🏐500 Wins, Parade Awards, and Facebook Scams

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It’s hump day, neighbor. Let’s take a moment to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost that day. Remember the bravery of those first responders, and our everyday heroes here in Princeton. Let’s continue to honor those who left family and friends to fight the global war on terrorism.

We won’t forget.

And we won’t forget the unity that followed that day. Let’s use today as a reminder to stand together and uphold the strength, resilience, and compassion that carried us through as Americans.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🏠Princeton Home for Sale
🤥Avoid the Latest Facebook Scams
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Homestead Parade Winners
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunity
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🚨From the Princeton Fire Department

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• This month, the Princeton Public Library is showcasing its digital offerings to encourage the use of its electronic services. Patrons can access e-books, audiobooks, and online courses through the library’s mobile app and website.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball achieved a program sweep against Mendota, with wins from all levels. The Freshmen team won 25-16, 25-18, the Sophomores won 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, and the Varsity team won 25-16, 25-18. Their next match is at home on Thursday against Erie-Prophetstown. Additionally, Coach Puck celebrated his 500th career win.

• PHS football (2-0) will play Sherrard (0-2) at home Friday, at 7pm. Sherrard lost to Rockridge week one 6-42, and to Mercy County 14-34. Casey Etheridge has 219 total rushing yards, according to MaxPreps, which is #2 in the Three Rivers - Mississippi conference. Ace Christiansen leads the team with 3 touchdowns.

• Bureau County Senior Center will start taking appointments for prescription drug open enrollment on October 1st. Call 815-879-3981 for more information or to schedule an appointment. The center aims to assist with Medicare-related enrollment needs.

• Legacy Leaders Men's Group is meeting on today at 10:30 AM at the Greenfield Retirement Home. This event is exclusively for men. For more information or to sign up, contact Sam at 815-879-3981.

• Mark your calendar for the Monster Mash Balloon Bash at the Bureau County Fair on October 12th. Enjoy tricks, treats, and scares for a spooktacular time.

• The MomCo of Bureau County, also known as the "Mom Community," is a group for moms to connect, receive encouragement, and share the journey of motherhood. They meet at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton from 6–8 pm on the following dates for the 2024-2025 season: September 17th, October 8th, November 5th, December 3rd, January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, and May 6th. The group offers dinner, childcare, and parenting tips, and encourages moms to follow them on Facebook for updates.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST

📚 Page Turners Book Club will meet at 698 E Peru St on Thursday, September 12, from 6–7:30 PM, to discuss a gripping historical mystery. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

🎤 Downtown Pub & Event Center at 432 S Main St will host Open Mic & Karaoke on Thursday, September 12, at 8:30 PM. Performers are invited to sign up, and content must be appropriate for a general audience.

👻 Join the fun at 906 North Main Street at the Knack for the Beetlejuice Paint Party on Friday, September 13th from 4–7 PM. Choose spooky pottery to paint for the event, with prices ranging from $5 for kids and students and $8 for adults, plus the cost of the pottery, which starts at $10. Painted pottery will be fired in time for the Halloween season, and you can contact the store during business hours for more details.

🌿 The Artisan Market at Hornbaker’s will be held at 11491 2300 St E on Saturday, September 14th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Expect 30+ fine artists, live music, wine tasting, local produce, ice cream, and local lunch fare in a beautiful country setting. Admission is free, and you can follow their Facebook page for all the latest updates.

💊 The Princeton Public Library will offer a free Medicare Supplement Seminar on Saturday, September 14, from 10 AM–2:30 PM, located at 698 E Peru St. All are welcome to attend.

⛪️ Celebrate the 175th anniversary of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church at 15199 2825 East Street on Sunday, September 15th at 9:30 AM. This special anniversary service will be led by Northern Illinois Synod Bishop Stacie Fidlar, marking both the founding of the church and the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary building. All members and former members are invited to attend this milestone event.

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

Ranch style home at 830 Bruce Lane, Princeton, IL 61356, Bureau County. Located in Greencroft, a desirable subdivision on the west side of Princeton.

A spacious single story home built in 1981. This home offers 1878 +/- sq. ft. which includes an eat-in kitchen, dining room w/gas fireplace, living room, family room and 3 bedrooms (1 currently a laundry room). There is a partial basement, 19' x 22' garage and a new driveway in 2020. All appliances will be included.

The home has vinyl siding, asphalt shingle roof, gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Lot size is 76.75 x 159.37 x 142.65 x 153.73 (.4 acres). The backyard opens up to 7 acres of open meadow owned by the city.

Tax ID # is #16-17-452-020, 2023 taxes paid in 2024 were $3,685.38.

Asking price - $220,000. This property is being sold as is.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

🤥AVOID THE LATEST FACEBOOK SCAMS

Facebook has become a primary target for scammers, resulting in Americans losing nearly $1.5 billion to social media scams in 2023. Over 62% of users face scam attempts weekly, with Facebook being the most affected platform. Cybercriminals exploit various tactics, from fake giveaways and fraudulent charity campaigns to Marketplace scams. Some prevalent scams include offers of too-good-to-be-true prizes, fake charity drives, “I can’t believe he’s gone” posts designed to trick users into revealing login details, and requests for Google Voice codes during Marketplace transactions.

Other scams involve underpriced luxury items, sending deposits for items that don't exist, or phishing attempts via fake friend accounts. Romance and sextortion scams are also rampant, where fraudsters manipulate victims emotionally, leading them to share personal information or explicit content that is later used for extortion.

To protect against these threats, users are advised to verify the legitimacy of any prize offers, avoid payments via unconventional methods, and be cautious when engaging with emotionally charged posts or suspicious Marketplace offers. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and using strong, unique passwords are critical in securing personal accounts. Facebook users should also avoid clicking on unknown links or providing sensitive information in direct messages, even if they seem to come from trusted sources.

Ultimately, vigilance and awareness of these tactics are essential to avoid becoming a victim of the latest Facebook scams.

Adapted from How To Spot and Avoid the Latest Facebook Scams of 2024

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🕰️Heads up: We lose more than 50 minutes of daylight between now and the end of the month.

☀️Today: expect a sunny day with a high of 86°F. Winds will be coming from the south at 5 to 10 mph, making for a pleasant day with a UV index on the higher side. The evening will remain clear with a low of 54°F, and winds becoming lighter and variable.

☀️Thursday: the skies will be mostly sunny, with a high of 87°F. Winds from the east at 5 to 10 mph will keep conditions comfortable throughout the day. The night will bring overcast conditions, with temperatures dropping to around 62°F and light winds.

⛅️Friday: it will be cloudy, with temperatures reaching a high of 79°F. Winds will increase to 10 to 15 mph, blowing from the east, making for a breezy but mild day. The evening will stay cloudy, with a low of 63°F, and winds calming to 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️Princeton Gas Prices

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.53
Casey’s West/North: $3.59
Beck’s West/North: $3.59
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.62
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.59

🏆HOMESTEAD PARADE AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to this years’ recipients!

• Owen lovejoy commercial - Central Bank #8

• Owen lovejoy non commercial - Tiskilwa Historical Society #24

• Most humorous commercial - Gary Swanson #34

• Most humorous non commercial - Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors #5

• Mayor’s trophy commercial - Boggios #47

• Mayors trophy non commercial - Lions Club

• Grand Marshall’s commercial - Brazel Farms #55

• Grand Marshall’s non commercials - Shadows of the Blue and Gray #26

• Church/religious organization - Princeton Christian Academy #32

• Ambassadors choice - Starved Rock Jeeps

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITY

• Sophisticuts Salon is hiring full-time and part-time cosmetologists, offering a positive, clean, and fun workplace. They are looking for shiny, happy people who love coloring hair and styling cuts for men, women, and children, including special occasion styles. This is a great opportunity for Illinois licensed cosmetologists seeking a stable, friendly, and long-term work environment. The salon provides guaranteed hourly pay, training, and paid vacation, with wages up to $25 per hour. Applicants can email their resume to [email protected] or call 815-579-6993.

• In Home Care Connection Hospice Services is actively seeking compassionate individuals dedicated to hospice care for the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant. This part-time position offers a pay rate of $19.00 per hour, with benefits including a flexible schedule and travel reimbursement. Applicants must have been in their previous job for at least one year to qualify for a matching 401(k) program. The required qualifications include a CNA certification and a driver's license, and candidates must possess reliable transportation. Interested parties are encouraged to apply if they are looking for a meaningful and rewarding opportunity in hospice care.

• KS Lawn and Snow LLC is looking to hire a part-time worker for the remainder of the year to work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, approximately 20 hours per week. Experience is preferred, and pay is based on experience. Interested candidates should call or text (815) 878-6126 for more details.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Little Blue Dress has a new modern, basic dress by Thread & Supply made from the softest fabric. Stop by the shop to see it in person and explore their full collection.

• Pin Splitter Lanes is hosting Junior Bowling sign-ups on Saturday, September 14th, from 11 AM to 2 PM. If you or someone you know is interested in bowling, head to Pin Splitter Lanes to register. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to join the fun!

• Gill is a 4-year-old American Bully who is housebroken, loves car rides, and gets along well with dogs and people. He recently did great at his vet visit and is being treated for allergies with medicated baths and antibiotics. Gill is now looking great and would love for you to stop in and meet him at Friends of Strays.

• Hornbaker Gardens has expanded its sale on glazed pottery, offering 50% off on a wide selection of items. This sale is happening between their greenhouses, and only applies to red-stickered pots. It’s a perfect time to pick up some beautiful pottery for your garden.

• Play It Forward Counseling will be holding Taco Talks on September 23rd from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM at 618 N Main St. Attendees can enjoy tacos, meet the therapists, and tour the space. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the services offered.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream will be closed from October 1st to 5th for Tieg’s destination wedding. They wanted to give everyone an early notice about the temporary closure. The shop will reopen on October 8th.

• Four Seasons is now carrying new tops from Hailey & Co., Leo Nicole, and Dear Scarlett, perfect for the transition weather with their light fabrics, pretty colors, and flattering silhouettes. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Wild Honey Boutique now offers dry cleaning services, provided by Sanitary Cleaners. Drop off and pick up during regular store hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Barrel Society will welcome Chicago’s own Shannon Baker for a live performance on Friday, September 20th, at 7:00 p.m. There’s no cover, so come enjoy great tunes and a good time.

• Five 22 has just received new fall handbags from Street Level, crafted from soft faux leather. These bags are selling quickly, so visit the shop soon to snag your favorite style.

• Corner Chair Market is hosting a pumpkin-making class on Tuesday, September 17th, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will make three pumpkins with a variety of color options available, and snacks will be provided. Call to reserve your spot today: 815-915-7968.

• Optimal Health is offering 20% off your entire purchase on today when you bring your own bag. Take advantage of this deal to make space for their huge new grocery shipment arriving soon.

• Connections Studio is hosting a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 21, from 10 AM to 12 PM. The event celebrates National Dance Day and supports a great cause, with a $5 minimum donation per class benefiting the Second Story Teen Center. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is introducing Wine Wednesday, offering half off a bottle of wine (excluding wines sold by the bottle) every Wednesday. The bistro is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and Wednesday to Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM for dinner.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Wyanet Community Bible Church is hosting an After School VBS from September 9th-13th, 3:15 to 5:45 PM, for children in grades 1 through 6. This year’s theme is “The Great Jungle Journey” from Answers in Genesis, with fun activities and lessons planned.

• Petticoat Junction in Malden will host Party on the Patio at 27915 2060 North Ave on Sunday, September 15th from 2–6 PM, featuring the band SIDE HUSTLE.

• Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs sold in Illinois

• The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children just shared 9 Illinois kids who's whereabouts are unknown.

• Attention, Illinois train lovers: You've got one last chance to catch Union Pacific's iconic 4014 Big Boy steam engine before the locomotive chugs away.

• Walnut will be hosting town-wide garage sales on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find great deals throughout the town!

• The Buda Craft + Vendor Market is set for Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Buda School, 220 Stewart Street. This event offers a variety of craft and vendor booths, with 10’ x 10’ spaces available for $10 each. Enjoy lunch from the Buda Fire Lunch Stand and a special performance by the Hocus Pocus Hags at 1:00 PM.

• The Ottawa Illinois Visitors Center has several upcoming events from October to December. In October, Smoketober Fest will take place on the 12th from 12 PM to 5 PM, the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk is on the 12th, and a Downtown Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating will happen on the 26th from 10 AM to 12 PM. November events include Holiday Open Houses on the 8th from 4 PM to 9 PM, and the Festival of Lights Parade and Deck the Parks on the 29th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. The Chris Kringle Market kicks off on November 29th and will continue every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 22nd, with hours on Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. These events provide full days of activities for visitors to enjoy in Ottawa.

🚨FROM THE PRINCETON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Why do we stop at all stop signs and red lights when we have lights and sirens on?

Safety, of course!

Just because we have lights and sirens doesn’t mean every other driver sees us or stops. We’re no good to anyone in an emergency if we don’t make it there because we got into a wreck. Running red lights or ignoring stop signs is asking for trouble. We don’t want to put the public’s lives or our own at risk by driving through a red light. We will always stop and request the right of way.

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