Putnam County Record_04022025

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Al Cioni Ford wins 2024 President’s Award

10% of Ford dealerships achieve president’s award

Al Cioni Ford in Granville received the 2024 President’s Award on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

The President’s Award is only presented to those top-performing Ford dealerships that exhibit quality business practices and Ford’s core principles. Dealerships nationwide competed for this honor, but only 10% of all dealerships achieved the 2024 President’s Award.

This honor signifies Al Cioni Ford team’s performance and accomplishments that embrace these philosophies, achieving among the highest levels of customer satisfaction – in both sales and service in the automotive industry. Dealers must exceed customer expectations and experiences every day.

“Our admiration and appreciation goes out to everyone on the Al Cioni Ford team for their outstanding efforts and dedication,” according to a news release.

“And thank you to our amazing customers who give us the opportunity to serve them each and every day.”

Al Cioni Ford is located at 504 S. McCoy St. For information, call 815-339-2511.

Granville library to screen documentary ‘Rachel Carson’

Carson’s film ‘Silent Spring’ sparked national debate on pesticides

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a matinee screening of the documentary, “Rachel Carson,” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

When Carson’s “Silent Spring” was published in 1962, it became a phenomenon – a passionate, eloquent warning about the long-term dangers of pesticides. It unleashed a national debate and was greeted by vigorous attacks from the chemical industry and would inspire President John F. Kennedy to launch the first-ever investigation into the public health effects of pesticides that would

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Hennepin water district to meet 2nd Monday of every month

Effective April 1, the Board of Trustees of the Hennepin Public Water District in Putnam County will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month at the Administrative Building, 7222

eventually result in new laws governing the regulation of these deadly agents.

The film is 1 hour, 45 minutes, and is rated PG. It is made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy. The screening will take place at the Granville library. Following the conclusion of the film, an Ambassador with SciStarter, an online database for Citizen Science projects, will share related information and resources. The Granville Library is located at 214 S. McCoy St. For information, call the library at 815-339-2038.

‘Free for All: The Public Library,’ to be screened

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a film screening, in partnership with Independent Lens and WTVP, of “Free for All: The Public Library,” at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10, in

celebration of National Library Week.

The film tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From pioneering women behind the Free Library Movement to today’s librarians who service the people despite working in a contentious age of closures, funding cuts and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

Following the screening, library staff will share information on library card sign-up and resources available from the library. The film is an hour in length. “Free for All: The Public Library” will premiere on PBS nationwide on April 29.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

Power Plant Road, Hennepin.

Standard library to host talk on The Great Depression

Historian Jim Gibbons will present The Great Depression, starting in 1929 and ending during the war years of the 1940s.

Gibbons will take patrons through the Roaring 20s, the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and then into the 1930s and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal program.

The program is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the Standard library, 128 First St. – Shaw Local News Network

Photo provided by Al Cioni Ford
Al Cioni Ford in Granville received the 2024 President’s Award on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

Speaker talks about port initiative that brought

Illinois’ smallest county – Putnam County – was awarded in 2024 the larg est grant to the state in the Port Infra structure Development Program’s his tory.

The $38 million grant to improve the port of Hennepin will fund an upgrade to the area’s soybean distribution infrastructure.

The planned improvements include a modern barge terminal and dolphin for efficient cargo handling, a new pipeline and conveyor system to streamline product transport, upgraded lighting and electrical infra structure and a 700-foot waterfront dock. Storage systems will be created for soybean meal and oil.

This grant is part of a larger $580 million investment from the Biparti san Infrastructure Law, funding 31 port improvement projects across the country.

The Illinois Waterway Port Com mission is a consortium of five port dis tricts, including 10 counties along the Illinois River, created in 2023 under the coordination of Corn Belt Ports.

Robert Sinkler, executive coordi nating director, served as the guest speaker Thursday at the Putnam County Rotary’s Ag Night at the high school. Sinkler talked about the

See HENNEPIN PORT, page 5

Derek Barichello
Robert Sinkler speaks March 27 during Putnam County Rotary’s Ag Night about the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission.

Starved Rock Country Community Foundation names 2 new board members

Ottawa, Paw Paw residents join 16-member board

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently welcomed two new board members who have a history of business success and nonprofit leadership.

Stephen “Steve” Aubry of Ottawa and Susan Lilja of Paw Paw have joined the Foundation’s 16-member board chaired by Tracy Bedeker.

“Susan is a seasoned leader with a passion for community development,” SRCCF President Fran Brolley said. “She brings three decades of experi -

ence in banking, business management and foundation work to our board.”

“Steve is a remarkably accomplished businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He brings knowledge of government, economic development and local history.

“The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation is significantly strengthened with these additions.”

As regional retail support manager for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, Lilja leads team effectiveness for 13 branches. Her career spans multiple industries, including agriculture

and finance, and includes senior roles at DEKALB AG, Tropp and Company, AMCORE Bank and now Heartland.

Lilja is a former treasurer for the Mendota Chamber of Commerce, an ambassador for the Sweet Corn Festival, and is currently president of the Parish Finance Council at St. James Church in Lee.

In 2019, she and her family co-founded the CSL Foundation to honor their sister’s memory. CSL partners with the American Farm Bureau to support “Ag in the Classroom.”

Aubry, owner and operator of “1000 Acre Grain Farm,” retired in 2018 as vice president and general manager at CIT Trucks LLC and managed the firm’s Peru facility. During his time with CIT, the company grew from two dealerships to 14. Before joining CIT in 1988, he managed hardware stores in Normal, Pekin and Sarasota, Florida.

Aubry’s civic involvement includes representing District 22 on the La Salle County Board, as a board member for North Central Illinois Council of Governments, and as the former president of the La Salle County Historical Society, among other leadership roles.

For information on the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, visit srccf.org or contact Director of Operations Janice Corrigan at janice@srcf.org or 815-252-2906.

Blacklegged ticks have been found in our area and are the vector of Lyme Disease. They can be active any time the temperature is above 32 and the ground is snow free but are most active early spring through fall.

• Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging plants.

Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when: √ Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in

• Wear light colored clothing and tuck pants into socks.

• Examine yourself and pets for ticks.

• Apply Permethrin to clothing, especially to shoes and socks. Turkey Hunters, or anyone in contact with forest vegetation and the forest floor, definitely should treat all outer clothing.

• Use DEET insect repellent as a second line of defense.

*Stay home and away from others until, for 24 hrs and Your symptoms are getting better You are fever-free (without meds)

those around

Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments at bpmhd.org for more information

Steve Aubry Sue Lilja

Covered Bridge Quilters Guild to host tribal elder with Ho-Chunk as speaker

Gerald Savage to talk about reintroduction of his family into the Illinois area

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will host its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 30 N. Sixth St., Princeton.

Its program this month will feature Gerald Savage, a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation and an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar speaker. Savage’s formal native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago). He will discuss the reintroduction of his family into the Illinois area, tribal customs and ways, the history of the Ho-Chunk tribe, modern natives, naming ceremonies, stereotypes, environmental concerns,

tribal settlements, reservations and how he got his Chief’s bonnet.

Gerald’s grandparents were influential in teaching Gerald the native customs and ways. He carries on his grandfather’s tradition of teaching people about their tribal customs and ways. His program is about the history, past and present, from a Native perspective.

Guests are encouraged and welcome at guild meetings. There is a $5 guest fee that can be applied to the guild membership fee if someone joins the night of the meeting. The guild is looking for new members and anyone interested in joining the guild may do so for an annual membership fee of $24.

In addition to its monthly meeting, the Guild also will have an open sew day at the church starting at 10 a.m. Thursday. Bring projects, machines or handwork. For information, contact one of the group’s co-coordinators, Cindy Smith at 573-603-4234 or Terry Johnson at 815-872-0534.

Putnam County FFA receives a $100 donation from Corn Belt Ports. The Putnam County Rotary donated the funds to Corn Belt Ports, which passed it along to the FFA.

• HENNEPIN PORT

Continued from page 3

creation of the Illinois Waterway Commission and how it’s become a recognized top 50 port in America, gaining more than $1 billion in state, federal and nonprofit investment.

There always has been barge travel and numerous terminals along the waterway, Sinkler said, but without port recognition, the region missed out on funds to upgrade infrastructure.

Sinkler said the goal of the initiative is to reduce transportation costs of products by creating more opportunities and

competition, which will, in turn, help farmers in the region.

The Illinois River plays an important role in corn and soybean markets, facilitating downstream and export sales. The Illinois Waterway Ports alone handle more than 14 million tons of freight annually from the Illinois River Watershed, which includes nearly half of the state’s agricultural land and some 90% of the state’s population.

The Putnam County FFA was on-hand to listen to Sinkler and participate in the Ag Night activities. The Rotary Club extended a $100 donation to Corn Belt, which was then passed back to the FFA.

Derek Barichello

Scholarship applications available for 2 IVCC students to transfer to NIU

Deadline set for April 14

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Applications became available Monday, March 17, for two scholarships to be awarded to Illinois Valley Community College students who will transfer to Northern Illinois University to study accounting or STEM coursework. IVCC students have until Monday,

April 14, to submit the application, essay and required documents to the IVCC Foundation office to be considered for these significant scholarship awards.

The accountancy scholarship is awarded to an IVCC student graduating this spring or transferring who will begin studying junior-level accountancy at NIU this fall. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to pursue a professional, non-teaching career. The award covers full tuition and required

GRANVILLE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Holy Week is observed the last week of Lent and is a time when Christians commemorate the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Regardless of religious persuasion or belief, Holy Week can be a time for journeying from a sense of hopelessness to a realization of newness in life. Every person experiences some level of brokenness, pain, loss or dramatic change in their life. Coupled with a wider environment of instability and rapid

change, one can feel hopeless and discouraged in realizing inner stability, joy and peace of mind.

After the retirement of its pastor of 20 years, the Granville United Church of Christ is in a transitional period while searching for a new full-time pastor.

Putnam County churches offer such experiences, and the Rev. Janice L. Ringenberg, a retired ordained United Methodist minister, will engage all who come to the UCC church through Holy

fees for the first year at NIU and may be renewed for the student’s senior year.

A $5,000 STEM scholarship is awarded to an IVCC student graduating this spring or transferring to NIU to begin junior-level science, technology, engineering or math major coursework this fall. The scholarship is renewable for the senior year. Students participating in the NIU Honors Program may qualify for full tuition and required fee support. Applicants must

demonstrate a desire to pursue a non-teaching career. For information on how to apply for both of these scholarships, contact the IVCC Foundation Office, Room C-202, donna_swiskoski@ ivcc.edu or call 815-224-0551.

The scholarships were established by Bill and Dian Taylor, who are alumni of both IVCC and NIU. In 2013, IVCC honored its philanthropy by naming its new counseling complex The William and Dian Taylor Student Development Commons.

Week, April 13 to 20.

10 a.m. Palm Sunday, April 13: The recorded story of Jesus found in the Bible (Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) dedicates a significant amount of writing to this one week of Jesus’ life, which begins on Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 17: This service commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal and communion with the disciples.

10 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Good Friday: A sacred space to remember Christ’s sacrifice. 6:30 p.m. Tenebrae Service: Service includes scripture readings that recount the events of Jesus’ last days, from the Last Supper to his burial. Music and the gradual extinguishing of candles will help symbolize the darkness surrounding Jesus’ death. 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 20: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

PUTNAM COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL, 3RD QUARTER 2024-25

Putnam County Junior High School announced its honor roll for the third quarter of the 2024-25 school year.

Eighth grade

Caiden Ahrens, Mason Askeland, Jace Boedigheimer, Emersyn Carboni, McKlay Gensini, Naomi Hammerich, Millie Harris, Gwen Helley, Hannah Heiberger, Elijah King, Joselyn Lopez, Emmett Main, Damian Marcum, Kamryn Nauman, John Placher, Anna

OBITUARIES

LINDA SUE LITHERLAND

Born: October 15, 1949 in Gary, Indiana

Poignant, Tula Rue, Peyton Smith, Sawyer Smith, Paityn Soule, Bailee Vice, Callen Wiesbrock

Seventh grade

Isabella Bartoluzzi, Garrett Billups, Lillian Bouxsein, Davis Carlson, Jiovany Castro, Ayden Dienst, Calvin Fiedler, Savannah Grasser, Natalie Guadiana, Murphy Hopkins, Anniston Judd, Emily Konczak, Nathaniel Lenczewski, Avery Lenkaitis, Andrew Matheny, Anthony

Died: March 26, 2025 in Hennepin, Illinois

Linda Sue (Morrison) Litherland, 75, of Hennepin, IL passed away peacefully with her devoted husband by her side on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Litherland and many nieces and nephews.

Popurella, Isaac Rodriguez, Garrit Smith, Annabella Sondgeroth

Sixth grade

Karson Actis, Liam Askeland, Lucas Buettner, Guiliana Cimei, Hans Frund, Addison Goetz, Evelyn Grasser, Hudson Heiberger, Liam Judd, Carter Keller, Brayden Kierski, Mason King, Sean King, Mia Mennie, Allyza Mucu, Jace Newsome, Michael Padilla, Elijah Schrowang, Trenity Thomas, Aubrey

Zborowski

Eighth grade

Jacob Brown, Tayton Brown, Riley Doehling, Ian Durdan, Kya Fox, Richard Glenn, Issac Glenn-Metzger, Wes Willoughby

Seventh grade

Anahi Avila, Luca Carboni, Chloe Christiansen, Mylee Christiansen, John Cooper, Hayden Doyle, Luke Gabrielse, Jayce Johnston, Alexander Kloet,

Brendan Linton, Caius Luncsford, Kinsey Pierski, Jolene Poole, Luis Ramirez, Landen Robertson, Jayden Serna, Kynzie Thomas, Nolan Weddell

Sixth grade

Jacob Borri, Angell Chasteen, Hunter Heckman, Marshall Holocker, Tucker Lloyd, Dennis Long, Mylo Mertel, Addilyn Podobinski, Emily Pundsack, Emily Reyes, Laila Rivera, Wyatt Rue, Hunter Smith, Brynn Zimmerlein

She was preceded in death by her father, John C. Morrison, her mother, Mary L. (Young) Morrison and her two sisters, Rosemary and Dorothy.

Linda graduated from Horace Mann High School, Gary Indiana in 1967, and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology in 1971. Linda worked for one summer with her father at the Steel Mill in Gary and then spent three summers in New York City working with her sister at Columbia University Admission Office.

Linda met her best friend in the spring of 1971 and she and Eugene were married on April 8, 1972 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Gary, Indiana. They celebrated their 52nd anniversa-

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.

ry in 2024.

Eugene and Linda lived in Princeton, IL for five years prior to moving to their home in Hennepin, IL in 1976. Linda worked at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, IL as the Director of Medical Records. She was a leader to 12 dedicated women until she retired on December 13, 2014. Linda chaired the 75th anniversary celebration for Perry Memorial Hospital.

Linda was very active at the Hennepin United Methodist Church with the Choir and the Handbells. She was also a board member on several different church boards, and she and Eugene led the MYF Youth Group.

Linda was a life-long Cubs Fan and was able to see them win the World Series. She love scrap booking as a hobby.

Linda’s service will be held at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 5, 2025, visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a service to follow at the funeral home. Pastor Brian Caughlan will officiate. Eulogy by Cathy Phillips. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com

On May 7, 2025, Shaw Local News Network will publish “Thank You, Teachers.” This special edition will be dedicated to the incredible teachers who shape our community’s future and prepare the next generation for what lies ahead.

As part of this special edition, we’re asking students of all ages to share their experiences with outstanding teachers in our community. “Thank You” letters can be submitted now through April 20. Everyone that submits a letter will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!

IVCC registration for summer, fall to open April 3

Course offerings can be viewed in self-service system

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Registration for summer and fall classes at Illinois Valley Community College opens at 9 a.m. online and at 10 a.m. in person Thursday, April 3.

Director of Enrollment Services

Tom Quigley recommends students register without delay so they secure their choice of classes, avoid last-minute stress and set themselves up for success.

Course offerings can be viewed in the IVCC Self-Service system, but students will not be able to lock in their schedule until registration opens. New students should first apply for enrollment and schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor to register and schedule any necessary placement tests. Now is a good time to get a financial aid application underway, too.

Tuition is due May 7 for summer classes that begin May 19 and June 11.

Fall tuition is due July 30 for classes that begin Aug. 18. Students can pay in full or set up a payment plan, both of which can be done through IVCC Self-Service, by calling 815-224-0213, or in person at the Cashier’s Office, CTC 101. Students receiving financial aid or scholarships should contact the cashier to hold their classes.

In addition to registration, IVCC will be hosting two more activities to get to know the college better.

The Explore IVCC open house at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, is a chance to learn more about the college’s programs. A gallery of academic programs and resources will be set up, including resources geared to Spanish-language speakers and adult students.

A Fall Preview will give students a chance to become familiar with the campus and resources as well as find their classrooms.

Besides course schedules, IVCC’s Self-Service system is used to process payments and manage academic profiles. It can be accessed at https:// ivcc-ss.colleague.elluciancloud.com/ Student/Courses.

For information, call 815-224-0447.

4-H brings storm chasers to IVCC

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Students from Bureau, La Salle, and Putnam counties recently attended a weather presentation sponsored by 4-H Federation clubs held at Illinois Valley Community College.

The program covered a variety of weather-related topics, including tornado formation, emergency weather warnings, lightning and electricity transference.

Students also had the chance to witness a live cloud formation.

The activities highlighted multiple 4-H project opportunities related to weather, energy and electricity.

For information on La Salle County 4-H programs, contact the University of Illinois Extension at 815-433-0707 or email Toni Pienta at fusinatt@illinois.edu.

Photo provided by Karina Delgado
A live cloud formation demonstration during the Illinois Storm Chasers event at Illinois Valley Community College, where students observed the process of cloud development and learned about severe weather.

Putnam Rotary donates $2.4K to Granville-Hennepin Fire Department

Funds to support training facility, technology upgrades

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Members of the Putnam County Rotary Club were on hand at the Granville-Hennepin Fire Department’s March 25 meeting in Hennepin for presentation of the Club’s check for $2,400 supporting technology upgrades for the district’s learning and training facility.

The donation included a $1,200 Rotary District grant, matched by local donations raised by Putnam County Rotary, to fund computer and audio-visual equipment that will be used for firefighter training for local and regional departments, as well as community educational programs benefiting all Putnam County residents.

District Fire Chief Neil Buffington and Deputy Chief Quentin Buffington said the first such event is in the planning stages for April 12, possibly including community CPR basics, home and fire safety and storm preparedness.

• Color: Sangria—dark red metallic

• Seats: Black Diamond

• Head Lights/Tail Lights

• Turn Signals

The event will be held at the Hennepin Fire Station and will be free to the public, appropriate for both youth and adults. The Fire District is a combination fire and rescue department serving Granville Township and Village, providing advanced life support ambulance services, grass fire response and other emergency services.

Rotarians on hand for presentation of the grant check included Ron McNeill, Brenda Bickerman, Scott Shore and Grant Chair Debbie Buffington.

Rotary is a nonprofit organization that sponsors and provides volunteer support for a wide scope of community services benefiting schools, youth and literacy, community health and food availability, high school scholarships, senior citizen programs, blood drives, the annual post-prom Afterglow and other community services. Internationally, the Club supports global health initiatives, world literacy, peace and conflict resolution, disaster relief and international youth exchange programs. For information or to participate, contact PutnamCountyRotary@ gmail.com.

To buy your ticket(s), please stop in at the Putnam County Community Center, 128 First Street, Standard, IL or see any PCCC Board Member.

WINNER DRAWING

Winner will be drawn July 18, 2025 at McNabb Motorsports

All proceeds to benefit the Putnam County Community Center

Members of Putnam County Rotary and the Granville-Hennepin Fire Protection District gathered on March 25 for presentation of the Rotary’s donation of $2,400. The grant will enable the district to upgrade educational technology used for firefighter, first responder and community training events.

Photo provided by Scott Shore

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TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1990: UNLV pounds Duke 103-73 to win its first NCAA championship and extend the Blue Devils’ streak to eight Final Four appearances without a title. The Runnin’ Rebels become the first team to score more than 100 points in a championship game and the 30-point margin is the largest ever.

NEWSTRIBUNE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: JOHNATHON STUNKEL

PC’s Johnathon Stunkel had two pitching wins, hit .500

The Putnam County baseball team is off to a strong start to the season, and Johnathon Stunkel has played a key role in the early success.

During last week’s 3-0 start to the season, Stunkel earned pitching wins against Hall in the season opener and Delavan. He also went 3 for 4 with a home run against Gardner-South Wilmington and was 2 for 3 with an RBI against Delavan.

“Johnathon did it all for us last week,” PC coach Chris Newsome said. “Anytime you can collect two wins on the mound and hit .500 at the plate, you’re having a good week of baseball. The kid works hard and is deserving of the athlete of the week honor.”

For his performance, Stunkel was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Sullivan’s and Grasser’s Plumbing & Heating.

Stunkel answered some questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.

When did you start playing baseball and how did you get into it?

Stunkel: I don’t remember a time without baseball. I started playing T-ball at the age of 3 and started travel ball at 8. I got into baseball because everyone around me played. Older cousins and siblings helped me grow a passion for the game.

What do you enjoy about playing baseball?

Stunkel: Competing, winning and being part of a team with guys that I grew up with.

What makes you a good baseball player?

Stunkel: The time put in outside of just practice and the mentality and focus it takes to play the game of baseball.

Besides PC’s field, what is your favorite field to play on?

Stunkel: Playing on bigger stadiums like Dozer Park.

Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Stunkel: No superstitions, but I go through a stretching and arm care routine before games.

Who is your favorite MLB player?

Stunkel: Don’t have a favorite. Don’t

follow the MLB much.

Where is your favorite place to eat on the way home from a road trip and what do you get?

Stunkel: My favorite place to stop and eat would be Culver’s and I always get the chicken sandwich.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Stunkel: If I were to travel anywhere, I would go to Minnesota to go fishing.

What is your most played song recently?

Stunkel: “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses.

What are your thoughts on your performance last week?

Stunkel: I feel I played well both ends. I provided a lot of strikes on the mound for my defense to make plays and located pitches well to limit hard hits. I feel I saw pitches well from a hitter’s standpoint and put good swings on the ball.

Johnathon Stunkel
Scott Anderson file photo
Putnam County pitcher Johnathon Stunkel lets go of a throw to Hall on March 17 at Putnam County High School. Stunkel earned pitching wins against Hall in the season opener and Delavan last week. He also went 3 for 4 with a home run against Gardner-South Wilmington and was 2 for 3 with an RBI against Delavan.

AREA ROUNDUP

Alex Rodriguez places eighth in Top Times Meet

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Putnam County High School junior Alex Rodriguez qualified in the shot put for the Illinois Top Times meet at Illinois Wesleyan University, which is considered the indoor track and field state championship.

He placed eighth with a toss of 15.21 meters (49-11). First place went to Graham Meister of Dwight at 17.41 (571/2).

Rodriquez was ranked sixth in Class 1A with a mark of 15.37.

BASEBALL

Putnam County 4, Annawan-Wethersfield 3 (8 inn.): The Panthers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to pull out a nonconference victory Saturday in Granville.

Drew Carlson drove in the winning run with a single, while Traxton Mattingly had a two-run single to tie the game in the eighth.

Carlson finished 3 for 3. Mattingly was 2 for 5.

Carlson got a no-decision as he allowed one run on six hits with three strikeouts and no walks in 4⅓ innings.

Mattingly was the winning pitcher for PC (6-0) with one inning of relief, giving up one run on two hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Putnam County 6, Seneca 3: The Panthers scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning Thursday, March 27 to pull out a Tri-County Conference victory in Seneca.

Johnathon Stunkel was 2 for 3 with a double and scored two runs for PC (5-0, 2-0 TCC), while Drew Carlson was 2 for 4 with an RBI and Traxton Mattingly doubled, drove in a run and scored a run.

Stunkel got a no-decision as he gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with eight strikeouts and two walks in five innings.

Jaden Stoddard threw an inning of scoreless relief for the win, while Carlson tossed a perfect seventh with two strikeouts.

Putnam County 5, Seneca 2: Maddox Poole doubled, drove in two runs and scored a run as the Panthers won their Tri-County Conference opener on Tuesday, March 25 in Granville.

Johnathon Stunkel doubled and scored twice for PC (4-0), while Drew Carlson was 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI.

Kade Zimmerlein allowed one

provided by Putnam County High School

Putnam County High School junior Alex Rodriguez placed eighth in the shot put at the Illinois Top Times meet at Illinois Wesleyan University, which is considered the indoor track and field state championship.

unearned run on one hit with three strikeouts and two walks in three innings, while Traxton Mattingly gave up one earned run on three hits with seven strikeouts and two walks in four innings.

Note: The PC baseball game at Stark County that was snowed out on March 20 has been rescheduled for April 7.

SOFTBALL

Seneca 15, Putnam County 1 (5 inn.): Kennedy Holocker doubled for PC’s only hit and drove in the Panthers’ only run in a Tri-County Conference loss in Seneca on

March 27

Holocker took the loss for PC (1-5, 0-2).

Brimfield 15, Putnam County 0 (4 inn.): The Panthers had three hits in a nonconference loss in Brimfield on Wednesday, March 26.

Seneca 17, Putnam County 0 (4 inn.): The Panthers did not record a hit in their TriCounty Conference opener in Granville on March 27

Note: The PC softball game at Stark County that was snowed out on March 20 has been rescheduled for April 14 in Wyoming.

Putnam County’s Drew Carlson reacts while standing on second base after hitting a double against Hall on March 17 at Putnam County High School. He drove in the winning run with a single in the eighth inning to lift the Panthers to a 4-3 win over Annawan-Wethersfield.

Putnam County’s Kennedy Holocker pitchers in the March 26 game against Brimfield.

Photo

CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOOKING TO HELP THE ELDERLY IN THEIR HOME

Very reli able.

Gr eat references. Call 815- 223-2170

PUBLISHE R'S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subjec t to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to adver tise “any prefer ence, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inte ntion, to make any such preference , limita tion or discrimination .”

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or le gal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of child ren under 18. This newspaper will not know in gly ac cept any advertising for real estat e which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD toll-free at 800- 669-9777.

The Senachwine Township Board meets regularly at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday of every month. The Township Annual Meeting will take place on the second Tuesday of April, April 08, 2025 at 6:00 PM Also please note that in the event the regular meeting needs to be canceled, the meeting will be rescheduled as soon as possible, and notice will be posted at the entrance to the Town Hall

ANNUAL MEETING

- APRIL 08, 2 025ANNUAL MEETING

The April 10, 2025 regular monthly meeting will be held im mediately following the Annual Meeting on April 08, 2025

May 08, 2025

June 12, 2025

July 10, 2025

August 14, 2025

Septem ber 11, 2025

October 09, 2025

November 13, 2025

December 11, 2025

January 08, 2026

February 12, 2026

March 12, 2026

(Published in Putnam County Record April 2, 2025) 2235302

The 169th Senachwine Township Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday April 08, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, High Street in Putnam

The agenda will be as follows:

•Call to Order and Election of Moderator

•Reading of the Minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting

• Treasurer' s Report

• Road Commissioner's Report

• Old Business

• New Business

• Transfer of Funds to Road District

• Comm unication from the Floor

• Motion to Adjourn

All Senachwine Township residents are welcom e and encouraged to attend.

The regular monthly meeting for the Township will follow the Annual Meeting.

NOTE: Physical attendance at this public meeting may be limited by local, state, and/or federal orders in effect on April 08, 2025. For updates as the meeting date nears, please contact the Township Supervisor, Dave Boucher, via email at senachwinetownship@yahoo.com or by telephone at 815-437-2000.

Thank you

Sherry Monday, Township Clerk

(Published in Putnam County Record April 2, 2025) 2235299

The toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Senachwine Township Board meets regularly at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday of every month. The Township Annual Meeting will take place on the second Tuesday of April, April 08, 2025 at 6:00 PM Also please note that in the event the regular meeting needs to be canceled, the meeting will be rescheduled as soon as possible, and notice will be posted at the entrance to the Town Hall

ACCOUNTANT / BOOKKEEPER

Granvil le Township is looking to fil l the position of Accountant / Bookkeeper. This posi ti on will require between 6- 10 hours per w eek Tuesday and Thursday mornings pref erred. Knowledge of QuickBooks is preferred but not required Duties incl ude, but are not limited to, accounts payable, processing deposi ts, mont hl y reports, and other miscellaneous office responsibilities.

ANNUAL MEETING

Interest applicants should contact Kelly Goet z, Granville Township Supervisor at 815- 339- 2480

- APRIL 08, 2 025ANNUAL MEETING

The April 10, 2025 regular monthly meeting will be held

HENNEPIN FOOD MART

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Our Family Tortilla, Corn, Scoops, Nacho Chips All 2/$5

Our Family Tonic Water or Club Soda 1 Liter

Assorted Tostitos Chips 12oz 2/$9

GM Chex Cereals All $3�99

Kool Aid Burst Drinks 6ct $1�99

Our Family Grape Jelly 18oz 2/$4

CBRD Canned Pasta 15oz 3/$4 Premium Saltine Crackers 16oz 2/$7 Our Family Pancake Mix 32oz 2/$5

Our Family Charcoal 15�4lb $7�99

Bounty Double Roll Paper Towels

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