🚌School Buses, Things to Do, and Road Work

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It's a radiant, outstanding, energizing, and sparkling Saturday in the charming town of Princeton, Illinois—truly one of the most wonderful places on earth. Did you grab some food on Main Street and see Rodeo Drive and Dylan Carmichael perform last night? Great job, Princeton Tourism for putting all of that together. A Fleetwood Mac tribute band called “The World Turning Band” will be here on September 5th. Keep the music coming, Princeton.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go This Weekend
🚌Please Stop For School Buses
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
❤️‍🩹GriefShare
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
🏠Home For Sale
🎉Homestead Festival Schedule
🔨Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Ava Clausen!🎂

• A portion of Main Street will be closed for construction from August 12 to 16, with no vehicle traffic or parking allowed between Peru Street and Park Avenue. The closure will be in effect from Monday through Friday during that week.

• Princeton Elementary School District 115 has scheduled supply drop-offs for students at Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Logan Jr. High. Jefferson Elementary’s drop-off for 1st and 2nd graders is on August 13th from 4 PM to 5 PM. Lincoln Elementary’s drop-off for 3rd and 4th graders is on August 14th from 2 PM to 3 PM, and Logan Jr. High’s drop-off for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders is also on August 14th from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a raffle to support its mission, offering a chance to win a brand new electric golf cart valued at $12,630. Only 400 tickets are available, and they can be purchased through cash, check, or Venmo, with Chamber Board and Ambassador Members also having tickets for sale. The drawing will be held once all tickets are sold, and the golf cart meets all city requirements for operation within the city limits.

• The next Bureau County Electronics Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, October 19th at the Bureau County Highway Department, 595 Elm Place in Princeton, Illinois. You can read the event guidelines here.

• Online registration for Princeton Elementary School has been extended from August 7 to 9. This extension offers a second chance for parents who missed the initial registration for the 2024-25 school year.

• Bureau County Historical Society: This is an interview with Ruth Becker, a Titanic survivor whose family lived in Bureau County from 1927 to 1945. Despite being a child during the disaster, the terror of that night is still evident in her voice; her mother, father, and sister are buried in Oakland Cemetery. The 1912 Exhibit is open until December, offering a chance to learn about the Becker family and other events from 1912.

✅PLACES TO GO THIS WEEKEND

• A garage sale will be held at 230 North Main, running today from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

• The Apollo Theater is showing It Ends With Us and Deadpool & Wolverine from today until next Thursday. It Ends With Us will be shown today at 4:15 PM and 7:15 PM, tomorrow at 1:15 PM, 4:15 PM, and 7:15 PM, and Tuesday through Thursday at 4:15 PM and 7:15 PM. Deadpool & Wolverine will be shown today at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, tomorrow at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, and Tuesday through Thursday at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

• Patrick Owen-Leary will be performing live at the Barrel Society this evening at 7 PM. Alongside the music, La Katrina Autentica will be serving tacos, burritos, and nachos from 12 PM to 8 PM. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy good food and live music.

• The Prairie Arts Council is presenting "Bring Him Home: Opera Concert for the Arts" this weekend. The Gala Experience on Saturday, August 10th, includes appetizers, cocktails, a gallery exhibit, and a performance starting at 6 PM, with tickets priced at $45. A matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, at 2 PM at Princeton High School, with tickets available for $35. Both venues are wheelchair accessible, and tickets can be reserved via email or phone.

• Ron Eckberg will be in concert at Dover Park on Sunday at 6 PM, providing encouragement through his songs and music. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair and a friend to enjoy this evening of music and fellowship.

🚌PLEASE STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES

Believe it or not, I drove school busses in Waukesha, Wisconsin and for Bureau Valley almost 15 years ago. We’re going to see those big yellow things all over town on the regular, so this is a great time to give all of us a little reminder: stop for school buses. The Illinois State Police Facebook page put it this way:

“For many kids, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk to the kids is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. Be alert and prepared to stop for school buses picking up and dropping off children in communities across the state very soon.”

A moment of distraction can have serious consequences, so let's make a collective effort to slow down, be patient, and follow the laws regarding school bus stops.

🛑When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, all traffic must stop in both directions. Vehicles must remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted, the lights are turned off, and the bus starts moving again.

🎉HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Get ready to celebrate at the Homestead Festival! This jam-packed weekend is bursting with activities for everyone, from history buffs to music lovers, foodies to families. Here’s a peek at what’s happening, complete with times so you can plan your perfect festival experience:

Thursday, September 5th

• 5:00 PM: Kick off with a fascinating look at the Quilts of the Underground Railroad at the Sash-Satafer-Matson Building.

• 5:45 PM: Honor local legends with the Walk of Fame Dedication: Virgil Fox at Apollo Theater.

• 6:00 PM: End your evening grooving to Fleetwood Mac Tribute at the Down on Main Summer Street Concert on South Main Street.

Friday, September 6th

• 1:00–4:00 PM: Dive into history with Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours.

• 5:00–9:00 PM: Enjoy an evening of music with concerts at Soldiers and Sailors Park, featuring Dylan Schneider and Rodeo Drive.

• 5:00–7:00 PM: Satisfy your sweet tooth with the VIP Dinner and Sister’s Ice Cream at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

• 5:00–7:00 PM: Keep the kids entertained with a LEGO Design Competition at Prairie Arts Center.

• 6:00–8:00 PM: Don’t miss the Twilight Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

• 6:30 PM: Tune in for the Homestead Festival Announcements, including the Grand Marshal, Jr. Woman’s Club Baby Contest Winners, and the Window Display Contest Winners at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

Saturday, September 7th

• 8:30 AM: Start your day early with the Underground Railroad 5K Race at Bureau County Metro Center (Race starts at 9:00 AM).

• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM: Get competitive at the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Alexander Park (Register onsite until 9:15 AM).

• 9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Explore the Beat the Game Pit Arts & Crafts Show at the Courthouse Lawn.

• 9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Discover local treasures at the Homestead Festival Country Fair at the Heartland Bank South Parking Lot.

• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Take a stroll through history at the Bureau County History Center.

• 1:00–4:00 PM: Another chance to explore the Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours.

• 1:30 PM: Don’t miss the festival’s highlight—the Homestead Festival Parade.

• 7:30 PM: Cap off your day with the Concert & Family Fun at Rotary Park, featuring Steve Ray Vaughn Tribute: Wall of Denial and a free outdoor movie with popcorn and root beer floats at Evangelical Covenant Church.

Sunday, September 8th

• 6:00 AM–3:30 PM: Start your Sunday right with the 13th Annual Homestead BBQ Rib Cook Off at the Central Bank Parking Lot.

• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM: Enjoy a hearty Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the Moose Lodge.

• 8:00 AM–3:00 PM: Spend your morning browsing the Homestead Festival Flea Market at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• 9:00 AM–3:00 PM: Watch talented artists in action at the Bryan Chain Saw Carvings at Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• 10:00 AM–4:00 PM: Let the kids have fun with Pony Rides & Kids Activities at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM: Indulge in delicious food at the Bureau County 4-H Pork Cookout at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

• 1:00–4:00 PM: Another chance to explore the Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours.

• 3:30 PM: Wrap up your weekend with a chance to win big at the 50/50 Raffle Drawing at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

There’s no better way to experience Princeton’s rich history, great food, and fantastic fun. Whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor, this festival is sure to leave you with warm memories and plenty of smiles. Don’t miss out—join us for an unforgettable weekend!

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

From TSwails.com: Temperatures dropped dramatically this week, with a 25-degree fall on Tuesday compared to Monday, an unusual change for early August. Such a drop is rare due to typically high humidity and warm soil conditions at this time of year. Cooler air arrived Thursday, with a strong upper air disturbance bringing even cooler temperatures Friday and today, potentially setting record lows. Highs are expected to reach the 70s during the day, though cloud cover and the cool air could keep temperatures in the upper 60s in some areas. Nights will be especially cool, with lows dipping into the 40s near and north of I-80. A warming trend is expected later next week, bringing temperatures back to seasonal norms.

Farmer’s Almanac: An early-season heavy snowfall is forecasted for the North Central states from November 8-11.

☀️Today: Expect a mostly sunny day with a few afternoon clouds. The high will reach 74°F, with winds from the WNW at 10 to 15 mph, providing a pleasant breeze. As night falls, the skies will clear, and temperatures will drop to a cool 52°F, with winds from the west at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Tomorrow: The day will be partly cloudy with a high of 79°F. Winds will be from the WNW at 5 to 10 mph, creating a mild and comfortable day. In the evening, a few clouds will linger, but overall, it will remain clear with a low of 57°F. Winds will be light and variable, making for a calm night.

☁️Monday: Cloudy skies will dominate the day, with a high of 74°F. Winds will be light and variable, keeping the day relatively cool. The evening will start with partly cloudy skies, transitioning to mostly cloudy conditions later, with a few showers possible during the night. The low will be around 58°F, with a 30% chance of rain and light, variable winds.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
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 PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week.

Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

❤️‍🩹GRIEFSHARE

Community members who have experienced the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend, recent or not so recent, are invited to participate in the GriefShare support group being held at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St. in Princeton. The group will meet every Monday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to help face challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. The meeting that falls on Labor Day will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd. There is a small cost of $20 for the participant guide. In addition, the last session will focus on surviving the holidays.

GriefShare is a 13-week video seminar series that features grief and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements – video seminar, support group discussion, and a participant guide with personal study exercises that reinforce the weekly session topics. Each session is “self-contained” so participants are welcome to begin at any point within the 13-week program.

The church will be using the new GriefShare 4.0 materials, which include fresh video content featuring nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories. Topics covered include loneliness, sadness, self-care, fear, anger, regrets, relationships, resilience, and hope. You will find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other family member, or friend. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and renew your hope for the future. This is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling.

Participants should bring their own water bottle. Pre-registering is not necessary but helpful. Visit griefshare.org/groups/238676 for more information or to register. Or call the Evangelical Covenant Church at 815-875-2124 with questions.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

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• 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].

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is holding a bucket sale this weekend. When you purchase a 5-gallon bucket for a $5 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network, you’ll receive 20% off nearly everything you can fit in the bucket. All donations go directly to a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

• The Farm Stand at 24797 1900 North Avenue will be open today from 9 AM to 7 PM, selling farm fresh eggs until they are sold out.

• Sisler's Ice Cream is celebrating the month with two special treats: a Cotton Candy Milkshake topped with whipped cream and cotton candy crunch, and a Strawberry Lemonade Float featuring strawberry ice cream, lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and whipped cream. These limited-time offerings are only available this month, so make sure to try them while you can.

• Paisano’s Ristorante is bringing back their popular “Elote” pizza for the month of August. This pizza features fire-roasted sweet corn from Boggio's Orchard and Produce, a homemade Chipotle Mayo base, mozzarella cheese, parmesan, and a cilantro-lime crème drizzle. Available with or without hot Cheetos, this unique pizza is a must-try this month.

• Four Seasons is offering a 50% discount on all jewelry, including both original and clearance items. The sale is available Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the store and explore the selection of statement pieces.

• Friends of Strays, Inc. has 10 sponsored adoption fees left for cats aged one year and older with approved applications. Interested adopters are invited to stop in and meet the available cats. This is a great opportunity to give a forever home to a furry friend in need.

• True Leaves Bookshop is donating $1 from every purchase to the BEST Program today until next Saturday to help provide school supplies for local students. They will also have a donation basket available for those who wish to contribute additional items. Supporting local students is encouraged, along with picking up Clorox wipes and Kleenex for classrooms to prepare for the upcoming school year.

• Rachel Rene is currently hiring for a part-time sales associate and production assistant. The position requires availability 1-2 days a week and on weekends. If you’re looking for an opportunity to join a creative team, apply now!

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• If you don't want a digital Illinois driver's license or digital ID you don't have to have one, and no one will force you to get one...at least for now. You don't have to decide right this minute, HB 4592 doesn't take effect until January 1st of 2025.

• This delightful home, located at 537 Woodland Dr, is priced at $299,500. The residence features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and covers 1,591 sqft on a spacious 0.37-acre lot.

• Attention Tiger Fans! The fall sports store is now open, with orders due by August 14th. Proceeds from the store support Princeton High School athletics, so be sure to place your orders soon!

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Casey's General Stores is hiring full-time Team Members. This role involves creating a welcoming environment, handling cashier duties, stocking, and food preparation. Benefits include flexible pay options, health and dental insurance, and opportunities for career growth. No prior experience is necessary, as training will be provided to those eager to learn.

• Prime Quarter Steak House is seeking a part-time Dishwasher. The role involves maintaining a clean and organized kitchen by washing dishes, pots, and pans. Applicants should be able to work in a fast-paced environment and lift heavy objects. Benefits include employee discounts and opportunities for advancement.

• Sullivan's Foods is looking for a part-time Cashier. The role involves providing exceptional customer service by operating the cash register, assisting guests, and ensuring accurate transactions. This position is ideal for friendly and dependable individuals who enjoy interacting with customers. Applicants will be part of a supportive team in a vibrant work environment.

• Taylor's Way is offering a full-time Tree Climber/Trimmer position, paying up to $25 per hour. The job involves tree trimming through climbing or bucket truck operation, requiring experience and a valid driver's license. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) matching, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement. Applicants should be friendly, responsible, and able to work some Saturdays during peak season.

• Walmart is hiring part-time Meat/Produce Team Associates, offering a pay range of $15 to $22 per hour. The role involves keeping the Fresh area stocked, rotating products, and maintaining food safety standards. Walmart provides competitive pay, performance incentives, health benefits, and paid time off, along with education benefits through their Live Better U program. This position is ideal for individuals looking to work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• The Sheffield Rescue Unit is offering two CPR classes on August 24th at the White Oak room at St. Clare. The first class, a BLS class for healthcare professionals, will be held at 9:00 AM, while a class for the general public will be held at 2:00 PM. Each class costs $50, and there are six spots available in each; additional classes may be scheduled if there is enough interest. Contact Debi Johnson at 815-878-5005 to reserve your seat.

• The Bradford Saturday Market will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on August 10th, September 14th, and October 12th. There are no vendor fees or registration requirements—vendors can simply show up and set up. This is a great opportunity for local sellers to participate in a community market.

• Football practice begins across Illinois. Here are the top players

• Millions of Ovens Popular in Illinois Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 814 W Clark St, this home is listed for $105,000, showcasing a recent price reduction. This single-family residence features three bedrooms, one bathroom, and encompasses 920 sqft within its 8,160 sqft lot. Built in 1960, the property offers modest charm with a functional layout, including central air for comfort. A two-car garage completes this home, making it a practical choice for those seeking affordability in a well-established neighborhood.

• Explore the charm of this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home at 1006 W Central Ave in Princeton, Illinois. Built in 1903, this property combines historical allure with modern amenities across its 2,500 square feet of living space. It's conveniently situated on a sizable 0.38-acre lot and boasts a two-car garage. This inviting residence is priced at $239,000, offering a unique blend of comfort, space, and affordability.

• Located at 505 N East St, this 4-bedroom, 1-bath home is a gem waiting to be polished. Priced at $130,000 and boasting 1,888 sqft of living space, it's nestled in a unique setting with both town and rural advantages. The home features an open floor plan filled with natural light and several versatile rooms that can serve as additional bedrooms. Outdoors, the property promises ample space for gardening and outdoor activities, set back from the road for added privacy and tranquility.

🔨LETTER FROM LORI

My brother and I have been tackling the Herculean task of organizing and making decisions about what to keep, sell, or discard from 70 years of possessions in our family cottage. One of the biggest challenges is my grandfather's toolshed.

Norman Johnson was a man of vision and creativity. He always seemed old to me—until I realized that I’m now older than he was when I was a child, and I don't feel old, so how does that work? He adored old and unique things, and Jimmy and I have come across some fascinating tools in his collection. Some of these have piqued our curiosity about their original, intended function. We know they were designed with a specific purpose in mind, but unless we let our minds wander back to the age of Pa Ingalls, we can’t quite figure them out.

We are fortunate to have Google at our fingertips, which has been helpful, but we are still perplexed from time to time as our modern-day brains try to decipher the tools and needs of ancient times.

Many of these tools have become obsolete as society has advanced and rendered them unnecessary. Now it’s easier to push a button or click a mouse to get what we want. Some of our recent technology makes the finished project more uniform and seemingly perfect. BORING!

BUT, my brother and I have also discovered many of my grandfather's finished products, and we are amazed at the character of his creations. His pieces are unique. Though finely crafted, they are not carbon copies of one another. Each stroke of the chisel or plane, every move of the router, every screw or nail driven into the wood tells a story. Decisions were made, thought was put into each piece, and the person he was making it for was considered. LOVE was the motivation.

How often we come across tools in our lives that once served a purpose. We used them to navigate our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. They shaped our character in ways that kids today cannot comprehend. They weren’t perfect, and they didn’t produce uniform results. We were inherently flawed here and there, but that added to the beauty of our finished product. Maybe the stain stuck in places it shouldn’t, highlighting flaws for all the world to see. Maybe the nail went in a little crooked, or the hammer missed, leaving an indelible mark. But this is the price we paid for being created as we were.

Now, we just have to step back and learn to appreciate our imperfection as beauty and uniqueness, rather than worrying about being flawless and just like the multitude of others produced in a factory setting. We may be old, but we have character, so put on your specs (an ancient word for glasses), peer into the looking glass (a.k.a. MIRROR), and check out the beautiful creation you are.

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

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