SPONSORED BY

Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. And Happy Father’s Day Weekend to all the fellow dads out there. I love being a dad to Carson, Mia, Hudson, and John, and I’m thankful for two amazing dad’s in my life: my dad Mike and my Father-in-Law Dan. They’ve both shaped me in ways I’m only beginning to fully appreciate, and I’m grateful for their example every day.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
👔Father’s Day Weekend
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
💭Remembering in Princeton
⚾️The Cubs are Cooking
👷Princeton Job Openings
🏷️More on 34 Garage Sales
🐟Great Fishing Nearby
🪽Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Kolton Reeverts🎂!

• BCR: Soprano and Princeton native Rachel Kiser Rucker will be featured as the soloist at the Princeton Community Band’s concert on Sunday, June 15, at Soldiers and Sailors Park, performing “As Time Goes By” under conductor Ann MB Lusher. The free concert will also include works like “The Great Locomotive Chase,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2,” Leroy Anderson’s “Bugler’s Holiday” (performed by three trumpeters), and more—with lawn chairs, refreshments, and rain venue set up at Princeton High School.

• NewsTribune: Here are the Princeton standouts from the 2025 NewsTribune Girls Soccer All‑Area Team: Princeton sophomore Ruby Acker led the midfield with nine assists—second most in the area—while sophomore Bella Clevenger topped the Tigresses’ offense with 19 goals and six assists. Senior Devin Dever anchored the defense during a breakout 14–12 season, and sophomores Ava Kyle (seven goals, three assists) and Olivia Sandoval (18 goals, third-most in the area) provided strong offensive support.

• Princeton Emergency responders reaching out to special needs community

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League will host a pork chop cookout on June 16 at Zearing Park at 5:30 p.m. Sandwiches are $5; meals with chips and a drink are $8, featuring pork from Wyanet Meat Locker.

• The Princeton Fire Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Fire Academy session. Classes begin in September and run through January, with sessions held Monday and Wednesday nights and two Saturdays per month. Tuition is $100, and application packets can be picked up at the fire department.

• The Princeton Public Arts Commission is hosting a free community mural painting event at the first street concert of the season on June 20 at 4 p.m. in the Mary Uthoff Walkway. Each participant will paint a 7” square, and all supplies are provided. Children under 6 must paint with an adult.

• Team registration is now open for the 28th Annual Tiger Classic, hosted by the Princeton Tiger Athletic Boosters. This year’s event will be held at a new location—Chapel Hill Golf Course in Princeton, IL—on August 16, 2025, with registration beginning at 8 AM and tee-off at 9 AM. Register your team here and join the fun!

📍Outside City Limits

• Enjoy Free Fishing Days in Illinois June 13-16, 2025, Without a License

• La Salle police along with the La Salle County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois Attorney General's Office of Internet Crimes Against Children Division carried out a search warrant in the 1300 block of Argyle Road

• Peru police apprehended 23-year-old Makenna Krofft Wednesday evening at the Quality Inn in the 5200 block of Trompeter Road in Peru.

• A Bureau County village has lost its president.

• A Vacation Bible School is coming to Wyanet Community Bible Church at 215 S Locust Street! Join us July 16–18 from 10–11:30 a.m. for Wonder Junction by Answers in Genesis, with a free meal following for kids and families. Sunday School for all ages is at 9 a.m., followed by our worship service at 10. Register online at Answers in Genesis – Wyanet Community Bible Church or contact Pastor Kevin at [email protected]—walk-in registration is also welcome!

👔BUREAU COUNTY FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Garage Sales & Much More | June 12–15

There’s something for everyone this Father’s Day weekend across Bureau County! Enjoy townwide garage sales, great food, classic cars, live music, and family fun:

🚗 Garage Sales & Markets

• More on 34 Garage Sales – Thursday–Saturday, June 12–14

• Bureau County Fairgrounds – Two days of garage sales

• Townwide Sales – Wyanet & Princeton

• Princeton Farmers Market – Saturday

🍔 Food & Fun

• Lunch in the Park – Friday, Main St., Princeton

• Hungry World Farm Wood-Fired Pizza – Friday, Tiskilwa

• Wyanet Locker Cookout – Friday & Saturday

• Buffalo Days Celebration – All weekend, LaMoille

🚙 Car Shows & Music

• Psycho Silo Car & Motorcycle Swap Meet – Friday & Saturday

• Kid Rock Tribute Band & Jeeper’s Creepers – Saturday at Psycho Silo

• Old Wheels Car Show – Saturday, 1st Lutheran in Princeton

• Lake DePue Car Show – Sunday

• Community Band Concert – Sunday, Princeton

🌿 Outdoor Attractions

• Hornbaker’s Garden Open House & Hosta Walk – Saturday & Sunday

📍 Info & Maps:

Garage Sale fliers available at the Prouty Building, the Fairgrounds, and local gas stations.

🔗 For details, visit the Bureau County Tourism Facebook page or email [email protected]

📞 Info line: 815-866-3606

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌦️Today: Saturday will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with just a slight chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm. The high will reach 85°F with variable winds at 5 to 10 mph. Saturday night will be partly cloudy and mild, with a low near 66°F. Winds will shift east at 5 to 10 mph and humidity will rise to 77%.

🌤️Sunday, June 15: Sunday brings a mix of sunshine and clouds, along with warm, humid conditions. The high will climb to 88°F with southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph and a 20% chance of rain. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 68°F. Winds will blow from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph and humidity will reach 81%.

🌤️Monday, June 16: Expect intervals of clouds and sunshine early, with increasing clouds later in the day. A stray thunderstorm is possible, with a high of 87°F and east-northeast winds at 10 mph. Monday night will be partly cloudy and calm. The low will be around 67°F, with east winds at 5 to 10 mph and humidity around 78%.

🌦️Tuesday, June 17: Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temperatures will reach 86°F, with south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and a 30% chance of rain. Tuesday night will bring more thunderstorms, with a low around 71°F. Winds from the southwest will stay near 10 mph, and rain chances jump to 70%.

🌤️Wednesday, June 18: Wednesday features a mix of clouds and sun, along with scattered thunderstorms throughout the day. The high will be 86°F with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chances stand at 40%. Wednesday night will see isolated thunderstorms during the evening, with a few lingering showers overnight. Expect a low of 66°F and continued southwest winds. Rain chance remains near 30%.

🌤️Thursday, June 19: Thursday will bring intervals of clouds and sunshine, staying dry with a high near 87°F. Winds will blow from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear and comfortable, with a low near 65°F. Winds will ease from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph and humidity will sit around 78%.

🌤️Friday, June 20: Friday will be partly cloudy and warm, with a high of 86°F. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph and humidity will stay moderate around 64%. Friday night will remain partly cloudy with a low around 69°F. Winds will continue from the south-southeast and conditions will stay mild and pleasant.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.04
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.11
Casey’s West/North: $3.14
Beck’s West/North: $3.14
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.04
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.15

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.97

🏆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].

🔒PRINCETON NOW PREMIUM

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers receive:

  🚫Ad free

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 191 others.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Emerald Tablet Collective shared they’re pursuing a new location for their studio, currently the Milk Moustache property. The zoning vote passed and they await the board’s decision, encouraging community support through positive comments rather than crowding city hall.

• Fresh Finds Princeton recommends Fannie May chocolate for Father’s Day, with extended hours Friday (9–6), Saturday (9–6), and Sunday (10–2).

• Meadows on Main is showcasing vibrant summer floral arrangements.

• Five 22 invites shoppers to find new clothing arrivals for the weekend, noting there’s something for everyone.

• Rachel Rene encourages visitors to stop by for handmade bath and body products from 10–5:30.

• Corner Chair Market features creative shelving units and home display ideas.

• Optimal Health now carries six new Kevin’s frozen bowl options for quick meals, including Chicken Burrito and Parmesan Basil Chicken.

• Four Seasons highlights Haiku crossbody bags in multiple styles, including blackberry, black in bloom, and stone gray.

• Hungry World Farm is hosting a family event June 14 from 5–8 p.m. with wood-fired pizza, animals, farm tours, and a playground. BYOB and check out their new glamping tents in Tiskilwa.

• Eclectic Joy reminds everyone that Princeton stores are open late next Thursday from 4–8 p.m. as part of the monthly shopping promo.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course is hosting Junior Golf Camp sessions for ages 5–11 and 12–18 throughout June and July. Each session runs from 8–10 a.m. and costs $20, with clubs available if needed. For full details and registration, contact (815) 872-2641 or email [email protected].

Upcoming:

• More in Bureau County Rummage Sales: Discover hidden gems at the Bureau County Rummage Sales on June 13 and 14. The event runs all day at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering a variety of items from local sellers.

• 2025 Homestead Lawn Event: Celebrate summer and support the community at the Homestead Lawn Event on Saturday, June 14, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Owen Lovejoy Homestead. Hosted by local families, the event features music, fellowship, and highlights cherished festival traditions.

• The Princeton Public Library is hosting an outdoor “Lunch at the Library” event on Wednesday, June 25, from 11 AM to 1 PM in its parking lot, featuring food from the Farmer Smoked BBQ food truck and live acoustic music by violinist Jenna Scrifes and guitarist Paul Engwall, with guests encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

• Arukah Freedom 5k Color Run: Start your 4th of July with a splash at the Arukah Freedom 5k Color Run on Friday, July 4, at Soldiers & Sailors Park in Princeton. Walk, run, and splash red, white, and blue while supporting a great cause. Registration is $35 per person (ages 4+) or $120 for a group of 4.

• 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. Online ticket sales begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, at www.bureaucountyfair.com. This event is part of the 170th Bureau County Fair, running August 20–24.

💭REMEMBERING IN PRINCETON

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

⚾️THE CUBS ARE COOKING: CHICAGO TAKES COMMAND OF THE NL CENTRAL

Don’t look now, but the Chicago Cubs are back in business. With the All-Star break looming, the Cubs are sitting on a 42–28 record and leading the NL Central by over five games. After years of inconsistency, this team looks deep, confident, and dangerous.

They’re not just winning—they’re beating teams up. Chicago ranks near the top of the National League in home runs, runs batted in, and overall offensive production. Their +104 run differential shows they’re not squeaking by—they’re dominating.

So who’s fueling this charge?

Pete Crow-Armstrong, the young center fielder once known mostly for his glove, has become a legit star. He’s hitting .276 with 17 home runs and 21 stolen bases, and he’s playing elite defense. Simply put, he’s doing it all.

Kyle Tucker, acquired from Houston in the offseason, is proving to be one of the best trades in recent memory. His power, plate discipline, and big-game experience have made an immediate impact.

Meanwhile, Seiya Suzuki shook off an oblique injury and came back swinging—literally. He earned NL Player of the Week honors in late May after a torrid stretch where he hit nearly .500 with 3 bombs and 10 RBIs in seven days.

Ian Happ remains a steady force in left field and at the plate, and Nico Hoerner continues to be the glue guy in the infield, making smart plays and consistently getting on base.

On the mound, Jameson Taillon has found his rhythm, delivering five strong starts in a row. And in the bullpen, veteran Ryan Pressly is in the middle of a late-career resurgence—13 straight scoreless innings and counting. Add in hard-throwing Daniel Palencia, and the Cubs suddenly have a pen that can close the door on tight games.

The rest of the division is chasing. The Brewers and Cardinals are hanging around, but neither has matched Chicago’s consistency or firepower. Cincinnati’s young arms are promising, but they’re still a few pieces away.

Barring major injuries, the Cubs are in a strong position not only to win the Central, but to make real noise in October. Their mix of youth, veteran leadership, and offensive firepower is the best the North Side has seen in years.

The W flags might be flying a lot more this summer.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Sullivan’s is hiring a Lead Deli & Bakery Clerk at $15–$23 per hour to assist in overseeing operations in the absence of the department manager. The role includes providing excellent guest service, ensuring product quality and freshness, leading staff, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Responsibilities also include answering phones, taking special orders, training new employees, suggestive selling, and keeping display cases well-stocked. Sullivan’s is part of a fast-growing, employee-owned grocery company with a variety of store formats and online delivery services across the Midwest. The company also operates liquor stores, pharmacies, distribution centers, and food commissaries to support its retail operations.

• Four Seasons Women’s Apparel is hiring for Assistant Manager and Key Holder positions, offering both full-time and part-time roles at $15.00–$16.50 per hour. Employees can expect flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends, with stores closing at 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Sundays (except some in December), and shut down on seven major holidays. The job offers 25–35 hours per week and includes benefits like a 25% merchandise discount, paid vacation, and a savings plan. Day and Saturday availability is required, and applicants should be highly motivated and ready to take on extra responsibilities.

• Laura Krabill Kheshgi dental office is hiring a full-time receptionist with a salary range of $32,000–$38,000 per year. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a desire to grow, with a preference for candidates with one year of dental experience, though training is available. Benefits include 401(k) with matching and profit sharing, PTO, dental care, uniform allowance, and continuing education opportunities. The schedule is Monday through Friday, and applicants must be able to commute to the office.

🏷️MORE ON 34 GARAGE SALE LOCATIONS

Princeton (June 13th-14th)

• 413 W Hudson Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 804 S Euclid Fri, Sat

• 305 N Church St Sat

• 513 W Peru Street

• 427 N Knox St Fri, Sat.

• 520 S 9th Street Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 535 S Main Street Fri, Sat

• 118 N Church St Fri, Sat

• 12 S First St 27 E Railroad Street Thurs, Fri

• 608 S Pleasant St.

• BC FAIRGROUNDS Fri, Sat

• 114 N Randolph St Sat

• 116 S Plum St Fri, Sat

• 103 S Plum St Fri, Sat

• 319 W Crown Fri, Sat

• 428 W Peru St Fri, Sat

• 507 S 10th St Fri, Sat

• 624 S Martenson LN Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 457 W Boyd Fri, Sat

• 824 S Pleasant Fri, Sat

• American Legion Fri, Sat

• 118 N Fairgrounds Rd 18090 W US Hwy 26

🐟GREAT FISHING NEARBY

Here are some of the best fishing spots in and around Princeton: roughly 20–40 miles away—perfect for a variety of freshwater species:

1. Alexander Park Pond: A popular local fishing pond with public access—great for bass, bluegill, catfish, and sunfish. Anglers share good catch reports via FishAngler.

2. Bolton Lakes & Zearing Pond: Small, peaceful community lakes nestled in green settings. Ideal for a quiet afternoon of fishing (bluegill, sunfish), nature watching, and relaxation.

3. Hennepin Canal State Trail (~10 mi north): This scenic canal offers excellent access for bluegill, crappie, bass, and walleye. The canal is regularly restocked by IDNR, with multiple fishing-friendly day-use areas along the route.

4. Donnelley/DePue State Fish & Wildlife Area (~25 mi southwest): A regional hotspot featuring river sloughs and ponds rich in bass and catfish. Backwaters and natural channels reward patient anglers.

5. Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area (~15 mi south): Multiple purpose-built lakes stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie—ideal for family outings and boat or shoreline fishing.

6. Silver Springs SFWA – Fox River (~35 mi northeast, near Plano): Includes two lakes plus Fox River access. Stocked with trout, bass, catfish, crappie—boating and bank fishing available.

7. Kankakee River State Park (~55 mi east): Though a bit farther, its freestone tributaries and trout-stocked ponds make it worth the drive—for bass, bluegill, and seasonal trout.

Tips:

• The Hennepin Canal and Mautino SFWA are restocked regularly—excellent for diverse catches.

• For a quick outing, Alexander Park and Bolton Lakes are convenient and community-favorite.

• If you’re up for a drive, Silver Springs and Kankakee River State Park offer scenic landscapes and trout opportunities.

Whether you’re after bass, crappie, catfish, or trout, Princeton boasts options for all skill levels on Father’s Day Weekend.

🪽LETTER FROM LORI

It started with one.

Several decades ago, I looked up at the sky above the Illinois River near where I live and saw a large bird. My father owned a duck club, so I was well-acquainted with the sight of ducks and geese in flight—but this one flew differently. It didn’t flap like they did. It didn’t lock its wings in the usual pattern for landing. It didn’t bob and crane its neck the way I was used to seeing. I didn’t know what it was.

Turns out—it was a pelican.

A pelican? In Illinois???

I had seen them during trips to Florida, but here I was, a thousand miles away, and there it was—this lone pelican. Was it lost? Did its avian GPS lose signal? Couldn’t it read a map? What was this strange bird doing in the Illinois River Valley?

The next year, I saw a few more circling my dad’s club. As the years passed, their numbers grew. Someone eventually explained that their migratory pattern had shifted, and our region had been added to their scenic route between warm climates and nesting sites. The growing numbers probably had something to do with their offspring following them. Maybe they recruited a few others along the way, telling them, “Hey, Hennepin has this amazing 800-acre resting area full of fish and trees.” It also has Spratt’s Tap—but I’ve never seen one in there having a beer, so maybe they kept that little gem to themselves.

That first pelican led by example. Maybe he was lost—but he reached his destination, learned from the journey, and passed that knowledge on to his friends and family. He didn’t tug on their feathers and make them follow—he just went ahead and showed the way.

And now? There are hundreds of big white birds gracing our skies every spring and fall. What a blessing. What a glorious sight to see them paddling around Rawson Lake. What a rare gift for us, right here in central Illinois, to enjoy beauty usually reserved for the coasts.

All because one bird took a chance—or a wrong turn—we now get to witness this annual miracle.

How often do we lament our missteps, worrying about how others will perceive them? What if, instead, we learned from those choices and turned them into an adventure? How many people are watching, realizing that not following the flock doesn’t make you a failure?

What if others saw that sometimes, life is worth the risk?

What if someone is influenced by you—by your courage to go first, try something new, or take a different route?

Are you willing to be that wayward pelican?

I am.

Let’s GOOOO! And who knows—we just might stop at Spratt’s for a cold one on the way.

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].