🛝A New Playground, A Home Game, and Free Stuff

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It's a vibrant and invigorating day in the quaint town of Princeton, a hidden treasure known for being one of the most delightful spots in Illinois. Good morning, especially to the Princeton Tigers football team for their dominant win over the Newman Central Catholic Comets. Great way to start the season, and I am really glad I don’t have to say “Newman Central Catholic Comets” every day because thats a lot of words.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏈Tigers Game Recap
🛝New Playground
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
🏠Princeton Home for Sale
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🆓Everything Free in Princeton
🚃An Underground Railroad Storyteller
🎨Prairie Art Center Dedication
🤠Seniors to San Antonio
🎶Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Kathey Cook and Ben Clausen! 🎂

• The Princeton Police Department is hosting an Explorers Meeting on Saturday, August 31st, from 8 PM to 10 PM for students from 6th grade to senior year. Parents interested in having their child join are encouraged to message the explorer page for more information.

• Zearing Park's walking path will be closed all day on Monday, September 9th, for maintenance and repairs. Your cooperation in staying off the path during this time is appreciated to ensure the work is completed promptly.

• The Homestead Festival invites everyone to their annual Bags Tournament for some friendly competition. The event will be held next to Monical's Pizza and the BBQ Rib Cookoff area, starting with registration at 10:30 AM and games beginning at 11 AM.

• Join the Second Story Teen Center and Princeton Police Department on Friday, September 6th, for Lunch in the Park at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Enjoy delicious sandwiches and snacks while supporting the new building project for the teen center.

• A new Republican Headquarters has opened at 777 South Main, operating from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, and 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday. They offer signs, shirts, and various miscellaneous items for sale.

🏠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.

🐅PRINCETON TIGERS ROAR TO VICTORY WITH DOMINANT DEFENSE IN HOME OPENER

The Princeton Tigers kicked off their 2024 football season with a commanding 28-14 victory over the Newman Central Catholic Comets at Bryant Field in Princeton. It was a highly anticipated game, with fans filling the stands under a beautiful sunset and perfect football weather at 77 degrees. The Tigers, led by top-ranked quarterback William Lott and standout running back Casey Etheridge, who had an impressive 29 touchdowns last season, wore their traditional blue jerseys while the Comets donned white. With high expectations for the season, Princeton faced a crucial early test, with color commentator Jason Smith emphasizing the importance of keeping composure—a key that would indeed determine the outcome.

First Quarter: Defensive Battle

The game began with the Comets receiving a short kickoff, setting up at their 30-yard line. Newman’s initial possession, featuring a wishbone set, was quickly stymied by a fierce Princeton defense. A big tackle by Cade Odell on second down and a fumbled snap recovered by Princeton’s Grady Cox on Newman’s 31-yard line turned the tide early. The Tigers seized this opportunity, moving into Comets territory, but an untimely fumble by William Lott at the Newman 20-yard line with 9:14 left in the first quarter halted their progress. Despite this, Princeton’s defense dominated, forcing a punt, which was muffed by the Tigers but recovered, keeping the momentum in Princeton’s favor. A well-executed drive led by Lott culminated in a two-yard touchdown run by Alex Winn with 3:11 remaining in the quarter, and Ian Morris added the extra point, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Extending the Lead

The second quarter showcased Princeton's defensive prowess and ability to capitalize on turnovers. After Newman’s quarterback, Max Bushman, completed a 25-yard pass, Princeton’s Owen Hartman responded with a critical sack, forcing another punt. The Tigers’ offense, with William Lott and Casey Etheridge at the helm, continued to test the Comets’ defense but struggled with overthrown passes and missed opportunities. However, Princeton's defense, led by Common Green and Cade Odell, stepped up with back-to-back sacks around the 7:30 mark, keeping Newman at bay.

Kaden Gibson’s 20-yard punt return deep into Comets territory set up Ace Christiansen for a 25-yard touchdown run with 5:38 left in the second quarter. Ace had a total of 80 yards in the game. Despite a missed extra point by Ian Morris, Princeton extended their lead to 13-0. An interception by Christiansen with 4:42 remaining gave the Tigers excellent field position, leading to another touchdown by Casey Etheridge with two minutes left and a successful two-point conversion run by Etheridge, putting the Tigers ahead 21-0. Newman managed a late touchdown with 1:14 remaining to cut the deficit to 21-7 before halftime, with Briar Ivey scoring on a 1-yard run.

Third Quarter: Holding Strong

As the third quarter began, Princeton maintained control despite a resilient effort from Newman’s defense, which continued to stifle the Tigers’ run game. Casey Etheridge found limited space, yet a well-timed block by Noah LaPorte allowed him a 10-yard gain. The Tigers' offense faced further challenges with penalties, including a holding call that negated a 20-yard run by Ace Christiansen. With 7:12 left in the third quarter, the Tigers had accrued five penalties for 30 yards, disrupting their rhythm.

However, Princeton's strategic plays, including a successful fake punt that resulted in a Newman penalty, kept their drive alive. With William Lott momentarily sidelined due to cramps, the Tigers managed to pin the Comets deep in their own territory at the 10-yard line with 4:04 remaining in the third quarter. After another solid defensive stand, Princeton regained possession, and Lott, back in the game, orchestrated a drive that ended with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown with just 25 seconds left in the third quarter, extending the lead to 28-7.

Fourth Quarter: Comets' Comeback Attempt

Newman Central Catholic mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, starting with a 50-yard pass by Bushman that advanced them to Princeton’s 35-yard line with 11:31 remaining. The Comets mixed short passes and spread formations to challenge Princeton’s defense, eventually finding the end zone with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Bushman to his wide receiver. The extra point was good, narrowing the score to 28-14 with 9:31 left in the game. Princeton's offense struggled to maintain momentum, going three-and-out on their next possession and punting the ball away with 7:54 remaining.

However, the Tigers’ defense, a defining force throughout the game, held strong. A crucial sack by Cade Odell on third down, and then a Tiger stop on fourth down, resulted in a turnover with 5:30 left in the fourth quarter, effectively stalling Newman’s comeback.

Securing the Victory

In the game's final minutes, Princeton’s strategic play-calling and disciplined defense ensured there would be no late-game surprises. A well-executed hard count by William Lott drew Newman offsides, securing a key first down. The Tigers then managed the clock expertly, with a deep pass attempt falling incomplete but forcing Newman back to their own 10-yard line after a penalty for illegal blocking with 3:47 remaining.

Facing relentless pressure, Newman’s quarterback Bushman, who finished 13-18 for 200 yards, struggled against a ferocious Princeton blitz. An intentional grounding penalty and a sack by Casey Etheridge with just over three minutes left pushed the Comets back further, sealing their fate. Princeton’s defense held the Comets to -12 yards rushing, underscoring their dominance on that side of the ball. With time ticking down, the Tigers ran out the clock, securing their 28-14 victory.

The Princeton Tigers start their season 1-0 and will travel to Rock Ridge next week.

🛝PPD PLANS NEW PLAYGROUND

The Princeton Park District is excited to announce plans for an all-inclusive, ADA accessible, playground at Zearing Park, designed to provide a welcoming space for children of all abilities. The project will depend on the approval of a grant submitted through the DNR Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, which we are hopeful will get approved. We are proud to finally announce this potential project to the public with hopes of beginning construction in Spring 2025, pending IDNR approval. By incorporating all-inclusive playground equipment, we're ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has a place to play and thrive. We look forward to keeping everyone updated as we know more, but in the meantime, enjoy the rendering of what we hope will be our future playground!

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: The day will be sunny with a high of 82°F and light, variable winds, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The evening will remain mostly clear, with a low of 61°F and slightly stronger winds from the west at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Sunday: Expect another sunny day with a high of 78°F and winds from the north at 10 to 15 mph. The night will bring clear skies and cooler temperatures, dropping to 50°F with light winds from the north-northeast.

☀️Monday: Sunny skies continue with a high of 76°F and east-northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. The night will be mostly clear with a low of 49°F and light, variable winds. Humidity will be relatively low, around 56%, providing a comfortable atmosphere.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.59
Casey’s West/North: $3.63
Beck’s West/North: $3.63
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.563
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.63

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

🥇Jo Schramm

Reason for nomination: “Jo recently celebrated her two-year anniversary of her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, far exceeding the expectations of her doctors. Shortly thereafter, she found herself on her own for the first time in her life. Now, she has found the love she has always deserved in a godly man who has vowed to stay by her side until the end. She attends rock concerts, participates in professional photo shoots that celebrate her life, and has recently started working at Wild Ginger Bistro. She is a living example of a miracle, and her scans in Iowa City on Tuesday showed that her cancer is not progressing. Jo deserves recognition for being a beacon of light and love to everyone around her. She can often be seen around town in her tiny purple car, adorned with various funny bumper stickers and trinkets in the window. Not a single person who has ever met her walks away unchanged by the experience.”

What a story, Jo! I am honored to award you “The Princeton Person of the Week.”

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Downtown Liquidation has a selection of adorable Woolly Mammoth Halloween costumes for kids, featuring a plush, hooded jumpsuit design. Perfect for a cozy and fun costume this season, these jumpsuits are available now—grab one while supplies last.

• Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. is offering a fantastic 50% discount on their beautiful glazed pottery, available in their sale area near the garden center parking lot. These pots are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and they even offer delivery and assistance with potting. Don't miss out on this deal to enhance your garden with high-quality pottery.

• A used cage, perfect for a wide variety of critters, is now available at the Boek-el-ZOO with several secure doors, a pull-out tray for easy cleaning, and a charming design suitable for your home, garage, or yard. Get 10% off an occupant for the cage, or 20% off if you pay with cash.

• NiciLynn's is holding a Labor Day Sale, offering a $25 discount on every $100 spent. This sale is only available today, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Don’t miss this chance to save on your favorite items.

• Apollo Theater is showing "Reagan," "The Forge," and a premiere of "Beetlejuice” this week. Check out their website for exact times and ticket availability. Enjoy a great movie night with friends and family.

• Dairy Queen is offering $3 off boxed novelties from Monday, September 2nd, through Sunday, September 8th. Options include Dilly Bars, Buster Bars, DQ Sandwiches, and more.

• Sayler's General Store announces the return of their popular pickles, now back in stock. Choose from Granny's Hot Sweet Pickles, Farmhouse Pickles, or What'cha Dill Pickles for a tasty treat. Stop by the store to pick up your favorites today.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware welcomes fall with a fresh selection of mums and other autumn plants. Visit their store to explore a colorful variety of pumpkin mums, hanging mums, and other seasonal favorites. Brighten up your garden or porch with these beautiful additions.

• New arrivals at the Tailholt Trading Post include four curio cabinets now available for purchase. With unbeatable prices and a variety of styles, these cabinets are perfect for any home. Visit before 5 PM today to explore the new inventory.

• Maupin’s Providence Homestead has stocked up on local treasures just in time for the “Back to Your Roots” Homestead Weekend. A variety of unique and fantastic pieces are available in their shop for those looking to add a bit of local history to their collection.

• Shane's Shine Shop invites everyone to the 2nd Annual Open Garage event on Saturday, September 21st, from 8 AM to 12 PM at Rotary Park. Participants are encouraged to bring any vehicle, regardless of its condition or style. This gathering is all about celebrating what you drive, with no judgments—just fun.

• Corner Chair Market has just introduced new homespun pumpkins, perfect for adding a cozy, autumnal touch to any home decor. These handcrafted items are ideal for those looking to embrace the fall spirit with unique decorations. Stop by to see the latest additions and bring home your favorite piece.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones is featuring beach-themed retirement cookies and a lemon cake with lemon mousse frosting. These treats are perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a sweet, refreshing dessert. Place an order or inquire about other custom options available.

• Play It Forward Counseling has made it easier to find them on North Main Street in Princeton with a new flag proudly displayed. Look for it as you drive by.

• Beatles fans, don't miss the beautiful mono vinyl box set available now at Blue Jay Way Records! This used set is in incredible condition—check it out today.

• Beat the heat with an iced coffee from Cafe Grace! Try the iced Mocha for a refreshing and flavorful treat.

• Indulge in the fall favorite at Scooter's Coffee with the Pumpkin Caramelicious®. It's the perfect blend of autumn flavors in a delicious, cozy cup.

• DaniCare offers pet check-in services for those going out of town or working late. The service includes fresh food and water, potty breaks or litter changes, playtime, and photo updates. Local rates are $15 for a 20-minute check-in and $35 for a 60-minute visit, with additional charges for distances over 15 miles from Tiskilwa. For more information, contact Danica Saletzki at (815) 915-1423 or via email at [email protected].

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats is offering a special Peach Cobbler Winterstorm, blending fresh-made peach cobbler into Georgia Peach Ice Cream. This treat is available only through Monday, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy it. Visit soon to savor this unique dessert experience.

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• WLPO: Three from Princeton Indicted on Felony Charges

• Country Music artist Lauren Alaina shared a video on Instagram about her love for some local Princeton businesses.

• Michelle DeVoss from Sheffield has a 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 JOB OPENINGS

👩‍⚕️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.

🖲️Bureau Emergency Communications (BuEComm) is expanding its hiring list for an incredibly rewarding and impactful job opportunity. Interested individuals can pick up an application in the lobby or request one via email. For more details, contact Sara Short, 911 Director, at 815-879-3803.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• BVHS 2025 is hosting an After-Prom Mum Fundraiser, selling mums for $12 each to support the Junior Class. Sales end on Friday, September 13, with pickup on Wednesday, September 25th, from 4:30-6 PM at BVHS. For questions or pre-orders, contact Jaclyn Trujillo at 815-973-6851.

• Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture is offering a unique chair in honor of the owner's father, James, who cherished the open road and fresh country air. This piece, inspired by the scenic motorcycle routes ending in Langley, IL, captures the spirit of freedom and adventure. Available in Sheffield for $260, it adds a rustic charm to any space.

• If you're looking for some family fun but are on a tight budget, there are opportunities available for free days at some Illinois museums.

• The Friends of the Kewanee Public Library are hosting a Hog Days Book Sale today from 7 to 11 AM in the parking lot of Johnson's Appliance. This event offers a wide selection of books for all ages—adults, teens, and kids alike. Be sure to add this to your Hog Days plans, but note that the sale will be canceled in case of rain.

• Disaster Proclamation issued for several Illinois counties after July storms, flooding

• “The were so many odd things about that day in 2013. First, it was a November tornado which is somewhat rare. Second, it was part of an unprecedented outbreak that caused almost unheard of amounts of damage in Illinois that totaled nearly $1 billion dollars when it finally lifted back into the clouds.”

• Peru PADS: “This summer we lost the food in our main freezers. We've been on a mission to restock, but with clientele numbers rising, it's been a struggle. We utilize items daily to make lunch and fill in diners as needed. Please keep us in mind when cleaning out your pantries and freezers. We will gladly take all items as long as they are not expired. God Bless.” Peru PADS is a 66-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.

• Bradford Labor Day Celebration invites everyone to "Reunite in Bradford" for a fun-filled weekend from Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2. The festivities include free outdoor double feature movies, family fun day activities, live music, a car show, a parade, and fireworks at the Bradford Ball Park. Food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages will be available throughout the event, promising a memorable weekend for the community.

• There will be a town-wide garage sale in Sheffield on September 20th-21st.

• The Buda Craft + Vendor Market is set for Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Buda School, 220 Stewart Street. This event offers a variety of craft and vendor booths, with 10’ x 10’ spaces available for $10 each. Enjoy lunch from the Buda Fire Lunch Stand and a special performance by the Hocus Pocus Hags at 1:00 PM.

• 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.

🆓EVERYTHING FREE IN PRINCETON

Join our community Facebook group dedicated to supporting each other through these challenging economic times. We encourage members to share only free items—such as furniture, baby supplies, pet food, and other necessities—to help those in need. Together, we can build a caring network where everyone has access to essentials. If you have items you no longer use, consider offering them here to support a neighbor. This is more than just a group; it’s a community committed to lifting each other up. Please keep posts local and free of spam, trash, or scrap. Let’s support each other.

🎨DEDICATION AT THE PRAIRIE ART CENTER TO HONOR TRUE WAHLGREN

The Prairie Arts Council is pleased to announce the dedication of the Prairie Arts Center’s recently installed flagpole, made possible through a memorial gift honoring longtime Princeton resident, True Wahlgren. As a former member of the Prairie Arts Council, True Wahlgren was a patroness of the arts in Princeton for many years. Her memorial gift will also provide yearly scholarships for students participating in drama and art camps sponsored by Prairie Arts Center.

The Prairie Arts Council and her family, invite True’s many friends and fellow community members to attend the dedication ceremony being held at the flagpole on Thursday, September 5 at 5:15 PM, followed by a public reception held in the Prairie Arts Center at 24 Park Avenue East in Princeton.

Born in Evanston, IL, True received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Bradley University in 1966. While attending Bradley, she met her college sweetheart and future husband, Leland “Lee” Wahlgren, with whom she celebrated more than 57 years of marriage. She worked as an Adoption Specialist for the Department of Children & Family Services, retiring in 2011 after twenty-six years of service. A member of First United Methodist Church of Princeton, True belonged to the United Methodist Women, as well as to groups such as Friends in Council, Hardangers, and Prairie Arts Council.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, True left behind ten grandchildren to cherish her memory, as well as her husband and four sons: Erick (Staci) Wahlgren of Princeton, Kai (Kristine) Wahlgren of Bolingbrook, Kip (Leasa) Wahlgren stationed in South Korea, and Kristian (Clancy) Wahlgren of San Diego, CA. True was a proud military mother and, all throughout her life, she demonstrated patriotic admiration and enduring love for the American flag.

🚞AN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STORYTELLER

The Covered Bridge Quilter’s Guild is holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 5th at 5:00 PM at the Sash Stalter Matson Building, 15 Park Avenue West, Princeton, IL. This month’s program features Velma Gladney, a storyteller who will discuss the Underground Railroad, including its secret operations and the hidden quilt block codes used. Tickets for the program are $10.00 and can be purchased at the BCHC Office, from any Guild member, or at the door. Please use the Pleasant Street entrance, and note that there is no elevator access to the second floor where the program will be held.

🤠SENIOR CENTER TO TRAVEL TO SAN ANTONIO

The Bureau County Senior Center is excited to announce a charter bus trip to San Antonio, Texas, from March 8 to March 16, 2025. This 9-day, 8-night adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the vibrant city of San Antonio and its many attractions. Participants will enjoy motorcoach transportation and comfortable accommodations for four consecutive nights in the San Antonio area. The itinerary includes guided tours of the Alamo, the River Walk District, and other historical sites, along with a visit to the LBJ Ranch and the Witte Museum. Travelers will also experience a scenic cruise on the River Walk and have time to explore the city at their leisure. The trip is priced at $1,155 per person, based on double occupancy, with a $75 deposit required at the time of sign-up. Additional fees apply for single occupancy. For more information or to reserve a spot, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Sam or Denise at the Senior Center.

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🎶LETTER FROM LORI

I LOVE to sing. I do it with 100% enthusiasm, 100% volume, and 0% talent. My solos are to die for... but only in the privacy of my car or shower. I attend a Mennonite church where the talent is incredible. These people have been singing like angels in three-part harmony since they left the cradle. We don't even have an official choir because, well, we don't need one—everyone seems to know their part instinctively.

Even though I attend there, I was a late 20s import from a Methodist upbringing. We had a choir, but the talent was mediocre. A few people stood out like Adele at a preschool Christmas program, but for the most part, many of us were comforted by God's command to "make a joyful noise." I don't recall anyone mentioning the need to actually read music or to decipher musical hieroglyphics and transform them into a melodious noise capable of summoning the dead back to glorious life.

My musical talent is best described as powerful—so long as it's camouflaged in the melee of a hundred others' innate gifts. Someone once told me (nicely) that I must know all the hymns well because I was singing so loudly. I received a backhanded compliment from my ex-husband that I wouldn’t be too bad if I took a little formal instruction. My dad was more blunt, asking what I did with the money. When I asked, “What money?” he'd reply, “The money I gave you for singing lessons.”

The lesson here is that enthusiasm does not equal talent. Just because we set our minds on performing a task doesn’t mean we’ll master it immediately. We can do it often, we can be relentless in our pursuit, but unless we take that money our dad gave us and seek formal instruction, we may never improve. If the goal is perfection, we must keep our minds open to learning and trying new things that may be outside our comfort zone. We need to entertain new ideas and listen when a kind soul offers help. So, open your mouth, yodel a few notes, grab that fistful of cash from your dad, and seek assistance. Before long, you might find yourself center stage with Billy Joel—or at least Billy Madison.

Lori owns the Boek-el-ZOO in Princeton. It’s not just a pet shop — it’s an experience!

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].