SPONSORED BY

Happy Friday morning, Princeton. We had the best week at Vacation Bible School at Princeton Bible Church. One of the highlights was the drama throughout the week, in which Mitch McCoy performed one of the greatest cartwheels of all time. Some of you were there, and it was mesmerizing. Princeton is the greatest town in the world, and Mitch is one of the coolest guys here.

Let’s go!

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🧩From the Police Department
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🏠Homes for Sale
🕶️From Princeton Tourism
🏷️More on 34 Garage Sale Locations
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🏋️At the Metro Center
📍Outside City Limits
👔Bureau County Father’s Day Weekend

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Tim Batchelor! 🎂

• Princeton Community Band performs again on Sunday, June 15 at 6 PM in Soldiers and Sailors Park. Free concert, with donations accepted. More concerts are scheduled through July.

• Amy Murphy, store manager, and board president Dianne Van Drew will be appearing on Quad City Live (KWQC) on June 17 between 3 and 4 p.m. to promote the Closet’s anniversary celebration. Tune in to catch the segment and hear more about the exciting milestone.

• The Princeton Public Arts Commission is hosting a free community mural painting event at the first street concert of the season on June 20 at 4 p.m. in the Mary Uthoff Walkway. Each participant will paint a 7” square, and all supplies are provided. Children under 6 must paint with an adult.

• The Great Pages Circus will perform in Princeton on Monday and Tuesday, June 23–24 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Showtimes include 7 p.m. Monday and 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, with free admission for children 12 and under with a paid adult. Expect thrilling acts, animal performances, and classic circus fun.

• First Lutheran Church will host the Old Wheels Car Show on Saturday, June 14. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s north parking lot at 116 N. Pleasant St. Classic car enthusiasts are invited to attend and enjoy the display.

• Ride Illinois is hosting the Z Tour Bike Ride on Saturday, June 21, beginning and ending at Zearing Park. Cyclists will enjoy scenic routes through Bureau County with rolling terrain, creek views, and minimal traffic. Proceeds benefit the Zearing Child Enrichment Center, and registration is open at ztour.org.

• Princeton Library Hosts Outdoor Lunch Event with Food and Music on June 25

• A Fourth of July celebration will be held Friday, July 4 at Zearing Park, with food vendors from 5–9 p.m., live entertainment including Birdchild and balloon twisting, and fireworks at dusk. If needed, the rain date is Saturday, September 6.

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 06-09-2025

🧩FROM THE PRINCETON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our department is excited to announce a new and innovative program and partnership with Linked - Autism Safety Project.

LINKED is part of a non-profit organization which was created by an Autism mom, Ashley McClain, to build a relationship between emergency responders and the members of the Autism and special needs community. This project was created as a collaborative effort with a network of public safety professionals, autism professionals, and autism parents.

This program will act as a voluntary registration for Princeton residents official Autism Alert System. Caregivers of the autism and special needs community can access the registration form from the police departments’ website, social media page, or by stopping into the police department to fill out a hardcopy of the registration form.

This information will provide first responders with important individualized information about the person with autism and others within the special needs community. Although this program was created with autism spectrum disorder in mind, it is not limited to only those with autism spectrum disorder. Any parent, caregiver, or legal guardian of a person that could be considered “high-risk” to elope or become a missing endangered person can participate in this program. This will allow the responder to create a pre-arrival plan to best assist those within the community. All registrations are secure and confidential and used only for the response of first responders.

First responders will eventually be equipped with a sensory pack in every emergency vehicle which contains a variety of sensory products recommended by professionals in the field. Along with the sensory packs, LINKED- Autism Safety Project is providing Emergency Picture Exchange Communication System, which is a picture communication tool for non-speaking residents developed by professionals to assist in the dialogue between the child and emergency responders.

The Princeton Police Department is committed to the Autism and special needs community and developing the best practices and increasing the quality of services to all our residents. In the near future, our department will also participate in Autism specific training through LINKED- Autism Safety Program to better understand and support the needs of the Autism community.

Listed below is the program representative for our department along with the respective registration link.

Peg Maciejewski - [email protected] or 815-875-2631 EXT: 1402

Register here

🏋️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.

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🔥🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on the Farm – Join Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa on Saturdays, June 7, 14, and 21, from 5–7:30 PM for a relaxing evening with pizza, farm tours, baby goats, and lawn chair lounging.

🚴‍♂️ Bike & Walk Princeton – Join the City of Princeton and Bike & Walk Princeton for a Bicycle Scavenger Hunt in celebration of National Bike Month. Solve location riddles, bike to each site, and snap a photo. Submit pictures and contact info to [email protected] by Thursday, June 13, for a chance to win prizes. More info at facebook.com/bikewalkprincetonil.

🇺🇸 Arukah Freedom 5k Color Run – Start your July 4th at Soldiers & Sailors Park with an 8 AM color run that supports a local cause. Walk, run, or splash your way through red, white, and blue. $35/person or $120 for 4.

🌳 Homestead Lawn Event – A community event at Owen Lovejoy Homestead on Saturday, June 14, from 5-7 PM to raise funds and celebrate local traditions.

🎉 Grand Opening of Pupper’s Run – Celebrate the grand opening of Pupper’s Run Homemade Crafts and Pies on Tuesday, June 17, from 12–7 PM at 640 S Main. Featuring 17 vendors, homemade crafts, and the return of fan-favorite pies!

🃏 Magic The Gathering Saturdays – Gather your friends for casual and competitive Magic play at The Gamers Guild Lounge (104 N Main St) on Saturdays, June 7, July 5, and July 21, from 4–9 PM. $5 entry fee.

🍑 Georgia Peach Stop Event – Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. brings fresh Georgia peaches to the Princeton Moose Lodge (1338 N Euclid Ave) on Monday, June 23, from 3–4:30 PM. Less than 24 hours from harvest to your hands. More info at www.tree-ripe.com.

🎬 Free Movie Night – Watch Green and Gold at Apollo Theater (455 S Main St) on Monday, June 23, at 6:30 PM. A story of a Wisconsin dairy farm family facing hard times. Hosted by the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Free admission.

🏠 Annual Covenant Children’s Home Reunion – A gathering for past residents, staff, and volunteers at Simon Conference Center on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM-4 PM. Donations welcome.

🤼‍♂️ Micro Wrestling at The Hawg House – A 21+ night of body slams, suplexes, and mayhem on Friday, August 1, from 8–10 PM at Hawg House Saloon. Featuring multiple matches and nonstop action under 5 feet tall.

🥿 Walk a Mile for Freedom House – A one-mile walk in downtown Princeton to support DV and SV survivors on Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM. Activities, teams, and prizes.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Bureau County Fair – Country star Trace Adkins performs with special guest Brushville on Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM at the Bureau County Fair. Tickets available at bureaucountyfair.com.

🎨 12th Annual Artisan Market – Celebrate fall with 30+ artists, food trucks, baked goods, live music, and more at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, September 20, from 10 AM–4 PM. Free admission.

🕶️FROM PRINCETON TOURISM

Mark your calendars for June 21 in Princeton! It’s a double feature day with two great events: Beef & Ag Festival and Z Tour!

Z Tour Bike Ride Cyclists from all over will hit the scenic roads of Bureau County for this annual ride that supports the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. Visit ztour.org for details!

Beef & Ag Festival – 10 AM to 6 PM | Soldiers and Sailors Park Celebrate Bureau County’s rich agricultural heritage with a day full of family fun! Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, petting zoo, antique tractor displays, Tractor Pedal Pulls, farmers market and of course locally sourced beef grilled and served by the Bureau County Cattlemen!

Come for the ride, stay for the food, fun, and local pride. See you downtown!

🏷️MORE ON 34 GARAGE SALE LOCATIONS

Princeton (June 13th-14th)

• 413 W Hudson Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 804 S Euclid Fri, Sat

• 305 N Church St Sat

• 513 W Peru Street

• 427 N Knox St Fri, Sat.

• 520 S 9th Street Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 535 S Main Street Fri, Sat

• 118 N Church St Fri, Sat

• 12 S First St 27 E Railroad Street Thurs, Fri

• 608 S Pleasant St.

• BC FAIRGROUNDS Fri, Sat

• 114 N Randolph St Sat

• 116 S Plum St Fri, Sat

• 103 S Plum St Fri, Sat

• 319 W Crown Fri, Sat

• 428 W Peru St Fri, Sat

• 507 S 10th St Fri, Sat

• 624 S Martenson LN Thurs, Fri, Sat

• 457 W Boyd Fri, Sat

• 824 S Pleasant Fri, Sat

• American Legion Fri, Sat

• 118 N Fairgrounds Rd 18090 W US Hwy 26

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌦️Today: Friday will be partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of scattered rain and thunderstorms. The high will reach 82°F with south winds at 5 to 15 mph and a 40% chance of rain. Friday night will be mostly cloudy and calm, with a low near 65°F. Winds will shift to the east at 5 to 10 mph and humidity will climb to 79%.

☀️Saturday: Saturday brings mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible, with a high of 86°F and variable winds around 5 to 10 mph. Saturday night will be partly cloudy and quiet. The temperature will fall to 66°F with light east winds and 77% humidity.

☁️Sunday: Mainly cloudy skies are expected Sunday with warm conditions and a high of 88°F. Winds will be from the east at 5 to 10 mph. Sunday night will remain partly cloudy, with a low around 68°F. Winds will come from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph and humidity will rise to 81%.

🌤️Monday: Clouds and sunshine will mix through the day, with a stray afternoon shower or thunderstorm possible. The high will be near 89°F, with east-northeast winds at 10 mph. Monday night will feature a few passing clouds and a low near 68°F. Light east winds will continue, and humidity will stay around 78%.

🌧️Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon under partly to mostly cloudy skies. High temperatures will hit 89°F with south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chances stand at 30%. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy early, then scattered thunderstorms will return after midnight. Expect a low near 71°F, with continued south-southwest winds and a 50% chance of rain.

⛈️Wednesday: Wednesday will bring variable cloudiness with scattered thunderstorms throughout the day. The high will be near 88°F with west-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chances are around 20%. Wednesday night will see isolated thunderstorms in the evening and scattered showers overnight. The low will drop to 66°F, with steady southwest winds and 30% chance of rain.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.04
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.11
Casey’s West/North: $3.14
Beck’s West/North: $3.14
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.04
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.14

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• The Princeton Closet is spotlighting summer-themed displays, new furniture, and a farm table setup. Don’t miss their Basket Day promotion this Friday and Saturday—12 clothing items for $8 (excludes special tags, limit 2).

• Fresh Finds Princeton is offering a wide range of unique gifts perfect for Father’s Day, including novelty items, mugs, and personal care products. Shoppers are invited to visit from 9 AM to 6 PM to grab something special for Dad or Grandpa.

• Paisano’s Ristorante reminds customers they can customize their pizza crust with options like thin, thick, pan-style, or even gluten-free. Dine in, pick up, or get it delivered within 10 miles between 4–9 PM.

• Stick It Tumbling has launched a more flexible Summer Saturday Open Gym format. For $10 per hour, all ages can drop in during the 2-hour window for fun, fitness, and flexibility.

• Wyaton Hills Golf Course invites ladies to its “Golf Now, Whine Later” event on Tuesday, June 24. For $42, participants enjoy a full day of golf, cart use, breakfast, lunch, and prizes—registration required.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware is offering a special on Miracle Gro All Purpose Garden Soil at 3 for $9.99 through June 16. Originally priced at $8.59 each, it’s a timely deal for gardeners looking to stock up.

• Hornbaker Gardens is hosting its Open House and Hosta Walk June 13–15, featuring sales on trees and shrubs, local food vendors, and prize drawings. Visit their website for a printable flyer and head to 22937 1140 N Avenue this weekend.

• Scooter’s Coffee is celebrating Double Smiles Day on June 12. It’s a cheerful reminder for customers to stop by and enjoy some extra perks with their coffee.

• Optimal Health is offering a buy 3, get 1 free deal on their Headspace dairy-free collagen coffees, which also contain adaptogens to support mental focus. It’s a refreshing and energizing way to kick off your morning routine.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint has brought back their Sunday Brunch from 10 AM to 1 PM. Stop in to enjoy some comforting weekend favorites alongside their popular BBQ dishes.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Lunch in the Park this Friday from 11 AM–1 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park. New Hope Church will be serving lunch, and Seed of Hope Church will be hosting a dessert bake sale.

• Corner Chair Market just completed a special order table and chair set and is showcasing it in-store. It’s a great example of their handcrafted and custom furniture options.

• Cafe Grace is serving up weekly specials including dishes like hot honey chicken sandwiches, chorizo omelets, and surf & turf ravioli. Located at 1009 N Main, they welcome both walk-ins and reservations.

• Rachel Rene is highlighting their handmade shampoo bars that are free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. Made with olive and hemp oils, these bars nourish your scalp while leaving your hair soft and shiny.

• The Studio Boutique is featuring a light and breezy Chambray Mini Dress, perfect for summer. Available in sizes small through large, this dress is styled for relaxed, boho charm.

• Miss Betsy’s will be closed June 16–25 for a family vacation and will reopen on June 26. Shoppers are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly.

• Friends of Strays is hiring for part-time morning cat staff at $15/hr with weekend availability required. Applicants can stop by the shelter Tuesday through Saturday between 8 AM and 1 PM—no messages, please.

• The Cliff Restaurant and Event Center is reopening with weekend specials including Fish Friday, wings and chicken strips on Saturday, and a Father’s Day All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast on Sunday. Reservations are required for Sunday brunch and can be made by call or text.

• Golden Rice Thai is featuring the Salmon, Philly & Avocado Roll for $13.99.

• Bureau County Senior Center hosts a Father’s Day Brunch on Friday, June 13 at 10 AM, with pancakes, eggs, fruit, and juice. Call to RSVP.

• Beetz Me! has a fresh batch of new plants now in stock, displayed in creative pottery.

• Spoons and Forks will stay open late on street concert nights, serving Chicago dogs, meatballs, and $5 martinis until midnight.

• Dessert Your Loved Ones has limited Father’s Day cookie sets remaining. $15 per set, pickup Friday evening or Saturday morning.

• Simply Nutrition has launched summer hours (6:30 AM–3 PM) and a new summer menu of boosted teas and shakes.

• Myrtle’s Pies will offer discount pies this Saturday due to vacation. Open Thursday–Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM with pies, cookies, and cinnamon rolls.

✉️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.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• 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!

• Buda Fun Day will feature a pie contest on July 19 at Stewart Park. Homemade pies in disposable tins can be dropped off between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m., with judging at 9:30 a.m. No cream pies are allowed. After the contest, slices and whole pies will be available by free-will donation.

• 1 dead, 1 critically injured in fatal crash

• Earlville 16-year-old killed in Lee County crash involving semi

• License Plate Reading Camera Helps Police Track Down Wanted Man In Mendota

👔BUREAU COUNTY FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Garage Sales & Much More | June 12–15

There’s something for everyone this Father’s Day weekend across Bureau County! Enjoy townwide garage sales, great food, classic cars, live music, and family fun:

🚗 Garage Sales & Markets

• More on 34 Garage Sales – Thursday–Saturday, June 12–14

• Bureau County Fairgrounds – Two days of garage sales

• Townwide Sales – Wyanet & Princeton

• Princeton Farmers Market – Saturday

🍔 Food & Fun

• Lunch in the Park – Friday, Main St., Princeton

• Hungry World Farm Wood-Fired Pizza – Friday, Tiskilwa

• Wyanet Locker Cookout – Friday & Saturday

• Buffalo Days Celebration – All weekend, LaMoille

🚙 Car Shows & Music

• Psycho Silo Car & Motorcycle Swap Meet – Friday & Saturday

• Kid Rock Tribute Band & Jeeper’s Creepers – Saturday at Psycho Silo

• Old Wheels Car Show – Saturday, 1st Lutheran in Princeton

• Lake DePue Car Show – Sunday

• Community Band Concert – Sunday, Princeton

🌿 Outdoor Attractions

• Hornbaker’s Garden Open House & Hosta Walk – Saturday & Sunday

📍 Info & Maps:

Garage Sale fliers available at the Prouty Building, the Fairgrounds, and local gas stations.

🔗 For details, visit the Bureau County Tourism Facebook page or email [email protected]

📞 Info line: 815-866-3606

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].