Putnam County Record_01252023

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LA SALLE

Celebration of Lights raised $139K, saw 21,600 vehicles

Local proprietors say light show made positive impacts on their businesses

By OLIVIA DOAK odoak@shawmedia.com

La Salle’s Celebration of Lights reports a successful season, bringing in 21,600 vehicles through its gates and $139,917 in donations.

While the light show brought in a substantial amount of donations, it’s not enough for the city to see a profit. This year, the city invested $76,412 to make the light show possible.

La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove said the goal of the Celebration of Lights isn’t to make money for the city. Instead, it’s to provide a free activity for families, put La Salle on the map and attract new businesses while supporting existing ones.

Jackie Curran, of Casey’s in La Salle, said business increases noticeably during the Celebration of Lights.

She said she gets families who come in for hot chocolate, a pizza or snacks after they go through the light show.

“It’s very nice to see people get out there and see the lights. It’s a very beautiful thing and I’m glad people appreciate them,” Curran said.

Ryan Anderes, co-owner of Uptown Grill in La Salle, said the restaurant sees groups and families who drive an hour or more to come see the Celebration of Lights.

“Because they come down just to see the lights, they come down and make a trip of it,” Anderes said. “They see what the festival is about, and they come down, have a drink or two or have dinner.”

Grove said the money the city invests in the event is returned in non-tangible ways, such as increased business to local establishments.

“This is our Burgoo, this is our Pistol Shrimp,” Grove said.

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader said the city always wants to create events to boost quality of life for its residents. He said events such as the Celebra -

tion of Lights also offer an incentive for business owners to move their families to La Salle and open their business in town.

“I know it’s easy to look at it and say it’s just a big party, but it’s a good way to market La Salle and show people it’s a good place to live,” Bader said.

Hundreds of volunteers, businesses and visitors locally and out of state make the Celebration of Lights possible. Grove said without the community being passionate and involved in the event, it wouldn’t be as successful as it is.

As of Jan 19, there are six new light displays ordered for the 2023 Celebration of Lights. An additional 44 people have called the city expressing interest in ordering a display for the next year.

“It’s a really pretty cool thing that started off small and is now pretty large,” Anderes said. “It’s neat to see how people drive an hour plus to come see it, and it puts us on their map.”

Putnam County libraries announce February activity schedule

Shaw Local News Network

The Putnam County Library District announced its February activity schedule for all locations.

All locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, for the holiday.

Hennepin, 214 N. Fourth St.

Steam 2 Go craft project will be available for pickup throughout the month. The craft will be Jell-O slime.

Cricut MakerSpace will be Thursday, Feb. 9, and Friday, Feb. 10. This is an all-day event. Call ahead to reserve a spot to create paper heart envelopes.

Hennepin story time will be at 11 a.m. every Tuesday. The event will feature a story and activity.

Homework helper will be available to students at the library during open hours.

Granville, 214 S. McCoy St.

IVCIL: Hard of Hearing event will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. Illinois Valley Council of Independent Living will conduct an outreach program for

seniors and share information and demonstration of adaptive available resources for the hard of hearing.

In February, guests can touch down with a good book and enter their prediction for the Super Bowl. Participants can win pizza from Casey’s.

Valentine’s card activity will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7. Guests can create a unique card for someone special with Beth Dellatori from the U of I Extension Office.

Granville story hour will be at 11 a.m. every Friday and feature a story and activities.

Book discussion group meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of every month. No book is assigned to read. Group directed.

Putnam, 105 N. Center St.

Books and brunch will be the first Saturday of the month. The event will feature food, books and friends.

Magnolia, 112 N. Chicago St.

Story Hour will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Brownie Groundhog and

February Fox, with brownies and hot cocoa.

Let’s play Wii event will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.

University of Illinois Extension Office will host a cookie decorating event at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The biggest and smallest snowman in town will be, weather depending, Saturday, Feb. 25.

Homework helper will be available to students during library hours.

McNabb, 322 W. Main St.

University of Illinois Extension will host a 4-H popsicle picture frame event at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8

Ag in the Classroom cookie decorating will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Puzzle night and cocoa will be available during open hours Wednesday, Feb. 22

Homework helper will be available to students during library hours.

Standard, 128 First St.

No events are scheduled.

PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FEBRUARY LUNCH MENUS

Lunch: BBQ rib on bun, green beans, fruit, frozen fruity slush and milk

Wednesday, Feb. 8

juice and milk

Lunch: Chicken gravy over biscuits, green beans, fruit and milk

Wednesday, Feb.

1

Breakfast: Pig in a blanket or cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, fruit and milk

Thursday,

Feb. 2

Breakfast: Cereal and toast, string cheese, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Pizza rolls, veggie sticks with dip, fruit, sherbet cup and milk

Friday, Feb. 3

Breakfast: French toast with syrup or cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Sub sandwich, green beans, chips, fruit and milk

Monday, Feb. 6

Breakfast: Biscuit and gravy or cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Cheeseburger on bun, pickles, oven fries, fruit, cookie and milk

Tuesday, Feb.

7

Breakfast: Cinnamon roll or cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk

Breakfast: Pop-Tarts or cereal, Go-Gurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Chicken wrap with lettuce, tomato and cheese; fruit, Rice Krispies Treat and milk

Thursday, Feb. 9

Breakfast: Pancakes with syrup or cereal, string cheese, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Chicken patty on bun, baked beans, chips, fruit and milk

Friday, Feb. 10

Breakfast: Muffin or cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: French bread pizza, corn, fruit, pudding and milk

Monday, Feb. 13

Breakfast: Waffle with syrup or cereal, Go-Gurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Chicken quesadilla, corn, fruit, ice cream bar and milk

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast or cereal, string cheese, fruit,

Wednesday, Feb. 15

Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese or cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: BBQ on bun, pickles, green beans, fruit, sherbet and milk

Thursday, Feb. 16

Breakfast: Breakfast pizza or cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Taco in a bag with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa; muffin, fruit and milk

Friday, Feb. 17

Breakfast: Doughnut or yogurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Hot dog on bun, baked beans, chips, fruit and milk

Monday, Feb. 20

No School - Presidents Day

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Breakfast: Sausage and toast or cereal, Go-Gurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Chicken strips, corn, fruit, cottage cheese and milk

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Breakfast: Cereal and toast, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Pizza, green beans, fruit, brownie and milk

Thursday, Feb. 23

Breakfast: Breakfast wrap of cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Pasta with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, fruit and milk

Friday, Feb. 24

Breakfast: Funnel cake or cereal, string cheese, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Toasted ravioli with marinara sauce, vegetable medley, fruit, ice cream cup and milk

Monday, Feb. 27

Breakfast: Pop-Tarts or cereal, string cheese, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: Corn dog, baked beans, corn chips, fruit and milk

Tuesday, Feb. 28

Breakfast: Breakfast sandwich or cereal, fruit, juice and milk

Lunch: French toast with syrup, sausage, hash browns, applesauce and milk

Princeton Closet donated $215K through its annual Lend a Hand program

By JAYCE EUSTICE jeustice@shawmedia.com

Representatives from 36 Bureau County organizations gathered Jan. 17 morning at the Princeton Closet as it distributed $215,000 in funds from its Lend a Hand program.

The program has been ongoing for many years from the Princeton Closet as Board President Jo Anne Kloepping said that it’s something the group is grateful to be able to provide to local organizations.

“This is our community of donations, that’s what all of this is,” Kloepping said. “It’s just amazing what we take in from furniture to tea cups, it’s just heartfelt. When we as a board get together at the end of December and we know what we have to give out, we go through the list that has come in, you just feel it from your heart. It’s amazing what the community has to offer.”

The program disburses funds raised by the sale of donated goods to various organizations yearly. To qualify, the organizations must be a 501(c)(3) and operate within Bureau County.

Kloepping not only thanked those that had a hand in providing donations to the organization, but also fellow board members such as Vice President Dianne Vandrew, Secretary Maureen Droessler, Treasurer Wanda Nelson and Store Manager Jennifer Conwell.

“It gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling, you just feel good,” Kloepping said. “There are some organizations that we pay their building’s rent, so

they can continue.”

Over the years, the closet has seen a variety of organizations from those who participate in the program yearly and those that have only used

its services once.

While the Princeton Closet looks to distribute as many funds as it can to local organizations, Kloepping said that it still is able to save funds for itself to be used on necessary building and operating cost upgrades as they are needed.

“We also have to feed ourselves,” Kloepping said. “We know that there will be some things that we put any money for every year. We know down the road that something big is going to be happening and we want to be ready for that.”

Over the past year, the Princeton Closet has completed its new donation center in the rear of its location

at 2026 N. Main St. This construction was paid for through many years of saving and was seen as a much needed upgrade.

Moving forward, the closet will be saving toward the goal of a new building facade and the necessity of a new roof to maintain the building further.

This year’s Lend a Hand Program recipients included Barker Farm Outreach Inc., Bureau County Food Pantry, Second Story Teen Center, Western Bureau County Food Pantry, Our Table, Bureau Valley Buddy Bags, United Methodist Church of Wyanet Food Pantry, Cornerstone Community Wellness, Princeton Ministerial Association, Making it Programs at the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Royal Family Kids, Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, Freedom House, Another Child Foundation, Bureau County Christmas for Kids, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Princeton Club 5, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Happy Hands Preschool, U of I Extension Service, Learning Stage of Princeton Theatre Group, Arukah Institute of Healing, Gateway Services, Bureau County Senior Citizens Association, Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, Tabitha’s Hands, A Night to Remember, Princeton Christian Academy, North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, Princeton Community Band, American Legion. Flags of Freedom, Prairie Arts Council, Shakespeare in the Park by Princeton Theatre Group, Princeton Buddy Bags and Quilts of Valor.

CD Special 3.50% *APR

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Offer good for initial term only. CD is automatically renewed as a 24 month CD. Rates are Subject to Change. Interest Compounded Quarterly, Substantial Penalty for Early Withdrawal. Withdrawal penalties will be calculated only of the amount withdrawn. Offer accurate and effective as of December 22, 2022. Minimum Balance to open an account and obtain the disclosed APY of 3.55% is $1,000.00. Product offering subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Withdrawal may reduce earnings and may be subject to early withdrawal penalty. Member FDIC.

Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

The Princeton Closet donated $215,000 on Jan. 17 to 36 organizations in Bureau County.

BELOW: Jo Anne Kloepping, board president, hands out checks to 36 organizations in Bureau County on Jan. 17.

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announces $500 scholarship

Putnam County Sheriff Joshua Boedigheimer will be awarding a scholarship in the amount of $500 to a student wishing to pursue higher education during the 2023-24 academic year.

This scholarship is brought to Putnam County through the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, which will be awarding more than $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois.

The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only and the students must be enrolled full time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois. Online learning is acceptable.

There will be no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin.

Applicants must be a permanent Illinois resident, must attend a college of university within Illinois and be enrolled full time.

Applications are now available at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, 120 N. Fourth St., Hennepin, or online at www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2.

Students must complete the application, answer the essay questions and return all documentation to the sheriff’s office by March 15.

For information, contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office or the Putnam County High School advising office.

Chief Senachwine DAR will meet Feb. 4 in Henry

The Chief Senachwine DAR Chapter will host its February meeting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Henry Public Library, 702 Front St.

Members are invited to wear red for Women’s Heart Health Month. The program, U.S. Citizenship: The Naturalization Process, will be presented by Sandra Woest, teacher of citizenship classes at Illinois Valley Community College.

Putnam County Methodist churches to host blood drive

Putnam County Methodist churches will host the next Red Cross Community Blood Drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Goldasich Halle in the McNabb Fire Department on Route 89.

The blood drive will be an opportunity for repeat and firsttime donors to donate blood.

For appointments, call 1-800733-2767. Donors also may sign up and register online using RapidPass at redcrossblood.org.

IVCC to host ag job and internship fair Jan. 26

More than a dozen agribusiness employers are expected to participate in Illinois Valley Community College’s Agriculture Job and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Ralph Scriba Conference Center, CTC124-125.

IVCC students begin the fair at 9 a.m. before it opens to the public at 10 a.m. Participants will learn about immediate employment and internship opportunities.

Non-ag students seeking careers in natural science, research, engineering, finance, business, trucking, welding, conservation and more are welcome.

“Modern agriculture offers numerous non-farm careers,” said IVCC Dean of Natural Sciences and Business Ron Groleau.

For information, contact IVCC ag co-coordinators Willard Mott at willard_mott@ivcc.edu or 815-2240413 or Jennifer Timmers at jennifer_timmers@ivcc.edu or 815-2240495.

Ag-related businesses are still welcome to participate by contact -

ing Lisa Witalka at Lisa_Witalka@ ivcc.edu or 815-224-0502.

La Salle man arrested on domestic battery charge

A 26-year-old La Salle man was arrested Wednesday on an aggravated domestic battery charge after an investigation into a Jan. 6 incident in rural Peru, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said.

Aaron W. Kirby was additionally charged with violation of bail bond when he was taken into custody, as he violated his conditions of bail from prior domestic battery charges in La Salle County, the sheriff’s office said.

Kirby was taken to the La Salle County Jail, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond with 10% to apply on the warrant and no bail for the violation of bail bond.

ADAM AND IDA DECK COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP HENNEPIN VOCATIONAL GRANT KENNEY GRANT

The Village of Hennepin would like to remind Putnam County graduating Seniors that the deadline is fast approaching to apply for the Adam and Ida Deck College Scholarship. The scholarships will be subsidized through proceeds realized from the Adam and Ida Deck Scholarship Fund. First-place recipient will receive four consecutive yearly payments of $1200, and the Second-place recipient will receive $1000 per year. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic ability. The Hennepin Vocational Grant provides for a grant of $1200 for first place, $1000 for second place and $800 for third place. This Grant is also subsidized through the Adam and Ida Deck Scholarship Fund. These grants are for one year only.

Applicants for the above awards must live in Hennepin Township. Deadline for application submission is February 15th.

In addition, Kenney grants are also available with a one-time award of $500. This Grant is subsidized through proceeds realized from the Harold and Julia Kenney Education Fund. No limit of recipients. Applications must be received no later than 90 days after the student begins their first year of study beyond High School. For the Kenney grant, applicants must reside in the Village of Hennepin.

For guidelines and applications, visit our website at www.villageofhennepin.com.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Aaron W. Kirby, 26, of La Salle

Trumpeter swans visit the Illinois Valley

By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com

Trumpeter swans visited Waltham Township near Utica on Wednesday.

According to Lisa Sons, Illinois Department of Natural Resources coordinator at Starved Rock State Park, the birds are seen around the Starved Rock area in the winter months.

“In recent years, several breeding sites have been recorded in Illinois, but they compete with the mute swans, so there aren’t many that exist. They typically breed in Minnesota and up through Canada to Alaska,” Sons said.

According to the Audubon.org website, the birds like lakes, ponds, large rivers and bays during the winter. They are mostly a plant-eating animal. Their diet consists of mainly stems, leaves and roots of aquatic plants. They also are known to eat grass and waste crops in farm fields during winter.

“It’s most likely the birds are migrating through, but we do see more of them in the Starved Rock area and the Dixon Waterfowl area near Hennepin than I have seen in the past,” said Leeann Johnson, natural science laboratory instructor at Illinois Valley Community College.

“The natural nesting areas for the species is farther north in Minnesota and into Canada, but I would guess that the warmer than normal weather we have been experiencing may have caused some confusion for the birds.”

IVCC water and wastewater classes to begin Jan. 31

Illinois Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center is offering four water and wastewater classes this spring to help individuals prepare for specific exams or to meet required renewable training hours.

Classes offered live, via Zoom include:

Beginning Drinking Water Class C and D starting Feb. 6; Advanced Drinking Water Class A and B starting Jan. 31; Beginning Wastewater Class 3 and 4 starting Feb. 7; and Advanced Wastewater Class 1 and 2 starting Feb. 9.

Participants must meet specific experience, education, and examination requirements to qualify for certification. Upon completion of the course, participants schedule their own exam.

To register, go to www.ivcc.edu/ waterclasses. For information, contact Business Training Specialist Jennifer Sowers at jennifer_sowers@ ivcc.edu or 815-224-0280.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

Trumpeter swans visited Waltham Township near Utica on Wednesday, Jan. 18. According to Lisa Sons, Illinois Department of Natural Resources coordinator at Starved Rock State Park, the birds are seen around the Starved Rock area in the winter months.

gun ban for plaintiffs in downstate case

Shaw Local News Network

A downstate judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of Illinois’ new ban on high-powered semi-automatic weapons for a group of plaintiffs who filed suit earlier this week in Effingham County.

Effingham County Circuit Judge Joshua Morrison ruled late Friday, granting a restraining order that prohibits authorities from enforcing the law against any of the nearly 870 named plaintiffs. The lead plaintiff in the case was Accuracy Firearms, located in Effingham, which was represented by Thomas DeVore, the unsuccessful Republican nominee for Illinois attorney general last year.

“The Defendants suggested that the goal of the legislation was to reduce firearms deaths and mass shooting casualties; however, they offered no evidence that the individuals in their newly created class based on training and experience were any more or less likely to commit these crimes, nor did they provide evidence that the individuals excluded from this class were more likely to commit crimes,” Morrison wrote in his opinion.

Illinois lawmakers passed a law earlier this month making it the ninth state in the country to ban the sale of high-powered semi-automatic weapons. The law also prohibited the purchase, sale and manufacture of such guns, including .50 caliber rifles and ammunition and large-capacity magazines – no more than 10 bullets per clip for a long gun and no more than 15 for a handgun.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker swiftly signed the measure into law, which took effect immediately upon his signature.

Gun owners who currently possess such guns would be allowed to keep them, but would have to register them with the state by 2024.

The ban was prompted in large part by the July 4 mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured or traumatized.

Shortly after its passage, county sheriffs across the state – more than 90 out of 120 – announced they did not intend to enforce the law against gun owners, solely because of the ban and its registration requirements. The new law also began fielding lawsuits from opponents seeking to block it both in federal and state court.

The Effingham County lawsuit named as defendants Pritzker, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and Illi-

nois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

DeVore had argued that the law is unconstitutional because it exempts people in certain positions, such as prison guards or other law enforcement officers.

“It violates the equal protection clause because it carves out a whole section of people,” DeVore said. “They are free to do what they will based on their employment.”

In his ruling, Morrison seemed to agree.

“The Court cannot find it logical that a warden of a prison [included in the exempted persons category] is necessarily better trained or more experienced in the handling of weapons than retired military personnel [not included in the exempted persons category]. It also does not follow that a member of the National Guard would be less well trained or experienced in handling a firearm when they are not on active duty compared to when they are. Further, other rational and logical exemptions have been included, such as a person in a wheelchair who cannot use a shotgun due to recoil concerns, thus discriminating against a protected class.”

Raoul’s lawyers argued against the restraining order in part because the merits of the coming lawsuit likely would fail in court.

“The act’s exceptions for professionals with specialized firearms training and experience, such as law enforcement and members of the military, easily survive rational basis scrutiny,” the state’s response says.

Pritzker issued a statement after

Morrison’s ruling, saying it was not surprising.

“Although disappointing, it is the ini-

tial result we’ve seen in many cases brought by plaintiffs whose goal is to advance ideology over public safety. We are well aware that this is only the first step in defending this important legislation,” Pritzker said in the statement. “I remain confident that the courts will uphold the constitutionality of Illinois’ law, which aligns with the eight other states with similar laws and was written in collaboration with lawmakers, advocates and legal experts.

Illinoisans have a right to feel safe in their front yards, at school, while eating at bars and restaurants or celebrating with their family and friends. The Protect Illinois Communities Act takes weapons of war and mass destruction off the street while allowing law-abiding gun owners to retain their collections. I look forward to the next steps in this case and receiving the decision this case merits.”

Morrison’s temporary restraining order applied to all plaintiffs in the case. The judge set a hearing for a preliminary injunction in the case for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 1.

Gregory Shaver – gshaver@shawmedia.com

Jeff Norris of Caledonia looks at handguns for sale Wednesday at Marengo Guns.

Become a better gardener through U of I Extension online courses starting Jan. 31

Become a better gardener and find success nurturing plants indoors and outdoors. Learn best practices for home gardening from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators in the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series that begins Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Online sessions are from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and are free to attend. Registration is required. Extension horticulture educators Ryan Pankau, Andrew Holsinger and Nancy Kreith will lead this series. Learn more about

the series and register for individual events at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons.

Pruning Shade Trees, Tuesday, Jan. 31: Proper pruning ensures that long-lived woody plants remain healthy and structurally safe. Unravel the mystery of pruning shade trees and uncover basic pruning cuts, young tree pruning, and how to care for and prune mature trees.

Success with Indoor Plants, Tuesday, Feb. 28: Learn how to create a healthy houseplant environment by selecting the right plants for your indoor space. The session

covers cultural requirements, maintenance practices, and key ornamental aspects in growing interior plants.

Basics of Home Composting, Tuesday, March 7: Discover the fascinating ins and outs of the decomposition process and learn how to turn waste into valuable organic matter by starting a compost pile at home.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, email Andrew Holsinger at aholsing@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.

Become a better gardener and find success nurturing plants indoors and outdoors. Learn best practices for home gardening from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators in the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series that begins Tuesday, Jan. 31.

January 1-March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different MA Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time.

Do you have questions? Call the PCCC to speak with a certified Medicare counselor.

Are you the primary caregiver for a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder?

The PCCC has funding available for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or a related disorder and/or their primary caregivers. Funds are to be used for services & supports, goods/supplies and/or home modifications that enhance their ability to remain in their homes.

For more information on the process & eligibility, please call the PCCC. The PCCC is an aging & disability resource center & partially funded by the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging.

Benefit Access (formerly Circuit Breaker) is offering an even bigger discount on license plate sticker renewals in 2023!

If you are 65+ or disabled and are within the income limits of $33,562 per year – 1 person household $44,533 per year – 2 person household

Benefit Access will provide a $141 discount (up from $127) on your vehicle's license plate sticker renewal. Limit 1 vehicle per household

Your cost will be $10!

Call the PCCC for more information or to make an appointment to apply.

PCCC is partially funded by the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging.

Photo provided by U of I Extension

Grant Street Grocery owner in Streator retires

EYES ON ENTERPRISE

After 29 years of serving Streator with hot fresh bread, homemade treats and daily specials, Grant Street Grocery’s owner Cinda Bond retired recently, closing her restaurant/neighborhood market at 402 W. Grant St.

The restaurant/market featured a deli counter where customers ordered sandwiches and other items, including the restaurant’s stuffed bread every Thursday, which would draw a snaking line around the business.

The shop also maintained its history of a neighborhood grocery store, keeping the Marx Grocery Store sign in tact. It sold some grocery items throughout its history, but also had dining tables where customers could eat.

Grant Street Grocery was named Streator Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s May 2021 business of the month.

Bond has been a community booster of Streator, organizing the Streator 4th of July celebrations in City Park, co-organizing Jammin’ at the Clock with Good Morning, Good Day owner Toni Pettit and participating in Streator Public Library Friends of the Library fundraisers, among many other activities. Bond also has a kind heart. Each winter, her business places homemade scarves around its railing for anyone to take and use to keep warm for the winter. Grant Street Grocery also features a little free library with books for the community to exchange.

Home center moves to north side of Ottawa

5 Star Floor and More Ottawa recently opened on Ottawa’s north side at 4103 Holiday Lane.

The store, formerly known as Floor

to Ceiling, closed its location at 1230 Columbus St. after suffering tornado damage in 2020.

The store offers the same products and services, including flooring, window replacement and treatment, cabinets, counter tops, sinks, showers and installation.

Dave Bradley, an owner for 27 years, said his business partner Gary Couch retired and the business has a new partner, Hernando Amado. The business opened in Ottawa in 1978 as Plywood Minnesota and then was Flooring to Ceiling. Bradley said it’s a new name but the same faces with almost 100 years combined experience.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and phone number is 815434-3165.

Mendota restaurant to close

TacoMadre, 604 6th St., Mendota,

announced plans to close at the end of the month.

“We are immensely grateful for the last two years of serving you,” read a post on the business’ Facebook page.

“It’s been a pleasure serving so many wonderful people, and we hope you will come see us one last time before we close our doors.”

The last day of business is Saturday, Jan. 28.

TacoMadre also has locations in Montgomery, Naperville, North Aurora, St. Charles and Brooklyn, N.Y.

Ottawa restaurant closes for winter

Captain’s Cove Bar and Grill, 1130 N. 27th Road, Ottawa, closed for the season.

The waterfront restaurant will reopen in March.

•TheTimes/NewsTribuneNews EditorDerekBarichellocontributed tothisreport.

•TheTimes/NewsTribune/ BureauCountyRepublicaniscommittedtokeepingreadersuptodatewith businesshappeningsinthearea. Muchofourreportingreliesonwhat weseeandhear,butwe’realsoreachingouttoreadersfortipsonbusiness items.Ifyouhaveatiptosharefor EyesonEnterprise,emailnewsroom@mywebtimes.com.

Spend The Winter With Us...

Derek Barichello – dbarichello@shawmedia.com

After 29 years of serving Streator with hot fresh bread, homemade treats and daily specials, Grant Street Grocery’s owner Cinda Bond retired recently, closing her restaurant/neighborhood market at 402 W. Grant St.

Stephanie Jaquins

Putnam County holds off Seneca to take title

By CHARLIE ELLERBROCK cellerbrock@shawmedia.com

VARNA – Just before Thursday night’s Tri-County Conference championship game, Putnam County coach Jared Sale and Seneca coach Brian Holman told their teams that if their two clubs faced each other 10 times, each would likely win five and all of them by single digits.

They added that the difference in their first three meetings this season was the winning team “just made a few more shots” than the other.

This fourth and most recent clash was no different.

After the Irish twice rallied from eight points down in the second and 10 in the third, the Panthers finally held them at bay from the free-throw line.

A pair of free throws by in the fourth quarter by Ava Hatton, Gracie Ciucci and Mikenna Boyd, the latter with 19.6 seconds to play, earned PC

a wild 37-34 victory and its first conference tournament title since 2018.

Ciucci ended up with 11 points, while Gabby Doyle chipped in nine on three 3-pointers, Hatton added seven and Maggie Richetta six for Putnam County, which sank only 7 of 21 free throws on the night but made the ones that counted down the stretch to win its sixth game in a row and ninth in its past 11 games.

For the No. 1-seeded Irish (17-8), Alyssa Zellers netted 10 points, Ella Sterling nine, Cassia Buchanan seven and Kennedy Hartwig six points and seven rebounds.

“We talked right before Christmas about team leadership, and our seniors stepped up. That’s what’s flipped the switch,” Sale said. “We’re playing our best basketball of the year right now, and I’m really happy with the effort.

“We talked about winning 50-50 balls and making more shots, and

tonight we were able to do that … Over the last four to five weeks, we’ve been tough.”

Seneca, which won the first two meetings 36-27 and 42-39, then fell to the Panthers 29-25 in the third, struggled out of the gate, making just one of its first 11 shots from the field, hitting two, then starting the second quarter 0 for 5. PC wasn’t much better, going 3 for 10 in that quarter, Still, it managed to use a couple of Richetta buckets to take an 18-10 lead.

Seven straight points – on a Doyle 3 and baskets by Hatton and Richetta – widened the gap to 30-20 halfway through the third quarter.

But Seneca didn’t give up as two free throws by Buchanan, one by Hartwig, a Zellers 3-pointer and a Buchanan 3 created a 9-1 run that pulled the Irish within 34-32.

In the final 3:12 of the game, however, Seneca managed only one

score, a drive in the lane by Zellers with 8.3 seconds left. By then, the Panthers had made just enough free throws to hang on for the crown.

“That’s kind of been us. We just lack that edge and grit to get us going,” Holman said of his team’s slow offensive start. “We ran three plays in that first quarter absolutely perfectly, but just didn’t get the shot down … We have to get those shots in the basket to give us momentum, and tonight it cost us late.

“We must have to get tougher. When you get to big games, you have to have an edge. We have to find it in these last two weeks (of the regular season) or we’re going to be in trouble. … You saw it from us at the end, coming back from 10 down. We’re fine, playing hard and doing the right things down the stretch, but when you dig yourself that big a hole, sometimes you just run out of time and tonight, we ran out of time.”

Charlie Ellerbrock – cellebrock@shawmedia.com

The Putnam County girls basketball team held on to defeat Seneca 37-34 in Thursday’s championship game of the Tri-County Conference Tournament.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Putnam County, Seneca pull out close wins in Tri-County semis

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

VARNA – Both semifinals in the Tri-County Conference Girls Basketball Tournament went down to the wire Tuesday, Jan. 17.

No. 1-seeded Seneca rallied from a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter to beat No. 4 Marquette 43-39, while No. 3 Putnam County edged No. 2 Roanoke-Benson 43-38.

The Fighting Irish (15-7) and Panthers (17-7) advanced to meet in the title game.

Putnam County 43, Roanoke-Benson 38: PC coach Jared Sale said his players “get sick of” how often the team works on free throws.

But it paid off Tuesday as the Panthers scored 11 of their 13 points in the fourth quarter from the line.

“We spend a lot of time at the foul line in practice just for situations like this,” Sale said.

Putnam County led by as many as six points in the third quarter, but the Rockets scored the final seven of the period to take a 31-30 to the fourth.

PC went back ahead on a bucket by Maggie Spratt with 5:37 left before hitting 11 of 13 from the line and holding R-B scoreless the final 2:51.

“It was a gutty performance,” PC junior Ava Hatton said. “We stuck through it. We fought as a team and we got the job done. That’s just what needs to happen.”

Between the third and fourth quarters, Sale said Hatton came to the huddle and said, “This is working,” and the Panthers made an offensive change.

“We got a couple flex cut looks off it, got to the foul line and got a couple of runouts, so that was nice,” Sale said.

Hatton made 7 of 8 free throws in the fourth quarter and 12 of 14 in the game en route to a game-high 20 points.

“We took charge,” Hatton said about the fourth quarter. “We said we need to win. We haven’t played in a championship game yet this season, and I’m like, ‘This is the time.’”

The game was back and forth all night with R-B taking a 17-11 lead after the first quarter. PC built a seven-point lead in the second and led 27-22 at halftime behind four second quarter 3s – two from Hatton and one each from Gracie Ciucci and Gabby Doyle.

Along with her 20 points, Hatton had six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Ciucci and Maggie Richetta scored eight points each. Ciucci also had seven rebounds and two steals.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Putnam County 40, Midland 37: Jackson McDonald scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds Friday to help the Panthers overcome an eight-point halftime deficit to claim a Tri-County Conference victory in Varna.

Austin Mattingly added seven points for PC.

Putnam County 62, Kewanee 53: McDonald scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds Wednesday, Jan. 18, to lead the Panthers to a nonconference victory in Granville.

Andrew Pyszka had 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Panthers, while Mattingly added 12 points.

Photos by Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

Putnam County’s Maggie Richetta shoots a jump shot over Roanoke-Benson’s Brianna Harms during the Tri-County Conference Tournament on Jan. 17 at Midland High School.

Putnam County’s Ava Hatton runs in the lane to get around Roanoke-Benson’s Clare Monge during the Tri-County Conference Tournament.

Putnam County’s Gracie Ciucci shoots a wide-open shot over Roanoke Benson during the Tri-County Conference Tournament.

Full

MECHANIC

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Gensini Excavating Inc is seeking a full ti me O ffi ce Assist ant.

The candi date must have 1- 2 year s experi ence wi th QuickBooks, Mi crosof t Off ice and Excel. Organizati on and strong attent ion to detail is a must, as well as the ability to work well with ot hers This posi ti on includes answering phones, filing, corr espondence through emai l and additional tasks as needed Co mpetitive salary based on experienc e. Please submit a resume to: Gensini Excavating, Inc. 10602 Hwy 26 Princeton, IL 61356

Email: gensini.excavati ng@gm ail.com

SOME RESP ON SI BI LI TI ES WI LL INC LUDE:

REQUIREMEN TS :

PUBLISHE R'S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subjec t to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any prefer ence, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inte ntion, to make any such preference , limita tion or discrimination .”

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or le gal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of child ren under 18. This newspaper will not know in gly ac cept any advertising for real estat e which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call, HUD toll-free at 800- 669-9777.

The toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275

Good hand- to-

on Employee must frequently li ft and/or move up to 10 pounds and seldom li ft and/or move up to 25 pounds

Join our gr ow ing team and enjoy benefi ts of a larger employer wi th the warmth of a smaller community. Benefi ts include, Medi cal, Dental , Vi sion, Li fe and Disabil it y Insurance, paid holidays, vacat ion and si ck / personal, tuition reimbursement , 401(k) with a Company match and Profit Shar ing.

Please apply online @ https://ww w.coilcraft.com/en-us/jobs/ or mail to: Coilcraft, PO Box 68, Princeton, IL 61356

Equal Opport unit y Employer : Mi noriti es/Women/Di sabil ity/Veteran Pre-employment dr ug screen and background screenin g conducted.

Whatever you need to part with–your car, your truck, your boat, your house–the classifieds can help you do it. Call or go online today to place your ad.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

r

ntyB) precially ing and the has by the ing ndar as 16, 023/ 17, 18, 20, be unty

Board Meeting Room of the Putnam County Courthouse located at 120 N. 4th St., Hennepin, IL at 6:30pm

Respectfully submitted Jennifer L. Spratt Recording Secretary Putnam County Emergency Telephone System Board

(Published in Putnam County Record January 25, 2023) 2048280

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSAL NOTICE

Putnam County CUSD #535 is accepting proposals for audit services Proposal packets can be picked up at the District Office at 400 E. Silverspoon Avenue, Granville, IL 61326 or by contacting Dr Clayton Theisinger at theisingerc@ pcschools535.org. Proposals are due to the District by February 10th, 2023, at 1:00 PM

(Published in Putnam County Record January 25, February 1, 2023) 2048384

PUBLIC NOTICE 2023

NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

To All Owners And Occupiers Of Lands Lying Within The Boundaries Of The Marshall-Putnam County Soil And Water Conservation District:

Notice is hereby given that an Election will be held on the 9th day of February, 2023 at 7am at 1511 University Ct; Henry, IL 2 Directors will be elected to serve the Marshall- Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District of the State of Illinois.

All persons, firms or corporations who hold legal title or are in legal possession of any land lying within the boundaries of the said district are eligible to vote at said election, whether as lessee, renter, tenant or otherwise.

Only such persons, firms or corporations are eligible to vote

Deborah Leigh Chairm an Marshall- Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District DATE: 12th day of January 2023

(Published in the Putnam County Record January 25, 2023) 2048814

999 • Legal 999 • Legal

PUBLIC NOTICE

During the next several months, extensive damage to roads can be caused by normal truck loads. Therefore, weight limits on COUNTY & TOWNSHIP roads are limited as posted and shall be enforced.

COUNTY roads, except those listed below, are limited to 70% of gross vehicle weight limits from February 1, 2023 until May 1, 2023. Fines of up to $1000 may be assessed for violations. Please stay legal and help us minimize the cost of road repairs, by respecting weight limits during this period Permission to haul heavier loads may be authorized by the County Engineer for COUNTY roads or the Road Commissioner For TOWNSHIP roads on a case-by-case basis.

YEAR-AROUND 80,000# TRUCK ROUTES:

Bradford Blacktop McNabb Blacktop

Power Plant Road from Hennepin to 800E 800E to Dynegy

Prairie Industrial Road to Tri-Con.

If you have questions about weight limits or need to haul a heavier load, call the County Engineer, Patrick Sloan, (309) 246-6401.

(Published in Putnam County Record January 25, 2023)2049324

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Mark has adopted Ordinance #2021- 04- 06-01 An Ordinance Am ending Ordinance No 2015- 11-17- 02 Entitled: "An Ordinance Establishing an Enterprise Zone

Within the Village of Mark, Illinois, Said Enterprise Zone Being a Portion of a Larger Enterprise Zone Encompassing Contiguous Portions of the Cities of Princeton and Spring Valley, the Villages of Granville, Hennepin, Ladd, and Mark, and the Counties of Bureau and Putnam, Illinois." Copies of this ordinance are available at www.municode.com/library or by calling the village hall at 815-339- 2454

(Published in Putnam County Record January 25, 2023)2048578

999

PUBLIC NOTICE

EARLY NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROJECT TO BE LOCATED IN A FLOODPLAIN

January 25, 2023

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND PERSONS:

As required by Executive Order 11988, this is an early public notice to prom ote public understanding and provide opportunities for public involvement.

The Village of Granville proposes to use funds allocated through the Comm unity Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the following proposed project: Wastewater Treatm ent Plant Improvements. The proposed project consists of draining down the existing tanks to make necessary repairs to the tank wall and make weir repairs. While the tank is drained, the interior walls of the tanks will be re-coated. The aeration system will be reconfigured, and new diffusers will be installed with new air piping around the circumference of the tanks. Installation of a safety railing around the circumference of the tanks will be installed. Miscellaneous repairs to the clarifier scum arm will also be performed. Narrow walkways along the interior clarifier will be replaced with a wider and safer walkway. The Village is applying for $350,000 from Comm unity Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending funds administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The Village of Granville has determ ined that this proposed project would occur in a 100- year floodplain and the Village of Granville must therefore complete an eight- step review. This public notice is step 2.

Interested citizens are invited to provide comments regarding these issues by prior written statement. Interested persons may also call Shug Grosenbach at (815) 433- 5830 for additional information about this proposed project. The Village of Granville is now evaluating potential alternatives, the potential impact of the proposed project, and potential mitigation to minimize flood hazard impact

Written comments on this proposed project are invited and must be received by Shug Grosenbach at North Central Illinois Council of Governm ents, 613 W. Marquette St., Ottawa, IL 61350 by February 9, 2023 All such comm ents will be taken into consideration by the Village of Granville prior to its decision on the proposed project

Jared Baker, Granville Village President

(Published in Putnam County Record January 25, 2023) 2048716