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Good morning, Princeton friends. City County Park will be putting in the new disc golf baskets today. I had the chance to check out the lay of the land yesterday, and it is a lot of fun. A great course for amateurs like you and me.

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
💙From the Chamber of Commerce
🤖Explore Innovation
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Kevin Glover and Joel Drozda🎈!

• Ameren Transmission hosts open houses for public input on Illinois Valley Reliability Project

• Author and Sheffield native Gene Scott will return to Princeton Public Library for the first time since 2017 to present his new novel, “The Testers: The Poison Remembers.” He will speak from 4–5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, sharing insights into the dual-timeline thriller that spans Tudor-era court intrigue and modern-day Appalachia.

• Second Story Teen Center’s Shoes and Socks Giveaway on Aug. 2 supplied children and teens with 1,250 socks and 420 pairs of shoes (sizes 4–14) just in time for the new school year. Half of the items came from Another Child Foundation and Christ Community Church, while the rest were provided by generous community donors.

• Bureau County Fair reminds concertgoers that now is the time to grab Trace Adkins tickets. 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 Homestead Festival team encourages community members to register their floats for the annual parade by August 8. A major announcement about the 2025 parade is expected soon, and all parade details can be found at homesteadfestival.com.

• 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.

• Princeton Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser offering red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white blooms in 9-inch pots for $12 each. Orders and payment are due by August 29, with delivery on September 11. Call the school to place your order: 815-875-2933.

• Princeton High School registration for the 2025–26 school year is open from July 24 through August 12. Parents are encouraged to complete enrollment during this window to prepare students for the fall.

• Douglas Elementary (PES District 115) needs classroom paraprofessionals for the 2025-26 school year. Interested candidates can review licensing requirements at ISBE and email [email protected].

• 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.

• The Monster Mash Balloon Bash will take place on October 4 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering a festive mix of tricks, treats, and scares. You are encouraged to mark your calendar and watch for additional event details coming soon.

📍Outside City Limits

• Walnut Pool Fun Days run Aug 4–8 from 10 a.m.–noon: bring pool toys, splash around, and pay just $2 per day or $5 for the week (season passes don’t apply).

• Manlius Fun Day returns Saturday, Aug 2, with activities from an early-morning softball tourney to evening fireworks by RKM. Expect parades, petting zoo, water inflatables, live music, and plenty of local food options.

• Buda’s annual Townwide Sales run Friday–Saturday, Aug 8–9 starting at 8 a.m., followed by a community grand-opening celebration with free food and raffles on Aug 15 from 3–6 p.m. The festivities finish with the Buda Fire Department’s Car, Truck, Bike & UTV/Golf Cart Show on Aug 16 at 9 a.m., with a $10 entry fee supporting local firefighters.

• Peru And Ottawa PADS Shelters Open Back Up On A 24-Hour Basis

• Chef Gordon Ramsey Shares His Favorite Restaurants In Illinois

• The St. Jude Rides Golf Scramble will take place at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Sheffield on Saturday, August 30. Registration is $60 per person and includes 18 holes of best ball, dinner, fun, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and a silent auction—all supporting children battling cancer.

• Sheffield Locker is stepping up to meet local demand following the closure of Wyanet Locker. They are now accepting wholesale, retail, and custom orders, with contact available at 815-454-2407.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Located just four miles from Princeton, 13437 1675 East St is a custom-built 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch listed at $380,000 with 1,800 square feet on a 2.2-acre wooded lot. Built in 2007, this single-family home features vaulted ceilings, large Anderson windows, and a spacious open-concept design that fills the home with natural light. The kitchen includes maple cabinets, Corian countertops, a walk-in pantry, and electric shades on all windows. The home also features two bedrooms on the main level and two more in the finished basement, which includes a second kitchen, large family room, and radiant heated floors. Additional highlights include a wood-burning fireplace, in-floor heat tubing, EV hookup, a whole-house generator, a heated three-car garage, and separated living setups on both floors, making it ideal for multi-generational living.

• 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 refurbished lodge chair available at her home shop in Sheffield. The front and back have been decoupaged with a buffalo and a southwestern design and sealed for durability. The frame and seat have also been redesigned. This is a unique chair that will make a statement. Asking price is $250 and limited delivery may be available. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤 Today: A few early clouds give way to mostly sunshine by afternoon. High 83°F and low 64°F. Light east winds at 5–10 mph. Daytime humidity hovers near 76%, keeping it warm but still comfortable. Night remains partly cloudy and calm.

⛅ Wednesday:Generally sunny with just a few afternoon clouds. High 86°F, dipping to 68°F overnight. South-southeast breezes at 5–10 mph. Humidity runs 77% during the day and climbs toward 90% after dusk under partly-cloudy skies.

🌤 Thursday: Mainly sunny and seasonably hot. High 89°F with a milder low of 71°F. Winds from the south-southwest at 5–10 mph. Humidity around 81% adds a touch of stickiness. Evening stays warm and partly cloudy.

☀️ Friday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine bring another hot day. High 91°F; low 72°F. Winds SSW near 10 mph. Humidity sits around 76%. Only a slight (20%) shower chance, so skies stay mostly fair overnight.

⛈ Saturday: Sun and clouds mix, with scattered late-night storms possible (40% chance). High 91°F, low 71°F. Southwest winds at 5–10 mph. Humidity averages 75% by day and rises to about 89% overnight when showers or rumbles of thunder may roll in.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.14
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.16
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎶 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.

🩸 Health Screening Blood Draw Clinic – Take part in a preventive blood screening hosted by the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Friday, August 22, 6–9 AM at 1407 N Main St, Princeton.

🎸David Miner and Charlie Jones will bring their blend of classic country storytelling to Barrel Society on Thursday, August 28.

🥁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.

🐶 UKC/SRS Dock Jumping Season Shutdown – Dock jumping competitions for dogs with UKC/SRS registration. September 13–14 at 1616 N Main Street. Details and registration at ukcdogs.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

• Once Upon A Craft just restocked shelves with Great American Popcorn Co. flavors fresh from Galena. Swing by to grab a bag (or two) while supplies last.

• Shane’s Shine Shop in Princeton is promoting its professional ceramic coating service, giving vehicles a slick finish that is easier to maintain and better protected against the elements. Call 815-872-4301 or stop by 611 N. Pleasant St. to schedule and keep your ride shining.

• The MomCo of Bureau County wraps up the season with an Alexander Pool Day on Wednesday, Aug 6 at 1 p.m. in Princeton’s Alexander Park. Moms can relax in the shade while kids splash, so remember towels, sunscreen, and water bottles.

• Friends of Strays introduces T-Bone, a cheerful one-year-old pup who’s housebroken, dog-friendly, and loves attention. Visit the shelter to meet this goofy, food-loving “little chunk” and see if he’s your perfect match.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America replaced the carpet on City Hall’s steps Monday morning, helping keep Princeton’s public spaces looking sharp. The team thanks the community for its continued support.

• Mavolan’s and Wild Honey Boutique have golf attire on sale ahead of the Tiger Classic on Aug 16. Shoppers can score discounted polos, skirts, and accessories while supplies last.

• Eclectic Joy is offering 25 percent off its entire selection of pillows and throws. More styles and home-accent options are available in store.

• Monical’s Pizza reminds diners of its Lunch Bunch Rewards: buy an 8-inch pizza, salad, pasta, or sandwich Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and collect stamps toward a free 8-inch one-topping pizza on the fifth visit, valid through 12/31/25.

• Four Seasons in Princeton is running an end-of-summer BOGO on all shoes—buy one pair, get the second free—this week only. The store is open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. while supplies last.

• The Village of Manlius will host its Fun Day on Saturday, August 2, featuring a full schedule of activities including a softball tournament, parade, ice cream social, kiddie pedal pull, and bags tournament. The day concludes with live music by King Jeremy at 8 p.m. and fireworks by RKM at 9 p.m., with food vendors available throughout the event.

• Rachel Rene is offering a back-to-school special for college students with mesh shower caddy bags available in four colors for $5 each. Shoppers can also receive 15% off any items that fit in the bag with the zipper closed during store hours this Friday through Sunday, in-store only.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is featuring select designer labels, including Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Coach, and Kate Spade, for just $3 each. While many designer items have already been purchased, hundreds of other styles remain available.

• Wild Honey Boutique has introduced a new black oversized v-neck sweater, perfect for cooler summer nights. The sweater is available in small/medium and medium/large sizes.

• Little Blue Dress now carries bow tie back sweaters in royal blue and cream for $50 each. Available in sizes small through large, these sweaters add a stylish twist to a classic look.

• Optimal Health is offering Solid Sleep mouth tapes designed to improve rest and overall health. Customers are encouraged to stop in and experience the benefits of better sleep.

• Emerald Tablet Collective is giving away backpacks with starter school supplies to the community beginning August 4 at their Princeton location. They have also partnered with Parlor909 to provide free back-to-school haircuts on August 13 from 12 to 3:30 p.m., while supplies last.

• Bug Off Taylor’s Way reminds homeowners that letting ants feast on their professional bait wipes out the entire colony—including the queen. Call 815-875-8231 for a smart, lasting solution to summer ant invasions.

• Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering will be closed for a quick vacation Monday–Wednesday, Aug 4–6. The team fires the smokers back up on Thursday, Aug 7.

• Boek-el-ZOO hosts an educational puppy visit on Aug 9 from 12–3 p.m. Hamilton Farm Doodles will bring pups to play with, and kids under 10 get a free Sisler’s Ice Cream scoop next door.

• The Village of Mineral marks its 175th Fun Day Sept 6-7 with parades, live music, rides, fireworks, and even Fletcher the Kangaroo. Saturday’s lineup ends with fireworks at dusk; Sunday features antique train rides and camel rides.

• The Princeton Tigers Athletic Booster Club is launching an Alumni Volleyball Tournament; teams must register by Sept 10. Players must be 21+ and connected to PHS as alumni, parents, or faculty—co-ed lineups welcome.

• Second Story Teen Center offers an “Adulting 101” Finance Class on Wednesday, Aug 6, from 5:30–7 p.m. Teens will tackle budgeting, investing, credit cards, and income statements in one practical session.

• Philly Factory Cheesesteaks rolls into 15 W. Marquette (behind Barrel Society) Tuesday, Aug 5, serving sandwiches from 4-8 p.m. Menu highlights include the Factory Favorite, Bacon Bleu, and classic Wiz.

• Scooter’s Coffee invites customers to cool off with one of their colorful iced drinks during these hot summer days. The shop offers a vibrant variety of refreshing beverages perfect for a quick treat.

• Barrel Society announced a relaxing week ahead at their venue with a photo of recent activity and food trucks. Patrons can look forward to a laid-back atmosphere and continued summer fun.

• The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department is offering free Narcan kits to the public daily at their offices. Narcan is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, with instructions provided for emergency use.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton is promoting coupons for their popular Budget Pleaser meals, including the $26 deal for a 16” pizza, salad, and drinks for four. Customers can dine in, carry out, or order online using a special code.

• The Bureau County Historical Society announced the Newell-Bryant Museum is closed until September 5 as they prepare the space for the upcoming H.W. Immke Exhibit. Meanwhile, the Clark-Norris Home and Research Library remain open with limited hours and appointment-based access.

• Dairy Queen of Princeton has launched its new Blizzard of the Month: Reese’s Caramel Craze. The treat features Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, salted caramel.

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💙From the Chamber of Commerce

The Bureau County Fair has a rich history spanning over a century. In 1926, the fair faced a major crisis when rain led to debt, which was resolved by selling life memberships for $25 each.

The tradition of the Fair Queen contest began in 1939. Mildred Stroud was the first to be crowned. In 1961, the fair hosted a performance by the Lone Ranger and Silver, as well as the first Rolle Bolle contest. The inaugural calf scramble, where contestants kept the calf they managed to halter, was held in 1963. A pig scramble for girls started the next year.

In 1955, the 100th Fair was celebrated with a parade, a three-hour pageant, and directors dressed in 1855-era costumes. The 125th Fair in 1980 featured the Joie Chitwood Auto Thrill show and performances by Barbara Mandrell and Moe Bandy, with grandstand tickets costing $5.

While harness racing was a popular event for many years, it was replaced by stock car racing in the 1980s. However, events like tractor pulls and demolition derbies have remained a constant draw, consistently packing the grandstands.

We are looking forward to see you THIS YEAR in the grandstands!!! Mark your calendars for August 20th - 24th!!! In the meantime, we’ll see you back here next week for some more history on the Bureau County Fair!

🤖EXPLORE INNOVATION AT THE STATE FAIR

Get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s tech—right in the middle of corn dogs and carnival rides! From Aug. 7-17, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is turning the Governor’s Tent (Brian Raney Ave. & Main St.) into an interactive science playground featuring 3-D printing, robots, laser mazes, and even hands-on quantum-computing fun. Whether you’re nine or ninety, you’ll walk away with fresh curiosity and maybe a new career idea in STEAM.

Daily highlights (all activities run 10 a.m.–4 p.m. unless noted):

• Aug 7-9: Watch a 3-D printer sculpt the iconic mini butter cow—classic fair nostalgia meets future manufacturing.

• Aug 10: Cast your line in a cybersecurity fishing game and learn how to spot online scams before they bite.

• Aug 11: Craft friendship bracelets while discovering the mind-bending basics of quantum entanglement.

• Aug 12: Test drive inclusive gadgets with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program and see how innovation opens doors for everyone.

• Aug 13: Google Cloud staff reveal how quantum computing could supercharge artificial-intelligence tools of tomorrow.

• Aug 14-15: Navigate a laser maze and tackle hands-on quantum puzzles with the Illinois Century Network and I-QUIST team.

• Aug 16: Cheer on the Techno Tigers FIRST Robotics Team as their bots compete in live demos.

• Aug 17: Wrap up with I-QUIST’s brain-twisting quantum activities, take-home puzzle books, and more.

Stop by, play around, and see how Illinois is powering the future—one fairgoer at a time.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

🐺THE BAD GUYS 2 (PG)

The animal crew returns for another round of hilarious heists and unexpected heroics.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM
  

🧬THE FANTASTIC 4 (PG-13)

Marvel’s first family takes on cosmic challenges in an action-packed new adventure.

• Tuesday – Thursday: 4:15 PM & 7:00 PM

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