☕️A Night Out, a Homestead Lineup, and Wolverine

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Good morning, Princeton. I want to dedicate this newsletter to one of the greatest inventions of all time: coffee. America was BUILT by coffee. Greatness is sustained by coffee. Mondays are conquered by coffee. Give me coffee or give me death. Props to Bean Buzz, Scooters, the Princeton Public Library, and all the gas stations. By serving coffee, you are fueling our community. Liquid gold. Gimme that.

Alright, that’ll do. Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🧢Lego Homestead Design Competition
🌤️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👮‍♂️National Night Out
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🚙Homestead Festival Lineup
🎸Local Music
🗓️Princeton Upcoming Events
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Starting today, the Bureau County Clerks Office will be closing at 3pm. This is will last at least until Friday, July 26th. They have AC work to do in the office.

• The Friends of the Library Book Sale is coming up on July 25th and 26th in Princeton. This event will be held at the Princeton Public Library. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25th, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 26th.

• The River Bend Food Bank, in partnership with the Bureau County Food Pantry, Old Wheels Club, and 1st Lutheran Church, is hosting a Mobile Food Pantry event on Saturday, July 27th, at the Bureau County Fairgrounds located at 811 W. Peru St. Registration for the event will begin at 9:15 AM, and food distribution is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM. Attendees are advised to bring laundry baskets for food collection and are reminded that the distribution process may take up to two hours.

• The Princeton Tigers football team showcased their prowess in the 2024 Princeton Lineman Challenge: Princeton's first team claimed the top position, while their second team finished 18th. In 7 on 7, they secured the 8th spot with their first team and 13th with their second team.

• Golf enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the Tiger Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 10th! Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, complete with a cart, sandwich, two drinks during play, and dinner for $125 per golfer. With exciting Hole in One and Putting Contest prizes, this event promises to be a highlight of the season—dinner-only tickets are available for $25.

• Princeton High School parents are instructed to register their students for the 2024-25 school year via the TeacherEase account from July 24 through August 14. The school also offers a Freshman Orientation on August 12, where students can have their ID and yearbook photos taken.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bureau County Fair invite you to join their annual Christmas light display. Get involved early and help spread holiday cheer by registering before the September 30th deadline.

• BCR: Bureau County to auction off 84 properties delinquent in taxes.

🧢LEGO HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL DESIGN COMPETITION

The Prairie Arts Center in Princeton, Illinois, is thrilled to host the Homestead Festival Design Competition, sponsored by Studio K Architecture. This exciting event is open to LEGO enthusiasts aged 3 and up, encouraging participants to display their original LEGO creations that reflect the theme "Back to Our Roots." Entrants are divided into four age categories: 3+, 7+, 11+, and 17+, with prizes awarded for each group.

Participants should drop off their models on August 28 or August 29 between 4 PM and 6 PM at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery, located at 24 Park Ave E. It's important to note that only My Own Creation (MOC) designs are permitted, and pre-made sets or Duplo Legos are not allowed. Each creation should have a title.

The public can view these imaginative designs and cast their votes on August 31 and September 1 from 1 PM to 3 PM. The winners will be announced during an opening reception on September 6 from 5 PM to 7 PM. The gallery will also be open for viewing on September 7, 8, 9, 15, 21, and 22 from 1 PM to 3 PM each day. The event concludes with a model pick-up on September 22 from 3 PM to 5 PM.

For those needing special arrangements, please contact Libby at [email protected]. This community event promises to be a fun and creative showcase, inviting everyone to let their imagination shine.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Partly cloudy with intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High of 82°F. Winds light and variable. A few clouds in the evening. Low of 62°F. Winds light and variable.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy with intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85°F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, partly cloudy. Low around 65°F. Winds light and variable.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High of 82°F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Mostly clear sky later in the day. Low of 61°F. Winds light and variable.

Allergy Level:

Monday: Low-Medium (4.7)

Tuesday: Medium (5.4)

Wednesday: Low-Medium (4.8)

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.75
Casey’s West/North: $3.69
Beck’s West/North: $3.69
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.69
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.69

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Don't miss your chance to win big at the annual Homestead Festival 50-50 raffle! Tickets are available at local banks, salons, hardware stores, and golf courses, making it easy to support your favorite festival while vying for a jackpot that exceeded $25,000 last year. Let's aim even higher this year—grab your tickets today and join the excitement!

• Paisano’s Ristorante is introducing a new menu item tonight called Pasta Bowls, freshly crafted by Folsom's Bakery. These bowls are stuffed with either spaghetti or mostaccioli, smothered with garlic butter, topped with mozzarella cheese and a special in-house made parmesan mix, then baked to perfection. Each bowl is served with garlic bread sticks, promising a delightful new taste experience at Paisanos.

• Friends of Strays is thrilled to announce a generous donor has sponsored adoptions for 15 cats aged 1 year and older for the month of July with an approved application. Visit them to give a cat a loving home and share in the excitement!

• Wild Honey Boutique is showcasing their latest fall dresses that are perfect for transitioning seasons. Pair these stylish dresses with a cozy sweater or a trendy denim jacket for a complete, chic outfit. Visit the boutique from 10 AM to 5:30 PM to explore these new arrivals and elevate your fall wardrobe.

• Steven Becker from Thrivent invites everyone to a summer financial check-in to discuss progress on financial goals and any necessary adjustments. This is a great opportunity to address financial concerns and celebrate accomplishments. Contact Steven Becker for a quick consultation.

• Rachel Rene Boutique is having an amazing apparel sale with a special Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off deal! From 10 AM to 5 PM, you can shop for stylish new outfits at unbeatable prices.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware has just introduced Tiger Blue stadium chairs for $69.99! These chairs are perfect for the upcoming sports season, offering both comfort and team spirit.

• Mavolan's has the cutest new arrivals for back-to-school season! Check out their adorable first-day outfits, backpacks, and lunch bags to get your kids ready in style. Visit the store today to pick up these must-have items for the school year.

• Once Upon A Craft invites you to stop by and explore their beautiful collection of home decor. They appreciate the community's love and support and welcome you to visit during their open hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Come in and find the perfect piece to adorn your home!

• Shane's Shine Shop offers ceramic coating services to ease vehicle maintenance throughout all seasons. With various protection levels, they tailor packages to fit customer needs and budgets, ensuring vehicle investments are well-protected. For more information, visit them at 611 N. Pleasant St. or contact 815-872-4301 or [email protected].

• Freedom House invites young learners to its "Let's be Friends!" event, designed to teach children ages 6 and up the importance of building lasting friendships. The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at 544 Tenney Street, Kewanee, and Friday, August 9 at 446 Elm Place, Princeton, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy the featured film "Big Hero 6" and will be provided with lunch and snacks. To reserve a spot, please contact Nicole Frank at (815) 872-0087. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for children to learn about friendship through interactive and engaging activities!

• The Bureau County Senior Center offers a stress-busting class for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. The program focuses on stress management techniques and support, starting July 23rd, from 1-2:30. RSVP here: 815-879-3981. Come laugh with the Bureau County Senior Center as certified laughter leader Chris Thompson from Greenfield Retirement Home leads a session on August 8th from 10:30-11:00 AM. This free event promises smiles and fun for everyone.

• Café Grace is hosting a "Brunch & Bubbly" event inspired by Audrey Hepburn on August 3rd from 11 AM to 2 PM. Ladies are invited to dress in their favorite black dress, start at Sophisticuts Salon Spa for tiaras and lipstick, then enjoy brunch, mimosas, kiddie cocktails, and more at Café Grace. Reservations are required; book your ticket by providing your name, phone number, email address, and number of people via Facebook (Café Grace), text at 815-719-9921, or email at [email protected].

• Celebrate Christmas in July with The Knack's paint party on July 27th from 12 to 7 PM. Enjoy painting Christmas-themed pottery and sipping complimentary iced peppermint mochas, with activities suitable for all ages. Don't forget to buy your $10 ticket online and come dressed in your favorite Christmas outfit to enjoy festive music and decorations.

• Miss Paula's local pure honey is available in many locations in the area. A 1-pound jar is $8, and a 3-pound plastic flip-top container is $22. Support your local beekeeper and the businesses who carry their honey! You can find Miss Paula's honey at Sullivans in Princeton and Mendota, Optimal Health, Wild Ginger, Bean Buzz, Saylers General Store, Wyanet Locker, Utica Spice, Hennepin Food Mart, Walnut Country Acre Grocery Store, and Valley Fresh Harvest in Ladd.

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👮‍♂️NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Princeton Police Department, in conjunction with the Princeton Park District, is set to host the National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 6th. This community event will take place from 5 PM to 8 PM at Zearing Park. Designed to foster community spirit and promote public safety, the event will offer free hotdogs, chips, and water to attendees. Highlights include a K-9 demonstration at 6:30 PM, drone demonstrations, face painting, a blood drive, and tours of emergency vehicles including a Lifeflight helicopter between 5:00 to 5:30 PM.

Additionally, Mr. Cinnamon will be present as a balloon twister. Community partners and supporters of the event include the Princeton Fire Department, Bureau County Sheriff's Department, and several local businesses and health services. The event aims to provide a family-friendly atmosphere where community members can meet and interact with local safety personnel. Overall, National Night Out serves as a crucial platform for community engagement in efforts to keep the local area safe and informed.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Sales Floor Associate | Dollar Tree | Full-time

• Food & Grocery | Walmart | Full-time & Part-time | Health insurance, Dental insurance, Paid time off

• Assembler | Ingersoll Rand | Full-time | Dental insurance, Paid time off

• Production Technician | Corteva | Full-time | Health insurance, Paid time off

• Warehouse Specialist | Ace Hardware Corporation | Full-time | Health insurance, Dental insurance, Paid time off | $19.00–$21.50 per hour

• Parts Specialist | O’Reilly Auto Parts | Full-time | Health insurance, Dental insurance, Paid time off

• Cashier - Part Time | Road Ranger, LLC | Full-time & Part-time | $13.20–$17.42 per hour

• Bartender/Server | Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center | Part-time

• Unarmed Security Officer | Gamma Team Security Inc | Full-time

• Infant Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full-time | $14.50–$17.00 per hour | Requires at least 30 semester hours of school, with at least 6 in Early Childhood, and 1 year of teaching experience

Add a job to the list — email: [email protected]

🏠PRINCETON PROPERTIES FOR SALE

• Nestled just blocks from Zearing Park, the charming 503 Billings St is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home, priced at $149,500. This cozy home features new hardwood floors throughout the living spaces, a kitchen with room for a dining table, and a spacious laundry area. A screened-in back porch, a quaint garden area, and a one-car attached garage enhance the outdoor living experience. With its inviting interior and peaceful outdoor spaces, this home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

• Seize the opportunity to invest in one of Princeton's promising real estate offerings at 303 Park Avenue W, now listed for $100,000. This nearly 5-acre property is strategically located in the heart of the city, offering significant potential for multi-family housing development, given its contiguity to R-3 zoning areas. Access to South First Street through the far east parcel enhances its appeal and utility, making it an attractive acquisition for visionary developers.

• This elegant home at 647 Erickson Dr E, priced at $309,500, is a pristine three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom haven, boasting 1,832 sqft of space on a 0.35-acre lot. The residence dazzles with a modern kitchen and living area that are drenched in natural light, highlighting the stunning yard through large, inviting windows. Key features include stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a master ensuite with a spacious walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the heated garage, a 15x15 pergola, and a 13x13 gazebo, perfect for entertaining or relaxing in style.

🚙HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL LINEUP 2024

Lego Design Competition: Vote for your favorite Lego creations on August 31 & September 1, gallery open from 1-3 PM.

World Turning Band: Fleetwood Mac Tribute: Enjoy an evening of classic Fleetwood Mac hits on September 5 at 6:00 PM on South Main Street.

Dylan Schneider Concert: Catch Dylan Schneider live on September 6 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Soldiers & Sailors Park.

Lego Design Competition Winners Announcement: Celebrate the winners at the Opening Reception on September 6 from 5-7 PM.

Homestead Festival Fun Fair: Bring the kids for fun activities on September 7 from 9:00-11:00 AM in the parking lot behind Central Bank.

BETA SIGMA PHI Craft Show: Explore a variety of crafts on September 7 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the Courthouse Lawn.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: Show off your basketball skills or support the teams on September 7 starting at 8:00 AM at Alexander Park.

31st Annual Underground Railroad 5K: Race begins at 8:30 AM on September 7 at the Bureau County Metro Center, with registration starting at 7:00 AM.

BBQ Rib Cook-Off: Participate in or savor the tastes of our rib cook-off on September 8 from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Central Bank Parking Lot.

44th Annual Car Show: Admire classic and contemporary cars on September 8 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on South Main Street.

🎸LOCAL MUSIC

• Brushville | Riverfront Bar & Grill, Peru | July 28th, 12pm

• 38 SPECIAL, special guest Problem Child, Wild Card opening | Psycho Silo Saloon | Aug. 1st, 5pm

• Cody Calkins | Centennial Park, Peru | August 1st, 6:30pm

• Abbynormal | Psycho Silo Saloon | August 3rd, 7pm

• Burn N Bush | Petticoat Junction, Malden | August 4th, 2pm

• Big|Brave + Spiritual Poison | Barrel Society | August 6th, 7pm

• Back Road Music Festival | Wiley Park, Galva | Aug. 10th, 4pm

• Bring Him Home Opera | Prairie Arts Center | August 10th-11th

• Mitchell Tenpenny and Lauren Alaina | Bureau County Fairgrounds | August 22nd, 7:30pm

• Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers | Barrel Society | Aug. 30th, 7pm|

Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series

• Dillon Carmichael will bring his unique blend of music on August 9.

• Followed by the World Turning Band on September 5.

• The season will wrap up on October 5 with an incredible performance by Mae Estes.

Princeton Community Band 2024 Summer Season at Soldiers and Sailors, beginning at 6pm.

• July 28

Add your music to the list — email: [email protected]

🗓️PRINCETON UPCOMING EVENTS

• Cabaret | Grace Theater | June 22nd-Aug 6th

• Festival 56 Summer Season | Soldiers and Sailors | June 22nd-August 4th

• Festival 56 presents Grease | Festival 56 | July 25 - August 4th

• Bureau County Fair, Mitchell Tenpenny | Fairgrounds | August 22nd

• Demolition Derby | Fairgrounds | August 26th

• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony | Princeton | September 11th

• Artisan Market | Hornbakers | September 14th

Add your event to the list — email: [email protected]

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Twisters (PG-13)

• A thrilling sequel to the classic tornado-chasing film, exploring new storm adventures.

• Showtimes: Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM; Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:15 PM

Despicable Me 4 (PG)

• Gru and the Minions return for another hilarious adventure.

• Showtimes: Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM

Deadpool & Wolverine (R)

• A high-octane action film featuring the iconic Marvel characters teaming up for an epic battle.

• Premiere Day Showtimes: Thursday: 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

✏️BACK TO SCHOOL

True Leaves Bookshop is gearing up for the back-to-school season and considering stocking a limited selection of curated school supplies. Acknowledging the challenge of competing with larger retailers offering lower prices, like crayons for 50 cents, they are reaching out to the community for input on what items to carry.

The shop is considering items such as academic calendars, regular calendars, notebooks, planners, journals, folders, pens, pencils, and stickers. They encourage customers to comment on their social media post to share their preferences for what should be available in the store. True Leaves Bookshop hopes to cater to the needs of local students and school supply enthusiasts alike.

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