🌳A Sectional Championship, Total Domination, and Tree Beautification

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Good Saturday morning, Princeton. Especially Head Coach Roger Lowe and Assistant Eric Tinley, who led the Tigers to a Sectional Champtionship in 1992.

Coach Eric Tinley comments to Princeton NOW: “This team I was a small part of was the definition of team and teamwork. It was the most unselfish team that I have been part of in my 30 years of coaching. Coach Lowe instilled a sense of camaraderie and a philosophy of blue collar work in practices which carried over into the season.”

Love it. You can watch the game here. Kevin Hieronymus wrote a really cool story on this team here.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE
💡What You Should Know
✅Things to Do This Weekend
🍼Momco of Bureau County
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🏈Tigers Dominate Sherrard at Home
🤠Seniors to San Antonio
🔭A Look Ahead
🌄Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Kiara Mason! 🥳

• City of Princeton: The Tree Planting Beautification Program offers residents a reimbursement of up to $150, covering 50% of the cost of planting a tree this Fall, provided that the tree is purchased in Bureau County and the application is approved prior to planting. Applications can be obtained either online or at City Hall, and participants can also explore the City's Legacy Tree Donation Program for further tree planting initiatives. These programs emphasize the benefits of fall planting, which allows tree roots to establish before the return of harsh summer conditions.

• Princeton Tigers Football (3-0) defeated Sherrard 60-0 last night.

• PHS Cross Country Coach Hodge, on the September 10th Meet: “For the boys, Augustus Swanson had a very nice run for a warmer day and smaller meet. Dawson ran very well also in a near season’s best on our Senior Day. For the girls, Ruby and Payton had solid runs. Alexandra stayed with them for awhile with a nice effort. Natalie and Avery were the closest to their performances at Oregon at Saturday.”

• Get ready for Tiger Music merch from Princeton Music Boosters. Soft-style T-shirts, V-neck options, hoodies, and hats are available, with an order form posted on the group’s Facebook page.

• BCR: “Princeton Junior Woman’s Club donated $2,000, the most to date to the EXTRA program for the 2024-2025 school year. This will assist 200 students throughout the year.”

• Starved Rock Media: Bureau County First Responders Honored on 9/11

• St. Matthews Lutheran Church is hosting a Saintly Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, September 21, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at their fellowship hall. The event includes a raffle with tickets for $1 each or 6 for $5, and all proceeds benefit the Second Story Teen Center build project. Dinner is $8 per person, with discounts for children under 12, and carryout options are available.

• Election: The Democrat Headquarters is located at 934 North Main Street, open Fridays 4-6pm and Saturday 11am-3pm. The 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.

🏠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.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

✅TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🏃‍♂️The Gary Coates Princeton Invitational will take place today at Zearing Park, with Princeton hosting 12 area teams. The schedule starts with the freshman/sophomore boys at 9 AM, followed by the varsity girls at 9:25 AM and the varsity boys at 10 AM. An open race will be held at 10:30 AM.

🌿11th Annual Artisan Market: Visit Hornbaker Gardens for a day filled with art, craft beer, live music, and local lunch options. Over 30 artisans will be featured, with fresh produce and home-baked goods available. Wine tasting and ice cream will also be provided for a relaxing day in the country. The event runs today from 10 AM to 4 PM at 11491 2300 St E.

💊Medicare Supplement Seminar: Join a free seminar hosted by the Princeton Public Library to learn about Medicare and how it can work for you. The seminar is today from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and will feature Tim Burgess addressing your Medicare needs. All are welcome to attend this educational session. The event takes place at 698 E Peru St.

🎹175th Anniversary Celebration. Celebrate the 175th anniversary of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church with a special worship service tomorrow at 9:30 AM. The Northern Illinois Synod Bishop will lead the service. Former members are invited to join in the milestone, which also marks the 100th anniversary of the current sanctuary building. The church is located at 15199 2825 East St.

🏈TIGERS ABSOLUTELY DOMINATE SHERRARD AT HOME

The Princeton Tigers put on a dominant display Friday night, crushing Sherrard 60-0 in a one-sided affair. The Tigers took control early and never looked back, delivering a shutout performance fueled by explosive offense and stifling defense.

The scoring started in the first quarter when quarterback William Lott connected with Ryan Jaggers on a 7-yard touchdown pass at the 6:50 mark, putting Princeton ahead 7-0. Just before the quarter ended, Brendan Piacenti intercepted a pass, setting the tone for the defensive dominance that followed.

In the second quarter, Casey Etheridge powered through the defense for a 5-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0 at 9:54. Moments later, Lott found Eli Burden for a 26-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-0. The defense continued to make plays, with Common Green recording a safety after sacking the Sherrard quarterback, increasing the lead to 23-0. Lott kept the momentum going with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Ace Christiansen, pushing the score to 31-0. Eli Berlin followed with an 11-yard run for a touchdown, and Christiansen added a 19-yard run, sending the Tigers into halftime up 46-0.

The Tigers didn’t slow down after the break. In the third quarter, Alex Winn scored on a 5-yard touchdown run at 6:07, widening the gap to 53-0. The final points came in the fourth quarter when Ayden Agushi ran for a 5-yard touchdown, sealing the 60-0 victory.

Princeton's offense racked up 20 first downs while the defense held Sherrard to just five.

🍼MOMCO OF BUREAU COUNTY

The MomCo of Bureau County, also known as the "Mom Community," is a group designed for moms with kids of all ages to connect, receive encouragement, and share the adventure of motherhood together. The group offers dinner, childcare, inspiring messages, and tips for parenthood, and is made up of moms who understand the challenges of motherhood. Meetings take place at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton from 6-8 pm on the following dates for the 2024-2025 season: September 17th, October 8th, November 5th, December 3rd, January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, and May 6th. The group encourages interested moms to follow them on Facebook for updates.

• Dinner

• Childcare

• Inspiring messages & tips for parenthood

• Moms who get it!

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

☁️Today: Expect a mostly cloudy day with occasional light rain and a high of 86°F. Winds will come from the east at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight brings scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures dropping to 68°F and winds easing slightly. Humidity will increase through the evening, reaching 63%.

🌥️Tomorrow: Intervals of clouds and sunshine are expected with a chance of a shower or two, reaching a high of 87°F. Winds will be from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low of 65°F and light, variable winds. Humidity will be slightly higher at night, around 68%.

🌥️Monday: The day will bring intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a high near 88°F. Winds will be from the south at 5 to 10 mph. The night will be partly cloudy, with a low of 62°F and light, variable winds. Humidity will rise at night to 71%.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.59
Casey’s West/North: $3.56
Beck’s West/North: $3.56
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.56
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.56

🏆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].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is updating its hours for the fall season. They will no longer serve lunch in the restaurant but are launching a new fall lunch menu for takeout and delivery. Dinner hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a cozy dining experience as the cooler months approach.

• Little Blue Dress is featuring a stunning velvet dress in dark teal, priced at $41. It runs slightly small, and sizes range from small to large. You can shop in-store or order online through their website for this beautiful piece.

• Hungry World Farm has made changes to their schedule for this weekend. The Hornbaker Artisan Market will take place on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and there will be wood-fired pizza from 5 PM to 8 PM. Upcoming events include a Harvest Festival on October 5 and a Fall Volunteer Workday on October 19.

• Today, Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. will be at the farmers' market for the last time of the season. They are offering a special deal on drink bombs: 2 for $6, available in blue raspberry or cherry with a can of Sprite. The market opens at 8:30 AM, so come early to grab your favorites and enjoy the last market of the season.

• The Apollo Theater is showing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13) and Alien: Romulus (R) through Thursday, September 19.

• Freedom House will host a Fall Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 12, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park. The event will include bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and a bake walk. This celebration is in recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and supports the important work Freedom House does in the community.

• Sayler’s General Store is featuring Big Heart Tea Co. for a limited time. Customers can choose from a variety of flavors in two-pack options, perfect for sharing with friends. Stop by the store to check out this delightful selection of teas.

• Bean Buzz is now offering their seasonal pumpkin spice latte in iced, hot, or frozen varieties. You can also try it with pumpkin cold foam for an extra fall treat.

• On Wednesday, October 9, from 8 AM to 9 AM, Early Beginnings Parents As Teachers will host a "Box Play or Craft it" event at 605 S Pleasant St. Participants can bring their children to play with various box sizes, encouraging creativity with cutting, coloring, or constructing.

• Combined Cleaning & Restoration is offering $50 off pressure washing or house washing services until April 31st. Don’t miss out on this great deal!

• Save the date for a Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, October 26th at Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center. Prizes for the best dressed.

• Meet Daisy, a sweet and quiet 38-pound dog available for adoption at Friends of Strays. She is good with other dogs, appears to be housebroken, and although shy in her kennel, she loves playing outside and interacting with people. Friends of Strays invites everyone to their Fall Open House on Saturday, September 23. The event will include facility tours, raffles, and more, with donations for raffles accepted during shelter hours.

• Connections Studio is hosting a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 21, from 10 AM to 12 PM. The event celebrates National Dance Day and supports a great cause, with a $5 minimum donation per class benefiting the Second Story Teen Center. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• Sarah Geiger of Princeton received first place in the mammal category in a Brookfield Zoo photo contest.

• A majestic 3-story home located at 627 E Peru St is listed for $439,500. Built in 1878 on a 2.3-acre lot, this 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath home spans 4,162 sq ft, offering spacious living with an open floor plan, wood flooring, and a fireplace in the primary bedroom.

• Attention, Illinois train lovers: You've got one last chance to catch Union Pacific's iconic 4014 Big Boy steam engine before the locomotive chugs away.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Kennel Attendant | Friends of Strays | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• Preventionist | Freedom House, Inc. | Full-Time | From $41,600 a year

• Lawn Care Specialist | Taylor’s Way | Full-Time | $18-$21 an hour

• Receptionist - Franchise Location | H&R Block | Full-Time | Pay not provided

• General Laborer | Ag View FS | Part-Time/Full-Time | Pay not provided

• Team Supervisor | Gateway Services, Inc. | Full-Time | Pay not provided

• Tree Climber/Trimmer | Taylor’s Way | Full-Time | Up to $25 an hour

• Maintenance | Prime Quarter Steak House | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• In-Home Caregiver | In-Home Care Connection | Part-Time | $17-$19 an hour

• Warehouse Specialist | Ace Hardware | Full-Time | $19-$21.50 an hour

• Administrative Assistant - Zoning Department | Bureau County | Full-Time | $14 an hour

• 1st Assistant Manager | Road Ranger LLC | Full-Time | $16-$18 an hour

⛪️Part-time positions open at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church:

• Director of Music Ministry

• Director of Youth & Family Ministry

• Media Outreach Technician

For more details, visit www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org or send resumes to [email protected].

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• There was a semi crash east of Annawan on Eastbound Interstate 80.

• Walnut will be hosting a town-wide garage sale today from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find great deals throughout the town!

• Tickets are on sale for One Night with Elvis starring Rick Saucedo at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl on Saturday, October 5. Tickets are $15, with a 20% discount available when purchasing the Fall Tribute Bundle for all three shows. Call 815-223-5085 to purchase your tickets and enjoy an evening filled with Elvis hits and classic moves.

• 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.

• 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.

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

🤠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.

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

Shannon Baker Live at Barrel Society (Friday, September 20th): Chicago’s very own Shannon Baker will perform live at Barrel Society, offering a night of great music and fun. Enjoy this free event, starting at 7 PM, with no cover charge. Join in for an evening of great tunes and a lively atmosphere. The venue is located at 930 N Main St.

Open Garage (Saturday, September 21st): Come to Rotary Park from 8 AM to 12 PM for the Open Garage car cruise-in event. Enjoy a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, classics, and electric vehicles, with coffee, snacks, and vendors available. This family-friendly event is open to everyone, showcasing unique transportation options. The event is located at 101 Bicentennial Dr.

"Spooky Kitty" Paint Night (Wednesday, September 25th): Get ready for Halloween at this fun "Spooky Kitty" paint night at Downtown Pub & Event Center. All materials and guided instruction are provided to help you complete your masterpiece. Join the event starting at 6 PM and enjoy food and drinks while you paint. The location is 432 S Main St.

Leslie Goddard Presents Eleanor Roosevelt (Saturday, October 5th): Award-winning actress Leslie Goddard brings Eleanor Roosevelt to life in this engaging performance at 1 PM. Learn about Roosevelt's journey from a shy orphan to a powerful advocate for human rights. This event, held at 24 Park Ave E, is free and open to the public.

Simply Patsy at Festival 56 (Saturday, October 12th): The Pearl Handle Band joins Mary Pfeifer for a lively tribute to Patsy Cline, with two shows at 2 PM and 7 PM. Enjoy the story of Cline's trials and successes with the band backing Mary’s excellent vocals. Tickets are $25, and the event is located at Grace Theater, 316 S Main St.

Shadows of the Blue and Gray (Saturday, October 12th): Step back in time at this Civil War reenactment event held at City County Park from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy battle reenactments, artisans, music, food, and storytelling, preserving history in a fun and engaging way. This is a family-friendly event perfect for history enthusiasts.

6th Annual Halloween Parade (Saturday, October 12th): Join the Bureau County Fair’s Halloween Parade, featuring spooky floats and family fun. Starting at 5 PM, this free parade promises a festive atmosphere. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the sights at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

The Killer Riffs at Hawg House Saloon (Saturday, October 19th): Enjoy music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon with The Killer Riffs starting at 3 PM. Experience a lively atmosphere with great music and drinks to keep you entertained throughout the day. The event takes place at 18066 US Highway 6.

🌄LETTER FROM LORI

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the movie The Croods. The basic premise of the movie contrasts a life of adventure with a life of safety. I was always the Eep in my family. I wanted sunlight and adventure. I wanted to run free and do whatever I wanted. Life was meant to be lived! I got bruised and wounded along the way, but that was the price of exploration.

My mother was Grug: "Don't touch that. Don't wander off. Never not be afraid!" As I darted about, sticking my hands in dark and dangerous places, my mother stood on the brink of a heart attack. If anxiety meds had been available 50 years ago, the poor woman would have been on the maximum dosage. I scoffed at her paranoia and rolled my eyes at her lack of faith. Now, at 57, battle-scarred and wounded, I understand her more than ever.

Recently, I’ve become a cave dweller. I’m beginning to appreciate the benefits of safety and security. At night, I want to roll that stone across the entrance and sleep peacefully. I spent my youth without sleeping at all. Now, I love the security of my bed and snuggling with Cher, my house horse (aka Great Dane). There’s something calming about quiet. My younger self loved loud and raucous. If my environment wasn’t chaotic, I made it that way. Now, I try to be the calm in the storm.

I am a work in progress. My transformation is not complete, and I may never give up the urge to climb to the top of the mountain and peer off the edge, imagining all the possibilities. But for now, I’m content to back away slowly, grab my blanket, and head for bed.

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

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