Putnam County to receive firearm enforcement grants

Shaw Local News Network

The Illinois State Police awarded grants to the Peru and Spring Valley police departments, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, to conduct enforcement operations for individuals whose Firearm Owner Identification Cards have been revoked or suspended as a result of being prohibited by state or federal law.

The grants were awarded to 27 other law enforcement agencies across the state.

Using firearm enforcement grants awarded by the Illinois State Police, law enforcement agencies across the state conducted 1,115 firearm enforcement checks and placed 472 individuals into compliance with the FOID Act in 2022.

The enforcement details focus on

News Brief

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individuals who have become the subject of a firearm restraining order or clear and present danger, or received a criminal conviction, among other reasons.

“Local law enforcement agencies know their communities best and know who poses a threat,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly in a press release. “Grants to local law enforcement agencies galvanizes our ability to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who pose a significant threat to themselves or others.”

Between the time ISP started tracking firearm enforcement details in May 2019, through the end of 2022, ISP conducted 1,455 details and placed 4,296 individuals into compliance by surrendering their FOID cards, transferring all firearms out of their possession, and completing a Firearm Disposing Record.

NCICG helped five communities receive lead service line inventory grant funds, totaling $184,110. The city of Lacon received $30,000, the cities of La Salle and Oglesby received $40,000, city of Peru received $50,000 and the village of Sheffield received $24,110.

Between 2020 and the end of December 2022, ISP stopped more than 103,000 unlawful attempts to obtain a firearm through compliance checks, as well as firearm eligibility checks. Funding for the enforcement grants comes from the State Police Revocation Enforcement Fund and were made possible through Public Act 102-0237. The General Assembly appropriated $2 million for the grants and as money is accrued in the State Police Revocation Enforcement Fund, the amount the 30 law enforcement agencies receive could potentially increase. The grants will help pay for officers to conduct enforcement details now through the end of the grant period June 30. ISP will issue grants in the upcoming 2024 fiscal year.

NCICG also helped three communities receive unsewered community construction grant program funds totaling $14 million. The village of Braceville received $4 million while Lisbon and Rutland each received $5 million.

Obituaries

DAVID H. GUNSUL

Born: December 18, 1941 in Aurora, IL

Died: February 27, 2023 in Peoria, IL

David H. Gunsul of Putnam, IL passed away February 27, 2023, at OSF Hospice.

David was born on December 18, 1941, in Aurora, IL to Helen & Richard Gunsul. He is survived by his loving wife, Cleo and 2 sons, David and Mark.

David always had a zest for life, and it was a joy to share for those who knew him. He loved his lake home, traveling, good laughter and a great meal!

In his memory donations may be made to Putnam Christian Church, Putnam, IL. A memorial service will be held at the church at a later time.

How to submit

Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-6322534. Notices are accepted until 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal. com/putnam-county-record, where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.

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DONALD E. RICK

Born: November 23, 1936 in Dover, Illinois

Died: February 22, 2023 in Peoria, Illinois

Donald E. Rick, 86, of Magnolia passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria. Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville. Proceeded by his Burial which will be at the Magnolia Cemetery with military honors conducted by McNabb – Magnolia American Legion. Don was born on November 23, 1936 in Dover, IL to Clarence and Anna Lucille (Bickett) Rick.

He served in the Army National Guard. Don was a National Guard Veteran and was actively involved with his local American Legion in Magnolia. He was a mechanic, tractor trailer truck driver for Illinois Valley Cartridge and D & D. Don was also an entrepreneur and operated as a general contractor. His passions were gardening, wine making, traveling, cooking and baking, woodworking, watching his grandchildren playing sports and carpentry. He also enjoyed fishing and camping while spending time with his beloved family and making people laugh. Don was able to tell every detail of times past to keep the memories fresh in our minds. He was also known to always try and bring a smile to your face. Don is survived by his fiancé Sally Reaska and family. His sisters, Cheryl (Richard) Barnett and Karen (Larry) Stabler; children, Kelli (Richard Sullivan) Rick, Wendi (Cornelius) Connolly, Mitchell

(Dana) Rick, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Bjerke, Kathrine (Jeff) Goodrick and Elizabeth Rick (spouse Cynthia); grandchildren, Claire and Laine Sullivan, Kathrine and Christopher Connolly, Mitchell II, Kyle and Melissa Rick, Sheena (Dempsey) Rosenquist (spouse Kevin) and Elizabeth Dempsey, Cole Goodrick and Nathalia Davila; great grandson, Elwood Rosenquist and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Patience Turczyn and grandson Ryan Dempsey.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to McNabb - Magnolia American Legion. Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

MARK “VITO” A. BERTULI

Born: December 6, 1950 in Spring Valley, Illinois

Died: February 28, 2023 in Peoria, Illinois

Mark “Vito” A. Bertuli, 72, of Mark passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Service will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Dysart –Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville. Pastor Karen Karczweski will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Burial will be in Granville Cemetery where military honors will be conducted at a later date.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Dysart –Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville. Mark was born on December 6, 1950 in Spring Valley to Leonard and Agnes (Bolin)

Bertuli. He married Cynthia Ehringer in 1976. He graduated from Hopkins High School. Mark served in the United States Army. Mark was a member of the United Church of Christ and V.F.W., he was also a member of Fish-N-Fun, where he enjoyed sitting around a campfire drinking with his friends, taking the golf cart rides, and playing Bocce Ball. He was proud of his Italian heritage. He also enjoyed gardening and crossword puzzles. Mark was an avid Blackhawks Fan. He coached baseball for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and was very proud of his sons and daughter. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Bertuli of Mark; three sons, Brandon Bertuli of Mark, Brian Bertuli of Mark and Adam (Kelsey) Bertuli of Hamel, Illinois; one daughter, Toni (Joe V) Vishnauski of Granville; one brother, Leonard “Butch” (Maribeth) Bertuli of Mark; six grandchildren, Olivia, Kaden, Camden, Milo, Cole and Josephine. He also leaves behind some crotchety old men at a campfire in Fish-N-Fun.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Contributions may be made to donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com