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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Our Summer break was great — we travelled many miles, swam plenty of hours, played many games of Yahtzee, ate lots of barbecue, rode many rides, mowed so much grass, and burned too much skin. Next week, it all ends — and a new school year begins.

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎊Homestead Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🏃‍♂️The Underground 5K
🪙Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Wyatt Lind and Natalie Kloster!🎁

• Shaw Local Radio Podcast transcript: Our interview with country superstar Trace Adkins

• Bureau County Fair runs Aug. 20–24 with Tribute to Veterans (Wed), Trace Adkins (Thu), Truck & Tractor Pull (Fri), Demolition Derby (Sat), and a 303 concert (Sun). Bureau County Fair will also feature local food trucks set up in the infield all week.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 has an immediate opening for a Library Clerk at Jefferson Elementary. Princeton Elementary School District 115 asks interested candidates to review ISBE requirements and contact Mrs. Megan Doty ([email protected]).

• Bureau County Fair reminds concertgoers that now is the time to grab Trace Adkins tickets. The concert is set for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The Bureau County Fair has announced that band 303 will perform live from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. Fairgoers are invited to enjoy this energetic afternoon concert as part of Sunday Funday at the fair.

• Princeton Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser offering red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white blooms in 9-inch pots for $12 each. Orders and payment are due by August 29, with delivery on September 11. Call the school to place your order: 815-875-2933.

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church hosts BLAST! every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. This program offers an hour of singing and Bible lessons designed for children from kindergarten through 5th grade. The event is open to everyone and encourages community participation. St. Matthews Lutheran Church is located at 416 E Dover Road, Princeton, IL 61356. For more information, call 815-879-6491 or visit their Facebook page or website.

🎊HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

The Homestead Festival is happening September 4–7!

Plan for a weekend full of tradition, fun, and community spirit. Don’t forget to grab your 50/50 raffle tickets—the drawing will be held on Sunday, September 7, and you don’t need to be present to win.

Friday Highlights – September 5

• 12:00–5:00 PM — Explore local history at the Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:00–4:00 PM — Visit the Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4:00–8:00 PM — Take a ride on the Main Street Trolley

• 5:00–7:00 PM — LEGO Design Competition Reception at the Prairie Arts Center

• 5:00–10:00 PM — Homestead Celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Park

• 5:00–9:00 PM — Enjoy food trucks and beverages

• 5:30–7:00 PM — Live music from Rodeo Drive

• 6:00–9:00 PM — Twilight horse-drawn carriage rides

• 7:00 PM — Homestead Festival Announcements: Grand Marshals, winners of the StudioK LEGO Contest, Jr. Women’s Club Baby Contest, and Chamber of Commerce Window Display Contest

• 7:30 PM — Pie Eating Contest, Pie Bake-Off & Auction

• 8:00–10:00 PM — Headliner performance: Infinity Concert

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly cloudy and very hot, topping out around 94°F with a light SSW 5–10 mph breeze and sticky air (~73% humidity). Saturday night stays warm and partly cloudy, low near 73°F, SSE 5–10 mph, quite muggy (around 88%).

🌤️Sunday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy and still hot. High near 93°F on a S 5–10 mph wind with humidity around 73%. The night remains partly cloudy and warm, near 73°F.

☀️Monday: Plenty of sun and heat with a high around 91°F; light SSE 5–10 mph breeze. Clouds build late, and scattered thunderstorms are likely Monday night—low near 72°F, ENE 5–10 mph, about a 50% chance of rain and very humid (~87%).

⛅Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a spotty storm possible. High around 88°F with a N 5–10 mph breeze; rain chance about 20%. Evening turns partly cloudy and muggy with a low near 70°F (ENE 5–10 mph, humidity ~89%).

⛅Wednesday: A touch cooler with intervals of sun and clouds, high near 84°F, ENE 5–10 mph. Wednesday night is partly cloudy and more comfortable, low around 65°F with light ENE winds and higher nighttime humidity (~85%).

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.99

🏆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

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe is bringing back furniture sales, starting with occasional chairs, recliners, and electric lift chairs. Johnsons Carpet Shoppe says more arrivals are on the way over the next few months to meet community demand.

• Shane’s Shine Shop is hosting its Open Garage on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8–11 a.m. at Rotary Park in Princeton. Shane’s Shine Shop invites the community to bring their rides and enjoy a morning of cars and pop-up booths.

• Bureau County Fair will feature a Tractor Show on Sunday, Aug. 24 from noon to 4 p.m. Bureau County Fair welcomes antique and newer tractors, offering two free admissions per tractor.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. has moved cat adoptions to Saturdays only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the rest of August. Friends of Strays, Inc. is waiving adoption fees with approved applications and can schedule appointments if Saturdays don’t work.

• Fresh Finds Princeton has refreshed the shop with new fall décor and displays. Fresh Finds Princeton invites customers to stop in and explore the seasonal collection.

• Corner Chair Market has completed a custom restoration for a client. Corner Chair Market is accepting new refinishing and repair projects.

• Tailholt Trading Post has added several small furniture pieces, including a vintage shadowbox mirror. Tailholt Trading Post is open today until 5 p.m. at 925 N. Main St., Princeton.

• Four Seasons – Princeton has new Leo & Nicole tops designed to complement any outfit. Four Seasons – Princeton currently carries cobalt blue, emerald, and black options in store.

• Princeton Food Trucks will host La Katrina Autentica on Saturday, Aug. 16, from noon–7:30 p.m. Princeton Food Trucks will be set up at 15 W. Marquette (behind Barrel Society).

• Optimal Health invites shoppers to make the store their first stop for groceries, with strong prices throughout. Optimal Health is featuring Feel Good Foods appetizers and snacks this week.

• Corner Chair Market has unveiled new fall décor, including handcrafted ghosts, painted pumpkins, and seasonal art. Corner Chair Market invites shoppers to stop in to see the full collection.

• Lee’s Water Systems emphasizes education over high-pressure sales and offers free in-home water testing. Lee’s Water Systems provides no-obligation consultations to explain results and treatment options.

• Rachel Rene – Princeton, IL is hiring seasonal team members ahead of the holidays. Rachel Rene – Princeton, IL encourages friendly, customer-focused applicants to apply via the website.

• Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar is serving street tacos all week with $5 margaritas. Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar has patio seating available for a relaxed after-work visit.

• Shannon’s Memorials can add names, dates, or other lettering to existing headstones with care and precision. Contact Shannon’s Memorials at 815-878-3682 to discuss your inscription needs.

Upcoming:

• Trace Adkins with Special Guest Brushville: Enjoy a live concert featuring Trace Adkins and special guest Brushville at the Bureau County Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 21, at 7:30 PM. www.bureaucountyfair.com. This event is part of the 170th Bureau County Fair, running August 20–24.

• Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park — Enjoy live music with Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 700 S Main Street. Full event details will be posted soon.

• 12th Annual Artisan Market — Spend a beautiful fall day at the 12th Annual Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy 30+ fine artists, food trucks, home-baked goods, live music, beer and wine, local produce, artisan popsicles, and more — free admission.

🏆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 JOB OPENINGS

• AutoZone in Princeton, IL is hiring a full-time Senior Retail Sales Associate to ensure store tasks are completed promptly, operate cash registers, and follow established cash handling procedures. The role requires adherence to company policies, loss prevention practices, and maintaining a safe, clean, and well-merchandised store environment. Candidates should be prepared to work in a team setting and contribute to overall store operations—hiring is immediate.

• The USPS is hiring Mail Carriers in Princeton, IL, with no prior experience required, offering $23.47–$38.62 per hour and up to $72,400 annually with full benefits. Responsibilities include delivering and collecting mail by foot or vehicle, maintaining positive customer relationships, and staying informed on postal laws and services. The position includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.

• Walmart in Princeton, IL is hiring Stockers/Unloaders at up to $21 per hour to help ensure customers find needed items, unload trucks, and move and sort products in the backroom. The role includes stocking shelves, keeping aisles clean, and maintaining an organized store environment. Team members will also engage positively with vendors, assist customers, and provide prompt, helpful service—immediate hire available.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this refurbished lodge chair available at her home shop in Sheffield. The front and back have been decoupaged with a buffalo and a southwestern design and sealed for durability. The frame and seat have also been redesigned. This is a unique chair that will make a statement. Asking price is $250 and limited delivery may be available. 

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]. 

🏃‍♂️THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 5K

Join the fun on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Bureau County Metro Center (837 Park Avenue West, Princeton, IL). The race begins and ends at the Metro Center.

Registration:

• $25 if registered by August 6

• $30 on August 7 and after

• $300 Corporate Team (up to 20 participants)

• Kiddy Fun Run — FREE!

Race shirts are guaranteed for all pre-registered runners and available on race day while supplies last.

Awards:

• Overall Male & Female

• Top Princeton Male & Female

• Top 3 finishers in each Male & Female age division

Questions? Contact Brett Renner at 815-876-0721 or [email protected].

🪙LETTER FROM LORI

Change.

Not much sends a shudder through your soul like facing change. Even when it’s good change, it can still be unsettling. At the cottage, we have nearly 70 years of routine rooted into our days. My grandma and grandpa established deep traditions here. You don’t enter or leave Pentwater without first circling the beach. You honk as you pass the driveway on your way out of town, while the cottage occupant waves from the road. You even honk sometimes when no one is there. If the skies are clear, you drive down to the sunset and clap when it dips below the horizon. There are a hundred other small rituals that have become part of us and part of this place.

My grandchildren are the fifth generation to visit here, and our goal is to have at least five more generations call this their second home.

But things have changed over the years. It’s never been easy to face them. We never had a TV. Our creative minds—and the pull of the pine trees and sand—kept us from wanting or needing one. Eventually, as my grandparents spent more time here, they added a small one for evening hours after Scrabble and before bedtime. I don’t ever remember it being on during the day. Years later, we now have a 44” mounted on the wall to entertain the kids with CoCoMelon and music videos.

There was never a phone here. I remember walking to town to use the public phone by the marina if we needed to call someone. It used to cost a dime—unless you needed to call collect so the person on the other end could pay for it. As they aged, my grandparents installed a landline for emergencies. We were thankful for it when Grandpa got stung by a bee and we had to call an ambulance.

We’ve always fished for salmon from a boat out on the “big lake” (Lake Michigan), and I remember the nights Grandpa would “cut and gut” the day’s catch on a rickety wooden platform next to the cottage. We’d bury the guts in the sand—deep, so as not to attract raccoons or other nocturnal carnivores. Everything was hosed down and cleaned because of the bees and bugs. Now, the town has installed a state-of-the-art fish cleaning station with power hoses, concrete, and even a gut grinder to handle the mess.

Some things are constant and have stayed the same over the years. Yahtzee in the evening. Bird feeders out back. Beach days. Quiet coffee in the morning. These things bring comfort and help us reminisce. But change is necessary for growth and moving forward. It helps build new traditions for future generations. And though it’s uncomfortable, it’s simply a natural part of life. We adapt and adjust and look toward the horizon—but it’s okay to occasionally stop, look over our shoulder, and smile at the things that have been.

It’s okay to remember. And maybe that tear sneaking from the corner of our eye is from a happy memory—or maybe it holds a little pain from losing something precious. Either way, change is inevitable.

So tomorrow, as I leave this happy place, I’ll drive around the beach and honk at the empty cottage on my way back to reality.

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].