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Good morning, Princeton friends. Today’s issue has everything from birthday shoutouts to tips on avoiding a tractor fender-bender, plus why Fletcher the Kangaroo might just crash a small-town parade. We’ve got football, fair food, and a donut so sugary it could make your dentist weep.

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🎡Fair Schedule
🚜Harvest Driving
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Everett Barker, Andy Barker, and Natalie Garman🎈!

• BCR: 5 football storylines to watch in the NewsTribune/BCR area

• RMN: Illinois Implements New Law for Mandatory Student Mental Health Screenings

• From the Metro Center: “Later this week, the main entrance to Zearing Park will be temporarily closed due to maintenance. To access the park, please use the South entrance, just beyond the church. Please stay tuned for further updates!”

• 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 Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser 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.

• Douglas Elementary (PES District 115) needs classroom paraprofessionals for the 2025-26 school year. Interested candidates can review licensing requirements at ISBE and email [email protected].

• The Princeton Tigers Athletic Booster Club is launching an Alumni Volleyball Tournament; teams must register by Sept 10. Players must be 21+ and connected to PHS as alumni, parents, or faculty—co-ed lineups welcome.

• 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.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 08-08-2025

📍Outside City Limits

• Tiskilwa Community Association presents Movie in the Park on Saturday, Aug 16 at East Park. A rookie rabbit cop teams up with a sly fox to crack a missing-mammal case—one small clue sparks a wild mystery. Bring blankets and chairs for a fun night under the stars.

• What Is ‘Congestion Pricing’ In New Illinois Tollway Plan?

• Understanding The Risks Of The Door Kick Challenge In Illinois

• The St. Jude Rides Golf Scramble will take place at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Sheffield on Saturday, August 30. Registration is $60 per person and includes 18 holes of best ball, dinner, fun, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and a silent auction—all supporting children battling cancer.

• The Village of Mineral marks its 175th Fun Day Sept 6-7 with parades, live music, rides, fireworks, and even Fletcher the Kangaroo. Saturday’s lineup ends with fireworks at dusk; Sunday features antique train rides and camel rides.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,320 sq ft of living space with refinished original hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a spacious kitchen featuring a pantry and ample cabinetry. Energy-efficient upgrades, including a new water line installed in June 2025, help keep utility costs low. The property includes an upstairs bonus room currently used as a large closet, which could serve as an office, playroom, or reading nook, along with a charming porch for year-round enjoyment. The seller is including several furnishings—such as TVs, stands, and dressers—and is offering a Cinch home warranty for added peace of mind. Located in historic Princeton, this move-in-ready home combines classic charm with modern convenience.

• This updated ranch home offers 1,080 sq ft of living space and is just a one-minute walk from Zearing Park. The open floor plan includes spacious bedrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen with Kraftmaid cabinetry, soft-close drawers, and butcher block countertops, complemented by Maytag appliances. Recent upgrades include a new roof, concrete driveway, front sidewalk, and thermal windows, along with custom wood flooring and a home office area. Additional features include a screened rear porch, oversized 2-car garage with storage, and a partially finished basement with a family room, second bathroom, and guest accommodations. Classic brick accents enhance the exterior, and the backyard boasts a large oak tree providing year-round shade.

• This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on over half an acre in the Sherwood Glen subdivision, offering country tranquility just minutes from Princeton. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, tile backsplash, maple cabinetry, and hardwood flooring, opening to the living area, with laundry conveniently located in the mudroom. The master suite features two walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub, while the remodeled three-season room adds cozy living space. The full basement offers potential for a family room, gym, or recreation area, and the insulated 3-car garage provides ample storage. Recent upgrades include new patios, insulation, Kinetco water and RO systems, furnace, AC, and radon mitigation, with easy interstate access nearby.

🌼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 WEATHER

🌤Today: Partly cloudy and warm with a few pop-up showers or a stray thunderstorm around, rain chance about 20–40%. Afternoon high near 84°F with a light WSW wind 5–10 mph shifting NW by evening. Tonight turns partly cloudy and comfortable with a low around 64°F and humidity edging higher overnight.

☀️Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine with a few fair-weather clouds and a pleasant feel. High tops out near 83°F on a gentle NNW breeze ~7 mph. Skies clear out at night—great stargazing—cooling to about 62°F with low humidity.

🌤️Thursday: Bright and seasonable with intervals of clouds; an isolated shower can’t be ruled out (~20%). High around 84°F with a light SSW wind 5–10 mph. The evening is mostly clear and quiet, slipping to 67°F.

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny and a notch hotter. Afternoon high near 89°F on a steady southerly breeze ~10 mph; it’s a dry day. Warm and mostly clear Friday night with a low around 71°F.

🌥️ Saturday: Hot with filtered sun and some passing clouds, but overall dry. Expect a high near 91°F with a light SSW wind 5–10 mph. The night stays partly cloudy and warm, settling to about 72°F.

⛽️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

🎶 Pretend Friend at Barrel Society – Enjoy progressive bluegrass with Pretend Friend, a nationally touring band from Wichita, Kansas. Wednesday, August 13 at 7 PM at Barrel Society.

🎶 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music from The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Country music at the Bureau County Fair. Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets at bureacountyfair.com.

🩸 Health Screening Blood Draw Clinic – Take part in a preventive blood screening hosted by the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Friday, August 22, 6–9 AM at 1407 N Main St, Princeton.

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

🥁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.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Little Blue Dress has a new “Favorites” display filled with tried-and-true shapes and styles. Stop in and refresh your wardrobe with easy, effortless pieces.

• Optimal Health just restocked shelves with lots of new better-for-you snacks, pantry finds, and goodies. Swing by and try something new this week.

• Philly Factory pops up Tuesday, Aug 12, 4–8pm at 15 West Marquette (behind Barrel Society). Grab classic house cheesesteaks—Factory Favorite, Pizza Steak, Bacon Bleu, and more.

• Downtown Liquidation has a 16-piece dinnerware set for $44—only 2 sets available. Fall-themed plates, bowls, mugs, and saucers while they last.

• Homestead Festival Parade welcomes the ISU Gamma Phi Circus making its Main Street debut, with an after-parade performance at the courthouse. Parade steps off 1:30pm from the north end—arrive early to save your spot.

• Princeton Moose Lodge week: Thu, Aug 14—Tacos 5:30–7:30 plus WOTM & lodge meetings. Fri, Aug 15—Burgers & chicken strips 5:30–7:30, Queen of Hearts & Music Bingo. Sat, Aug 16—Back-to-School Blacklight Bingo with chicken buffet; please bring a school-supply donation. (Lodge at 1339 N Euclid Ave.)

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint is serving Cinnamon Crunch Stuffed French Toast—a cozy brunch special calling your name. Come and get it!

• Homestead Festival Tug Fest returns Sunday, Sept 7, 9:00am (check-in 8:30). Co-ed teams of 8 (age 16+, at least 3 of each gender). $10/person with 100% payout to 1st & 2nd. Register by Aug 28 to reserve your T-shirt.

• Shane’s Shine Shop is giving Teachers & Staff 20% off a Maintenance Detail through Aug 29. Pick-Up/Drop-Off available—call 815-872-4301 or stop by 611 N. Pleasant St.

• 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.

• Shane’s Shine Shop in Princeton is promoting its professional ceramic coating service, giving vehicles a slick finish that is easier to maintain and better protected against the elements. Call 815-872-4301 or stop by 611 N. Pleasant St. to schedule and keep your ride shining.

• Shannon’s Memorials can add names, dates, or other lettering to existing headstones with care and precision. Contact Shannon’s Memorials at 815-878-3682 to discuss your inscription needs.

• Rachel Rene is offering a back-to-school special for college students with mesh shower caddy bags available in four colors for $5 each. Shoppers can also receive 15% off any items that fit in the bag with the zipper closed during store hours this Friday through Sunday, in-store only.

• Bug Off Taylor’s Way reminds homeowners that letting ants feast on their professional bait wipes out the entire colony—including the queen. Call 815-875-8231 for a smart, lasting solution to summer ant invasions.

• The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department is offering free Narcan kits to the public daily at their offices. Narcan is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, with instructions provided for emergency use.

• 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.

• 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.

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🎡BUREAU COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 20

• 2:00 PM – Gates Open

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls (Allen Building) Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Rick Moreland performs gospel music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00–10:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Midway)

• 7:00 PM – Veterans Tribute (Exhibit Hall #2) with Flags of Freedom & Quilts of Valor

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits) in the Hospitality Building

Thursday, August 21

• 9:30 AM – Dairy Cattle Show

• 12:00–3:00 PM – Bingo for Seniors (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00–10:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00–5:00 PM – Antique Motorcycle Display

• 3:00–4:00 PM – Jack Ness Variety Music

• 4:30–5:30 PM – Jon Graham (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Resumes

• 5:00 PM – Goat Show & 6:00 PM – Rabbit Show

• 5:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 7:00 PM – Grandstand Concert: Trace Adkins with special guest Brushville

• 7:00–10:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek)

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generic’s Goodies Band (Hospitality Building)

• 8:30 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Friday, August 22

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Al & Jeannie Brown (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Continues

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 5:30 PM – Grandstand: Truck & Tractor Pulls (Farm Stock & Illinois State Pullers)

• 6:30–7:30 PM – Kevin Kramer (Pop Music, Hospitality Building)

• 7:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Resumes)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Tailgate Confessions (Country/Rock Music)

• 8:30–9:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Saturday, August 23

• 9:00 AM – Poultry Show; NBHA Horse Speed Show (10:00 AM start); Sheep Show (10:00 AM); Beef Show (10:00 AM)

• 12:00–1:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits)

• 1:00–11:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (multiple performances)

• 3:30 PM – Beer Garden Opens

• 3:30–4:00 PM – Kids Demo Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–10:00 PM – Demolition Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–5:00 PM – Marshall Putnam Stark Show Choir (Hospitality Building)

• 6:00–7:00 PM – Henry Torpedo Boys (Bluegrass Music)

• 7:00–11:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Continues)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Rodeo Drive (Country & Rock Music, Hospitality Building)

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Sunday, August 24

• 9:00 AM – Open Horse Show (McCutchan Arena)

• 10:00 AM – Draft Horse Show (halter classes), Junior Beef Show, Swine Show

• 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Tractor Show (Fairgrounds)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Rich Selquist performs classic variety music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds)

• 1:00 PM – Draft Horse Hitch Classes (McCutchan Arena), Beer Garden opens, Wilson Carnival kicks off (Midway – $30 unlimited rides)

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – 303 Concert closes out the week at the Grandstand (free admission)

• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Bureau County Barbershop Chorus (Fairgrounds)

• 2:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds), Queen’s Pie Auction

• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Those Funny Little People (Pop, Rock & Americana) in the Hospitality Building

• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Another round of Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Fine arts entries released on the Fairgrounds

🚜HOW TO SHARE THE ROAD DURING HARVEST

Fall in the Midwest means combines, grain carts, and trucks moving between fields. These machines are huge, slow, and sometimes wider than a lane. Your job is to expect them, give space, and pass only when it’s clearly safe.

Spot the signs. The orange reflective triangle on the back means “slow-moving vehicle” (typically 25 mph or less). Flashing ambers, escort pickups, and “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners also signal reduced speed and extra width. When you see any of these, lift off the gas and build patience.

Back off. Keep at least five seconds of following distance so the operator can see you in mirrors and you can see around the machine. Tailgating hides turn signals and creates a blind spot. Many farm vehicles swing right before making a wide left into a field drive—if you’re glued to the bumper, you’ll misread the move and cause a crash.

Pass only with certainty. Wait for a straight stretch with a full view ahead; never pass on hills, curves, bridges, railroad crossings, or within intersections and field drives. Check that the tractor isn’t lining up for a left turn, then signal, move decisively, and don’t cut back in early—the header or implement may stick out farther than you think.

See and be seen. Harvest runs at dawn and dusk, when glare and shadows are worst. Turn on headlights (not high beams when close), keep your windshield clean, and watch for dust clouds that can hide a slow vehicle or a following car. If visibility drops, slow down and avoid passing.

Mind closing speed. At highway pace, you can catch a 20-mph tractor shockingly fast. Scan far ahead and cover the brake. Braking early prevents panic stops and rear-end collisions.

Respect the edges. Combines may ride the centerline to clear mailboxes or guardrails. Give extra room rather than forcing them tight to the shoulder; soft gravel and culverts can tip heavy equipment.

Share courtesy. Farmers: use lighting, reflective tape, and clean SMV emblems; signal early; pull off to let lines clear when safe. Drivers: be patient, avoid horn blasts, and never climb onto equipment to complain.

Bottom line: slow down, think ahead, and leave room. Everyone gets home, and the crop gets in.

Extra tips: secure kids and pets, watch for school buses on rural routes, and expect mud on pavement—slippery patches lengthen stopping distances and reduce control.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🔄FREAKIER FRIDAY (PG)

A hilarious body-swap comedy returns with a new twist, bringing unexpected chaos and heartwarming lessons.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM

🐺THE BAD GUYS 2 (PG-13)

The world’s most charming criminal animals are back for another action-packed and witty adventure.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 4:45 PM & 7:15 PM

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