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IVCC FALL 2025 PRESIDENTIAL HONORS LIST
Illinois Valley Community College recently announced its Presidential Honors List for the fall 2025 semester. The list honors students who received a GPA of 3.75 to 4.0 in 12 or more semester hours.
Illinois Valley Community College students named to the list include:
Kolesar, Sara Martinez, Sarah McGrath, Cadyn Miller, Agustin Mojica, Keely Nelson, Morgan Nelson, Jason Norton, Kealey Rick, Allison Rohwer, Finn Rosengren, Oliver Ruvalcaba, Lilliana Samolitis, Alan Sifuentes, Grace Taylor, Hailey VonPerbandt, Haley Waddell, Hannah Waddell, Maya Zeman
Peru: Ayden Barajas, Sophie Bratkovich, Leonidas Bruins, Yohann Cha, Aiden Cheek, Casey Clennon, Kevin Donnell, Kylie Ellerbrock, Madison Flatness, Gretchen Hauger, Lily Jeppson, Litzy
Lopez, Alyvia Lucas, Jacob Maier, Mary McClain, Katlynn Monaghan, Antonio Phlippeau, Eleanor Radtke, Kevin Rynke, Jaxon Schneider, Jonathon Sonnenberg, Benjamin Suarez
Toluca: Serenity Diaz, Alan Gonzalez, Nolan Sutherland
Tonica: Megan Hoover, Sarah Kruswicki, Megan Stasiak
Utica: Danica Scoma
Walnut: Angela Ritter
Lori Nelson elected to Freedom House board in Princeton
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
Freedom House, a domestic violence nonprofit based in Princeton, has elected Lori Nelson, a longtime leader in behavioral health in McHenry County, to its Board of Directors.
Nelson brings more than 40 years of experience in
behavioral health and leadership and has served her community through school board service at McHenry High School and volunteer work focused on youth and abuse prevention.
“Lori’s career reflects an extraordinary commitment to ethical leadership, quality services and community collaboration,” Freedom House Chief Executive Officer Michael Zerneck said in a news release.
“Her extensive background in behavioral health systems, compliance and strategic operations, combined with her lifelong connection to Freedom House’s mission, will be an invalu-
able asset to our board and the families we serve.”
Nelson is the oldest daughter of Freedom House founder Nedda Simon and is preparing to retire from being president of Lori Nelson Consulting, PLLC.
“Freedom House has always represented courage, compassion and accountability,” Nelson said in a news release.
“I am honored to continue my mother’s legacy by supporting an organization that has never wavered in its commitment to survivors and to strengthening our communities.”
Lori Nelson
Illinois Valley artist turns hobby into thriving business
hof and witness how far her small business has come in a short time.
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Lacey Haltenhof’s business, “The Laced Brush,” has been decorating window fronts throughout the Illinois Valley, illustrating each store’s unique characteristics. She’s painted downtown windows in La Salle, Peru, Ottawa, Streator, Earlville and Morris, turning a hobby into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.
“I just remembered how fun it was to dip a paintbrush, put your headphones on and kind of zone out,” Haltenhof said. “I didn’t necessarily think I was going to make a business out of it. It was just going to be a little hobby.”
Haltenhof launched her business by painting a banner with her friend for a Galentine’s event and posted it online, hoping to gain traction. She designed a few more banners for free before landing her first job – a welcome home banner for a newborn.
Wanting to expand into window painting, Haltenhof offered her services to Downtown Nutrition in Ottawa free of charge.
“Pretty quickly after that, I was going all over doing windows and that was super fun, because I got to leave my studio and talk to business owners,” she said.
Beyond window painting, she also offers kids’ coloring sheets, custom banners for various occasions, gift bags and table runners.
Downtown Nutrition owner Rebecca Hess said she’s proud to support Halten-
“I’m really happy she’s been able to expand in so many different ways,” Hess said. “A lot of people love seeing them. They catch your eye as you go by and I enjoy being able to collaborate with her on social media and do reels for each other.”
With community support, Haltenhof launched her business in July. Much to her surprise, the response was overwhelming.
“I was always an artist – like 100%,” she said. “I got a small scholarship to [Illinois Valley Community College] for fine arts. It’s always something that I wanted to do, but in the back of your head, you’re like, how do I become a working artist?”
The challenges of starting and maintaining a business remain, particularly the demand to show up consistently on social media.
“I found out real quick it could make or break you,” she said.
Haltenhof films herself completing projects from start to finish and has gained a large social media following with 1,000 followers on Facebook and 13,000 likes on TikTok.
Her most-watched TikTok video features Santa with curlers in his hair, blowing a massive pink bubble at an Earlville hair salon, with more than 80,000 views.
“That was so fun to paint,” Haltenhof said. “I was given a lot of creative control.”
Haltenhof said she’s proud of what she’s accomplished, already hitting her yearly goal by completing a mural for More on Main in Ottawa.
“It was a big moment for me,” she said. “I had never done anything like that. I just felt so honored and blessed and thankful that someone would want
me to paint a permanent piece on their wall.”
Jen McMullen, owner of More on Main in Ottawa and Streator, said she was convinced Haltenhof could complete the mural based on her previous window work.
“The customers love it,” McMullen said. “There have been all kinds of comments and people are really impressed. One comment I heard was that it’s so unique – you know it doesn’t look like she copied it from someone else. And she doesn’t.”
With her yearly goal already completed, Haltenhof is looking ahead.
“I would love to have a brick-and-mortar shop,” she said. “Maybe a sip-andpaint studio. I thought it was really fun for me after school when I was little to
take art classes. I don’t know if anyone does that right now, but I think it would be cool to give art lessons.”
Her dream store would offer classes, sell her own art and showcase local artists.
Her advice for young artists and entrepreneurs: go for it.
“Don’t worry about how you’re going to look to other people,” she said. “Just really try to stay in your lane, focus, do what makes you happy and nine times out of 10 you’re going to be fulfilled from it and that will be enough – or you’ll be pleasantly surprised and people will be attracted to whatever you’re doing.”
To book Haltenhof, email thelacedbrush@gmail.com.
To see her previous work, visit her Facebook, Instagram or TikTok pages.
MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
Lacey Haltenhof of ‘The Laced Brush’ poses for photo on Feb. 2 in front of her first ever mural project at More Cafe in Ottawa.
Cub Scout Yukon adventure underway at Echo Bluff in Spring Valley
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
The W.D. Boyce Council Lowaneu District held a Lowaneu Cub Scout Yukon on Jan. 31 at Hall Township Echo Bluff Park in Spring Valley.
More than 50 Cub Scouts from packs as far as Mackinaw attended the event for crafts, cooking, cold first aid, slingshots and sledding. A Cub Scout Yukon is a Scouting America winter-themed adventure program where scouts engage in cold-weather activities.
Notice
Magnolia Cemetery Spring Clean Up MARCH 1ST
Spring clean up of the Magnolia Cemetery begins March 1st.
All Fall, Winter, Christmas decorations are to be removed.
Items to be saved should be removed before this time.
Any items remaining are assumed not wanted and will be disposed of by the grounds keeper.
Magnolia Cemetery Association Board
Feb. 14th
Photos by Scott Anderson
LEFT: Jonas Karina of La Salle slides down a toboggan run Jan. 31 during the Lowaneu Cub Scout Yukon at Hall Township Echo Bluff Park in Spring Valley.
ABOCE: RJ Havenar of Mendota toasts a marshmallow Jan. 31 while making s’mores during the Lowaneu Cub Scout Yukon.
2026
out pinecones for a craft project Saturday during the Lowaneu Cub
Yukon.
of Utica pulls back a slingshot in the archery range Saturday during the Lowaneu Cub Scout Yukon.
Elmer and Adolph Pletsch Charitable Trust Scholarships Available
AARP Tax Assistance
Wed, March 11 & Wed, March 18, 2026
The first appointments of the day are scheduled for 8:30a.m.
The last appointments of the day are scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
30 MINUTE APPOINTMENTS; SIMPLE RETURNS ONLY
**All clients must pick up an AARP informational letter & intake form prior to appointment. The Intake form must be completed prior to arrival and submitted with your tax paperwork at the time of your appointment**
Please note:
Please do not arrive more than ten minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive more than ten minutes ahead of your appointment, you may be asked to wait in your car.
Clients will be asked to sit in a waiting area while their taxes are being completed. AARP volunteers will request clients when necessary.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call the PCCC at 1(815)339-2711 or 1(800)757-4579 as soon as possible. Thank you.
Members of the Elmer and Adolph Pletsch Charitable Trust Scholarship Committee are announcing the availability of scholarship funds for the 2026-2027 school year. Eligibility is limited to applicants who are graduates of Putnam County High School. Both current college/university undergraduate students and current Seniors at Putnam County High School who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in agriculture or agriculture related fields of study at a college/university that has an agriculture program or agriculture curriculum in the 2026-2027 school year are encouraged to apply. Scholarship awards are intended to be applied to the cost of tuition, textbooks, fees, and other expenses normally associated with attending undergraduate courses of study, as determined by the Committee. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to make judgments on whether applicants have satisfied all scholarship requirements. Graduation from Putnam County High School is a requirement. Scholarship Guidelines and Application forms may be obtained from the Putnam County High School Guidance Counselor’s office or printed from the PCHS Guidance Counselor’s website which is accessible through the Putnam County School District website under PCHS - Guidance Services. Completed applications are required to be returned to the office of the Putnam County High School Guidance Counselor located at Putnam County High School, 402 E. Silverspoon Avenue Granville, Illinois no later than Monday, March 16, 2026.
TOP LEFT: Caiden Fogal and Wren Kirkpatrick of Mackinaw, play in the snow during the Lowaneu Cub Scout Yukon on Jan. 31 at Hall Township Echo Bluff Park in Spring Valley. ABOVE: Brinley Phillips of Peru picks
Scout
LEFT: Brody Grubar
Forget the Valentines, focus on growing your spiritual heart
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak SPIRIT MATTERS
Many years ago, as a young adult working at a corporate insurance office, I had a bird’s-eye view of Valentine’s Day deliveries in the main lobby.
Every year, rows of tables were arranged, filled with dozens of bouquets of red roses that all looked weirdly like each other.
If you’ve ever worked in a corporate culture, you will understand the metaphor. Individuality isn’t necessarily looked upon kindly in those environments. At first, seeing those tables of bouquets in the lobby was a bit depressing for me.
I was in my early 20s and that visual only intensified for me my single status and that no one would be sending me flowers on Valentine’s Day. I felt left out. In my dualistic thinking at the time, everyone but me was getting flowers that day, or going to dinner, or receiving some sort of token of love from someone in their life.
Of course, that was not true. Plenty of people don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day according to the Hallmark-stamped standard. And they live to tell about it.
As time went on, I learned to celebrate my single status as a precious gift to grow my own soul, to bloom into the unique beauty that God had placed in me.
Every year, instead of dreading the approaching holiday, I began to celebrate the whole month of February as “the month of the heart.” When February neared, I felt my excitement grow, and prepared to explore the spiritual heart that dwells in each one of us, and is the dwelling place of the Holy One.
I read, reflected and meditated on heart consciousness as a spiritual reality. I found it especially intriguing that the heart has a mind and memory of its own, as evidenced by heart transplant recipients often taking on the qualities or interests of their donors.
When social media began to take
off, I posted an image of a heart each day, along with a relevant quotation.
During that extended time of spiritual growth, I learned that Love is the force that flows through me and all of creation. That underneath and beyond all the noise and distractions we make for ourselves, Love is all that remains. A critical reminder during this age in which we live.
In short, I learned that I didn’t need a dozen red roses to affirm my value in this world, or that because I did not have a significant other in my life, I was somehow lacking the love that everyone else seemed to have in their life.
(On a side note, I also learned that in some cases, those dozens of red roses sent on Valentine’s Day were performative gestures intended more for public consumption, and didn’t necessarily represent true, heartfelt affection on the part of the givers and/or the recipients.)
It took me much longer than most to find my person, but if I had to let those years unfold again the way they did, I would.
What my husband and I have together is genuine and rooted in decades of us both learning to live with and accept our own imperfections, as well as developing our shared faith in God, which ultimately brought us together at the right moment in time.
As Valentine’s Day approaches next week, I believe it is more imperative than ever that we shift our focus from the day as a socially-sanctioned public expression of affection, to one of reflection on Love as the heart of all being, that sustains us through every age of light and dark.
And in recognizing Love as the heart of all being, we just might show up in our daily lives in a reasoned, heart-centered way, engaging with those around us with compassion, understanding, gentleness, forgiveness, peace, faith, hope and love.
“But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
•Spirit Matters is a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo.com.
GARY L BRUCH
Born: March 22, 1956 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Died: January 26, 2026 in Granville, Illinois
Gary L. Bruch, died on January 26, 2026, in a tragic farming accident.
Gary was born on March 22, 1956, to Roy and Eleanor Bruch.
Gary married Cyndy Faletti on August 10, 1974. In 1977, Gary joined his father and three brothers as a partner in Bruch Farms and spent the rest of his life doing what he loved---farming.
Gary and Cyndy have two children and four grandsons. Katie Bruch Main, married to Erik Main has two sons, Miles and Emmett. Chris Bruch, married to Vaness Ahlers has two sons,
Mason and Harold. Gary treasured time with his family and enjoyed having them living nearby. The highlight of Gary and Cyndy’s 50th wedding anniversary was taking the family on vacation to Ireland.
Gary was a lifelong member of Granville United Church of Christ where he served as a trustee. He could always be counted to lend a hand, especially when there was heavy work to be done. He was a founding member of Granville UCC Mission team which works to rebuild after natural disasters.
Gary was a member of Granville Masonic Lodge #1093, where he served as secretary and was a past master. As a member of Putnam County FFA Alumni, he was heavily involved in the fundraising auctions. Gary served as treasurer of Magnolia Township Preservation Association.
Gary and Cyndy took many national and
international trips with Magnolia Society International and became friends with Magnolia enthusiasts around the world.
Gary loved trains (big and small), the Chicago Bears and John Wayne movies. His highlight of their trip to Ireland was the Quiet Man tour of the town and buildings used in the movie.
Most of all, Gary was a devoted and loving husband who did many things just for his wife, Cyndy. Like buying the big, drafty old house she loved, taking up antiquing, taking care of her donkeys, attending countless musicals, and turning a grain bin into a garden shed.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to being survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by sister, Patricia West, his brothers, and their spouses: Ron & Sue Bruch, Ken & Barbara Bruch, Henry & Ida Bruch and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to Granville United Church of Christ, Magnolia Township Preservation Association, or Granville Masonic Lodge #1093.
Memorial service will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm. at the Granville United Church of Christ Sanctuary, followed by Masonic rites at 1:30 pm. A celebration of life will be held in the Granville United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, The Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the Bruch family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.dcfunerals.com
St. Bede Academy, in partnership with Hawk Auto Group, kicked off their Lenten food drive on Feb. 2 with a Pack the Truck event. Fans and community members collected a total of 251 food items and $433.27.
Pack the Truck event launches St. Bede Lenten food drive
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
St. Bede Academy, in partnership with Hawk Auto Group, kicked off the Lenten food drive on Feb. 2 with a Pack the Truck event held during the varsity boys basketball game.
During the event, fans and community members collected a total of 251 food items and $433.27. The results showcased strong community support for the food drive that will continue through March 31. Hawk Auto Group
OBITUARIES
KATHRYN M. “KATIE” SELBREDE
Born: January 19, 1929 in Magnolia Township, IL
Died: February 2, 2026 in Peru, IL
Kathryn M. “Katie” Selbrede 97 of Spring Valley passed away Monday February 2, 2026 in OSF St Elizabeth Hospital in Peru. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Saturday February 7th 2026 in the HelmerShields Funeral Home in Granville. Officiated by Pastor Karen Karczewski. Burial will be in the Granville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-10:30am on Saturday in the funeral home.
Katie was born January 19, 1929 in Magnolia Township to Charles and Velma (Porter) Galiher. She married John Jeppson in 1947 and later they divorced in 1972. She then married Donald Selbrede March 6, 1976 in St. Johns Church in Mendota, Il and he preceded her in death.
has pledged to donate $5 for every five food items collected, up to $1,000. All contributions will be divided between Hall Township Food Pantry in Spring Valley and Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru to help support their annual Easter food distributions.
The community is welcome to take part in the food drive. Items can be dropped off at St. Bede Academy or at participating Hawk Auto Group locations. Starting Feb. 18, Hy-Vee in Peru also will have drop-off boxes set up in the store.
Katie worked for several food service companies, Westclox and was a mother and housewife. She also enjoyed traveling, sewing, making quilts, cooking and baking. She loved spending time with her family and friends.
Katie is survived by two sons Duane Jeppson of Spring Valley, Paul (Cindy) Jeppson of Spring Valley, daughter in law Judy Jeppson of Peru, four step children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and friends she made throughout the years.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, daughter Donna Veronda, son Charles Jeppson, sisters Edna Greenwood, Mary Jane Bales, Patsy Yauch, Anne Ploplis, Hazel Weddell, Betty Dzierzynski, Bonnie Nellums, one brother Ralph Galiher and nieces, nephews and her first husband John Jeppson. Memorials may be made to St. Johns Church in Peru and American Cancer Society.
Photo provided by Goldie Rapp
MARY LEE PICCINELLI
Born: October 10, 1946 in LaSalle, Illinois
Died: January 11, 2026 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Mary Lee Piccinelli, 79, of Spring Valley passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Goldwater Care, Spring Valley.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel, 208 St. McCoy St. Granville. Altar Rosary Society will recite the rosary at 10:00 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February, 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Granville. Fr. Michael Driscoll will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in Sacred
Heart Catholic Cemetery, Granville.
Mary Lee was born October 10, 1946, in LaSalle, the first child of Leno and Marie (Bellino) Piccinelli.
She attended Standard Grade School and graduated from Hopkins High School in 1964. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a secondary teaching credential in 1968 from Illinois State University. Upon graduation, she was hired as an English teacher at Springfield High School where she taught for the 1968-69 school year.
In the summer of 1970, she traveled to Western United States with family members and a friend with the intention of living in San Diego with a friend who had settled there. Upon the death of her father shortly afterwards, she moved back to Standard to be with her family and help with the family store, Lee’s Grocery. Around 1972, she moved to DeKalb, Illinois to live with her sister and friends. She studied briefly at Northern Illinois University and
worked in a family-owned Chinese restaurant, becoming quite close with the family.
After several years, she moved back to Standard, working many jobs until she was hired as an English teacher at Putnam County High School in 1977. She taught there until 1990 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Mary Lee continued to live in the family home until 1995 with help from her extended family. After 1995, she stayed at various care facilities, lastly at Goldwater Care in Spring Valley. She was beloved by the staff and came home frequently to Standard to be with family and friends.
Mary Lee was a member of Sacred Heart Church. She was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music, especially the Beatles, and loved playing Scrabble and cards. She traveled to Europe and made many trips to California to visit her sister and friends. Being with family and loved ones, especially around her cousin
Marguerite’s kitchen table, remained the best times in her life.
Survivors include two brothers, Dave (Nancy) Piccinelli of Henry and Peter Piccinelli of Standard; one sister Claire (Scott Bliss) Piccinelli of Redway, California; two nephews Michael (Kelly Daly) Piccinelli of Washington, D.C., and Lee Piccinelli of Plattsburgh, NY, the sons of Dave and Nancy; and one great-niece Emma Piccinelli, the daughter of Michael and Kelly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leno in 1970 and Marie in 2010.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Putnam County Community Center in Standard or Goldwater Care in Spring Valley. Online condolences may be made to the family at 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 m ake a memorial donation.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1990: In a huge upset, James “Buster” Douglas KOs Mike Tyson in 10th round in Tokyo, Japan to win the world heavyweight boxing title.
BOYS BASKETBALL: IESA STATE TOURNAMENT
Pumas win sectional, fall in quarterfinals
By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com
The Putnam County eighth grade boys basketball team captured the 2A Wethersfield Sectional, edging Serena 44-42 on Monday, Feb. 2.
PC previously won the regional championship at Wethersfield, defeating the host 38-33.
The Pumas advanced to the 2A state quarterfinals on Saturday at Kankakee Bishop McNamara, falling to Carthage
41-29 to finish 22-4. Luke Gabrielse led PC with 17 points, Nolan Weddel had five, Davis Carlson had three and Hayden Doyle and Garrett Billups added two each.
Carthage lost to undefeated Stewardson-Strasburg 34-30 in the state quarterfinals.
It is the second straight year for the PC eighth grade class to reach the IESA State Tournament. They fell to Riverdale Washington 28-17 in the 2025 seventh grade quarterfinals.
Serena 44-42 for the Wethersfield Sectional
seventh grade a year ago. Team members are (front row, from left) Davis Carlson, Calvin Fiedler, Hayden Doyle, Geoffrey Pagani and Camden Moriarty; (back row) assistant coach Brett Carlson, Luke Gabrielse, Brendan Linton, Nolan Weddell, Eli Pennell and coach TJ Askeland. Absent from photo: Cayden Bush and Anthony Popurella. ABOVE: PC’s Luke Gabrielse shoots a layup against Serena at the Wethersfield Sectional. The Pumas won 44-42.
AREA ROUNDUP
Putnam’s Ella Erwin advances to sectional
GIRLS WRESTLING
At Normal: Putnam County-Hall senior Ella Erwin placed fourth at the Normal West Regional to advance to the DeKalb Sectional. She finished 2-2 on the day with both losses to Addison Davis of Minooka. She defeated Mya Robinson of Bradley-Bourbannais and Henna Mullikan of Hersher.
BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Bede 55, Putnam County 38: Alec Tomsha led the Bruins to a Tri-Conference victory at the Academy on Friday with 20 points, while Geno Dinges added 12, and Gino Ferrari had 11. The Panthers were led by Kade Zimmerlein with nine and Jacob
Furrar with eight. Dwight 70, Putnam County 63: Traxton Mattingly scored 19 points as the Panthers lost a Tri-County Conference game on Feb. 4 in Dwight.
Johnathon Stunkel had 17 points while Braden Bickerman added 12 points.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Earlville 39, Putnam County 25: Addie Scherer scored 17 points to lead the Red Raiders to a nonconference victory in Earlville on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Kaylynn Hill led the Lady Panthers (2-24) with nine points.
– Shaw Local News Network
Ella Erwin
Photos provided
LEFT: The Putnam County eighth grade boys basketball team is going back to state. The Pumas edged
title on Monday. PC also went to state in the
Third quarter burst sends Marquette past PC
Crusaders snap tight game with 16-6 run against Panthers in Tri-County victory
By BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com
In a game that was back-and-forth throughout the opening three-and-ahalf quarters, the Marquette boys basketball team grabbed the momentum and didn’t let it go against rival Putnam County in Saturday’s Tri-County Conference contest at R.M. Germano Gym in Granville.
With the game tied, the Crusaders (19-6, 6-1) closed out the third period on a 16-6 run to take control and eventually posted a 55-43 triumph over the host Panthers (8-18, 1-6).
Marquette led 12-8 after one quarter and 22-17 at halftime.
“I thought we had good offensive looks most of the game, especially in the third quarter where we were able to build a lead,” Marquette coach Todd Hopkins said. “[Putnam County] makes you play a little different than you’re used to and you have to be careful you don’t get in a hurry and take what they give you. I thought we did a pretty good job of working to get the best shot.”
Marquette’s Alec Novotney started the game-changing burst with a 3-pointer from the top of the key, breaking a 24-all deadlock with six minutes left in the third. Blayden Cassel and Lucas Craig followed with a pair of hoops each around another Novotney triple to extend the lead to 40-30 entering the final quarter.
“I also thought we played a pretty good defensive game,” Hopkins said. “We went to a 1-3-1 zone in the second half when we had a 10 to 12 points lead and it was pretty effective.”
Marquette - which finished 20 of 45 [44%] shooting and held a 32-26 rebound margin - pushed its advantage to as many as 13 in the final eight minutes.
Novotney led Marquette with a game-high 19 points to go along with 10 rebounds and four assists. Craig and Cassel (eight rebounds) each added 10 points, while Luke McCullough posted eight points, eight rebounds and a trio
of blocks.
Two of Cassel’s points came on a thunderous right-handed breakaway dunk early in the second quarter.
“That was my first in-game dunk,” Cassel said. “I was going to go crash for [an offensive] rebound, but I saw I was probably not going to get there in time, so I backed off. Alec got the rebound and I just started running down the court. He got me the ball in stride, and I just went up with it. I really wasn’t thinking dunk at all, but when I went up, I was just there and did it.
“My job is to get rebound and play good defense, but getting a chance to do that was pretty nice.”
Putnam County was solid in the first half on both ends of the floor. A pair of 3-pointers by Alan Castro in the first
and Johnathon Stunkel netting all nine of his team’s points in the second kept the game close.
A drive by Stunkel and a rebound hoop from Castro tied the game in the third before Marquette’s key run.
Stunkel netted a team-best 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Traxton Mattingly added 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and five rebounds, while Castro finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
Putnam County hit 17 of 42 [41%] from the field and lost the turnover margin 14-10.
“Having a really good first half and then having a poor stretch in the third quarter has been an Achilles’ heel for us all season,” Putnam County coach Jared Sale said. “In that stretch [of the
third quarter], we gave up a few second chances on the defensive end, and I thought other than those few minutes, we did a pretty good job keeping them off the boards.
“Then on the offensive end, we took a couple of shots that we wouldn’t have taken in the first half because we were being patient.
“It comes down to we had a bunch of little mistakes in the final four minutes of the third quarter that all added up into going from being tied to down 12. We just couldn’t get back into the game after that.”
Putnam County is back in action Monday, hosting ROWVA/Williamsfield. Marquette takes the floor again on Tuesday on the road against Marmion.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Putnam County’s Traxton Mattingly drives the ball as Rock Falls’ Phillip Griffith Jr. (left) and Owen Mandrell defend during the Calmone Classic at Hall High School.
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PUBLISHE R'S NOTICE
MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTIO N
The following described items will be offered by Public Auctio n at Rediger Auction Service, 107 South West St., Wyanet, IL 61379 on:
SUNDAY, FEBUARY 15TH, 2026 - TOOLS & SH OP EQUIPMENT - ONLINE ONLY
Auction will be held inside, all equipment will be onsite available for viewing. DAY 1 - SATUR DAY @ 10 AM
DON BRANDAU ESTATE: *JD 9560 STS COMBINE 4193/2816 HRS; *JD 693 CORN HEAD; *JD 8310 FWA, 8164 HRS; *JD 1760, 12R30, PRECIS ION PARTS; *(2) BRENT 440 WAGONS; *JD 980 CULTIVATOR; *LANDOLL 2200 CHISEL ; *STARFIRE 3000 GLOBE LUND BROTHERS : CASE IH 2388 COMBINE,3 783/2756 HRS; *CIH 10 63 CORN HE AD ; *CIH 1020 PLATFORM; *CAS E IH 7110 2WD, 6912 HRS; *B ES TWAY FIELD PRO III, 60' BOOMS; *WESTLAKE APPLIC ATOR, 11 KNIFE; *AGI WESTFIELD MKX10-73 AUGER; *(2) FARMKING 8X30, 1 PTO, 1 ELECTRIC; *BRENT 472 GRAIN CART ; (2) 250 BU WAGONS; *10K LB FLATBED TRAILER; *IH 10' CHISEL; *GRIZZLY 3PT BACK HOE & MORE FARMER CO NSIGNMENTS: *2010 JD 9870 STS CO MBINE 4209/2921 HRS; *2009 CASE IH MAGNUM 245 TR AC TOR, 9051 HRS ; *IH 656 W/KOYKER LOADER, SHOWS 1108 HRS; * FARMALL 350, RESTORED; *HYSTER FORKLIFT, 3K LIFT, LP; *IH 100 MOUNTED SICKLE; *2014 JD 1760, 12R30, 3500 ACRES, VERY NICE; * KINZE 2600 PLANTER, 12/23, 18”/36”; *JD 750 DRILL; *WHITE 6100 PLANTER,12R30; *AERWAY CCT AWFS25W AERATOR, VERY NICE; *TYE PARA TILL 6 SHANK IN-LINE RIPPER; *CASE IH TIGERMATE 200, 44.5'; * LANDOLL 22 10-11 DISK CHISEL, VERY NICE; 2011 BESTWAY FIELD PRO IV 16 00, 10 0'; BLUE JET AT300 SIDEDR ESS BAR, 11 CO ULTER, NICE; *2014 SCHABEN SIDEDR ES S BAR, 12R30; *BUSH HO G 1560 CHISEL; *JD 893 CORN HEAD; *KORY HEAD CART; *BRENT 42 0 GRAIN CART; * SU NFLOWER 19 ' LAND FINISHER ; * IH 4800 CU LTIVATOR 28'; *JD 1350-1450 PLOW; *JD 85 ROW CROP CU LTIVATOR; CASE IH 184 5C SKID STEE R, 26 00 HRS; *MEYERS 980 & MEYERS SILA GE WAG ON; *GEHL 170 FEED MIXER; *JD 609 5' MOWER; *TYE 15' 3PT GRAIN DRILL, SMALL SEED; *BARGE BOX W/ HOIST; 2007 TIMPTE 40' HOPPER BOTTOM; * 2005 WILSON DWH500 41' HOPPER BOTTOM; *2006 DODGE RAM 2500 BIGHORN; *1975 CHEVY C60 GRAIN TR UCK; *GMC 7500 CREW CAB SERVICE TRUCK; *1993 FORD F-70, LP ENGI NE, GOOD TRANS, 2400 GAL TANK IN GOOD CONDITION, BAD FRAME; * 1997 FORD F-250 CR EW CAB POWERSTR OKE; DAY 2 - ONLINE ONLY - STARTS CLOSING SUNDAY @ 3 PM 500+ LOTS HAND TOOLS, SHOP TOOLS, SHOP EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION TOOL S, AIR COMPRESSORS, LAWN AND GARDEN TOOLS, ELECTR ICAL TOOL S AND SUPPLIES, FARM PRIMITIV ES THIS IS A VERY SHORT LIST - MUCH MORE BY SALE DAY-ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE ON EVERYTHING GO TO WWW.REDIGERAUCTIO NSERVICE.COM Not Responsi bl e for AccidentsI.D Required
REDIGER AUCTION 107 S WEST ST, WYANET, IL 815-699- 7999 JEREMY REDIGER - JON MOON - BRIK REDIGER
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 toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275
PUBLIC NOTICE
CIRCUI T CO URT OF THE 1 3th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PU TNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF JUDITH E. MORAN DECEASED No. 2 025- PR-7 CL AIM NO TICE Notice is given of the death of JUDITH E. MORAN, of the Village of Mark, Putnam County, Illinois. Letters of office as Executor were issued on January 23, 2026 to Cheryl Kunkel, whose attorney is Richard C. Fiocchi of Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi, 329 W. Dakota Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Claims against the estate may be e-filed in the Office of the Circuit, Clerk, Civil Division, Putnam County Courthouse, 120 N 4th Street, Hennepin, Illinois 61327, or with the representative or both, within 6 months from the date of first publication of this Notice. If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a creditor of the above estate, then claim must be filed in the aboveentitled cause within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later. Any claims not filed within the above periods are banned. E filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with lim ited exem ptions To e file you must first create an account with an efiling service provider Visit https://efile illinoiscourts.gov/ service- providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www. illinoiscourts.gov/F AQ gethelp.asp
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
Dated this 11th day of February, 2026
Richard C. Fiocchi Attorney for the Estate
select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www illinoiscourts.gov/F AQ gethelp.asp
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
Dated this 11th day of February, 2026
Richard C. Fiocchi Attorney for the Estate 329 W. Dakota Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 (815) 664-2358 atlaw@bbandflaw.com
(Published in Putnam County Record Feb. 11, 18, 25, 2026) 2303801
329 W. Dakota Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 (815) 664-2358 atlaw@bbandflaw.com (Published in Putnam County Record Feb. 11, 18, 25, 2026) 2303801
LE GA L NO TICE AT TENT IO N: Businesses, Local Education Agencies, Comm unity- Based Organizations, Local Labor Organizations and Interested Persons: The Chief Elected Official s for Local Workforce Area #4 (LWA #4) and Northwest Central Illinois Works (NCI Works) announces the availability of the Great Northwest Econom ic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Developm ent Region #6), Northern Stateline Economic Developm ent Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #5) and the LWA #4 Local Workforce Plan Modification of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for public review and comments. The Local and Regional Plans have been developed to provide a variety of workforce training services for adults and youth under WIOA for Program Years 2024 - 2027 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2028). Under the Local Plan, workforce training and servi ces are provided to an 8county area which include: Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be im plemented for a 10-county area that includes: Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Putnam , Rock Island & Whiteside under the Great Northwest Economic Developm ent Regional Plan Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implem ented for a 4- county area that includes: Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, and Stephenson under the Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan. Detailed copies of these plans are avail-
2026 To be opened at the scheduled meeting March 3, 2026 at 6:30pm For scope of the project and job details please contact Dan Siegmann Superintendent of Public Works 815- 339-2100 granville.publicworks@mchsi.com (Published in Putnam County Record Feb. 11, 2026) 2303913
BID
liciting bids for ng & stump eceived at the Granville, IL by opened at the 26 at 6:30pm and job details Superintendent hsi.com ecord
county area which include: Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 10-county area that includes: Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island & Whiteside under the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 4- county area that includes: Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, and Stephenson under the Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan
Detailed copies of these plans are available for public review Monday through Thursday during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) at the following location: 4110 Progress Blvd., Suite 1C, Peru, IL These Plans modifications are also posted to the NCI Works (www.nciworks.org) and Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (www.best-inc.org) websites EOE. (BCR/PCR Feb. 11, 2026) 2303904
