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Putnam County Junior High School participates in Rebecca Caudill program
Book wins statewide; school gets grant
for book collection
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Putnam County Junior High School recently had sixth-grade students participate in the annual Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Award program to encourage student reading and develop statewide children’s literature awareness.
The sixth graders selected “Para -
chute Kid” as a favorite out of 20 nominated books. The book was also named state winner with 480 votes statewide. The program was introduced by Putnam County Junior High School ELA teacher Amy Carboni and media paraprofessional Debbie Thompson. The school was also selected to receive a 2025-2026 Readers’ Choice Grant. The grant will go towards buying a set of Rebecca Caudill books from the AISLE/ LBSS Endowment Fund.
Students must pass a test and complete a story balloon after reading a book. The report helped students understand parts of the novel.
Students also received a certificate
stating they were eligible to attend a party and vote for the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award after reading and reporting on three books. The party invitations were sent to 24 students on Thursday, Feb. 26. The school had 21 students vote and 150 books were read by sixth-grade students.
Cookies, soda and ice cream with toppings were served to celebrate Caudill’s birthday in February. The names of students who read all of her books will be engraved on a plaque. The plaque will be displayed in the school. The sixth graders must finish reading the books by Friday, May 1.
Serving Putnam County since 1868
Photo provided by Putnam County Junior High School
Putnam County Junior High School sixth grade students TJ Kramarsic (back row, from left), Bryson Smith, Jaxon Zuniga, Blake Richardson, Reese Lenkaistis, Sophia Lozano, Alina Aguilar, sixth grade ELA teacher Amy Carboni, school media paraprofessional Debbie Thompson (middle row), students Josie Heeley, Penny Bird, Madelyn Keigley, Madelyn Holst, Addi Bickett, Trey Soule, Arya King (front row), Molly Pundsack, Preston Goetz, Austin Grasser, Jack Vice, Phaelynne Messick, Eden Johnson and Kayleigh Bent. Not pictured are students Stella Guisti, Harper Heuser and Braxton Lopez
Join a Starved Rock naturalist on an April 25 hike
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The “Chasing Spring Hike” will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Starved Rock State Park.
Join a Starved Rock naturalist to
learn about spring changes in the park and to see blooming wildflowers and the park’s famous waterfalls at their peak.
Registration is required for this event. Register online at Starved Rock Eventbrite.
Putnam County Junior High announced its high honor and honor rolls for the third quarter of the 20252026 school year.
Eighth grade: Anahi Avila, Isabella Bartoluzzi, John Cooper, Jaylynn Dickey, Hayden Doyle, Elimae Glynn, Makenna Goulding, Jayce Johnston, AJ Kloet, Emily Konczak, Brendan Linton, Andrew Mathney, Geoffrey Pagani, Eli Pennell, Kinsey Pierski, Jolene Poole, Isaac Rodriguez, Colton Sabotta, Jayden Serna, Nolan Weddell
Tom Sistak for Shaw Local News Network
The “Chasing Spring Hike” will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Starved Rock State Park.
Arukah recieves $2M in federal funding for Princeton renovations
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
Arukah Institute received a $2 million federal funding award on March 31 to support major renovations at its Princeton facility, with Congressman Darin LaHood on hand to present the check after getting the funding through legislation.
The funding will turn Arukah’s recently purchased building into a centralized hub for mental and behavioral health services serving a multi-county region.
Specifically, renovation plans include creating a single main entrance, improving navigation within the building and expanding dedicated spaces for therapy, psychiatry and group sessions. The project also will include an outdoor green space designed for therapeutic use.
LaHood said the project was years in the making and required navigating a lengthy federal process.
“It was a labor of love to get it done and a lot of hard work,” LaHood said. “We started about three years ago when I visited and they made their request.”
He said the legislation was initially submitted for the fiscal year 2024 but stalled because of the federal government shutdown. It was resubmitted
again in 2025 and ultimately advanced through the full legislative process.
“I went before the House Appropriations Committee and had to advocate for the $2 million,” LaHood said. “Then it had to go through committee, be voted on the House floor and eventually go over to the Senate. We worked it all the way through, and in the end, we were successful.”
Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry was there during the check presentation and emphasized the broader impact of the project.
“It’s great for the entire region,” Mabry said. “Arukah is not just for Princeton. It serves about 210,000 people.”
“When you look at the value of dollars and the commitment made at this level, it saves taxpayers so much more money down the road,” he said. “It’s a great investment for all of us.”
Arukah’s Interim CEO Pat Schou echoed the same sentiment
“We want to make this for the community,” Schou said. “What is most important is meeting mental health needs and giving people a place for recovery, prevention and support.”
For next steps, construction on the facility is expected to begin sometime this year.
Small Kitchen Appliances, Toasters, Coffee Pots, Blenders, Air Conditioners, White Goods, Smoke Detectors, De-Humidifiers, Vacuum’s, Batteries, Fans, Power Tools, Light Fixtures, UPS’s, Refrigerators, Stoves, Dishwashers, Light Bulbs, Broken CRT’s, Broken Glass, Hazardous Material.
Bill Freskos
Darin LaHood speaks to a crowd during a $2 million funding announcement March 31 for Arukah Institute in Princeton.
IVCC student recognized by Phi Theta Kappa
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College student Danica Scoma recently was recognized for academic accomplishment, leadership and campus and community service by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Scoma received the state’s highest score in a fall scholarship competition and was named a 2026 PTK New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. She also was selected as a 2026 All-USA Academic Team member.
Danica Scoma
Scoma received a $2,750 scholarship and New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar recognition during a luncheon on Friday, March 27, in Baltimore, Maryland. The society selects only one New Century Transfer Scholar per state. Phi Theta Kappa had more than 2,300 students from 1,400 college campuses nominated nationally.
“We congratulate Danica for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the CocaCola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Granville library to screen ‘The Tallest Dwarf’ documentary
The Putnam County Public Library District will hold a free screening of the Independent Lens movie “The Tallest Dwarf” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the library’s Granville branch, 214 S. McCoy St.
The 60-minute film follows filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman as she searches for a place in the little people community. She also unpacks dwarfism rumors in her family. “The Tallest Dwarf” asks whether society should change people or the structures limiting them through stories, archival history and collaborations. For more information, call 815-339-2038 or visit the library.
these outstanding achievements,” Phi Theta Kappa president and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner said in a news release.
She will also receive a $3,000 AllUSA Academic Team scholarship, medallion and will be recognized April 13 at the PTK’s Presidents Breakfast in Seattle.
“The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student’s exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” Phi Theta Kappa Foundation director Amanda Karpinski-Gorman said in the release. “We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2026 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make.”
IVCC students have received PTK scholarships over the years but Scoma’s achievement stands out, said Phi Theta Kappa advisor Eric Schroeder. “Earning multiple distinguished awards speaks not only to academic excellence but to the determination, hard work and drive that will continue throughout Danica’s educational and professional journey.”
Scoma is a peer mentor, member of the college’s soccer team and the college board of trustees 2025-26 student trustee. She intends to study global studies, communications and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall.
McNabb library to hold pollinator event April 8
The Putnam County Public Library District will hold a “Bee Kind: Stories & Seed Bombs” story and craft activity for children ages five and older to celebrate Earth Day and pollinators at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the library district’s McNabb branch, 322 W. Main St. Attendees will be able to create pollinator seed bombs with seeds, soil and clay.
Participants also can listen to a pollinator and bees story. No registration is required.
For more information, call 815-339-2038 or visit the library.
–
SRCCF opens arts grant applications
The foundation has awarded over $107K over the years
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation is opening a new
arts grant application cycle with a deadline of April 15.
The grants fund many projects, including public art, performances, workshops and youth programs.
With support from the Illinois Arts Council, the foundation has awarded 91 grants totaling more than $107 thousand to projects across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties, according to a news release.
“Through these grants, we are witnessing the true impact of the arts –how creativity has the power to uplift, connect and transform,” SRCCF founder Pamela Beckett said in a statement.
Applications for the next round of funding are open through April 15. For more information about the fundation and funding, visit the foundatoin’s website.
ATTENTION GRANVILLE RESIDENTS:
As spring approaches the Village of Granville would like to remind all residents of the following ordinances:
BURNING:
Residents are only allowed to burn leaves & branches produced on their property.
Burning days and hours are:
Tuesday through Friday 9am-6pm & Saturday 9am-3pm
NO BURNING on Sunday & Monday
*Due to unforeseen circumstances the yard waste drop off on High Street is closed until further notice
ABANDONED VEHICLES:
All Vehicles in the Village of Granville must be licensed & titled GRASS CLIPPINGS:
It is unlawful to place any lawn clippings, trimmings or vegetation on the public streets or village right of way.
DOGS/CATS AT LARGE:
Residents must have dogs/cats securely on a leash on any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place.
Residents are also responsible for picking up after their dogs/cats if not on their own personal property.
POOLS: All
Indoor
Flexible
On-site
Princeton Rotary Club awards $1K to local nonprofits
The Rotary Club of Princeton recently donated $1,000 to the Princeton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Princeton Lions Club as part of its “Love Our Community” grant program.
The “Love Our Community” grant program’s goal is to award $10,000 annually to local nonprofits in appreciation of the resources and time they provide to the community, subject to funds permitting.
OBITUARIES
MARILYN L. GRANT
Born: March 9, 1946 in Spring Valley, Illinois Died: March 29, 2026 in Granville, Illinois
Marilyn L. Grant, 80, of Granville passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel, 208 S. McCoy St. Granville.
Service will follow the visitation at the funeral home. Fr. Michael Driscoll will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Granville.
Marilyn was born on March 9, 1946 in Spring Valley to William and Ethel (Serrine) Ossola. She married Warren “Tom” Grant on February 20, 1965 in Hennepin.
She graduated from Hopkins High School. She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading and traveling.
The Rotary Club of Princeton’s mission is to promote integrity, model service above self and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through business, professional and community leaders’ fellowship.
For more information, visit princetonrotaryclub.com.
Hennepin library events set for April
The Putnam County Public Library District’s Hennepin branch, 214 N. Fourth St., recently announced two events it
will host during the third week of April. Illinois Libraries Presents: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, online via Zoom. Author Cristina Henríquez will discuss her work and latest boon “The Great Divide.” Henríquez also is the author of the books “Come Together, Fall Apart,” “The Book of Unknown Americans” and “The World in Half.” Her work has been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker The Atlantic and The Best American Short Stories 2018. Henríquez was awarded the Chicago Public Library
Foundation’s 21st Century Award. The program will be moderated by libraries and Latinx publishing industry representation advocate Carmen Álvarez. To view the program, visit bit.ly/ ILPCristinaHenríquez.
Owen Lovejoy Tour: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Owen Lovejoy Museum, Rural Route 3, E. Peru St., Princeton. Participants will be able to tour the museum. The tour costs $5. Registration is required. To register, call 815-3392038, ext. 1. – Shaw Local News Network
Survivors include her husband, Warren “Tom” Grant of Granville; one son, Thomas Grant (Lisa Patarozzi) of Hennepin; two daughters, Christine Grant (Timothy Demmer) of Chillicothe and Jenny Lyn Grant (Adrian Jusino) of Cicero; one brother, Jack (Karen) Ossola of Granville; three sisters, Joyce (Terry) Dove, Geri (Andy) Romagnoli and Cynthia Pettit, all of Granville; four grandchildren, Brandon Raineri of Chicago, Lindsey(Raineri) Gatz of Chillicothe, Kalyn Grant and Emelia Grant of Hennepin and one great-grandchild on the way.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Pallbearers will be Brandon Raineri, Lindsey Gatz, Keenan Gatz, Emelia Grant, Kalyn Grant, Joseph Raineri and Jose Ochoa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made to her 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 make a memorial donation.
High school, college welders invited to annual IVCC welding competition
By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com
Young welders will compete for prizes during the annual Illinois Valley Community College Welding Competition presented by IVCC and the American Welding Society, according to a press release.
The competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 in Building J of IVCC’s East campus.
High school and college students will compete in separate divisions, showcasing their skills, learning about the industry and networking with representatives from local companies and IVCC instructors, according to the release.
Welders will complete a hands-on project, which, for high school competitors, is accompanied by a written quiz.
Awards, including scholarships, cash prizes and welding gear, will be given to top winners in all divisions and processes.
Registration for high school students will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the competition in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) starting at 9 a.m., followed by the
awards ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
College welders can compete in SMAW or gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Registration for SMAW begins at 11 a.m., with the competition starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
Registration for college GMAW competitors will begin at 12 p.m., with the competition starting at 1 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 3 p.m.
According to the release, pre-registration for the competition is required by April 10 and participants may only register for one competition.
The cost of each division is $20.
Seats in each classification are limited. To register, visit www.ivcc.edu/enroll.
Use the class ID 27933 for High School SMAW, 27932 for College SMAW and 27931 for College GMAW.
Building J of IVCC’s East campus is located at 815 N Orlando Smith Street in Oglesby.
For information, visit the IVCC Welding page, or call the Continuing Education department at 815-224-0427.
Photo provided by Peggy Schneider
Young welders will compete for prizes during the annual Illinois Valley Community College Welding Competition from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Building J of IVCC’s East campus.
IVCC student named Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois
Scholarship supports future teachers; Rick plans to teach at at-risk schools
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College student and teacher Kealey Rick was recently named a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois.
The scholarship will qualify Rick for tuition assistance after completing a university education program Scholarship recipients also will receive professional development and job placement assistance. The scholars must agree to teach at an economically or academically at-risk school. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois receives 3,000 application submissions annually.
Rick shared the news of her award with her instructor, Jill Urban-Bollis, whose excitement equaled Rick’s. “I could not be prouder of Kealey. She is a good example of what dedication and hard work look like. She has her eyes on the prize and when she gets there, I anticipate she will be one of those educa-
tors who truly make a difference!”
Urban-Bollis said in a news release.
Rick plans to graduate in spring 2026 and is studying elementary education at Illinois State University.
“I want to be one of those teachers who loves being in a classroom,” Rick also said in the news release.
She enrolled in dual-credit courses at the college while in high school. Rick was a member of the Illinois Valley Community College volleyball team and worked as a preschool classroom assistant and as a Marquette Academy volleyball coach. She was inspired to become a teacher by her mother, Brooke Rick and English teacher Anne Schneider.
Rick said she admires her mother’s “drive and determination and love for what she does” and appreciates Schneider’s patience and encouragement as she “took time out of her day to make me a better student.”
She also said she enjoys working with children, but her own academic struggles strengthened her desire to work in special education. Those obstacles fueled her drive to work harder and develop different learning strategies, a resilience she plans to pass along as a teacher in her classroom.
Photo provided by Illinois Valley Community College Kealey Rick recently was named Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois. The scholarship qualifies her for tuition assistance.
Photo provided by Karla Goskusky
Putnam County School District 535 to destroy temporary education records
Parents and students have until May 31 to access files before destruction
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Special Education Office for the Putnam County School District 535 announced it plans to destroy all temporary education records of transferred students, graduates or permanently withdrawn students by the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
The school district will destroy information such as evaluations, social and developmental histories, IEPs, psychological reports, intelligence test scores and data classified as “temporary records” in the Illinois Records Act. The files will not include attendance records, academic transcripts or records contained in the student’s permanent record.
Students ages 18 and older and parents or guardians, may access special education records through the special education office by Sunday, May 31. To access the records, call 815-882-2800, opt. 8.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1974: Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run off LA Dodger Al Downing in Atlanta, breaking Babe Ruth’s record
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: JOHNATHON STUNKEL
Johnathon Stunkel named Athlete of the Week
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Putnam County senior Johnathon Stunkel has been strong with his arm and his bat this season for the Panthers.
Last week, Stunkel doubled and drove in a run in a loss to Henry, then hit a two-run home run and a sacrifice fly to drive in three runs as Putnam County beat the Mallards in the second game of the series. Stunkel capped the week by going 3 for 5 with two triples, three RBIs and three runs in an eight-inning win over Annawan-Wethersfield.
For his performance, Stunkel was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Sullivan’s and Grasser’s Plumbing & Heating.
“Johnathon had a good week,” Putnam County coach Chris Newsome said.
“He had an OPS of 1.512 in our three games last week. A single, a double, two triples and a dinger with seven RBIs was great to see. He works hard and is deserving of the athlete of the week honor.”
Stunkel answered some questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Stunkel: Team breakfast junior year at LJ’s.
Who is the best athlete you’ve ever competed against in any sport?
Stunkel: Alec Novotney from Marquette.
Would you rather strike a batter out in a big situation or hit a home run?
Stunkel: Hit a bomb.
What are your plans for spring break?
Stunkel: Finish painting my Camaro.
What are your hobbies outside of sports?
Stunkel: Fishing, shed hunting and riding around with the boys.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Stunkel: Work-based learning, because I get to skip half a day of school and work.
What is a movie or TV show you never get tired of watching?
Stunkel: “Blue Mountain State.”
What are your plans after high school?
Stunkel: Go play baseball at ICC.
What are your thoughts on your individual performance last week?
Stunkel: I feel that my hitting was done really well. I feel like my pitching could’ve been better, but other than one bad inning, I did good.
FINAL 2025-26 AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS
Area teams W-L
Dixon (8-1 BNC) 29-4
+Newman (9-1 TRE) 26-6
Amboy (8-2 NUIC) 23-9
Bureau Valley (8-3 LTC) 23-10
+Wethersfield (9-1 LTC) 23-9
Princeton (6-4 TRE) 21-9
+Ottawa (5-4 I8) 21-10
St. Bede (5-2 TCC) 19-14
Kewanee (7-3 TRE) 18-13
*Erie-Prophetstown (5-5 TRE) 15-11
Fieldcrest (4-8 HOIC) 15-18
LaSalle-Peru (3-7 I8) 13-15
Seneca (4-3 TCC) 13-18
+Marquette (2-5 TCC) 12-20
Hall (2-8 TRE) 11-20
Mendota (1-9 TRE) 11-20
Henry-Senachwine (1-6 TCC) 8-17
Streator (0-14 IC8) 3-29
Putnam County (0-7 TCC) 2-29
+Regional champions
Tri-County Con All
+Roanoke-Benson 7-0 23-8
+Midland 5-2 26-7
St. Bede 5-2 19-14
Dwight 4-3 22-12
Seneca 4-3 13-18
+Marquette 2-5 12-20
Henry-Senachwine 1-6 9-17
Putnam County 0-7 2-29
Three Rivers East Con All Newman 9-1 26-6
Kewanee 7-3 18-13
Princeton 6-4 21-9
Erie-Prophetstown 5-5 15-11
Hall 2-8 11-20
Mendota 1-9 11-20
– Shaw Local News Network
MaKade Rios For Shaw Local News Network
Johnathan Stunkel (3) of Putnam County was named as the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week.
Stunkel, Villagomez combine for 3-hit shutout
BASEBALL
Putnam County 5, Newark 0: Johnathon Stunkel and Rudy Villagomez combined for a three-hit shutout to lead the Panthers to a nonconference victory at Ken Jenkins Field in Granville.
Stunkel went six innings for the win, scattering three hits and two walks with nine strikeouts. Villagomez closed out the game with two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.
Kade Zimmerlein went 2 for 3, including an RBI triple, driving in three runs on the day. Also for the Panthers, Traxton Mattingly went 2 for 3 with a run scored,
Jacob Furar went 1 for 3 with a run scored, and Wyatt Zellers drove in a run with a sac fly.
Somonauk 6, Putnam County 5: The Panthers scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh and had the bases loaded but couldn’t push across the tying run in a nonconference loss in Granville on Wednesday, April 1.
Eli King was 1 for 3 with two RBIs for PC (5-2), while Peyton Barto and Jacob Furar each had a hit, a run and an RBI.
Traxton Mattingly took the loss on the mound.
Putnam County 8, Seneca 2: Traxton Mat-
PUTNAM COUNTY TRACK PREVIEWS
BOYS
Coach: Chuck McConnell
Top returners: Alex Rodriguez, sr.; Ryan Oliver, sr.; Carter Baxter, so.; Quincy Smith, so.; Roberth Ruiz, so.; Justyn Doden, so.
Key newcomers: Vincent Cortes, fr.; Riley Doehling, fr.; Carter Smoode, so.; Justin Murphy, jr.
Worth noting: Rodriguez medaled at the Class 1A state meet last season in the discus and shot put and also set the school record in both events. He placed thirdf in the shot put in the Prep Top Times Indoor Meet in Bloomington on Friday. “Already this year he is throwing further in both events,” McConnell said. “We hope that he not only qualifies for state, but improves his standings in the state finals.” Oliver (400), Baxter (800, 1,600, relays), Smith (800, 1,600, 3,200, relays), Ruiz (sprints, jumps) and Doden (throws) are returners who
FINAL 2025-26 AREA BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS
Area teams
*+Newman (9-1 TRE) 33-2
*Mendota (9-1 TRE) 27-6
*+Woodland (8-0 TCC) 26-10
*+Marquette (7-1 TCC) 25-9
*Annawan (10-1 LTC) 20-7
*+LaSalle-Peru (6-4 I8) 20-11
*Fieldcrest (5-6 HOIC) 18-14
*St. Bede (5-4 TCC) 18-14
*Ottawa (3-7 I8) 15-13
*Henry-Senachwine (3-6 TCC) 15-14
tingly doubled three times, scored two runs and drove in a run to help the Panthers to a Tri-County Conference victory in Seneca on Monday, March 30.
Maddox Poole doubled, scored a run and drove in a run for PC, which improved to 2-1 in the TCC, while Jacob Furar was 1 for 4 with two runs.
Johnathon Stunkel threw a complete game, giving up two runs on six hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks.
SOFTBALL
Somonauk 11, Putnam County 7: Alexis Margis went 3 for 4 with two doubles, two
runs and an RBI as the Lady Panthers lost a nonconference game in Somonauk on April 1.
Kennedy Worby smacked a solo home run for PC (2-4), while Piper Terando doubled, drove in a run and scored a run.
Kennedy Holocker took the loss in the circle.
Seneca 13, Putnam County 0 (5 inn.): Kennedy Holocker drew a walk and was the Lady Panthers’ lone base runner in a TriCounty Conference loss in Seneca on March 30.
Holocker also took the loss in the circle for PC.
will contribute along with newcomers Cortes, Doehling, Smoode and Murphy. “We hope to be able to score points in many events this season,” McConnell said.
“We hope to field all of the events. I am really looking forward to this season with the potential this team has to be successful.”
GIRLS
Coach: Brianna Downey
Top returners : Paige Kammer, so.; Veronika Mack, jr.; Ella Schrowang, so.
Key newcomers: Sofie Borri, so.; Joselyn Lopez, fr.; Sam Marciniak, so.; Anna Poignant, fr.; Makenna Wrobleski, fr.
Worth noting : The Lady Panthers have more athletes out this season with more than 15 on the roster.
“We are a larger team this year,
which is going to allow us a lot more flexibility in making relays that we have not been able to do in the past,” Downey said. “We have an amazing group of girls who create a great team environment and motivate and encourage each other to do their best and try new events. Their motivation and open mindedness to new events is a great strength they all have.” Schrowang (800), Kammer (200) and Mack (long jump, 300 hurdles) bring experience. Wrokleski (sprints), Poignant (mid-distance), Borri (distance), Lopez (distance) and Marciniak (shot put) could make an impact. “There are many new athletes with a lot of potential and talent that I am excited to work with,” Downey said. “Many newcomers are brand new to track and field and we are working on finding their niche.”
*Seneca (4-5 TCC) 14-18
*Kewanee (4-6 TRE) 14-18
*Hall (1-9 TRE) 13-18
*Streator (10-4 ICE) 13-18
*Bureau Valley (8-3 LTC) 10-17
*Amboy (3-8 NUIC) 10-21
*Wethersfield (3-6 LTC) 9-20
*Putnam County (1-8 TCC) 9-23
*Stark County (3-7 LTC) 7-18
*DePue (3-6 L10) 7-21
*Princeton (2-8 TRE) 5-26
*LaMoille (0-9 L10) 3-25
*Season completed, +regional champion
Tri-County Con All
*+Woodland 9-0 26-10
*+Marquette 7-1 25-9
*Roanoke-Benson 7-2 16-16
*Dwight 6-3 18-13
*St. Bede 5-4 18-14
*Seneca 4-5 14-18
*Henry-Senachwine 3-6 16-14
*Midland 3-6 16-16
*Putnam County 1-8 9-23
*Lowpoint-Washburn 0-9 8-21
Three Rivers East Con All
*+Newman 9-1 33-2
*Mendota 9-1 27-6
*Erie-Prophetstown 5-5 14-11
*Kewanee 4-6 14-18
*Princeton 2-8 5-26
*Hall 1-9 13-18
– Shaw Local News Network
Shaw Local News Network file photo PC senior Alex Rodriguez medaled at the Class 1A state meet last season in the discus and shot put and also set the school record in both events.
12, 2026 to Adam Donnelly, whose attorney is Richard C. Fiocchi of Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi, 329 W. Dakota Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
CLASSIFIED
PUBLIC NOTICE
767 • Mobile Home
ADVERTISING 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 toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275
CIRCUI T CO URT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PU TNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF DONNELLY, GEORGE A. DECEASED No. 2 026PR3 CL AIM NO TICE
Notice is given of the death of GEORGE A. DONNELLY, of the Village of Mark, Putnam County, Illinois. Letters of office as Executor were issued on March 12, 2026 to Adam Donnelly, 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 limited exemptions
To e file you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https:// efile.i llinoiscourts.gov /servi ce-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoi scourts. gov/FAQgethe lp.asp
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 limited exemptions To e file you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https:// efile.i llinoiscourts.gov /servi ce-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoi scourts. gov/FAQgethe lp.asp
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
Dated this 18th day of March 2026
Richard C. Fiocchi
Attorney for the Estate 329 W. Dakota St Spring Valley, IL 61362 (815) 664-2358 atlaw@bbandflaw.com
(Published in Putnam County Record Mar. 25, Apr. 1, 8, 2026) 2313157
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, To the legal voters, residents of the town of Magnolia in the county of Putnam and the state of Illinois that the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING of said town will take place on TUESDAY, April 14th, 2026, beginning the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 6:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Tow nship Building 21 0 N Bloomington Street, Magnolia IL. For the transaction of miscellaneous business in said town, after a moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear, and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following:
Reports of officers, read and approve fiscal year expenditures, read and approve fiscal year receipts, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting.
I. Oath of Moderator
II. Read & Approve
Fiscal Year
Expenditures
(April 1, 2025March 31, 2026)
III. Read & Approve
Fiscal Year
Receipts
(April 1, 2025March 31, 2026)
IV. Adjourn
Dated: March 25th, 2026
Dan Baum, Clerk
(Published in Putnam County Record Apr. 8, 2026) 2317105
Magnolia IL. For the transaction of miscellaneous business in said town, after a moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear, and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following: Reports of officers, read and approve fiscal year expenditures, read and approve fiscal year receipts, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting.
I. Oath of Moderator
II. Read & Approve
Fiscal Year
Expenditures
(April 1, 2025March 31, 2026)
III. Read & Approve Fiscal Year
Receipts
(April 1, 2025March 31, 2026)
IV. Adjourn
Dated: March 25th, 2026
Dan Baum, Clerk
(Published in Putnam County Record Apr. 8, 2026) 2317105
The Village of Mark has adopted Ordinance #2025- 10- 21-01 An Ordinance for the Purpose of Establishing a Municipal Utility Tax. Copies of this ordinance are available by calling the village office at 815- 339- 2454. (Published in Putnam County Record Apr. 8, 2026) 2316521
Magnolia Township Meeting Dates
Wednesday January 28 ,2026
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Wednesday March 25, 2026
Annual Meeting Tuesday April 14, 2026
Wednesday April 29, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
Wednesday June 24, 2026
Wednesday July 29, 2026
Wednesday August 26, 2026
Wednesday September 30, 2026
Wednesday October 28, 2026
Wednesday November 18,2026
Wednesday December 30, 2026
Wednesday January 27, 2027
Wednesday February 24th, 2027
Wednesday March 31st, 2027
All meetings start at 6:30 pm and are held at The Magnolia Township Office, 210 N Bloomington Street, Magnolia IL 61336 Respectfully Submitted by Dan Baum, Clerk (Putnam County Record Apr. 8, 2026)2317105
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
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