🚜Tractor Pulls, Flags of Freedom, and Bags Tournaments

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Happy, happy Monday, Princeton. Man, I love Vacation Bible School season. There are few things better than playing a bunch of games, doing crafts, eating way too many brownies, laughing at skits, sitting with my buddies, squirting people with water, and teaching the Bible. Can’t beat it.

Oh hey, there’s a ton to do here in this marvelous town…so let’s vamanos (that’s Spanish for “let’s go,” so technically, I think I said, “So let’s let’s go.” I don’t speak Spanish.)

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🐄Beef & Ag Festival
🌤️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
⛪️Princeton Churches
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
👕Garage Sales
🎸Princeton Music
🛞Overdrive Monster Trucks
🗓️Princeton Events
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The "Flags of Freedom Cookout" will be serving a menu featuring ribeye, pork chops, brats, hot dogs, potato chips, soda, and bottled water, with prices for individual items and meal combinations. The cookout is scheduled for Friday, June 14th, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Soldiers & Sailors Park. Attendees have the option to pick up their orders or choose delivery for orders over $25. For those unable to attend, orders can be placed by contacting Rodney at 815-866-1534 or Ann at 815-325-3875, and delivery is available.

• The Bureau County Fair is hosting the More in Bureau County 2-Day Garage Sale on June 14th from 8 AM to 2 PM and June 15th from 8 AM to 2 PM at 811 W Peru St. Attendees can enjoy a huge garage sale with inside and outside vendors, food, and restrooms.

• The 2024 Beef and Ag Days Kiddie Tractor Pull will take place on Saturday, June 15th, at 12 PM at 21 Park Ave E. Registration begins at 12 PM, and the pull starts at 1 PM. Trophies will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each age group: 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds, and 9-11 year olds.

• Spring cleaning? Join the Everything Free Facebook Group and post some items you’re looking to give away.

🐄45TH ANNUAL BEEF & AG FESTIVAL

The 45th annual Beef & Ag Festival, organized by the Bureau County Cattlemen, will be held on Saturday, June 15th at Soldiers & Sailors Park in Princeton, Illinois. This all-day event features live music from Jason Pritchett, Seven Miles South, and G's Combo, offering a rich blend of country and local tunes. Here are some key activities and offerings:

• Princeton Farmers Market: Begins at 8:30 AM, providing fresh local produce and goods until 1:00 PM.

• Food by the Bureau County Cattlemen: Available from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including local beef specialties.

• Children’s Activities: Pedal pulls, petting zoo, and more starting from 1:00 PM, ensuring fun for the entire family.

The festival not only showcases agricultural pride but also includes unique events like St. Louis Parish pie sales and a pedal pull sponsored by Gebeck & Associates, Inc.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

KWQC: An early alert has been issued noting pleasant weather before heat and humidity rise. There's a significant storm risk for Bureau County Thursday, with a Level 2 risk already in place. Models indicate potential for severe weather.

Today: The weather will be mainly sunny with a high of 73°F. Winds will be from the north at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, the sky will be clear with a low around 47°F. Winds will be light and variable.

Tuesday: Expect intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning, with more clouds later in the day. The high will be around 78°F. Winds will be from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will feature a few clouds from time to time with a low of 63°F. Winds will continue from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: The day will bring plentiful sunshine with a high near 90°F, much warmer than the previous days. Winds will be from the WSW at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, partly cloudy early, with increasing clouds overnight. The low will be around 69°F. Winds will be from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Pollen Forcast:

• Monday: Pollen levels are at 6.3, considered medium.

• Tuesday: Slight decrease in pollen levels to 6.1.

• Wednesday: A noticeable drop to 5.3.

• Thursday: Pollen levels rise slightly to 5.8.

• Friday: Levels decrease marginally to 5.4.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.44
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.53
Casey’s West/North: $3.57
Beck’s West/North: $3.57
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.57
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.57

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Peach season is back! Today, from 3 PM to 4:30 PM, at Tractor Supply Co., you’ll find the freshest hand-picked Georgia peaches, pecans, pistachios, and Michigan blueberries, directly from Pearson Farm. Available fruit and pricing include Georgia Peaches: 1/2 bushel box (approx 25lb) for $52, Georgia Pecans: 1lb Bag for $13, New Mexico Pistachios: 1lb Bag for $13, and Michigan Blueberries: 5lb Box for $22 (when in-season in July).

• The Second Story Teen Center is seeking donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, socks, ramen soups, Chef Boyardee ravioli, and Kraft Mac & Cheese to support their pantry. Please drop your donations off at Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe.

• Ace Hardware is offering 20% off JBL speakers and Oakley sunglasses for Father's Day, with stock limited to in-store availability. Additionally, zero gravity chairs are on sale for $49.99, down from the original price of $99.99.

• Join the Princeton Inn Bag's Tournament on Saturday, June 22nd at 12 PM. This fun-filled day includes a tournament with $200 added to the pot, featuring four rounds of round-robin play followed by an A-B bracket double elimination. Each team is guaranteed six games, and the entry fee is $40 per team. Sign-up starts at 11 AM, and there will be a band playing at 5 PM.

• Bean Buzz is featuring a special June menu with drinks like Salted Caramel Mocha Macadamia Latte, White Mocha Maple Macadamia Latte, Lemon Frost Frappe, and Tropical Tide Energy Buzz or Italian Soda. Enjoy these refreshing and unique beverages made with macadamia nut milk, perfect for the summer season.

• Hit the Bags Tournament at Hollywood & Vine on Saturday, June 22nd at 12 PM. Registration begins at 11 AM with a $20 entry fee per person and $5 added to the pot for every player that shows up; the rain date is June 23.

• Barrel Society is hosting Ted Lasso Trivia Night on Tuesday, July 23 at 7 PM. Sign up your team of 2-6 Ted Lasso enthusiasts by sending a message on Facebook or calling, as this event will sell out quickly.

• Paisano's Ristorante introduced June's pizza of the month, "The Sloppy Joe," featuring a sweet Sloppy Joe sauce base, hearty Sloppy Joe mix with ground beef and fresh veggies, topped with mozzarella and pickles, available now.

• Cafe Grace is hosting a night of creativity on June 12th at 6 PM, where participants can paint "Red, White & Bloom Jars" on canvas for $30. All materials and instructions are provided, and attendees can enjoy dinner before or while they create. For tickets, click here.

• Shelley Barnett and Plexus have unveiled their top-selling 3-product Gut Health Supplement System designed to optimize microbiome health.

• Meet up with some local dads at the Daddy & Donuts event on Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Zearing Park. Let the kiddos play while you enjoy a donut and meet other dads for a fun and relaxing morning. This event is free and open to the public.

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🙈DON’T GET SCAMMED

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, it’s vital to stay vigilant against various scams that continue to proliferate. One prevalent scam is phishing, which involves fraudsters posing as legitimate organizations to extract personal information from unsuspecting victims. These scams typically arrive via email, text, or fake websites, urging recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive data. To safeguard against phishing, always double-check the sender's details and avoid clicking on unsolicited links. Use multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security and regularly update your passwords.

Tech Support Scams

Another common scam is the tech support scam, where scammers impersonate technical support representatives from reputable companies like Microsoft or Apple. They often contact potential victims through phone calls or pop-up messages, claiming that their device is infected with malware or facing a critical issue. Once they gain the victim's trust, they request remote access to the device to "fix" the problem, only to steal sensitive information or install harmful software. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate tech companies will never make unsolicited calls to offer support. If in doubt, hang up and contact the company directly using a verified phone number.

Investment Scams

Investment scams have also become more sophisticated, targeting individuals looking to grow their wealth. These scams can take many forms, such as Ponzi schemes or fraudulent investment opportunities that promise unrealistic returns with minimal risk. Scammers often use convincing sales tactics and professional-looking materials to lure in victims. To avoid falling prey to investment scams, thoroughly research any investment opportunity, consult with trusted financial advisors, and remain skeptical of any offer that seems too good to be true. Remember, the best defense against scams is staying informed and cautious. Always verify the authenticity of any communication or opportunity before taking action, and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Texting Scams

Text message scams, also known as SMS phishing or "smishing," have become increasingly common as mobile phones become central to daily communication. In these scams, fraudsters send messages that appear to come from trusted sources such as banks, delivery services, or government agencies. The messages often contain urgent requests or enticing offers, prompting recipients to click on a link or call a phone number. Once engaged, victims may be asked to provide personal information or download malicious software. To protect yourself from smishing, avoid responding to unsolicited messages, verify the sender's identity through official channels, and never share personal information via text.

Banking Scams

Banking scams are another serious threat, targeting individuals through various tactics to steal financial information. Scammers might pose as bank representatives, contacting victims via phone, email, or text, claiming there's an issue with their account that needs immediate attention. They may also use spoofed websites or apps that mimic legitimate banking services to capture login credentials. To avoid banking scams, never share your banking details over the phone or through email, and always access your bank's website directly rather than through links in messages. Additionally, monitor your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams are particularly insidious, often involving fraudsters posing as acquaintances, employers, or authority figures requesting payment in the form of gift cards. These scams usually start with an urgent plea or a too-good-to-be-true offer, persuading victims to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers and PINs. Once the scammers have this information, they quickly use the cards, making it nearly impossible to recover the funds. To prevent falling victim to gift card scams, remember that legitimate organizations and individuals will never request payment via gift cards. Be cautious of unsolicited requests and verify the identity of the requester through independent means before taking any action.

Stay Vigilant

By staying alert and informed about these various types of scams, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Always exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of unsolicited communications, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

⛪️PRINCETON CHURCHES

Vacation Bible Schools

• Princeton Bible Church | June 9th - 13th | 6-8:30pm

• Evangelical Covenant Church | June 10th - 14th | 9-11:30am | Sign Up Here

• Bureau Township Community Church | July 8th-12th | 6pm | Website 

• Princeton First United Methodist Church | July 8th-11th | 6pm | Sign Up

• Tiskilwa Community Church | June 24th-28th | 6pm | Sign Up: 815-878-4763

Church News

• The 2024 Old Wheels Car Show, set for June 15th at the First Lutheran Church parking lot in Princeton, Illinois, promises a day full of vintage charm featuring antique, classic, and special interest cars, trucks, and tractors. Attendees can enjoy music from the '70s and '80s by AMC Sound, alongside food offerings like brats and hot dogs, and activities including a bounce house for kids. The event will also honor the late Glenn Allen, a dedicated community member, with free dash plaques and other giveaways, emphasizing that all proceeds will support local community services.

• Princeton First United Methodist Church is saying farewell to Reverend Ryan Sutton, who has served for the past five years. His final services will be on Saturday, June 15 at 5:30 PM with a reception to follow, and Sunday, June 16 at 9:00 AM with a reception to follow. The public is invited to attend and thank him as he relocates to Roscoe United Methodist Church.

Add your church news — email: [email protected]

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👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Bureau County Senior Citizens Association

📋Information and Assistance Coordinator

They are looking for an experienced Information and Assistance Coordinator with expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. This full-time position requires someone who can work well with the senior population and is proficient in office settings. Key qualifications include organizational skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel is a plus. The position offers a Monday through Friday schedule, 8 AM to 4 PM, with paid holidays, and a 401K with a match and vacation. Please note that this position does not offer insurance.

🍽️Congregate Meal/Activities Coordinator

Join the team as a Congregate Meal/Activities Coordinator! They need a creative individual who can drive IDOT vehicles and has basic computer knowledge. The ideal candidate will work well with seniors, handle multi-tasking efficiently, and be willing to pass the Food Sanitation Managers course.

For both positions, send your resume to:

Denise Ihrig, Director
Bureau County Senior Citizens Association
16 W. Marion St., Princeton, IL 61356
Email: [email protected]

• Pharmacy Technician | Walmart | Full-time, ~17.50-22.50

• Team Resource | Corteva | Contract, ~17.00-18.25

• Assembler | Ingersol Rand | Full-time, $20.00

Add a job to the list — email: [email protected]

👕GARAGE SALE

• A garage sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at 106 W 3rd Street in Wyanet. The sale will feature items such as galvanized buckets, tubs, books, bedding, rugs, and more. It will run from 8 AM to 3 PM daily.

• A garage sale will be held on June 14th from 9 AM to 4 PM and June 15th from 9 AM to 2 PM at 722 N. Linn St in Princeton. Items for sale include a Craftsman Band Saw, numerous tools, a recliner, teen homecoming dresses, plus-size women's clothes, home decor, and women's shoes.

• A substantial garage sale will take place at 576 Boyd Ave, Greencroft from June 13-15, with hours extending from 10am-6pm on Thursday, 9am-4pm on Friday, and 9am-2pm on Saturday. Items for sale include a wide range of home and wall decor, an electric lawn mower, various dishes, plenty of furniture, a 32" TV, and Christmas decorations. Additionally, there will be records, girls' clothing ranging from 3 months to size 8, fine glassware, tools, books, medical items, and much more.

• More in Bureau County is hosting a county-wide garage sale event on Father's Day weekend, June 14 and 15. This year, the event extends beyond its traditional Route 34 location, inviting the entire community to participate. Residents who seek more information about participating venues can contact [email protected].

Add your garage sale to the list: [email protected]

🎸PRINCETON MUSIC

• Yakuza and Nequient | Barrel Society | June 15th, 7pm

• The Wise Guys | Princeton Inn | June 22nd, 5pm

• Seventh Day Slumber | New Hope Church of the Nazarene | June 25th, 6pm

Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series

• On July 12, don't miss the dynamic duo Mike and Joe.

• Dillon Carmichael will bring his unique blend of music on August 9.

• Followed by the World Turning Band on September 5.

• The season will wrap up on October 5 with an incredible performance by Mae Estes.

Princeton Community Band 2024 Summer Season at Soldiers and Sailors, beginning at 6pm.

• June 16

• June 30

• July 7

• July 21

• July 28

Add your music to the list — email: [email protected]

🛞OVERDRIVE MONSTER TRUCKS

The Overdrive Monster Truck Show returns to the Bureau County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 20th, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM for two huge shows.

• Gates open at 10:00 AM for the matinee and 4:30 PM for the evening show.

• Experience the excitement with monster truck rides, the Track Party Experience, and meet the drivers up close.

• Monster trucks like Amp'ed Up, Block Head, Dirt Crew, DOZER, and Maximus will be featured.

• Enjoy car-crushing action as 12,000lb monster trucks flatten cars to pancakes.

• Upgrade to the VIP Experience for early access, an exclusive poster, a lanyard, and a free monster truck ride.

• TICKETS ARE LIMITED – purchase online to guarantee entry.

• Ticket prices start at just $10, offering a thrilling day for all ages.

Don't miss out on this action-packed event with more shows, more action, and more monster trucks!

🤝HELP WANTED

Dauber Company, a manufacturer of high-quality silicon carbide products, is family-owned and operated and is located in Tonica, Illinois.

We are hiring experienced maintenance workers starting at $32/hr, entry-level maintenance workers at $25-31/hr, and laborers starting at $24/hr.

Dauber Company offers paid holidays and vacation, 100% free medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k plan, profit sharing, and advancement opportunities.

Apply by sending an email to [email protected], mailing to 577 N. 18th Rd, Tonica, or calling 815-442-3569, extension *813.

🗓️PRINCETON UPCOMING EVENTS

• Beef and Ag Festival | Soldiers and Sailors Park | June 15th

• Princeton Band Concert | Soldiers and Sailors Park | June 16th, 6pm

• Tour Bike Ride Pre-Party, Kev Roy & The Joy | Frontier Front Lawn | June 21st

• Cabaret | Grace Theater | June 22nd-Aug 6th

• Z Tour Bike Ride and Bike Fest | Zearing | June 22nd

• Festival 56 Summer Season | Soldiers and Sailors | June 22nd-August 4th

• Bluewater Kings Band, Fireworks | Zearing Park | July 4th

• Bureau County Fair, Mitchell Tenpenny | Fairgrounds | August 22nd

Add your event to the list — email: [email protected]

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (R)

• An action-packed sequel featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as they tackle their toughest case yet.

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

Sight (PG)

• A heartwarming drama inspired by true events, starring Terry Chen and Greg Kinnear.

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