Putnam County Record_10042023

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Chief Senachwine DAR Chapter to meet Oct. 6

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Chief Senachwine chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its regular meeting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at the Henry Library, 702 Front St.

The program, which will be presented by member Nancy Gillfillan, will be called “The Christopher Lobingier Chapter Remembered” and will cover recent research on the found -

ing members of the C. Lobingier chapter.

This historic preservation project, which took place over the summer months, has focused on the 12 charter members of the C. Lobingier chapter, which existed in Henry from 1910 to 1968.

Information on the 12 founders will be shared at the meeting, as well as information involving recognition ceremonies at the founders’ graves in Henry, which will be held Oct. 14.

Marshall, Putnam to host

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Marshall and Putnam counties will hold an electronics collection day from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Toluca Public Works Building, 520 W. Railroad St. There will be a limit of 10 items, and this event is open to residents of Marshall and Putnam counties only.

For information, call 309246-6401.

Accepted items include computers, monitors, printers, faxes, copiers, laptops, TVs, main frames, peripherals, computer mice, modems, telephones, answering machines, adding machines, microwave ovens, scanners, DVDs, VCRs, stereo equipment, pagers, cellphones, cameras, camcorders, video games, software, CDs and disc books, small handheld electronics, cables, calculators, shredders, scanners, plotters and terminals.

Unacceptable items include small kitchen appliances, toasters, coffee pots, blenders, air conditioners, white goods, smoke detectors, dehumidifiers, vacuums, batteries, fans, power tools, light fixtures, UPs, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, light bulbs, broken cathode ray tube monitors, broken glass and hazardous material.

These founders include Gertrude Ball Bayne, Cora Ball Beckwith, Elizabeth Wykoff Dewey, Ellen Law Duke, Gertrude Potter Hallfarth, Virginia Law Hodge, Lura Davis Law, Sarah Elsie Potter, Mabel Thompson Potts, Emma Mae Thompson Scholtz, Jennie Thompson Vernay and Sophia Kline Zeller.

If any family members of the listed members have photos, obituaries or other information to share, contact 815303-1034 or gillfill@frontier.com.

e-collection

event Oct. 27

Putnam Rotary to hold Oktoberfest event Oct. 19

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Putnam County Rotary will hold an Oktoberfest event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Lost Duck Tavern, 301 S. McCoy St. in Granville. Visitors can sample German beer and authentic Oktoberfest food specialities.

At 6:30 p.m., Sully will guide diners through six 4-ounce pours of German lagers and ales followed by a shot of Jagermeister and a six-course sampling of German foods including homemade pretzels, cucumber salad, spaetzle, pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, apple strudel and ginger snaps.

The cost is $18 a person, or

$12 for a nonalcoholic option served with German root beer.

During the event, guests also will have the chance to sign up for volunteer opportunities within the local community.

Projects in need of new volunteers includes Rotary Readers in the schools, the Grange Halloween Parade and Party

co-hosted with PCHS Interact, American Red Cross blood drives, the Little Free Pantry, winter events benefiting seniors and veterans, Ag-Night honoring farmers and ag businesses, Afterglow and more.

To RSVP for the event or for information, email PutnamCountyRotary@gmail. com.

Earleen Hinton file photo

Marshall and Putnam counties will hold an electronics collection day from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Toluca Public Works Building, 520 W. Railroad St.

Ollie’s $68M project on course to bring 200 jobs to area in 2024

Company celebrates construction benchmark 5 months after groundbreaking

By JAYCE EUSTICE jeustice@shawmedia.com

The 615,000 square foot Ollie’s Bargain Outlet distribution center in Princeton, a project that will create about 200 full-time jobs in the Illinois Valley, is making progress toward its 2014 opening.

A little more than five months after its groundbreaking, project leaders met Tuesday to celebrate a construction milestone.

Representatives from Ollie’s, Arco Design Build and the city of Princeton participated in a topping off ceremony, in which a steel beam is signed by project leaders before it is placed on the roof to signal the next phase of construction.

The facility is expected to be a large part of the company’s growth in the Midwest. The center will serve stores throughout Illinois and surrounding states.

Arco Design Build Director of Business Development Brian Devlin said that even from his first involvement with this project, Princeton stood out to Ollie’s as a potential future home.

“We did a four-day camel back ride through multiple states and met with every municipality, every utility company and every incentives company along the way,” Devlin said. “Obviously, you can see that Princeton was favored.”

Devlin said after meeting with City Clerk Pete Nelson, City Manager Theresa Wittenauer and Former Mayor Joel Quiram that it became clear to Ollie’s how proud the leaders and community was.

“We felt that this community was so much like our company,” Ollie’s EVP and COO Eric Van Der Valk said. “It made us feel like, we would eventually be hiring 200 people that already understood Ollie’s, had the Ollie’s values and would appreciate being a part of our company like we appreciate being a part of this community.”

Van Der Valk said his team couldn’t believe the progress that had been made on the building in only a few months and about a year after first

announcing the partnership with Princeton.

“We say ‘America loves a bargain,’ so we are really happy to be here in the Midwest and have this distribution center to propel our growth in this area,” he said. “This DC will service 150 or more stores primarily in the Midwest.”

To construct the project, Ollie’s has invested $68 million into the project, a figure Van Der Valk said may increase as the project moves along.

“This is an amazing day for everyone that’s played a role in the Ollie’s Midwest expansion,” Ollie’s President and CEO John Swygert said. “Thank you all for your dedication to this project and your partnership, it means a lot to us.”

Swygert said Ollie’s celebrated its 40th anniversary last summer. Earlier in September, the company opened its ninth store in Illinois.

“I am so proud to stand here (Tuesday) and say that this week marks two more huge milestones for Ollie’s,” he said. “With the topping out of this distribution center and

the opening of our 500th store (Wednesday) in Iowa City, and entering our 30th state. Pretty good for a company that started in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 1981.”

Mayor Ray Mabry spoke and thanked those in the city that played a large part in bringing Ollie’s to Princeton including Nelson, Wittenauer, Quiram and many others.

“We are honored and glad to have

you here and we are glad to celebrate,” Mabry said.

Mabry also welcomed Ollie’s to Princeton with the presentation of an American flag that will be displayed in front of the distribution center upon its completion.

The eventual opening of the Princeton distribution center will help Ollie’s move toward its goal of more than 1,050 stores nationwide.

Photos by Scott Anderson

The 615,000 square foot Ollie’s Bargain Outlet distribution center in Princeton, a project that will create about 200 full-time jobs in the Illinois Valley, is making progress toward its 2014 opening. ON THE COVER: A construction worker does work inside the new Ollie’s distribution center Tuesday in Princeton.

Former Princeton Mayor Keith Cain signs a steel beam Tuesday that will be installed in the new Ollie’s distribution center.

Study underway to connect I&M, Hennepin canal trails

State, regional leaders express enthusiasm about project’s direction

By DEREK BARICHELLO dbarichello@shawmedia.com

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood spoke confidently Wednesday of the plan to connect the Illinois and Michigan and Hennepin canal trails: “This is going to happen.”

LaHood, along with Illinois Secretary of Transportation Omer Osman, attended an event Wednesday in Peru to update and rally community leaders to close a 15-mile gap between the two canal trails and help create a 3,700-mile trail that extends from Washington, D.C., to Washington state.

The first steps have been taken, an enthusiastic LaHood told those in attendance at Riverfront Bar and Grill, which sits across from where the trail may pass.

Marquis Energy of Hennepin donated $100,000 to perform a feasibility study and the consultants have been hired.

The study will take about seven months to complete and will determine how much the trail will cost, where it will pass and what cooperation with the railroad companies will be necessary.

The study also is imperative to obtain federal and state funding.

Osman said Wednesday that the state will support the project as

much as it can. Illinois, contributing 194.8 miles to the cross-country trek, is one of 12 states where the trail passes. The 15-mile gap of trail between La Salle and Bureau Junction is the largest gap in the state needed to connect the trail.

“We want to do our part and be leaders for the other states to get the project done,” Osman said.

The nonprofit group Canal Trail Connector Inc., led by co-chairs Jay McCracken and Bob Eschbach, meets regularly with a commitment to move the project forward.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, the Marquis Foundation and regional leaders were in attendance Wednesday, hearing from LaHood their support will be the key to seeing the project to fruition.

Brandi Horton, of the Rails-toTrails Conservancy, said communities and businesses along the trail will see a boost of visitors if the 15-mile gap is completed, because the trail will become more enticing to tourists looking for outdoor adventures. The national Rails-to-Trails group is committed to completing the Great American Rail Trail, promoting the potential of economic and quality-of-life benefits for the communities it passes.

“It was intentional that we met (at Riverfront Wednesday),” Horton said. “This is an example of a business where a bicyclist may stop here for a beer, or a snack. ... The ripple effects of completing the trail are incredible.”

Lauren Las, of Heritage Corridor, said one of its goals as the region’s

Spooky Special

state-certified tourism bureau is to provide access to outdoor recreation, and the proposed trail will provide a safe outlet, while also benefitting the region’s economy.

Considering the proposed path may cut through some farmland, Bureau County farmer Jim Draper, who lives along the Hennepin Canal trail, said the agricultural community should welcome the trail.

“Farmers should see this as an opportunity to show a larger audience what they have to offer,” Draper said. “This is an opportunity for the public to reconnect with rural land and see where their food comes from.”

McCracken and Eschbach echoed LaHood’s confidence Wednesday.

“Let’s get this done,” McCracken said.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood speaks Sept. 27 about how he is confident the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail and Hennepin Canal Trail will be linked.

Photos by Derek Barichello Jim Nowlan, a member of the Canal Trail Connector Inc., points out the 15-mile gap in the Great American Rail-Trail between the Illinois and Michigan Canal and Hennepin Canal trails on Sept. 27.

SPRING VALLEY

New sports bar opens with golf, multi-sport simulators

EYES ON ENTERPRISE

Stephanie Jaquins

A new sports bar and lounge with golf and multi-sport simulators recently opened in Spring Valley.

The Tee Box opened at 223 E. St. Paul St. on Sept. 8.

“The first weekend went well. We successfully made it through the weekend without any issues, and everyone who came in seemed to really enjoy the atmosphere as well as the simulators,” owner Tyler Thompson said.

The Tee Box has two simulators branded by Full Swing.

“When it comes to golfing, these are some of the best simulators out there for accurate virtual golf,” Thompson said, adding that they use five different cameras to provide the most accurate golf.

More than 40 PGA courses are available.

The Tee Box also has 16 games other than golf, including baseball,

Fall in with our

basketball, football, soccer and carnival games.

“We had big-time golfers who really enjoyed the accuracy and smoothness of the golf simulators,”

Thompson said of the first weekend. “We had both adults and younger teens come in to use the other games on the simulator, and they had a blast.”

The Tee Box also has a separate backroom available for party rentals.

“[It’s also] the preferred simulator for the younger audience, as it allows the bar customers to still enjoy a bar environment and allows kids and teenagers to have fun and act like kids and teenagers,” Thompson said.

Part of what drew Thompson to the location was its size.

“We have a very nice bar area that allows adults to have drinks and enjoy themselves while also being able to watch other customers use the main simulator next to the bar,” Thompson said. “The backroom simulator is a large enough space that allows around 20 to 25 people to comfortably hang out while having access to their own simulator.”

The space also includes countertops and a sink to bring food for a party as well as multiple pub tables, a couch, two TVs and space for more tables as needed.

The backroom simulator also can be used for daily customers who don’t rent the room.

See EYES ON ENTERPRISE on page 7

FREE Love

Photo provided by Tyler Thompson

A new sports bar and lounge with golf and multi-sport simulators recently opened in Spring Valley. The Tee Box opened at 223 E. Saint Paul St. on Sept. 8.

Looking for pumpkins? Check out 6 Illinois Valley farms, stands

Move over, Jack Skellington. Illinois is seizing the crown and claiming the title of Pumpkin King.

In a region where every field seems to be corn or soybeans, it may not be obvious that our state is the nation’s leading producer of pumpkins. But that’s the reality, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In 2021, Illinois led the nation in pumpkin acreage (15,900 acres, reports the USDA), producing more than twice the amount of beloved autumn gourds than other top-producing states (which include California, Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Virginia). Although the USDA reports about 80% of Illinois’ pumpkins go to processors for pie filling, many of the remaining 20% are put to a familiar use: fall decoration.

Those looking for porch pumpkins and decorative gourds in the Illinois Valley don’t have to look far – it’s easy to buy them straight from the source. Here are six farms, pumpkin patches and stands selling everything you need to deck your yards and porches for the season.

Boggio’s Orchard and Produce

12087 Route 71, Granville

For many Illinois Valley residents, Boggio’s is synonymous with autumn.

WANDER WOMAN

Julie Barichello

This agritourism hub in Putnam County has long reigned as one of the leading orchards and pumpkin patches in the region.

Beyond the pumpkin patch, this fall destination includes children’s activities, wagon rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo (don’t miss saying hello to Karamel the camel), concessions, a market, you-pick apples, apple cider doughnuts and more.

Weekend admission will be charged through October for the activities area, but no admission is charged to access the market, bakery and pumpkin hill. The market and pumpkin hill include all of the fall decor staples, including mums, colorful corn and gourds of all shapes, colors and sizes.

For information: www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com or www.facebook.com/BoggiosOrchard

Country Kids Produce

4301 Plain Road, Peru; 426 S. Clark St., Utica Country Kids Farm Market in Peru

Thursday, October 12th @ 12:30

Jim is returning to the PCCC ! This time he will take you through the spooky sightings of some of Chicagoland’s most haunted places. Gibbons will discuss the grave of Inez Clarke, the little girl said to be seen at Graceland Cemetery. He will also discuss Chicago’s haunted areas such as the Congress Plaza Hotel; The Drake Hotel; the Valentine’s Day Massacre site; the Alley of the Biograph Theater; Lincoln Park, and much more!

The program will be in-person and live streamed through Zoom. For more information on how to attend virtually, call the PCCC.

A Chicken Tender lunch will be offered prior to the program. Meals are provided at no cost to those 60+ with a suggested donation.

Please RSVP 24 hours prior if you would like to join us for lunch.

is a prime destination to support local farmers. Check out their massive selection of mums and an expansive variety of pumpkins and gourds –large, small, lumpy, flat, round, bright or muted shades … shoppers will have their pick. The fall lineup of products also includes apple and peach cider as well as apple cider doughnuts. The Peru location is open daily through Oct. 31. The Utica stand is open Saturdays and Sundays through October.

For information: www.countrykidsfarmmarket.com or www.facebook. com/countrykidsfarmmarket

Eric’s Pumpkin Patch

2097 N. 15th Road, Streator

This small patch has been a Streator-area staple for fall decorating since 1980. In early September, owners announced on Facebook this will be their final year of selling pumpkins. Eric’s Pumpkin Patch excels with the autumn classics: medium to large orange pumpkins, mums, straw bales and other farm-to-home decor. A variety of specialty gourds are available as well. A pumpkin-buying budget can stretch far here. Eric’s Pumpkin Patch is open daily.

For information: Eric’s Pumpkin Patch on Facebook

Gast’s Pumpkins

4327 E. 1553rd Road, Earlville

Visiting Gast’s Pumpkins feels like making a social call to a neighbor. This pumpkin patch features a vast variety of pumpkins and gourds arranged around the homey farmyard. Shoppers can find pumpkins of every shape and size, ranging from pie pumpkins to wart-speckled decorations and from small handheld gourds to hefty, liftwith-your-legs giants. An Instagrammable favorite at Gast’s are the many stacks of flat pumpkins – they’re like totem poles paying homage to autumn, and many guests snap cellphone photos of youths standing alongside the pumpkin stacks. While exploring the variety of options, there’s a good chance visitors will be greeted by mooing cows and bleating goats. Gast’s Pumpkins, located about 14 miles north of Ottawa, is open daily.

For information: www.facebook. com/gastspumpkins

Kane Family Farms

2165 N. 3020th Road, Ottawa

Kane Family Farms is more than a pumpkin patch – it’s an all-day family

See WANDER WOMAN, page 9

As told by Historical Presenter, Jim Gibbons

Continued from page 5

golf pro in Wisconsin, inspired him to open The Tee Box. His uncle runs a golf course and this past year opened a golf simulator.

Thompson lives in Dimmick and was born and raised in Spring Valley.

“I think Spring Valley’s downtown has some great buildings and has the potential to be a good area to start a new business,” Thompson said. “I am trying to bring more activity and options for not only Spring Valley residents but people all over the area.”

The Tee Box is open from 1 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 1 p.m. to midnight Friday, from 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

For more information, find The Tee Box Spring Valley on Facebook. You can reserve a tee time at theteeboxsv.com.

Closed Utica favorite may open food truck

Cajun Connection closed, but you may still be able to get a taste of its Cajun menu in the future.

Cajun Connection owners Ron and Amy McFarlain announced on Cajun Connection’s Facebook page that they may open a food truck in the future. In the meantime, they said, Cajun Ron is cooking at several local restaurants.

They also reminded customers they can find their Hot Damn, Mama’s Blend and Sweet Heat sauces at Ace Hardwares, including locations in Peru, Mendota and Yorkville, among others.

The sale of the property at 2958 Route 178, Utica, closed Aug. 22 for $500,000. A sign at the property said a Mexican restaurant is opening.

Utica restaurant in running for WGN’s best wings tournament

After the first week of voting, WGN announced its Sweet 16 in the 2023 Chicago’s Best Wings Tournament, which includes a local restaurant.

Skoog’s Pub and Grill, 155 Mill St., Utica, defeated K-Coop in Morton Grove to move to the next round.

Round 2 voting will remain open until Thursday morning. Vote at https://shorturl.at/aeFQ5.

WGN’s Kevin Powell and Michael Piff will discuss the tournament and the results on an upcoming episode of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast.

Ice cream shops prepare to close for

season

Time-Out Ice Cream in Streator and Tone’s Cones in Ottawa both announced on social media that they are in their last days for the season.

If planning a visit, check their social media pages to see if they’re open.

Princeton therapy business opens with new approach

Clinical social worker Elizabeth Campbell’s office is not what you’d expect in the traditional sense.

Her Princeton office isn’t just set up with chairs for talk therapy. It’s set up for play, too. Play therapy is the process of using toys, games, art and music to reach a child or adult, Campbell said.

Campbell opened Play It Forward, 618 N. Main St., in April.

“It allows a child whose brain isn’t fully developed to talk about a difficult situation, trauma or experience in a way they understand,” Campbell said. “With kids, the way we look at it as a play therapist, the toy is their words and the play is their language.

“As they’re playing and interacting with us, they’re expressing feelings and emotions and situations that are going on at home. Then we can talk

See EYES ON ENTERPRISE, page 8

Photo provided by Tyler Thompson

A new sports bar and lounge with golf and multi-sport simulators recently opened in Spring Valley. The Tee Box opened at 223 E. Saint Paul St. on Sept. 8.

With kids, the way we look at it as a play therapist, the toy is their words and the play is their language.”

Elizabeth Campbell, clinical social worker

Continued from page 7

about it in that capacity or use the toys or puppets and things like that in order to work through those big emotions, so it’s not so heavy for them to sit there and talk one on one.”

Campbell also is a certified specialist in sand tray therapy, which also helps people express themselves without using words. She has four sandboxes and many kinds of miniature figures. Instead of addressing their needs with words, Campbell might ask a person to show her what anxiety looks like in the sand tray.

“They’ll go around the room and look at all these miniatures. One might pick a dragon, one might pick a whole bunch of things, and they’ll make a scene out of it, and we’ll talk about the things in the tray, and it basically allows them to talk about the trauma in a second-person perspective. It brings out a lot of subconscious things that they didn’t really notice.”

She’s been working as a school social worker since 2018 and last year was working in Princeton when she noticed a need for children’s therapy in the area and decided to leave social work and open a private practice in Princeton.

She was drawn to this work after she received the help of a social worker as a single mom who was a survivor of domestic violence.

“I had a social worker who truly just resonated with me and helped my kids through everything and got us to a place where we were able to thrive again,” she said. “And because of that, I wanted to do that for others. Through my journey, I realized I really enjoyed working with kids and schools and working with parents.”

She works on coping skills and executive function skills with children who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. She also helps with family trauma and grieving, and works with teens struggling with eating disorders, healthy relationships and healthy internet usage. She also helps with parent education and coaching.

Although most of her clients are children, she said she treats almost as many adults.

Curious Goods to close

Curious Goods, a gift and costume shop next to Hank’s Farm, is closing in November.

Hank’s Farm posted on its social media that this would be the final Halloween for the store, 2973 Route 71, Ottawa.

Curious Goods sells a mix of gifts, Christmas items, home décor and vintage finds, among other items, according to its website. It recently added a selection of out-of-print costumes and historical patterns and is

clearing out the costume rental inventory. Curious Goods’ hours are from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Hank’s Farm will remain open. It recently added a new patio.

Grand Ridge bar and restaurant reopens its bar, but the restaurant remains closed

JR’s Bar and Grill, 2048 Route 23, Grand Ridge, was closed for about a week after a kitchen fire. The bar area reopened over the weekend, but the

kitchen remains closed.

In a Facebook post, the owners said they hope to get back to normal soon.

Walnut family haunted house opens

The Sturtevant Haunted Farm opened last week for the Halloween season at 16783 Route 92, Walnut.

The family has run the nonprofit haunted house for more than 20 years. In recent years, the display included more than 300 mannequin displays stretching across the farmstead.

Hours are from sunrise until the lights turn off about 10 p.m.

For information, visit fb.com/sturtevanthauntedfarm.com. Donations are accepted.

Peru haunted house to open

Insanity Haunted House, located inside the Peru Mall, 3940 Route 251, Peru, opens Friday.

The haunted house offers more than 10,000 square feet of “pure terror,” according to its website.

For its previous four seasons, Insanity Haunted House was awarded a Voters’ Choice Top 10 Haunted House award by hauntedillinois.com.

For tickets and information, visit insanityhh.com.

•ThePutnamCountyRecordiscommittedtokeepingreadersuptodatewithbusinesshappeningsin thearea.Muchofourreportingreliesonwhatwesee andhear,butwe’realsoreachingouttoreadersfor tipsonbusinessitems.Ifyouhaveatiptosharefor EyesonEnterprise,emailnewsroom@mywebtimes.com.

• Pole Barns

• Retaining Walls

• Parking Lots

Derek Barichello

Curious Goods, a gift and costume shop next to Hank’s Farm in Ottawa, is closing in November. Hank’s Farm posted on its social media that this would be the final Halloween for the store located at 2973 Route 71 in Ottawa.

Photo provided by Elizabeth Campbell

Clinical social worker Elizabeth Campbell opened Play It Forward, 618 N. Main St., Princeton, in April.

Popeyes plan recommended, no timeline shared for opening

Developer confirms drive-thru, parking plans on new May Road location

By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com

Plans for the new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant coming to May Road in Peru were recommended during Wednesday’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

The commission approved a variance reducing the number of required parking spaces and a variance to increase the height request for a free-standing sign. Final City Council approval of the project is expected during Monday’s City Council meeting.

The developer did not provide an update on its timeline, which originally called for a late fall opening.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a national chain restaurant, known for its fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. The nearest locations are in Yorkville, DeKalb, Joliet, Bloomington and Peoria.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schwe -

• WANDER WOMAN

Continued from page 6

destination. During an excursion to pick the perfect pumpkin, families can opt to pay admission into the farm’s expansive activities area, which includes a corn maze, children’s activity stations, wagon rides, a petting zoo and more. The farm also includes a concessions stand where visitors can get lunch – don’t miss the wood-fired burgers or a dessert of apple cider doughnuts. This year, Kane Family Farms is partnering with Maierhofer Farms to sell mums. There is no admission fee to buy pumpkins, doughnuts, flowers, honey or similar products. Kane Family Farms is open Thursdays through Sundays.

For information: kanefamilyfarms.com orfacebook.com/KaneFamilyFarms

Rusty Pumpkin Farms

ickert said the maximum height requirement for a free-standing sign in that zone is 65 feet, and AbyGroups requested a 100 feet, which is in line with what the new QuickTrip built.

Director of Engineering and Zoning, Eric Carls said the sign is OK to go up as long as there are no conflicts with the Illinois Valley Regional Airport.

Popeyes plans call for it to occupy 2,515 square feet with a quick-serve, drive-thru restaurant. The proposed site plan would include 20 parking spaces instead of the city’s zoning ordinance, which said no less than 26.

“Twenty stalls is sufficient,” said Jacob Cooke, civil engineer on the project. “As the majority of the postCOVID era, drive-thru is 80% of business.”

Carls said the plan would decrease the amount of “impervious area” and provide more green space.

Neither Popeyes restaurant nor the developer commented on a timeline for construction.

The Peru City Council unanimously approved the $300,000 purchase agreement in May with AbyGroups Inc. for land to build Popeyes and a possible other business at a former municipal property at 1839 and 1841 May Road.

Do you know an outstanding teacher?

2104 N. 2653rd Road, Marseilles

A visit to this rural farm stand is charming in its simplicity. Visitors can park in the gravel driveway, where they’ll find pumpkins and gourds stacked on a hayrack. Rusty Pumpkin Farms sells classic pumpkins of various sizes (including adorable micropumpkins) and several specialty gourds, such as a species that resembles a corn cob. The farm is about four miles east of Ottawa’s southside Kroger and offers a more personal shopping experience. Anyone on the hunt for straw bales can find some here. The stand is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.

For information: Rusty Pumpkin Farms on Facebook

• 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.

Between now and April 23rd, nominate your favorite teacher! You could win $100!

LET’S HONOR OUR NATION’S HEROES

On November 8, 2023, the Shaw Local News Network will publish “Thank You, Veterans” across our publications. We will be dedicating the November 8 editions of our newspapers to veterans as a “Thank You” for their selfless service and dedication to our country. The “Thank You, Veterans” contest asks for thank you letters written to our veterans. Once all letters have been submitted, a random drawing will determine the winning submission. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS

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Arukah to buy Perry Plaza for $440,000

Organization plans to invest about $3 million into building

By JAYCE EUSTICE jeustice@shawmedia.com

The Princeton City Council approved Monday the sale of the building at 526 Bureau Valley Parkway, commonly known as Perry Plaza, to Arukah Institute of Healing in the amount of $440,000.

The purchase of the 38,560 squarefoot building was approved with a 4-0 vote, with one council member abstaining.

The building was appraised most recently in 2022 at the amount of $550,000, with the approved sale being at 80% of the appraisal.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on this building to a very worthy organization,” City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said.

The city originally was given the deed to the building in the summer of 2020 and later decided it has no use for the building and put it on the market in March 2021.

Mayor Ray Mabry said Wittenauer

and City Clerk Pete Nelson have been involved in many showings over the years of the property and also have been instrumental in the sale to Arukah.

“We’re excited that this is going to a great home,” Mabry said.

“This is a win-win for everybody. It’s a win for the community as a whole.”

Founder and CEO of Arukah Insti-

Ptak Monuments

tute of Healing, Sarah Scruggs, was in attendance Monday and said her organization looks forward to continue to invest in the local community by investing in the newly acquired property.

“Our plans are to put approximately $3 million into the building to really give it a lot of curb appeal for Princeton,” Scruggs said. “We really

want to continue to put in a lot of comprehensive mental health services that will service this city and the surrounding communities for generations to come.”

Scruggs said the organization plans to utilize much of the space to offer their mental health services such as counseling, psychiatry, case management, crisis stabilization unit, mindbody therapies, school prevention services and more at a centralized location.

Since its beginnings, Scruggs said Arukah has continued to grow to fit the need for their services identified in the community, including in other locations, such as Ottawa.

Arukah also expects this move to Perry Plaza to create about a 50% growth from its amount of services.

“We need growth, 50% is about the average growth we expect for each program,” Scruggs said. “Each program is a little different in how we are growing them.”

Arukah hopes to be able to begin construction on the building by Jan. 1, barring the availability of contractors and the speed of the bidding process.

Jayce Eustice

Founder and CEO of Arukah Institute of Healing, Sarah Scruggs, was in attendance Monday and said that her organization looks forward to continue to invest in the local community by investing in the newly acquired property.

PUTNAM COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS: JULY 2023

Here are the Putnam County property transfers for July of 2023.

July 5

Christina and Robert Mennie to Debra Shevokas, deed, Village of Hennepin L:2 B:24, $108,800.

Cody Grandadam to Himanshu Niranjani, deed, multiple Granville properties, $665,000.

July 10

Julie Enzenberger to James Mayer, deed, Q:SE S:6 T:14 R:10, $250,000.

Bruce Marple III to James Engleking, deed, Q:NW S:2 T:31 R:2, $80,000.

July 13

Lisa Serafini to Bonnie and Stephanie Latty, deed, Charles H. Young Addition-Granville L:21, 22, $60,000.

Dennis Sears to Landers Farm LLC, deed, multiple properties, $0

Michael and Angela O’Bryant to Gintautas Rakita and Danguole Brazinskaite, deed, Indian Hills L:77, $2,900.

John Vlahovic to Larry and Linda Tonelli, deed, Hennepin Farms Second One L: 125, 126 and multiple properties, $200,000.

July 14

Morgan and Karen Phillips to Jack and Lesa Woodruff, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills L:64, $2,500.

Daniel and Annette Richardson to multiple parties, deed, Gatten’s Addition-McNabb L:32, 31, $0.

Marian Poterucha to Rafal Graca,

deed, Indian Hills L:250, $0.

July 17

Robert and Jan Griffith to living trusts, deed, multiple properties, $0. Haun Family Revocable Living Trust to Jacob Weeks, deed, Archibald Hopkins Second Addition L:48, 49, 50, $135,000.

Brian and Carina Gonet to Eleanor Taylor, Kassandra Jatwig and Danna Taylor, deed, Village of Granville L: 3,4,7, $171,000.

July 19

Raymond Bednar to Putnam County Trustee, deed, 03-20280-000, $0.

Denise Crotty and Terrance Hanahan to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Indian Hills L:76, $0.

Jason Hudson to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods Plat #2 L:364, $0.

John Walters and Brandon Dober to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods Plat #2 L:330, $0

Sandra and Wayne Borre to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods L:286, $0. 5th 3rd Bank TTEE, Trust 17363 and Gregory Schwerin to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods L:198, $0.

Geottel Klaus to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods L:149, $0.

David Negrete to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods L:56, $0.

Randy Mortesen, Traci Stroud, Wendy Mortensen, Jodie Hansen, Sherrill Mortesen to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills L:96, $0.

Scott Mcallister to Putnam County Trustee, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills L:59, $0.

Shannon Ray to revocable trusts, deed, Q:NW S:30 T:32 R:1, $0.

Shannon and Angela Fay to revocable trusts, deed, 01-02-309-000, $0.

Shannon and Angela Fay to revocable trusts, deed, 01-02-308-004, $0.

Cynthia Teegarden to revocable trusts, deed, 02-01-223-000, $0.

Agata and Wladyslaw Niedzwiedz to Wladyslaw and Maria Niedzwiedz, deed, 03-03-170-000, $0.

July 20

William Faletti to Richard Okeefe, deed, Gunn’s Addition-Granville L:23,24, $0.

Gregory Wahl to Brent and Donna Niebrugge, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills Plat #3 L:663, $2,200.

Margaret Wahl to Gregory Wahl, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills Plat #3 L:663, $0.

July 24

Audrey Bradshaw to Justin Bradshaw, deed, Village of Hennepin L:22 B:7, $0.

Sharon Penner, Ann Penner and Gloria Neal to Richard Rupiper Trust and Margaret Rupiper Trust, 03-01294-000 and 03-01-310-000, $0.

Sharon Penner, Ann Penner and Gloria Neal to Richard Rupiper Trust and Margaret Rupiper Trust, multiple properties, $1,225,887.

July 25

Tori Radley to Kari Miller, deed, Patterson’s Addition-Magnolia 04-00038-110, $925,000.

Granville Meats Groceries to Lil Pond LLC C Series, deed, Gemion Addition-Granville L:4,5, $0.

Keith Boggio to Sondergeroth Capital LLC, deed, 02-09-270-000 Q:NW S:9 T:32 R:1, $78,000.

July 27

Jobanie Rodriguez to Carl Chamberlain, deed, 02-02-210-000 Q:SW S:4 T:32 R:1, $50,000.

July 28

William and Joellen Nienaber to Robert and Vear LaPorte, deed, Lake Thunderbird Woods L:122, $5,000.

Laurie Mele to Michael Schmutz, deed, Lake Thunderbird Hills Plat #3 L:511, $4,000.

Syed Alam and Alam Enterprises to Charleen Shempert, deed, 04-08-295000 Q:SE S:15 T:31 R:1, $35,000.

Erik and Lacey Gruenwald to Sandra Hernandez, deed, Lincolnshire Addition-Granville 02-00-079-120, $175,000.

FOOTBALL: HALL-PUTNAM COUNTY 32, ILLINOIS VALLEY CENTRAL 24

Hall-PC scores 26 in 2nd quarter to beat IVC

Red Devils improve to 3-3 with nonconference win

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

SPRING VALLEY – Nothing went right for Hall-Putnam County early in its nonconference game against Illinois Valley Central on Friday.

A new look on defense didn’t pan out for the Red Devils, and their bread-andbutter running plays up the middle weren’t working.

Hall found itself down 16 points after the first quarter against the winless Grey Ghosts.

But the Red Devils switched back to their base defense, started running to the outside while mixing in the passing attack and scored 26 points in the second quarter on the way to a 32-24 homecoming victory.

“I was happy after we got down 16-0; the kids didn’t hang their heads,” Hall coach Randy Tieman said. “They could have quit at that point, but they rattled off 32 straight and put us in a position to win. The defense came out well in the second half.”

The Red Devils began the game in a three-man front on defense, but the Grey Ghosts managed to score on their first two drives.

IVC overcame four penalties on its first drive to score on a 17-yard run by Mason Marchand.

After Hall (3-3) went three-and-out, the Grey Ghosts went 72 yards on nine plays, overcoming three penalties on the drive, and scored on a 40-yard screen pass from Bryce Ratcliff to Griffin Goines with 2:45 left in the first quarter.

Hall allowed 130 yards and two touchdowns on IVC’s first two drives, but gave up 191 yards and one TD – on a 50-yard pass from Ratcliff to Ryan Adler with 1:30 left in the third quarter – in the final three quarters.

“We switched to a 4-3 instead of a 3-4,” Hall lineman Joel Koch said. “We added another lineman, which allowed us ends to come outside. That’s what we’ve been doing all year. We switched up for this game [to the 3-4]. We just had to go back to our basics.”

The Red Devils got their offense going on their second drive after managing only 3 yards on their first possession.

Hall drove 68 yards on 11 plays, capping the drive with a 1-yard TD run by Braden Curran.

The key play of the drive came when quarterback Gianni Guerrini hit Curran for a 51-yard pass to the IVC 5-yard line on second-and-20.

Following the score, Hall’s DeAnthony Weatherspoon kicked it

short down the sideline, and Curran recovered, giving the Red Devils possession at the IVC 37.

Five plays later, Aiden Redcliff scored on a 3-yard run.

“That brought us up,” Curran said about the kick recovery and quick TD. “That was a great kick by DeAnthony. We worked on that in practice, and he executed perfectly. It was a huge turn [in momentum].”

The Red Devils kept the momentum going on IVC’s ensuing possession when Tristan Redcliff intercepted a pass and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown to give Hall the lead for good at 19-16 with 4:27 left in the first half.

Hall added one more score in the first half when Guerrini tossed a 28-yard TD pass to Curran streaking down the middle with 11 seconds left in the second quarter on fourth-and-10.

“It came from upstairs that the middle was wide open, so we hit a couple there,” Tieman said. “We called the play with Braden running straight up the middle out of the backfield and it was open. There was nobody there, and we picked up that touchdown.”

The Red Devils extended their lead to 32-16 when Joseph Bacidore scored on a 1-yard run with 3:35 left in the third. IVC

responded quickly with the 50-yard TD pass 2:05 later.

Hall stopped IVC on fourth down on the Grey Ghosts’ last two drives of the game.

Koch had two sacks on IVC’s first drive of the fourth quarter and recorded a sack on fourth-and-20 with 21/2 minutes left.

“I finally got a holding call and they finally stopped holding,” Koch said about his three fourth-quarter sacks. “I started hitting the kid instead of trying

to go around him and being faster because he was a lot smaller than I am. I started using my weight and power instead of just my speed.”

The Red Devils finished with 289 total yards (175 rushing, 114 passing). Curran rushed for 92 yards –118 not counting a 26-yard loss when he recovered a snap that sailed over Guerrini’s head – and caught two passes for 79 yards. Guerrini completed 4 of 9 passes for 114 yards and a TD, and ran for 25 yards.

Photos by Scott Anderson

Hall’s Braden Curran breaks free of Illinois Valley Central’s Ryan Adler on Friday at Richard Nesti Stadium.

Hall’s Aiden Redcliff runs past IVC’s Mason Marchand on Friday.

St. Bede softball ceremony has a nice ring to it

By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@bcrnews.com

The St. Bede softball team had a memorable season this spring, capturing the Class 1A state championship by rallying to upend two-time defending champion Glasford Illini Bluffs, 7-6.

That moment had a nice ring to it Saturday.

The Bruins received their state championship rings with a special ceremony at Abbot Philip Davey Field, presented by four members of the very first St. Bede softball team in 1975-76, the year St. Bede became coed, Patty (Perona) Collins (’76), Hilde (Luther) Grivetti (’76), Margaret Comiskey (’77) and Sam (Lijewski) Pumo (’79).

SBA senior Ella Hermes, who was the winning pitcher in relief in the state title game, said the ring ceremony was the perfect way to cap their state championship.

“It means a lot. For all of our hard work and effort, it just feels complete. But we’re still going to do it again,” she said.

Hermes and coach Shawn Sons enjoyed having some of the early St. Bede softballers on hand for the ceremony.

“It means a lot from where it all began,” she said.

“We can’t truly appreciate our success without recognizing the ladies who blazed the trail. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the success we had,” Sons said.

St. Bede graduate Madelyn Torrance, who had three RBIs in the

PC ROUNDUP

BOYS GOLF

championship game, was asked by Sons to speak on behalf of her team.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about that game. That I don’t think about Bos’ (Lily Bosnich) hit. That I don’t think about Lily (McClain) scoring. That I don’t think about Herm (Hermes) and Reag (Reagan Stoudt) pitching. Or that I don’t think about you-all. I have chills here now,” said Torrance, who drove home for the Homecoming weekend from Auburn University.

“The love these girls share for softball is unmatched. There is just true passion and heart. We all gave 110%, no questions asked. It showed on

Woodland Regional: Putnam County placed ninth in the Class 1A Woodland Regional at Wolf Creek Golf Course on Sept. 27 in Streator.

Junior Jacob Edens led the Panthers with a 90. Also scoring for PC were senior Logan Keesee (100), junior AJ Furar (100) and sophomore Jacob Dove (101). Rounding out the Panthers scorecard were seniors Miles Walder (109) and Conlan Cwikia (115).

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Putnam County 2, Lowpoint-Washburn 1: Megan Wasilewski had 28 assists, 23 points, 10 digs and three aces to lead the Panthers to a 22-25, 25-11, 25-6 victory in a Tri-County Conference match Sept. 28 in Granville.

Maggie Richetta had 21 digs, 11 kills, six points and two aces for PC (14-7-1, 4-2 TCC), while Maggie Spratt contributed eight kills, three digs and an ace.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

the field.”

Torrance also gave a special mention to their softball sisters who played on the first St. Bede team almost 50 years ago.

“We couldn’t be here without the lovely women who started this 50 years ago. Who took that leap of faith, went to St. Bede to being the first group of women,” she said. “Imagine how difficult that would be going in to an all guys school, for what 70 years, and say, ‘Oh, let’s have a softball team. Let’s get it started.’

“So thank you to those ladies and that program that was created. Because without them, we wouldn’t be

sitting here today.”

Collins said at first she didn’t feel like playing on the first St. Bede softball team was anything special.

“But then as we were invited here and how we were presented, this is so unexpected,” she said. “I’m just kind of speechless about it. To be part of this St. Bede softball team that we helped start, I guess that’s what it is.

“We had a love for softball. That first year, we wore our gym uniforms for softball and we all laugh about that now.”

Records show Collins batted about .800 playing then slow-pitch softball. So the question remains, was she the best hitter in the Perona family over brothers, Jim and Joe, members of the Bruins’ 1988 state championship baseball team?

“Could be. Could be. That’s something I never thought about,” she said with a laugh.

After each team member received their ring, the Bruins unveiled their state championship banner, which was proudly raised above center field of Abbot Davey Field.

Sons said he’s often asked what more can he do now that he’s reached the pinnacle of his coaching career. Each time, he simply replies, come back and “win it again” next year.

With eight players returning who played in the state championship tournament, including both pitchers, Hermes and Reagan Stoudt, another ring ceremony could be in the works next year.

Kevin Hieronymus

St. Bede players (from left) Lily Bosnich, Addie Bontz, Ella Hermes and Bella Pinter along with coach Rick Pyszka (center) show their state championship rings Saturday.

Photos by Scott Anderson

LEFT: Putnam County’s Jacob Edens tees off in the pouring rain during the Class 1A regional on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Wolf Creek Golf Club in Pontiac. RIGHT: Putnam County’s AJ Furar tees off during the Class 1A regional on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Wolf Creek Golf Club in Pontiac.

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

MARSHALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION

BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023 AT 1:00 PMCT

37.49 TAXABLE ACRES • 1 TRACT

The McLaughlin Family Farm is located 4 miles NE of Camp Grove or 25 miles N of Peoria IL. The farm is further described as Section 8, T13N-R8E, Saratoga Township, Marshall County, Illinois. This tract represents nearly 100% tillable, Class A soils.

MCLAUGHLIN

FARM LLC

Representing Attorney: Ryan J. Anderson, Attorney at Law Ryan J. Anderson Law Office | (309) 364-2354 611 Second Street, PO Box 174, Henry, IL 61537 Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767

The Ringenberg Trust farm is located 1 mile northwest of Sheffield, IL or 15 miles west of Princeton, IL or 12 miles northeast of Kewanee, IL. The farm is further described as being located in Sections 13 & 24, T16N-R6E, Mineral Township, Bureau County, Illinois.

Land represents a mix of productive farmland income and field edge deer hunting.

RINGENBERG TRUST

JOE RINGENBERG & CLAIRE GUEDE - CO TRUSTEE

Representing Attorney: Jennifer A. Hahn Ketra A. Mytich, Ltd. | (309) 673-1805

1230 W. Candletree Drive, Suite A, Peoria, IL 61614

Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767

BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 AT 1:00 PMCT

VIRTUAL ONLINE

BUREAU COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 AT 10:00 AMCT

IN THE CIRCU IT C OURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCU IT PU TNAM C OUNT Y, ILLI NO IS US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs

JOHN D. GRAY AKA JOHN DAVIS GRAY; LORI A. GRAY AKA LORI ANNE GRAY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON- RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant(s).

CAS E NO. 202 3FC6

Property Address: 219 S. 4th St Hennepin, IL 61327

212 ACRES± (SUBJECT TO SURVEY) • 2 TRACTS

The Black & Madsen Trusts farmland is generally located 2 miles northeast of Mineral, IL or 17 miles west of Princeton, IL. Further described as being located in Sections 3 & 4, T16N-R6E, Mineral Township, Bureau County, Illinois.

Farmers and investors, don’t miss this opportunity –all tracts are Class A and lie along the historic Hennepin Canal.

BLACK & MADSEN TRUSTS

Representing Attorney: John S. Duncan

Herbolsheimer, Duncan, Eiten, Hintz & Klinefelter PC.

654 1st St, La Salle, IL 61301 | (815) 223-0111

Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767

80 TAXABLE ACRES± • 1 TRACT

The Robert Hensel Estate farm real estate is located 4 miles south of Walnut, IL, or 10 miles northwest of Princeton, IL, or 20 miles south of Sterling, IL. The property is further described as being located in part of Section 32, T18N-R8E, Walnut Township, Bureau County, IL.

The farm contains a total of 80.0 taxable acres and will be sold in 1 tract, which represents mostly tillable and highly productive farmland. Farmers and investors, be sure to check out this productive, Bureau County, IL farm real estate.

ROBERT HENSEL ESTATE

WILLIAM HENSEL, EXECUTOR

Representing Attorney: John C. Isaacson

Angel, Isaacson, & Tracy | (815) 875-6551

Trimble Building | 111 Park Ave E, Princeton, IL 61356

Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, LORI A. GRAY AKA LORI ANNE GRAY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON- RECORD CLAIMANTS; , defendants in the above entitled cause, that suit has been comm enced against you and other defendants in the Circuit Court for the Judicial Circuit by said plaintiff praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the prem ises described as follows, to wit:

LOT 5 IN BLOCK 24 IN THE VILLAGE OF HENNEPIN, SITUATED IN PUTNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS

P.I.N.: 01-00- 043-170

Said property is commonly known as 219 S. 4th St , Hennepin, IL 61327 and which said mortgage(s) was/were made and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Document Number 07-0672 book 103 page 2146 , and for other relief; that Summons was duly issued out of the above Court against you as provided by law and that said suit is now pending

NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at Putnam County on or before November 3, 2023, a default may be taken against you at any time after that date and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions To e-file, you must first create an account with an e- filing service provider Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts. gov/service- providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e- filing, visit www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/gethelp.asp

This comm unication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC

Attorneys for Plaintiff 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563

Telephone: (630) 453- 6960

Facsimile: (630) 428- 4620

Attorney No Cook 64727, DuPage 293191 Service E-mail: midwestpleadings@dallegal.com 8144- 936406

(Published in Putnam County Record October 4, 11, 18, 2023)936406

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCU IT C OURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCU IT PU TNAM C OUNT Y, ILLI NO IS IN RE:

The Estate of Albert Urnikis, Deceased

Case # 23 PR 14

NO TICE TO CREDITORS OF CLAIM DATE

Notice is given of the death of Albert Urnikis, a resident of rural Granville, Putnam County, Illinois, who died on July 25, 2023, and that Letters of Office as Executor were issued on September 28, 2023 to LuAnn Hayward, who may be contacted c/o her attorney as set forth below.

Claims may be filed six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice of Claim Date or three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later, and any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Putnam County Courthouse, Hennepin, IL 61327, or with the Representative c/o her attorney, or with both the Representative and her attorney. Within ten (10) days after a claimant files its claim, if filed with the Court, the claimant must mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Representative c/o her attorney of record AN D file with the Court proof of mailing or delivery of said copies.

Dated: Septem ber 29 , 2023

/s/ Scott A. Shore, Attorney for Executor

Scott A. Shore, Attorney At Law 227 E. Court St - P.O. Box 231 Hennepin, IL 61327 Tel. 815- 925-7117 ShoreLawAndMediation@gmail.com

(Published in Putnam County Record October 4, 11, 18, 2023) 2112878

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCU IT C OURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCU IT PU TNAM C OUNT Y, ILLI NO IS IN RE:

The Estate of Harvey Lester, Deceased

Case # 23 PR 13

NO TICE TO CREDITORS OF CLAIM DATE

Notice is given of the death of Harvey Lester, a resident of rural Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois, who died on August 25, 2023, and that Letters of Office as Co-Administrators were issued on September 18, 2023 to Tonia Lester and Ean Lester, who may be contacted c/o their attorney as set forth below.

Claims may be filed six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice of Claim Date or three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later, and any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Putnam County Courthouse, Hennepin, IL 61327, or with the Representatives c/o their attorney, or with both the Representatives and their attorney. Within ten (10) days after a claimant files its claim, if filed with the Court, the claimant must mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Representatives c/o their attorney of record AND file with the Court proof of mailing or delivery of said copies

Dated: Septem ber 26 , 2023

/s/ Scott A. Shore, Attorney for Administrators

Scott A. Shore, Attorney At Law 227 E. Court St - P.O. Box 231 Hennepin, IL 61327 Tel. 815- 925- 7117 ShoreLawAndMediation@gmail.com

(Published in Putnam County Record October 4, 11, 18, 2023) 2111728

PUBLIC NOTICE

Granville-Hennepin Fire Prot Dist. Budget & Appropriation Ordinance for the 7/1/2023 -6/30/2024 Fiscal Year Recitals

A. The Board of Trustees of the Granvill e-Hennepin Fire Prot Dist., Putnam Co., IL (the "D istrict"), has prepared a tentative Budget & Annual Appropriation Ordinance (the "Ordinance") & made the Ordinance available to public inspection for at least 30 days prior to final action thereon.

B. A public hearing was held on the Ordinance at 7:00 pm on 9-21-2023, notice of which was given as required by law. It is hereby ordained:

1. July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 is declar ed to be the District's fiscal year (the "Fiscal Year").

2. The following budget contains a statement of the cash on hand at the Fiscal Year beginning, estimates of the cash expected to be received & expended, & a statem ent of the estimated cash to be on hand at the Fiscal Year end.

Insurance Fund Insurance of all types, incl. Workers' Comp. 30,000

Total Insurance Fund 30,000

Total Corporate Fund 1,074, 500

Total Insurance Fund 30,000

Total Appropriation 1,104,500

Summ ary 23- 24 Est.

Cash on Hand 7/1 751,788

Total Income 512,454

Less Estimated Expenses -1,104,500

Estimated Balance at Year End 159,742

3. The foregoing sums are appropriated for the purposes specified for the Fiscal Year

4. The funds derived from sources other than the prior year's tax levy may be allotted by the Trustees to such appropriations & in such amount, respectively, as the Trustees may determine, within the limits of said appropriations, respectively & pursuant to statute.

5. The unexpended balance of any item or items of any appropriations made by this Ordinance may be expended in making up any deficiency in any item or items in the same general appropriations made by this Ordinance.

6. This Ordinance shall be in full force & effect from & after its passage & publication according to law.

Passed at a regular meeting of the District's Trustees on 9-21-2023, by roll call vote:

Ayes: Brow n, Haun Nays: None Absent: Holmbeck /s/ Larry Brown, President Attest: John Holmbeck, Secret ary

(Published