Putnam County Record_01212026

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Calling Frog Survey training to begin at La Salle County Extension office

Program aims to gather data for conservation efforts

By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com

Master Naturalists of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension are having an in-person watch party for the next Calling Frog Survey training from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at the La Salle County Extension Office.

The Calling Frog Survey is a citizen science project that invites community members to learn how to identify frog calls and contribute data to amphibian conservation efforts.

By participating, volunteers also deepen their connection to local ecosystems.

Participants will learn the unique calls of the 13 species of frogs and toads found in the Chicago wilderness region. A planning meeting to discuss 2026 routes will immediately follow the training.

The survey provides information to scientists and land managers who can use the data to conduct management and research that benefits amphibian populations.

The data collected provides critical insights into amphibian abundance and distribution, supporting conservation planning and land management decisions.

For those interested in participating or seeking more information, visit the La Salle County Extension Office at 1689 N. 31st Road in Ottawa, or go online to go.illinois.edu/CallingFrogSurvey.

involved in surveys in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall or Putnam counties, online training options are available Jan. 31, Feb. 2, Feb. 7 and Feb. 12.

If you are unable to attend the in-person watch party but still would like to be

For information about online options, visit frogsurvey.org.

SRCCF announces Wisniewski-Eike College Scholarship

Scholarship to be awarded to female students involved in community service, leadership

By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation has announced the launch of a new scholarship opportunity, the “Boots” Wisniewski-Eike College Scholarship, honoring the life and

Charlene “Boots” Just-Wisniewski Eike

legacy of Charlene Just-Wisniewski Eike.

The annual $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a college-enrolled female student pursuing education at a junior college, four-year college or university, or a professional trade school.

Applicants are expected to be involved in community service and extracurricular activities, show lead -

ership abilities, a faith-based lifestyle and an interest in pursuing a career focused on improving the lives of children.

Known as “Boots,” Eike was a Marquette student-athlete who taught at Wallace Grade School for 30 years. Eike was inducted into the Marquette Hall of Fame in 2000.

Additional information about the scholarship fund, along with the application packet is available at srccf.org. Applications now are open and will be reviewed in accordance with the Foundation’s established scholarship guidelines.

A CLOSER LOOK January attendance around 100,000 Starved Rock braces for, welcomes enthusiasm on Eagle Watch weekend

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

Supporters of Starved Rock State Park sometimes hope that the crowds won’t be quite so crowded – after all, the trails and facilities need a break now and again.

January, however, is not one of those times. Crowds flock in to get a look at America’s national bird – and the park staff always are delighted. The more the merrier, right?

Eagle Watch Weekend returns from Jan. 24 to 25 at Starved Rock, and all those who serve and support the park are hoping for a strong turnout.

Matthew Klein, the incoming president of the Starved Rock Foundation, said that Illinois is home to the second-highest population of bald eagles in the country. Word has gradually spread: The Illinois River near Starved Rock is one of the best places to view the eagles.

Klein said he welcomes the gawkers and photographers, but he’s just as pleased with the visitors who sit through demonstrations and talks to learn more about the protected birds of prey. “Yes, people usually come for the

eagles,” Klein said, “but they often leave with a deeper appreciation for every -

thing the park offers.”

Eagle Watch Weekend was established in 1990 and was an immediate hit. January attendance jumped 69% from the previous year and gradually climbed past 100,000 visitors by 2002. Eagles have boosted average January attendance to 113,000.

Natural resources coordinator Lisa Sons said she and her colleagues “eagerly anticipate this special event. It provides a wonderful opportunity for guests to venture out and enjoy the winter landscape and the wildlife that remains active during this season.”

“Winter brings a completely different experience than other seasons. Personally, it’s my favorite. Eagle Watch Weekend has become one of the standout events drawing visitors from across the Midwest,” Klein said. “It’s encouraging to see visits grow and winter become less of an off-season. This benefits the park and many tourism-facing businesses throughout the region.”

Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire

See EAGLE WATCH, page 4

• EAGLE WATCH

Continued from page 3

also welcomes the influx of eagle fans, agreeing that informed and well-educated visitors are more likely to abide by the federal protections afforded to eagles.

However, Wire said, one trend worries him: drones. A few eagle fanatics have flown cameras into the river in hopes of getting a premium photo, only to disrupt and disperse the birds.

“It can be considered harassment of wildlife,” Wire said, warning perpetrators of legal consequences. “We don’t have a lot of problems, but we do see it occasionally.”

Overall, park staff find that the public can’t get enough of the eagles and will gobble up programs offered during the weekend. Programs will be held at Starved Rock Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers) and Starved Rock Welcome Center (Heritage Destinations). Educational presentations feature live animals, conducted by wildlife rehabilitation specialists and field experts.

“As a park naturalist and enthusiastic bird watcher, I am consistently pleased to witness the public’s interest in wildlife, particularly in our nation’s emblem, the bald eagle,” Sons said. “Observing the spark of curiosity and wonder on a park visitor’s face when they discover intriguing facts about the bald eagle or spot one gliding overhead in its natural habitat is among the most rewarding experiences for a naturalist.

“This singular encounter ensures that the visitor will recount their memory to others, thereby promoting awareness about this magnificent creature and the experience itself.”

To see a full timetable of events on offer, go online to utica-il.gov/eventsnew/2026-eagle-watch-weekend

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Putnam libraries offer health checks and Cupid program

Putnam County Public Library District will offer health screenings and a historical presentation in early February.

IHCC will provide free health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen readings at 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month through February at the Granville branch.

Historical presenter Michelle Gibbons will perform “Cupid Reimagined: Tales of Love and Mischief” at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at

the Standard branch.

Gibbons will portray Cupid as a goddess of love, tracing the figure’s history from Roman mythology through the evolution of Valentine’s Day and 19th-century commercialization, according to the library.

The performance includes fictional tales of matchmaking magic and time-traveling romance.

For more information, contact your local library branch.

– Shaw Local News Network

Village of Hennepin Residents

As a reminder, Golf carts and UTVs must be registered with the Village of Hennepin to be used on Village streets. Each year, a new color-coded sticker must be purchased. If your vehicle was registered in 2025, you will receive a reminder in the mail or email. If you change vehicles, a new form will be required. Cost per sticker is $10. You can find the registration form on our website at www.villageofhennepin.com or request one by calling 815-925-7138. You may also stop by the Village Hall on Wednesday afternoons to fill out a form and pay your fee. Mail your completed registration form (if needed) with the $10 registration fee to Village of Hennepin, PO Box 194, Hennepin, IL 61327. You will receive your color-coded sticker in the mail. Thank you for your cooperation.

Hennepin Village Board of Trustees

Do you provide care for a anyone with chronic illness? We understand that caregiving is rewarding but it can also be stressful!

Join Our Stress-Busting Program!

WHO

Family caregivers of a loved one with any chronic illness. Caregivers coping with the stress of careing. Caregivers looking to care for themselves, too.

WHAT

Learn stress managment techniques, relaxation & coping strategies. Holistic program focused on the caregiver. Meet 90 minutes weekly for 9 weeks. Small group sizes. WHERE TBD WHEN New class starting Spring 2026

Please call the PCCC at (815)339-2711 to confirm and for more information COST FREE

Granville Knights of Columbus donate more than $2,000 to PCHS special education

The Granville Knights of Columbus gave a $2,482 donation to the Putnam County High School Special Education Department. The donation will directly benefit 40 students with disabilities who receive services through the district’s special education program, according to the Knights of Columbus. The funds are typically used to support classroom resources, educational activities and programming designed to enhance learning opportunities for students with special needs. The Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll fundraiser is an annual charity held each year, with members distributing Tootsie Rolls in exchange for freewill donations. All proceeds from the annual fundraiser are used to support programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The check presentation took place at Putnam County High School and included Knights of Columbus Co-Chair Chuck Loeback and Jodie Peterson, the district’s director of student services. Special education teachers and students also were present for the presentation. In a news release, the fundraising group thanked the community for their generosity each year, noting public support plays a big role in the success of their fundraisers and to give back to local schools. Members of the Granville Knights of Columbus present a $2,482 donation from the organization’s annual Tootsie Roll fundraiser to the Putnam County High School Special Education Department. Knights of Columbus Co-Chair Chuck Loeback and Jodie Peterson, the district’s director of student services, along with special education teachers and students, are seen.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Granville branch of the Putnam County Library will host documentaries, craft workshops and a community book club throughout February.

“Indie Lens Pop-Up: The Librarians” screens at 1 p.m. Feb. 3. The 84-minute documentary examines challenges facing librarians as lawmakers review lists of challenged books, particularly those addressing race and LGBTQIA+ themes. Representatives from HumanKIND Initiative will lead a discussion after the screening. The program is free and open to the public.

A Frosted Winter Candle Jar craft

workshop runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 3. Participants will create personalized candle jars using recycled glass containers, faux snow, ribbons and twine.

“Fannie Lou Hamer’s America” screens at 1 p.m. Feb. 10. The 58-minute documentary explores the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. The film is free and open to the public.

A Valentine Tote Bag Workshop runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Participants will design and decorate tote bags using stencils and fabric paints.

LeAndra Harris from IHCC will present on heart health at 1 p.m. Feb. 13.

“Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard” screens at 1 p.m. Feb. 17. The 94-minute documentary follows an African American woman fighting to reclaim daguerreotypes of her enslaved ancestor, examining issues of ownership, history and justice. The film is free and open to the public.

“Lock, Stock, and Liberty: The Story

of the Kentucky Rifle” presents at 6 p.m. Feb. 17. Gun collector and historian Curt Johnson will explore the history of the Kentucky Rifle and showcase three antique long rifles. This is an educational historical lecture, not a gun show. No firearms may be brought onto library premises.

“A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps” screens at 1 p.m. Feb. 24. The 107-minute documentary traces the Peace Corps from its founding in the Kennedy administration through six decades of global service. Narrated by Annette Bening, the film is free and open to the public.

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together meets at 5 p.m. Feb. 24 for adults ages 19 and older. This month’s selection is “Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America” by Steven Waldman. Participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Book copies are avail -

able at the branch. A virtual option is available via Zoom at shorturl.at/ L6uCA.

Tales with Tails – Read to Hobo meets at 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Children can bring a favorite book or choose one from the library’s collection to read aloud to the therapy dog.

Toddler-PreK storytime and craft runs from 10:30 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through February.

IHCC provides health checks including blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen readings at 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month through February.

School-age Fun Friday programs, featuring bingo, puzzles and games, run from 10 to 11 a.m. every Friday through February.

The Book Discussion Group meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month No assigned book is required. Members share insights and make recommendations.

For more information, call 815-3392038.

IVCC to host Oglesby Agronomy Summit to help better inform farming decisions

Illinois Valley Community College is hosting the Oglesby Agronomy Summit, an event that aims to provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower them in their farm decision-making.

The summit, run through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5. Participants should go to rooms CTC 124 and 125 upon arrival on campus.

Topics of discussion will include: how biologicals, pesticides and climate are shaping the future of agriculture; a review and tips for the use of biostimulants, biologicals and biofertilizers; individual and community resources for agricultural mental health; regulatory updates for pesticides; management updates for nitrogen and sulfur; and dealing with wind and water in Illinois.

Registration for the summit is $30 and includes all presentations and lunch. Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units will be available.

Register by Jan. 29 at go.illinois.edu/AGSOglesby.

For information or to request an accommodation to participate, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@ illinois.edu or 815-224-0896.

– Mathias Woerner

OBITUARIES

MARY LEE PICCINELLI

Mary Lee Piccinelli, 79, of Spring Valley, Illinois, passed on January 11, 2026. Arrangements entrusted to Dysart - Cofoid Funeral Chapel 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL www.dcfunerals.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.

gym.

IVCC to host 2-day softball clinic for youths in February

By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com

Illinois Valley Community College is set to host the 27th annual IVCC Eagles Softball Clinic on Feb. 14 and 15 in the IVCC gym.

The camp will be held across two days and divided into grade-level sessions. Coaches and current players of the softball team will lead the camp, helping kids with fundamentals of the game including hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, base running and communication.

On Feb. 14, players in grades two to four will attend from 8 to 10:30 a.m., fol-

lowed by grades five to eight from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sessions on Feb. 15 will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for grades two to four and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. for grades five through eight.

Kids are required to bring a glove and wear tennis shoes. Spikes or cleats are not allowed. Players may bring their own bat if available. All equipment should be labeled with a name.

Registration information is available by calling softball coach Cory Tomasson at 815-224-0471 or the athletics department at 815-224-0472.

Registration forms also can be printed from IVCC’s website.

IVCC registration open for spring water, wastewater classes

By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com

IVCC has opened registration for its water and wastewater courses in the 2026 spring semester.

Four courses are being offered. Beginning Drinking Water Class C & D, Advanced Drinking Water Class A & B, Beginning Wastewater Class 3 & 4, and Advanced Wastewater Class 1 & 2.

These courses will be offered online starting the week of Feb 2. Students may register for the courses up until the first day of class.

Upon completion of a course, it is the student’s responsibility to sched-

ule their own certification exam with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

These classes aim to help individuals prepare for specific Water/Wastewater exams in order to become certified with the Illinois EPA or to meet the required Renewable Training Hours in this field.

These classes are eligible for the Non-Credit Strategies at Work Grant.

To enroll for these classes, visit ivcc.edu/enroll. Call 815-224-0547 to register and receive a 50% discount.

To check the experience, education and exam requirements for these classes, visit the Illinois Environment Protection Agency website.

University of Illinois Extension hosts sustainable ag workshop series

‘Sustainability on the Farm’ programs begin Jan. 22, soil health focus

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

University of Illinois Extension will host a winter workshop series on sustainable agriculture practices for farmers and landowners.

The “Sustainability on the Farm” program series will cover soil health, wildlife conservation, water quality and farm profitability, according to the Extension.

The first session, “Farming for Soil Health,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 22 at the La Salle County Extension Office. The program will cover foundational principles of soil health and practical strategies to improve soil structure, fertility and resilience.

Additional sessions include:

Farming with Wildlife – 10 to

11 a.m. Feb. 3 at Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office. Focus on bird habitat conservation while addressing deer and pollinator considerations.

Edge of Field Practices – 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at Bureau County Extension Office. Explores saturated buffers, bioreactors, constructed wetlands and prairie strips to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality.

Conservation Practices for Profitable Farms – 10 to 11 a.m. March 5 at Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office. Examines conservation strategies that protect natural resources and enhance farm profitability.

Conservation Conversations –10 to 11 a.m. March 20 at La Salle County Extension Office. Covers communication techniques for discussing conservation practices between farmers and landowners.

Registration is available at go.illinois.edu/SustainableFarms.

For accommodations, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896.

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1969: Roy Campanella and Stan Musial are elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. 1979: Terry Bradshaw throws four touchdown passes to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to their third Super Bowl win, a 35-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

PCHS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

Teams inducted into PC Athletics Hall of Fame

By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com

Two Elite Eight Putnam County softball teams and a Sweet Sixteen boys basketball team were inducted into the Putnam County High School Athletics Hall of Fame on Jan. 9.

The Panthers’ 1981-1982 boys basketball team won a sectional championship, finished at 29-1, and lost only to Kaneland in the Class A supersec -

tional.

Team members are Mike Moriarty, Jeff Bonham, John “Slick” Slingsby, Jeff Aimone, Rick Bean, Kurt Zellmer, Rob Bean, Jeff Palm, Bob Draper, Tim Cockerill, Greg Massino, Jeff Edgcomb, Harold Fay, Ken Migliorini, Martin Lundmark, head coach Dave Mead and assistant coaches Chuck Gault and Ken Jenkins.

The 2013 and 2014 softball teams

both went to the Class 1A Elite Eight.

The 2013 team defeated Midland 10-0 for the sectional title, bowing out with a 4-1 loss to Milledgeville at the DeKalb Supersectional. Team members were Jackie Ossola, Stephanie Wilson, Lauren Colby, Annie Miller, Ciera Keller, Monica Monroe, Nikki Mertel, Carly Gonet, Taylor Pettit, Venessa Voss, Allison Voss, Shelby Yepsen, Sara Duffield and Destinee Gonzalez.

In 2014, PC won its own sectional, defeating Serena 2-0 before falling to Amboy 1-0 in the supersectional. Team members were Cassie Copeland, Monica Monroe, Nikki Mertel, Annie Miller, Stephanie Wilson, Jackie Ossola, Taylor Kreiser, Ciera Keller, Shelby Yepsen, Allison Voss, Venessa Voss, Taylor Pettit and Carly Gonet.

Chris Walker was head coach, assisted by Lynette Olson.

The 2013 and 2014 Lady Panthers Elite Eight softball teams were inducted into the PCHS Hall of Fame on Jan. 9. Team members include (front

Mertel, Shelby (Yepsen) Klais, Stephanie Wilson and Jackie Ossola; and (back row) coach Chris Walker, coach Lynette Olson, Sarah Duffield, Annie (Miller) Kreiser, Carly (Gonet) Senica, Vanessa Voss, Cierra (Keller) Winder and Allison Voss. RIGHT:The Panthers 1981-82 Sweet Sixteen Class A boys basketball team was inducted into the PCHS Hall of Fame on Jan. 9. Team members in attendance for the induction ceremony were Mike Moriarty, Harold Fay, Rick Bean, Jeff Aimone, Jeff Edgcomb, Coach Ken Jenkins, Kurt Zellmer, Robert Bean, John “Slick” Slingsby and Ken Migliorni.

Field set for 2026 Tri-County ConferenceBasketball Tournaments

By BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com

Seeds and schedules are set for the 2026 Tri-County Conference Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament. The girls tournament will run Jan. 17-22, hosted by Dwight High School. The boys tournament will run Jan. 24-30 hosted by Putnam County High School.

GIRLS TOURNAMENT:

Saturday, Jan. 17

Game 1 - #2 Dwight vs. #7 Henry-Senachwine, 10 a.m.

Game 2 - #3 St. Bede vs. #6 Seneca, 11:30 a.m.

Game 3 - #1 Roanoke-Benson vs. #8

Putnam County, 1 p.m.

Game 4 - #4 Midland vs. #5 Marquette, 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19

Game 5 - Roanoke-Benson/Putnam Co. winner vs. Midland/Marquette winner, 5:30 p.m.

Game 6 - Dwight/Henry-Sen. winner vs. St. Bede/Seneca winner, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Game 7 - Roanoke-Benson/Putnam Co. loser vs. Midland/Marquette loser, 5:30 p.m.

Game 8 - Dwight/Henry-Sen. loser vs. St. Bede/Seneca loser, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Game 9 - Consolation, 5 p.m.

Game 10 - 3rd-place, 6:30 p.m.

Game 11 - Championship, 8 p.m.

BOYS TOURNAMENT:

Saturday, Jan. 24

Game 1 - #10 Lowpoint-Washburn at #7 Midland, TBD

Game 2 - #9 Putnam County at #8 Henry-Senachwine, TBD

Monday, Jan. 26

Game 3 - Putnam Co./Henry-Sen. winner vs. #1 Woodland, 5:30 p.m.

Game 4 - Lowpoint-Washburn/Midland winner vs. #2 Marquette, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 27

Game 5 - #6 Roanoke-Benson vs. #3 Seneca, 5:30 p.m.

Game 6 - #5 Dwight vs. #4 St. Bede, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Game 7 - winner Game 3 vs. winner

Game 6, 5:30 p.m.

Game 8 - winner Game 4 vs. winner

Game 5, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Game 9 - loser Game 1 vs. loser

Game 2, 5 p.m.

Game 10 - loser Game 3 vs. loser

Game 6, 6:30 p.m.

Game 11 - loser Game 4 vs. loser

Game 5, 8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30

Game 12 - Consolation, 5 p.m.

Game 13 - 3rd-place, 6:30 p.m.

Game 14 - Championship, 8 p.m.

Lady Panthers win their first game of the season

By KEVIN CHLUM

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

The Putnam County girls basketball team lost its first 18 games of the season under first-year coach Becca Pyszka.

The Lady Panthers broke through on Jan. 13, ending the streak and giving Pyszka her first career win with a 48-29 victory over Newark.

“It was a good, solid win for the girls,” Pyszka said. “The first six minutes of the game were slow and unsteady, but they settled in at the end of the first quarter and kept that pace the rest of the game.

“We’ve been talking about consistency over four quarters. We’ve had successful quarters here and there throughout the season, but haven’t been able to string them together. So I was proud that we stayed steady through the Newark game.”

Pyszka hopes the Lady Panthers can build off the win.

“I hope the girls take [that] it was a confidence boost for the rest of the season,” Pyszka said. “We are trying to build that up and are making a point of believing in themselves, their teammates and the program.”

Addy Leatherman scored 20 points to lead the Lady Panthers to their first vic-

County’s

on Jan. 13, defeating Newark 48-29.

tory of the season while Sofia Borri and Kaylynn Hill each contributed eight points.

Hennepin’s Finely Judd advances to State

court on Dec.

Seneca 60, Putnam County 40: Leatherman scored 14 points as the Panthers lost a Tri-County Conference game in Seneca on Jan. 15. Emberlyn Cwikla added nine points for Putnam County (1-19, 0-4 TCC).

Pumas capture Tri-County crown

County

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CLASSIFIED

OVARIAN cancer af ter use of TA LC products such as BABY PO WDER or SH OWER TO SHOWER , you may be enti tl ed to compensat ion.

Contact Charl es Johnson

1-800-535-5727

INVITA TION TO BID

Notice to Contractors

All

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 Putnam County Board will accept seal ed proposals at the Putnam County Court House, 120 N 4th Street, Hennepin, IL for the demolition and removal of two (2) homes in Putnam County until 5:30 pm on Monday February 9, 2026, and at that time will be publicly opened and read

The contractor will be required to comply with the Illinois Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Law

The contractor shall transport all friable asbestos containing material (RACM) and nonfriable asbestos containing material (ACM), according to the asbestos inspection report, to an approved disposal site.

The work will be known as Location 1 and Location 2 consisting of the complete removal and disposal of a residential structure and obstructive trees

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

Detailed specifications, bid instructions, and asbestos report, may be obtained by contacting Tina Dolder via email at countyclerk@p utnamil .gov or by calling (815) 925-7129

The County Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. By order of: Charles Lenkaitis, Putnam County Board Chairman, Putnam, IL (Published in Putnam County Record Jan. 21, 2026)2299648

HA VE SO METHING TO SELL?

Items $1, 000 or less can run for $10 for 1 week. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items wi th price and price totali ng under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week No commercial ads, firearms, firewood or animal sales.

E-mail informat ion to: clas sified@shawlocal.com or call 833- 584-NEWS

The farm is located 8 miles north of Ottawa, IL. It is further described as being located in Sections 22 & 23, T35N-R3E, Freedom Township, LaSalle County, Illinois.

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