Putnam County Record_09202023

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Embark on the tourism of trees

WANDER WOMAN

Julie Barichello

When planning an adventure across southeast Utah last week, my husband and I pinpointed the usual destinations: Three national parks, a pair of state parks and a slot canyon in the Muddy Creek Wilderness. We beheld some of Utah’s natural wonders, including arches, natural bridges and unique rock formations called hoodoos (also known among the locals as goblins).

But we set our sights on one more wonder off the beaten path: Pando the Trembling Giant.

Pando isn’t one of the state’s iconic rock formations, canyons or mountains. Pando is a tree.

More accurately, it’s a grove of 40,000 trees. The massive aspen shares a single root system with thousands of individual but genetically identical trunks across 106 acres in Fishlake National Forest. Science advisers for the Friends of Pando organization say it’s the largest tree in the world, and its root system is one the oldest (estimated between 8,000 and 13,000 years old).

My travel bucket list is full of trees: Redwood National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the live oaks and Spanish moss of the South. I can’t help but feel reverence toward the giants of nature that have stood for generations and will persist beyond my lifetime. The visit to Pando checked one more tree off my list.

While the sprawling aspen was a nearly 1,500-mile journey, Starved Rock Country has a few tourist-attracting trees closer to home.

One of these trees blipped onto my radar in 2022 thanks to the Bureau County tourism guide. Near the western border of Starved Rock Country is the village of Mineral. About 3.5 miles south of Mineral, near the intersection of County Road 100 E and County Road 1300 N, is a burr oak known as the Witness Tree.

Estimated to be more than 250 years old, the Witness Tree earned its name from being used as a reference point, or a “witness point,” when the railroad was built near Mineral. Before that, it served as a meeting spot for the Potawatomi people, led by Chief Shabbona, and the Sauk and Fox people, according to Illinois River Road. The Merl Heise family donated the Witness Tree’s small parcel of land to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1944 to ensure its preservation.

For those who seek the sprawling oak, it’s easy to find. In addition to its large size, a white fence circles the base of the tree and a sign designates the spot.

While the Witness Tree can be seen from the road, another tourism tree in Starved Rock Country must be seen on foot. Spring Lake Nature Park in Streator is home to Big Tree Trail, which loops around a more than 200-year-old cottonwood tree. The goliath tree “is arguably one of the largest in the state,” according to Streator Tourism.

Although I haven’t heard anyone officially refer to the cottonwood as Big Tree, it’s the name I adopted for it, in part because of the trail’s name and in part because in grade school, one of my favorite short stories by Mary and Conrad Buff was titled “Big Tree,” in which a giant sequoia recounts its life story.

The first time I stood at the base of Big Tree in 2019, I was reminded of another childhood story – I felt like

Jack gazing up a beanstalk that leads to a world of giants.

One of Starved Rock Country’s bestknown tourism trees is a ghost in local memory now. The 2017 tornado that struck Naplate and Ottawa damaged the white oak known as the “wedding tree” at Buffalo Rock State Park. The tree was a popular backdrop for couples’ photos, but by 2020 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources had to remove the remainder of the dying tree.

Trees are long-lived, but they’re not immortal. While wandering the Pando grove in Utah, this reality was front and center. Each trunk of Pando lives about 150 years, but deer and elk like to eat young stems and bark, which weakens the interconnected grove. Portions of the grove are now protected by chain-link fence in an effort to keep animals out and regenerate certain areas.

The centuries-long lifespan of trees can lull us into believing they’ll be here forever, but the Buffalo Rock wedding tree and Pando’s threats from animals and disease are a reminder of their impermanence. They are vulnerable to their environment, no matter how many rings count the years in their trunks.

The positive side of trees becoming tourism destinations is the more people stand in their presence, the more likely they are to care about tree preservation. Sometimes seeing truly does mean believing in a tree’s worth. See them while they stand, and let them draw your eyes and imagination skyward.

• Julie Barichello is the editor of Starved Rock Country Magazine and is a graphic designer for Shaw Media’s niche publications. She can be contacted at jbarichello@ shawmedia.com.

Marketing rural tourism workshop set Oct. 11 at IVCC

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

Join the University of Illinois Extension from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in Room CTC124 at Illinois Valley Community College for Marketing Rural Tourism.

Pam Schallhorn, an extension specialist in community and economic development, will be providing information and resources from a recent research project completed by the University of Illinois and Illinois Extension called I-Rural: Reimagining Illinois Rural Tourism Through Community and Extension Collaboration. Resources include an I-Rural toolkit that communities and organizations can use to better understand

and promote local tourism as well as an updated grant resource guide.

In addition, Schallhorn will discuss insights into identifying target markets, the importance of digital marketing and how to create effective tourism marketing campaigns that reach different generations.

If you need reasonable accommodations to attend or have questions about the program, email pscha2@illinois.edu.

Schallhorn is an extension specialist in community and economic development serving 40 counties in western and central Illinois. She received a master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois-Springfield and a bach-

elor’s degree in finance from Northern Illinois University.

From 1986 to 2004, she was a commercial lender and vice president of several Midwestern regional banks. Previously, she was the director of the Small Business Development Center in Rockford and founder of New Urban Futures, where she consulted on community and economic development projects.

Her teaching and research interests include entrepreneurial development, economic development policy, downtown revitalization, outmigration of young adults from rural communities and cultural awareness.

Putnam County issued final property assessment for 2023

Putnam County recently was issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, said David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. The property assessment equalization factor is used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties as required by law. The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2023 taxes, payable in 2024.

The equalization is important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties, which include school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts and more.

Assessments in Putnam County are currently at 32.93% of the market value, based on sales of properties in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Last year’s equalization factor for Putnam County was 1.0000. The final assessment equalization factor was

issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor. The tentative factor that was issued in August was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years with the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments or a county assessor.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at onethird of its market value.

Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic value. Farmland is not subjected to the state equalization factor.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume. That individual’s portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

Putnam County High School Interact Club welcomes new leadership

SHAW

Putnam County High School’s Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Putnam County Rotary, welcomed new leadership as teacher Brandi LeQuia has taken over the role of mentor for the club.

The PC Interact Club is an organization that creates opportunities for service learning hours and works alongside the Rotary to help improve the community.

LeQuia said she has many goals for the upcoming year including making

improvements to the way Interact is run. Her main goal is to get the community more involved through more fundraising and field trips to gain attention in the school and community.

LeQuia also will focus on making changes to the club’s Afterglow event.

This post-prom event discourages underage drinking and lowers the amount of intoxicated drivers. After planning postprom in her old district, LeQuia looks to bring fresh ideas to Putnam County.

“I’m very much looking forward to having a new teacher run the Interact and seeing what Mrs. LeQuia has to

offer,” Interact Vice President Hayden Grandadam said.

The club also appointed new officers including President Jacob Edens and vice presidents Miles Main and Grandadam. The rest of the club’s officers include alums in Secretary Emelia Bouxsein, Treasurer Drew Carlson and Social Media and Print Manager Maggie Spratt.

The club has two upcoming events. The first is a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in the high school’s gymnasium, 402 E. Silverspoon Ave. in Granville.

The club has partnered with the American Red Cross and hopes to have students and volunteers help combat the national blood donation shortage.

The second event is the annual Grange Halloween Party, which will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at the McNabb Fire Station, 391 IL-89 in McNabb.

Admission to this event is a donation to the PC Food Pantry or $2. All Putnam County children are invited to attend. Activities will include costume parades with judging, Halloween-themed games, prizes and refreshments.

‘Truly a battle of good versus evil’

St. Bede student Anna Rudenko, alum Jim Gamache plead for supporting Ukraine

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

There are more than 5,000 miles from St. Bede Academy to Kyiv, but for a St. Bede student and an alumnus, the war in the Ukraine is very close to home.

Anna Rudenko and Jim Gamache are appealing not only to the St. Bede community, but to the Illinois Valley at large to support the Ukrainians as they fend off invaders from Russia.

Rudenko, 17, is a St. Bede senior and boarder from Kyiv, Ukraine. Gamache is a 1972 graduate of St. Bede and has been living in Aurora since 2009 after a long career in transportation logistics. Until recently, they had never met, but now they’re using St. Bede as a kind of pulpit to encourage support for the embattled Ukrainians.

Rudenko said the initial challenge was the eighthour time difference, which made it difficult to pick up the phone and contact loved ones. Though there have been no casualties in her immediate circle, she shrinks from saying her family is outside the line of fire.

“You can’t really say ‘safe’ for sure since there is a war,” Rudenko said, “They are staying in a safer region, you could call it that, not close to a border where things are exploding.”

To manage the stress, she has prayed constantly, stayed positive and, where possible, sent home small donations to alleviate the suffering of others.

Gamache, meanwhile, has become active in supporting Ukraine since a random encounter with a Ukrainian mother and her small son a year ago. Gamache was on a hiking trip near the border of Poland and Ukraine when the woman thanked him for the United States’ support for her country.

Deeply moved by her plight – as the woman had

recently seen her soldier husband for the first time in five months – Gamache resolved on the spot to help Ukraine’s war effort in a direct way.

He traveled to Ukraine in May and put his hands to work. Among the tasks he volunteered for was bagging up dehydrated foods for soldiers to eat on the front line. He visited a site where 80 soldiers were killed and wondered at times if he would join the ranks of the deceased.

“When I stayed in Kyiv, I felt the building shake with a missile explosion,” he said. “That happens everywhere. On my first trip, there were only three nights where I didn’t hear an air alert.”

Despite the personal risks, he’s going back. He departed for Lviv on Sept. 11 and after greeting friends, he’s headed to Kyiv to meet with a journalist with whom he’ll travel with to lend a hand.

“This is truly a battle of good versus evil,” Gamache said. “There’s no doubt about it. That’s what has driven me to help others in need.”

As a volunteer, he is expecting to use his own funds and to give as needed. While there are many worthy charities, Gamache said he is partial to Ukrainian Freedom News, which provides aid including medical supplies, and Front Line Kitchen in Lviv, which is producing provisions for the winter.

He is, sadly, convinced that the war will not be resolved in 2023. Gamache called the Ukrainians “wonderful, welcoming and thankful,” and wished that it was better known that the Ukrainians are people of faith. The country is predominantly Christian, mostly Catholic and Orthodox, though very tolerant of other faiths.

“They will give you the shirt off their back, they have a great love of freedom and they’re willing to fight for it,” Gamache said. “Because of this, I believe they will not lose. I’m so fortunate to be able to help them.”

Photos by Scott Anderson Anna Rudenko, a St. Bede Academy student from Ukraine, poses for a photo Aug. 31 with St. Bede alum Jim Gamache while holding the Ukraine flag. Rudenko wanted to attend a school where she could feel welcome and excel in while her country is at war with Russia.

There were only three nights where I didn’t hear an air alert.”

Jim Gamache, St. Bede alumnus

IVCC to honor 5 retired presidents, directors

Five retired presidents and directors of Illinois Valley Community College and its predecessor, L-P-O Junior College, will be recognized the week of Sept. 18 for their distinguished service to higher education and the college.

After adopting a policy establishing emeritus status, the Board of Trustees extended the honorary designation Thursday to presidents. Recipients include the the late Thomas J. McCormack; the late Frank Jensen; the late Francis H. Dolan; Alfred Wisgoski, the longest-serving president and the first L-P-O alumnus to become president; and Jerome Corcoran, who retired last spring.

In her monthly report to the board, President Tracy Morris recognized the dental assistant program’s passage record for the national board exam and touted the early-season successes of the men’s golf and women’s volleyball teams.

In sharing adult education enrollment numbers, she said class offerings were brought back to two local communities by popular demand.

Morris concluded her report noting that the college continues to meet the

needs of its students, citing the utilization rate of the on-campus child watch and food pantry programs and the award of PATH grants totaling $16,500 to 40 students, with 15 more awards to be distributed.

In other action, the board:

• Confirmed the appointment of Sue Smith as director of nursing.

• Heard recent enrollment figures that show the number of part-time and

night students increased, as did extension site enrollment, the number of GED students, and students older than 40.

• Authorized the purchase of TouchNet Payment software for $61,479 annually for five years. Implementation and training services were an additional $29,581.

• Accepted the base bid of $747,935 from JB Contracting Corp., Peru, for site lighting and security camera

upgrades.

• Agreed to join several local taxing bodies affected by property tax appeals filed by Menards and the Peru Mall.

• Authorized a $10,000 payment as the college’s matching share of Project Success – Student Support Services. Grant and match funding offsets tuition and supply costs for low-income students.

• Contracted with OSF Health Care, Ottawa, for athletic training services.

• Learned that the Illinois Community College Board approved the emergency medical technician certificate program.

• Learned that IVCC, along with more than 30 other Illinois community colleges, is part of a grant proposal to develop a statewide curriculum to produce thousands more skilled manufacturing workers.

The board also learned of the following:

• The appointments of Kelli Shan as Health Professions administrative assistant and Patricia Glade as East Campus administrative assistant.

• The resignations of Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits adviser Isamar Taylor, GED instructor Kristi Bartolucci and assistant baseball coach Leonard Newell.

Scott Anderson

Five retired presidents and directors of Illinois Valley Community College and its predecessor, L-P-O Junior College, will be recognized the week of Sept. 18 for their distinguished service to higher education and the college.

Chaos and Curiosities specializes in fun, creepy vibes

Karli Sarver’s and Haley Burch’s homes are decorated much like their new Peru store, Chaos and Curiosities – with fun, creepy home décor.

“We love it, and we just decided to start sharing it, and it blew up,” Sarver said. “Everybody loved our stuff. We started getting requests for custom designs – darker, spookier stuff – and we just kept going with it.”

The longtime friends, both of Dalzell, started with a booth at the Dalzell Farmers Market about a year ago and then began carrying their collections in stores in Morris, Utica, Streator and Peoria.

They recently opened a store in downtown Peru at 1822 Fourth St. with their creations as well as almost 20 vendors’ items.

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we open our store and just be spooky?’ because no one has that,” Sarver said. “No one has the oddities, nobody has the weird, eccentric art like we do.”

See EYES ON ENTERPRISE, page 8

Hennepin Riverside Cemetery

Fall Clean-Up

Hennepin Riverside Cemetery Association requests removal of spring and summer decorations except shepherd’s hooks and baskets that are RIGHT NEXT to or ON the monuments by October 15, 2023. All shepherd’s hooks that are badly bent or rusted need to be removed. No glass vases, jars or breakable containers should be placed in the cemetery. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or weather damaged items.

All items not cleared will be removed by the caretakers and discarded. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

No live plants, bushes, etc. are to be planted at any time.

These make it impossible for the caretakers to do their job properly.

Stephanie Jaquins for Shaw Local News Network

Stephanie

Jaquins

Waves at South Shore to open with new ownership

Former owners of Quickie Subs begin new venture

MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com

Peru residents will have another restaurant option this week, as Waves at South Shore will open under the ownership of Mark and Nick Ross.

The couple announced they would be the new owners a week after the Sept. 1 closure of Quickie Subs in La Salle.

The couple now will operate Waves at South Shore, 2380 Water St., Peru. The restaurant will serve Quickie Subs’ items, such as Italian beef, meatballs, banana pudding and frosted brownies, among other items.

Mark Ross said they moved because its former location made it difficult to keep up with demand and

the event space there created an issue with parking on the weekends.

“It was a situation that wasn’t going to get any better,” he said. “We had an opportunity to move and we made a move to a better location with more storage and a full kitchen and we’re extremely happy for that.”

Ross said the expanded kitchen allows for more menu items, such as grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers and nachos. The owners plan to offer Taco Mondays.

Owner Mark Ross moved from Dallas to open Quickie Subs with his husband Nick (Langloss) Ross, a graduate of La Salle-Peru High School, in June.

Waves will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For information, find Waves at South Shore on Facebook.

Ptak Monuments

BELINDA M. FILBRANDT (NEE ALDERSON)

Born: October 29, 1951 in Joliet, IL

Died: September 4, 2023 in Hennepin, IL

Age 71, of McNab, IL, formerly of Braidwood, IL, passed away peacefully Monday, September 4, 2023 at Cabin Living Senior Care in Hennepin, IL. She was born October 29, 1951 in Joliet, IL, daughter of Ferena (nee Willis) Clarence Blottiaux and LaVern Alderson. Belinda married Bruce Filbrandt on May 28, 1994 in Iowa. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and spending time with her cat Midnight. She especially enjoyed watching her granddaughters in their sporting events and dance recitals when they were younger and always interested in what they were up to. Surviving are her husband, Bruce Filbrandt of 29 years; daughter, Kristen (Robert) Kirkland of Godley, IL; granddaughters, Jessica (Tyler) Richey of Wilmington, IL, Clarissa (Nick) Kirkland of Godley; stepson, Paul Filbrandt of Iowa; son-in-law, Kenny (Pam) Tague of Iowa; granddaughters, Cheyenne Tague of Quad Cities, Savannah Tague of Iowa; great-grandsons, Kaydon Osborne of Quad Cities, Blake and Cotton England of

Quad Cities; Siblings, Melinda (Steve) Favre of Quincy, William (Joyce) Alderson of Coal City, Robert (Wanda) Alderson of Custer Park, and Michael (Shannon) Blottiaux of Custer Park; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend Susan Burr and family. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ferena and Clarence Blottiaux, LaVern Alderson; motherin-law, Mable Filbrandt; brother-in-law, Steve Favre; sister-in-law, Joyce Alderson; and step-daughter, Pam Teague. Visitation for Belinda will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, September 15, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Bracville. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name may be directed to the Cabin Livin’ Senior Care of Hennepin IL or the IHCC Hospice of Princeton, IL. For more information and to visit her online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook.

R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336

www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

• EYES ON ENTERPRISE

Continued from page 6

They carry multimedia art; creepy dolls and plushies; work by ink and resin artists; jewelers, including metal works, wire wrap, polymer, clay and crystal; and refurbished furniture, among other items.

Since the beginning, they’ve offered Adopt-a-Ghost, which are tiny, handmade ghosts in little decorated jars. They also carry little bats, each unique; skeletons in bathtubs and toilets; shadow boxes; and Forever Pets, which are mummified specimens in decorative boxes.

Also popular are trolls with altered appearances and Care Bears, which have scary faces and are appropriately called Scare Bears. They also offer mystery coffins, which are little coffins with surprise items inside.

When they attended markets, a few people stopped by their booth to let them know “they didn’t belong,” so it was important for Burch and Sarver to create a welcoming environment in their store where there is no shame about their art.

“They do have really creative, beautiful pieces,” Sarver said of their vendors. “[I love] the fact that it’s appreciated here and we showcase it. [We’re] just giving them a safe, authentic space.”

“Our artists, our customers, so far everyone who has come through our doors has said it’s like home. You come in and you’re welcome. You’re treated with kindness and respect,” Burch said.

Most of their artists are from the Illinois Valley, and the duo is accepting more. Artists are asked to meet with the owners and visit the store.

Of course, Burch and Sarver have plans for Halloween. They’re considering advent calendars, mini photo sessions and some darker, horror-themed items.

They also have a back room that they plan to offer to their vendors to host classes, such as jewelry-making and painting, as well as tarot card

readings.

Hours are tentatively from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with a grand opening planned for late September. For up-to-date hours and more information, find Chaos and Curiosities on Facebook.

Ottawa real estate company relocates

TCG Property Management & Realty recently relocated to downtown Ottawa.

The company recently moved from 1400 State St. to 718½ La Salle St., Unit 1.

TCG assists in all aspects of the property management process,

including renting an apartment, buying or selling a house, or managing a rental property. For more information, visit tcgpm.us.

La Salle restaurant sets new hours

Jorge’s Margaritas & Grill, 101 First St., La Salle, will have new hours effective Friday.

The new hours will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information, visit jorgesmargaritasandgrillil.com.

•TheTimes/NewsTribune/BureauCounty Republicaniscommittedtokeepingreadersuptodate withbusinesshappeningsinthearea.Muchofour reportingreliesonwhatweseeandhear,butwe’re alsoreachingouttoreadersfortipsonbusinessitems. IfyouhaveatiptoshareforEyesonEnterprise,email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.

Photos by Stephanie Jaquins for Shaw Local News Network

Mystery Coffins are one of the first items Chaos and Curiosities owners Karli Sarver and Haley Burch made when they first started selling at markets about a year ago.

Forever Pets, which are mummified specimens displayed in decorative boxes, are popular items at Chaos and Curiosities in Peru.

IVCC graduates 161 students in summer 2023

Electronics & Electricians Technology, Industrial Electrician

This summer, 161 students earned 206 degrees and certificates at Illinois Valley Community College. The list of graduates included 18 licensed practical nurses.

Graduates, listed by hometown, and their degrees or certificates include:

Amboy: Jensen Lewis, Medical Assisting

DePue: Jose Garcia, Automotive Brakes, Suspension and Alignment, Engine Performance; Gabriel Hernandez, Truck Driver Training (TDT)

Grand Ridge: Aliska Hammon, Practical Nursing; Abigail Koetz, AA; Kristen Lane, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); Jon Woodyer, Truck Driver Training Advanced Proficiency

Granville: Cale Charbonneau, Industrial Electrician; Brennen Maggi, AAS Agronomy, Agricultural Studies; Britain Siegmann, Paramedic

Hennepin: Luke Pederson, AA

Henry: Britton Barnes, AAS in Electronics & Electricians Technology, Industrial Electrician

Kankakee: Nolan Schott, TDT

LaMoille: Jason Martin, AAS in

La Salle: Breann Allen, AA; Latrell Coulter, Associate in Science (AS) ; Lucas Lee, AA; Samantha May, AA; Alexander Mojica, Cannabis Production; Caroline Moskalewicz, CNA; Het Patel, AA; Yazmin Rangel, AAS Dental Assisting; Jason Reviglio, TDT; Scott Shearer, TDT advance proficiency; Harley Sterling, AAS in Agriculture Business Management, Agricultural Studies; Rubicela Toledo, LPN; Mandy Van Vactor, AAS

Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity

Lacon: Austin Bickel, TDT

Ladd: Michael McCutcheon, AS; Paige Worden, Dental Assisting; Andrea Lee, Associate in Arts (AA)

Lostant: Grant Harper, Advanced Automotive Technology, Automotive Brakes, Suspension and Alignment, Basic Automotive Technology, Engine Performance; Parker Witzman, Automotive Brakes, Suspension and Alignment, Basic Automotive Technology, Engine Performance

Malden: Doug Smith, AAS in Electronics and Electricians Technology, Industrial Electrician

Manlius: Melany Dever, CNA

See SUMMER GRADUATES, page 10

Scott Anderson

This summer, 161 students earned 206 degrees and certificates at Illinois Valley Community College. The list of graduates included 18 licensed practical nurses.

• SUMMER GRADUATES

Continued from page 9

Marseilles: Neil Cynar, TDT; Samantha Hough, AA; Ashley Noel, CNA

Mendota: Edgar Arteaga, CNA; Keina Arteaga, AA and AS; Daisy Contreras, AS; Mauricio Escatel, AAS Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice; Julian Godina, AS; Salma Gonzalez, AA; Alejandro Hermosillo, AA; Wyatt Hindle, AA; Darci Huftel, LPN; Makayla Lara, CNA; Sadi Matura, CNA; Yasmine Orozco Godinez, AA and LPN; Rosevelia Rocha, AA and AS; Emily Sarabia, AA; Erik Sarabia, Advanced Automotive Technology, Automotive Brakes, Suspension and Alignment, Basic Automotive Technology, Driveability, Engine Performance; Laney Saylor, AS; Tanner Schwartzbach, TDT advance proficiency; Perris Stachlewitz, AA and AS

Minonk: Guthrie Wyss, TDT

Naperville: Sandy Serna, Cannabis Production, Advanced Cannabis Production

Nashville: Cody Buczkowski, AA

Oglesby: Kelly Dalton, LPN; Claudia Elnicki, CNA; Angela Hernandez, CNA; Georgia Kapetaneas, CNA; April McIntosh, Medical Assistant; Abraham

Pantoja-Burgos, AA; Alyssa Schirz, CNA; Rebekah Workman, AS

Ohio: Jacqueline Kramer, LPN

Ottawa: Karrington Benson, Dental Assisting; Natalie Coon, CNA; Julie Cummings, LPN; Charletha Edwards, TDT; Sophia Flavin, CNA; Ethan Fleming, AS; Ebony Foster, CNA; Emma Gerkitz, AS; Myria Haff, LPN; Kerrigan Hagi, Medical Assistant; Samantha Harris, LPN; Luis Hernandez, CNA; Alexandra Keefe, CNA; Brynn Korth, CNA; Shelby Laney, CNA; Tatumn Moore, CNA; Rebecca Peura, Dental Assisting; Collin Ramoino, AS; Emma Reynolds, AA; Kaitlyn Roach, LPN; Jennafer Schuh, LPN; Delaney Sheehan, AS; Alexandria Snyder, CNA; Mikenna Stacy, AA; Mia Swartz, CNA; Tessa Thiry, AA; Adilyn Walker, CNA; Matthew Weaver, Associate in General Studies (AGS); Emily Wright, LPN

Paw Paw: Toni Larimore, TDT

Peoria: Travis Arterburn, TDT

Peru: Kayveon Dickerson, Paramedic; Perla Garcia, AA; Brandi Garza, AA; Angelo Giacobazzi, AS; Payton Giordano, AS; Megan Hochstatter, LPN; Caitlyn Kmetz, AAS Dental Assisting, Dental Assisting; Taylor Lonask, CNA; Jose Monjaras, Advanced Automotive Technology, Automotive Brakes, Suspension and

Alignment, Basic Automotive Technology, Drivability, Engine Performance; Seth Philip, AAS in Engineering Technology; Alondra Salinas, LPN; Matthew Tondi, Machinist and Tool & Die

Princeton: Melany ArellanoGarcia, CNA; Bailey Bickett, AS; Cheyanne Burress, LPN; Sianna Doran, TDT; Morgan Forristall, CNA; Kaegan Hansen, CNA; Ashley Mercer, Associate in General Studies; Alexandra Powelson, AA; Plum Salisbury, AS; Collin Weddell, TDT; Caleb Wilson, TDT

Putnam: Beau Sabotta, TDT

Seneca: Victoria Grossman, CNA; Sieara Harders, CNA; Reese Sanburg, AA

Sheridan: Lauren Ernat, Medical Assistant

Sparland: Myriah Hunt, Phlebotomy

Spring Valley: Jaclyn Cinotte, AA; Nicholas Fousekas, AAS in Electronics & Electricians Technology and Industrial Electrician; John Fraley, CNA; Jesse Kaszynski, CNA; Maribel Puga, CNA

Streator: Kaitlyn Bauman, AAS Dental Assisting and Dental Assisting; Claire Broyles, AAS in Early Childhood Education, ECE Gateways Credential Level 3, Infant/ Toddler Gateways Credential Level 3 Certification; Holly Chandler,

LPN; Brian Chavez, AS; Zoe Crawford, Dental Assisting; Kristin Drysdale, CNA; Albert Gonzalez, AAS Welding Production Technology, Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding, Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding, Intermediate Gas Metal Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Halie Grace, AAS in Dental Assisting, Dental Assisting; Brittny Hallowell, LPN; Alex Harsted, Industrial Electrician; Kyleigh Higbie, CNA; Audrey Jenkins, AAS Dental Assisting, Dental Assisting; Delroy Jones, TDT; Videl Obenhin, AA; Edwin Paredez, CNA; Ryan Schmitt, Advanced Cannabis Production; Alecia Stephenson, LPN: Makenna Tkach, Dental Assisting; Natalia Webb, Dental Assisting; Zachary Webb, AA, Associate in General Studies

Tiskilwa: Julie Kern, CNA

Toluca: Dylan Crank, Basic Renewable Energy Technology

Tonica: Mallory Freeman, CNA; Meara Rees, AS

Van Orin: Leah Williams, AA

Wenona: Celia Lopez, CNA

West Brooklyn: Santos

Godina: TDT

Wyanet : Aaron Kerner, AAS in Computer Aided Engineering and Design, Architectural/Civil CAD, Basic Computer Aided Drafting, Mechanical/Electronics CAD

PUTNAM COUNTY ROUNDUP

Lady Pumas win regional softball championship

By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@bcrnews.com

Putnam County scored nine runs in the third inning to break open the Class 1A regional championship against IV Catholic in McNabb on Sept. 12.

Hannah Heiberger (2 RBIs), Sofie Borri (RBI) and Piper Terando (3 RBIs) each had two hits for PC. Myah Richardson belted a solo home run in the first inning.

Heiberger was the winning pitcher, striking out five.

PC falls at sectional: The Lady Pumas advanced to the sectionals Saturday, falling to host Mazon-Verona-Kinsman, 9-8.

Heiberger led PC with two hits and drove in a run. Kennedy Holocker, Mcklay Gensini and Terando each had one hit with an RBI.

VOLLEYBALL

Putnam County 2, Hall 0: Maggie Richetta had 11 points, four aces, 10 kills, three digs and two blocks to lead the Panthers to a 25-17, 25-12 victory in a nonconference match in Spring Val-

ley on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Megan Wasilewski had 17 assists, two kills and two digs for PC (8-4), while Ava Hatton added nine digs, three kills and two aces.

BOYS GOLF

At McNabb: Jacob Miller shot a 40 to earn medalist honors and lead Henry-Senachwine to a victory in a triangular at Edgewood Park Golf Club on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The Mallards scored a 172 to beat Putnam County (186) and Stark County (200).

Lance Kiesewetter (43), Landon Harbison (44) and Carson Rowe (45) also scored for Henry.

Jacob Edens and Logan Keesee each had 45s for the Panthers, while A.J. Furer and Miles Walder added 48s.

CROSS COUNTRY

At Peru: The Panthers ran in the 8-team invite on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Baker Lake in Peru. PC sophomore Brayden Zuniga finished 21st with a time of 21:23, while freshman Dominic Carboni (27:49) and Kale Coleman (28:35) finished 46th and 47th.

EighthgradePumasrecognized

Photo provided

Putnam County beat IV Catholic 12-3 in the Class 1A regional championship game on Tuesday, Sept. 12 in McNabb. Team members are (front row, from left) Naomi Hammerick, Sarah Schennum, Britney Trinidad, Eden Carlson, Kami Nauman and Bailee Vice; (middle row) Kennedy Holocker Jaycee Dickey, Mcklay Gensini, Sofie Borri, Illiana Luke and Emmy Carboni; and (back row) Coach Rob Spratt, Piper Terando, Hannah Heiberger, Finley Rue, Tula Rue , Myah Richardson, Amelia Wozniak and Adrianna Zeman.

Photo provided

Putnam County Junior High held its eighth grade recognition for the Pumas baseball team. PC eighth graders are Dominik Avila, Maddox Poole, Jack Jessen, Zander Zimmerlein, Tyson Zuniga, Payson Fiorentini and Dylan Haycroft.

More diverse offense helps Hall defeat Mendota

By BRANDON LaCHANCE Shaw Local News Network correspondent

MENDOTA – After losing its first Three Rivers Conference Mississippi Division game of the season last week to Bureau Valley, the Hall-Putnam County football team knew it needed to get a win to even its record instead of falling too far behind in the standings.

The Red Devils showcased the running game and defensive stops they have shown throughout the first three weeks, bolstered their passing attack and reduced their penalties in a Week 4 TRC battle Friday as Hall-PC defeated Mendota 34-7 in the Trojans’ homecoming game.

“I thought the kids came out and executed way better than we have this season. I was happy with the second-half play,” Red Devils coach Randy Tieman said. “Offensively, a lot of kids got to touch the ball, and that’s always good. You like to give everyone you can a chance.

“Defensively, we were a little better at putting pressure on the quarterback

this week. It helped with having Aiden and Tristan Redcliff both blitzing at times. I think that helped quite a bit. Our defensive line played a little bit better, but we still have to get more pressure in there.”

Hall-PC (2-2, 1-1 TRC Mississippi) started the scoring in the first quarter at 2:21 when senior Gianni Guerrini took a 19-yard quarterback keeper into the end zone, followed by an extra point by kicker DeAnthony Weatherspoon to take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Trojans (0-4, 0-2) tied the game at 6:52 in the second quarter with a bit of trickery. Junior Braiden Freeman took a handoff from senior quarterback Justin Randolph and threw a 25-yard TD pass to sophomore Keegan Beetz.

MHS showed it could move the ball throughout the game as Randolph used his legs and made big-time throws to Freeman, Aiden Tillman and Wyatt Ossman.

The Trojans just couldn’t mesh plays together to continuously move down the field.

“We had difficulties timing it up. Once we got someone open the protec-

tion broke down a couple of times,” Trojans coach Keegan Hill said. “We had some timely calls both offensively and defensively.

“Quarterback Justin Randolph ran significantly better this game than the first three games. The offensive line was more sound than it’s been all season. There were a lot of positive signs, and we saw significant growth.”

Tieman liked the coverage his team played on the MHS passing game, which was the most dynamic the Red Devils had seen all season. The Red Devils’ first three opponents – Orion, Riverdale, and Bureau Valley – are predominately running teams.

“I thought our coverage was good for the most part. Even on their touchdown throw and catch, our guy was there. Dylan Glynn just didn’t get his head around,” Tieman said. “We need to talk more back there and know when the ball is coming. On the sideline he said it was because he didn’t know the ball was coming. I told him it was because he didn’t get his head turned. Other guys have to communicate. Little things we need to work on.

“He got better and better at it throughout the game. He is a sophomore, and he ended up having an interception at the goal line.”

The Red Devils scored a little over a minute after the game was tied when Guerrini threw a shovel pass to Aiden Redcliff, who found a hole in the defense for a 56-yard touchdown to take a 13-7 lead.

Sophomore Braden Curran got in on the scoring with 1:17 left in the second quarter when he found the end zone on a 14-yard run for a 19-7 Hall-PC lead.

Aiden Redcliff then scored the last two touchdowns of the game as he ran up the middle for a 10-yard score with 4:18 left in the third quarter and a 41-yard flash down the sideline to paydirt with 2:45 left in the game.

Redcliff scored two rushing touchdowns and ran for 63 yards on 14 carries. His 56-yard receiving TD was his only grab. Guerrini was 6-of-9 passing for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for 109 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Curran had a team-high 111 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.

OF ILLINOIS PU TNAM COUNTYJU VENILE COURT IN THE INTEREST OF W.D ., d/o/b 12/11/2007, Minor. NO TICE NO 20 23- JA -001

To: Terrance Walker, location unknown

CLASSIFIED

LARGE ESTATE AUCTION

The Following w ill be sold-LIVE IN PERSON ONLY at the ON SITE LOCATION of 1101 6th Street in Mendota, IL on:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

TIME: 10:00 AM

View FULL Listing & Photos on website: w ww.tumblesonauction.com

FURNITU RE, PRIMITIVES & COLLECTIBLES, BOOK S, PLATBO OKS, PHOTOS , POSTCA RDS, ADV, PA INTINGS, PICTURE S & AR TWORK & GROUP OF GUN RELATED ITEMS

PLEA SE NOTE: TH IS IS A LARGE QUALITY AUCTION w/ Many More Items too Numerous to LIST!

Next Auction w ill be on Sunday, October 15thPlan to Attend

ESTATE OF LEO A. MUHLACH & NORMA LEE HOTCHKISS-MU HLACH, Mendota, IL

TT TUMBLESON AUCTION COMPANY, PRINCETON, IL

E-mail: ttauction@yahoo.com or Phone 815-872-1852

Auctioneers: TOM & MARY TUMB LESON/TIFFANY FOES

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCU IT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUI T CO UNTY OF ILLINOIS PU TNAM COUNTYJU VENILE COURT IN THE INTEREST OF W.D ., d/o/b 12/11/2007, Minor. NO TICE NO. 20 23- JA -001

To: Terrance Walker, location unknown

Take notice that on September 7th' 2023, an order was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by Christina (Judd) Mennie, Putnam County State's Attorney, in the circuit court of Putnam County entitled "In the interest of W.D., a minor", and that in the Putnam County courtroom on November 30, 2023, at the hour of 11:30 a.m., or as soon thereaft er as this cause may be heard, a Permanency Review hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child de-

Take notice that on September 7th' 2023, an order was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by Christina (Judd) Mennie, Putnam County State's Attorney, in the circuit court of Putnam County entitled "In the interest of W.D., a minor", and that in the Putnam County courtroom on November 30, 2023, at the hour of 11:30 a.m., or as soon thereaft er as this cause may be heard, a Permanency Review hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court under that Act. THE COURT HAS AUTHORITY IN THIS PROCEEDING TO TAKE FROM YOU THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINOR, TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, AND TO APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD.

IF THE PETITION REQUESTS THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION, YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILD.

Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered.

Dated: this 7th day of September, 2023

Carly R. Zielinski Putnam County Circuit Clerk

120 North Fourth Street Hennepin, Illinois 61327

(Published

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