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Good morning, Princeton friends. Homestead Festival week is here, and Princeton is busy—new real estate listings, big business buzz, a Tiger football recap, and a full weekend preview from Lenny & Joon’s to the Apollo. Lots to see below.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🥞From Lenny and Joon’s
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
💼Princeton Businesses
🐅PHS Varsity Football
🏃‍♂️The Underground 5k
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Cathy Emmett and Nick Mecum 🎈!

• Arukah Institute of Healing is making changes at the top.

• Newman Central Catholic defeated the Princeton Tigers 28-14 Friday evening. Story below.

• Freedom House has an immediate need for donations of paper towels and baby wipes; contributions may be dropped off at 440 Elm Pl, Princeton, or ordered via their Amazon Wishlist.

• The Princeton Public Library will host a free Beginner’s Chess Workshop on September 24 from 5:30–7:30 PM, led by Erik Czerwin, who will teach participants the basics of chess, including how the pieces move, scoring, and turn tracking. All ages are welcome, though children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

• The “Voices from the Past” PHS Alumni Concert will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 4:00 PM at the Prairie Arts Theater, 24 Park Avenue East in Princeton. The event will feature performances by several alumni, including Rachel Kiser Rucker, Ron McCutchan, Susan Nelson, Adam Webber, and more, with accompaniment by Charles Gebeck; donations will benefit the Prairie Arts Center.

• The Homestead Festival has posted the full schedule for September 4–7, 2025, featuring the Walk of Fame, evening concerts, a Saturday 1:30 p.m. parade with family activities, and Sunday events such as the car show and BBQ rib cook-off.

• The Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton will host a free family movie night with root beer floats at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, in the church parking lot at 24 N. Main St.

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 10th Annual Witches Night Out on Friday, Oct. 3, 4–10 p.m. in Princeton, featuring evening shopping, festive eats, and live music to celebrate a decade of this downtown tradition.

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• WLPO: Gas prices locally cover a thirty cent range during on this Labor Day. Mendota, La Salle, Peru and Oglesby stations are charging either side of $3.15. In Princeton, pumps display prices are ten cents more. Gas is going for around $3.30 in Spring Valley.

• Authorities Search for Missing Peru Woman

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This newly listed home at 702 W Hudson St, Princeton offers 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms across 2,350 square feet with an open layout and a spacious feel. The main level includes 3 bedrooms, a new kitchen with quartz countertops, a gas fireplace, and a primary suite with walk-in closet and attached bath. The lower level features 2 additional bedrooms, a large family room, and full bath, plus a walkout to a Trex deck overlooking the backyard. Updates include a new roof (2021), siding (2022), appliances (2021), and bathroom (2022), with the seller offering a $4,000 credit toward a new A/C unit due to a small leak in the current one.

• This timeless 3-bed, 3-bath home at 443 E Peru St offers over 2,200 square feet of elegant living space full of historic charm and updated functionality. Built in 1898, it features 9-foot ceilings, original wood trim, french doors, a gorgeous bannister, and a bright kitchen with practical island and custom finishes throughout. A spacious sunroom, oversized walk-in shower, full basement, bonus room with kitchenette potential, and professionally landscaped yard with a natural-look water fountain add to the home’s appeal. The heated 2-car garage and inviting backyard deck make this property a true oasis in the heart of Princeton.

• Located on a corner lot, this updated 5-bed, 2-bath home at 405 N Church St offers 1,760 square feet of comfortable living space and a detached 2-car garage. Recent upgrades include new carpet and paint, a modern kitchen with new sink and appliances, PEX plumbing in the basement, and a newly installed radon mitigation system. The layout features one bedroom and a full bath on the main level, with four additional bedrooms and another full bath upstairs, along with an eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and main-floor laundry. Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout the living, dining, and foyer areas, adding warmth and charm to this 1891-built home.

🌼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 warm, late-summer day with sunshine mixing with a few clouds. High near 81°F with a light SE breeze 5–10 mph. UV index is very high, so grab the sunscreen. The evening turns partly cloudy with a comfortable low around 57°F and a light SSE wind.

🌧️Wednesday: Expect a more unsettled feel. Clouds thicken with showers—possibly a rumble of thunder—at times. Breezy, with winds shifting and gusting around 10–20 mph, and a high near 75°F. Showers taper to spotty activity at night; lows dip to a cool 47–48°F with a light SSE wind.

🌤️Thursday: Cooler and brighter overall with intervals of sun and clouds. High around 67°F on an SSE 5–10 mph breeze and lower humidity. Clouds increase late; showers may develop overnight, low near 54°F.

⛅Friday: Partly cloudy and on the cool side. Afternoon highs hold near 66°F with a westerly wind 10–20 mph. The night stays partly cloudy and chilly, bottoming out near 49°F.

🌞Saturday: A crisp, pleasant day to wrap up the stretch—plenty of sun with a few fair-weather clouds. Afternoon highs reach around 70°F with a gentle W wind 5–10 mph. Saturday night is clear and cool, slipping to about 45°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.23
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🏋️ Intro to Kettlebell for Women — Learn kettlebell fundamentals for strength and confidence at Limitless Body Sculpting, 219 S Main St, Princeton, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

🥁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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🥞FROM LENNY AND JOON’S

Lenny & Joon’s is gearing up for Princeton Homestead Weekend with a special pop-up, and they couldn’t be more excited. “We’re just a few days away from popping up and pouring love,” they shared, adding, “we couldn’t be more excited to serve our amazing town!” Their limited pop-up menu is designed just for the weekend, offering both breakfast and lunch options alongside refreshing drinks. “Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or a little something to sip while you stroll, we’ve got you covered!”

On the breakfast side, guests can enjoy hearty favorites like “Biscuits & Sausage Gravy” ($8 full order, $7 half order), “Chorizo & Egg Tacos (3)” for $8, or “Breakfast Sandwiches” made with egg, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage for $7. Lunch brings delicious homestyle fare with “Italian Beef” at $12, “Pulled Pork” for $10, and “Chicken Salad” for $8. For lighter bites, “Macaroni Salad,” “Pasta Salad,” and “Fresh Fruit” are available at $4 each, while “Chips” make a simple add-on at $1.

Drinks round out the menu with “Drip Coffee” ($3), “Cold Brew” ($5, or $6 with cold foam), “Italian Sodas” in strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry ($4), plus bottled water, lemonade, and iced tea. The team encourages everyone to stop by: “So come find us, grab a bite or a drink, and celebrate all things local, fun, and festive.”

Pop-up hours are “Saturday: 9AM – End of Parade” and “Sunday: 7AM – 3PM (grab something and stroll the car show!)” at 509 S Main St, Princeton. Wrapping it all up, they remind the community, “We can’t wait to see your smiling faces!”

P.s.- give our page a like to stay connected and receive updates!

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Sisler’s Ice Cream introduced its first two fall flavors: Caramel Apple Crisp (apple ice cream with apple pie chunks, caramel swirl, and graham crunch pieces) and Chubby Bunny (malted chocolate ice cream with a marshmallow swirl). The shop is open Tuesday–Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Second Story Teen Center will host an Open House on Sunday, September 7, from 1:00–4:00 p.m., with a door prize drawing.

• Paisano’s Ristorante named Mississippi Pot Roast as September’s pizza of the month—built on seasoned mashed potatoes and topped with slow-cooked pot roast, ranch seasoning, au jus, mozzarella, a parmesan blend, and banana peppers, with au jus on the side. It’s available tonight from 4:00–9:00 p.m., along with a limited run of the Elote pizza while supplies last.

• Homestead Festival invites everyone to a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the Moose Lodge on Sunday, September 7, from 8:00 a.m. to noon—a favorite way to kick off the festival’s final day.

• Miss Betsy’s brings back a PB&J Donut as the September Flavor of the Month, dedicated to their friend Travis; the shop is closed today (Monday, September 1) and will reopen on Thursday, September 4.

• xan dandy cotton candy co. shared Labor Day wishes and confirmed they’ll be at the Princeton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 6, from 8:30 a.m. to noon with fresh cotton candy.

• Little Blue Dress says sweater weather is near and features an oversized cable cardigan (sizes S/M or M/L) for $49, available in store.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store highlighted several newly received items and encouraged shoppers to check back often, as donations arrive throughout the week.

• Homestead Festival announced “Donuts for Travis”: Miss Betsy’s Donuts will run a breakfast booth at the Homestead Car Show on Sunday, September 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with 100% of table-sale proceeds and any additional donations going directly to Travis Williquette and his family.

• Princeton Moose Lodge shared this week’s schedule: Bingo on Tuesday, September 2 (doors at 5:30 p.m., bingo at 7:00 p.m.); Tacos on Thursday, September 4 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) with a lodge meeting at 7:00 p.m.; a Fish Menu and Music Bingo on Friday, September 5 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) with Queen of Hearts; and a Pancakes & Sausage Breakfast on Sunday, September 7 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.).

• The Bike Place will host the Princeton Bike Fest “Swap & Super Sale” over Homestead Weekend—Fri 9/5–Sat 9/6 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sun 9/7 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.)—at 701 N. Main St., featuring vintage and collectible bikes, e-bikes, trikes, tandems, memorabilia and more.

• The City of Princeton Animal Control has cats and kittens available for adoption; interested adopters can call 815-875-1150 for details.

• Fore Fun Golf Fun-Raiser takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Wyaton Hills Golf Course (8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. tee time); $100 per person/$400 per team, limited to 22 teams, with lunch, cart, gift bag, and four drink tickets included (contact Dava Klinefelter to register).

• Paisano’s Ristorante debuts Devin’s Devilish Fried Brownie Bites—crispy, caramel-drizzled, powdered-sugar treats that pair with rolled ice cream in Strawberry Cheesecake or Reese’s Puff.

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🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic L

• September 5 – vs Rockridge

• September 12 – at Sherrard*

• September 19 – vs Kewanee*

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville*

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County*

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie-

PHS defeated by Newman Central Catholic at Home 28-14

In a hard-fought home battle, the Princeton Tigers came up short against Newman, falling 28-14. After an early 7-7 tie in the second quarter—thanks to a gritty 16-play scoring drive capped by Casey Etheridge’s 1-yard run—Newman answered before the half with a 14-7 lead. Princeton tied it up again midway through the third after another Etheridge plunge, but a costly fumble turned the tide. Newman capitalized with a touchdown run by Jungerman and a two-point conversion, pulling ahead 22-14. The Comets sealed it late in the fourth with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Evan Bushman to Tyson Williams. Princeton showed flashes of toughness on the ground with 138 rushing yards, but turnovers and big plays from Newman proved decisive.

🏃‍♂️THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 5K

Join the fun on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Bureau County Metro Center (837 Park Avenue West, Princeton, IL). The race begins and ends at the Metro Center.

Registration:

• $25 if registered by August 6

• $30 on August 7 and after

• $300 Corporate Team (up to 20 participants)

• Kiddy Fun Run — FREE!

Race shirts are guaranteed for all pre-registered runners and available on race day while supplies last.

Awards:

• Overall Male & Female

• Top Princeton Male & Female

• Top 3 finishers in each Male & Female age division

Questions? Contact Brett Renner at 815-876-0721 or [email protected].

🍿AT THE APOLLO

CAUGHT STEALING (R)

A gritty crime thriller following a down-on-his-luck former baseball player who gets tangled in a violent underworld when a simple mistake spirals out of control.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:00 PM only

SMURFS (PG)

The mischievous blue Smurfs are back for a lighthearted, family-friendly adventure filled with laughs, teamwork, and colorful fun.

• Tuesday–Thursday: 6:15 PM only

Upcoming:

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” invites fans to a final chapter of elegance and closure, as the Crawley family’s story comes to an emotional conclusion.

“The Senior,” tells the inspiring true story of an older man’s remarkable return to the football field, highlighting perseverance and purpose.

“One Battle After Another” promises an intense, star-studded cinematic experience with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and others in a gritty drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

“Tron: Ares,” continues the high-tech saga in a visually stunning digital world where identity and rebellion collide.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].