DuPage County woman found dead in Starved Rock canyon

Investigation continues, but no foul play suspected

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

A 20-year-old woman identified only as a resident of DuPage County was found dead Tuesday morning in Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. Foul play is not suspected.

In a statement released at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire said two hikers called 911 around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to say they spotted a woman appearing deceased, whom they observed from the top of the canyon, on the canyon floor.

News Brief

Putnam County Historical Society to host Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis April 16

The Putnam County Historical Society will host Brian “Fox” Ellis at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at its meeting house at 403 Old Hwy 26.

The event will be the annual meeting and program, “Exploring Two Faces of Illinois’ History,” a conversation with territorial governor Ninian Edwards and Pottawatomie Chief Gomo.

Edwards will speak on his role in the War of 1812, the burning of the French and Native American Village of Peoria, the Fort Dearborn Massacre in Chicago, the creation of the state constitution and the Cahokia Council.

Chief Gomo will share his side of the story in the rescue of the French women and children of Peoria and his relationships with the other principal chiefs of the region, including his speech responding to the governor.

Many of the word for the program are taken directly from the speeches of the two

Starved Rock staff, Conservation police, state police and Utica and Oglesby first responders were dispatched to the scene. The woman was located below the west overlook at Wildcat Canyon, Wire said. The La Salle County Coroner’s Office was dispatched and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is pending Wednesday. The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of her family. The investigation continues by the coroner’s office and conservation police, but Wire reiterated foul play is not suspected.

Ottawa River Rescue and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services

• Under his 41 years as coach, boys program won 36 district/sectional titles, including 16 consecutive from 1960-1975; program had nine consecutive top 10 finishes at state

• Girls program won 23 district/ sectional titles in a 26-year span; finished in the top 10 at state twice

• Member of Ottawa HS HOF, IHSA Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame, Illinois State University Athletic Hall of Fame & recipient of Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Lifetime Achievement Award

The Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony will be held on June 8 at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. Scan the QR code for tickets or go to: www.shawmediaevents.com/e/2023-shaw-media-illinois-valley-sports-hall-of-fam

“Exploring leadeers. Ellis will look to bring the controversial story to life.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the free program. The building is handicap accessible and masks will be available for those who want them.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

To be considered for the NewsTribune’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame, an athlete or coach must have lived in the area during his or her accomplishments or have attended an area high school and must be five years removed from high school. The inductees will be announced in a random order. Village

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Marshall-Putnam Counties to host electronics recycling event April 21 Event will take place at the Public Works Building in Toluca

Shaw Local News Network

Marshall-Putnam Counties will be hosting an electronics recycling event from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Public Works Building, 520 W. Railroad St. in Toluca. This free collection event is for residents of Marshall and Putnam counties only. There will be a 10-item limit.

Accepted items include computers, monitors, printers, faxes, copiers, laptops, TV’s, main frames,

Obituaries

JAMES R. “WEASEL” SERRINE

Born: December 16, 1943 in Spring valley, IL

Died: March 31, 2023 in Hennepin, IL

James R. “Weasel”

Serrine 79 of Granville passed away Friday March 31, 2023, in Cabin Livin’ in rural Hennepin.

As per Jim’s request, private family services will be held. The burial will be in the Granville Cemetery.

Jim was born December 16, 1943, in Spring Valley, Il to Ralph and Margaret (Cunningham) Serrine. He married Carol Verda May 7, 1966, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville.

Jim was a graduate of Hopkins High School class of 1961 then entered the United States Army Reserve. He went to work shortly out of High School and opened Serrine’s Texaco Gas Station in Granville. He then went to work for J & L Steel in Hennepin in 1970 as a millwright on the Pickle Line until his retirement in 2006. He was a proud member of the Steel Workers Union Local 7367. peripherals, mice, modems, telephones, answering machines, adding machines, microwave ovens, scanners, DVD, VCRs, stereo equipment, pagers, cellphones, cameras, camcorders, video games, software, CD/ disc books, small handheld electronics, cables, calculators, shredders, scanners, plotters and terminals.

Jim had many hobbies including spending time seeing the countryside on his trike. He enjoyed his fishing trips and turkey hunting with his buddies. He loved to cook and enjoyed carving and making walking sticks and Native American peace pipes.

Jim is survived by one daughter Kari (Kevin) Moore of Granville, three sons Kurt (Korey) Serrine of Hennepin, Ken (Marla) Serrine of Metamora and Keith Serrine of Klamath Falls, Oregon, grandchildren Zach Serrine, Zander Serrine, Katy Bouxsein, Zaphod Serrine, Zhaan Serrine, Ashlyn Serrine, Kylee Moore and Ayden Serrine, two sisters Karen (Ken) Verda of Newark, Kathy (Victor) Beltran of Sandwich, nieces, nephews and many friends he made throughout his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Carol and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Cops 4 Cancer at P.O. Box 1461 LaSalle, Il 61301 or donor’s choice.

How to submit: Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-632-2534. 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.

Not accepted items include small kitchen appliances, toasters, coffee pots, blenders, air conditioners, white goods, smoke detectors, dehumidifiers, vacuums, batteries, fans, power tools, light fixtures, UPSs, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, light bulbs, broken CRTs, broken glass and hazardous materials.

For questions regarding the event, contact 309-246-6401.