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Happy Homestead Saturday, Princeton. Today is going to be absolutely perfect for outdoor food, fun, parades, basketball, 5k’s, and more. Everything that’s awesome about Princeton — packed into a single weekend. So many people to see, so little time. I’ll be on the Princeton Christian Academy float repping my school. Yell the key word “JBulls” and I’ll throw you some extra candy (If I have any left).

Let’s get it going.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🎊Homestead Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
❤️Local Obituaries
🏡Property Transfers
🐸Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Princeton City Council reviewed local ordinances regarding the size of temporary signs, such as political and groups advertising fundraisers. 

• Logan JH Cross Country had a great showing at the Geneseo Invite, bringing home six medals and one plaque. The 7th grade girls were named Invitational Champions!

• The Tigresses swept Kewanee in all three levels: Freshmen (25-6, 25-22), Sophomores (25-19, 25-18), and Varsity (25-20, 25-14). They head to Rock Falls this weekend and play Mendota next Tuesday.

• The “Voices from the Past” PHS Alumni Concert will be held today, September 6 at 4:00 PM at the Prairie Arts Theater, 24 Park Avenue East in Princeton. The event will feature performances by several alumni, including Rachel Kiser Rucker, Ron McCutchan, Susan Nelson, Adam Webber, and more, with accompaniment by Charles Gebeck; donations will benefit the Prairie Arts Center.

• The Homestead Festival has posted the full schedule for September 4–7, 2025, featuring the Walk of Fame, evening concerts, a Saturday 1:30 p.m. parade with family activities, and Sunday events such as the car show and BBQ rib cook-off.

• AWANA meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Princeton Bible Church for kids in Pre-K through 6th grade. The program builds faith one verse at a time and invites families to join in each week.

• The Princeton Farmers Market will be open Saturday, September 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Soldiers & Sailors Park, featuring vendors like All You Knead, Coneflower Farm, Essl Farms, Seed of Hope Farm, and Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. Locals can expect fresh produce, honey, flowers, baked goods, and other handmade items.

• The Princeton Closet raised $2,891.71 last week for Travis and his family thanks to donors, volunteers, shoppers, and community support.

• The Princeton Public Library will host a free Beginner’s Chess Workshop on September 24 from 5:30–7:30 PM, led by Erik Czerwin, who will teach participants the basics of chess, including how the pieces move, scoring, and turn tracking. All ages are welcome, though children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

• Students in grades 7–12 are invited to “The Furnace” on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Princeton Bible Church. This year’s series, Christ Is Enough, explores the infinite riches believers have in Jesus through the book of Ephesians.

  📍Outside City Limits

• Kewanee man arrested twice in a week on drug charges

• Niabi Zoo is offering free admission Tuesdays through Fridays starting September 16. Parking, rides, and feed are still separate, but admission is free on Sept 16–19, 23–26, Sept 30–Oct 3, and Oct 7–10.

• Wednesday afternoon, Peru police made an arrest at the Illinois Valley YMCA on Walnut.

🍽️LENNY AND JOON’S

Lenny and Joon’s is popping up today during Princeton’s Homestead Weekend, and they couldn’t be more excited to pour love and serve the community they adore. Their limited-time menu has been carefully crafted just for this special weekend—whether guests are in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing drink to enjoy while strolling through town, there’s something for everyone.

Located at 509 S Main St, Lenny and Joon’s is open today from 9AM until the end of the parade, and again tomorrow from 7AM to 3PM—just in time to grab a bite before the car show. They invite everyone to stop by, share a smile, and enjoy the fun, festive atmosphere of Homestead Weekend with something delicious in hand.

👸🏻PARADE ORDER

1. City of Princeton / Lovejoy Homestead

2. Trolley - Bureau County Mayors

3. Flags of Freedom

4. Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce

5. P.J.W.C. Baby Contest Winners

6. Homestead Medallion Winners

7. Central Bank Illinois

8. PHS Cheerleading

9. PHS Football Team w/ PYFL & Cheer

10. PHS Marching Band

11. PHS - Hall of Fame Recipient

12. Logan Junior High Cheer & Poms

13. Club VIP

14. Greenfield Retirement Home

15. Central K9 Search and Rescue

16. Bureau County History Center

17. Gateway Services

18. Daughters of the American Revolution

19. South Shore

20. Bureau County Fair Royalty

21. Wyanet Summer Festival Queens

22. Walnut Miss Independence Pageant

23. LaMoille’s Prairie Princess

24. Tiskilwa Historical Society

25. Magi Baby Chest

26. BV Cheerleaders

27. Ships of the Prairie

28. Goldwater Care Princeton

29. Class of 1990

30. Locker Room - Mascots

31. Princeton Christian Academy

32. Gary E Swanson GES Sound

33. PHS Class of 1965

34. Princeton Lions Club

35. PHS Class of 1980
    35A. Bureau County Treasurer - Joe Birkley
    35B. IL Rep Ryan Spain

36. We the People Support Jacob for Sheriff

37. Albrecht Farm

38. Starved Rock Jeeps

39. PHS Class of 1985

40. Once Upon a Craft

41. Heritage Baptist Church

42. Doctors of Physical Therapy

43. First State Bank

44. Scooters Coffee

45. Boggios Orchard and Produce

46. Play It Forward Counseling

47. PHS Class of 1975

48. Second Story Teen Center

49. Princeton Rotary Club

50. Liberty Village of Princeton

51. Class of 2010

52. Sin Pros - Cleaners

53. Brazel Farms Produce

54. Ballet Folklorico De Colores

55. Mr. Johnson’s Trains

56. Thor and Janie Foster

57. Living Faith Church

58. PHS Class of 1970

59. KDI Printing

60. PHS Class of 1995

61. JSU Gamma Phi Circus

62. PHS Class of 2000

63. Elmore Electric

64. Emerald Tablet

65. PHS Class of 2005

66. Illinois Valley Credit Union

67. Aeg View FHS

68. Moline High School Marching Maroons

69. PHS Class of 2015

70. WQXC-TV16 News

71. Valley Pressure Wash

72. Mike Wiltig for Bureau County Sheriff

73. Bureau County Democrats

74. Joseph Flanagan for Bureau County Sheriff

75. Northern Partners

76. PHS Class of 2020

77. Citizens for Kammerer Bureau County

78. Combat-Don

79. Walmart Heart

80. Mueller Trucking

81. Michlig Energy, LTD.

82. Princeton FFA

83. Nightmare Haunted Attraction

🎊HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

The Homestead Festival is happening September 4–7!

Plan for a weekend full of tradition, fun, and community spirit. Don’t forget to grab your 50/50 raffle tickets—the drawing will be held on Sunday, September 7, and you don’t need to be present to win.

Thursday — September 4

• 12–5 PM • Bureau County History Center Tours

• 5:45 PM • Walk of Fame Dedication (Robert Petkoff @ Apollo Theater)

• 6–9 PM • Down on Main Street Concert (Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience)

Friday – September 5

• 12:00–5:00 PM — Explore local history at the Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:00–4:00 PM — Visit the Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4:00–8:00 PM — Take a ride on the Main Street Trolley

• 5:00–7:00 PM — LEGO Design Competition Reception at the Prairie Arts Center

• 5:00–10:00 PM — Homestead Celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Park

• 5:00–9:00 PM — Enjoy food trucks and beverages

• 5:30–7:00 PM — Live music from Rodeo Drive

• 6:00–9:00 PM — Twilight horse-drawn carriage rides

• 7:00 PM — Homestead Festival Announcements: Grand Marshals, winners of the StudioK LEGO Contest, Jr. Women’s Club Baby Contest, and Chamber of Commerce Window Display Contest

• 7:30 PM — Pie Eating Contest, Pie Bake-Off & Auction

• 8:00–10:00 PM — Headliner performance: Infinity Concert

Saturday — September 6

• 8–12 PM — 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (Alexander Park)

• 8:30 AM — Underground Railroad 5K (Metro Center, 7 AM registration)

• 8:30–12 PM — Farmer’s Market (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 9–6 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 9–11 AM — Homestead Festival Fun Fair (Heartland Bank South Lot)

• 9–11 AM — Princeton High School Tours

• 10–12 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 11–5 PM — 4-H Pork Cook-Out (Soldiers & Sailors Park; Drive-Thru at Fairgrounds; 11–2 PM @ Covenant Church)

• 12–5 PM — Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:15 PM — Main Street Relay Race

• 1:30 PM — Homestead Festival Parade (Grand Marshals: Drs. Barbara Swalve Everett & Richard Everett; Gamma Phi Circus to follow)

• 3 PM — Euchre Tournament (Soldiers & Sailors Park; 2:30 PM registration)

• 3–5 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4 PM — PHS Alumni Concert (Prairie Arts Center)

Sunday — September 7

• 8:00–3:30 PM — BBQ Rib Cook-Off (Central Bank Lot)

• 8:00–12:00 PM — Pancake & Sausage Breakfast (Moose Lodge)

• 8:00–2:00 PM — Homestead Flea Market (Bureau County Fairgrounds)

• 8:00–3:00 PM — 45th Annual Car Show (South Main Street)

• 9:00 AM — Tug Fest (Metro Center; 8:30 AM registration)

• 10:00–4:00 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 10:00–1:00 PM — Pony Rides (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 10:30 AM — Story Hour (with Bureau County United Way)

• 11:00 AM — Dunk Tank (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 11:00 AM — Bags Tournament (Prairie Arts Center; 10:30 AM registration)

• 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM — Magic Shows (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 12:00–2:30 PM — Tractor Pull (11:45 AM registration)

• 1:00–4:00 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 3:30 PM — 50/50 Raffle Drawing (Apollo Theater Marquee)

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Partly to mostly sunny with a high near 69°F. A light W wind 5–10 mph and low humidity (~57%) will make it feel comfortable. Skies trend clearer late day with a High UV Index—sun protection recommended. Tonight is clear and cool, low around 43°F with a light NW breeze.

☀️Sunday: Bright and pleasant; sunshine mixes with a few fair-weather clouds, high around 70°F. South winds 10–15 mph pick up a touch in the afternoon. Dry air holds, keeping humidity near 57%. Evening turns clear and crisp, low near 46°F.

🌤️Monday: Mostly sunny and a bit warmer with highs 76–78°F. A S wind 10–12 mph keeps the air moving and the UV Index remains high. Expect dry conditions through the day. Partly cloudy Monday night with a low around 53–54°F.

🌤️Tuesday: Seasonably warm with intervals of sun and clouds; afternoon high near 82°F. A steady SSE breeze ~10 mph and humidity ~61%. Outdoor plans look good with dry weather holding. Partly cloudy overnight, turning mild with a low near 57°F.

🌤️Wednesday: Warmest of the stretch—partly cloudy with highs reaching 85°F. Light SSE winds 5–10 mph and lower humidity (~54–55%) keep it from feeling muggy. Skies stay mainly dry aside from a stray fair-weather cloud. Wednesday night is partly cloudy, low near 58–62°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

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $3.14

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Boek-el-ZOO invites Homestead Fest visitors downtown to enjoy interactive fun like feeding animals, petting a few, solving a dinosaur puzzle, and talking to Gus. Guests can also try the gumball machine for prizes, ride the bounce horse, and chalk the walk—all while saving 10% on purchases. Staff encourage families to remember: they’re not just a store, they’re an experience.

• Axel’s Filling Station will serve Farmer Smoked BBQ during Saturday’s parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 202 S. Main.

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• Five 22 is ready for fall with a new line of Princeton tees and soft, cozy hooded cardigans—perfect for layering in the cooler weather. They’re open today until 5:30 PM.

• Meadows on Main is decked out for Homestead with festive corn swags and fall décor. Visit them Friday and Saturday from 10 AM–4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM–2 PM.

• Four Seasons is welcoming autumn with a fresh shipment of stylish Ruby Rd. apparel. They’re open Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM.

• The Teen Center is hosting an Open House on Sunday, September 7, from 1–4 PM. Join them for fun, food, and a chance to win a door prize.

• Enrollment at Anytime Fitness is just $1 for a limited time. Stop by 444 S Main or visit tiny.cc/anytimeprinceton to join.

• Due to popular demand, Cows Coffee is bringing back their Caramel Apple Banana Bowls for fall festivals. Grab one Sunday at the Homestead Car Show.

• Cafe Grace is celebrating Homestead weekend with cozy meals, drinks, and specials perfect for fueling up or winding down. Open Friday–Saturday 8–2 & 4–8, and Sunday 8–2 with all-day breakfast.

• The Bureau County History Center is reopening with the grand opening of the H.W. Immke Exhibit at the Newell-Bryant Museum. The exhibit will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 12–5 PM at 634 S. Pleasant St.

• Apollo POP is serving up their signature trio: cheddar, caramel, and Apollo Theater popcorn in a refillable tin—two gallons of Tiger Pride. Perfect for the game or concert, they’re open until 8 PM tonight.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has added two new fall flavors to their gourmet popcorn lineup: Caramel Apple and the returning favorite, Puppy Chow. Classic caramel, cheese, and mixed options are also available.

• Spoons and Forks is offering a Salted Caramel Coffee Special for a limited time—featuring rich coffee, buttery caramel, and a hint of sea salt. It’s the perfect cozy drink to sip during Homestead.

• Optimal Health is expanding its frozen offerings with two new pizzas from Cappello’s: Five Cheese and Uncured Pepperoni. Swing by to try this classic crispy crust favorite.

• Cranberry Jam is back at Rachel Rene, along with a full lineup of fall products. Stop in from 10–5:30 PM or visit the Make & Take Station for custom seasonal items.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is organizing a Starved Rock Autumn on the River Cruise on Wednesday, October 29 at 10 AM. The trip costs $70 and advance registration is required by calling Sam.

• Finders Keepers is running special fall deals including $2 dresses, 25-cent T-shirts, and free stuffed animals and books for kids. They’re open Thursday and Friday 10–4 and Saturday 10–2, but closed this Saturday (9/6) for Homestead.

• Wyanet Carpet is stocked with new area rugs and in-stock remnants just in time for Homestead weekend. Stop by for deals on flooring that last for days!

• Debi Johnson is asking for help selling raffle tickets for the upcoming Shadows of the Blue and Gray event. With nearly 100 tickets still available, the raffle helps fund the annual living history reenactment and offers a chance to win firearms or $300 cash.

👗SUPPORT TRAVIS AT THE PRINCETON CLOSET

This week, The Princeton Closet is rallying support for Travis—a beloved customer, former volunteer, and valued member of the community.

To aid Travis and his family, the store will donate all monetary contributions and 10% of its profits directly to them. Community members are encouraged to participate in this meaningful effort. Special promotions are also being offered, including a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all ties.

Additionally, “Basket Days” will take place today, allowing shoppers to fill a basket with up to 12 qualifying items for just $8 (limit two baskets per customer). The Princeton Closet remains committed to serving the community with compassion and generosity.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• The Account Associate position with State Farm Agent Adam Hellman in Princeton offers a salary range of $60,000–$80,000 per year with benefits such as a hiring bonus, performance-based incentives, health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for advancement. The role focuses on helping customers manage everyday risks and achieve financial goals through services like auto, home, life insurance, and retirement planning. Responsibilities include managing customer accounts, assisting with policy changes, processing claims, and building strong client relationships while marketing relevant products and services. The position is designed for motivated, people-oriented professionals seeking career growth, flexibility, and the chance to positively impact their community.

• Scooter’s Coffee is seeking baristas who can create memorable customer experiences through fast, friendly service and consistent, high-quality products. The role involves greeting customers, answering questions, handling transactions, preparing drinks according to recipes, and maintaining cleanliness and efficiency throughout the store. Candidates should be dependable, energetic, flexible, and able to work well in a team while quickly learning and solving problems. A passion for people, commitment to brand standards, and a focus on teamwork are key qualifications for success in this position.

• The ALDI Full-Time Store Manager Trainee program offers hands-on training in all aspects of store operations, preparing candidates to eventually manage their own location. Trainees start at $28.50 per hour with an estimated first-year earning potential of up to $92,500, and they receive comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and paid leave. Responsibilities include supervising daily store operations, ensuring high standards of customer service, managing schedules, hiring staff, resolving customer concerns, and maintaining product quality and store presentation. Additionally, trainees will lead meetings, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a culture of teamwork, professional growth, and accountability within the store.

🌼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]. 

🐸LETTER FROM LORI

I’m sitting here pondering a frog I see floating in the tank at the front of my store. Several times throughout the day, I’ve thought he was dead. He floats in an un-frog-like fashion at the top of the tank—motionless and seemingly unresponsive to the rest of the activity from his tank mates. I even went so far as to retrieve what I assumed was his tiny corpse from the population, only to have him hop off my finger and back into the water. Concerned customers have brought his condition to my attention multiple times, and I’ve been forced to poke him just to prove I’m not neglecting my duties as a responsible pet store shopkeeper.

WHY? Why does he choose to show such little regard for life? Why does he put so little effort into his frogginess? His fellow frogs are swimming around, kicking at fish, and delighting in amphibious behavior. They like to sit on snails and hitch rides while antagonizing the plecostomus.

So why is he so inactive? Is he ill? Did one of his buddies kick him in a tender spot? Is he going to CROAK? I guess time will tell.

I’ve lived through seasons like this myself. While activity swirled around me, I became still. I let life happen and didn’t participate. Sometimes it was because I was sick. Sometimes I was heartbroken. And sometimes, I just chose to float—to rest in the peace that comes from not constantly kicking. During those quiet times, I allowed myself to be renewed.

Oh, there were concerned calls and worried friends who questioned my sanity or state of mind. When, like the frog, people had grown used to me darting about and making a constant racket, my stillness raised red flags that something must be wrong…

But sometimes, that quietness was simply an attempt to refocus, restructure, reevaluate—and reLAX.

So tomorrow, I’ll check on my little friend. If he’s not moving, I’ll poke him again to assess whether he needs help—or if he’s simply powering up for another lap around the tank.

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

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