🌭A Wienermobile, an Open House, and Jury Duty

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It's a lively and refreshing Saturday in the charming town of Princeton, Illinois—a hidden gem that stands out as one of the most delightful places on the planet. No one does county fairs quite like we do. In fact, we practically invented them. Killer rides, local music, demolition derby’s, horses, dog shows, funnel cakes — all with a unique Princetonian flair. I think my kids would’ve gone on The Pharaoh 192 times if I would’ve let them.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Home For Sale
✅Places to Go This Weekend
👨‍⚖️Jury Duty Selection
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
👖Princeton Garage Sales
🎨Prairie Art Center
🎉Homestead Festival Schedule
💪Braveheart
📏Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Carolyn Stull, Randy Woodbury, and Lewis Frazier! 🎂

• Country Music artist Lauren Alaina shared a video on Instagram about her love for some local Princeton businesses.

• Random: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be stopping at Sullivan's Foods in Princeton on Saturday, September 7. The giant hot dog on wheels will be in Mendota from 11 to 2 that day, and in Princeton from 3 to 6.

• Starved Rock Media: “A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held Wednesday at the 615,000 square foot Ollie's facility. The store is expected to create over 200 full-time jobs over time. As part of a tax credit deal with the city of Princeton, Ollie's plans to invest $75 million into the community. The Princeton distribution center will serve about 60 stores in 9 states.”

• WLPO: Three from Princeton Indicted on Felony Charges

• BCMC: “We’re looking forward to seeing all the area runners 3 weeks from tomorrow for the 31st annual Underground Railroad 5K! Register in person at the Bureau County Metro Center or online now. Kiddie Fun Run (free!) at 8am with the 5K to follow at 8:30 am.”

• Do you have a positive story you’d like to share about someone or something within the community? I’d love to hear about it and pass it along. Email your story here: [email protected].

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

Ranch style home at 830 Bruce Lane, Princeton, IL 61356, Bureau County. Located in Greencroft, a desirable subdivision on the west side of Princeton.

A spacious single story home built in 1981. This home offers 1878 +/- sq. ft. which includes an eat-in kitchen, dining room w/gas fireplace, living room, family room and 3 bedrooms (1 currently a laundry room). There is a partial basement, 19' x 22' garage and a new driveway in 2020. All appliances will be included.

The home has vinyl siding, asphalt shingle roof, gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Lot size is 76.75 x 159.37 x 142.65 x 153.73 (.4 acres). The backyard opens up to 7 acres of open meadow owned by the city.

Tax ID # is #16-17-452-020, 2023 taxes paid in 2024 were $3,685.38.

Asking price - $220,000. This property is being sold as is.

OPEN HOUSE will be held Thursday, September 5th from 4 pm - 6 pm and Sunday, September 8th from 1 pm to 3 pm

Offers may be presented at that time.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

✅PLACES TO GO THIS WEEKEND

👚Finders Keepers Resale Store is hosting a special Saturday sale today from 10 AM to 2 PM, where all regular-priced clothing is just 50 cents (white tags excluded). Don't miss this one-day-only opportunity to grab great deals!

🐴The Speed Show returns to the Bureau County Fairgrounds this morning! Bring your barrel horses and join the fun with events starting at 10 AM.

🥧Myrtle's Pies is open today from 10 AM to 2 PM, with special order options available today and Sunday. On Sunday, stop by between 9 AM and 10 AM for special orders and enjoy discounted pies starting at 9 AM. Choose from a wide selection of delicious flavors like cherry rhubarb, gluten-free apple, strawberry mango, and more. Be sure to visit early as these tasty treats go fast!

🎸Catch The Killer Riffs live today at 3 PM at the Hawg House Saloon! Don't miss their exciting return for an afternoon of great music and energy.

💥A Demolition Derby is happening today at 4 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

🎱Join the excitement this Sunday at 1:30 PM for the Figure 8 Demolition Derby at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. The event features races with guaranteed payouts and trophies up to fifth place; pits open at 10 AM.

👨‍⚖️WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING: JURY DUTY SELECTION

The Bureau County Jury Duty selection process involves randomly choosing jurors through a computer system. This selection is based on voter registration records and data from various Illinois state departments, including the Secretary of State, Identification Cards, Disabled Person Identification Cards, and the Department of Employment Security. When selected, potential jurors receive a Jury Summons, a Questionnaire, and an informational letter via US Mail. The questionnaire may seem intrusive but is designed to ensure a fair and impartial jury. Completing it in advance saves valuable time during the selection process.

Jury service is generally for one day or one case; however, some jurors may serve for multiple days if required. Jurors are compensated $15 for the first day and $25 for each subsequent day, along with mileage reimbursement from their residence to the courthouse. There are specific guidelines for jurors regarding courthouse rules, such as the cell phone ban, where jurors must show their summons letter to bring their phone to the courthouse but are not allowed to use it during deliberations. Excusals from jury duty are strictly regulated, and employment or other activities are not valid reasons for exemption.

For those no longer residing in Bureau County or those with medical conditions that prevent them from serving, a questionnaire must be returned with appropriate information and, if applicable, a physician's note. The County Board’s Jury Committee reviews all excusal requests. Jurors must contact the Circuit Clerk's office the night before their service date to confirm their attendance.

Bureau County Circuit Clerk Website

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: The day will be mostly sunny with just a few passing clouds. Expect a high of 89°F with winds coming from the south at 5 to 10 mph. During the evening, conditions will start as partly cloudy before transitioning to cloudy skies overnight, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 70°F and winds remaining light and variable.

🌥️Sunday: The morning will begin with mostly cloudy skies that will gradually clear to partly cloudy conditions by the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible, with a high reaching 86°F and winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, some early clouds will give way to generally clear skies overnight, with a low near 70°F and winds shifting to the southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Monday: Anticipate mostly sunny skies throughout the day, with just a few clouds appearing occasionally. The high will soar to 93°F, and winds will come from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will bring mostly clear skies and a low temperature of 74°F, with light and variable winds.

🤧The allergy forecast for Princeton shows high pollen levels from Saturday through Tuesday.

Today: Allergy index is high at 10.8, indicating elevated allergen levels.

Sunday: Slight decrease to a medium-high level with an index of 9.

Monday and Tuesday: Allergen levels increase again, with Monday at 10.9 and a peak on Tuesday at 11.3, both considered high.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.57
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
Casey’s West/North: $3.65
Beck’s West/North: $3.66
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.55
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.68

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week.

Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Improve your home's water quality with Kinetico's whole-home water treatment, ensuring cleaner water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Learn more about their solutions by visiting their Solution Center.

• Play It Forward Counseling has made it easier to find them on North Main Street in Princeton with a new flag proudly displayed. Look for it as you drive by!

• Rachel Rene's best-selling, aluminum-free Bourbon Vanilla deodorant is a must-try with its natural baked-goods vanilla scent, accented by spicy rum and warm buttery notes. Visit their shop from 10 AM to 5 PM or order online.

• Beatles fans, don't miss the beautiful mono vinyl box set available now at Blue Jay Way Records! This used set is in incredible condition—check it out today!

• The Princeton Closet is brimming with furniture, jewelry, and fall decor this week. Swing by to grab remaining summer clothing and get ready for the warmer items hitting the shelves next week!

• Discover new coffee flavors at Corner Chair Market, featuring a mix of favorites and fresh fall varieties. Come in to try these seasonal blends and find your new favorite cup!

• Personalize your gifts with CUBBIES from BAD Makings LLC—adorable stuffed animals that can be customized with names, dates, or messages. Perfect for any occasion, these plush toys make unique, memorable keepsakes.

• Add some spooky flair to your home with new Halloween decor from Eclectic Joy. Check out their unique pieces to bring a touch of eerie elegance to your space this season.

• Fall and Halloween decorations are now available at Meadows On Main! Stop by to get your seasonal decor and bring festive vibes into your home.

• Celebrate the season with fall florals and a charming new sign from Once Upon A Craft. Find the perfect autumn decor to warm up your space and embrace the cozy season.

  Enjoy a stress-free shopping experience at The Studio Boutique, open today from 9 AM to 7 PM. Find unique fashion pieces in a relaxing atmosphere, with online shopping available 24/7.

• Beat the heat with an iced coffee from Cafe Grace! Try the iced Mocha for a refreshing and flavorful treat.

• Indulge in the fall favorite at Scooter's Coffee with the Pumpkin Caramelicious®. It's the perfect blend of autumn flavors in a delicious, cozy cup.

• DaniCare offers pet check-in services for those going out of town or working late. The service includes fresh food and water, potty breaks or litter changes, playtime, and photo updates. Local rates are $15 for a 20-minute check-in and $35 for a 60-minute visit, with additional charges for distances over 15 miles from Tiskilwa. For more information, contact Danica Saletzki at (815) 915-1423 or via email at [email protected].

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

• This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch home, located at 1816 S Main St is priced at $199,900 after a recent $20,000 price drop.

• Check out this video that Coach Pearson reposted on his X account. This will get you pumped for the season ahead.

• Starved Rock Media: Former Bureau County Jail Up For Sale

• For custom apparel and embroidery services, you can find Faye Conner at the Made by Nana Faye Facebook page, or call 251-504-7049.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

👩‍⚕️In Home Care Connection Hospice Services is actively seeking compassionate individuals dedicated to hospice care for the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant. This part-time position offers a pay rate of $19.00 per hour, with benefits including a flexible schedule and travel reimbursement. Applicants must have been in their previous job for at least one year to qualify for a matching 401(k) program. The required qualifications include a CNA certification and a driver's license, and candidates must possess reliable transportation. Interested parties are encouraged to apply if they are looking for a meaningful and rewarding opportunity in hospice care.

💊There are two job openings available at the Princeton Pharmacy at 610 N. Main.

• The first position is for a full-time Pharmacy Technician, responsible for assisting in filling prescriptions. This role requires good computer skills and attention to detail, with previous experience preferred but not necessary. The job schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday shifts.

• The second position is for a part-time Pharmacy Clerk, responsible for various duties in a busy pharmacy, including managing the register, cleaning, and making deliveries. This role requires approximately 12-15 hours of work per week, with shifts mainly in the afternoons and on Saturdays. Applicants for this position must be at least 16 years old.

Contact Princeton Pharmacy for more information: 815-875-1237

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Actor Dennis Quaid visited Dixon

• Hundreds saw a meteor explode over Illinois and many captured videos of the event that briefly turned night into day over the Land of Lincoln.

• Peru PADS: “This summer we lost the food in our main freezers. We've been on a mission to restock, but with clientele numbers rising, it's been a struggle. We utilize items daily to make lunch and fill in diners as needed. Please keep us in mind when cleaning out your pantries and freezers. We will gladly take all items as long as they are not expired. God Bless.” Peru PADS is a 66-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.

• Bradford Labor Day Celebration invites everyone to "Reunite in Bradford" for a fun-filled weekend from Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2. The festivities include free outdoor double feature movies, family fun day activities, live music, a car show, a parade, and fireworks at the Bradford Ball Park. Food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages will be available throughout the event, promising a memorable weekend for the community.

• There will be a town-wide garage sale in Sheffield on September 20th-21st.

• The Buda Craft + Vendor Market is set for Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Buda School, 220 Stewart Street. This event offers a variety of craft and vendor booths, with 10’ x 10’ spaces available for $10 each. Enjoy lunch from the Buda Fire Lunch Stand and a special performance by the Hocus Pocus Hags at 1:00 PM.

• Kids Klub, a non-denominational Christian children's ministry with over 70 years of experience, is starting a new year in September. An informational meeting will be held on August 20th at 5:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Bureau, with a light dinner served at 6:00 P.M. For more details, contact the Kids Klub House in Malden at 815-643-2307; Jeremy Listenby is the director.

👖PRINCETON GARAGE SALES

• Don't miss the garage sale today at 630 Aleta St, starting at 8 AM. Explore a selection of adult name-brand and boutique clothing in sizes ranging from small to extra-large, along with a variety of kids' toys and clothing.

• A garage sale is happening at 325 N Vernon St next weekend on Friday, August 30th, and Saturday, August 31st, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This sale features a variety of items, with a focus on home goods, perfect for those looking to spruce up their space or find unique treasures. Please note that there will be no baby items available at this sale. Mark your calendars for a chance to explore a range of home essentials and more!

🎨DEDICATION AT THE PRAIRIE ART CENTER TO HONOR TRUE WAHLGREN

The Prairie Arts Council is pleased to announce the dedication of the Prairie Arts Center’s recently installed flagpole, made possible through a memorial gift honoring longtime Princeton resident, True Wahlgren. As a former member of the Prairie Arts Council, True Wahlgren was a patroness of the arts in Princeton for many years. Her memorial gift will also provide yearly scholarships for students participating in drama and art camps sponsored by Prairie Arts Center.

The Prairie Arts Council and her family, invite True’s many friends and fellow community members to attend the dedication ceremony being held at the flagpole on Thursday, September 5 at 5:15 PM, followed by a public reception held in the Prairie Arts Center at 24 Park Avenue East in Princeton.

Born in Evanston, IL, True received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Bradley University in 1966. While attending Bradley, she met her college sweetheart and future husband, Leland “Lee” Wahlgren, with whom she celebrated more than 57 years of marriage. She worked as an Adoption Specialist for the Department of Children & Family Services, retiring in 2011 after twenty-six years of service. A member of First United Methodist Church of Princeton, True belonged to the United Methodist Women, as well as to groups such as Friends in Council, Hardangers, and Prairie Arts Council.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, True left behind ten grandchildren to cherish her memory, as well as her husband and four sons: Erick (Staci) Wahlgren of Princeton, Kai (Kristine) Wahlgren of Bolingbrook, Kip (Leasa) Wahlgren stationed in South Korea, and Kristian (Clancy) Wahlgren of San Diego, CA. True was a proud military mother and, all throughout her life, she demonstrated patriotic admiration and enduring love for the American flag.

🎉HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

◾️Thursday, September 5th 

5 PM: Quilts of the Underground Railroad at the Sash-Salter-Matson Building

6 PM: Walk of Fame Dedication: Virgil Fox at the Apollo Theater

6 PM: Down on Main Summer Street Concert featuring World Turning Band: Fleetwood Mac Tribute on South Main Street

◾️Friday, September 6th 

1-4 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

5-9 PM: Concerts at Soldiers and Sailors Park featuring Rodeo Drive from 5-6:30 PM and Dylan Schneider at 7 PM

5-9 PM: VFW Dinner, Sisler’s Ice Cream, and IPVADS Bake Sale at Soldiers and Sailors Park

5-7 PM: LEGO Design Competition Reception at the Prairie Arts Center

6-9 PM: Twilight Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Soldiers and Sailors Park

6:30 PM: Homestead Festival Announcements including Grand Marshal, Jr. Woman's Club Baby Contest, and Window Display Contest Winners at Soldiers and Sailors Park

◾️Saturday, September 7th 

8:30 AM: Underground Railroad 5K Race at the Bureau County Metro Center, registration at 7 AM

8 AM-12 PM: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Alexander Park, registration online until September 5

9 AM-6 PM: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at the Courthouse Lawn

9-11 AM: Homestead Festival Fun Fair at Heartland Bank (South) Parking Lot

9-11 AM: Princeton High School Tours

9 AM-12 PM: Bureau County History Center Garage Sale at the Museum Campus

10 AM-12 PM and 3-5 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

10:30 AM-3 PM: Bureau County 4-H Pork Cookout at Soldiers and Sailors Park

11 AM-3 PM: Bags Tournament at 222 S Main Street, registration at 10:30 AM

12-2:30 PM: Children's Tractor Pull, register on site at 11:45 AM at Soldiers and Sailors Park

1-4 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

3:30 PM: 50/50 Raffle Drawing at the Apollo Theater Marquee

◾️Sunday, September 8th 

6 AM-3:30 PM: 13th Annual Homestead BBQ Rib Cook-Off at the Central Bank Parking Lot

8 AM-12 PM: Moose Lodge Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the Moose Lodge

8 AM-2 PM: Homestead Festival Flea Market at the Bureau County Fairgrounds

8 AM-3 PM: 44th Annual Car Show on South Main Street

10 AM-2:30 PM: Pony Rides & Kids Activities including Magic Shows at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park

10 AM-4 PM: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at the Courthouse Lawn

For more information and updates, visit the official website: homesteadfestival.com.

💪BRAVEHEART CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

Cambridge, IL – August 19, 2024 – Apex Clean Energy and Big Bluestem Wind are pleased to announce the latest recipient of the Big Bluestem Wind Community Grant Program. This program recognizes and supports meaningful efforts that serve Henry County through economic development, environmental sustainability, education, and health and recreation.

Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center will receive a $10,000 grant to advance its mission: strengthening the community’s response to child abuse through prevention, intervention, and advocacy.

”We are incredibly grateful to Apex Clean Energy for their generous donation,” said Jackie Diediker, Executive Director at Braveheart. ”This support will allow us to expand our programs and services, ensuring that every child who comes through our doors receives the care they need to heal and thrive.”

“Apex and Big Bluestem Wind are proud to support the invaluable work of Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center through this grant,” said Ray Hoover, Apex Public Engagement Manager. “Braveheart’s work provides resources that are crucialto fostering a safe, healthy community here in Henry County.”

For more information about Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center and how you can support their mission, please visit http://www.braveheartcac.org or contact [email protected].

The goal of the Big Bluestem Wind Community Grant Program is to fund projects and programs that build healthy communities. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. If you are interested in applying for future rounds of funding, please visit https://www.bigbluestemwind.com/grant.

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📏LETTER FROM LORI

Who hates rules? We don’t enjoy being confined by someone else’s expectations of our behavior. Some of us are natural rule-breakers. We think outside the lines and want to be where the wild things are. We often see people who follow the rules as complacent and conforming, while we consider ourselves to be more fun—like a pack of Pop Rocks in a mouth full of saliva. We dance with the devil, while they stand in line, arms crossed in front of them, tall and silent like bait for Darryl Dixon.

RULES! How boring!

But there are rules for a reason. Without them, it would be complete chaos, and nothing would get done properly. I have to admit, I’m completely bipolar when it comes to this subject. I love lists, order, and having everything in its place. I love a house where things are stored neatly in cabinets, categorized, and easy to find. I can live a busier life when I don’t have to waste time rooting around to find an object. So, because of my order, I’m allowed more chaos.

Some of you know the side of me that’s like a tornado in a trailer park. I dash through life with ADHD-like qualities, unable to focus on anything for more than a short time. A hummingbird on crack? Accurate description. A toddler after a Mountain Dew and a handful of Pixy Stix? YUP! At the store, I often find the remnants of a project I started an hour before, only to leave it unfinished until I accidentally pass by the evidence of my original purpose.

BUT, many of you have been the victims of my wrath when a broom isn’t returned to its proper station, neatly placed exactly as I had it. One of my first warnings to a new employee or volunteer is, “If you want to see my head spin around and me expel pea green soup, don’t put things back.”

Back in my marriage days (long, long ago), my then-husband once asked where a certain item was. Without lifting my head, I told him it was on the top shelf of the office desk, behind the stapler in the top left cubby, and that he would have to move a few pads of paper to see it. He stood there, mouth agape, wondering what sorcery I had used and how I knew exactly where it was. So yes, I do have an orderly side to my brain.

Not to be outdone, my ‘derecho’ brain can fly by the seat of its pants, causing damage and destruction everywhere it goes. This side of my personality will hop in the car at a moment’s notice to take a two-hour trip to Chicago with nothing more motivating me than a desire to ‘get out’ for a while. The only thing that usually keeps this part of my brain in check is finances—an inability to fund the gas or the desires of my impulses.

Because of my split personality, I’m difficult to live with. If you’ve seen the movie ‘Split,’ you’ll understand that Patricia is often the bane of my existence and leaves me with no explanation for my actions.

So, back to rules. Some rules seem stupid and without merit, but as I always emphasized with my children, there are rules for a reason. Someone, somewhere, did something that led to the need for the rule. When you read the warning labels on some items, you wonder how much of a problem it had become before a board meeting was called, plans were set in motion to print the stickers, the production line was fired up, and a new team of employees was hired to adhere them to the products and alter the box contents to keep the simple-minded from blow-drying their hair in the shower or scalding their naughty bits with coffee from the drive-thru. In doing so, we’ve successfully eliminated Darwinism from the equation, creating a population of beef cattle, standing in line at the slaughterhouse, wondering how fun the ride will be.

So, the next time you see a sign (in the words of the genius Bill Engvall), heed the warning if you must, but look for the exit so you can escape—if your intelligence tells you it wasn’t meant for YOU.

Lori owns the Boek-el-ZOO in Princeton. It’s not just a pet shop — it’s an experience!

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].