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Good morning, Princeton friends. This week, a team from Princeton Bible Church had the honor of partnering with local churches in Guatemala to encourage and teach 100’s pastors and leaders in servant leadership We also partnered with local churches to run VBS’ for 100’s of kids, centered on proclaiming the Gospel through crafts, games, drama’s, and Bible teaching. We will forever be changed by the work God is doing in Guatemalan believers — their ministry and care their people and for us.

Glad to be home. Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🌠Thank You Cards
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Lydia Hardy Wins Bureau County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest

• At 10am, the National Weather Service reported water – two feet deep – over a road a mile southeast of Princeton.

• No Foul Play Suspected in Decomposed Body Found in Princeton on July 11

• The Rotary Club of Princeton is hosting Lunch in the Park on Friday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring grilled shrimp, sloppy joes, hot dogs, and $1 sides. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Scholarship Fund, with pickup and delivery available.

• Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball League is partnering with Culver’s for a Give Local event on Monday, July 28 from 5–8 p.m. Dine in and support local youth sports during this fundraising evening.

• Bureau County Fair reminds concertgoers that Trace Adkins tickets will increase in price after Tuesday, July 15, so now is the time to grab them before the deadline. The concert is set for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The Bureau County Fair has announced that band 303 will perform live from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. Fairgoers are invited to enjoy this energetic afternoon concert as part of Sunday Funday at the fair.

• The Bureau County Fair Queen Pageants will be held Sunday, July 27 at Bureau Valley High School, beginning with the Little Miss competition at 4 p.m. Jr Miss and Miss will follow, with entry priced at $10 and free admission for children under 5 and visiting queens with a chaperone.

• The Princeton Tigers Athletic Booster Club is preparing for the annual Tiger Classic Golf Tournament, taking place August 16 at Chapel Hill Golf Course. Teams of four can register for $350, which includes lunch, golf, drink tickets, and gift bags, with proceeds supporting athletic programs.

• The Bureau County Historical Society and History Center is hiring for two part-time positions with flexible hours and afternoon shifts, only four days per week. Employees will help preserve and share the history of Bureau County.

📍Outside City Limits

• Suspect Arrested in LaSalle County Double Murder and Arson Case

• There's some sad news to report when it comes to a large house fire that broke out Monday morning and rekindled Monday afternoon in La Salle.

• Court documents reveal chilling details in Sheridan double murder case

• IDNR is hiring two carpenters in Bureau County. Under direction of the construction supervisor, this position will perform skilled carpentry work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of state park buildings and newly constructed buildings, complete work orders and requests for expenditures, follow safety precautions and procedures while operating saws, planers, jointers, mortising machines, sanders, drill presses and lathes for upcoming projects. Deadline to apply is July 28. To review the job description and instructions for applying, visit here.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• 311 S Randolph St in Princeton is a recently refreshed 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch listed at $119,000 with 1,077 square feet of living space. The home features new updates completed in 2024, including storm and entry doors, a walk-in shower, foundation support, and a 10x16 storage shed. It includes a 1-car garage, central air, natural gas heating, and appliances like a dishwasher and refrigerator. The property does not belong to an HOA and was listed just one day ago, with an estimated mortgage of $894/month. With fresh paint and new bedroom carpet, this move-in ready home is expected to sell quickly.

• 444 S Chestnut St is a beautifully updated two-story home in Princeton listed at $180,000, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,636 square feet of living space. Located on a spacious corner lot, the home boasts wood flooring, a bright open-concept layout, and a chef’s kitchen with vaulted ceilings and expansive counter space. The main floor includes a flex room, half bath, and laundry, while the upper level offers three spacious bedrooms and a spa-style bathroom with a soaking tub. Additional highlights include a full unfinished basement, oversized heated garage, fenced backyard with patio, and an outdoor fireplace. Recently listed, this home is ideal for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying modern style and comfort.

• 103 S Plum St is a modernized 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in Princeton listed at $234,900, offering 1,400 square feet on a 0.28-acre lot. Recent upgrades include a new roof, siding, gutters, and Renewal by Andersen windows (2022–2023), with HVAC installed in 2018. The main level features a spacious living room, cozy kitchen with all appliances included, and a remodeled bathroom with double sinks. The full basement includes a second bathroom, laundry, and ample space for storage or fitness. Outside, the home offers a gazebo, mature trees, a detached heated 2-car garage, and is conveniently located near the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this jewelry armoire for sale at her home shop in Sheffield. It has had a total makeover with beautiful fabric decoupage and painted with quality furniture paint. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that offers lots of storage with five drawers and a top section told hold rings. 39 tall 40 wide 10 deep. The asking price is $140. 

Please follow her Facebook page “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” for upcoming designs.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

Extreme Heat Watch In Effect Starting Tuesday

🌦️Today: Expect partly to mostly cloudy skies throughout the day with a slight 15% chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm. Temperatures will peak at 88°F, with southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity will be high at 78%, and the UV index reaches a strong 8 out of 11. At night, skies remain partly cloudy with a low of 74°F. Winds shift slightly to SSE at 5 to 10 mph, and humidity increases to 87%. Moonrise is at 2:51 a.m. and moonset at 7:16 p.m.

🌞 Wednesday: A hot day with partly cloudy skies and a high of 93°F. Winds from the SSW at 10 to 15 mph will bring in slightly drier air, and humidity drops to 72%. UV index rises to a very high 9 of 11, so take sun precautions. The night will be clear and calm with a low near 75°F and humidity around 85%. SSW winds stay steady at 5 to 10 mph. The moon rises at 3:58 a.m. and sets at 8:07 p.m.

☀️ Thursday: Sunny and warm with just a few afternoon clouds. High temperature reaches 89°F with light SW winds at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity holds steady at 72%, and the UV index is again 8 out of 11. Nighttime brings a shift as showers and scattered thunderstorms roll in, with a 70% chance of rain and a low of 71°F. Winds will be light from the west, and humidity rises to 91%. New moon occurs with moonrise at 5:12 a.m. and moonset at 8:46 p.m.

⛈️ Friday: Thunderstorms are likely in the morning, transitioning into scattered storms in the afternoon. High of 84°F with variable winds around 5 mph and humidity at 82%. UV index will be moderate at 6 of 11. Evening storms may linger with scattered activity and occasional showers overnight. The low drops to 70°F, humidity peaks at 94%, and the chance of rain remains at 50%. Winds turn light from the ESE. Moonrise is at 6:28 a.m. and moonset at 9:16 p.m.

🌦️ Saturday: Skies start partly cloudy but give way to thunderstorms in the afternoon. High of 88°F with light and variable winds from the SSW at 6 mph. Humidity stands at 79%, and the UV index returns to 8 of 11. The night brings more scattered thunderstorms, though partly cloudy skies will return. Expect a low of 71°F, 92% humidity, and a 40% chance of rain. Moonrise at 7:40 a.m., moonset at 9:41 p.m.

🌞 Sunday: A return to dry weather with mostly sunny skies and a high of 90°F. Winds remain light from the SW at 4 mph, and humidity dips slightly to 70%. UV index expected to be very high. The night will stay mostly clear with a comfortable low of 72°F. Rain chances are low at just 9%, and humidity will remain steady.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.03
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.06
Casey’s West/North: $3.08
Beck’s West/North: $3.08
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.03
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.08

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎨 Outdoor Expeditions: Art in the Wild – For kids entering K–4. Creative nature exploration from 9–11 AM at Hornbaker Gardens. Tuesday, July 23. Registration required.

🤼 Micro Wrestling at The Hawg House – A 21+ night of suplexes and body slams under 5 feet tall. Friday, August 1, 8–10 PM at Hawg House Saloon.

🚶 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A downtown walk to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Includes teams, prizes, and activities.

🎶 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music from The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Country music at the Bureau County Fair. Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets at bureacountyfair.com.

🚗 Open Garage – A car show featuring vendors, food, and more vehicles at Rotary Park in Princeton. Saturday, September 20, 8–11 AM

🛍️ 12th Annual Artisan Market – Over 30 artists, food trucks, live music, beer & wine at Hornbaker Gardens. Saturday, September 20, 10 AM–4 PM. Free admission.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Cafe Grace has released this week’s specials including $8 burger baskets on Tuesday, fish tacos on Wednesday, and a full Friday lineup with Denver omelets for breakfast, chicken clubs for lunch, and lamb chops with rosemary garlic butter for dinner. The café will be closed Thursday for a family procedure.

• Prairie Arts Center invites the public to its August Gallery Show featuring local photographer David Horst. The exhibit opens August 1 with a reception from 6–8 p.m. and continues weekends through August 24.

• The Bureau County Metro Center has postponed the adult dodgeball tournament while registration remains open to add more teams. A tentative reschedule date is set for August 16 at 6 p.m., with updates to follow.

• Four Seasons – Princeton is offering 40% off all Ilse Jacobsen shoes now through July 27. This deal is valid on select styles while supplies last.

• The Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens will feature an exciting mix of returning and new artists for the 2025 event on Saturday, September 20. Attendees can browse a wide array of photography, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

• Optimal Health is offering a deal on their favorite pasta sauce—buy one and get 50% off Rummo Bucatini. Shoppers are encouraged to stock up while supplies last.

• The Knack is holding a Sip & Paint night on July 31 from 6–8 p.m., where guests can enjoy a guided painting session inspired by summer strawberries. The $35 event includes supplies, step-by-step instruction, and a fun, creative atmosphere.

• Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa is offering glamping stays with up to 50% off to promote their new accommodations, featuring yurt tents, farm animals, and peaceful stargazing. Guests can choose between tents and apartments or combine both for a unique experience close to nature.

• Fresh Finds Princeton has officially rebranded from Fresh Finds Hallmark to Fresh Finds Gifts and launched a new website. The store now offers expanded merchandise, online ordering with pickup or delivery, and a new rewards program.

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🌠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

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🧬THE FANTASTIC 4: FIRST STEPS (PG-13)

Marvel’s iconic team returns to the big screen in a new origin story for a new generation.

• Premiere Thursday only: 6:00 PM
  

🦖JURASSIC WORLD (PG-13)

As prehistoric chaos continues, humanity faces its final test in a world no longer theirs.

• Today (Last Day!): 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  

🦸‍♂️SUPERMAN (PG-13)

The Man of Steel continues his heroic journey in James Gunn’s bold reimagining of DC’s most iconic hero.

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

• Thursday: 4:15 PM only

*The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

🎟 Tickets available at www.apolloprinceton.com or the box office.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].