🏈A Game Preview, Saturday at Homestead, and a Blood Drive

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Good Wednesday morning, neighbors. Early outs. Game postponements. Outrageously hot vehicles. It’s been an unseasonably hot last few days. Heatstroke is the leading cause of death in vehicles (excluding crashes) for those 14 and younger. Always remember to check the back seat before you get out of the car to make sure no one is left behind. Throw a shoe, your phone, or something valuable back there so you have to look back and grab it before you leave. Keep the car locked and keys out of reach so kids or pets can't get inside by accident.

Let’s do this.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🏈PHS Football Preview
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🎉Saturday at the Homestead Festival
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunity
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Home for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
⛪️Local Churches
🧱Lego Competition
📣Mini Cheer Clinic

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Liana Stites! 🎂

• BCR: Princeton Park District announces open board seats for 2025 election

• The Homestead Festival Medallion Hunt, sponsored by Central Bank, will release the first clue on September 1st at 5:00 PM on Facebook. The hunt will continue daily until the medallion is found, with the winner receiving $1,000 in gift certificates and a parade ride on September 7th. The medallion, about 3.5 inches in diameter, is hidden on public property within Princeton’s city limits and does not require breaking or digging to find.

• The BETA SIGMA PHI Craft Show will take place on the Courthouse Lawn during the Homestead Festival Weekend, featuring dozens of vendors offering home decor, florals, handmade jewelry, arts, crafts, sculptures, and more. The event will run on Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm, providing a variety of unique items and handcrafted goods.

• The 28th annual Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment will be held at City County Park over Columbus Day weekend, starting with a special student day on Friday, October 11, 2024. The event will open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, featuring reenactors, vendors, and realistic battle demonstrations each afternoon. Attendees can explore various displays, interact with reenactors, and even meet figures like President Lincoln and General Grant. For more information, visit ShadowsBlueGray.com or call Deb Johnson at 815-699-7238.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Princeton Tourism and the Bureau County Fair, is hosting the Monster Mash Balloon Bash on Saturday, October 12th, featuring hot air balloons, trick-or-treating, a kids' costume contest, and more. The event will include a hot air balloon glow, tethered rides, a haunted attraction, and activities for all ages, making it a must-attend fall celebration.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST

🖍️Join the Princeton Public Library for Adult Coloring Night today from 5 PM to 7 PM for a relaxing evening of music and coloring. The library will provide coloring pages and bookmarks, with an option to laminate bookmarks with contact paper. Participants are welcome to bring their own coloring books or materials if they prefer. This free program is open to everyone and offers a great opportunity to unwind and get creative.

🖌️Join The Knack for Oktoberfest Stein Painting Nights today and tomorrow from 5 PM to 7 PM. For $60, participants receive a custom 28oz stein to paint and two Oktoberfest beers from Barrel Society. Seating is limited to 25 guests per session. The finished steins will be available for pickup at The Knack before Barrel Society's Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 13th.

🎤Join the Open Mic Night every Thursday in August at Downtown Pub & Event Center from 9 PM to 11 PM. Sign-ups begin at 8:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis, and basic sound equipment will be provided for all performers. Come showcase your talent or enjoy a night of local entertainment at 432 S. Main, Princeton.

🩸Join the ImpactLife Blood Drive at the Princeton Public Library on Friday from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and help support those in need. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register in advance at www.bloodcenter.org. Donors can choose between a gift card, a donation to Make-a-Wish IL, or bonus points to the rewards store. Regular donations are vital, as less than 10% of the population donates blood, and every donation helps meet critical needs, especially during crises. Schedule an appointment today to make a difference!

🎸Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers will perform live at the Barrel Society on Friday at 7 PM. The band, known for their raw and soulful country music, promises a night filled with songs of love, heartache, and authentic storytelling. Join the Barrel Society for this unique Alley Session and enjoy an evening of great music and drinks.

🏈PHS opens its season this Friday against Newman Central Catholic in a home game at 7:00 PM.

🥤Apollo Theater Princeton is excited to announce the showing of "REAGAN," starting this Friday. The film, highlighting a piece of history that began just 30 miles north of Princeton, is an opportunity to witness history on the big screen.

🥕Visit the Princeton Farmers Market at Soldier and Sailors Park every Saturday through October from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Support local farmers and take home the freshest produce of the season. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a variety of locally grown goods.

🏒Join Puckapalooza 2024 at the Princeton Inn on Saturday at 3 PM for a fun-filled day of live music, drinks, and great food. Enjoy a live performance by Rodeo Drive starting at 7 PM, with Flo's on Pulaski serving from 3-8 PM. Come early and get a good seat for this exciting event.

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

Ranch style home at 830 Bruce Lane, Princeton, IL 61356, Bureau County. Located in Greencroft, a desirable subdivision on the west side of Princeton.

A spacious single story home built in 1981. This home offers 1878 +/- sq. ft. which includes an eat-in kitchen, dining room w/gas fireplace, living room, family room and 3 bedrooms (1 currently a laundry room). There is a partial basement, 19' x 22' garage and a new driveway in 2020. All appliances will be included.

The home has vinyl siding, asphalt shingle roof, gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Lot size is 76.75 x 159.37 x 142.65 x 153.73 (.4 acres). The backyard opens up to 7 acres of open meadow owned by the city.

Tax ID # is #16-17-452-020, 2023 taxes paid in 2024 were $3,685.38.

Asking price - $220,000. This property is being sold as is.

OPEN HOUSE will be held Thursday, September 5th from 4 pm - 6 pm and Sunday, September 8th from 1 pm to 3 pm

Offers may be presented at that time.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

🐅PHS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Under the leadership of Coach Ryan Pearson, Princeton High School is gearing up for another competitive season in the Three Rivers - Mississippi Conference. After finishing last season with an impressive 10-2 overall record and a 5-0 conference finish, securing first place, the team is looking to build on their success. With a 2023 Final Power Rating of 14.9 and a notable 2023 state rank of #82, they enter the new season with a 2024 Starting Power Rating of 5.7, ranked 54th in the state, according to MaxPrep. The team’s strong defense, allowing only 6.3 points per game last year, coupled with a powerful offense averaging 35.6 points, positions them as a formidable contender.

Noah LaPorte, a standout Senior playing as a wide receiver and free safety, stands at an impressive 6'6" and 215 lbs. He has garnered significant attention from college programs, receiving offers from notable schools such as Northwestern, Kansas, Michigan State, and Ohio. LaPorte committed to Northwestern Wildcats on June 20th, after a series of official visits and offers throughout the spring. As one of the key players for Princeton this season, LaPorte is expected to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball.

Princeton opens its season this Friday against Newman Central Catholic in a home game at 7:00 PM.

Newman Central Catholic, under Coach Mike Papoccia, is preparing for a challenging season in the Three Rivers - Rock Conference. Coming off a solid 7-3 overall record and a third-place finish in their conference last year, the Comets aim to build on their defensive strength, having allowed just 14.7 points per game in 2023. However, with a 2024 starting power rating of -38.1 and ranked #324 in the state, they face a tough road ahead.

Following their opener, Princeton High School will travel to Rockridge on September 6 before returning home to face Sherrard on September 13.

Predictions:

Justin Bullington: 38-0 Tigers

Evan Driscoll: 35-7 Tigers

Matt Eggers: 42-13 Tigers

1 point for the winner, 3 points for correct score

Subscribe and watch Tiger Central Live here

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅️Today: Expect partly cloudy skies in the morning, transitioning to cloudy conditions by the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible, with a high of 84°F. The evening will be relatively calm with occasional clouds and a low of 66°F.

🌤️Thursday, August 29: The day will start with cloudy skies, which will clear up to partly cloudy in the afternoon. There is a chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm, reaching a high of 86°F. The evening may bring scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly later at night, with a low of 69°F and a 70% chance of rain.

🌧️Friday, August 30: A few morning showers are expected, followed by overcast skies for the remainder of the day. Temperatures will reach a high of 81°F. The evening will be mostly calm with a few clouds, dropping to a low of 58°F. Winds will remain light and variable throughout the day.

☀️Saturday, August 31: The forecast predicts sunny skies throughout the day with a high of 83°F. The evening will continue to be clear, with temperatures falling to around 60°F. Expect light and variable winds, maintaining calm weather conditions.

One car garage for rent in Princeton. 12'x20', clean, concrete floor, electricity included. Available now. $80.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 or Text: 815-878-7793.  

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.57
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.62
Casey’s West/North: $3.69
Beck’s West/North: $3.69
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.65
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.65

🎉SATURDAY AT THE HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL

Saturday, September 7th

• 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Alexander Park

• 8:30 AM - Underground Railroad 5K Race starting at Bureau County Metro Center (arrive by 7:30 for registration)

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - 2024 Commemorative Stamp at Princeton Post Office

• 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at Courthouse Lawn

• 9:00 - 11:00 AM - Homestead Festival Fun Fair at Heartland Bank South Parking Lot

• 9:00 - 11:00 AM - Princeton High School Tours

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Bureau County History Center Garage Sale

• 10:00 AM - 12 PM - Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Bureau County 4-H Pork Cookout at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Drive Thru at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Serve 11 AM - 2 PM at Covenant Church

• 1:30 PM - Homestead Festival Parade

• 4:00 - 8:00 PM - Ride the Trolley on Main Street

• 4:00 - 8:00 PM - Concert and Family Fun at Rotary Park - Food Trucks, Bounce Houses

• 5:00 - 7:00 PM - Wall of Denial: Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute at Rotary Park

• 7:30 PM - Free Outdoor Movie, Popcorn and Rootbeer Floats at Evangelical Covenant Church

For full details visit homesteadfestival.com

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITY

• In Home Care Connection Hospice Services is actively seeking compassionate individuals dedicated to hospice care for the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant. This part-time position offers a pay rate of $19.00 per hour, with benefits including a flexible schedule and travel reimbursement. Applicants must have been in their previous job for at least one year to qualify for a matching 401(k) program. The required qualifications include a CNA certification and a driver's license, and candidates must possess reliable transportation. Interested parties are encouraged to apply if they are looking for a meaningful and rewarding opportunity in hospice care.

• Combined Cleaning and Restoration is hiring a full-time and part-time Janitor with pay ranging from $15.00 to $16.25 per hour. The full-time schedule is from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, and part-time positions are available after 3 PM. Responsibilities include performing general cleaning tasks, sanitizing restrooms, emptying trash, maintaining inventory, and following safety procedures. The position offers benefits such as 401(k) matching, paid time off, opportunities for advancement, and a referral program.

• Princeton Pharmacy at 610 N. Main has two job openings. The first is a full-time Pharmacy Technician, responsible for assisting in filling prescriptions, requiring good computer skills and attention to detail, with previous experience preferred but not required. The second position is a part-time Pharmacy Clerk, involving duties such as managing the register, cleaning, and making deliveries, with 12-15 hours per week primarily in the afternoons and on Saturdays. Interested applicants, who must be at least 16 years old for the clerk position, can contact Princeton Pharmacy at 815-875-1237 for more information.

• Princeton High School is looking for a full-time Groundskeeper to maintain the school grounds, ensuring a clean and visually appealing environment. The position pays between $15 to $17 per hour and involves tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging lawns, operating tools, irrigating plants, and maintaining garden beds. Prior experience in groundskeeping or landscaping is preferred, along with the ability to work independently and attention to detail. Benefits include dental, health, life insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and vision insurance, with a flexible schedule that may require overtime and weekends as needed.

• Ollie's Bargain Outlet is hiring a Warehouse Associate for the 2nd shift as a Reach Truck Operator. This role involves operating a high-reach truck to move palletized materials throughout the Distribution Center and ensuring materials are correctly placed. Candidates are expected to be team players, caring, committed, value-obsessed, growing, and real, in line with Ollie's core values. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and RX coverage after 90 days, 401(k) with immediate vesting, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The position requires the ability to work independently, complete tasks promptly, and handle physical demands like lifting up to 50 pounds.

Michelle DeVoss from Sheffield has this hand painted cedar chest available for sale. Give her Facebook page, “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” a like for more information and to see her future projects. She can also be reached at [email protected].

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The City of Princeton Animal Control has three adorable pups available for adoption! Stop by today to meet these friendly dogs and find a new furry friend. Looking for a cool place to relax? Visit your local animal shelter, enjoy the air conditioning, and spend time with lovable animals!

• The Studio Boutique is offering a Summer Sale with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% on top-quality clothing styles. Note that the sale excludes hair care products, tanning lotion, body lotion, jewelry, and fall new arrivals.

• Hornbaker Gardens is hosting an Artisan Market on Saturday, September 14th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, featuring 40 fine artists, live music, food trucks, wine and beer, ice cream, and beautiful gardens. Attendees can also participate in painting tiles for the "Awakening" 2024 community mural designed by Sallee Zearing.

• Bean Buzz is celebrating the arrival of fall with a new lineup of seasonal drinks. Their menu includes a variety of autumn-inspired flavors such as Maple Brown Sugar Chai, Pumpkin Butterscotch Chai, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, Pumpkin Spice Frappe, Toffeenut Frappe, and more. Popular choices also feature the Pumpkin Malt Shaken Espresso, Velvet Pumpkin Cold Brew, and Apple Crisp Latte, perfect for embracing the cozy fall vibes.

• Rachel Rene is having a sale on all black raspberry products and more. The store is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and customers can also order online for convenience. Visit their website for a selection of bath and body products on sale.

• Emerald Tablet Collective is hosting a "Flash Drop" event on Friday, September 13th, featuring deals on tattoo designs starting at $60. The event runs from 12 PM to 9 PM, focusing on arms and legs only, with multiple artists available, including a special guest artist. No appointments are needed; simply sign in upon arrival and enjoy the experience.

• Golden Rice Authentic Thai Food announces its schedule for the week, open today to Friday for lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner is served from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, extended to 7:00 PM on Friday. Note that Mango and Sticky Rice will not be available during this period.

• Scooter’s Coffee has launched its fall menu, featuring new flavors like Green Apple Infusion, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites, and Maple Bourbon Latte. Stop by to enjoy these seasonal favorites, including the Maple Waffle Sandwich and Autumn Caramel Crunch.

• Discover fantastic new treasures at Maupin’s Providence Homestead, located at 877 East Peru St. Open today until 5 p.m., their Princeton shop offers a unique selection of antique and vintage finds.

• Friends of Strays invites everyone to their Fall Open House on Saturday, September 23. The event will include facility tours, raffles, and more, with donations for raffles accepted during shelter hours.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Nestled in Wyanet, the historic home at 310 W Main St celebrates its 100th year with a rich legacy and modern updates. This 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence spreads over 2,800 sq ft, boasting original hardwood floors and a charming wood-burning fireplace that enhances the cozy family room. Recent upgrades include new plumbing, a new sewer line, and renovated roofing, ensuring modern comforts blend seamlessly with timeless architecture. Set on 1.42 acres, this home offers ample outdoor space, a detached garage, and is a testament to a century of care and love.

• A body was located yesterday (Sunday) morning below the I-39 bridge. The victim's identity hasn't been made public and the death is part of an ongoing investigation.

⛪️LOCAL CHURCHES

• Wyanet Community Bible Church is hosting an After School VBS from September 9th-13th, 3:15 to 5:45 PM, for children in grades 1 through 6. This year’s theme is “The Great Jungle Journey” from Answers in Genesis, with fun activities and lessons planned.

• Kids Klub, a non-denominational Christian children's ministry with over 70 years of experience, is starting a new year in September. An informational meeting will be held on August 20th at 5:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Bureau, with a light dinner served at 6:00 P.M. For more details, contact the Kids Klub House in Malden at 815-643-2307; Jeremy Listenby is the director.

• The Evangelical Covenant Church will be hosting a FREE family-friendly movie, "Facing the Giants," in the church parking lot at 24 N. Main St. on Saturday, September 7th, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the annual Bureau County Homestead Festival. Grab a friend and a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy free popcorn and free root beer floats while watching the heartwarming story of a downtrodden Christian high school football coach who turns to God when everything seems to be going against him.

🧱LEGO COMPETITION

The Prairie Arts Center and Studio K Architecture are hosting their 3rd annual LEGO Competition to celebrate The Homestead Festival. Participants are asked to drop off their LEGO models at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery between 4-6 p.m. today. Voting for the competition will be open online from August 31st to September 5th, with gallery hours on August 31st and September 1st from 1-3 p.m. The event includes an opening reception and winner announcement on September 6th from 5-7 p.m. Additional gallery hours are scheduled on September 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd, with model pickup on September 22nd from 3-5 p.m. The program is supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Princeton Closet.

📣MINI CHEER CLINIC

The time has come for the 2024 Mini Cheer Clinic! Applications are due by 9/4/24, so please act quickly. You can pick up application forms from the foyer at Entrance One of the high school, which is the main entrance off Euclid Ave. This foyer is accessible 24/7, making it easy to pick up and drop off your forms at your convenience.

Due to a limited number of home games and the need to accommodate senior night and homecoming, we have a tight schedule for this event, so we appreciate your prompt attention.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

You can also access the registration form and packet digitally by clicking this link.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].