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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Did you head over to Zearing Park last night and enjoy some food, music, and fireworks? Great work Princeton Tourism and everyone involved in making July 4th better and better in the greatest town in the universe.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🌠Thank You Cards
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton People of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🏋️At the Met
🪶Tiskilwa Pow Wow Days
🛥️Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The Princeton Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from May 31st through October 25th at Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with yoga at 9:30 a.m. Vendors include Annie’s Home Farm, Coneflower Farm, Milestone Bakery, Mill Road Family Farm, Norman Honey Company, Northern Illinois Worm Farm, Red Covered Farms, Seed of Hope Farm, and Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co.

• Festival 56 will open its summer 2025 season with free performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream beginning Sunday, July 6, at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton. The family-friendly play will run at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays through July 30, bringing the classic tale of fairy mischief and young love to audiences of all ages.

• Tiskilwa native Wyatt Workman will be the featured vocal soloist at the Princeton Community Band’s free concert on Sunday, July 6, at 6 p.m. in Soldiers and Sailors Park, performing Gershwin’s But Not for Me. The concert, directed by Ann MB Lusher, will include a variety of selections such as Sing, Sing, Sing, The Waltzing Cat, Summertime, and more, with lawn chairs recommended and refreshments available from the Lions Club.

• The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series continues in July with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on July 18th, followed by Face 2 Face: The Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute Show on August 8th. Additional performances include Electric Avenue on September 4th and the Heidelberg German Band on October 18th.

• Princeton library hosting book sale

• The Princeton Fire Department is accepting applications for its 2025 Fire Academy, which runs September through January. Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings with two Saturday sessions each month; tuition is $100.

• Hosta expert and hybridizer Bob Solberg will visit Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton on Sunday, July 20, offering a meet-and-greet from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and giving a talk at 11 a.m. titled “Living with Hostas,” during which hostas will be available at $2 off (guests are welcome to picnic or enjoy provided refreshments), free admission with registration encouraged.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 07-01-2025

📍Outside City Limits

• Walnut Days is back this weekend

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint is bringing back their Sunday Ribs Special with slow-smoked pork back ribs seasoned with their signature spice blend and house-made BBQ sauce. The special runs from 4 to 8 p.m. this Sunday.

• The Buda Community Club will host a concert by award-winning country entertainer Steve Hargis on July 19, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. as part of Buda Fun Days. Additional details are available on their Facebook page.

• A Vacation Bible School is coming to Wyanet Community Bible Church at 215 S Locust Street! Join us July 16–18 from 10–11:30 a.m. for Wonder Junction by Answers in Genesis, with a free meal following for kids and families. Sunday School for all ages is at 9 a.m., followed by our worship service at 10. Register online at Answers in Genesis – Wyanet Community Bible Church or contact Pastor Kevin at [email protected]—walk-in registration is also welcome!

🌠JOIN THE “THANK YOU” CARD DRIVE

State Representative Travis Weaver’s office is organizing a “Thank You Card Drive” for deployed military personnel, running from June 10th to August 1st. Community members are invited to express their gratitude and support by submitting handwritten cards. Cards can be mailed or delivered directly to 337 Court Street in Pekin, Illinois 61554. Every card collected during this drive will be sent to soldiers currently deployed overseas. Representative Weaver’s initiative aims to boost morale and remind service members that their dedication is appreciated back home. Donations of cards are being accepted now through August 1, 2025.

From Regional Media News

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly cloudy skies will start the day, but scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop as the afternoon progresses. The high will reach about 91°F with humidity rising to 65%. Winds will be gustier, from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph. Rain chance is at 60% for the day. Overnight, scattered showers and thunderstorms could linger, but activity will taper off. Low around 73°F, with light winds from the west or southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

🌦Sunday: The day will be mostly cloudy with occasional breaks of sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible during the afternoon or evening. The high will top out near 86°F, with winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph helping to cool things a bit. Humidity will hold near 64%, and rain chances stand at about 30%. Overnight, expect a few thunderstorms early, then clearing skies with a low of 66°F and light southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph.

🌧Monday: Some sunshine may peek through in the morning, but clouds will thicken by afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms are likely, particularly in the evening. High temperature will be around 85°F, with humidity at 65% and winds from the north at 5 to 10 mph. The rain chance climbs to 40%. Overnight will feature scattered storms and occasional showers, with a low near 67°F and southeast breezes at 5 to 10 mph.

⛈Tuesday: Partly cloudy early, then scattered thunderstorms may pop up as the day heats up. The high will be near 88°F, with humidity around 63% and southwesterly winds at 5 to 10 mph. The rain chance is 20%, but isolated downpours could occur. The night will be partly cloudy with scattered storms late. The low will dip to around 67°F, with light winds and 30% chance of rain.

🌩Wednesday: Expect partly cloudy skies early, with scattered thunderstorms developing later in the afternoon and evening. The high will reach about 87°F, with humidity at 64% and winds from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance increases to 60% by evening. Overnight, storms could linger before tapering off toward morning. The low will be near 68°F with light south winds.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.17
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.97

🏆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

• Miss Betsy’s is featuring a Strawberry Streusel donut for July, filled with strawberry buttercream and jelly, topped with vanilla icing and streusel. It’s a sweet treat available now for a limited time.

• Dugosh Farms will be at the July 5th market with a variety of fresh produce, local honey, maple syrup, and colorful popcorn. Visit them from 8 a.m. to noon across from Dollar General.

• Boek-el-ZOO invites visitors to come see new animals on display, featuring a variety of birds and other creatures. They encourage people to stop by soon for a chance to check them out.

• Once Upon A Craft announced their art summer camp for ages 6-14, happening July 15-18 with creative activities like paint pouring and tie-dye. Registration is $150 and spots are now open.

   

• Myrtle’s Pies shared their store hours and a long list of delicious pie, cinnamon roll, and cookie options available Thursday through Saturday. Their hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Optimal Health is now offering smoothie cups perfect for hot weather that can be blended with your choice of liquid. These smoothies are easy, refreshing, and ready to enjoy.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is offering a 2-pack of Black Flag Foaming Wasp & Hornet Killer for $5.99 until July 15. This is a savings from the regular price of $12.99.

• Wild Honey Boutique shared a preview of new red, white, and blue pieces perfect for the 4th of July. These styles will be available starting Thursday at 10 a.m.

• Second Story Teen Center is hosting a fun day of games and prizes on July 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by Freedom House. Activities include relay races, Jeopardy, and Minute to Win It challenges.

• Friends of Strays introduces Clifford, a playful 3-year-old mixed breed who loves other dogs and keeps his kennel clean. They encourage anyone looking for a sweet, goofy companion to come meet him.

• Connections Studio will hold an advanced jazz class with Isaiah Alatorre on July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dancers and pom members are invited, and the class fee is $15.

• Once Upon A Craft announced their art summer camp for kids ages 6-14, running July 15-18 from 9-11:30 a.m. The camp will feature activities like paint pouring, tie-dye, and lantern decorating.

• Myrtle’s Pies is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide selection of pies, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. Flavors include tiramisu, French silk, strawberry rhubarb, and more.

• Optimal Health is featuring smoothie cups that are easy to prepare—just blend with your favorite liquid for a refreshing drink. Flavors include banana split, berry basic, and keto-friendly cacao.

• Bureau County Fair reminds everyone that ticket prices for the Trace Adkins concert will increase after July 15. They encourage fans to secure the best deal by ordering tickets now for the August 21 show.

• Princeton Moose Lodge invites members to Corey’s Pilgrim Celebration on Saturday, July 19th, featuring cocktails from 3 to 4 p.m., a ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., and entertainment from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Jennifer or Teresa Lauritzen.

Upcoming:

• Georgia Peach Stop Event – Princeton: Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. brings fresh Georgia peaches to the Princeton Moose Lodge on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Come pick up hand-picked peaches delivered fresh from the farm, with fruit available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• National Ice Cream Day — Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Sisler’s Ice Cream on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 421 S Main Street. Enjoy sweet treats, take part in a giveaway drawing at the end of the day, and stay tuned for specials.

• Share Night for SECOND STORY TEEN CENTER — Support the Second Story Teen Center at Culver’s on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 224 Ace Road. Eat in or drive through while helping raise funds for a great cause.

• Trace Adkins with Special Guest Brushville: Enjoy a live concert featuring Trace Adkins and special guest Brushville at the Bureau County Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 21, at 7:30 PM. www.bureaucountyfair.com. This event is part of the 170th Bureau County Fair, running August 20–24.

• Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park — Enjoy live music with Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 700 S Main Street. Full event details will be posted soon.

• 12th Annual Artisan Market — Spend a beautiful fall day at the 12th Annual Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy 30+ fine artists, food trucks, home-baked goods, live music, beer and wine, local produce, artisan popsicles, and more — free admission.

🏆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 JOB OPENINGS

• Aldi is hiring a full-time Assistant Store Manager in Princeton, IL, offering $24–$25 per hour for approximately 38 hours per week. The role involves supporting the direct leader in implementing action plans, supervising staff, maintaining store standards, and ensuring high levels of customer service. Key duties include inventory management, staff training, merchandising, and contributing to operational efficiency and safety. Physical demands include lifting up to 45 pounds and performing tasks such as stocking, shelving, and walking throughout the store. Candidates must be at least 18 years old with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Walmart in Princeton, IL is hiring part-time Electronics Department Associates, offering hourly pay between $15 and $28 with potential premiums and performance-based incentives. The role focuses on greeting customers, providing assistance on the sales floor, recommending tech products, and ensuring displays are well maintained. Associates help manage incoming merchandise and support customers by matching products to their needs. Available shifts include mid-shift and closing, primarily during evening hours. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, paid time off, family leave, and various employee discounts.

🏋️AT THE METRO CENTER

Junior High Strength and Conditioning Clinic

The Bureau County Metro Center is offering a Junior High Strength & Conditioning clinic from July 14th to July 17th. This one-week program is designed to help junior high athletes in Bureau County improve physically and build foundational strength. The camp targets students entering 5th through 8th grade, with separate time slots: 5th & 6th graders will meet from 10:30–11:15 AM, and 7th & 8th graders from 11:30 AM–12:15 PM. The fee is tiered at $40, $45, or $50 depending on registration timing or other factors. Classes will be capped at 8 participants to ensure more individualized instruction.

Participants will benefit from continued development, better agility, stronger self-esteem, increased skill, a strong base for gaining strength, and safety through strength development. Other benefits include promoting teamwork and encouraging a strong work ethic. The program teaches proper warmups, stretching, exercise techniques, and sport-specific training. It’s an excellent opportunity for youth to gain confidence and compete at a higher level.

To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Early registration is encouraged due to limited spots.

Group Swim Lessons

Group swim lessons are returning to Alexander Pool this summer for kids ages 4 and up. The sessions will run on two sets of dates: June 9th–12th and June 16th–19th. Each class takes place from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Participants will get the chance to sharpen existing skills, learn new techniques, and have fun in a supportive environment. The program is open to both members and non-members. The cost is $50 for members, $55 for residents, and $65 for non-residents. To register, visit the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or register online.

Adult Dodgeball Tournament

The Adult Dodgeball Tournament is coming to the BCMC Gym on Saturday, July 19th. Open to participants ages 21 and up, this event features 5-player teams competing in a double elimination format. Each matchup consists of three 10-minute games, with the winner determined by the last team standing or the team with the most players remaining. Matches begin at 6:00 PM, but all players must arrive by 5:30 PM for a rules explanation. The cost is $100 per team.

Attendees can enjoy a cash bar and free pizza while supplies last. This high-energy evening promises fun competition and great social interaction. To register, stop by the Metro Center in person, call 815-872-0840, or sign up online. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

🪶TISKILWA POW WOW DAYS

Thursday, July 31 — Family Night

Tiskilwa Pow Wow Days kicks off on Thursday, July 31 with Family Fun Night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Families can enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, games, and other activities during the evening. Free bouncy houses will be open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for kids to enjoy. Touch A Truck will take place during the same time, allowing children to explore local fire trucks, EMS vehicles, and farm equipment. DJ Chuck Hopper will provide music for a kids’ dance from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Friday, August 1

Friday, August 1 features historical exhibits at the Historical Society’s Museum on Main and the Gallery on Galena, both open from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Tiskilwa Community Association Beer Garden opens at 5:00 pm and runs until midnight. Bouncy houses will be available from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for $10 armbands. The TCA Kids Pedal Tractor Pull for ages 4 to 12 starts at 6:00 pm. An ice cream eating contest for both kids and adults will be held at 7:00 pm. The TCA Draw Down takes place at 7:00 pm, with tickets available by calling 815-646-4121. The night wraps up with BRUSHVILLE in concert at the Beer Garden from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Saturday, August 2

Saturday, August 2 begins with a 5K race, with registration at 7:00 am and race time at 8:00 am. The Historical Society’s Museum on Main will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The parade on Main Street starts at 11:00 am with the theme “Turn Back Time.” A community church lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Tiskilwa Community Church. Bouncy houses and waterslides will be open from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm for $10 or $20 armbands, depending on duration. The bean bag tournament will begin around 11:30 am. The Historical Society’s Gallery on Galena is open from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Tiskilwa Fire Department will host kids’ water fights from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Kelly and Sarah Finch will perform at 4:00 pm with an acoustic set in the Beer Garden. The Tiskilwa High School Alumni Banquet will be held at Indian Valley Inn, with happy hour at 5:00 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm. Bouncy houses reopen from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The day closes with HAIRBANGER’S BALL in the Beer Garden from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Sunday, August 3

Tiskilwa Pow Wow Days concludes on Sunday, August 3 with a Community Outdoor Church Service at the West Park Shelter at 10:30 am.

🛳️LETTER FROM LORI

Who has seen the movie Titanic? What a mess. All those people drowning in one of the most tragic historic events of our time. Some were plunged into that icy cold water without warning, victims of circumstances beyond their control. Some jumped, feeling their chances were better in the water than on the sinking vessel. Some put on life jackets, thinking that would keep them safe and alive. The more privileged were afforded the luxury of a lifeboat, clinging to the unrealistic hope that their social status would save them. Yet all of them ended up in the same situation. All were in peril. How they approached their circumstances differed greatly, however.

Unfortunately, in the movie, not many survived—and even poor Jack met his demise (there was room on that hunk of debris. Shame on Kate Winslet for hogging all the space!).

In my life, I’ve encountered people who were drowning—not literally, but in their struggles. Because I’m not lifeguard-certified, I wouldn’t jump in to save them; I’m smart enough to know we’d both drown. The victim might panic and pull me under with them, and what good would that do? Instead, I’d grab one of those red-and-white rings and toss it to them. My aim isn’t always that good, so I might have to pull it in and try again and again until I got it close enough for them to grab. Once it was within their reach, would the flailing person even be aware of my lifesaving measures and help me help them? Hopefully. Maybe they’d be so consumed with trying to keep their head above water that they wouldn’t realize help was within their grasp. If that were the case, maybe I’d be persistent enough to try again and actually get that ring around their bobbing head. Once in place (by force), would they accept the help—or, in their panic, shed the ring and begin sinking again? It’s hard to say what their reaction might be.

As a last resort, standing on the boat, I might have to just watch—and perhaps verbally guide them to a calmer state of mind, so they could relax enough to see that survival is only an outreached hand away, that someone is ready to pull them into the boat and to safety.

The hardest thing, as a hero, is watching someone resist your solution… your help… your saving grace. The internal turmoil of being a helpless observer to someone’s demise can be overwhelming. I often think of God, and how He has stood on the deck of the boat while I frantically churned water like a washing machine, dragging others down with me and ignoring His help. I can imagine His giant hands (I think God must have huge paws to carry the weight of the world) slapping Himself in the forehead while I scream and cry for help—unaware that if I’d just calm down and listen to His reassuring words, I might be drying off on the boat instead of taking on a lung full of water, coughing and gagging my way to incapacitation.

If you’re trying to be a hero in someone’s life, don’t drown in the rough seas of their anguish. When they’re desperate enough for help, they will reach out, and you can pull them aboard. Have a stack of big fluffy towels ready—and a warm hug. It’s really all you can do.

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

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

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