🌽Sweet Corn, Back to School, and Pageants

SPONSORED BY

It is a radiant, remarkable, refreshing, resplendent Saturday in the most wonderful town on earth: Princeton, Illinois. Yesterday, my family and I had the pleasure of driving down to the City Museum in St. Louis for my son’s birthday. The City Museum is a fun and unique place where old factory parts are turned into amazing playgrounds with tunnels, slides, and cool art. 10 stories high, so much to explore. At the very top, there is a bunch of fun stuff to do on the roof, including a ferris wheel. If you haven’t yet, you should go sometime — adults can get into the action too.

A children’s museum or play place would be a pretty cool addition to Princeton, wouldn’t it? It just might attract more young families to move into the area.

Anyways, enough of the day-dreaming. Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go This Weekend
🎤Bring Him Home
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🎥Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links of the Week
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Openings
📍Outside City Limits
🌽Historical Society
🏠Home For Sale
🧢Lego Homestead Competition
🖼️Artisan Market at Hornbakers
📷Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• WGN: “Victoria talks about how Princeton is an easy drive from Chicago (and accessible via Amtrak!), what people do when they visit, the big events and festivals they have coming up this summer, the bustling arts & culture scene in Princeton, the best places to eat, drink and shop when you visit, and the unique places to stay in the area.”

• Princeton Elementary School is offering a free walk-in sports physical clinic on August 7th, from 4-6 pm. The clinic is open to 5th-8th grade PES students at Logan Junior High, located at 302 W. Central Ave. For questions, contact Pat Lebahn or Hallie Monroe, or visit pes115.org/page/health-services for required forms and more information.

• The Bureau County Metro Center is now accepting registrations for the adult basketball league. The deadline to register is August 12, with games starting on August 15 and held on Thursdays. Interested participants can register online or call for more information. Flag football registration is now open as well, with the deadline set for Friday, August 23. Games will be played on Saturdays starting September 14 at Zearing Park. Interested participants can also register online or by calling the Bureau County Metro Center.

• The Fire Department is kicking off a Back to School Supply Drive from July 29 to August 23. Donations can be dropped off at the fire station between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Items needed include clothing and shoes for children in K-1st grade, sets of headphones (no Bluetooth or earbuds), baby wipes, Clorox wipes, crayons, markers, and pencils.

• The City of Princeton is seeking volunteers for the Historic Preservation, Bicycle and Pedestrian, and Public Art Commissions. These commissions meet monthly to perform tasks and recommend policy to the City Council, focusing on community development projects. Interested individuals can contact Michael Zearing for more information and to apply.

• The Princeton Tigers Athletic Booster Club has opened their "Fear the Stripes" store. The store will close on August 4, and portions of the sales go directly to support the football team.

• The Princeton Junior Woman's Club is now accepting entries for the 2024 Homestead Baby Contest, open to Bureau County residents under 24 months of age as of September 6th. Prizes will be awarded to the top boy and girl winners, as well as the runners-up, with all winners having a spot in the Homestead Festival parade on Saturday. Entries must include a high-resolution photo and be emailed by August 7th, with in-person and Venmo voting beginning on August 9th.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

  🚫Ad free

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 166 others.

✅PLACES TO GO THIS WEEKEND

• The River Bend Food Bank, in partnership with the Bureau County Food Pantry, Old Wheels Club, and 1st Lutheran Church, is hosting a Mobile Food Pantry today at the Bureau County Fairgrounds located at 811 W. Peru St. Registration for the event will begin at 9:15 AM, and food distribution is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM. Attendees are advised to bring laundry baskets for food collection and are reminded that the distribution process may take up to two hours.

• The Princeton Farmers Market invites everyone to visit today on a gorgeous day. The market is held at Soldiers & Sailors Park every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, running from May through October. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses, enjoy fresh and healthy food, and get to know your local food system.

• The sweet corn is ready! Bureau County Tourism announced that it will be sold today and tomorrow at the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Euclid and Park Avenue from 10 AM to 2 PM, or as long as supplies last. Donations for the sweet corn will go to St. Jude's Hospital, so come by and pick up a few dozen!

• The Knack is hosting a "Christmas in July" paint party today from 12-7 PM. Participants can enjoy painting Christmas pottery while sipping on complimentary iced peppermint mochas. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online, allowing attendees to choose from a variety of themed pottery items.

• Tai Chi in the Park offers a relaxing and health-boosting exercise for all ages every tomorrow morning at Alexander Park. Sessions run from 9:30-10:30 AM, providing a tranquil setting among the trees near the pond. The cost is $2 for seniors and $6 for kids and adults.

• The community is invited to Zearing Park Softball Field on Sunday, July 28th at 2:30 PM for the NSNBL World Series, where some of Princeton's greatest teens will showcase their skills in Blitzball. Spectators can cheer on the Chimney Makers, Daddy Hacks, and Huckledoos as they compete, with concessions available to fuel the fun. Community support means the world to these young athletes, so everyone is encouraged to mark their calendars for this exciting event!

• The Bureau County Fair Queen Pageants will be held at Bureau Valley High School on Sunday, July 28. Doors will open at 3:30 PM, and the Little Miss Pageant will begin at 4:00 PM, followed by the Junior and Miss Pageants. Tickets are priced at $10 per person, with free admission for children aged 7 and under.

🎤BRING HIM HOME

Dane Suarez, a native of Princeton, has captivated audiences with his powerful and emotive performances. “This fall I am making my professional International debut at Wexford Festival Opera in Wexford, Ireland as Don Ferolo Whiserandos in Charles Villiers Standford’s satirical opera, The Critic, as well as presenting a recital. I will be taking the opportunity to present as many of these pieces from the recital at the concert in Princeton.

The audience can expect a diverse range of music, from heartfelt arias, art songs, and musical theater, to more contemporary and unexpected pieces—certainly something for every musical taste. There may also be some guest appearances from some of my colleagues throughout my journey!”

Joining him is the talented pianist Nick Towns, whose mastery at the keyboard provides the perfect accompaniment to Suarez's vocals. “I am so excited to be collaborating with another Princeton native, Nick Towns. The pieces on the program will showcase his immense talent and we can’t wait to share that with the city that raised us.” Together, they promise beautiful night of music to resonate with all attendees.

By attending this concert, you will be supporting the Prairie Arts Council’s mission to continue offering valuable arts programs and events that enrich the lives of residents in Princeton and beyond. Your ticket purchase will directly contribute to sustaining the arts in our community, ensuring that we can continue to provide opportunities for emerging artists and cultural enrichment for all.

To purchase tickets, please email [email protected] or call 815-875-2631 X 1014.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds, with a high around 85°F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy, with increasing clouds and periods of showers after midnight. Low of 67°F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.

🌧️Sunday: Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High of 79°F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, partly cloudy skies early will give way to occasional showers later during the night. Low of 67°F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

⛈️Monday: Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly in the morning, reaching a high of 84°F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will bring scattered thunderstorms becoming more widespread overnight, with a low of 69°F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

⛽️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: $3.66
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.69

🎥PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Jay Schneider

Reason for nomination: “Every time I walk into the Apollo Theater with my family, Jay is there to welcome us with a smile. He is very generous with his time and resources, and has served the community so well for so many years. The Apollo is so nice and well kept.”

I agree, Jay. You’ve done a tremendous job at the Apollo, and we’re thankful for you. You’ve won the 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 here!

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Don't miss your chance to win big at the annual Homestead Festival 50-50 raffle! Tickets are available at local banks, salons, hardware stores, and golf courses, making it easy to support your favorite festival while vying for a jackpot that exceeded $25,000 last year. Let's aim even higher this year—grab your tickets today and join the excitement!

• Come laugh with the Bureau County Senior Center as certified laughter leader Chris Thompson from Greenfield Retirement Home leads a session on August 8th from 10:30-11:00 AM. This free event promises smiles and fun for everyone.

• Café Grace is hosting a "Brunch & Bubbly" event inspired by Audrey Hepburn on August 3rd from 11 AM to 2 PM. Ladies are invited to dress in their favorite black dress, start at Sophisticuts Salon Spa for tiaras and lipstick, then enjoy brunch, mimosas, kiddie cocktails, and more at Café Grace. Reservations are required; book your ticket by providing your name, phone number, email address, and number of people via Facebook (Café Grace), text at 815-719-9921, or email at [email protected].

• Five 22 is excited to announce the arrival of early fall pieces, perfect for back-to-school shopping. The store is open today from 10-4, with the option to shop online 24/7. Don’t miss out on the latest fall styles to update your wardrobe.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware will begin a parking lot renovation on Monday, July 29. The store will remain open during construction, but parking will be limited. Customers can park at nearby locations such as Dairy Queen, the west side of Pizza Hut, or the old Car Quest building.

• Miss Paula's local pure honey is available in many locations in the area. A 1-pound jar is $8, and a 3-pound plastic flip-top container is $22. Support your local beekeeper and the businesses who carry their honey! You can find Miss Paula's honey at Sullivans in Princeton and Mendota, Optimal Health, Wild Ginger, Bean Buzz, Saylers General Store, Wyanet Locker, Utica Spice, Hennepin Food Mart, Walnut Country Acre Grocery Store, and Valley Fresh Harvest in Ladd.

• Corner Chair Market has a unique new addition, transforming an old pig feeder into a versatile piece of furniture. It can serve as a coffee bar, grilling station, man cave accessory, or wine bar. Stop by to see this innovative creation and find out how it fits into your space.

• Dairy Queen is offering a refreshing deal with any size lemonades or mango slushies available for just $0.99. This offer is available while supplies last, so visit soon to enjoy a cool, tasty treat. Don’t miss out on this limited-time promotion.

• Rachel Rene is restocking their handmade 100% coconut oil laundry soap, grated fresh in-house. This high-quality soap will be ready for purchase on Monday, providing a natural and effective cleaning option. Visit Rachel Rene to get your supply of this premium laundry soap. They are also offering a fantastic BOGO 1/2 off sale on all apparel through Sunday. This includes pajamas, robes, t-shirts, shorts, and more. Visit the store on Friday and Saturday from 10-5 or Sunday from 12-4 to take advantage of this great deal and refresh your closet.

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• BCR: Bureau County to auction off 84 properties delinquent in taxes.

• This elegant home at 647 Erickson Dr E, priced at $309,500, is a pristine three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom haven, boasting 1,832 sqft of space on a 0.35-acre lot.

• The Not So National Blitzball League, founded by the spirited kids of Princeton, showcases an exciting twist on traditional wiffleball known as Blitzball.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Paisanos Ristorante is on the lookout for a dedicated Server to enhance their team. This role promises to be a cornerstone in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The job duties include greeting guests, taking and delivering orders efficiently, providing menu recommendations, and ensuring the dining area remains clean and organized. The position offers part-time hours with a pay range of $9.00 - $10.00 per hour, along with benefits like employee discounts and a flexible schedule. Ideal candidates should have at least one year of restaurant experience and be able to work evening and night shifts.

• Greenfield Retirement Home is currently seeking a part-time Housekeeper to join their team. The position is in a stable and supportive environment that has been serving the community since 1911. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and safety standards throughout the facility, with an expected workload of 16-24 hours per week. This role offers benefits such as a 401(k) and paid time off, aiming to create a relaxed and safe work environment. Applicants are preferred to have at least one year of cleaning experience, and the job includes morning shifts, providing food, and ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

• Allegion is hiring for a full-time Powdercoat Operator on the first shift, offering a wage range from $16.25 to $19.25 per hour. The role involves operating and overseeing electrostatic paint equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and ensuring high-quality output in a clean and organized work environment. Applicants should have the ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain effective work relationships. The job also requires setting up equipment, controlling process parameters, and conducting quality checks on final products. Ideal candidates will be adept at managing their responsibilities within scheduled timelines to uphold company standards in safety and quality.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• KWQC: Tuesday at approximately 5:58 p.m. the Sterling Police Department was notified of a shooting that happened in the area of 13th Avenue and East 5th Street. An initial investigation revealed that the two victims were passengers in a vehicle that was shot at by occupants of a second vehicle, according to the media release.

• Today in Kewanee there will be a free clothing giveaway from 12 PM to 2 PM, free school supplies from 12 PM to 2 PM, and free swim at NorthEast Park. Following these events, there will be a free community meal at First Christian Church on the corner of Dwight and Division streets from 5:30 PM to 7 PM. Transportation is provided if needed. If anyone knows of someone who is shut in or unable to attend, meals will be delivered from 3 PM to 5 PM. For those who need pickup or delivery, contact 309-883-2848 before 1:30 PM on Saturday, July 27th. Come out for a great day!

• Grand Bear Resort's "Under the Sea, A Mermaid Experience" is back! Join for this unique event on August 6th. Enjoy under the sea themed snacks, a mermaid transformation station, crafts, swimming with mermaids, and more. Let the magic of the ocean awaken your sense of wonder at this unforgettable event. For tickets and details, visit their Eventbrite page here.

🖼️ARTISAN MARKET AT HORNBAKERS

The 11th Annual Artisan Market is set to showcase a blend of established and emerging talents on September 14 from 10 AM to 4 PM. The event features a diverse array of artists such as David Anderson, known for his captivating nature photography, and Bonnie Jean, who excels in jewelry and metalsmithing.

This year welcomes newcomers like Marissa Burch with her ceramic pottery, Kathy Carey who designs distinctive hats and leather goods, and Lindsey Chavez, a skilled glass artist. Additional new faces include Emily Maze, noted for her metal sculptures, and Jennifer Mercer, who brings her vibrant oil and acrylic paintings. Dylan Punke will present his photography, enhancing the visual diversity of the event. Anita Young's hand-painted home decor pieces will also debut, offering unique aesthetic enhancements for any home.

The Artisan Market provides an excellent opportunity to engage with local artists and acquire unique, handcrafted pieces ranging from paintings and pottery to jewelry and woodwork. The community is encouraged to support these creative talents and enjoy a day filled with art and inspiration.

🌽BUREAU COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

“This humorous postcard with this image - presumably originally taken for the Farmer's Carnival held in the fall on the north end of Princeton in the early 1900s - was sent to a Mr. J.T. Brown of Lamar, Mo.

The sender, John, writes, ‘Say, Tom, if you have corn that will beat what we can raise here you have something pretty good. This was "actually" raised in Bureau County!’

We're certainly lucky to have such delicious, high quality, locally grown produce to pick from!”

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

For those seeking an affordable yet spacious living option, the manufactured home at 2135 Hillview Drive offers a unique opportunity in Princeton, IL. Priced at just $55,000, this 1999-built home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, spread across a well-designed floor plan that maximizes both comfort and utility. The 19' x 26' attached sunroom, a recent addition, is perfect for entertaining and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty, as it overlooks some of the best lots in the area brimming with wildlife and lush woods. Recent upgrades such as a new central air conditioner in 2022, a new furnace in 2014, and an updated master bathroom ensure that this home is not only cost-effective but also modern and comfortable.

🧢LEGO HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL DESIGN COMPETITION

The Prairie Arts Center is thrilled to host the Homestead Festival Design Competition, sponsored by Studio K Architecture. This exciting event is open to LEGO enthusiasts aged 3 and up, encouraging participants to display their original LEGO creations that reflect the theme "Back to Our Roots." Entrants are divided into four age categories: 3+, 7+, 11+, and 17+, with prizes awarded for each group.

Participants should drop off their models on August 28 or August 29 between 4 PM and 6 PM at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery, located at 24 Park Ave E. It's important to note that only My Own Creation (MOC) designs are permitted, and pre-made sets or Duplo Legos are not allowed. Each creation should have a title.

The public can view these imaginative designs and cast their votes on August 31 and September 1 from 1 PM to 3 PM. The winners will be announced during an opening reception on September 6 from 5 PM to 7 PM. The gallery will also be open for viewing on September 7, 8, 9, 15, 21, and 22 from 1 PM to 3 PM each day. The event concludes with a model pick-up on September 22 from 3 PM to 5 PM.

For those needing special arrangements, please contact Libby at [email protected]. This community event promises to be a fun and creative showcase, inviting everyone to let their imagination shine.

📷LETTER FROM LORI

I'm sitting here in my slice of paradise in Pentwater, Michigan, watching the birds and squirrels in the meadow behind the cottage. It's finally quiet enough for me to think properly, and I am hoping and praying to impart a bit of insight that may speak to someone.

I'm reflecting on a conversation my brother and I had around the campfire last night concerning the proper spelling of "morning dove." I’ve always thought it was "mourning dove" because of the sad sound they seem to make. Jimmy thought perhaps it was "morning dove" to signify the dawn. I’ve seen it both ways, so we Googled it. Sure enough, it was BOTH. How could it be BOTH? Doesn't it HAVE to be one or the other, because those two words, even though they SOUND the same, have two very different meanings. One revolves around an emotion, and one revolves around a time frame. Both words are representative of ONE animal. I'm so confused! I want a clear-cut answer. I want black and white. I want cut and dry. I want right and wrong. I don't want this waffly, sitting on the fence, wavering answer.

How many of us feel this way? How many people need things to be one way or another? HMMMMM...life isn't like that. There seem to be so many gray areas. How are we supposed to give our best opinion or make the best choices when we don't have definite answers?

How can one word have such different meanings? I am reminded of a Bible course I took in college that was taught by an ordained pastor. This illustration has always stuck with me in the 38 years since I took that class, and I have applied it to many situations in my life. While discussing the Bible and its many translations and interpretations, he told us that unless we could read the original language in which it was written (which I’m pretty sure wasn't English, Spanish, or Chinese), we could never get 100% accuracy on the words that were printed. The example he used was "fag" (please don't jump on a soapbox...I'm just making a point). He said, as early as 60 years ago, the word "fag" (spelled and pronounced identically) meant "cigarette." WHAT? This generation may not even know that because there is not ONE person alive today whose mind doesn't jump to the concept of a homosexual male. Now, in a split second, we might consider the other possibility of a cigarette if we are even familiar with the reference, but mostly, we'd be thinking of a gay guy. "Gay" is another of those words. It used to be used as a description of merriment. Not anymore.

So, this professor challenged us to be more aware of the big picture, the context of the words, and how they reflected the times and traditions in which they were written.

That lesson applies to SOOOOO much in our lives. How quick are we to judge something based on a few words or phrases or facts without taking in the big picture? Do we look through a microscope and see only the furry little bug legs inside our lens, or do we switch our camera over to 'portrait' setting and see not only the bug but the dirt, the grass, the hill, the valley, the horizon, and the sky? Our opinion of the day goes from 'ew, gross' to 'wow, majestic' if we back up a little so we can see it all. What if our lens has been smeared by a greasy little finger or a splat of bird poop? We certainly can't see things in their truth with all that in the way.

So, today, before forming an opinion, I challenge you to take a step or two back from the subject, rub the sleep out of your eyes, use one of those wipey thingies on your lens to get all the grime off, and stand tall as you take a deep breath and look at the big picture in portrait setting. Hopefully, you can tune out any distracting noises and really think about every aspect of your position before opening your mouth.

One,

Two,

Three...

GO!

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

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].