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Good morning, Princeton friends. Missed you Saturday. I stayed up until 1am Saturday AM to work on your newsletter, but my newsletter service didn’t save my work after I walked away from the computer for a minute. After some frustration, I went to bed, sorry. Camp was awesome. 1300 high schoolers packed into the Lake Williamson campus learning, singing, playing, and eating…a lot.

Let’s get to it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🎇Firework Safety
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🏋️At the Met
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Brithday, Doug Johnson and Justin Pinter🍰!

• Princeton’s Fourth of July celebration will take place at Zearing Park on Friday, July 4, 2025, with vendors beginning at 3 p.m. and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk, with food, music, and fun for all ages.

• The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series continues in July with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on July 18th, followed by Face 2 Face: The Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute Show on August 8th. Additional performances include Electric Avenue on September 4th and the Heidelberg German Band on October 18th.

• 2025 NewsTribune Boys Tennis Players of the Year: Princeton’s Asa Gartin and Jackson Mason

• The Princeton Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from May 31st through October 25th at Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with yoga at 9:30 a.m. Vendors include Annie’s Home Farm, Coneflower Farm, Milestone Bakery, Mill Road Family Farm, Norman Honey Company, Northern Illinois Worm Farm, Red Covered Farms, Seed of Hope Farm, and Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co., plus a 10:00 a.m. storytime for children with local author Susan Pierson.

• Hosta expert and hybridizer Bob Solberg will visit Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton on Sunday, July 20, offering a meet-and-greet from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and giving a talk at 11 a.m. titled “Living with Hostas,” during which hostas will be available at $2 off (guests are welcome to picnic or enjoy provided refreshments), free admission with registration encouraged. Solberg, founder of Green Hill Farm in North Carolina, has introduced nearly 100 hosta varieties, co-founded the American Hosta Growers Association, and is nationally recognized for his contributions to hosta hybridization.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 06-26-2025

📍Outside City Limits

• Illinois Moves to Secure Energy Grid Against Foreign Interference

• The Buda Community Club will host a concert by award-winning country entertainer Steve Hargis on July 19, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. as part of Buda Fun Days. Additional details are available on their Facebook page.

• Extreme heat blamed for Central Illinois woman’s death

• This Tiny Bar In Illinois Will Serve You The Best Pork Tenderloin Of Your Life

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

• 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

• This well-maintained 55+ home in Liberty Village offers an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and extra-wide hallways for easy accessibility. It features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a family room with an adjoining bonus room suitable for an office or den. The home’s curb appeal is enhanced by its vinyl siding with brick façade, and the covered patio provides a comfortable outdoor space. Recent updates include a whole house generator (2022), new carpeting and paint (2018), and a new washing machine and stove within the past year. HOA fees cover snow removal, lawn care, and access to community amenities.

• This versatile property sits on over two and a half acres at the edge of town, offering residential and expansion opportunities under R-3 zoning. The two-story carriage house, built in 2008, features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and unfinished projects that provide potential for added value through sweat equity. A large amount of new cabinetry is included, ready for installation in a future kitchen upgrade. While part of the property lies in a flood zone, its location provides easy access to I-80 and local businesses. An additional two-plus acres with a large hay barn can be included for a combined price of $149,900.

🎇FIREWORK SAFETY AHEAD OF FOURTH OF JULY

With the Fourth of July approaching, Illinois officials are ramping up reminders about fireworks safety and strict adherence to state regulations. According to the Department of Natural Resources and the State Fire Marshal, last year saw 156 injuries and one death linked to fireworks across the state. Authorities stress that only licensed individuals are permitted to possess and use fireworks, and violations can result in legal penalties. Residents are urged to attend professional displays instead of setting off their own, both to stay safe and to comply with state laws designed to protect public safety during the holiday celebrations.

Ahead of the July 4th holiday, Illinois authorities remind the public that strict laws govern the purchase, use, storage, and display of fireworks. Under the Illinois Explosives Act, only licensed individuals with certified storage facilities may handle and display fireworks, overseen by the Department of Natural Resources. Consumer fireworks such as sparklers and fountains are legal only where permitted by local ordinance, and permits are required for use. Handheld items like firecrackers and bottle rockets remain illegal statewide. Violating these regulations can lead to felony charges, hefty fines, and prison time. Illinois currently licenses over 2,100 explosives users and certifies hundreds of storage sites.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌦️Today: Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 85°F, low 63°F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity ranges from 74% to 84%. Chance of rain 30%.

☀️Tuesday: Mostly sunny skies. High 85°F, low 64°F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity ranges from 57% to 73%. 0% chance of rain.

🌤️Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 87°F, low 67°F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity ranges from 56% to 71%. 0% chance of rain.

🌤️Thursday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 88°F, low 69°F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity ranges from 58% to 73%. 0% chance of rain.

🌤️Friday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine with scattered thunderstorms possible at night. High 90°F, low 68°F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity ranges from 61% to 78%. Chance of rain 50%.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

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

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

👟 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

• Apollo Theater Princeton announced showtimes through July 3, 2025, featuring How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World: Rebirth. The last show on Sundays is open captioned, and tickets are available online or at the box office.

• Hungry World Farm invites visitors to pick blueberries during peak season on Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon at their location on Plow Creek Road in Tiskilwa. Guests should bring buckets and friends for a fun morning harvest.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is now offering rolled ice cream, available from 4 to 10 p.m. for dine-in or counter orders. Flavors include Oreo and strawberry, with a smoother texture that melts in your mouth.

• Optimal Health is now carrying hydrogen water electrolytes in a variety of flavors. These drinks are available at your local grocery to help stay refreshed in the heat.

• Rachel Rene introduced a new detergent-free laundry wash designed to clean clothes while leaving them smelling fresh without unwanted residues or toxins. The product is available in-store during business hours or online.

• Second Story Teen Center thanked David Hornbaker and Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. for their outstanding landscaping work, noting David’s incredible vision and the amazing final result. The updated landscaping has greatly enhanced the center’s exterior space.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream will serve its famous BBQ sandwiches for one day only on Wednesday, July 2nd, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until sold out. Customers are encouraged to stop by early and bring friends.

• Princeton Moose Lodge invites members to Corey’s Pilgrim Celebration on Saturday, July 19th, featuring cocktails from 3 to 4 p.m., a ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., and entertainment from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Jennifer or Teresa Lauritzen.

• City of Princeton Animal Control is seeking adopters for Bruno and Shadow, two friendly, well-mannered 4-year-old dogs suited for both house and farm life. Bruno is already neutered, while Shadow will need to be fixed; both do well with kids and cats but may chase due to herding instincts.

• Coal Creek Brewing Company announced the arrival of new branded tank tops and local honey from Coal Creek Wild Foods. They will also be tapping their small-batch “More Than A Weekend” Summer Melon Lager.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. announced a pause on new cat intake to focus on updating health exams and securing homes for long-term residents. They plan to hold an adoption event in a couple of weeks and encourage visits during adoption hours.

• The Bureau County Fair announced that the 2025 Fair Book is now available online. Interested individuals can access it through the provided website link.

• 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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🏋️AT THE METRO CENTER

Junior High Strength and Conditioning Clinic

The Bureau County Metro Center is offering a Junior High Strength & Conditioning clinic from July 14th to July 17th. This one-week program is designed to help junior high athletes in Bureau County improve physically and build foundational strength. The camp targets students entering 5th through 8th grade, with separate time slots: 5th & 6th graders will meet from 10:30–11:15 AM, and 7th & 8th graders from 11:30 AM–12:15 PM. The fee is tiered at $40, $45, or $50 depending on registration timing or other factors. Classes will be capped at 8 participants to ensure more individualized instruction.

Participants will benefit from continued development, better agility, stronger self-esteem, increased skill, a strong base for gaining strength, and safety through strength development. Other benefits include promoting teamwork and encouraging a strong work ethic. The program teaches proper warmups, stretching, exercise techniques, and sport-specific training. It’s an excellent opportunity for youth to gain confidence and compete at a higher level.

To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Early registration is encouraged due to limited spots.

Group Swim Lessons

Group swim lessons are returning to Alexander Pool this summer for kids ages 4 and up. The sessions will run on two sets of dates: June 9th–12th and June 16th–19th. Each class takes place from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Participants will get the chance to sharpen existing skills, learn new techniques, and have fun in a supportive environment. The program is open to both members and non-members. The cost is $50 for members, $55 for residents, and $65 for non-residents. To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or register online.

Adult Dodgeball Tournament

The Adult Dodgeball Tournament is coming to the BCMC Gym on Saturday, July 19th. Open to participants ages 21 and up, this event features 5-player teams competing in a double elimination format. Each matchup consists of three 10-minute games, with the winner determined by the last team standing or the team with the most players remaining. Matches begin at 6:00 PM, but all players must arrive by 5:30 PM for a rules explanation. The cost is $100 per team.

Attendees can enjoy a cash bar and free pizza while supplies last. This high-energy evening promises fun competition and great social interaction. To register, stop by the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🐉HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (PG)

A young Viking befriends a feared dragon, defying tradition and forging an unbreakable bond that changes his world forever.

• Monday: 1:00 PM
  

🚀ELIO (PG)

When Earth mistakenly sends a kid to represent humanity in an intergalactic meeting, Elio must navigate alien diplomacy and find the hero within.

• Monday: 1:15 PM
  

🦖JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH (PG-13)

Dinosaurs rule again in this thrilling new chapter where humanity must decide if it can coexist with prehistoric giants.

• Wednesday–Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM

*The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

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