🪨Winter Weather Advisory, Alpacas, and The Bike Place

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. In 2023, U.S. holiday retail sales reached $955.6 billion, marking a 3.87% increase from the previous year. Among the best-selling toys of all time, Barbie leads with over a billion dolls sold since her debut in 1959, followed by LEGO, which has captivated generations with its versatile building sets. Additionally, the Rubik’s Cube has sold over 350 million units worldwide, making it one of the top-selling puzzles ever.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎅Christmas Market Vendors
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🥫Feed the Need
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opening
🔭A Look Ahead
🎭Festival 56 Summer Schedule
🪨Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Maria Crew and Adrianna Husser! 🎂

• Bureau County EMA has issued a winter weather advisory for this morning, with freezing rain and gusty winds expected. Roads, sidewalks, and bridges may become slippery, with possible power outages. Residents are advised to travel cautiously and check road conditions in advance.

• Starved Rock Media: The Bureau County Board has sold the former jail property to Inescapable Holdings, LLC, for $151,000. The facility will be converted into a jail-themed venue for events, escape-room activities, and parties. Parking and portions of the property will remain under county management.

• KWQC: Trace Adkins to play Bureau County Fair

• Princeton Girls Basketball celebrated its 500th win in program history with Thursday win against Mendota. The team acknowledged the efforts of players, coaches, and supporters throughout the years. The program looks forward to continuing its success. From the BCR: “Princeton girls basketball started in 1973-74 with a 6-3 record. Thursday's win was the 500th in program history. The Tigresses' overall record is 500-718, good for .411 winning percentage.“

• The “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Craft & Vendor Show and Gift Sale will take place today from 9 AM to 2 PM at 811 West Peru Street. For more information, visit www.bureaucountyfair.com or call 815-866-3606.

• The Bureau County Historical Society invites visitors to see the 1912 Titanic exhibit featuring Nellie Becker’s survival story, open for the last time at the Newell Bryant Museum today. A Holiday Open House will take place today at the Clark Norris Museum, with live music from Sarah Brooks’ students from 2 to 4 p.m., and the museums will close for winter break after Saturday. The admin office remains open through December 20, and next year’s exhibits and events will be announced soon.

• Santa Claus will visit the Princeton Firehouse on Tuesday, December 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Families are invited to meet Santa and enjoy this special holiday event.

• Logan Junior High School is hiring classroom paraprofessionals for the 2024–2025 school year, starting January 6, 2025. The role involves assisting teachers and students in education, supervision, and management; licensing information is available online, and applications can be directed to Mr. Zach Smith.

• Princeton Bible Church invites you for their Christmas Eve Service, The Story of His Love, at 6pm. Yours truly will be singing a song with his family.

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🎅PRINCETON TOURISM: CHRISTMAS MARKET

Join us for the First Annual Christmas Market, now in the cozy Elowen Room from 11AM-4PM. Shop from a variety of unique vendors and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Here's who you'll see:

Midland States Bank: Selling commemorative mugs and free hot cocoa
Walters' Décor Shoppe: Wreaths and skincare items
Carter's Coins & Collectibles
The Magic Of Creation: Handmade bows
Two Angels: Selfie booth and bookings
OE Custom Creations
Once Upon A Craft: Ornament Bar and gifts
Simmering Scents: Potpourri packs
Susan Pierson: Children's Author
3D Printed Animals
Pampered Chef
Scentsy
Avajo.co: Handmade jewelry
Bella's Kitchen Conversation
Milestone Bakery
The Alpaca Shop: Alpaca products
Scooter's Coffee
A Little Bit of This and That: Crafts

We are excited to team up with Barrel Society during the event. Stop in for some spiced German red wine and sip while you shop.

While you're here, take time to explore Princeton's Main Street. Visit our local shops for unique gifts and decorations, and enjoy dining at our wonderful restaurants. Make it a full day of holiday cheer!

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Saturday: Showers in the morning will transition to cloudy skies by the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high near 40°F, with south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rainfall is likely with an 80% chance. The evening will bring partly cloudy skies, with lows around 34°F and light southwest winds.

🌥️Sunday: The day will be mostly cloudy with a high of 45°F and south-southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Clouds will persist into the evening, with occasional late showers developing. Low temperatures will settle at 39°F, accompanied by steady south-southwest winds. The chance of rain overnight is 20%.

🌥️Monday: Considerable cloudiness is expected with scattered rain showers throughout the day. Highs will peak at 46°F, with west-southwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph. By nightfall, the skies will partially clear, leading to lows of 27°F. Northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph will maintain a brisk atmosphere.

Winter Mix Alert: Ice and Snow Could Impact Travel

A complicated weather system is moving toward Princeton, Illinois, bringing a mix of snow, freezing rain, and regular rain. Cold air at the surface will make it hard for temperatures to warm up quickly, creating icy conditions. Inversions, where warmer air above the ground causes rain to freeze when it hits the cold ground, could make travel slippery. Areas to the north may see up to 0.25 inches of ice before it warms enough for rain, while snow might briefly mix in before or after the freezing rain.

The precipitation is expected to start Saturday morning in southern areas and by the afternoon in northern parts. Models show mixed predictions, with some forecasting higher ice amounts than others. Snowfall totals are uncertain, but it looks like most of the wintry weather will stay to the north of Princeton.

A winter weather advisory is in effect, with icy roads likely making travel tricky on Saturday. The storm should clear out Saturday night, and Sunday looks milder, with highs in the low to mid-40s, depending on how much snow and ice remain. If you’re traveling this weekend, especially on Saturday, keep an eye on the forecast and stay safe!

Adapted from tswails.com

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.23
Casey’s West/North: $3.26
Beck’s West/North: $3.26
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.26
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.27

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.76

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week. Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering will have a Christmas Brunch with Santa tomorrow, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Reservations are now open for this festive event featuring Santa and the Grinch.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is offering freshly made caramel, cheese, and plain popcorn, with bags priced at $4.99 and $6.99. Holiday popcorn tins are available for $20 (small) and $35 (large), with a $5 discount for preorders. Customers can enjoy these handmade treats for the season.

• Optimal Health has introduced a selection of plant-based crackers from Mary’s Gone Crackers. The offerings include organic options such as cheese, sea salt, chocolate, cinnamon, and honey flavors. These healthy snacks are now available in-store.

• Corner Chair Market features a six-drawer black dresser, combining style with ample storage space. The dresser is presented as a great gift idea for the season. Customers are encouraged to visit the store to view this unique piece.

• Boek-el-ZOO invites shoppers for a unique experience with exotic pets and special deals this weekend. For every $25 spent, customers are entered into a Lottery Tree drawing, which will be held on December 20. The store combines shopping with entertainment for the holidays.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe has Christmas mugs for sale, perfect for coffee or hot chocolate. The collection features festive designs to brighten up the season. Customers are encouraged to explore these unique holiday offerings in-store.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store supports the Friends of Stray Shelter with proceeds from second-hand treasures and holiday gift items. Shoppers can find home decor, clothing, and other surprises while contributing to a good cause. The store is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

• Four Seasons is offering 40 percent off Baggallini Mini Carryall Totes, now available for $47.39. This limited-time sale applies to both in-store and online purchases. Customers can take advantage of this discount to shop for stylish and functional bags.

• Paisano’s Ristorante has brought back its Pepperoni Lover pizza for a limited time, featuring three types of pepperoni with mozzarella cheese and hot honey. The pizza is available during regular business hours. Customers are invited to savor this seasonal specialty.

• The Bike Place is celebrating distributing 4,000 bikes since 2018 with a special sale. Proceeds support their Pedal it Forward program, which provides bikes to those in need. The sale runs today until 6 PM and tomorrow from 9:30 AM to 1 PM.

• Guys and Gals Salon is offering Amika dry shampoo box sets for $33, discounted from $54. This sale is available for a limited time and highlights the product as a great gift option. Customers are encouraged to shop early while supplies last.

• Prairie Arts Council is featuring holiday cards designed by contest winner Maddie Hildebrand. Packs of six cards are available for $10 at Eclectic Joy. The cards showcase Maddie’s artwork and make a meaningful seasonal gift.

• Simply Nutrition is featuring a Christmas menu and offering personalized stocking stuffer options. Customers can preorder items through December 25 to access special deals. Holiday offerings include festive shakes, hot cocoa flavors, and gift bundles.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar will offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday for the next two weekends from 11 AM to 2 PM. Menu highlights include fresh waffles and other seasonal dishes prepared by their team. Guests are invited to stop by and enjoy a relaxing meal.

• Kinetico Water Systems promotes its chloramine reduction system for improving water quality. The system provides whole-house treatment and is certified by the Water Quality Association. It is designed to address the growing use of chloramine in water treatment plants.

• Apollo Theater has released its updated schedule featuring films like “Bonhoeffer,” “Moana 2,” and “Sonic 3.” Highlights include a pajama premiere on Thursday and open-captioned screenings on Sundays. The theater encourages guests to take advantage of its full lineup this week.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is hosting a Nerf event on Friday, December 20, with sessions for K–2nd grade (2:45–3:30 PM), 3rd–5th grade (3:45–4:30 PM), and 6th–8th grade (4:45–5:30 PM). Participants should bring their own launchers, while standard darts and balls will be provided (or bring your own larger ammo if needed). The cost is $10 for members, $15 for residents, and $20 for non-residents. The Alexander Ice Rink is now open for the season with hours from 12–8 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 12–7 p.m. Friday–Sunday. Ice skates are available for $5 rental, with all rentals to be returned before closing. For details, contact the Metro Center.

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🥫STARVED ROCK MEDIA: FEED THE NEED

As the need grows, Feed the Need grows, too. 

With more Illinois Valley families than ever facing food insecurity, Miller Group Charitable Trust and we here at Starved Rock Media are expanding the annual Christmas Feed the Need fund drive. 

This month, when you make a monetary donation to one of five food pantries, the Trust will match the gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $17,500. The participating food pantries are the Bureau County Food Pantry, Community Food Basket of Ottawa, Hall Township Food Pantry, Illinois Valley Food Pantry, and Putnam County Food Pantry.

Just click here to learn more, and to be directed to the pantries online.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Buda Community Club is hosting Kids Christmas Shopping for parents and grandparents. Shopping hours are December 14 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Kids shop for free, and no additional times will be offered.

• Santa will be visiting Sheffield Community Center on December 14 from 10 AM to 11 AM. Children can share their wish lists with Santa and receive sacks of candy from his helpers. This event is sponsored by the Sheffield Lions Club.

• Sheffield’s West Park ice rink is now open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Conditions of the ice will be updated on park signage and Facebook. Lights and heated restrooms are available, with plans for project phases two and three underway.

• Holiday Light Shows in Illinois

• “In an effort for public transparency we would like to provide an update into the death investigation in which human remains were located in rural Kewanee on 03/10/24.“

• Well-Being Check Turns Into Arrest in Bureau County

• Reckless Driving Stop Leads To Weapons Charges In Spring Valley

• Illinois residents, get ready—2025 is bringing some big changes to how we handle driver’s licenses and IDs. From the long-awaited Real ID deadline to new expiration rules, here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the chaos

• Four people from Central Illinois were arrested Tuesday after a chase on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

The Deli Clerk position at Sullivan’s Foods is a part-time role in Princeton. Responsibilities include slicing, weighing, and packaging deli products, preparing salads, and serving food from the hot case. Employees are also expected to ensure cleanliness and visual appeal in the deli area, comply with food safety regulations, and may assist with tasks like dishwashing or catering assembly. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and adhere to safety standards. Benefits include 401(k) matching, health insurance, and paid time off, along with opportunities for career growth and employee stock ownership. The position offers flexible scheduling to balance work with personal responsibilities. Sullivan’s Foods fosters a dynamic and inclusive workplace, encouraging diversity and innovation. Employees also enjoy a vibrant team culture with recognition programs and leadership opportunities.

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-Thru (November 29th - December 25th): Drive through the dazzling holiday lights at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Special openings on December 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Hosted by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bureau County Fair.

Home for the Holidays: Christmas Craft & Vendor Show (today): Explore unique crafts and gifts at the Bureau County Fairgrounds from 9 AM to 2 PM. Admission is free, making it a perfect opportunity to find holiday treasures while supporting local vendors. The fairgrounds are located at 811 West Peru Street. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, visit www.bureaucountyfair.com or call 815-866-3606.

Christmas Market (today): Visit the festive Christmas Market at the Ellowan Room from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Ellowen Room. Enjoy arts and crafts, delicious food and drink, and live music. Presented by Midland States Bank, this event is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends. Vendor applications are currently being accepted. For more information, call 815-876-2565 or visit princetontourism.org.

Nerf Event at the Metro Center (Friday, December 20): Join the action-packed Nerf event at the Bureau County Metro Center with sessions for K–2nd grade (2:45–3:30 PM), 3rd–5th grade (3:45–4:30 PM), and 6th–8th grade (4:45–5:30 PM). Participants should bring their own launchers; standard darts and balls will be provided, or you can bring your own larger ammo if needed. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for residents, and $20 for non-residents.

💪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!

🎭Festival 56

Festival 56 asks: Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite theatergoer? Or perhaps you’d like to treat yourself to the world of drama, laughter, and unforgettable performances? Don’t miss out on ticket savings!

The Santa Special Festival Pass for 2025 is $150.00, and the Flex Four package for 2025 is $110.00. Purchase online at Festival56.com or at the Box Office at 316 S. Main St., Princeton, which will be open on Saturdays, December 14th and 21st, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

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.

🪨LETTER FROM LORI

This morning, as I sit with my hot tea and critter companions in my cozy chair by a drafty window, I find myself pondering the ‘grand design.’ By nature, I am a creative crafter. I love taking a pile of materials and transforming them into something beautiful and thoughtful for someone I care about. Gifts from the heart are, to me, the most precious gifts one can give.

With Christmas approaching and my budget tight, I’m searching for ways to bless my friends and family in ways that truly express my love for them. Over the years, I’ve amassed a vast collection of materials—what some might view as a chaotic heap of junk. Beulah, the mischievous demon cat, has taken great pleasure in exploring this collection, scattering bits and pieces throughout the house. Even the larger items, like bricks and paving stones, haven’t escaped her antics. She manages to topple them over, adding to the mess.

From an outsider’s perspective, that cluttered pile in front of the TV couldn’t possibly yield anything meaningful or beautiful. Rusty nails? Ancient clothespins? Paving stones? Rocks? Who would want those as gifts? How could rocks warm a heart?

Well, those rusty nails came from my grandfather’s overwhelming collection of tools and construction supplies in his shed. I used them to make crosses. The old, faded plastic clothespins were among my mother’s belongings—kept carefully in an old cigar box. I’m pretty sure she never secretly smoked cigars in the upstairs bedroom, so I’ve always wondered why she had them. Though they seemed ugly and outdated, I used a glue gun to fashion them into a cross for my daughter. She’ll probably tell me it’s hideous and tease me about the outdated colors, but later, when she reflects on her Grammy and the rich memories they shared, I know she’ll shed a tear. (Don’t worry about ruining the surprise—she doesn’t read my column. Shhh!)

The paving stones came from the yard where my children grew up and where I spent 32 years of my life. I had laid those stones while beautifying our home, sacrificing my back in the process. Financial circumstances forced me to leave that house this year, but I brought a piece of it with me in the form of those moldy stones. Cleaned up and painted, they’ll make beautiful additions to my family’s yards and cost me nothing more than a few scrapes on my arthritic hands.

The rocks, also destined to be painted, were part of my mother’s collection—‘gifts’ from her grandchildren over the years. She lovingly displayed them in a bowl in her home, as if to say, These aren’t just rocks. They’re tokens of love.

As I reflect this morning, I think of God, the Master Craftsman. Like me, He probably looks at our lives the way I look at Hobby Lobby—seeing endless possibilities. He takes the mess of our lives, the jumble of experiences, and shapes them into a final masterpiece.

At times, we might not see any rhyme or reason to the chaos in front of us. But when the wrapping comes off, and we read the card, we pause, take a deep breath, and say, “Aww.” We look at the finished masterpiece with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Maybe we shed a tear or two (or 500, depending on our emotional state). In that moment, we appreciate every messy part of our lives and don’t mind so much the scars we’ve gathered along the way.

Because when we see the nails in that cross, we know—deep in our hearts—the love and sacrifice that went into its making.

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

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