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Good morning, Princeton friends. On this day in 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor from France, packed in over 200 crates. A gift symbolizing friendship and shared ideals of liberty, the statue was later assembled on Liberty Island and dedicated the following year. Its arrival marked the beginning of one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom and welcome to immigrants.

‘Merica.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🩳Celebrating 56 Years
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🎭Host Families Needed
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Pupper’s Run Homemade Crafts and Pies is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, June 17, from 12 to 7 p.m. at 640 S Main St. in Princeton. The event will feature 17 local vendors offering handmade crafts and the return of their popular homemade pies.

• Four Bureau County residents laid their money down....and won some back. Bureau County Friends of 4-H and Extension announced Friday the winners of their cash raffle fundraiser…Gregg Pearson of Princeton picked up $1000.

• The Princeton Police Department will host K9 teams for a training event on Wednesday, June 18. Multiple squads from outside the area will be in town but there’s no cause for concern.

• Seal coating will affect two city parking lots the week of June 23. Portions of the lots near Marion, Peru, and Lovejoy will be closed during that time.

• Candidate packets for the 2026 primary election will be available starting August 5 at the Bureau County Clerk’s office. Petition circulation begins that same day.

• Princeton Stores will be open late this Thursday from 4–8pm as part of the Third Thursday promotion. Shoppers are invited to visit their favorite Princeton stores during this special evening.

• The Princeton Public Arts Commission is hosting a free community mural painting event at the first street concert of the season on June 20 at 4 p.m. in the Mary Uthoff Walkway. Each participant will paint a 7” square, and all supplies are provided. Children under 6 must paint with an adult.

• OSF HealthCare, in collaboration with the Bureau County Farm Bureau and Senior Center, is hosting a free “Power of Community: Health, Wealth and Wellness Expo” on Thursday, June 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton, offering senior-focused resources, financial and legal guidance, health education, caregiving support, and free cardio, glucose, and cholesterol screenings via the OnCall King Care-A‑Van.

• The Princeton Rotary Club awarded $2,000 Swan-Eickmeier scholarships to eight PHS graduates. Four-year recipients were Ellie Harp, Emilee Merkel, Kamryn Patterson, and Gavin Pinter; community college recipients were Josiah Gale, Grace Killin, Luke Smith, and Ashlynn Weber.

📍Outside City Limits

• Heads up: A section of eastbound Interstate 80 in Bureau County will be shut down entirely for one night this week.

• During a two-day human trafficking demand-suppression operation in Henry County, Illinois State Police arrested four individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts. Those charged include Ryan J. Molln, 47, of Walnut; Juan C. Soto-Deanda, 31, of East Moline; Marqueis L. Lewis Sr., 45, of Davenport, Iowa; and Adrian Amezola, 43, of Sterling.During a two-day human trafficking demand-suppression operation in Henry County, Illinois State Police arrested four individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts. Those charged include Ryan J. Molln, 47, of Walnut; Juan C. Soto-Deanda, 31, of East Moline; Marqueis L. Lewis Sr., 45, of Davenport, Iowa; and Adrian Amezola, 43, of Sterling.

• Walnut Days Celebration Includes 5K Run/Walk for ALS on July 5

• Amboy's Leffelman chosen to play in Illinois Shrine football game on June 21

• The Agape Fellowship of the First United Church of Christ is hosting a Main Street Cookout to support local Parks Projects. Join them south of Royal Supermarket on Main Street this Saturday, June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy baked treats, brats, hot dogs, butterfly pork chops, and the premiere of the Signature Royal BBQ Pork Burger.

• Jubilee Bible Camp is hosting multiple sessions in June and July for various age groups. More information is available at jubileecamp.org.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• A newly listed 4-bed, 1.5-bath home at 112 E Peru St in Princeton is on the market for $189,900. Built in 1856 and sitting on a double lot, this 1,557 sq ft property features a fenced yard, freshly painted interior, hardwood floors, and new carpet as of September 2023. The kitchen boasts modern stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar, with a large separate dining room and flexible main floor space that can be used as a bedroom or office. A major rehab was completed about 10 years ago, with further updates done recently, including a two-car attached garage added in 2013. Located in the Hollowayville/Princeton neighborhood, the estimated monthly mortgage payment is $948.

• A cozy 2-bed, 1-bath home at 901 N Knox St in Princeton is listed at $84,500. This 688 sq ft home features an expansive enclosed front porch, newer windows, wood laminate flooring, and central A/C. Recent updates include electrical work, water heater, gutters, and a radon mitigation system. The full basement and 1-car garage with loft provide additional usable space and storage. Located on a spacious corner lot, it offers a large yard and quiet setting with a low estimated mortgage of $422/month.

• Located just a block from Princeton’s art district, this charming 2-story home at 26 Elm Pl is listed at $169,900. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,891 sq ft, it features original oak flooring and staircase, a vintage tin ceiling in the dining room, and abundant natural light. The L-shaped dining area offers flexible space for a coffee bar, office, or plant nook. The home includes a fenced yard, screened-in porch, updated furnace, plumbing, A/C, sump pump, and hot water heater—all replaced since 2020. A spacious layout and recent improvements make this corner-lot home a standout at just $848/month estimated mortgage.

🩳CELEBRATING 56 YEARS OF LENDING A HAND

Celebrate with The Princeton Closet!

• June 26th – Cows Coffee, 9 AM–1 PM

• June 27th – Didoughs, 10 AM–4 PM

• June 28th – Flags of Freedom Cookout, 11 AM–1 PM

• Second Story Bake Sale, 11 AM – Sold Out

Join us for raffles, special promotions, and meet some of our Lending a Hand recipients!

Raffle tickets will be sold on-site during store hours:

10 tickets for $5!

Store Hours:

• Thursday/Friday: 10 AM–5:30 PM

• Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM

Raffle Drawing will begin Saturday, June 28th at 3 PM on a Facebook Live!

We are always looking for volunteers! Volunteering is a great way to get involved with our community. If you are interested, contact us at: 815-875-3145, [email protected], Or visit our website: princetoncloset.com

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌦️Today: Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Highs will reach 88°F, with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and a 40% chance of rain. Tuesday night brings a likely chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will dip to 66°F, with southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph and a 70% chance of rain.

🌦️Wednesday: Scattered thunderstorms are expected through the day, with a high near 86°F. Winds will shift from the northeast to the west-northwest at 10 to 20 mph, and the rain chance holds at 60%. Wednesday night will see isolated thunderstorms in the evening and a few lingering showers overnight. The low will drop to 62°F with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance stands at 40%.

🌤️Thursday: Thursday brings a break from storms, with intervals of clouds and sunshine. The high will climb to 87°F with west-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and low humidity at 64%. Thursday night will be mostly clear and quiet, with a low near 67°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, and humidity will gradually rise overnight.

🌤️Friday: Expect partly cloudy skies and continued warm temperatures. The high will reach 88°F with south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and very high UV levels. Friday night will remain partly cloudy and breezy, with a low around 73°F. Winds will hold steady from the south at 10 to 15 mph, and humidity will increase into the upper 70s.

☀️Saturday: Saturday will be hot and sunny, with a high soaring to 94°F. Winds will be strong out of the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph, and humidity will linger around 65%. Saturday night stays warm and partly cloudy. Lows will only fall to 75°F, with continued south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

Northern Illinois Severe Weather

The season's first Heat Wave of the season is expected this weekend into early next week. Highs in the 90s with high humidity will lead to peak afternoon heat index values in the 100s. A heat advisory will likely be issued for next weekend across northern Illinois.

Be prepared and make sure your a/c is ready to go for the incoming heat, make sure pets and livestock have plenty of water available and proper shade.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.04
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.12
Casey’s West/North: $3.14
Beck’s West/North: $3.14
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.04
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.14

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🍑 Georgia Peach Stop – Pick up fresh Georgia peaches from Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. at Princeton Moose Lodge, 1338 N Euclid Ave. Monday, June 23, from 3–4:30 PM.

🎪 C&M Circus – Two shows under the Big Top at Boggio’s Orchard in Granville. Monday, June 23 at 5:00 & 7:30 PM. Discounted tickets available in advance.

🎥 Free Movie Night – Watch Green and Gold at the Apollo Theater, hosted by the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Monday, June 23 at 6:30 PM, 455 S Main St.

👟 Arukah Freedom 5k Color Run – Celebrate July 4th at Soldiers & Sailors Park with a patriotic color run. Friday, July 4 at 8 AM. $35 per person or $120 for groups of 4. Register at runsignup.com.

🤼 Micro Wrestling at The Hawg House – A 21+ night of suplexes and body slams under 5 feet tall. Friday, August 1, 8–10 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

🚶 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A downtown walk to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Includes teams, prizes, and activities.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Country music at the Bureau County Fair. Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets at bureacountyfair.com.

🛍️ 12th Annual Artisan Market – Over 30 artists, food trucks, live music, beer & wine at Hornbaker Gardens. Saturday, September 20, 10 AM–4 PM. Free admission.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Hungry World Farm is hosting wood-fired pizza night this Saturday from 5–8pm with animals, a campfire, and fresh garden salads. The event includes a playground, farm tour, and BYOB is welcome.

• Apollo Theater is showing “How to Train Your Dragon” Thursday at 6pm, with regular showtimes all week for “The Last Rodeo” and “Lilo & Stitch.” Sunday evening showings are open captioned.

• Little Blue Dress is celebrating 8 years in business this week. The shop is thanking customers, staff, and friends for their support.

• Optimal Health now carries Grounded brand chocolate and mint protein shakes. They are smooth, dairy-free, and available in the fridge section.

• Wild Honey Boutique will be open late Thursday from 4–8pm with 15% off for teaching staff. Adult beverages and snacks will also be available.

• Friends of Strays shares that Nyla, a 3–4 year old shepherd mix, is dog-friendly and ready for adoption. Her fee has already been sponsored.

• Monical’s Pizza has frozen pizzas on sale June 16–20 for carry-out only. Prices range from $8 to $11, with a coupon required.

• Second Story Teen Center is raising money for a water park trip by letting donors smash eggs on volunteers’ heads. They’ll be out collecting donations again this Friday after 6:30pm.

• Princeton Youth Soccer League fall registration is open through June 30. Practices begin July 28 and games start August 25.

• The Knack is offering Kids Art Camp all summer at $45 per child. Parents can sign up for one, two, or three days of art activities.

• Five 22 has new tops available in-store and online. They’re open today from 10–5:30 and this Thursday until 8pm.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course announced there will be no Friday Night Scramble on June 20. The next event will be held as scheduled.

• Hornbaker Gardens is starting Outdoor Expeditions for kids in grades K–4. The three-session program begins June 18 and costs $15 total.

• Boek-el-ZOO has added a variety of new animals, including axolotls, veiled chameleons, crocodile geckos, and more, with a special on dehydrated treats.

• Four Seasons is now carrying the best-selling Lizzy Tank Dress from DEAR SCARLETT, praised for its flattering cut, wrinkle-resistant fabric, roomy fit, and pockets. The dress can be worn alone or paired with leggings and is available in a variety of colors.

• Dashel Pet Sitting is offering drop-in pet care services with up to four daily visits. These visits include meals, potty breaks, playtime, and optional walks, with dogs at $20 per visit and cats at $10. Each visit is documented with notes on food, potty, behavior, and play, and photos or videos can be provided upon request.

• Golden Rice is showcasing a variety of sushi and Asian dishes including shrimp and crab roll with tempura for $13.99, vegetable rolls for $8.99, and salmon teriyaki for $16.99, among other colorful and fresh options.

• A new HIIT + Core fitness class began at the Bureau County Metro Center’s Aerobic’s Room. Led by instructor Caitlin Meyer, this class includes fast-paced cardio intervals and core-targeted strength training. Open to all fitness levels, it meets Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM.

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🎭FESTIVAL 56 IN NEED OF HOST FAMILIES

Festival 56, Princeton’s professional theater, is currently seeking host families for its upcoming summer season. Host families play a vital role by offering guest artists a welcoming place to stay, helping them rest and recharge after long days of rehearsals and performances. It’s a unique opportunity to support the arts, form lasting connections, and be part of the theater community.

If you’re interested in hosting, contact Tammy Tieman at [email protected] or call 815-878-1253 to learn more and discuss details.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🐉HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (PG)

A young Viking named Hiccup surprises his village by befriending a dragon instead of slaying it. This animated adventure is a powerful story of friendship, courage, and finding your voice.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

🥋KARATE KID: LEGENDS (PG-13)

The legacy lives on. This new chapter unites old mentors and new students as they fight for honor, discipline, and redemption in the dojo and beyond.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

*The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].