Putnam County Record_06142023

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It’s official: St. Margaret’s in Spring Valley will close at 11:59 p.m. June 16

By DEREK BARICHELLO dbarichello@shawmedia.com and TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

The St. Margaret’s Health board of directors met recently and finalized the Spring Valley hospital will close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 16.

The closure will include all operations – hospital, clinics and other facilities – at both St. Margaret’s-Spring Valley and St. Margaret’s-Peru.

“This is not the outcome any of us wanted and it is due to many circumstances beyond our control,” said Tim Muntz, president and CEO, in a memo dated June 9 to employees and staff.

St. Margaret’s had announced in mid-May that a June 16 closure was imminent without emergency state funding. A state budget passed without any assistance for the hospital. The closure – combined with January’s closure of the Peru hospital – will leave western La Salle and eastern Bureau counties without an emergency room throughout the summer.

A couple of hours after St. Margaret’s released its memo, State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and state Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) released a joint statement, calling the announcement “extremely disappointing.”

“Since learning about the potential shutdown of the Spring Valley hospital, we have been working with the governor’s Administration and legislative leaders to secure state financial support for the duration of the ownership transfer of the Peru hospital,” the lawmakers said in their statement.

“However, during these discussions, the administration and leadership did not feel confident that SMH would utilize state funding for payroll needs. This skepticism unfortunately appears to have been warranted after the advanced payment from OSF, which we were assured would be used for payroll, was used to pay off debts owed to their financial bank.”

Rezin and Yednock said they feel for the employees, patients and community members who will now be forced to seek medical care and employment elsewhere.

While St. Margaret’s Health-Peru (the former Illinois Valley Community Hospital) and assorted properties will be acquired by OSF HealthCare, the

The St. Margaret’s board of directors finalized that the Spring Valley hospital will close 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 16.

Tim Muntz, president and CEO of St. Margaret’s-Health, Spring Valley

Spring Valley hospital was not part of the pending sale. As of Friday, OSF has not filed with the Health Facilities and Services Review Board an application for change of ownership, a required step in acquiring the Peru hospital, and which would be followed by a 60- to 90-day completion period.

“Meanwhile, we will continue to do everything within our power to help assist and fast-track the purchase and reopening of the Peru hospital to ensure that our community will have access to quality healthcare,” the lawmakers said.

Spring Valley Mayor Melanie Malooley-Thompson called Friday’s announcement an “unfortunate outcome,” but otherwise stood behind previous statements she’d made about the hospital’s financial difficulties. She said at Monday’s City Council meeting Carle Clinic had showed interest in

purchasing the Spring Valley hospital but decided against it.

Friday’s finalization of Spring Valley’s closure comes the same day the Hygienic Institute in La Salle closed, directing patients with financial need to Dr. Kara Fess in the lower level of 920 West St., across from the closed Peru facility. The Streator Medical Clinic, Henry Medical Clinic and La Salle Medical Clinic were among other St. Margaret’s closures.

‘This is not the outcome any of us wanted,’ St. Margaret’s CEO says

Scott Anderson - sanderson@shawmedia.com

This is not the outcome any of us wanted and it is due to many circumstances beyond our control.

Shaw Local file photo Tim Muntz, President and CEO of St. Margaret’s Health speaks during a Zoom press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.

PCJH students participate in Civil War Amazing Race

53 students participated in 3-day event

Shaw Local News Network

Putnam County Junior High seventh graders traveled back in time for a Civil War Amazing Race that was put together by teachers Jennifer Ibarra, Jessica Lenkaitis and Nick Heuser.

The teachers planned events over a three-day period, with guest speakers after lunch and a Civil War video in the afternoons.

On the first day, students reported to the cafeteria, where commanding officers Ibarra and Lenkaitis explained the process and created groups.

Students were given a piece of a puzzle that formed states of this time period. Students had to find other students who had puzzle pieces of the same state. They completed five more activities, each one related to an event or activity of the Civil War.

Each state was greeted by the three Civil War reenactors. After

lunch, the reenactors did a short presentation and a Q&A session. Students also had an opportunity to look at artifacts the reenactors had on display.

On the second day, students reported for duty and completed seven activities with their teams. The first activity was to memorize the Gettysburg Address and recite it in a relay format by passing on Abraham Lincoln’s hat and beard to the next soldier.

Harriet Tubman, represented by Pam Welcome, greeted each of the teams at the check-in point. After lunch, students were transported to the Underground Railroad and learned about Tubman through a presentation.

On the final day, the students’ first activity was called “The Burning of Atlanta.” They completed seven more activities, including Reconstruction.

Teams were met by Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, played by Max and Donna Daniels, at the check-in point. After lunch, the Lincolns gave a short presentation and answered some questions.

Photo provided by Annette Davis

On

the final day, the students’ first activity was called “The Burning of Atlanta.” They completed seven more activities, including Reconstruction. Teams were met by President and Mrs. Lincoln, played by Max and Donna Daniels, at the check-in point.

Spanish 4 students visit Prairie Central Alpacas

Students visited the business in Earlville

Shaw Local News Network

Putnam County High School Spanish 4 students visited Prairie Central Alpacas and Alpacas Store in Earlville after completing a unit on alpacas.

Spanish teacher Helen Lenkaitis said alpacas are an integral of Latin American culture and history.

Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains and have been used for their fiber, meat and as pack animals for centuries. Alpaca fiber is

known for being soft and warm and is used to make clothing and textiles.

Lenkaitis said that part of teaching a foreign language is to encourage connections by exploring other disciplines and acquiring information and diverse perspectives in order to use the language to function in academic and career-related situations.

Prairie Central Alpacas Owner Gloria Sampson spoke to the students about nutrition, health management, origin and breeds of alpacas, selection and breeding, fiber, color, crimp, quality, training and showing.

On the trip, students were able to see products that are made from alpaca such as hats, gloves, socks, scarves, blankets, sweaters and more.

IVCC, ROE offer grant opportunities for health care programs

Shaw Local News Network

Illinois Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center in partnership with the Regional Office of Education offers financial assistance for students in approved health care programs.

“The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Health Care Workforce Program grant aims to create, support and expand opportunities in health career programs. The PATH grant is ideal for students currently enrolled in a health care program or those who are interested in making the switch to a profession in the health care industry to earn a degree or certificate to advance their careers,” interim Dean of Health Professions Heather Seghi said in a news release.

Students eligible for the PATH grant are supported through funding, access to resources and regular assistance in monitoring their success. Applications for the grant are open from July 1 to 28 for IVCC’s fall semester beginning Aug. 16.

Grant-eligible IVCC health

care credit programs include certified nurse’s aide, licensed practical nursing, nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting and phlebotomy. Continuing education certifications include medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician, certified medical administrative assistant, certified professional medical auditor, certified electrocardiogram technician, certified physical therapy aide and certified electronic health records specialist.

The ROE is accepting applications through July 28 for the American Rescue Plan Act providing tuition assistance for eligible students enrolled in health-related programs including CNA, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Paramedic, LPN and RN associate degree nursing.

For information, contact Kimber King at kimber_ king@ivcc.edu or Lexis Leiteritz at lexis_leiteritz@ ivcc.edu or 815-224-0427.

To apply for the PATH grant, visit www.ivcc.edu/ PATH. To apply for the ARPA scholarship, visit www. ROE35.org.

Photo provided by Helen Lenkaitis Putnam County High School Spanish 4 students visited Prairie Central Alpacas and Alpacas Store in Earlville after completing a unit on alpacas.

Quakers to host annual meeting June 21-25 south of McNabb

Shaw Local News Network

The Illinois yearly meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) will take place Wednesday, June 21, through Sunday, June 25, at the historic Clear Creek Friends Meetinghouse, 14365 N. 350th Ave., McNabb.

This year’s theme is “Creating Faithful Actions in Our Changing World,” and will feature three evening speakers at 7:30 p.m. and the annual Plummer Lecture at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Workshops will start at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All events are free and open to the public.

Sharon Goens-Bradley, Midwest regional director for the American Friends Service Committee, will speak Wednesday evening about her experiences as a mediator, restorative justice facilitator and her participation in a community foundation doing anti-racism work.

On Thursday evening, ecologist Noel Pavlovic and environmental scientist Sarah Pavlovic will discuss their many years on ILYM’s environmental concerns committee. They both have served in many capacities with Quaker Earthcare Witness.

On Saturday evening, Robin Mohr

will speak about her work for educational, anti-poverty and religious causes. Mohr has served as executive secretary of the Friends World Committee for Consultation, Section of the Americas since 2011.

Sunday morning’s Plummer Lecture, “Let Your Life Speak,” will be given by Virginia Schelbert. She is a former clinical nurse, nurse administrator and more recently a retired nurse educator at North Park University and family nurse practitioner. Schelbert currently is a part-time nurse at a wellness center in Chicago.

Workshops will be “North Star Vision for Healing Justice: a world without prisons and policing,” “Creating Faithful Action in the Face of Settler Colonialism,” “Repairing the Ongoing Harms Perpetuated against Indigenous People here and around the World,” “Friends in Unlikely Places,” “Talking to Friends, Family, and Lawmakers who do not agree with you,” “John Woolman’s Journal,” “Observing and Drawing Nature” and “Good News for Humans and Nature: Environmental Stewardship and Expanding Circles of Care and Community to include Non-Human Species.”

Blauvelt

Photo provided Neil Mesner and Grace Mesner take time to reflect at the Clear Creek Meetinghouse.

PCHS students compete in Cultural Interpretation Contest

PCHS students had multiple entries in the art and music categories

Shaw Local News Network

Fifty Putnam County High School students competed in the Northern Illinois Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Cultural Interpretation Contest in May at Mendota High School.

The competition has taken place for more than 25 years, hosting entries from several local schools. The contest featured more than 100 students from Ottawa, La Salle-Peru, Mendota and Putnam County high schools. PCHS had several winners in the contest.

PCHS students had multiple entries in the art and music categories. The art category included paintings, drawings, mixed media, model and photography.

In the painting subcategory, Conlan Cwikla received first place and Teaghan Sarver received third place. In the drawing color subcategory, Megan Wasilewski received first place, Haven Sittler received second place and Gabby Doyle received third place.

In the model subcategory, Cadie Bickett received first place, and Hannah Taliani received second place.

Photo provided by Helen Lenkaitis

Putnam County High School award winners from the Mendota High School Cultural Interpretation Contest include (from left) Conlan Cwikla, Hannah Taliani, Teaghan Sarver, Gabby Doyle, Haven Sittler and Megan Wasilewski.

Liles family continues Spanish 4 painting tradition

Shaw Local News Network

Since Jane Lenkaitis became the full-time Spanish teacher at Putnam County High School in 1984, her Spanish 4 students have been painting the history and culture of Latin America and Spain on the classroom walls, ceiling tiles and the walls right outside the Spanish classroom for a final project.

Over the years, the PCHS administration has agreed to not paint over the walls in the Spanish classroom, as many local families have taken special pride in making their mark in PCHS history.

In 2016, Jane Lenkaitis retired from PC after teaching for more than 32 years and her daughter Helen Lenkaitis applied, interviewed and got the job to fill her shoes.

One of the first questions the students asked Helen was, “Are we going to continue to do the Spanish 4 artwork?”

The answer was yes.

For decades, generations of families at PCHS have been painting history and culture on the walls in and outside of the Spanish classroom. When many students come to PCHS for eighth-grade orientation their parents often show their artwork to their children, or the incoming freshmen look for their brother, sister or cousin’s artwork.

Participating in the tradition, the Liles family has created a family tradition of drawing versions of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl is the god of learning, writing and books.

Derek Liles (Class of 2000) is the father of Rylee (2019) and Katelyn Liles (2023). All three Liles family members took the Spanish name of Quetzalcoatl.

Katelyn and Rylee hope to see their youngest sister, Jersey, keep up the family tradition, showing her a place on the wall they saved for her artwork.

Photo provided by Helen Lenkaitis Putnam County High School alum Derek Liles (left) is the father of Rylee (right) and Katelyn Liles (center). Katelyn and Rylee hope to see their youngest sister, Jersey, keep up the family tradition, showing her a place on the wall they saved for her artwork.

IVCC’s Jerry Corcoran presides over final meeting after 15 years heading the college

intuitively knew as president his mission was about the people he worked with, and that knowledge was reflected each month by recognizing faculty and staff in his presidential report.

Jerry Corcoran sat in his final board of trustees meeting Thursday as Illinois Valley Community College president.

After 15 years as president and 33 years at the college, Corcoran will retire June 30. Tracy Morris will succeed him.

During his presidency, Corcoran opened the Ottawa Center satellite campus, oversaw the construction of the $30.5 million Peter Miller Community Technology Center project and the truck driver training facility, and provided oversight in the awarding of a record number of scholarships while also increasing foundation assets more than $5 million, leaving the college fiscally strong and debt free.

“For more than three decades, I’ve never had a day go by when I did not

thank God for the chance to work at IVCC,” Corcoran said at a recent Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce dinner. “Over that time, especially the last 15 years, all I’ve ever asked for was the ability to make the tough decisions and wisdom to make the right decisions.

“There are a lot of good things hap-

CD SPECIAL New Money Only

4.60% APY*

pening right now at IVCC given where we find ourselves in terms of enrollments, personnel, financial stability, contracts, facilities, programs and especially our wrap-around services that no doubt ensure student success. Thus, as John Peters, former president of [Northern Illinois University], once said when retiring, ‘Now is a good time for me to fade away.’”

Board Chair Everett Solon said he’s worked with Corcoran for about 12 years, and Corcoran’s passion for the college has been evident to him.

“President Corcoran is a visionary. He maintained a comprehensive plan that was essential in maintaining and/ or updating equipment, technology and our physical plant to meet the needs of the college while keeping us fiscally sound,” Solon said. “Jerry has demonstrated the ability to utilize the district’s financial resources to operate the district effectively while maintaining key financial benchmarks.

“Such discipline enabled IVCC to get through tough economic times. He

“Jerry is well known throughout the IVCC district because he took time to visit individuals, business and government officials representing our district. Through Jerry’s contacts and working with the foundation and promoting the college, he brought in record numbers of community donations because the community knew him and respected him.

“On behalf of the IVCC board of trustees, we wish you all the best in your retirement, Jerry. You deserve it.”

Corcoran provided an update on events concluding the academic year, including the nurse pinning, commencement and adult education recognition. In addition, state Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, and state Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, met with the college’s leadership team.

In other business, the board authorized:

• To continue the operation of the college by making expenditures required for normal operations –including salaries, approved contracts, utilities, maintenance, supplies and regular activities – for the period of July 1 through the budget adoption.

• The acceptance of the recommendation of the insurance consultant to renew coverages with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for workers’ compensation and CFC as the carrier for Cyber Liability and Wright Specialty Insurance for all other lines at a cost of $278,693.

Shaw Local News Network

‘There are a lot of good things happening right now at IVCC,’ Corcoran says

Photo provided by Jen Heredia Studio Illinois Valley Community College President Jerry Corcoran heads to his final commencement as IVCC president accompanied by IVCC Board of Trustee Chair Everett Solon.

See IVCC BOARD, page 10

Putnam County High School has announced its honor and high honor rolls for its fourth quarter of 2022-23 school year.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

Freshmen

Cadience Bickett, Maxwell Brester, Ashley Cano, Nathaniel Johll, Derick Kauffman, Addalynn

Leatherman, Ryan Oliver, Alexander Rodriguez, Sydney Samek, Teaghan Sarver, Eric Vipond

Sophomores

Cole Abraham, Chloe Andersen, Ethan Askeland, Emelia Bouxsein, Brooklyn Brester, Drew Carlson, Kacie Coleman, Deacon Cwikla, Jacob Edens, Alexis Glenn, Enzo Holocker, Meredith Lamis, Miles Main, Lisa Myres, Courtney Oliver, Anna Sandberg, Broedy Sandberg, Matthew Schennum, Jaden Siegmann, Margaret Spratt, Lily Thompson, Valeria Villagomez, Amos Vincent, Madison Wasilewski

Juniors

Esmeralda Avila, Salina Breckenridge, Camryn Christiansen, Hailey Cimei, Conlan Cwikla, Hayden Dauck, Joshua Dove, Hannah Gorisek, Tucker Gualandi, Orlando Harris, Emma Henderson, Lauren Henderson, Sarah Johnson, Logan Keesee, Claire McCook, Kylee Moore, Avery Moutray, Christopher Nelson, Maggie Richetta, Jonathan Taylor, Miles Walder, Trinity Wrobleski

Seniors

Tori Balma, Tyler Bienemann, Brady Brown, Sophia Brown, Samantha Cirilo, Nicholas Currie, Alyssa Fluech, Mavrick Holocker,

Joshua Jessen, Alex Johll, Piper Kammer, Katelyn Liles, Austin Mattingly, Jackson McDonald, Molly Miller, Vanessa Neff, Quinn Postula, Andrew Pyszka, Arianna Rivera, Shelley Romero, Laynee Sanchez, Jesse Scott, Brayden Scurti, Paityn Skinner, Catherine Trovero, Azael Vargas, Madeline Weger, Lucas Wiesbrock, Reise Zellmer, Sihana Zulbeari

HONOR ROLL

Freshmen

Adam Acquisto, Jonathan Avila, Braden Bickerman, Jaden Busch, Johanna Del Abra, Jackson Delhotal, Sydney Emanuelson, Kaleb Gualandi, Ella Irwin, Traxton Mattingly, Ella Pyszka, Zackery Siegmann, Emmalee Waclaw, Brayden Zuniga, Devin Zupec

Sophomores

Isabelle Brown, Cadence Coleman, Preston Faletti, Nathanael Fuchs, Aiden Furar, Julian Goulding, Phoebe Kammer, Garrett Luke, Caitlyn Sager, Ayden Serrine, Cameron Spradling, Hannah Taliani

Juniors

Kylee Allen, Madison Boggio, Alyssa Durbin, Emelia Grant, Ava Hatton, Angelina Hernandez, Chasity Missel, Miguel Reveles, Spencer Samek, Gabriel Sandoval, Paxton, Stunkel, Drew Taliani, Ricardo Trinidad Jr, Annabel Vincent

Seniors

Blake Baker, Makenzie Chambers, Dawson Couch, Wyatt Grimshaw, Ryan Hundley, Bailey Liesk, Madeline Missel, Joseph Pasternak, Fabian Rivera, Kara Staley, Josiah Stunkel

Putnam County Junior High has announced its honor roll for the fourth quarter of the 2022-23 school year.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

Sixth grade

Mason Askeland, Jace Boedigheimer, Emmy Carboni, McKlay Gensini, Richie Glenn, Brooklyn Gorksi, Naomi Hammerich, Hannah Heiberger, Gwen Heeley, Joselyn Lopez, Emmett Main, Damian Marcum, Carson McDonald, Kami Nauman, John Placher, Anna Poignant, Peyton Smith, Sawyer Smith, Ella Sokolowski, Tula Rue, Bailee Vice, Callen Wiesbrock

Seventh grade

Carter Baxter, Sofia Borri, Eden Carlson, Ariel Dorado, Brodee Grandadam, Avery Grasser, Kennedy Holocker, Andy Poignant, Maddox Poole, Lydia Schaper, Sarah Schennum, Ella Schrowang, Piper Terando, Alicia Vasquez-Barreras, Tyson Zuniga

Eighth grade

Yesenia Avila, Peyton Barto,

Brooklin Brown Caden Ellena, Daphne Heeley, Patrick King, Alexis Margis, Payton Olson, Rudy Villagomez, Kennedy Worby, Wyatt Zellers

HONOR ROLL

Sixth grade

Casey Blanford, Riley Doehling, Ian Durdan, Issac Glenn- Metzger, Kya Fox, Millie Harris, Eli King, Bentley Parsons, Makenna Wroblewski

Seventh grade

Nora Beralot, Matthew Davis, Payson Fiorentini, Dylan Haycraft, Riley Rocha, Ari Romero, Finley Rue, Seth Sandberg, Quincy Smith, Carter Smoode

Eighth grade

Braiden Actis, Ayla Berlin-Smith, Itaty Castro, Kale Coleman, Emberlyn Cwikla, Leo Dorado, Jacob Furar, Maya Lenczewski, Trey Liekse, Veronika Mack, Chloe Parcher, Sydney Placher, Dakota Robbins, Seth Saepharn, Paige Tonioni, Jaxon Weger

Read from anywhere: The Putnam County Record is available online as an interactive PDF. Scan or visit shawlocal.com/putnam-county-record/enewspaper.

PCHS HONOR ROLL, 4TH QUARTER 2022-23

PCJH HONOR ROLL, 4TH QUARTER 2022-23

Continued from page 8

• The renewal of the Lumens Pro Agreement, a cloud-based system to help streamline administrative tasks, manage course registrations, handle payments and track student information for continuing education for $29,934 from Augusoft Inc.

• The renewal of the Ellucian Colleague cloud agreement for $429,971 to ensure the continual leverage of the software’s capabilities, maintain operational continuity and provide a seamless experience for staff, faculty and students.

In other action, board members approved the submission of two projects for state funding for capital improvements as part of the Community College Capital Resource Allocation Management Program, including:

• An academic support center/ library for a total cost of $6.84 million, with local funding of $1.71 million. The goal is to create a one-stop center for academic support services to include tutoring, the student help desk and

library. The academic support center and the Jacobs Library will be remodeled and updated to provide academic support services in one location.

• A nursing program expansion for more than $2.83 million, with local funding of $708,500. This renovation will provide a nursing simulation lab in the current B201 space. The lab will mimic a hospital wing with simulation of real-life events for students to experience what might occur in a hospital or clinic setting.

Trustees also approved:

• The appointment of Dr. Tracy Antle, a nursing professor, as interim director of nursing.

• The proposal from Richard Harrison Bailey Inc. for $28,500 paid from the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce for the development of an application for health professions.

• A three-month extension with the current vendor, Interact Communications, to bridge the gap with staffing changes and impending fall enrollments with a cost not to exceed $35,000.

• A contract with MCS Advertising for the 12-month digital campaign at a cost of $49,800 to be paid from the Bridge

grant funds.

• The appointment of Lyndsey Beetz as the dental hygiene program coordinator, effective June 18.

• In accordance with the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, the formation of the Decennial Review Ad Hoc Committee with members to include the board, as well as foundation directors Diane Kreiser, Frank Zeller and President Tracy Morris.

• Sandy Beard as secretary to the board.

In addition, after closed session, the board approved compensation for 257 employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement. The group, primarily made up of support staff and administrators, will receive 4% increases. Special adjustments were made for several individuals.

“To remain competitive and provide a sustainable wage, it was determined about 30 individuals warranted adjustments,” Director of Human Resources Mary Beth Herron said.

Trustees learned:

Investment income for fiscal 2023

across all funds total $721,031, compared with last fiscal year at $15,691.

Overall GPA for student-athletes was 3.11 for the spring semester.

There were 395 spring graduates earning 520 degrees and certificates, compared with 372 graduates earning 477 degrees and certificates in spring 2022.

The Economic Development Corp. of North Central Illinois renewed its lease space of 306 square feet with IVCC.

Alysha Anderson was hired as a financial aid adviser and Ryan Ferrari as a maintenance/groundskeeper.

Katherine Young resigned from her position as the help desk specialist. Samantha Manahan resigned as the administrative assistant and interim marketing coordinator, and Josh Nauman resigned as the women’s basketball coach.

At the end of June, Jennifer Bubb, developmental instructor in English, reading and study skills, will resign after 25 years of service.

“I am proud to have been a part of a team committed to providing an excellent education to our students,” Bubb said in her retirement letter.

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Night of honors for local athletes, coaches

Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame inducts 12 individuals, four teams as Class of 2023

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

LA SALLE – Some of the best athletes, coaches, teams and media members in area history came together Thursday at the Auditorium Ballroom, some traveling from Florida, Texas, Colorado and even Germany.

Twelve individuals and four teams were inducted into the Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

“This class easily could have been the first class because of the quality of the inductees,” emcee Lanny Slevin said as he began the festivities.

The talented members of the Class of 2023 were very interconnected.

Mendota’s Don Hamel and Larry Corrigan were good friends in high school.

La Salle-Peru volleyball coach Mark Haberkorn joked his 1990 Class AA fourth-place squad beat fellow 2023 inductee, the 1990 state champion Princeton volleyball team, in a conference match, noting it was “one of the greatest matches I’ve been associated with.”

And Distinguished Media Award recipient Kevin Hieronymus covered the 1990 PHS volleyball squad along with fellow inductees Eric Bryant and Brad Bickett.

The 1953 Hall football team that went 9-0 and outscored opponents 208-54 kicked off the night as one of two Legacy teams along with the 1951-52 DePue boys basketball team.

“We had 32 guys as freshmen and 32 guys as seniors. Nobody quit,” said Roger Bruno, one of two team members who went onstage to accept the plaque. “There was no quit in us. We just learned how to play the game.”

The 1951-52 Little Giants basketball team went 28-3 and won the program’s fourth consecutive regional title. Frank Montez was in attendance to represent the DePue squad.

Photos by Scott Anderson –sanderson@shawmedia.com

Emcee Lanny Slevin (left) presents the legacy award to Roger Bruno and Ron Malooley who were members of the 1953 Hall High School football team that went 9-0.

Carlton Fay is interviewed by emcee Lanny Slevin during the Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. Fay was a star basketball player at Putnam County High School and led the team to the Class 1A State tournament in 2007. See HALL OF FAME, page 12

Continued from page 11

Legendary Tiskilwa boys basketball coach Bob Prusator was the first individual inductee of the night. He led the Indians to a 531-199 record, 14 conference titles, seven regional championships, one sectional crown and one state appearance in 27 seasons. He also coached football for nine years.

“Some of the special memories are winning, my sons playing for me and the community support,” Prusator said.

Torie (Bunzell) Kueker was the 2007 NewsTribune Softball Player of the Year after going 18-1 with a 0.55 ERA and 270 strikeouts in 127 innings. She went on to pitch at Quincy University, where she set the NCAA Division II record for career strikeouts with 1,539, as well as several career and single-season Quincy records.

She talked with Slevin about getting into sports from a different perspective now with her oldest child just starting T-ball.

Brad Bickett is one year away from retirement, saying “to finish my career at Bureau Valley means a lot.”

Bickett is Ohio High School basketball’s all-time leading scorer with 2,177 points and led the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish in the 1986 Class A state tournament. He owns a career coaching record of 493-313 in 30 seasons, including three straight Class A third-place finishes at Bureau Valley from 1999 to 2002. He later coached at Rock Falls, and said it gave him the opportunity to coach his son.

Bickett acknowledged his wife for the sacrifices she made for his career and joked about his two youngest daughters missing the ceremony because they couldn’t skip strength and conditioning.

“That’s how we do it in the Bicket house,” he said.

The late Bron Bacevich was the individual Legacy Award recipient. He coached football and baseball at St. Bede and had coaching stops at Marquette Academy, the University of Illinois and Quincy College among others.

St. Bede superintendent Eve Postula, who had two uncles play for Bacevich, accepted the award on his behalf, saying he made “such a lasting impression at St. Bede.”

Corrigan was supposed to go to Illinois State University but ended up playing baseball at Iowa State University, which he said “changed my life entirely.”

He was an All-American at Iowa State, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and played six minor league seasons. He also served as the head coach at Iowa State and was a scout for several MLB teams.

“It’s a great honor [to be inducted],” said Corrigan, who traveled from Florida for the event and had friends come in

from Iowa and Colorado. “It means a lot. I have friends and family here. I’m very happy.”

Nine members of the 1966 Ottawa football team went onstage wearing powder blue 1966 Pirates shirts to accept the plaque for their team that went 9-0 and outscored opponents 380-19.

“I got to connect with a lot of teammates I haven’t heard from in years,” said Kerry Novak, a member of the team and son of legendary coach Bill Novak, also a member of the IV Hall of Fame. “It’s been absolutely special. It’s a great honor.”

Hieronymus has been the sports editor at the Bureau County Republican, a Shaw Media paper. He is estimated to have covered 4,000 events, including eight state championship teams.

“I’ve had great relationships with kids and coaches over the years,” Hieronymus said.

When Slevin asked how long he’d keep writing, Hieronymus said, “As long as I’m having fun, I’ll keep doing it.”

Slevin called Carlton Fay “one of the best Class A players this state has ever produced.”

Fay is Putnam County’s all-time leading scorer (2,129 points) and rebounder (1,125) and led the Panthers

to the Class A state basketball tournament in 2007 before going on to a career at Southern Illinois.

“I look back on it and realize how much fun we had,” said Fay, who also acknowledged all the work he and his teammates and coaches put in going from “awful” his freshman year to a state tournament team by his senior season.

Tom Henderson Sr. coached tennis at Ottawa from 1958 to 2000, leading the boys team to 36 district and sectional titles and the girls program to 23 district and sectional titles.

“I think what my dad was really great at was believing in his players,” Tom Henderson Jr. said.

Hamel, who came from Texas, is the all-time leading scorer in Mendota basketball history with 2,158 points. He played at Northern Illinois and later had a successful coaching career.

“I’ve been very blessed,” said Hamel, who drew laughs with jokes about how much he shot the ball. “I’ve been around great people and great athletes.”

Haberkorn, who has coached Lostant and L-P, is one of only five volleyball coaches in state history to win 1,000 matches. He’s led the Cavaliers to 19 regional titles, four sectional championships and three state trophies.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach a lot of great players, and I’ve always had one of the best coaching staffs,” Haberkorn said. “That’s why you stay in the profession.

“There’s been a lot of days in gyms and a lot of days on buses. I love it, and I’ll do it as long as I love what I’m doing.”

Slevin said the late John Pocivasek, known as “Mr. Marquette,” was one of the nicest, most humble

people he has ever met.

Pocivasek, the Lanny Slevin Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was a standout athlete at St. Bede and later coached football, basketball, baseball, track and field and golf at Marquette along with serving as the school’s athletic director.

Pocivasek’s son Tom and grandson Jacob accepted on his behalf. His grandson recalled the long lines at his grandfather’s funeral, signaling “all the people he impacted.”

The 1990 Princeton volleyball team is one of three girls teams in area history to win a state championship, finishing 36-2-1.

Nine members of the team were present, including coach Rita Placek; star Nicole (Coates) Schaefbauer, already a member of the IV Hall of Fame as an individual; and Karen Flaherty, who traveled from Germany.

Schaefbauer called the state title run “a great ride,” and Placek said she was “lucky to end up at Princeton in a job that required me to coach.” She thanked her players for being patient with her as she learned the ropes.

Bryant was the final inductee. He had a standout career at DePue and IVCC before getting into coaching.

He led the DePue boys basketball team to a 145-90 record, two regional titles and a sectional crown. Bryant later coached Hall to a 277-238 record, six regional titles, three sectional championships and back-to-back Class A runner-up finishes.

“I had some really good coaches in grade school,” Bryant said. “They taught me a lot about being a good person and working hard. I always wanted to be a coach.”

Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com Don Hamel (right) reacts while being inteviewed by Rick Sipovic during the Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. Hamel is the all-time leading scorer in Mendota High School basketball history with 2,158 points.

It’s a great honor [to be inducted]. It means a lot. I have friends and family here. I’m very happy.”

Larry Corrigan, former Mendota athlete, college coach, MLB scout

CLASSIFIED

460 • Garage Sales

More in Bureau County

2 Day Garage Sales at Bureau Co Fairgrounds

June 16 & 17 8am - ?

For info call 815866-3606 after 5 pm

767 • Mobile

Home Sales

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

856 • Apartment Rentals

For Rent in Hennepin: Ground fl oor 1 br. unfurni shed Apt. All ut il it ies included. No smoking / No pets

References required. Phone: 815- 866- 8569

PUBLIC AUCTION

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & SHOP EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, RELATED ITEM S, TRUCK & HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES

Will be Offered at the LIVE IN PERSON ONLY Auction Located at 127 S. 6th Street (Bill's Radiator and Muffler) in Pr inceton, IL on:

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT CO URT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINO IS PUTNAM CO UNTY, HENNEPIN , ILLINO IS PROBATE DIVISION IN RE THE ESTATE OF MILDRED MARY NO ON AN , Deceased No 2023- PR-10

CLAIM NO TICE

Notice is given of the death of Mildred Mary Noonan of Hennepin, IL

Letters of Office were issued on May 18, 2023 to David N oonan, as Independent Administrator, residing at 934 Victoria Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, whose attorney is Cote J. Klinefelter, Herbolsheimer, Duncan, Eiten, Hintz and Klinefelter, P.C., 654 First Street, Suite 400, LaSalle, IL 61301

Claims against the estate may be e- filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Putnam County Courthouse, 120 N. 4th St., Hennepin, IL 61327, or with the Representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of the first publicat ion of this Notice If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a creditor of the above estate, then claim must be filed in the above entitled cause within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later. Any claims not filed within the above periods are barred.

E- filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exceptions To e- file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit https://efile. illinoiscourt s.gov/service- providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e- filing, visit https: //www.illinois cour ts.gov/ FA Q/gethelp.asp

Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

(Published in Putnam County Record May 31, June 7, June 14, 2023) 2082050

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Granvill e Township and Granville Township Road District will hold a joint Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and July 25, 2023 at 7:30 PM at the Granville Township Office, 212 S. McCoy St., Granville, IL

Rene' Tw ardowski Granville Township Clerk

(Published in Putnam County Record June 14, 2023)2084223

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2023

TIME: 10:00 AM

View Listing & Photos on website: www.tumbles onauction.com

REAL ESTATE

50 x 80 Concrete Block Building with Over 4000 Square Feet-Heated by Natural Gas, 220 Three Phrase, Roof is 3 Years Old & 1-Bathroom (Bldg is Plumbed for 2-3/4 Bath)

TERMS OF REAL ESTA TE

10% Down the Day of the Sale and the Balance due on or Before 30 Days when Merchantable Title will be furnished. Taxes to be prorated at Closing & Possession Given at Closing. All Anno uncements made Day of Sale will Take Precedence over all Previous Printed Matter. Seller Reserves the Right to Reject or Accept any or all Bids This Sale is Not Conti ngent on Financing. All Financing Needs to be Pre-Approved for Closing on or before 30 Days after Day of Sale

Anyone Interested in Viewing Real Estate Please Contact Tom or Mary Tumbleson 815-872-1852. Please Note: This Property is Being Sold AS IS w/ No Warranties of Any Kind or Inspections

2002 FORD F-250 PICK UP TRUCK-4X4 Off Road Package w/ 48 , 000 Miles: w/ 5.4 V-8 Hiniker Automatic, Snow Plow, Folding Tonneau Cover, New Brakes & Tires

3-Very Nice Harley Davidson Motorcycles:

1977 HD XLT/XLHT w/ 11, 100 Miles, 1998 HD XL883 Hugger Sportster w/ 1130 Miles & 1999 HD Model FLHT w/ 32,600 Miles

EQUIPMENT, LAWNMOWERS, TOOLS, RELA TED ITEMS & COL LECTIBLES: 1963 Ford 40 00

Utility Tractor w Industrial Loader/Blade; Cub Cadet Model 71-1971; Cub Cadet XT2 Riding Lawnmowe r w/ 54 Inch Cut; Log Spli tter-Briggs 5 Horse Power Engine; AR14/SM 14 14000

Poun d Capacity Air/hydraulic Ro tary Lift; Snap On to Include: Db l Chest Tool Box, ECO 134 Recovery for AC, MM250 SL Combination Mig Welder w/ Full Tank, Late Model Rotor Brake Lathe, Plasma Cutter, Creepers, Vacuum & Tools; Mac to Include: Parts Washer, Battery Charger, Creepers & Various Tools; Several Multi Drawer & Metal Cabinets Including Lawson, 4-Multi Drawer Cabinets w/ Machinist Bolt s & Specialty-3 Section, 2-Drawer & 2- Lg Metal Cabinets; Electric Floor shop Type Fan; AK Bendable Muffler Pipe & Pipe Rack; 2-134A Refrigeran t Tanks; Car Frame; Lincoln Oil Drain-24 Gal; Lg. Amount of 6 Gal Full Synthetic Semi Blend Oil, New Oil & Antifreeze; Makita Chop Saw w/ Stand; Pipe Rack; Industrial Bench Grinder on Stand; Norther 20 Ton Bench Press; Cal Hawk Upright Chicago Drill Press; Lg. Steel Bench w/ Lg. Vise; Chicago Bench Type Press; 1/2 Ton Professional Transmission Jack w/ Fuel Tank Adapter; Larkin 1/2 To n Cherry Picker; Parts Washer; Branick Strut Machine; Brake Li nings; Vacuum Cleaners; Multi Jack Stands; Torch-N ozzles-Equ ipment; C-Clamps; Chain Saws; Overheard Hoists; Squirrel Cage Blowers; Old Monogram Gas Floor Model Heater; Car Jack Stands; Overhead Hoist; Air Chamber Cleaner; Floor Jacks- 3-1/2 Ton-Matco & Napa; 2012 DR Stump Grinder; 2-Screw Jacks-Matco; Fill-Rite Oil Pump; Toro 6.5 Mower; Skat Blaster-Dry Sand Blaster; Multi Radiator Equipment; Work Pro 200 0 PSI Pressure Washer; Semi Radiator Complete Tank Holder; Oxy & Acet Tank s-2; 3-disc & Belt Sanders on Stand; Champion Air Compressor-Uprig ht-220; Chevy Gas Tank-198898-36 Gal; Hose Clamps; Napa Cabinets; Vacuum Tester; Car Part Manuals; Metal Fi le Cabinet; Office Desk; Very Nice Dbl Sided Du Pont Metal Sign; Group of Antique Clocks

Please Note: 5 Racks of Various Auto parts, Hand Tools, Power To ols, Oil, Nuts, Bolt s & More!!

SELLER: Bill's Radiator & Muffler-Rich Bartman Lunch

A Help Button Should Go Where You Go!

MEAT SPECIALS