and are expected to operate safely under company policies. Sertoma’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by offering meaningful employment in a supportive and person-first environment.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG)

The beloved Crawley family and their loyal staff return one last time for a grand send-off filled with romance, drama, and closure to years of stories from the famed English estate. Fans of the series can expect heartfelt goodbyes and elegant twists worthy of the Downton name.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:00 pm only

The Senior (PG)

Inspired by a true story, The Senior follows Mike Flynt, a 59-year-old who re-enrolls at his alma mater to play college football decades after being kicked off the team in his youth. A powerful story of redemption, perseverance, and second chances.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:15 pm only

🍿 Note: Apollo Pop is now open! Check out more at www.apollo-pop.com

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