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Good morning, Princeton friends. Today’s newsletter is loaded with what you need to know—from the launch of the $1,000 Medallion Hunt to hot homes, fair food, and fried brownie bites. Local events are heating up, with Trace Adkins taking the stage, Witches Night Out around the corner, and a full fairground lineup ready to roll.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🏅Medallion Hunt
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Adam Lind🎂!

• Princeton High School invites alumni to an Alumni Volleyball Game vs. Bureau Valley on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center; registration is $20 per player with 6-on-6 play and multiple rounds.

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 10th Annual Witches Night Out on Friday, Oct. 3, 4–10 p.m. in Princeton, featuring evening shopping, festive eats, and live music to celebrate a decade of this downtown tradition.

• Fore Fun Golf Fun-Raiser takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Wyaton Hills Golf Course (8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. tee time); $100 per person/$400 per team, limited to 22 teams, with lunch, cart, gift bag, and four drink tickets included (contact Dava Klinefelter to register).

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course announced the 2025 Course Championship results:

  • Men’s Championship Flight — 1st John Garvin, 2nd Tyler Nyman

  • A Flight — 1st Brett Gibson, 2nd (tie) Bill Cox & Brett Nyman

  • B Flight — 1st Cory Bickett, 2nd Mick Town

  • C Flight — 1st Jeff Bland, 2nd Clay Begly

  • Women’s Division — 1st Elisa Gugerty, 2nd Sue Garvin.

• Bureau County Courthouse Elevator Modernization Begins September 2, 2025

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 08-14-2025

🏠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.

• 311 W Franklin St in Princeton, IL is a refreshed duplex ranch-style home listed at $209,000 with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,079 square feet. The home includes stainless steel appliances, updated fixtures, ADA-compliant stools, a full basement, central air, and heating with forced air and gas. Interior features include 7 total rooms, ceiling fans, a master bath with a walk-in closet, and appliances such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

• 698 Downey Dr in Princeton, IL is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home listed at $167,500, offering 1,410 square feet of living space on a 0.31-acre lot. The home features vaulted ceilings, a spacious master suite with a handicap-accessible private bath, and a brick patio overlooking a shaded backyard. Updates include a new furnace in 2016 and an electrical service upgrade in 2025, along with central air, natural gas heating, and accessibility features like grab bars and a roll-in shower. It also includes a 1-car garage, patio, and modern appliances, making it ideal for quiet, comfortable one-level living.

🌼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 with a few pop-up thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. High near 87°F with light N winds 5–10 mph; humidity around 75%. The evening turns partly cloudy and quieter with a low near 67°F, ENE winds 5–10 mph, and only a 20% chance of a stray shower.

⛅Wednesday: A pleasant mix of sun and clouds and comfortably cooler. High around 83°F with ENE winds 5–10 mph and dry conditions (~0% precip). Skies become clear to partly cloudy at night with a low near 60°F; light ENE breeze and humidity rising toward 85%.

🌤Thursday: Another seasonable day with intervals of sun and clouds. High near 82°F on a gentle NE wind 5–10 mph; humidity near 74% and no rain expected. Night stays partly cloudy, low around 61°F, with a light NE breeze and higher humidity (~88%).

☀️Friday: Mostly sunny and a touch warmer. Afternoon high around 84°F with E winds 5–10 mph and very high UV—good day for outdoors, sunscreen needed. The night is mostly clear, comfortably cool near 63°F, with light/variable winds and humidity around 86%.

⛅Saturday: Fair and mild with just a few passing clouds. High near 80°F, a gentle NW breeze 5–10 mph, and low humidity (~69%). Saturday night turns partly cloudy and cooler with a low around 56°F, light NE winds, and a New Moon around sunset.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.36
Casey’s West/North: $2.99
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎤 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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🏅MEDALLION HUNT 2025

🎉 The Homestead Festival Medallion Hunt sponsored by Central Bank is officially upon us. A total of five clues will be released. The first clue will be posted on the Homestead Festival Facebook page and Central Bank’s Facebook page beginning Sunday, August 31st at 5:00 PM and will continue each day thereafter until the medallion is found.

🍀 The lucky winner will receive $1,000 in Princeton Chamber of Commerce gift certificates and a ride in the Homestead Parade on Saturday, September 6th.

🥇The Medallion is approximately 3 ½ inches in diameter, 1/8 inch thick and has the Central Bank logo on it. It will be hidden on PUBLIC PROPERTY within the CITY LIMITS of PRINCETON, and in a location that WILL NOT pose any danger to searchers. Nothing needs to be broken into, dug up, or torn apart to find it. The Medallion is NOT hidden at City County Park, the Bureau County Fairgrounds, the Amtrak Station, or at any of the local cemeteries. If you find the Medallion, please call the phone number on the back. When the Medallion is found, an official announcement will be posted to the Homestead Festival Facebook page and Central Bank’s Facebook page.

🎯 The goal of the Homestead Festival Medallion Hunt is to provide fun and excitement in an effort to get the annual Homestead Festival off to a great start. The Homestead Festival Medallion Hunt is open to everyone except families associated with Central Bank.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Cafe Grace is serving comfort food at 1009 N. Main St.; hours are Tue–Thu 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Fri & Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.–2 p.m., with rotating specials (e.g., Taco Wednesday, Strawberry Pecan Salad Thursday) and call-ahead takeout at 815-872-4000.

• Didoughs Twisted Pretzel Co. will be at the Bureau County Fair all week with premium lemon shake-ups and made-from-scratch soft pretzels.

• Wild Honey Boutique welcomes new team member Bella and highlights new camo and black denim jackets—stop in to say hello and shop this week.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint has brought back the Crab Rangoon egg roll, added to the sampler alongside Dublin Delight, Philly Fusion, and Bacon Jale-Pop; open 11 a.m.–9 p.m., with kids eat free this weekend with an adult entrée purchase.

• Rachel Rene spotlights Watermelon Whipped Cream Soap—an ultra-bubbly, multi-use favorite available in store 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. or online.

• Little Blue Dress continues its Annual Birkenstock Sale—15% off sandals and sneakers (excludes clogs) through August; hours are Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun 12–4 p.m.

• Philly Factory will serve cheesesteaks on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 4–8 p.m., at 15 West Marquette (behind Barrel Society).

• Cows Coffee rolls out this week’s route: Monday at CSB in Walnut, 7–10 a.m., then Wednesday–Sunday on the Midway at the Bureau County Fair, with a new gluten-free treat planned for the fair.

• Paisano’s Ristorante debuts Devin’s Devilish Fried Brownie Bites—crispy, caramel-drizzled, powdered-sugar treats that pair with rolled ice cream in Strawberry Cheesecake or Reese’s Puff.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton says it’s the final week to grab the limited-time Hot Sicilian Pizza—available now while supplies last.

• Miss Betsy’s is rolling out cotton candy donuts, a fair-themed flavor available this week.

• Optimal Health will have a fresh delivery of local organic produce on Tuesday, Aug. 19—a great chance to stock up on peak-summer items.

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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

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🍿AT THE APOLLO

Freakier Friday (PG)

A modern twist on the beloved body-swap comedy, this sequel brings a new wave of hilarious and heartfelt chaos as a mother and daughter once again find themselves switching places at the worst possible time. Full of laughs, lessons, and heartwarming moments, it’s a fun family film.

• Aug 15–21: Friday & Saturday at 4:45 pm & 7:15 pm; Sunday at 2:15 pm, 4:45 pm & 7:15 pm*; Monday at 1:15 pm; Tuesday–Thursday at 6:15 pm.

The Naked Gun (PG-13)

A cult-classic slapstick comedy starring Leslie Nielsen as the hilariously clueless detective Frank Drebin. Packed with outrageous gags, sight jokes, and quotable lines, this crime spoof remains one of the funniest films of all time.

• Aug 15–21 only: Friday & Saturday at 4:30 pm & 7:00 pm; Sunday at 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm & 7:00 pm*; Monday at 1:00 pm; Tuesday–Thursday at 6:00 pm.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].