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Good morning, Princeton friends. From a major grand jury indictment and a heartfelt fundraiser at Princeton Closet to a full weather report, new listings, and local business buzz—you’ll want to open this one.

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🏷️Estate Sale
🎊Homstead Schedule
👗Support Travis
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🛝New Playground
💼Princeton Businesses
🏀3 on 3 Basketball
🏈Football Schedule

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Bureau County Grand Jury Indicts on Drug, Escape Charges

• Princeton Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser for the school, 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.

• Bureau County Tourism announces the 30th year of Shadows of the Blue and Gray in Princeton on Oct 10–12. Bureau County Tourism welcomes all reenactors with free camp/vendor fees, a Saturday evening meal, and camp setup starting Friday about 1 mile north of I-80 at the Princeton exit.

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

• BLAST! at St. Matthews Lutheran Church — Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to an hour of singing and Bible lessons every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. This fun, energetic program is open to everyone in the community and combines music with meaningful teaching. St. Matthews Lutheran Church is located at 416 E Dover Road; call 815-879-6491 or visit their website for details.

📍Outside City Limits

• Antique Train Ride Tickets Selling Fast for Mineral Gold Fire Department Fundraiser on September 7, 2025

• Illinois Tourism Saw Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers and Revenue in 2024

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 443 E Peru St in Princeton, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.65-acre lot. The home blends classic charm with updated functionality, featuring 9-foot ceilings, original wood trim, leaded-glass details, and a bright kitchen with an island and ample counter space. Highlights include a large sunroom, a walk-in main floor shower, and an upstairs bonus room with kitchenette potential. The professionally landscaped backyard provides a serene oasis with a water fountain, large deck, firepit, and 2-car heated garage with an attached workshop. Listed at $285,000, this property offers a combination of elegance, versatility, and peaceful outdoor living.

• 444 S Chestnut St in Princeton is a beautifully updated two-story home listed at $180,000, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,636 square feet. Built in 1886 and situated on a corner lot, the home showcases wood floors, an open-concept family room, and a versatile flex room for dining, office, or play. The kitchen includes vaulted ceilings, abundant cabinetry, and ample counter space, ideal for casual dining or entertaining. Highlights include an updated spa-style bathroom, full basement for storage, oversized heated garage, and a fenced backyard with a cozy outdoor fireplace. With no HOA and a price of $110 per square foot, this home combines historical charm with modern comfort.

🏷️ESTATE SALE THIS WEEKEND

An estate sale will be held at 684 W Boyd Ave in Princeton.

Hours are Thursday, August 28 from 2–6 p.m., Friday, August 29 from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, August 30 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Shoppers will find a wide selection including estate jewelry, garden items, and kitchenware. Other highlights include a power shovel, a chaise lounge, and many additional household goods.

🎊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.

Thursday — September 4

• 12–5 PM • Bureau County History Center Tours

• 5:45 PM • Walk of Fame Dedication (Robert Petkoff @ Apollo Theater)

• 6–9 PM • Down on Main Street Concert (Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience)

Friday – 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

Saturday — September 6

• 8–12 PM — 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (Alexander Park)

• 8:30 AM — Underground Railroad 5K (Metro Center, 7 AM registration)

• 8:30–12 PM — Farmer’s Market (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 9–6 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 9–11 AM — Homestead Festival Fun Fair (Heartland Bank South Lot)

• 9–11 AM — Princeton High School Tours

• 10–12 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 11–5 PM — 4-H Pork Cook-Out (Soldiers & Sailors Park; Drive-Thru at Fairgrounds; 11–2 PM @ Covenant Church)

• 12–5 PM — Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:15 PM — Main Street Relay Race

• 1:30 PM — Homestead Festival Parade (Grand Marshals: Drs. Barbara Swalve Everett & Richard Everett; Gamma Phi Circus to follow)

• 3 PM — Euchre Tournament (Soldiers & Sailors Park; 2:30 PM registration)

• 3–5 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4 PM — PHS Alumni Concert (Prairie Arts Center)

Sunday — September 7

• 8:00–3:30 PM — BBQ Rib Cook-Off (Central Bank Lot)

• 8:00–12:00 PM — Pancake & Sausage Breakfast (Moose Lodge)

• 8:00–2:00 PM — Homestead Flea Market (Bureau County Fairgrounds)

• 8:00–3:00 PM — 45th Annual Car Show (South Main Street)

• 9:00 AM — Tug Fest (Metro Center; 8:30 AM registration)

• 10:00–4:00 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 10:00–1:00 PM — Pony Rides (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 10:30 AM — Story Hour (with Bureau County United Way)

• 11:00 AM — Dunk Tank (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 11:00 AM — Bags Tournament (Prairie Arts Center; 10:30 AM registration)

• 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM — Magic Shows (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 12:00–2:30 PM — Tractor Pull (11:45 AM registration)

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

• 3:30 PM — 50/50 Raffle Drawing (Apollo Theater Marquee)

👗SUPPORT TRAVIS AT THE PRINCETON CLOSET

This week, The Princeton Closet is rallying support for Travis—a beloved customer, former volunteer, and valued member of the community.

To aid Travis and his family, the store will donate all monetary contributions and 10% of its profits directly to them. Community members are encouraged to participate in this meaningful effort. Special promotions are also being offered, including a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all ties.

Additionally, “Basket Days” will take place on Friday and Saturday, allowing shoppers to fill a basket with up to 12 qualifying items for just $8 (limit two baskets per customer). The Princeton Closet remains committed to serving the community with compassion and generosity.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅ Today:  a high near 80°F. A light WNW breeze 5–10 mph and low rain chance (~20%). Evening stays partly cloudy and cooler with a low around 54°F, winds easing SE 5–10 mph. (Sunrise 6:20 AM • Sunset 7:36 PM • Waxing Crescent)

🌤️Friday: Intervals of sun and clouds, pleasantly mild with a high around 74°F and a gentle SSE/E breeze 5–10 mph. Skies turn mostly clear at night; low near 51°F with light E winds and no rain expected. (Sunrise 6:21 AM • Sunset 7:34 PM)

🌤️Saturday: Partly to mostly cloudy but dry; afternoon highs reach ~76°F with an E/ESE wind 5–10 mph. The night is partly cloudy and cool with a low near 52°F and a light ENE breeze. (Sunrise 6:22 AM • Sunset 7:33 PM • First Quarter)

🌤️Sunday: A classic late-summer mix of sun and clouds, high around 78°F with an ENE wind 5–10 mph and no meaningful rain chance. Partly cloudy Sunday night, low near 55°F with a light ENE wind. (Sunrise 6:23 AM • Sunset 7:31 PM • Waxing Gibbous)

🌤️Monday: Partly cloudy and seasonable with a high close to 80°F; a gentle E wind 5–10 mph. Monday night remains partly cloudy and comfortable, low around 56°F. (Sunrise 6:24 AM • Sunset 7:29 PM)

🌤️Tuesday: Sunshine and clouds mixed, warming to about 81°F on a SE breeze 5–10 mph; only a slight (~10%) chance of a stray shower. Partly cloudy at night with a low near 61°F and SSE winds ~6 mph. (Sunrise 6:25 AM • Sunset 7:28 PM • Waxing Gibbous)

🌤️Wednesday: Partly cloudy with a few spotty showers possible (~20%); highs upper-70s to near 80°F on a SSE breeze 5–10 mph. A couple showers may linger Wednesday night with a low near 58°F and light SE wind. (Moonrise ~5:30 PM • Moonset ~1:25 AM)

⛽️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

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸David Miner and Charlie Jones will bring their blend of classic country storytelling to Barrel Society on Thursday, August 28.

🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights at Hungry World Farm — Enjoy farm tours, baby goat snuggling, and wood-fired pizza at Hungry World Farm, 19183 Plow Creek Rd, Tiskilwa, on Saturdays August 30, September 6, and September 13, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

🐾 Dog Days of Summer: Remembering KC — Hornbaker Gardens hosts a day of dog-friendly fun with agility courses, enrichment activities, and shelter support on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

🏋️ Intro to Kettlebell for Women — Learn kettlebell fundamentals for strength and confidence at Limitless Body Sculpting, 219 S Main St, Princeton, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

🥁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.

🐶 UKC/SRS Dock Jumping Season Shutdown – Dock jumping competitions for dogs with UKC/SRS registration. September 13–14 at 1616 N Main Street. Details and registration at ukcdogs.com.

🚗 Open Garage – A car show featuring vendors, food, and more vehicles at Rotary Park in Princeton. Saturday, September 20, 8–11 AM

🛍️ 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.

🏍️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find unique items and motorcycle parts at this popular swap meet. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM at 811 W Peru St. $10 admission; vending $50.

🛝NEW PLAYGROUND AT ZEARING PARK

Princeton Park District Breaks Ground on New All-Inclusive Playground at Zearing Park

PRINCETON, IL – The Princeton Park District is excited to announce that work has officially begun on the new all-inclusive playground at Zearing Park. This project is being funded through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which awarded the Park District a significant Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant in December 2024.

The project is a 50/50 between the OSLAD grant and the Park District. The Princeton Park District has been planning for this project for a few years and with the help of one trust account, no tax dollars are being spent on this project. The new playground will feature state-of-the-art, accessible equipment designed for all ages and abilities. It will also include a new underlayment and a sidewalk to ensure seamless access from existing pathways.

"We are thrilled to see this project come to life," said Tammy Lange, Executive Director "This new playground will be a fantastic addition to our community, providing a safe and fun space where everyone can play together. We are grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for their support and to the community for their valuable input during the application process." Our team, along with Dan Pepin, Community Funding & Planning Services have worked together for nearly 2 years to bring this project to this point.

Construction will depend a lot on the weather, however, is expected to be complete by fall 2025. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to stay clear of the construction area. The public will be invited to a grand opening celebration once the playground is ready for use.

Pictured L to R: Nick Davis, Assistant Director Princeton Park District, Tammy Lange, Executive Director Princeton Park District, Pat Puebla, Recreation Consultant/play & park structures and Ian Charleton, project site foreman

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🌼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]. 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Boek-el-ZOO is booking remote and in-house educational experiences for classrooms, with souvenirs when you share headcounts in advance. Boek-el-ZOO also offers Saturday opportunities for students to share their passion for animals—message them or stop by to set it up.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course & Event Center has sign-ups open now for the 2025 Ryder Cup with limited space. Chapel Hill Golf Course & Event Center plays Sept 13 at Chapel Hill and Sept 27 at Hidden Lake for $25 per person.

• Princeton Food Trucks reminds you that Lunch in the Park is Friday, Aug 15 from 11 AM–1 PM at Soldiers & Sailors Park. Princeton Food Trucks will feature food by American Legion Post #125 and a bake sale by St. Louis Parish.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is stocked with cozy fall fashion and super-cute Tigers tees. Fresh Finds Princeton is open 9–6 so you can shop the new looks.

• Myrtle’s Pies opened early at 8:00 AM today; regular hours are Thu–Sat 10 AM–2 PM, and they’re closed this Saturday for a family reunion. Myrtle’s Pies is baking favorites like Dutch Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb, Gooseberry, plus cinnamon rolls with specialty icings and more.

• Tailholt Trading Post invites you to discover unique pieces and unexpected treasures. Tailholt Trading Post is open until 4 PM today at 925 N Main St., Princeton.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is going back-to-school with kids’ clothing for $1 and lots of fresh arrivals. Finders Keepers Resale Store also has adult clothing for $2 (white-tag items $5) and is open Thu–Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2.

• Dairy Queen (Treat) at 615 N Main St. is now hiring crew members, preferably 16+. Dairy Queen (Treat) will train this fall so you can return in the spring—stop in the store to pick up an application.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint is running a Back-to-School Weekend Special Aug 15–17 where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée (dine-in only). Plan a family dinner at Rossy’s BBQ Joint to shake off those early-morning school blues.

• 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue Princeton Illinois is hiring a farm hand for Wednesdays and Fridays at $20/hour. The role at 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue Princeton Illinois includes mucking stalls, mowing, fence repair, being local, and lifting 50 lbs.

• The Princeton Closet has extra clothing and shoes out for back-to-school and a Thursday door drawing at 8:55 a.m. The Princeton Closet will also host Cows Coffee from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday and welcome the Greenfield Greeters around 10:30.

• Crazy Eight Homestead Farm Stand is holding a large yard sale Thu Aug 14 (4–7 pm), Fri Aug 15 (8 am–6 pm), and Sat Aug 16 (8 am–3 pm) at 24797 1900 North Ave, Princeton. Crazy Eight Homestead Farm Stand will have shoes, toys, baby items, a lemonade stand, limited farm-fresh chicken & duck eggs, and clothing from kids to men’s and women’s sizes.

• Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar has street tacos all week with $5 margaritas. The patio at Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar is ready for you to unwind after work.

• Corner Chair Market filled its Sept. 10 pumpkin class and added another on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m. Corner Chair Market invites you to call 815-915-7968 or stop in to reserve your $35 spot (all supplies and snacks included).

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🏀3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Homestead Festival 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Alexander Park, 500 S. Anderson Street. Games will begin at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Online registration is open now, and teams that register before August 21 will receive a free t-shirt. After August 21, teams can still register, but no t-shirt will be provided. The cost is $80 per team, and space is limited to 30 teams total, so early registration is encouraged. First place team medals will be awarded in boys and girls divisions for grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 (entering grade as of August 2025). All proceeds benefit the Illinois Valley Rimrockers Organization. Register here. More details can also be found here. Event fees will be refunded if the tournament is cancelled.

💭REMEMBER IN PRINCETON

🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic

• September 5 – vs Rockridge

• September 12 – at Sherrard*

• September 19 – vs Kewanee*

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville*

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County*

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie-Prophetstown

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].