Putnam County Record_04102024

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Chief Senachwine DAR learns about making maple syrup

Katherine Girone of the Marshall-Putnam Extension Services led presentation

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Chief Senachwine Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution members learned about the agricultural practice of making maple syrup at their April 5 meeting.

Katherine Girone of the Marshall-Putnam Extension Service simulated a school lesson from her repertoire of Ag in the Classroom.

“My program is a ‘taste’ of what the Extension Service provides in classroom lessons during the year,” Girone said. School topics cover livestock, seasonal crops, specialty crops and more.

DAR members learned about maple syrup farming and had a taste test of maple syrup vs. “pancake” syrup. All agreed the maple syrup had a fuller, more complex syrup taste. Girone also said it takes 40 years for a maple tree to develop in order to be tapped for its sap. Then it takes 40 gallons of sap to be boiled down to one pint of maple syrup. A brochure, “Farm Bites” on producing maple syrup, was distributed.

although protection will be needed for newly-planted trees or shrubs. The cicada problem will last in northern Illinois from late May to early June and should be concluded by July 1.

The American Indians report explained Chief Meomuse and his band of followers lived part of the year at Big Sugar Camp, located near the town of Dover, and made maple sugar there for many years.

The Veterans committee voted to donate needed items to the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle. Support will be given to a member as delegate and attendee at the Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to June 30.

The next meeting of the Chief Senachwine Chapter will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, for refreshments with the program set for 10:45 a.m. Location will be the Henry Public Library. Presenter is Cathy Carlton, District II Director, who will present “Good for the Heart, Good for the Soul.”

schools

grade students.

hostilities between America and Great Britain was signed on April 18, 1783.

LEGAL NOTICES

putnamlegals@shawlocal.com

OBITUARIES

Under the American History report, members heard about Susan B. Anthony and her impact on passing the 20th Amendment giving women the right to vote. Also of note was the date of April 19, 1775, when the Americans stood against the British soldiers at Lexington and Concord and when the Proclamation ending

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Caring Friends Support Group to meet April 15 in Peru

The Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Caring Friends Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 15, in the upper level of the Peru Public Library, 1409 11th St.

Bob Nudd, of Bridges Senior Center in Peru, will speak on services offered and the availability of free funding for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

For information, call Joanne Milby at 815-228-1858, Peg Gonet at 815-481-6465 or Bob Frig at 815-220-0202.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

The Conservation Report focused on the coming of the cicadas, Generation XIII, in our area. Further south in Illinois, periodical cicadas Generation XIX also will be emerging. This is the first time both broods have hatched at the same time since 1803, and it won’t happen again until 2245. Of special note is the fact cicadas don’t pose a threat to humans (or pets)

Magnolia Township Preservation Association to host Hidden Headstone Histories

Have you ever walked through a cemetery and wondered about the stories hidden in the gravesites? What tales could you hear from someone who served in the American Revolution or the Civil War? What tragedy led to an entire family buried within a short time of each other?

Magnolia Township Preservation Association will present the program Hidden Headstone Histories at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21. Magnolia Township has seven cemeter-

The program for the day was presented by Mary Arvidson, Illinois State Chairman of the Flag of the United States Committee. Arvidson is also vice chair of the North Central Division of the DAR Flag Committee. Her program covered the images and 250-year history of the American flag.

Following the program and reception held at the First Presbyterian Church of Henry, 511 Wirt St., the business meeting was called to order by Regent Dolores Dace. The month of March as Women’s History Month was recognized.

Reports by chapter chairmen were given, followed by information on the Illinois State Conference, set for Bloomington on April 26 to 28.

ies and many stories hidden in them. Join the group to hear the hidden histories from these cemeteries. The program will be in the meeting room of the museum at 110 N. Peoria St., Magnolia.

This program is funded by an Activate History Grant from Illinois Humanities. The mission of the Magnolia Township Preservation Association is to research, collect, preserve, promote and communicate the history of Magnolia Township to educate future generations. Residents of Putnam County and all lovers of history will enjoy this presentation. – Shaw Local News Network

Photo provided by Sharon Bittner Marshall-Putnam extension service member Catherine Girone displays the book “Sugarbush Spring” by Marsha W. Chall and a pint of maple syrup used at her April 5 program for the Chief Senachwine Chapter NSDAR meeting. Girone also presents the program at

for her Ag in the Classroom series for kindergarten through 12th

Marquis in Hennepin donates

$10,000

to support Stateline Farm Rescue training

30 individuals from 10 local fire departments participated

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Marquis in Hennepin made a $10,000 donation to support the Stateline Farm Rescue training class for MABAS Division 57, conducted on March 16.

The training session engaged 30 participants from 10 local fire departments. Through the utilization of the grain entrapment simulator provided by Stateline Farm Rescue, attendees simulated scenarios involving individuals trapped in grain and other on-the-farm rescue scenarios.

This exercise equipped area first responders with essential rescue techniques tailored for such situations.

The training is closely aligned with National Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, a collaboration of agricultural industry groups that provides a collective industry focus on and commitment to safety, and training exercises like these provide hands-on training for area first responders.

The simulator featured triangle-shaped openings cut in grain panels using metal cutting tools to facilitate the controlled release of grain during emergencies or aid in locating individuals in need.

Another station on the simulator focused on extracting individuals trapped in an auger.

Participants were trained to dismantle the auger using a variety of rescue

tools and prepare the victims for advanced medical care, including potential helicopter transport. Each participant engaged with the three simulators, undergoing multiple rotations on each.

“This training session was invaluable, and through the support of organizations like Marquis, we could deliver this essential training to our community departments,” Brian Carrington said.

“Grain safety is paramount not only for our team here at Marquis, but also throughout our community,” said Alex Tarmann, director of safety and compliance for Marquis. “We all have family members and other people in our lives who are involved with farming and agriculture every day. Initiatives like Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week are great because they serve as reminders for our workers, family members, friends, and ourselves to ensure we do not become a statistic.

“Marquis is also very grateful for the first responder and EMS personnel in the area, and we are always happy to support making sure they are prepared to respond to events such as a grain entrapment scenario within our community.”

The hands-on training provided during the course, with the use of grain entrapment simulators, showcased the vital skills and techniques needed to respond effectively to critical scenarios.

The emphasis on grain safety resonates throughout the broader community, acknowledging the significance of safeguarding those involved in farming and agriculture activities.

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!

THANK A FIRST RESPONDER TODAY!

Photo provided by Allison Schwingle

Alex Tarmann of Marquis Energy, Austin Heim of Marquis Grain, Brian Carrington of the Princeton Fire Department and MABAS president for Division 57, and Scott Simpson of the Arlington Fire Department and MABAS Division secretary pose for an undated photo after accepting a $10,000 donation for Stateline Farm Rescue Training.

‘IT’S BEEN A LONG 435 DAYS’

Officials excited to reopen Peru hospital Sunday, with some changes

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

If you have to use the emergency room Sunday – hopefully, you won’t –don’t expect it to look much like the Peru hospital of yore. OSF HealthCare did more than slap on fresh paint.

Workers have torn down walls and reconfigured the emergency department to work like a “racetrack,” as one OSF official put it, to facilitate the movement of patients.

While touring the hospital Friday, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski said the redesign was so radically different from what he remembered he was momentarily disoriented.

“It’s unbelievable,” Kolowski said. “If I woke up in here on a stretcher, I wouldn’t know where I was.”

“It’s a good day,” Kolowski said. “Sunday will have been 435 days without a hospital and it’s been a long 435 days. And I won’t forget that number for as long as I live.”

The most striking change in the emergency department is the circular design, which was implemented to

whisk patients seamlessly from triage to diagnostics to telehealth centers. Yes, telehealth: There’s a good chance your ER doctor will visit you virtually to direct your first round of care.

“We’re going to be piloting that method here as well in Ottawa and Streator,” said Heather Bomstad, chief

nursing officer. “We’ll have a board-certified emergency physician on the camera who can interview the patient (and) get the ball rolling.”

“We can’t do healthcare the same way we’ve been doing it,” said Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “There are not

enough human resources to do that going forward. We know there are not enough slots in schools and so forth.”

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, was on hand for a Friday afternoon tour of the Peru hospital and she thought incorporating telemedicine into the ER a creative solution to a growing problem.

“They’ll have an ER doctor use telehealth to first assess where you’re at and then help to move that process along in the ER,” Rezin said, “because one of the big concerns we have throughout the state is the long ER rates before you’re seen by a doctor –sometimes up to eight hours.”

Many more changes are on the way to the former Illinois Valley Community Hospital. Trompeter estimated about a quarter of the physical plant will be up and running Sunday as phase 1 commences. Phase 1 includes emergency services and limited inpatient beds plus diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, EKG and respiratory.

See ST. ELIZABETH, page 6

Tom Sistak

An example of one of the new inpatient rooms shown during a tour Friday at OSF St. Elizabeth-Peru.

National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways

Marshall-Putnam 4-H member participates in national summit SHAW

Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit on March 13-17 in Washington, D.C., including Kiryn Schaer, of Marshall-Putnam County, in agriscience.

Teens experienced four days of panels, speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and creating connections. The event was previously held as four summits, with last year as the inaugural year as a “super” summit, combining interest tracks to bring more teens together in one larger combined conference.

“There are things for everyone,” said delegate Mackenzie Goff of Knox County, who also covered the event as part of her role on the 4-H Influencers Team. “The keynote speakers not only motivate you, but will spread wisdom from their lives. The workshops will not only get you diving into something you love, but have you branching out to new pathways. And finally, the people are some of the nicest, creative, inspiring teens you will ever meet. Just you and a bunch of people trying to make the best better.”

Youth were able to form connections with fellow state delegates as well as new

national connections.

“I’ve always been a little shy, so I was kind of nervous that I wouldn’t fit in, or just be alone for five days, but it was the complete opposite,” Goff said. “I never expected signing up for this that I would make some of my closest friends through this conference. I now have friends from California, Iowa, Connecticut, Arkansas, and so many more. It’s crazy how those few days would bring so many amazing people together. But, it happened, and it will continue to happen year after year.”

Youth explored career paths and create an actionable plan to help create real change in in their communities. The programming will include speakers featuring national experts and leaders with opportunities to hone their leadership skills while building connections with teens from across the country.

There were 1,300 teens from across the U.S. chosen for this event,

In addition to teen delegates, two presentations by Illinois 4-H members were chosen for inclusion as part of this national conference.

Youth presenters led attendees in teams to explore how the experiences you have early in life shape not only your brain but also your lifelong health and the well-being of your community.

Youth presenters led attendees in glove-up, hands-on activities that emulated real world livestock skills and subsequent careers. Through the presentation, youth got a chance to suture and give injections, make rope halters, and get a taste of livestock skillathons. This session was supported by Bayer.

Photo provided by Karina Delgado

Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H, including Marshall-Putnam County youth Kiryn Schaer, at the Ignite by 4-H Summit on March 13-17 in Washington.

• ST. ELIZABETH

Continued from page 4

“And that’s just bringing our emergency room back on track,” said AJ Querciagrossa, CEO of the network’s western region.

Next up is increasing the inpatient beds from two to 12 and opening the hospital to outpatient services. That requires regulatory approval and Trompeter said OSF won’t get it until after an unannounced visit that clears the way for Medicare and Medicaid funding.

Not every corner of the former IVCH was torn down and rebuilt. The former intensive care unit is now a “med-surgical unit,” but otherwise looks substantially unchanged. The chapel is being redecorated but it, and the adjoining pastoral care office, remain in place.

OSF attacked the overall floor plan not only to update the hospital but also to usher in a host of changes to keep up with advances in healthcare and changes in how it’s delivered.

“You’re going to see how we’re thinking about the healthcare of the future,” Querciagrossa said. “You’re going to hear about concepts we’re going to be testing here in Peru in Ottawa. Those are the things to come.”

Rezin and state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, extended their thanks to the governor’s office for fast-tracking the regulatory approval for OSF.

“A lot of updates have been done since the last time I was here,” Yednock said. “They have put in a lot of work in four months’ time. They’re really trying to make it a beautiful, wonderful, functional facility.”

Photo provided by Harker Rux

The Rev. Michael Driscoll (left) administers a blessing Friday at OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center-Peru ahead of the Sunday opening of the emergency department.

Putnam County Historical Society to host folk singer to kick off 61st season

Mark Dvorak will highlight the annual program of the Putnam County Historical Society at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Society Meeting House in Hennepin.

Dvorak explores the American folk song with a mix of song and stories. A celebrated singer, composer and teacher, Dvorak has been enchanting audiences of all ages since he first began performing in 1981. His concerts are a mix of the familiar and the new, traditional folk and standards from the American songbook. He plays authentic country blues guitar and picks old-time banjo.

The Historical Society will begin its 61st year. Everyone is welcome to this free program. The Meeting House at 403 Old Highway 26 is handicapped accessible.

Grace S. Davis Scholarship taking applications

The Grace Davis Scholarship Trust is accepting applications from college-bound students for the 2024-25 school year. This scholarship is open to high school students who have lived in Magnolia Township (McNabb/Magnolia area) or

Hope Township (Lostant area) for at least 10 years and maintain a full-time student status with good scholastic ability. Send letters by July 1.

A letter stating college choice, major and other information about the applicant can be sent to Grace Davis Scholarship Trust, C/O Christina Whitney, 1552 Meridian Road, Magnolia, IL 61336, or emailed to cmwhitney07@gmail.com. For information, email cmwhitney07@gmail.com.

Bond Library in Wenona to host edible gardens workshop

The Edible Indoor Garden Workshop will include demonstrations and options for growing nutrient-dense food in your home.

The Indoor Edible Gardens Program is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Bond Library, 208 S. Chestnut St., Wenona. Reserve your spot by registering at go.illinois.edu/indooredibles.

Contact Master Gardener/Master Naturalist coordinator Bettyann Harrison at bettyann@illinois.edu or 309-364-2356 if you require reasonable accommodation to attend or have questions about this presentation.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

OBITUARIES

NETTIE CARROLL

Nettie Josephine Carroll, 94, of Princeton, passed on 03/31/2024.

Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.

EUGENE V. AZARSKIS

Born: October 7, 1934 in Granville, Illinois

Died: March 27, 2024 in Osage Beach, Missouri

Eugene V. Azarskis, age 89, of Kaiser, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Eugene was born October 7, 1934, in Granville, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Marie Mazeda Azarskis.

In 1952, Eugene graduated from Hopkins Township High School in Granville, Illinois. He proudly served in the United States Army. He retired from Black Bros. INC. in Mendota, Illinois. Eugene enjoyed gardening, farming, and attending farm auctions. He found many odd jobs to do throughout his years. In the 1960’s,

Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-6322534. Notices are accepted until 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition. How to submit

he earned his amateur pilot license.

Eugene is survived by his son Eugene J. Azarskis and wife Joni (Thone) of Lake Ozark, Missouri; grandchildren Abbey Azarskis of Spring Valley, Illinois and Joey Azarskis of Lake Ozark, Missouri; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Azarskis and Marie Mazeda Azarskis; brother, Raymond Azarskis; and sister, Beatrice Despain.

There are no services, cremation rites are in order.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Local arrangements are being entrusted to Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL 61326.

Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

IVCC Hispanic Leadership Team sale aids Youth Service Bureau

Team raised almost $500

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Illinois Valley Community College’s Hispanic Leadership Team raised almost $500 for the Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley with a rummage sale fundraiser.

A campuswide request sent volunteers combing through their closets to collect books, games, gadgets, craft supplies and other items for the sale, and shoppers gave free-will donations for purchases.

In addition to organizing fundraisers, the group embraces the diversity of Hispanic heritage by sharing that culture with others through events and activities.

browse a book-filled table March 27 during a rummage sale fundraiser sponsored by Illinois Valley Community College’s Hispanic Leadership Team, which raised almost $500 for Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley. A campus-wide request sent volunteers combing through their closets to collect books, games, gadgets, craft supplies and other items for the sale, and shoppers gave free-will donations for purchases. LEFT: Taking a well-deserved break for lunch on sale day are leadership team members Hope Baratta (clockwise from front left), Jennifer Cortes, Ashton Watkins, Emma

ATTENTION GRANVILLE RESIDENTS:

As spring approaches the Village of Granville would like to remind all residents of the following ordinances:

BURNING:

Residents are only allowed to burn leaves & branches produced on their property.

Burning days and hours are:

Tuesday through Friday 9am-6pm & Saturday 9am-3pm

NO BURNING on Sunday & Monday

*Due to unforeseen circumstances the yard waste drop off on High Street is closed until further notice

ABANDONED VEHICLES:

All Vehicles in the Village of Granville must be licensed & titled

GRASS CLIPPINGS:

It is unlawful to place any lawn clippings, trimmings or vegetation on the public streets or village right of way.

DOGS AT LARGE:

Residents must have dogs securely on a leash on any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place.

Residents are also responsible for picking up after their dogs if not on their own personal property.

POOLS:

All swimming pools shall be enclosed with a fence not less than five (5) feet in height measured from ground level and the fence shall fully enclose the swimming pool.

Photos provided by IVCC Community Relations

ABOVE: Shoppers

Coss, Ariana Benitez, Isac Alvarado and Krystal Lopez.

courses gets underway.

IVCC partners with Hungry World Farm in Tiskilwa to offer outdoor nature classes

computers will be available. Cost is $39. Class ID is 14367.

A new outdoor classroom will give nature-lovers room to get their hands dirty and provide fertile ground for new ideas about gardening, farming and sustainability as a series of Illinois Valley Community College lifelong learning courses gets underway.

Classes focus on soil identification, vegetable gardening, native woodland plants and forest regeneration and are made possible through a partnership between IVCC’s Continuing Education Department and Hungry World Farm near Tiskilwa. The 175-acre educational farm practices and teaches principles of regenerative agriculture and produces garden and field crops and produce.

“IVCC’s collaboration with Hungry World Farm provides learning opportunities, led by subject matter experts, that promote healthy soils, land and ecosystems while providing an opportunity to learn to grow and produce nutrient-dense food, while caring for the Earth” said Kim Koehler, IVCC community program manager. Participants can learn lessons on the farm that they can apply at home immediately, she added.

The classes are as follows:

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6: Get to know your soil in Name & Number: How to Talk About Your Soil. Learn to determine soil’s texture and color code and discuss the needs of each soil type and what can be done to improve each one. Participants should bring a pint of soil (including at least one clod) from their home or farmstead and a laptop. Spare

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20: Nurture your soil, your plants and your body through the Spring Planting Workshop. Learn to apply regenerative agriculture principles. Additionally, the farm will share its planting schedule, companion plant and cover crop strategies, and other resources. Demonstrations will include how to utilize biological seed inoculants and root dips, improve potting mix, trellis different crops, and use drip tape, row covers, various composts, and clear and black plastic to farm effectively.

Cost is $49. Class ID is 14368.

10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 : Enjoy a Spring Plant Walk, during which participants will learn about a variety of wild plants and their uses. This will include spring ephemerals, herbaceous perennials as well as trees and shrubs. Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and be prepared to be outdoors during class.

Cost is $49. Class ID is 14369.

1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 : Learn the basics of forest conservation and enrichment planting during Forest Regeneration through Silvopasture and Enrichment Planting. Activities will include creating forest gaps, tree planting, and setting up paddocks within the forest. Participants also will learn about tree seed collection within the forest, seed storage and planting/nursery setup. At Hungry World Farm, sheep are being rotationally grazed on forested hillsides to help control aggressive plant species.

Cost is $49. Class ID is 14370.

For information, visit ivccce.augusoft.net. To enroll, visit ivcc.edu/enroll.

Photo provided by Andy Krabill

A new outdoor classroom will give nature-lovers room to get their hands dirty and provide fertile ground for new ideas about gardening, farming and sustainability as a series of Illinois Valley Community College lifelong learning

IVCC to host annual Spring Art Show featuring local high school, college students’ artwork

Display open to the public through April 12

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Illinois Valley Community College’s annual Spring Art Show for high school and college artists is underway, and the halls outside the Humanities and Fine Arts Division office are overflowing with sketches, photographs, illustrations and sculptures.

The display is open to the public and runs through Friday, April 12, culminating that evening with an awards reception for artists and their families at 5 p.m. in the Student Life Space. Refreshments will be served, and tours of the Art Department provided.

The event showcases work by students from 10 area high schools and IVCC, said art instructor Shannon Slaight-Brown, who combined what had been separate shows into one larger gallery.

Her goal is to encourage young artists and reveal the area’s abundance of talent.

“Art is flourishing on campus and in the Illinois Valley, and this is a great way to show it,” SlaightBrown said.

Submissions will be judged and awarded best-in-show in high school and college divisions. Students also have a chance to be awarded scholarships to study at IVCC as well as IVCC and art gear. A new $1,000 scholarship is available to a current or incoming freshman majoring in art and attending full time, and a fullyear tuition waiver also is available to an incoming freshman.

“We also have a fun award that allows the audience to participate in choosing their favorite artwork from the entire show,” Slaight-Brown said. “This award is called the People’s Choice Award, and you can locate the golden submission box across from the Division office.”

Joining Slaight-Brown as a show judge will be painter and art instructor Josh Niles of Galesburg.

Photo provided by IVCC Community Relations Sketches, sculptures and other artwork are on display at Illinois Valley Community College through next week as part of the annual Spring Art Show. The event showcases work by student artists from several area high schools and IVCC.

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you as a call for attorneys in Putnam County, Illinois for someone else to step into the race for state’s attorney!

Christina Mennie has ran unopposed in the last election, and she is running unopposed again. This is unacceptable as the needs to this county’s citizens are not being met. It is the responsibility of the state’s attorney to prosecute crimes that occur within their counties boundaries. Mrs. Mennie has failed to do this. When our state’s attorney fails at this task, she leaves victims powerless to protect themselves.

It also is important to note there is little to no oversight in the role of state’s attorney! Who is supervising them? Who holds them accountable? The biggest answer to this question is we, the voters, do.

However, when these positions are run unopposed, then we the people are left again,

WRITE TO US

powerless to protect ourselves from crime. We are left powerless by a state’s attorney who has the ability to single handedly castrate the effectiveness of our police force!

We are left powerless to defend ourselves against criminals who may then repeatedly pursue their victims without consequence. And, our taxes are then wasted by having our police force time and efforts wasted when they repeatedly address criminal actions, write reports, only to not have those crimes held to account.

Many people, hopefully not having been victim to any crime, do not have knowledge of the significance of this role, and these small local elections. However, this role is vital within our community. Mrs. Mennie has failed to protect us by properly holding criminals to account, and it is time we got to express our dissatisfaction with a fair, contested and proper election. I call upon any qualified individual who has considered running, to please enter the race!

Elisa Herr

Encourage students to attend post-prom Afterglow

All parents want their kids to enjoy prom and stay safe! Rotary’s on your side, again sponsoring the Putnam County High School Post-Prom Afterglow so that our students can extend the enjoyment and excitement of their Prom night safely – and it’s free for all PCHS juniors, seniors and their dates –even including those who do not attend prom. The event will begin immediately following the PCHS Prom on Saturday, May 4, going to about 1 a.m. at the PCHS School Gym in Granville.

We need your help in discouraging any possible post-prom parties or activities that would draw students away from this event. Please encourage your student to attend and allow them to stay until the prize-winning end. Our hope is that through 100% participation, our community can help ensure a safe, fun and memorable prom experience for

everyone.

This year’s Afterglow will include games, a bags tournament, movies and more.

With the support of many generous donations, we are able to offer a great party, gift cards and prizes to be won throughout the event.

The Afterglow has become a part of the PCHS Prom tradition and is something students look forward to, as an extension of the evening. Please help us continue the tradition by encouraging your student’s participation – and by allowing them to remain at the Afterglow through the event and final prize drawings at the end. We hope for 100% participation in this year’s Afterglow on May 4.

Thank you for your support.

Tina Dolder Putnam County Rotary Afterglow Chair Adriane Shore Putnam County Rotary President

IVCC’s Amber Robertson to receive award for teaching excellence

Nursing instructor Amber Robertson of Seneca is the winner of Illinois Valley Community College’s 2024 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.

Robertson was nominated by student Ella Gilbertson, who wrote: “Each week after clinicals we discuss what we would like to do in the next clinical. Amber has us set our goal and she ensures we make it. She has constructive criticism to try to make us the best nurses we can be. She makes sure we understand what she’s teaching ... and is very open to questions

and will explain until we completely understand the concept.”

Robertson said she is moved and humbled to be chosen for the award.

“I strive to give my students 100% and assist them with all parts of their education, so this award really helped to justify that I might be doing this right,” Robertson said in an IVCC news release.

Whether teaching or nursing, Robertson said her philosophy blends care, compassion, critical thinking

and assistance.

“I aim to bring a positive attitude, dedication and a caring approach to ultimately inspire and encourage all my students to do the same,” Robertson said. “I learn daily from the interactions I have with them and continue to grow and thrive by doing so.”

A nursing program graduate, Robertson returned to teach in 2018, first as an adjunct instructor and then fulltime. She advises the Student Nursing Association. She continues to work part time as a compliance auditor for OSF Health Care.

In her nomination, Gilbertson praised Robertson’s commitment to improving and encouraging the Stu -

dent Nurses Association and said Robertson’s extra efforts to give students ample lab experience while standing by to explain and demonstrate.

Robertson and the other nominees – Mary Black, Margie Francisco, Emily Morgan and Renee Prine – will be honored Thursday, April 4, at IVCC’s employee recognition reception at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in La Salle.

Named for history professor Stephen Charry, the award recognizes instructors and counselors for outstanding service in teaching, leadership, professional development and contributions to the College and community. Charry died in 2008.

Amber Robertson

The 2024 Starved Rock Country Discount Golf Card entitles the golfer whose name appears on the card to one (1) round of golf with FREE CART for only $25.00 at each of the 16 courses listed on the card. Good through 12/31/2024. Some restrictions.

IVCC to host 2 welding registration sessions

New welding students must register at a session

Illinois Valley Community College’s Welding Department is hosting two welding registration sessions on April 16 and May 14 for students enrolling in summer and fall courses.

Both sessions start at 5 p.m. at the Main Campus, in Room CTC 123.

All new welding students must register for the program through a welding information session. Sign up for a session by contacting the Workforce Development Division Office at 815-224-0233 or emailing kim_herout@ivcc.edu. Anyone interested in the courses but unable to make these dates should contact Herout.

Info sessions are just down the hall from the Admissions Department, so prospective students can register and enroll all at once.

For information on the program, contact Coordinator Theresa Molln at 815-224-0630 or by email theresa_molln@ivcc.edu or visit ivcc.edu/programsbyareaofstudy/welding/ index.php.

Photo provided by Jen Heredia

An Illinois Valley Community College student performs flat position stick metal arc welding. IVCC’s Welding Department is hosting two welding registration sessions on April 16 and May 14 for students enrolling in summer and fall courses.

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

2016: Chicago’s Patrick Kane wins the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer. He is the first American-born player in NHL history to capture the Ross since it has been awarded, dating back to 1947-48.

Change needed for IHSA state tournament schedule

It’s not broken by any means, but the IHSA state basketball tournament schedule needs a little fixing.

The jury is still out whether the IHSA’s decision to bring all four classes together for one weekend of March Madness (February Frenzy for the girls) has created more excitement than the traditional two weekend approach.

The four-class system vs. two-class is a story for another day.

But having watched the first two years of the new one-weekend format and covering our local participant, the St. Bede girls, play in Class A this year, it needs some adjustments.

Playing your most important game of the year at 9:30 in the morning is certainly not ideal. Requiring two teams in each class to turn around and play a second time in a matter of hours and sending them home is just not right.

Let those teams and fans stay around another day to soak in the state tournament experience.

St. Bede coach Stephanie Mickley was elated to take her team to state for the first time. And while knowing “there are always a lot of adjustments to make at state, so you have to roll with the format,” she would have preferred to come back the next day and have them regroup.

Hieronymus’ Hypothesis

Kevin Hieronymus

“Playing the semifinal game the same day makes a long day and when you’re not used to playing two games in one day in a long time span it makes for a long day for the players,” she said.

“My team did not say much because it’s our first time ever as coaches and players. They were happy to be there. But the medal ceremony after the last game of the night caused us to get home at midnight with school the next day. That’s tough for anyone to handle emotionally and physically.”

Imagine the Byron boys team and fans coming down to watch their team Thursday morning, stick around for the late third-place game and trophy presentation and then facing a three-hourplus ride to get home after midnight on a school night.

I wasn’t in Champaign for the boys tournament, but I understand the crowds were sparse for the thirdplace games.

Here’s one easy fix.

On Day 1 (Thursday), play the Class 1A semifinals in the afternoon (1/3 p.m.) and the Class 2A semifinals at night (5:30/7:30 p.m.). That’s four games.

On Day 2 (Friday), play the Class 1A and Class 2A third-place games in the morning, say 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. as games are scheduled now. The key is to start the first game on time at 9:30 a.m. and not 15-20 minutes late as is the norm. There would be time at the conclusion of the second game for the trophy presentation for both classes.

The Class 3A semifinals would run in the afternoon and the Class 4A semifinals would go in the evening. That’s six games in one day, which is what is run now.

On Day 3 (Saturday), you’d come back with the 3A and 4A third-place games in the morning, with the trophy presentation for both classes at the conclusion of the second game.

The 1A and Class 2A championship games would be held in the afternoon session followed by trophy presentations at the end of each game. The Class 3A and 4A championship games would be held in the evening session followed by trophy presentations at the end of each game.

I know there are the logistics of trying to clear the arena between sessions involved. The right game times would make it all work or having a multi-session and/or an all-day pass would be all the better.

I know some will say to simply get rid of the third-place games all together and that will solve the problem.

That’s the easy way out.

The game is for the kids and the followers of their team. They all want to play in it and watch their team play at the highest level one more time. They deserve it.

The St. Bede girls created lifetime memories by playing in the Class 1A third-place game. It didn’t matter if they won or lost it. Memories were still made.

Playing and winning an unprecedented three straight Class A thirdplace games in 2000-02 helped take the sting away from Bureau Valley’s disappointment of not winning a state championship. More than 20 years later, those Storm teams remember most winning their last game at state and bringing home a third-place trophy three straight years.

We’ve got a good thing going. There’s nothing quite like our March Madness and the IHSA does it very well. Let’s just make it a little bit better for those involved.

•KevinHieronymushasbeenthe BCRsportseditorsince1986andalongtime follower of March Madness more than a decade before that. Email him at khieronymus@bcrnews.com

Scott Anderson file photo

Members of the St. Bede girls basketball team (from left) Bailey Engels, Quinn McClain, Jeanna Ladzinski, Grace Millington, Ella Englehaupt and Ashlyn Ehm react during the Class 1A state semifinal game Feb. 29 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Bruins lost the game and returned only five hours later to play in the third-place game.

Games are on in spite of Mother Nature

I turned 55 years old in November, but I’m still a kid at heart in many different ways.

When I was maybe around 10, I discovered a hobby that I’ve enjoyed ever since when I purchased a game at a garage sale: Strat-O-Matic Baseball. I had no idea what I was buying at the time, but looking back it was the best $5 I’ve ever spent.

I’m guessing some of you may recognize Strat or maybe even APBA (American Professional Baseball Association) or Statis Pro Baseball or Replay Baseball. If not, these are just a few “tabletop” games that simulate a baseball game where in a player uses dice, cards and charts to determine the outcome of each at-bat.

Many of these companies also offer games for football, basketball and hockey, as well as other sports.

The past few days have brought with it weather that only a duck could love. That has kept the local high school sports teams off the fields and pitch, so the desk in my office at home has seen a few games played out on it.

To describe SOM in the simplest way, each player/manager picks their team, makes their lineup and selects a starting pitcher. Each SOM player (based on their real-life stats and abil-

Brian Hoxsey FULL-COURT PRESS

ities) has his own card. Batters (1-2-3) and pitchers (4-5-6) have three main columns and results in each column ranging from 2-12. The manager rolls three dice, say one red die and two white dice – the red dice tell you what column you’ll be reading from and the total of the two white dice the number in that column to find the result of the at-bat.

There is much more to the game, but it allows a player to use their imagination of the play, or how the batter or pitcher would have reacted.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, having these games to pass the time and push my mind away from all of the world problems was a godsend.

Also, in that time I found a game company named PLAAY Games, founded by Keith Avalone and based near Denver. Keith and his son Sam have created a number of sports games, as well as other nonsports games that are, in my opinion, truly unique and addicting to play.

PLAAY’s History Maker Baseball

ILLINOIS VALLEY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

uses dice and player cards like many other baseball games, but instead of reading final results of a player’s card, the players have been given attributes. For example, the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge is a “Home Run King,” “Slugger” and “Whiffer,” while the San Francisco Giants’ Blake Snell is a “Semi-Ace” with “Double Flash.” Through dice rolls, players look in a booklet, and the results depend on if a player has or doesn’t have the quality that is being asked for.

PLAAY also offers games allowing you to replay football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, auto racing, wrestling and, yes, bowling.

Back to baseball, while the company has rated many real MLB seasons, including releasing the 2023 set last week, they also last fall released a card set that includes almost 500 of the greatest players, rated on their best overall season. The set allows a gamer to have Greg Maddux try to retire Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, or Tony Gwynn face legends such as Sandy Koufax or Whitey Ford. The matchups are endless, and you just never know who is going to outwit whom. They also have fiction sets and how-to guides to help immerse you

even deeper. In fact, I created cards for all of the players on the 2023 Times All-Area Baseball Team. Super fun!

While PLAAY’s baseball game also adds weather and field conditions, ballpark characteristics, injuries and rare plays into the equations like Strat and ABPA, it also figures in umpires (yes, Angel Hernandez has a card) and if the overall mood of the team is happy or sad into play.

Many people have hobbies: woodworking, reading, gardening, and the list goes on.

My hobby is sometimes on a rainy, cold, spring day, rolling out dice to see if the 1969 Cubs can reverse their epic late-season collapse, or if golfer Jordan Spieth can avoid his disaster at the 2016 Masters, or if the 1985 Bears can stay undefeated on that early December night in Miami.

So, if you’re a sports fan and are looking for a way to break away from reality when Mother Nature keeps you indoors, you may want to check out some of the games I’ve mentioned.

Don’t blame me, though, if you get hooked.

• Brian Hoxsey is a sportswriter for Shaw Media. Email him at bhoxsey@ shawmedia.com.

Class of 2024 to be inducted June 6 in La Salle

By J.T. PEDELTY jtpedelty@shawmedia.com

Shaw Media’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its newest members – luminaries in local sports history, one and all – on June 6 at its 2024 induction ceremony at The Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle.

Ten individuals and two accomplished teams will make up the Class of 2024, in addition to recipients of the Distinguished Media Award, the Lanny Slevin Lifetime Achievement Award, the Legacy Individual Award and the Legacy Team Award.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. followed by the main event, the induction ceremony. The Auditorium Ballroom is located at 109 Wright St. in La Salle.

Tickets are available for purchase at shawmediaevents.com .

the different sports in which the inductees participated are wide-sweeping.

“We’re excited and proud about the Class of 2024.”

The previous years’ inductees are a virtual who’s who of Illinois Valley sports history. Last year, attendees traveled from as far as Texas, Colorado and Europe to be part of the celebration.

“The event is such a special evening for anyone who attends,” Shaw Media’s Jeanette Smith said. “By honoring the inductees, we get a glimpse into the history of sports in our area. We hear stories of who these athletes were, what they accomplished and where they are now.

“Not a sports fan? That is OK. It’s so much more than just a sports banquet. It’s about the human-interest side as well.”

This will be the fifth class of inductees, with food, drinks, honors and memories all on the menu. The Class of 2024 will be revealed one by one beginning this week in local Shaw Media publications – the NewsTribune, The Times, the Bureau County Republican and the Putnam County Record – as well as on those publications’ and Shaw Media’s Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame social media accounts.

athletic accomplishments,” Shaw Media’s Jared Bell said. “It is truly amazing the athletic history of our area, and we cannot wait to induct this year’s class.

“This year’s Class of 2024 is filled with men, women and teams from across the area who had tremendous

“What’s fun and different about this year’s class is, not only do we have inductees from all across the area, but

Businesses that would like to sponsor the IV Sports Hall of Fame can contact Smith at jmsmith@shawmedia.com or 815-220-6948.

Nominations are open for consideration as future inductees by contacting Bell at jbell@shawmedia.com or 815220-6953.

Scott Anderson file photo

Hundreds attend the 2023 Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for June 6.

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