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Good morning, Princeton friends. Today’s newsletter serves up everything from a Broadway star coming home to Main Street to a fair lineup packed with tractor shows, fried food, and possibly more goats than you’re ready for. We’ve got heat in the forecast, hoops at Homestead, and a BBQ deal that might make you forget summer diets ever existed. Stick around—because where else can you get West Nile mosquito alerts and LEGO competitions in the same place?

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🕶️From Princeton Tourism
🎡Fair Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🕶️From Princeton Tourism
💼Princeton Businesses
🧱From the Chamber of Commerce
🏀3 on 3 Basketball
❤️Local Obituaries
💭Remember in Princeton
🚔Local Arrests
🏡Property Transfers
🏈Football Schedule

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• SRM: Shane's Shine Shop Ready for More Space in Princeton

• BCR: The Bureau County Fair is adding a brand-new tractor show to its 170th annual lineup in Princeton. See the Bureau County Fair tractor show Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m.

• Elevator Project Part Of Modernization Efforts At Bureau County Courthouse

• Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Homestead Festival Window Display Contest with forms due by Friday, Aug. 29. Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce can’t wait to see hometown spirit shining along historic Main Street.

• Bureau County Tourism announces the 30th year of Shadows of the Blue and Gray in Princeton on Oct 10–12. Bureau County Tourism welcomes all reenactors with free camp/vendor fees, a Saturday evening meal, and camp setup starting Friday about 1 mile north of I-80 at the Princeton exit.

• Princeton Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser for the school, 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.

• 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.

• BLAST! at St. Matthews Lutheran Church — Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to an hour of singing and Bible lessons every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. This fun, energetic program is open to everyone in the community and combines music with meaningful teaching. St. Matthews Lutheran Church is located at 416 E Dover Road; call 815-879-6491 or visit their website for details.

📍Outside City Limits

• Ladd Farmers Market is serving dinner favorites today from 4–6 PM (or until sold out). Ladd Farmers Market has sandwiches, tacos, loaded potatoes, and nachos—come grab a bite and follow for updates.

• State To Discuss Chronic Wasting Disease Management In Bureau, Marshall, And Putnam Counties

• Mosquitoes In Bureau Junction Test Positive For West Nile Virus

• Bureau County Board Moves Forward on Ladd Solar Farms

• Alleged La Salle KFC Arsonist Is Indicted

• Illinois Enhances Law Enforcement Training with Trauma-Informed Protocols Under Annas Law

💭REMEMBER IN PRINCETON

From the “Beautiful Illustrations” Facebook Page

“On this day: August 7, 1888, Milo Winter was born in Princeton, Illinois in USA.

He was an American illustrator of the Golden Age, who illustrated dozens of books throughout the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s and served as the art director of the Childcraft series. He was a master of animal drawings, which he could render anatomically accurate to the last detail. Other popular works containing his illustrative works include: Aesop’s Fables for Children, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass.”

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 443 E Peru St in Princeton, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.65-acre lot. The home blends classic charm with updated functionality, featuring 9-foot ceilings, original wood trim, leaded-glass details, and a bright kitchen with an island and ample counter space. Highlights include a large sunroom, a walk-in main floor shower, and an upstairs bonus room with kitchenette potential. The professionally landscaped backyard provides a serene oasis with a water fountain, large deck, firepit, and 2-car heated garage with an attached workshop. Listed at $285,000, this property offers a combination of elegance, versatility, and peaceful outdoor living.

• 444 S Chestnut St in Princeton is a beautifully updated two-story home listed at $180,000, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,636 square feet. Built in 1886 and situated on a corner lot, the home showcases wood floors, an open-concept family room, and a versatile flex room for dining, office, or play. The kitchen includes vaulted ceilings, abundant cabinetry, and ample counter space, ideal for casual dining or entertaining. Highlights include an updated spa-style bathroom, full basement for storage, oversized heated garage, and a fenced backyard with a cozy outdoor fireplace. With no HOA and a price of $110 per square foot, this home combines historical charm with modern comfort.

• Located just a block from Princeton’s art district, this charming 2-story home at 26 Elm Pl is listed at $169,900. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,891 sq ft, it features original oak flooring and staircase, a vintage tin ceiling by in the dining room, and abundant natural light. The L-shaped dining area offers flexible space for a coffee bar, office, or plant nook. The home includes a fenced yard, screened-in porch, updated furnace, plumbing, A/C, sump pump, and hot water heater—all replaced since 2020. A spacious layout and recent improvements make this corner-lot home a standout at just $848/month estimated mortgage.

🕶️FROM PRINCETON TOURISM

Next to join Princeton’s Walk of Fame is…. 🥁 🥁 🥁 🌟 Robert Petkoff 🌟

The Walk of Fame Star Reveal & Dedication will take place on Thursday, September 4, kicking off Bureau County Homestead Festival weekend in grand style. And yes—you’ll want to be there to help us welcome Robert back to his hometown for this special honor!

Though born in Sacramento, California in 1963, Robert’s artistic spark ignited here in Princeton, where he spent his high school and college years. At Princeton High School, under the guidance of beloved drama teacher Dan Martinkus, Robert first saw the possibility of a future on stage.

Robert’s extraordinary career has taken him from local stages to some of the world’s most prestigious including Broadway and London’s West End. Beyond the stage, Robert has made his mark in film and television, and as an award-winning audiobook narrator, his voice has captivated millions, earning the Golden Voice Award, multiple Earphones Awards, and Audie Awards.

📅 Mark Your Calendar! Walk of Fame Star Reveal & Dedication: Robert Petkoff 🗓 Thursday, September 4 📍 Under the Apollo Theater Marquee

🎡BUREAU COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 20

• 2:00 PM – Gates Open

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls (Allen Building) Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Rick Moreland performs gospel music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00–10:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Midway)

• 7:00 PM – Veterans Tribute (Exhibit Hall #2) with Flags of Freedom & Quilts of Valor

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits) in the Hospitality Building

Thursday, August 21

• 9:30 AM – Dairy Cattle Show

• 12:00–3:00 PM – Bingo for Seniors (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00–10:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00–5:00 PM – Antique Motorcycle Display

• 3:00–4:00 PM – Jack Ness Variety Music

• 4:30–5:30 PM – Jon Graham (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Resumes

• 5:00 PM – Goat Show & 6:00 PM – Rabbit Show

• 5:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 7:00 PM – Grandstand Concert: Trace Adkins with special guest Brushville

• 7:00–10:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek)

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generic’s Goodies Band (Hospitality Building)

• 8:30 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Friday, August 22

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Al & Jeannie Brown (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Continues

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 5:30 PM – Grandstand: Truck & Tractor Pulls (Farm Stock & Illinois State Pullers)

• 6:30–7:30 PM – Kevin Kramer (Pop Music, Hospitality Building)

• 7:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Resumes)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Tailgate Confessions (Country/Rock Music)

• 8:30–9:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Saturday, August 23

• 9:00 AM – Poultry Show; NBHA Horse Speed Show (10:00 AM start); Sheep Show (10:00 AM); Beef Show (10:00 AM)

• 12:00–1:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits)

• 1:00–11:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (multiple performances)

• 3:30 PM – Beer Garden Opens

• 3:30–4:00 PM – Kids Demo Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–10:00 PM – Demolition Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–5:00 PM – Marshall Putnam Stark Show Choir (Hospitality Building)

• 6:00–7:00 PM – Henry Torpedo Boys (Bluegrass Music)

• 7:00–11:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Continues)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Rodeo Drive (Country & Rock Music, Hospitality Building)

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Sunday, August 24

• 9:00 AM – Open Horse Show (McCutchan Arena)

• 10:00 AM – Draft Horse Show (halter classes), Junior Beef Show, Swine Show

• 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Tractor Show (Fairgrounds)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Rich Selquist performs classic variety music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds)

• 1:00 PM – Draft Horse Hitch Classes (McCutchan Arena), Beer Garden opens, Wilson Carnival kicks off (Midway – $30 unlimited rides)

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – 303 Concert closes out the week at the Grandstand (free admission)

• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Bureau County Barbershop Chorus (Fairgrounds)

• 2:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds), Queen’s Pie Auction

• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Those Funny Little People (Pop, Rock & Americana) in the Hospitality Building

• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Another round of Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Fine arts entries released on the Fairgrounds

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅ Today: Warm and mainly sunny with just a few passing clouds. Afternoon high near 91°F on a south wind 5–10 mph. The evening turns mostly clear, comfortably warm, and dry with a low around 73°F.

🌤️ Saturday: Hot and a bit hazy at times, otherwise partly cloudy. High tops out near 94°F with a SSW breeze 5–10 mph. Saturday night stays partly cloudy and muggy, low near 73°F.

🌤️ Sunday: Another toasty day with sun and a few clouds. High around 93°F and a light south wind ~8 mph. The night remains warm and quiet; expect a low close to 71°F under partly cloudy skies.

🌦️ Monday: Mostly sunny early, then clouds build a bit in the afternoon. High near 89°F with a SSE wind 5–10 mph. Scattered evening/night thunderstorms are possible; the low slips to around 70°F with rain chances up to ~50%.

🌤️ Tuesday: A touch cooler with partial sunshine and just a slight (≈20%) chance of a shower or storm. High near 84°F on a north wind 5–10 mph. The night turns partly cloudy and more comfortable, low around 63°F.

⛅ Wednesday: Seasonable and pleasant with intervals of sun and clouds and little to no rain chance. Afternoon high near 80°F with an ENE breeze 5–10 mph. The evening is partly cloudy and cool, low around 60°F.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music by The Wise Guys. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM at the Princeton Inn.

🎶 Pretend Friend at Barrel Society – Enjoy progressive bluegrass with Pretend Friend, a nationally touring band from Wichita, Kansas. Wednesday, August 13 at 7 PM at Barrel Society.

🎸 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music by The Wise Guys. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM at the Princeton Inn.

🩸 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 & Charlie Jones – Enjoy country storytelling and songwriting from David Miner and Charlie Jones. Thursday, August 28 at 7 PM at Barrel Society.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Country music at the Bureau County Fair. Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets at bureacountyfair.com.

🥁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.

🛍️ 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.

🏍️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find unique items and motorcycle parts at this popular swap meet. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM at 811 W Peru St. $10 admission; vending $50.

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🧱FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

StudioK Architecture is once again hosting the Homestead Festival LEGO Design Competition for children ages 3 and up. The event will be held at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery in Princeton, with the 2025 theme: “We Got Spirit!” Participants are encouraged to begin working on their original LEGO creations now—no sets or Duplo allowed. Model drop-off dates are August 27th and 28th from 4:30–6:00 PM. Public voting will take place on August 30th and 31st from 1:00–3:00 PM at the gallery. A reception and awards announcement will be held on September 5th from 5:00–7:00 PM. The gallery will remain open weekends from September 7th through September 21st, except for September 6th due to the Homestead Parade. All models must be picked up on September 21st between 3:00–4:00 PM.

🌼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 BUSINESSES

• Boek-el-ZOO is booking remote and in-house educational experiences for classrooms, with souvenirs when you share headcounts in advance. Boek-el-ZOO also offers Saturday opportunities for students to share their passion for animals—message them or stop by to set it up.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course & Event Center has sign-ups open now for the 2025 Ryder Cup with limited space. Chapel Hill Golf Course & Event Center plays Sept 13 at Chapel Hill and Sept 27 at Hidden Lake for $25 per person.

• Princeton Food Trucks reminds you that Lunch in the Park is Friday, Aug 15 from 11 AM–1 PM at Soldiers & Sailors Park. Princeton Food Trucks will feature food by American Legion Post #125 and a bake sale by St. Louis Parish.

• Fresh Finds Princeton is stocked with cozy fall fashion and super-cute Tigers tees. Fresh Finds Princeton is open 9–6 so you can shop the new looks.

• Myrtle’s Pies opened early at 8:00 AM today; regular hours are Thu–Sat 10 AM–2 PM, and they’re closed this Saturday for a family reunion. Myrtle’s Pies is baking favorites like Dutch Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb, Gooseberry, plus cinnamon rolls with specialty icings and more.

• Tailholt Trading Post invites you to discover unique pieces and unexpected treasures. Tailholt Trading Post is open until 4 PM today at 925 N Main St., Princeton.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is going back-to-school with kids’ clothing for $1 and lots of fresh arrivals. Finders Keepers Resale Store also has adult clothing for $2 (white-tag items $5) and is open Thu–Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2.

• Dairy Queen (Treat) at 615 N Main St. is now hiring crew members, preferably 16+. Dairy Queen (Treat) will train this fall so you can return in the spring—stop in the store to pick up an application.

• Rossy’s BBQ Joint is running a Back-to-School Weekend Special Aug 15–17 where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée (dine-in only). Plan a family dinner at Rossy’s BBQ Joint to shake off those early-morning school blues.

• 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue Princeton Illinois is hiring a farm hand for Wednesdays and Fridays at $20/hour. The role at 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue Princeton Illinois includes mucking stalls, mowing, fence repair, being local, and lifting 50 lbs.

• The Princeton Closet has extra clothing and shoes out for back-to-school and a Thursday door drawing at 8:55 a.m. The Princeton Closet will also host Cows Coffee from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday and welcome the Greenfield Greeters around 10:30.

• Crazy Eight Homestead Farm Stand is holding a large yard sale Thu Aug 14 (4–7 pm), Fri Aug 15 (8 am–6 pm), and Sat Aug 16 (8 am–3 pm) at 24797 1900 North Ave, Princeton. Crazy Eight Homestead Farm Stand will have shoes, toys, baby items, a lemonade stand, limited farm-fresh chicken & duck eggs, and clothing from kids to men’s and women’s sizes.

• Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar has street tacos all week with $5 margaritas. The patio at Wild Ginger Bistro & Wine Bar is ready for you to unwind after work.

• Corner Chair Market filled its Sept. 10 pumpkin class and added another on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m. Corner Chair Market invites you to call 815-915-7968 or stop in to reserve your $35 spot (all supplies and snacks included).

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🏀3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Homestead Festival 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Alexander Park, 500 S. Anderson Street. Games will begin at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Online registration is open now, and teams that register before August 21 will receive a free t-shirt. After August 21, teams can still register, but no t-shirt will be provided. The cost is $80 per team, and space is limited to 30 teams total, so early registration is encouraged. First place team medals will be awarded in boys and girls divisions for grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 (entering grade as of August 2025). All proceeds benefit the Illinois Valley Rimrockers Organization. Register here. More details can also be found here. Event fees will be refunded if the tournament is cancelled.

💭REMEMBER IN PRINCETON

From the “Beautiful Illustrations” Facebook Page

“On this day: August 7, 1888, Milo Winter was born in Princeton, Illinois in USA.

He was an American illustrator of the Golden Age, who illustrated dozens of books throughout the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s and served as the art director of the Childcraft series. He was a master of animal drawings, which he could render anatomically accurate to the last detail. Other popular works containing his illustrative works include: Aesop’s Fables for Children, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass.”

🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic

• 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-Prophetstown

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].