❄️Veterans, Igloo Dining, and Music Boosters

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, Princeton. What’s your Halloween neighborhood strategy? Here’s what we do: Greencroft, Bryant Woods, Park Avenue, and then off to Grandma’s. We move fast to maximize candy opportunities, and then the kids turn some of their candy into Deb and I for toys to be purchased later. If you see a Ninja, a really short Spider Man, and a Princess, you know the deal.

Let’s get after it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🎄The Christmas Market
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🤝Kent Tyne Benefit
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🧀Fundraiser
🥶Be Prepared for Winter

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on Thursday.

• City offices will be closed on November 11th in observance of Veterans Day, with Monday’s garbage collection rescheduled to November 12th. Tuesday routes will proceed as usual, and residents are reminded to place their garbage out early. The city honors all veterans and encourages the community to join in recognizing their service.

• PHS Football will host the first round of the IHSA 3A football playoffs on November 1 at 7 PM, facing Oregon. Gates will open at 5 PM, and tickets are available at the gate for $6.

• Bureau County Farm Bureau is running a winter clothing drive, accepting new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, and socks for all ages to help local families in need. Donation boxes are available throughout the holiday season, with items distributed to community organizations.

• Bureau County Fairgrounds will host the “Home for the Holidays” Christmas light drive-thru from November 29th to December 22nd, with additional dates on December 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Friday and Saturday hours are 5 PM to 9 PM, with Sunday hours from 5 PM to 8 PM. Visitors are invited to enjoy the festive lights from the comfort of their vehicles.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball gave a strong effort but lost in two close sets, 25-27 and 21-25, in the IHSA Regional match against El Paso-Gridley. The team expressed gratitude to fans for their support throughout the season. A special thank you was extended to seniors Ellie and Karsyn for their dedication and contributions to the program.

• The Illinois Department of Transportation announced ongoing construction on I-80 between Bureau and La Salle counties. Overnight work will continue Sunday through Friday with one lane open in each direction, aiming for project completion by fall 2025. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes during the construction period.

• The City of Princeton will remove summer and fall decorations from local cemeteries starting November 15th. Residents are encouraged to collect any decorations they wish to keep before this date. Winter decorations can be placed after November 15th.

• Early voting is now open at the Princeton Moose Lodge and Spring Valley City Hall. The voting hours are 8 AM to 4 PM at the Moose Lodge and 9 AM to 3 PM at City Hall. Voters are invited to cast their ballots early this week at either location.

• The Princeton Veterans Group, American Legion Post 125 Auxiliary, and Daughters of the American Revolution will host a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park. The event will take place on November 11th at 10:45 AM. Community members are encouraged to attend in honor of local veterans.

• 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 188 others.

✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST 

🍫Princeton High School’s Interact Club is hosting its first annual Trunk or Treat on October 30th. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the PHS parking lot. It is open to all ages, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with fun treats. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

🍬Downtown Pub is also hosting a Halloween Trunk or Treat from 4:30 PM to 7 PM on October 31st. Families can enjoy candy and treats donated by local businesses, all in a safe indoor environment. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and celebrate Halloween with fun for all ages.

 🪄Michelle Gibbons will present a historical portrayal of Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz at the Princeton Public Library on Friday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Attendees will experience a theatrical journey into Garland’s life, covering her rise to fame, childhood, and personal struggles. The event promises an insightful exploration of the beloved actress’s story from a unique perspective.

💊A Medicare Supplement Seminar will be held on Saturday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Princeton Public Library. Tim Burgess will lead the seminar to help attendees explore Medicare options and address their needs. This free event is open to the public, and all are welcome to join.

🛢️Barrel Society is hosting “The Argonaut Co. Returns” on Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM at 930 N. Main St. Attendees can enjoy lobster rolls, oysters, clam chowder, and take-and-bake boils, with preorders available online. The event offers a great opportunity to indulge in fresh seafood.

🎸Next Thing Smokin’ will perform live at Hawg House Saloon on Saturday from 3 PM to 6 PM. The band will feature popular country hits from the 80s and 90s. Attendees are invited to enjoy great music at 18066 US Highway 6.

🎄THE CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Christmas Market in Princeton, presented by Midland States Bank, will take place on December 14th from 10 AM to 8 PM. Hosted at Rotary Park, the event will feature arts and crafts, festive food and drinks, and live music. Local artisans and vendors will display unique items for holiday shoppers.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal treats and beverages while browsing handcrafted goods. The event offers entertainment for all ages, with a joyful holiday atmosphere. Vendor applications are currently being accepted, with more information available at princetontourism.org.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Today: Cloudy with occasional showers throughout the day, with a high of 82°F. Evening brings occasional storms, with a low of 55°F and winds at 10 to 15 mph, along with a 90% chance of rain.

🌤️Thursday: Expect sunshine and clouds mixed, reaching a high of 57°F with winds at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy, dropping to a low of 33°F with light and variable winds.

🌤️Friday: Sunshine with a few clouds during the day, with a high around 55°F and winds at 10 to 15 mph. Evening skies will be partly cloudy, with a low of 36°F and light, variable winds.

⛅️Saturday: Morning brings a mix of clouds and sun, with cloudy skies in the afternoon and a high of 61°F. Rain is likely in the evening, with thunder possible, a low of 50°F, and an 80% chance of precipitation.

⏰Daylight Savings Ends Soon

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, with clocks falling back an hour. On Sunday, sunrise will be at 6:36 AM, and sunset will occur at 4:53 PM.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.33
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.36
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Speedway: $2.81

🤝KENT TYNE BENEFIT

A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids attending by donation at the door. Doors open at 3 pm, with a silent auction from 3-6 pm, followed by a live auction from 6-8 pm conducted by Rediger Auction Service. Food will be served from 4-6 pm, and live music by the Wild Card Band will be featured from 8-11 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Kent was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and is receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Proceeds will help support Kent and his wife, Whitney, as they navigate medical expenses while unable to work. For more information or tickets, contact Barbie at 815-303-3182, Cathy at 941-524-9595, or Staci at 815-503-4427. T-shirts are available through Ashley at Grace & Mae Designs at 815-878-6384.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Store Manager | The Princeton Closet | Full Time | Pay Not Provided

The Princeton Closet is seeking a full-time store manager. The Closet is a faith-based resale organization whose mission is to give back to the community. The manager works full time M-F with once-a-month Saturdays required. Other requirements include retail sales management experience, team orientation, leadership, excellent communication, computer skills, financial skills, and past work with volunteers is a plus. Submit all resumes to [email protected].

• Residential Service Associate | NORTH CENTRAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Account Manager | Lorita Hellman - State Farm Agent | Full Time | $32,000 - $70,000 a year

• Preschool Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full Time | $14.50 - $15.00 an hour

• Scheduling Coordinator | Corteva | 8 Hour Shift | Pay Info Not Provided

• Weekend Porter | Culver’s | Part Time | $15 - $16 an hour

• Office Assistant | Gateway Services, Inc | Part Time | Pay Info Not Provided

• Administrative Assistant | Taylor’s Way | Full Time | $16 - $19 an hour

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A beautiful farmhouse located at 23779 1480 Ave N, Princeton, is listed for $325,000. This 4-6 bedroom home, sitting on 4.3 acres, blends old charm with modern updates, including a new water softener, electrical system, and furnace in 2024. The home is well-equipped for horse owners with a two-stall barn and a large machine shed. Inside, the property offers spacious wood flooring, a sunroom, and main floor laundry. With its serene country setting and updated features, this home offers both comfort and functionality.

• Located in the charming Timber Ridge subdivision, this ranch home at 2332 Amelia Dr. offers a grand and welcoming feel with a beautiful brick front exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open floor plan living and dining area featuring high ceilings and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and soft-close hardware, perfect for hosting. The home includes a sunroom, a fully finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, and a large family room with in-floor heating. Key updates include a new HVAC system in 2022 and a new roof in 2023, ensuring low maintenance for years to come.

• A well-maintained four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home located at 1133 W Clark St, is available for $219,000. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances and opens to a cozy family room featuring a gas log fireplace. Recent updates include new patio doors, a roof from 2020, and a Generac generator installed in 2022. The upstairs has four bedrooms, with the primary bedroom featuring a bath and double closets. The property includes a two-car attached garage and is situated on a crawl space with access to the garage.

📸TWO ANGELS DESIGN EVENTS

Pop Up Santa Mini

• Personalized Santa Visit: Enjoy a 10-minute private meeting with Santa.

• Photo Package: Receive two 5x7 printed photos (same pose) and one digital image as a keepsake.

• Additional Options: Purchase extra digital images or prints on-site.

• Magic Upgrade: Add a touch of enchantment with a magical edit delivered in a gallery in 1-2 days.

• Free Hot Chocolate: Warm up with one delicious complimentary hot chocolate.

• Holiday Crafts: Keep the kids entertained with festive crafts.

• Packages starting at $125

Family Christmas Portraits

• Cozy Christmas: Snuggle up in your pajamas and enjoy a festive atmosphere with our warm, inviting backdrop.

• Elegant Holiday: Dress to impress and create stunning portraits in front of our Farm Fresh Christmas Tree backdrop.

• Packages starting at $125

Santa’s Magical Adventure with Santa John (Original Santa for returning clients)

• One-on-one time with Santa: Your children will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a gift.

• Story time with Santa: Snuggle up with Santa and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas story together.

• Cookies: No Santa visit is complete without Mrs.Clauses delicious cookies.

• Beautiful, lasting images: Our experienced photographer will capture precious moments of your children's magical Santa experience.

• More than just photos, it's a tradition!

• 30 minutes —$325

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• The Bureau County Senior Center will host a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 10th, at 11:30 AM. Attendees need to RSVP by December 3rd by contacting Sam at 815-879-3981.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is featuring a special S’mores Milkshake for October, with toasted marshmallow flavor, chocolate chips, graham cracker bits, and whipped cream. A new shake or float will debut each month, only available during that month.

• Combined Cleaning & Restoration is offering $50 off any pressure washing or house washing service, available until April 31st. They invite customers to explore their services online and enjoy the benefit of a 24-hour response guarantee. This limited-time offer encourages residents to act soon before it expires.

• Boek-el-ZOO will open from 5 PM to 7 PM on Halloween night, offering treats and welcoming visitors in costume. The store promises fun surprises—none involving cockroaches unless requested. Everyone is invited to stop by and show off their imaginative costumes.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has unveiled their October specials with two limited-time treats: a S’mores Milkshake and a Caramel Apple Float. Each month brings new shakes and floats, available only during that month. Customers are invited to stop by and enjoy these fall-themed creations before they’re gone.

• Dairy Queen on Main Street shared an inventory update on remaining novelties, including cupcakes, cakes, and various Dilly Bar flavors. They have limited quantities of specialty items like Heath, chocolate, and reduced sugar bars. Customers are encouraged to grab their favorites while supplies last.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware will begin its winter hours on Sunday, November 3rd. Sunday hours will be 8 AM to 6 PM, while Monday through Saturday the store will open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the adjusted schedule during the winter months.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food will operate Wednesday to Friday this week, with lunch service from 10:30 AM to 2 PM and dinner from 4 PM to 6:30 PM (7 PM on Friday). They will close early at 5:30 PM on Thursday and remain closed on Saturday. Patrons are invited to enjoy their meals during the available hours this week.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is hosting several winter events, including Igloo Dining, Holiday Tea, and Thanksgiving sides to-go. Igloo Dining, starting December 5th, offers a cozy private experience for up to six people, complete with blankets and champagne. Reservations are open for holiday teas on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd, with three seating times each day.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course announced its 2025 rates, with green fees set at $450, a single cart fee at $475, and a couple cart fee at $600. Payments are due by December 1st. Members are encouraged to secure their rates before the deadline.

• Kinetico Water Systems promotes its K5 with VOC Guard, offering eight filter options to enhance water quality. The system protects against volatile organic compounds, including cleaners, solvents, and pesticides. Customers are invited to contact their Princeton Kinetico to explore the benefits and fall in love with their water again.

• On the Homestead Crossfit reminds members there are 64 days left in 2024, encouraging them to finish the year strong and enter 2025 in good health. A free first week is available to new members. They welcome everyone to join and kickstart their fitness journey during the holidays.

• The City of Princeton Animal Control has new cats and kittens available for adoption. Visitors are welcome to meet the new arrivals from 8 AM to 4 PM this week at 1118 N. Church Street. This is a great opportunity for anyone considering adding a feline friend to their home.

• Rachel Rene will close at 2 PM on October 31st to prepare for their holiday launch. The store will reopen on November 1st at 10 AM, offering holiday pajamas, lounge wear, and bath and body products. Customers are invited to experience the festive spirit at 620 S. Main Street.

• The Black Rose Saloon presents the Haunted Circus & Carnival on November 2 from 8 PM to 2 AM, featuring games, snacks, and a DJ starting at 9 PM. A costume contest will take place at midnight, with sign-ups required by 10 PM. The event promises a thrilling night of entertainment and fun.

• Gateway Services is hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday, November 2 at the Princeton Moose Lodge. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and trivia starts at 6 PM, with food available from 5-6 PM and a cash bar. The entry fee is $15 per person, and teams of 8 can compete for cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.

🍼THE MAGI GALA AT THE BARN

The Magi Gala will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. This Valentine’s-themed event will benefit The Magi Baby Chest, a baby supply center.

Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:00 p.m., with a cash bar available. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and dancing with the Steve Sharp Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with formal attire requested. Tickets and donations are available online at www.magibabychest.com. They can also be purchased at the St. Louis Church parish office. This event promises an elegant evening supporting a great cause.

✉️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.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Illinois Secretary of State announces new requirement for teen drivers applying for permits

• Guy Fieri's 5 Favorite Illinois Diners, Drive-Ins & Diner Foods

• After investigating a string of cemetery robberies, the Illinois police were able to finally arrest the suspect.

• Two Of Three Suspects Charged In La Salle Stabbing; Third Suspect Sought

• The Illinois Department of Corrections has listed these armed and dangerous fugitives as the state's most wanted criminals.

• It's hard to fathom how much of Chicago's history (much of it tragic) can be buried in just one place, but that is the case for a cemetery in Illinois that contains the remains of Al Capone and some of his most notorious mobsters and even rivals.

• On November 3 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, the Mineral United Methodist Church will offer a community dinner with pulled pork and hot dog meals. Chef Eran Salzmann will prepare the pulled pork, followed by a pie auction and raffles. Meals include drinks and desserts, creating a fun and family-friendly evening.

• The Royal Super Mart in Sheffield has introduced a new app offering personalized deals, coupons, and weekly ads. Users can register, browse offers, and apply discounts directly through the app. The app is available for download on both Google Play and the App Store.

🧀FRUIT, MEAT, & CHEESE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BOOSTERS

The Princeton High School Music Boosters are raising funds by sponsoring a citrus fundraiser. This is the same fruit fundraiser held by the Princeton Optimist Club and most recently Boy Scout Troop 6368. This year, the fundraiser has been passed to the PHS Music Boosters.

“We are very excited to do be able to continue this fundraiser in the Princeton area.” Linnea Campbell, PHSMB Treasurer stated. “We have changed it up a bit by using a company out of Iowa and adding additional items. In addition to Texas grapefruit and California oranges, we’ve added apples and pears, from the states of Washington and Oregon. Also available are clementine’s, select nuts, cheese spreads, and beef sticks. Our goal is to sell at least 250 items.”

Items available include individual cases of oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, or clementines, mixed cases of oranges, grapefruit, apples, and pears, premium cashews, chocolate covered mixed nuts, gourmet beef sticks, sharp cheddar cheese spread, smokey bacon cheese spread, original beef jerky, and sweet kickin’ beef jerky. Delivery is scheduled for mid-December, just in time for Christmas.

Orders are being taken until Wednesday, November 6th and may be given to any PHS Music Booster member. If you don’t know a member, feel free to contact one of the Booster officers: Linnea Campbell at 815-878-7645, Jeremy Whitfield at 815-866-7966, Victoria Whitfield at 815-303-7969, Janet Frost at 815-719-2119, or Ben Atkinson at 815-866-5465. You may also contact us through our Facebook page, Princeton Music Boosters.

Profits from the fundraiser will benefit the band and choir programs at Princeton High School.

🥶PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

A Winter Storm Warning indicates that severe winter weather, such as heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet, is either happening or about to occur, with warnings issued 12 to 24 hours before the event. In contrast, a Winter Storm Watch signals the potential for such weather within 12 to 48 hours, giving people time to prepare. A Winter Weather Advisory informs of less severe conditions that can still cause disruptions and risks, requiring caution to avoid dangerous situations.

It is important to stay informed by monitoring weather reports and signing up for emergency alerts through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) or NOAA Weather Radio. Preparing your home involves using insulation, caulking, and weather stripping to prevent heat loss and freezing pipes, along with installing and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Keep enough supplies, including medications and pet essentials, to last several days. In vehicles, an emergency kit with jumper cables, sand, warm clothes, blankets, water, and non-perishable food is essential, along with keeping the gas tank full.

During winter storms, avoid driving if possible, and stay indoors unless necessary. If you need to be outside, wear multiple layers of clothing to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Recognize frostbite by symptoms such as numbness or pale, waxy skin and treat it by gradually warming the affected area. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F, requiring immediate warming of the chest, neck, head, and groin areas.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators and grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows or doors, and install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Generators must remain dry and protected from the elements to prevent electric shocks. Proper preparation and caution can help reduce risks and ensure safety during harsh winter conditions.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].