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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. On August 2, the United States observes National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, celebrating the classic frozen treat of ice cream pressed between two cookies or wafers.

I want one now.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏈WRMJ Tigers Preview
🐅Football Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🥁Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Princeton Farmers Market runs today from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Park, featuring local vendors, 9:30 a.m. yoga, and a 10 a.m. storytime this week with children’s author Susan Pierson.

• 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 Tourism is hosting the third street concert of the season on Friday, August 8, featuring Face 2 Face, a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute band. This lively event invites the community to enjoy a sing-along experience on Main Street.

• The Monster Mash Balloon Bash will take place on October 4 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering a festive mix of tricks, treats, and scares. You are encouraged to mark your calendar and watch for additional event details coming soon.

• Habitat for Humanity LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties has started a home build in Princeton and is seeking volunteers to help with the project. Anyone interested can call (815) 434-2041 or visit HabitatLBPC.org to get involved.

• 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.

🏈WRMJ TIGERS PREVIEW

Head coach: Ryan Pearson (14th season: 103-39, 9th season at Princeton: 68-19)

2024 record: 10-2, 4-1 TRAC Mississippi

Playoffs: Lost to Montini 24-7 in 3A quarterfinals

Princeton made its fifth consecutive trip to the 3A quarterfinals last season before being knocked out by the eventual state champions.

The Tigers’ deep postseason streak started in 2019 with an appearance in the 3A semifinals. Since then, Princeton has seen its season end in the quarterfinals. Over the past five seasons, it has taken Byron, IC Catholic (twice) and Montini (twice) to eliminate Princeton.

In 2024, Princeton won 10+ games for the fifth straight full season with wins in the regular season coming over Newman, Rockridge, Sherrard, Kewanee, Hall, Mendota, Mercer County and Erie-Prophetstown. The Tigers missed out on a conference championship by losing to Monmouth-Roseville 31-3 in Week 5.

Princeton’s postseason run began with wins over Oregon and King in the first and second rounds and came to an end with a loss to Montini in the quarterfinals.

The Tigers have lost a Division I-level player each of the last three years, with Teegan Davis (Iowa), Bennett Williams (Air Force), and now Noah LaPorte (Northwestern) graduating in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. The program looks primed to be able to withstand another loss of a high-impact senior group with plenty of talent returning. Senior running back Casey Etheridge, a two-time first-team all-conference player and honorable mention 3A all-stater in 2024, rushed for 1,706 yards and 25 TDs last season. He had eight 100+ yard games in 2024. Etheridge is projected to be joined in the backfield by senior fullback Common Green, who rushed for 265 yards and three TDs. In addition to LaPorte, the Tigers will need to replace their quarterback and three all-conference offensive lineman, though Princeton does return a pair of all-conference members of their front five with seniors Rhett Pearson (first-team all-conference center) and Owen Hartman (honorable mention all-conference offensive tackle).

Princeton allowed its opponents to score just 14.5 points per game last season and five all-conference level players are returning on that side of the ball. Green, a first-team all-conference linebacker in 2024, is the top tackler back for the Tigers. He made 79 tackles last year and racked up 10.5 tackles for loss. Pearson and Hartman are expected to anchor the defensive line for Princeton after each earned second-team all-conference nods a year ago. Etheridge (LB) and Gavin Lanham (DB) were honorable mention all-conference selections on defense last season.

The Tigers kick off the 2025 season at Newman.

2025 TRAC Football Preseason Coaches Poll, Media Poll & Preview: Newman & Princeton Picked As Favorites

🐅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

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly cloudy skies and continued dry conditions. High temperature near 80°F with a low of 57°F. Winds light from the east-southeast at 5–10 mph. Humidity drops slightly to 70%, and overall it’s a great day to be outdoors. Evening expected with only a few clouds.

⛅ Sunday: Mild and comfortable with partly sunny skies. High around 82°F and low near 60°F. Winds light from the southeast at 5–10 mph. Humidity remains near 70%, keeping the day warm but pleasant. Night stays mostly clear and calm.

🌤 Monday: Mostly sunny with scattered clouds and dry conditions. High of 83°F and low of 61°F. Winds from the south at 5–10 mph bring slightly warmer air. Humidity rises to 72%, adding a touch of stickiness during the afternoon. Evening skies remain mostly clear.

🌤 Tuesday: A mix of sun and clouds with continued warm weather. High temperature near 84°F and a low of 62°F. Winds remain light from the southwest at 5–10 mph. Humidity holds around 72%, but conditions stay comfortable overall.

🌧 Wednesday: Partly sunny early with a 40% chance of afternoon showers or a thunderstorm. High near 83°F and a low of 64°F. Winds from the south-southwest at 5–10 mph. Humidity increases to 74%, bringing a warm and slightly unsettled day. Evening may see lingering clouds.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.19
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.09

🏆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

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine will be open August 1–2, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. They are serving sushi, a variety of Thai noodle and fried rice dishes, appetizers, and mango with sticky rice, though spring rolls are not available this week.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is hiring both front-of-house and back-of-house staff. They offer flexible hours and good pay, and interested applicants are encouraged to message the restaurant for more details.

• Dugosh Farms will be set up across from Dollar General in Princeton on Saturday, August 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will have sweet corn, dragon tongue beans, green beans, sungold and red cherry tomatoes, red tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, potatoes, onions, garlic, local honey, local maple syrup, and farm-raised popcorn.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is featuring “The Elote” this month. a Mexican street corn pizza made with Boggio’s Orchard fire-roasted sweet corn, chipotle mayo, mozzarella, parmesan, and a cilantro-lime crème drizzle. Guests can also choose to add hot Cheetos for an extra kick.

• Staff and board members at Friends of Strays are offering free school supplies to families in need, including 24 backpacks, pencil cases with folders, crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Stop by on August 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick up supplies for students in your household.

• Cool off this summer with a variety of delicious ice cream treats at Optimal Health, perfect for hot days. Stop in and stock your freezer to enjoy a refreshing part of the season.

• Miss Betsy’s is celebrating cotton candy lovers with a new donut flavor for August featuring pink frosting, cotton candy sprinkles, and a fluffy cotton candy topping. This sweet and nostalgic treat is available only for a limited time.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store has reduced prices, with regular clothing now $2, white-tagged items $5, and winter coats capped at $10. The store thanks the community for its support and promises affordable, high-quality resale items.

• The Apollo Theater has announced its movie showtimes for Friday, August 1 through Thursday, August 6, featuring films like The Bad Guys 2. Audiences can enjoy family-friendly entertainment in downtown Princeton.

• The Studio Boutique has restocked its popular light denim romper. Shoppers are invited to stop in and pick one up while supplies last.

• Spoons and Forks is offering a Friday dinner special of sautéed shrimp served with mushroom and leek confit. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. introduces MJ, a 2-year-old pit mix who is quiet, affectionate, and loves to eat and perform tricks. He’s dog-friendly but prefers no cats, and he’s ready to meet his forever family.

• Bureau County Senior Center is taking reservations for the Celebration Belle “Classic Oldies” River Cruise. The event takes place Thursday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m., and costs $74.27 per person.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe highlights Luxury Vinyl as the most popular flooring they offer, featuring waterproof, kid- and pet-friendly, scratch-resistant styles. Customers are encouraged to explore their diverse collection now on display.

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

• Freedom House, Inc. in Princeton, IL is hiring a full-time Front Office Advocate for the third shift, offering $19.83 per hour. The position involves answering hotline calls, assisting residential and non-residential clients, providing crisis intervention, and supporting staff with office and clerical duties. Responsibilities include maintaining facility safety, performing data entry in the InfoNet system, documenting client interactions, and making appropriate referrals to community resources. The role requires multitasking in stressful situations, excellent communication skills, and availability for on-call and holiday coverage. Benefits include health and dental insurance, 401(k) with matching, a flexible schedule, and access to an employee assistance program.

• ALDI is hiring part-time Cashier/Stockers for its new store at 1839 North Main Street. The position starts at $17 per hour, with annual increases up to $19 per hour by year five, averaging fewer than 30 hours per week. Team members will assist customers, operate registers, stock and rotate merchandise, perform cleaning duties, and help maintain accurate inventory. Applicants must be 18 or older, able to lift up to 45 pounds, and capable of working independently or as part of a team while providing excellent customer service.

• Corteva Agriscience is hiring a Production Technician in Princeton, Illinois, with a salary range of $40,080–$50,100 per year and full-time benefits including medical, retirement, and PTO. The position involves seasonal plant operations and field tasks such as harvesting, treating, packaging, quality control, forklift operation, and field maintenance. Candidates must have strong work ethic, time management, problem-solving skills, and be comfortable working indoors and outdoors in various conditions while lifting up to 50 lbs. Proficiency with Microsoft applications, effective communication skills, and a valid driver’s license are required, along with a high school diploma or GED or the ability to obtain one within 12 months. Additional responsibilities include collecting data for improvement projects and completing other duties as assigned by supervisors.

🌼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]. 

🥁LETTER FROM LORI

I used to LOVE going to concerts. I’ve seen everything from Skillet to Sawyer Brown, AC/DC, Van Halen, Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, and Huey Lewis and the News… the list is endless, and I loved almost every genre of music. In the early days, my #1 goal was to be FRONT ROW! I wanted to be right at the stage, in the midst of all the excitement. I wanted those guys to drip sweat on me as they crooned their tunes, and I wanted to reach out and touch them as they passed by on stage—up close and personal!

As I got a little older, I realized that being that close sometimes came with drawbacks—you could get stepped on, shoved, or worse. I had a friend who once had a large guy land on her head during a crowd-surfing incident. I also grew tired of craning my neck for hours, only to wake up sore the next day. For a while, I started seeking floor seats a bit farther back, where I had a better view and a little breathing room.

Then came the stage where I preferred lower bowl seats. On the floor, so many enthusiastic fans would stand the entire concert, and if you didn’t stand too, you couldn’t see a thing. I wanted to sit part of the time. My back didn’t appreciate hours on my feet anymore, and maybe I was just getting a little lazy. I still loved the music, but maybe not at eardrum-popping levels. Plus, the lower bowl seats were more budget-friendly—a priority once I was a single mom with kids who needed football cleats and lunch money.

In the final stage of my concert-going career, I became much more selective. It was harder to entice me to give up a large portion of my day to drive two hours, sit in the heat, and watch guys scream into a microphone. Some shows didn’t even start until after 7 p.m.—dangerously close to my bedtime! I’d have to prepare for days, gathering all the comfort materials I’d need just to recover afterward. Gone were the days of the 4 p.m. phone call: “HEY! I’ve got tickets to (insert band name here) tonight! I’ll pick you up in 20 minutes! WEEE HAAAWW!”

Now, at nearly 58, I see absolutely no reason to carve out that time or money for a “cattle-at-the-slaughterhouse” event when I can sit at home by myself with a cool drink, $1 popcorn instead of $25 popcorn, and pull up the same performer on YouTube—for free. I can even go to bed before midnight with my trusty house horse snoozing by my side.

Wow, how our priorities change. What was once so important is now one of the last things I want to do. So when you hear me say, “Back in the day…,” know that I’ve been there, done that, and simply choose not to continue. I’ve grown. I’ve matured. I’ve re-prioritized. Now this old geezer is heading to the stove to make popcorn the old-fashioned way—lots of butter and salt—snuggle up to my brindle pony, and probably fall asleep watching Angus Young bop across the stage on my big screen.

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].