Putnam County Record_04032024

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Granville American Legion offering $1,000 scholarship

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The Granville American Legion Post 180 announced its annual scholarship program designed to assist in funding the expenses of a Putnam County student who is a resident and is or was related to a military veteran.

Students living outside of Putnam County but who are related to a member of American Legion post 180 in Granville also are eligible for consideration to receive this scholarship. Preference is given to a public or private high school senior although undergraduate college students from Putnam County may also qualify. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000.

The successful candidate should demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership in extracurricular activities and community service. In addition, preferential consideration is typically accorded to a student who has

financial need or lack of any other scholarship grant. A member of the high school or college administrative staff, may be asked to provide the Legion post with a transcript to verify academic achievement, GPA score and a copy of the extracurricular activity list of the individual applying for this scholarship. The application form also requires the applicant to complete a personal essay on the topic, “What Patriotism Means To Me.”

This year’s deadline for submission of a scholarship application is April 6. Post 180 members review the applications in April and determine which applicant has the highest overall qualifications.

In May the applicant who will receive the scholarship is announced, and a check is sent directly to the college’s financial aid office. The monetary amount is drawn down from the student’s college account to cover the tuition and fees of the applicant.

The applicant must provide documentation from the institution at which he or she is actually enrolled for the coming semester before funds are released. An official list of the courses being pursued for the following semester by the college is sufficient documentation. Dropping out of the certified classes without sufficient cause, such as medical necessity or other hardship, would require the student to refund the award to the post.

The scholarship applications are available from the guidance counselor at Putnam County High School or from the post Americanism Officer Ron Bluemer. Applications together with the required essay and academic documents, should be sent to: Ron Bluemer, Americanism officer at 134 Cleveland Circle Granville, IL 61346 or Doug Ossola, adjutant at 315 W. Main, Granville, IL 61326. For information, call Bluemer at 815-339-1082.

River Valley Players to present ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’

The River Valley Players in Henry will present “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, this production is aimed to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. Featuring music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and book by Heather Hach, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” fol-

lows the journey of Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen who surprises everyone when she enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Along the way, Elle discovers her own strength, determination and the power of staying true to herself.

Deanne Crook is back in the director’s chair along with a talented cast of familiar and fresh faces who will bring the characters to life. From Elle’s hilarious antics to the memorable courtroom scenes, the show looks to captivate audiences by the energy and enthusiasm on stage.

River Valley Players stage at the St. John XXIII Community Center at 1302 Second St., Henry. Dinner theater tickets cost $40 and includes a meal with salad bar, main course, dessert and three beverages. Dinner shows are April 6, 7, 13 and 14. The theater also offers a show-only option on April 12 for $20 a person; a selection of desserts will be available for additional purchase. Tickets can be purchased online at rvphenry.org or by calling the box office at 309-238-7878.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” is funded in part by a grant from Sun Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council. SHAW

Performances will take place on the

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Putnam library to host solar event at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

The Putnam County Library District will host Solar Eclipse at the Wetlands at 12:30 p.m.

Monday, April 8.

Meet at the library first at 214 N. Fourth St. in Hennepin, then the group will head to the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge outside of Hennepin.

The library also will be handing out solar eclipse glasses for students of Putnam County Elementary third through fifth graders at the school. Pick up a pair at the library for yourself.

Electronic recycling event set April 19 in Toluca

An Earth Day electronic recycling event is scheduled noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 19, at 500 W. Railroad Ave. in Toluca.

Accepted items include computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,

laptops, TVs, main frames, peripherals, mice, modems, telephones, answering machines, microwave ovens, scanners, VCRs, stereo equipment, pagers, cellphones, cameras, camcorders, video games, software, CD/disc books, small handheld electronics, cables, calculators, shredders, scanners, plotters and terminals.

Items not accepted are small kitchen appliances, toasters, coffee pots, blenders, conditioners, white goods, smoke detectors, dehumidifiers, vacuums, batteries, fans, power tools, light fixtures, UPSs, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, light bulbs, broken CRTs, broken glass and hazardous material.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Shaw Local News Network file photo

The Putnam County Library District will host Solar Eclipse at the Wetlands at 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 8.

IVCC to present ‘Tootsie’ on 2 weekends in April

Comedy features several lead roles from area actors

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Illinois Valley Community College’s Theater Department will present “Tootsie – The Comedy Musical” on two weekends in April. Tickets are on sale now.

Based on the 1982 Dustin Hoffman movie and featuring a cast of community members, college students and staff, the production will be staged on April 11-14 and April 18-21 in the IVCC Cultural Centre. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

“Considering the amazing source material (the 1982 movie), this movieto-stage musical has updated the story in such a clever way, I think it’s actually funnier than the film,” said Don

Grant Zellmer, IVCC director and choreographer of musical theater. “The billing as a comedy-musical instead of the traditional musical-comedy is absolutely accurate. While the music is sensational, first and foremost is the smart comedy of this show, which is probably one of the funniest scripts I’ve worked with!”

“Tootsie” is described as a “love letter to musical theater” and is set in New York. Michael Dorsey is a skilled actor with a talent for not keeping a job. Desperate and out-of-work, Michael makes a last-ditch effort at making his dreams come true – by disguising himself as actress Dorothy Michaels. In a meteoric rise to Broadway stardom, Michael (disguised as Dorothy) soon charms his audiences while falling in love with his co-star, Julie. It isn’t long before Michael realizes that maintaining his greatest acting success is going to be much harder than he expected.

Jake Jakielski, of Marseilles, stars as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels, and Dr. Tracey Childers, of Ottawa, plays his love interest, Julie.

Featured players include community members Rebecca Eltravoog, of Oglesby; Xavier Barnham, of DeKalb; Greg Tullis, of Streator; Crystal Credi, of Peru; Brian Towne, of La Salle, and student Genarro Piccolo, of Spring Valley. The company includes community member Bree Ninis, of Streator, and students Azlyn Buchman, of Ottawa; McKenzie Bruce, of Streator; Eva Horwath, of Peru, and Michael Shaw, of Peru.

“This cast is bringing their A-game to a challenging rehearsal process,” Zellmer said. “The comedy is nonstop, and these seasoned performers are hitting all the right beats – from the neurotic ex-girlfriend to Michael’s snarky roommate and the stupendously dumb reality show star making his Broadway debut. Audiences

are in for a rare treat of a musical designed to make you laugh like crazy, but care about these people and root for them.”

The musical contains adult themes and frequent, coarse language, and may not be suitable for children.

The production is directed and choreographed by Zellmer, produced by Dr. David Kuester, with technical direction by Chad Brokaw, music direction by Alex Guerrero and stage management by Alyce Scott.

Tickets are available by visiting www.ivcc.edu/theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students high school-aged and younger.

“Tootsie – The comedy Musical” is the first of several productions planned for 2024, IVCC’s 100th year celebration. Theater has been a part of the college as long as the college has existed, and an alumni show is just one of the upcoming projects the department plans to celebrate.

IDNR projects 10-year timeline as Matthiessen State Park annex takes shape

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

Phil Wire steers over a bumpy dirt road and surveys the detritus. There are old railroad ties, scrap metal of every size and shape and, though not readily visible, nails and bolts that some unlucky trespasser will surely catch with his foot.

Wire is a sergeant with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and he hopes curiosity seekers will steer clear of the new acres annexed into Matthiessen State Park. The public may be eager to survey the park’s expanded boundaries but Wire knows a massive cleanup job awaits the IDNR.

“There’s not been any safety precautions that have taken place like fencing or signage,” Wire said, “and they’re still doing research and finding out where to put the trails and everything else.

“So it’s going to be a while before it’s open to the public,” he said. “In the meantime, it’s important that the public stays out because of the hazards.”

That is not to say nothing been done with the new acreage.

Very quietly, the IDNR has mapped out plans for what to do with the 2,629 acres acquired six years ago from Buzzi Unicem, which grew Matthiessen and Starved Rock state parks a combined 55%. Most of that new land adjoins Matthiessen rather than Starved Rock.

A capital improvement proposal, obtained under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, shows IDNR has mapped the new acres into eight

zones and identified improvements for each, albeit over a long time span.

Zone 1 will be annexed to the far western end of Starved Rock State Park north of Oglesby. There, DNR plans to develop a 1-mile trail with a scenic overlook of the Illinois River.

To the south are much larger parcels to be opened as part of Matthiessen State Park. Eventually.

Zone 2, to be located directly across from the Starved Rock annex, will include a 200-site campground, Matthiessen park office and a BMX riding area.

Oglesby Mayor Jason Curran was

among the local government officials to get a peek at the IDNR proposal when it was circulated last year. The agency then warned Curran and others the project would be at least 10 years in the making, but the diagrams fired Curran’s imagination and opened some intriguing possibilities for Oglesby’s business district.

“I see huge opportunity, something I was extremely excited to see,” Curran said. “I wasn’t so excited to hear the timeframe, though. A decade is a lot of time and opportunity to miss out on. The most urgent need is to have early discussions on

options and opportunities before any design plans get too far along.

“Far too often do I see or hear that someone had a great idea or option, but it’s left out because plans were already set in motion. Well, we are aware now and it’s early in the process, now is the time to plan.”

Curran is hungry for more information – and a tighter timeline from IDNR – because he can imagine an influx of new visitors that could transform Oglesby, though perhaps not overnight.

See MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK, page 7

Scott Anderson

This aerial of the Vermilion River near the Buzzi Unicem plant is part of the 2,629 acres of land added to Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks in 2018.

Area youths participate in 4-H Public Speaking Contest

Youth from Bureau, La Salle, and Marshall-Putnam counties on March 9 put their public speaking skills on display during the 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Illinois Valley Community College in the auditorium.

This was an inaugural multi-county event. Youth who participated in this event displayed skills for communicating to a live audience and received professional and peer feedback in a safe and encouraging environment. Participants ages 8 to 18 gained skills in organizing and preparing a speech, developing speech delivery skills and presenting in a special venue.

There were four divisions that youth could register: Formal Speech Division (youth share their perspective on a topic of their choice with a speech intended to motivate, persuade or inform an audience), Illustrated Speech Division (speeches may inform, persuade or motivate the audience with the use of a visual aid and may include audience participation), Oral Interpretation Division (presentations must be previously published works or manuscripts) and Original Works Division (presentations must be published works, manuscripts

or transcripts).

All speakers were awarded a blue ribbon; special award winners from this year’s competition are as follows:

Formal Speech Division

Daphne Heeley for her speech on the effects of classical music on the brain. She received a state delegate promotion from Marshall-Putnam counties.

Myracle Johnson for her speech on clay. She received a state delegate pro-

motion and Best Overall Speech award for La Salle County.

Kiryn Schaer for her heartfelt speech on FFA. She received a state delegate promotion and Best Overall award for Marshall-Putnam counties.

Rita Claire McLaughlin for her speech on the importance of communication among family members. She received a state delegate promotion for La Salle County.

Illustrated Speech Division

James Castelli for his speech on the Soviet Venera 7 space mission to Venus using photographs for enhancement. He received a state delegate promotion for La Salle County.

Oral Interpretation Speech Division

Karlie Schultz for her rendition of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!” by Jon Scieszka. Schultz received a state delegate promotion and Best Overall Speech award from Bureau County as well as the Best Overall Speech recognition from all counties.

Original Works Speech Division

Gwen and Josephine Heeley for their team entry about moving from Naperville to a farm in Putnam County. The team received a state delegate promotion from Marshall-Putnam counties.

Hayden Meachum for her “King Kong on a Sunday Morning” speech. She received a state alternate ribbon from Marshall-Putnam counties.

Public speaking is an important part of the overall 4-H experience. From demonstrations at community club meetings, to judging at the local 4-H county fairs, 4-Hers develop communication and presentation skills to last a lifetime.

Photo provided by Karina Delgado

Youth from Bureau, La Salle, Marshall-Putnam counties participated Saturday, March 9, in the 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Illinois Valley Community College.

IVCC to increase cost per credit hour by $5

Marks first tuition increase in 6 years

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Illinois Valley Community College concluded a six-year freeze on tuition as the board approved an increase Thursday and authorized the adjustment of several course fees.

Effective this summer, students will pay $140 per credit hour in combined tuition and universal fees, compared with $135 per credit hour previously. The $5 increase includes a $3 increase in tuition and a $2 increase in a technology fee, the college said in a news release. A student activities fee will remain unchanged.

For six years, IVCC’s tuition had remained at $125.60. With the recent increase, tuition remains lower than nine of the 11 community colleges in Illinois, the college said.

The increase is designed to keep pace with escalating post-pandemic costs and the escalating cost of technology enhancements, President

Tracy Morris said.

The Board also authorized changing 73 course fees. After an annual review of 300 courses with fees, the administration had recommended increasing 62 fees, decreasing two, removing one fee, adding three new courses with fees and eliminating five courses and their fees. Increases, when recommended, reflected rising materials costs or purchase of materials for new or revised courses.

The board also hired two veteran employees Thursday to fill new dean positions tasked with assessing and improving student performance and success.

Kathy Hart was appointed dean of Institutional Effectiveness, a position tasked with overseeing and guiding institutional research, quality improvement and strategic planning. Hart holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis and has been employed at IVCC since 2018.

As dean of Student Success, Crystal Credi will develop, implement and monitor student success strategies and coordinate related departments, including Career Services, Counseling, Retention and Project

Success. Credi holds a master’s in organizational leadership and has been employed at the college since 2013 in several student support roles.

The creation of both of these positions reflects a Higher Learning Commission initiative and the college’s commitment to data-informed processes and student success, the college said in a news release.

In her monthly report, Morris:

• Congratulated the winners of annual faculty and staff awards: nursing professor Amber Robertson won the Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence (full time faculty and counselors); Counselor Debbie Burch was selected as the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award (part-time faculty and counselors), and Jill Wohrley, a financial aid reconciliation and compliance specialist was awarded the Connie Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service.

• Noted the addition of a freezer to the Eagles Peak Food Pantry, enabling the pantry to supply a larger variety of foods. During the last quarter of 2023, the pantry served 213 households, including 200 children.

• Recognized organizers of Black History Month and Women’s History Month activities on campus.

• Noted 40 employees contributed to raising more than $11,800 in the Employee Giving Campaign to benefit the IVCC Foundation and the 21st Century Scholars Society gained three new members/supporters and six honorary members, bringing the total to 51.

• Noted adult education enrollment in GED and English as a Second Language programs stands at 278 students.

In other action, the board:

• Authorized a three-year cash farm lease with Holly Farms of Granville for 116 acres at $326 per acre or $37,817 a year. It also contracted with Holly Farms for combining and grain hauling at $200 per acre and 35 cents per bushel.

• Authorized seeking bids for a Haas CNC Mill for the manufacturing program at an estimated cost of $43,000.

• Supported the city of Ottawa’s extensions of each of its four tax increment financing districts.

See IVCC, page 9

John Urnikis

On the Anniversary of the day you went away... Today is such a painful day full of sadness and grief for me as I mourn the moment that you left recalling how life use to be You were someone very special who left your mark on so many lives Things just haven’t been the same since we said goodbye

The bond we shared will never end even though we are apart I find comfort in the memories, deep within my heart

This heartfelt message is for you, I miss you more than words can say -

The world lost someone precious on the day you went away Love and miss you today and everyday Deb

Continued from page 4

“A large scale hotel or even a casino along the interstate would be the ultimate opportunity for Oglesby,” Curran said. “However, for something like to happen I feel this park expansion would have to attract so many people that we essentially would become a miniature Wisconsin Dells.

“I think those long-term goals are things to keep in mind, but to get there first we have to be smart about getting better access to the park, which in turn will make it a lot more economically possible for people to invest in old abandoned properties or create new ones.”

From the day the land was acquired, IDNR warned it’d be years before the land was surveyed and deemed safe for hiking, hunting and fishing. It still isn’t safe.

In all eight zones, workers will have to clear out scrap metal and debris leftover from Buzzi’s operations as well as fence off mines. Wire, during a driving tour of one of the

OBITUARIES

JANELLE KAY TAYLOR

Born: September 17, 1945 in Sandwich, IL

Died: March 23, 2024 in Peru, IL

Janelle Kay Taylor, 78, of Granville, passed away March 23, 2024 at Allure of Peru. Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday at the United Church of Christ in Granville with Pastor Ron McNeill officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with her services.

Mrs. Taylor was born in Sandwich on September 17, 1945 to Orrin and Eleanor (Gould) Johnson. She married Everett “Ev” Taylor on October 2, 1965. She graduated from Sandwich High School and then attended Southern Illinois University where she earned a certificate in cosmetology. She worked in

annexed areas, pointed out sinkholes that abruptly appears above old mineshafts.

There are six more zones adjoining the western boundary of Matthiessen’s original acreage. Plans there vary. There are three outlying areas where IDNR will invest only in safety upgrades such as removing scrap metal and fencing off quarries and mineshafts.

A couple of other areas are targeted for additional campgrounds and a shooting range. Those will be years in the making.

Oglesby Fire Chief Ron Popurella can wait. He shares Curran’s excitement for business development in Oglesby, but in the short term he foresees more emergency dispatches for a department that already needs more manpower.

“I think it’s going to increase the volume of calls to the wooded areas around Oglesby,” Popurella said. “Once you start putting trails and campgrounds in, it will definitely increase our calls. I don’t see anything that’s not possible, but I am going to need more personnel to do the job.”

the cosmetic department at Bergner’s, Cosgrove’s Department Store in Spring Valley, Moews Seed Company, Cricket Magazine at Open Court Publishing, IVCC, and retired from Eye Care Professionals in Peru. Mrs. Taylor enjoyed flower gardening and traveling. She took great pride in her appearance.

Mrs. Taylor is survived by her husband Everett of Granville; one daughter Traci (Chris) Headley of Elmhurst; one son Troy (Paula) Taylor of Granville; four grandchildren Carden, Preston, Jonathan Taylor, and Taylor Headley; and one brother Gerald (Cathy) Johnson of Bourbonnais.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Valley Chapter.

Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.

How to submit: Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-632-2534. Notices are accepted until 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal.com/putnam-county-record, where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.

Seed designed to be attractive to pheasants to be sold April 6

Pheasants Forever is working to conserve land for pheasant habitat

Pheasants Forever has been working to conserve land for pheasant habitat for many years.

Since 1982, 225,382 acres have been acquired and permanently protected for the benefit of the public nationwide.

In Illinois, the first breeding population was introduced to north-central Illinois (the Macomb area) in 1890.

According to the Illinois Natural History Survey, pheasant population peaked in the early 1950s and declined dramatically thereafter for a number of reasons, including loss of habitat.

Today, these birds are scarce in the wild, although the Illinois Department of Natural Resources releases birds each year for hunters.

The Bureau County chapter of Pheasants Forever has been supporting habitat growth, conservation and various hunting and sportsman pro-

Earleen Hinton file photo A male pheasant walks along the edge of a field. The annual Seed Day program has been focused on providing Pheasants Forever local members with free seed to support their individual conservation efforts. Beginning in 2024 this is evolving to encourage the general public, with smaller parcels of privately owned land, to participate in habitat conservation.

grams continuously since being reorganized in 2004.

Among other things, the local chapter has provided support for youth hunting, the 4-H shooting programs, habitat conservation and reestablishment through an annual Seed Day program.

It also has been a regular supporter and sponsor of the Conservation Day

program organized by the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District for fifth-grade students in Bureau County.

In the past, the annual Seed Day program has been focused on providing local Pheasants Forever members with free seed to support their individual conservation efforts.

Beginning in 2024, this is evolving

to encourage anyone with smaller parcels of privately owned land to participate in habitat conservation.

Every current and new associate member ($35 annual dues) is eligible to receive a 2-pound bucket of habitat-oriented seed sufficient to plant a half acre of ground- to bird-friendly species.

This same bucket also is available to nonmembers for $50 per bucket.

The seed mix is designed to be attractive to pheasants and quail and support insects for turkeys, as well as being palatable to deer.

The organization is not limiting the number of buckets an individual can buy – the goal is to see as much marginal or nonproductive land as possible planted to support wildlife.

April 6 has been designated as Seed Day for 2024. Buckets of habitat mix can be obtained between 8 and 10 a.m. at The Seed House, 145 Owen St., Tiskilwa.

These buckets also will be available through committee members and other interested parties.

For information, call Ken Stachowicz at 815-664-8005 or Eric Paull at 815 878-4132, or contact Rick Rokosz, owner/operator of The Seed House in Tiskilwa.

Cheers to 60 years!

Judy and Donald (Skinner) Moriarty are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary!

The couple married on March 5, 1964. They are the proud parents of Mike (Cathy) Moriarty of Mark, IL and Vicki (Bob) Trainor of West Palm Beach, FL. They are blessed with 6 wonderful grandchildren and 9 fun loving great grandchildren.

After serving in the Army, Skinner retired from BF Goodrich in Henry, IL in 2003 and Judy retired from St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley, IL in 2006.

The Moriarty’s are celebrating an open house with family and friends at the Clover Club in Mark, IL on May 19 from 2-5pm.

Come share your happy memories with a toast to cheers for 60 years!

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Henry Presbyterian Church to host showing of ‘Last Flight Out’

“Last Flight Out’ will be shown 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Henry Presbyterian Church, 511 Wirt St.

A clean family movie of action, humor and love, the church said in a news release. Pilot Dan’s mission is to rescue a woman working a jungle clinic in midst of warfare. She and another are willing to sacrifice

• IVCC

Continued from page 6

• Contracted with Sikich LLP for three years for financial auditing services.

• Updated board policies governing board meetings and Freedom of Information Act procedures.

• Learned of the appointments of Lisa Witalka, curriculum and course scheduler; Sarah Trager, dual-credit and enrollment coordinator; and Juan Rodiguez, IT technical support analyst.

• Learned of the appointments of Kora Jones and Allison Baker as parttime dental hygiene instructors.

• Reappointed 10 nontenured faculty: Lyndsey Beetz, dental hygiene instructor/coordinator; Christian Carboni, welding; Scott Fox, manufacturing technology; Jonathan Hubbell, criminal justice; Sara Legrenzi, nurs-

their lives for villagers. Dan doesn’t understand her mission and asks, “How can you find faith in something that you can’t see?”

Dr. Anne responds, “Faith is trust in the unseen.” A daring rescue results in a changed life. Planes, helicopter, explosions and Samaritan’s Purse are elements.

Pizza and other treats will be provided. The church is handicap assessable.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

ing; Camden Parks, chemistry; Shannon Slaight-Brown, art; Jennifer Timmers, agriculture instructor/ coordinator; Greg Whightsil, industrial maintenance and electricity; and Garrick Whitehead, computer networking.

• Resignations of Anthony Cox as assistant women’s soccer coach and Joel Kozlick as IT support lead.

• Reflecting an honor it had created earlier for retired College Presidents, the Board established an emeritus status procedure for faculty, adjunct faculty, staff and administrators.

• Announced IVCC’s nominations for Illinois Community College Trustees Association awards: SABIC of Ottawa, Business/Industry Partnership Award; employee/student Lynn Keyt of La Salle, Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship, and student Gregory Williams, Lifelong Learning Award.

On May 1, 2024, Shaw Local News Network will publish “Thank You, First Responders” across many of our publications. We are dedicating May 1 editions of our newspapers to first responders as a “Thank You” for their selfless service and dedication as our community lifelines. The “Thank You, First Responders” contest asks communities for nominations of outstanding first responders in their local areas. Once all nominations have been submitted, a random drawing will determine the winning submission. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card!

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1991: Bo Jackson signs 1-year contract with Chicago White Sox.

2006: Joakim Noah dominates UCLA with 16 points, nine rebounds and a record seven blocks to key a 73-57 blowout for Florida’s first national title in men’s basketball.

BASKETBALL

Players announced for return of Illinois Valley All-Star Games

First all-star event since 2019 is April 20 at St. Bede

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

After a five-year hiatus, the Illinois Valley All-Star Basketball Games are returning.

The event was held annually from 2012-19 before COVID-19 caused the cancelation of the 2020 event. The games were first held at Putnam County High School and later at IVCC.

This year’s games will be April 20 at St. Bede Academy.

The girls game will start at 4 p.m. with the boys game at 6 p.m.

Participants for the event were announced Tuesday. Area coaches nominated players and voted on which area seniors would play.

For the girls, NewsTribune and BCR Player of the Year Ali Bosnich of St. Bede and The Times Player of the Year Paisley Twait of Serena highlight the roster.

Putnam County players Gabby Doyle, Ava Hatton and Maggie Richetta were named.

Also selected for the girls game are St. Bede’s Ella Hermes, Hall’s McKenna Christiansen, Princeton’s Miyah Fox, La Salle-Peru’s Kaylee Abens and Bailey Pode, Marquette’s Lilly

Craig, Serena’s Makayla McNally and Gwen O’Connell, Somonauk-Leland’s Haley McCoy, Fieldcrest’s Kaitlin White and Aliah Celis, Earlville’s Madyson Olson, Midland’s Sophie

Milloy and Ava Bade and Dwight’s Kassy Kodat.

The girls teams will be coached by St. Bede’s Stephanie Mickley and Serena’s Jim Jobst.

A trio of players from Fieldcrest’s 33-win squad – Brady Ruestman, Jozia Johnson and Connor Reichman – and a foursome from Serena’s 31-win team – Tanner Faivre, Richie Armour, Hunter Staton and Carson Baker –headline the boys roster.

Putnam County will be represented by Orlando Harris on the boys team. Also selected were Princeton’s Daniel Sousa, Bureau Valley’s Corban Chhim, Mendota’s Izaiah Nanez, Ottawa’s Cooper Knoll, Marquette’s Denver Trainor, Streator’s Logan Aukland, Seneca’s Lane Provance, Woodland’s Jonathan Moore, Earlville’s Griffin Cook and Ryan Browder, Flanagan-Cornell’s Kesler Collins and Midland’s Keegan Faulkner.

Serena’s Dain Twait will coach one of the boys teams. The other boys coach has not yet been confirmed. The teams will be divided evenly by the coaches once players confirm they can participate.

Orlando Harris

Scott Anderson file photos Gabby Doyle

Maggie Richetta

Ava Hatton

McGunnigal calling a timeout at Wethersfield

Hieronymus’ Hypothesis

Tom McGunnigal is calling a timeout from basketball.

The former St. Bede coach has resigned after two seasons as the Wethersfield boys basketball coach. He will remain on as athletic director and teach health and fitness classes.

McGunnigal said having the responsibilities of coaching along with teaching and his athletic director responsibilities took its toll.

“It’s not anything I take lightly. It’s probably just time to hit the refresh button and pull back a little bit and think what priorities are,” he said. “You think what the athletic department needs and what I’d like to do for athletics for Wethersfield and Annawan-Wethersfield on promoting the programs we have. It’s a different dynamic for me being in the classroom.

“Just the buziness of everything really took a toll this year. It has nothing to do with the wins and losses. I’ve been really proud of the two teams I’ve had and I really love the kids coming up. For the greater good of Wethersfield students and the McGunnigal family, I think it’s a good time I take a pause and look at some other things.”

McGunnigal, who will continue to coach the Wethersfield golf team, said it’s nice to be able to think more “about tee times this summer than shootout times.”

AREA ROUNDUP

SOFTBALL

Putnam County 10, Midland 0 (6 inn.):

McGunnigal, 53, and his wife, Amy, live in Peru, where he commutes from each day. He said stepping away from basketball will give him more time with their daughter, Rylee, who is a sophomore at North Central College in Napervillle.

In two seasons as coach at Wethersfield, McGunnigal’s Flying Geese went 25-31, including a 12-18 mark this past season. They fell to eventual regional champion Fulton in the regional semifinals.

He was the varsity girls basketball coach at St. Bede, his alma mater, from 1998-2021, and an assistant football coach.

The Lady Panthers scored four runs in the second inning and five in the third in a five-inning Tri-County Conference victory Thursday, March 28, in Granville.

Gabby Doyle was 1 for 4 with two RBIs and a run for PC (3-4, 1-2 TCC), while Paxton Stunkel, Salina Breckenridge and Sarah Johnson scored two runs each.

PUTNAM COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD PREVIEW

BOYS

Coach: Chuck McConnell

Top returners: Alex Rodriguez, so., throws; Cayden Bouxsein, so., distance; Conlan Cwikla, sr., sprints; Tucker Gualandi, sr., jumps; Enzo Holocker, jr., hurdles

Worth noting: The Panthers have higher numbers with 15 on the roster, including senior Logan Keese, juniors Shane Alejandro and Deacon Cwikla, sophomores Angel Correra, Ryan Oliver and Broedy Sandburg and freshmen Dominic Carboni, Jaxon Weger, Kale Coleman and Zack Siegma “Having a complete boys team this year, we hope to enter all events and score points and represent well at the

Like father like daughter

Bureau County fans following the NCAA Women’s Tournament may be catching a familiar name.

Oregon State sophomore standout Raegan Beers is the daughter of former Ohio High School standout Ike Beers, who played for the Bulldogs in the 1980s.

Beers was the Beavers’ leading scorer (19) and rebounder (9) in their opening-round 73-51 rout over Eastern Washington on Friday.

The 6-4 forward scored 10 points with six rebounds in the Beavers’ 61-51 second-round win over Nebraska on Sunday on their home court despite sitting out the fourth quarter in foul trouble.

The Beavers will meet Notre Dame, a 71-56 winner Monday over Ole Miss, on Friday in the Albany 1 Regional.

Last season, Beers was named Pac12 Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year, the first player in league history to earn both awards in the same season. She averaged 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds with 16 double-doubles.

She was a five-star recruit out of Littleton, Colorado, named a McDonald’s Prep All-American and Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist.

Ike Beers was a 1988 graduate of Ohio, a sophomore reserve on the Bulldogs’ 1986 state runners-up. As a senior, he averaged 20.3 points and 14.7

rebounds for the Bulldogs, named an Associated Press Class A All-Stater.

He was a two-time All-BCR selection, scoring 933 career points for the Bulldogs.

Beers’ No. 52 uniform is one of six numbers retired at Ohio High School.

He is in law enforcement in Colorado.

Taking a Chance

Spring Valley’s Chance Resetich has resigned to play for the Illinois Valey Pistol Shrimp baseball team again this summer in Peru.

He batted .286 with three homers, nine RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 22 games for the Pistol Shrimp last year.

The Hall grad is a senior outfielder for Southwest Missouri State. He has played in 21 games with 20 starts for the Redhawks (12-13) this spring, batting .240 with one home run. He hit .352 last year with five home runs and 29 RBIs.

He was a junior member of Hall’s 2018 Class 2A state champion, batting .299 with 20 RBIs in 23 games.

In his profile, Resetich said his “secret talent” is juggling.

• Kevin Hieronymus has been the BCR sports editor since 1986. Email him at khieronymus@bcrnews.com.

Stunkel tossed a complete game in the circle, giving up five hits with six strikeouts and one walk.

BASEBALL

Midland 10, Putnam County 8:

meets,” McConnell said. “We have a variety of talents on the team, so we should be competitive in field events, distance, mid-distance and sprints, including hurdles.” McConnell said Rodriguez is a potential state qualifier in the shot put and discus.

GIRLS

Coach: Brianna Downey

Top returners:  Annamae Smith, so., hurdles/ throws/jumps; Chloe Anderson, jr., sprints/ jumps/hurdles

Key newcomers:  Brooklin Brown, fr., sprints; Veronika Mack, fr., distance; Shay Ochoa, fr., hurdles Worth noting:  The Panthers have a young and

Johnathon Stunkel was 2 for 4 with a triple, three runs and two RBIs as the Panthers fell in a Tri-County Conference game Thursday, March 28, in Granville.

– Shaw Local News Network

inexperienced roster with no seniors and eight freshmen among the 10 athletes on the roster. Smith and Anderson are the only two non-freshmen. They’re capable of filling a variety of events as Smith competed in the 300-meter hurdles, shot put and long jump in the season opener, while Anderson competed in the 100, 100 hurdles, 4x200 and long jump. Several freshmen showed promise in the opener as Ochoa was runner-up in the 300 hurdles, Mack placed third in the 1,600 and Brown finished fifth in the 400. Rounding out the roster are freshmen Ella Durdan, Emberlyn Cwikla, Hayleigh Green, Itaty Castro and Kennedy Worby.

Kevin Hieronymus

Kevin Hieronymus file photo

Tom McGunnigal on the Wethersfield sidelines during the 2022-23 season. He has resigned as the Geese’s head coach after two years.

Chance Resetich

Raegen Beers

Jobs.ShawLocal.com

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.

TWO DAY SPRING FLIN G ESTATE AUCTION

The LI VE IN PERSON & ON-LINE Auction to be held at the Tumbleson Auction Cent er, 1635 North Main Street, Princeto n, IL, Locat ed 100 miles w est of Chicag o, IL just off I-80, Exit 56, South on Rt 26 on:

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SATURDAY , APRIL 6TH

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Absentee On-Line Bidding on Website: www.tumblesonauction.com or Bid Live Thru Proxibid or Attend In Person!

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PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCU IT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PU TNAM CO UNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: Eric Cisketti, Petitioner, vs. Amy Russell Cisketti, Respondent. Case No. 22 DN 10 NO TICE BY PU BICAT ION

The requisite affidavi t for publication having been filed.

NO TICE IS HE ARBY GIVEN YOU , Amy Russell Cisketti, that this case has been commenced in this court by petitioner against you for Dissolution of Marriage and other relief.

Unless you file your Answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office for the Circuit Clerk of this Court in the Putnam County, Courthouse,Hennepin, Illinois, on or before 9:00AM, April 18, 2024, A JUDGEMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AG AINS T YO U FOR TH E RE LIEF AS KE D IN THE PE TITION. Dated 3/12/24

Carly R. Zielinski Clerk of the Circuit Court

Eric Cisketti 302 E Hennepin St Mark, IL 61340 815.876.7351 (Published in Putnam County Record March 20, 27, April 3, 2024) 2150521

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given.

To the legal voters, residents of the town of Magnolia in the county of Putnam and the state of Illinois that the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING of said town will take place on TUESDAY, April 9th, 2023, beginning the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 6:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Township Building 210 N Bloomington Street, Magnolia IL

For the transaction of miscellaneous business in said town; after a moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear, and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following:

Reports of officers, read and approve fiscal year expendi-

after a moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear, and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following:

Reports of officers, read and approve fiscal year expenditures, read and approve fiscal year receipts, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting.

I. Oath of Moderator

II. Read & Approve

Fiscal Year Expenditures (April 1, 2023March 31, 2024)

III. Read & Approve Fiscal Year Receipts (April 1, 2023March 31, 2024)

IV. Act on a resolution to transfer surplus Town funds to Road & Bridge Fund

V. Adjourn Dated: March 25th, 2024

Dan Baum, Clerk (Published in Putnam County Record April 3, 2024)2154061

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

PUBLICATION NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 18, 2024, a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of PUTNAM County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as ELLI E'S CRIT TER RESCUE located at 1 929 E . 930TH. ST MAGNOLIA, IL

6 1336

Dated this 18th day of March, 2024. /s/Tina Dolder

Clerk & Recorder No DBA 24-001

(Putnam County Record March 27, April 3, 10, 2024) 2151712

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

PUBLICATION NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 18, 2024, a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of PUTNAM County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as REDBUD L ANE GLASS CRAF TS & PLANTS located at 1 929 E . 930TH. ST MAGNOLIA, IL

6 1336

Dated this 18th day of March, 2024.

/s/Tina Dolder

post-office addresses of all the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as REDBUD L ANE

GLASS CRAF TS & PLANTS located at 1 929 E . 930TH. ST MAGNOLIA, IL

6 1336

Dated this 18th day of March, 2024.

/s/Tina Dolder

Clerk & Recorder

No DBA 24-001

(Putnam County Record March 27, April 3, 10, 2024) 2151611

PUBLIC NOTICE

LE GAL

PU BL ICAT IO N HENNEPIN TOWNSH IP

Notice is hereby given that meeting dates for the Hennepin Township Board for the fiscal year 2024/2025 will be the second Wednesday of every month commencing at 7:00 o'clock pm at the Hennepin Town Hall 2024

April 10th

May 8th

June 12th

July 10th

August 14th

September 11th

October 9th

November 13th

December 11th 2025

January 8th

February 12th

March 12th

Hennepin Township Clerk

Daniel J. DeMattia

(Published in Putnam County Record April 3, 2024) 2154069

•