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For those who answered the call, we say thank you
Every community in Illinois has its heroes – men and women who once raised their right hands, answered the call to serve and came back home to build their lives.
They are our neighbors, our teachers, our coaches, our friends. They carry stories of courage, sacrifice and quiet strength – stories that continue to shape the places we call home.
This special edition is our way of remembering the service of Illinois veter-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
IVCC to hold Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony; campus closed Nov. 11
Illinois Valley Community College will close both campuses Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.
The college will honor veterans with a flag-raising ceremony at 8:15 a.m Monday, Nov. 10. Members of Oglesby American Legion Post 237 will lead the event, which is open to the public. After the ceremony, attendees can gather in CTC rooms 124-125 for coffee, doughnuts and brief remarks from IVCC President Tracy Morris.
Classes and services will resume at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Granville American Legion and Putnam County VFW to hold
M. Eileen Brown FROM THE EDITOR
ans – past and present – and to recognize the families who stood beside them.
In other words, it’s our way of saying thank you.
Here, you’ll find reflections from those who served, tributes from their loved
ones and glimpses of how communities across the state continue to honor their legacies.
Their stories remind us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It lives on – in kindness, in leadership and in the way our veterans continue to make a difference every day.
And for that, we say thank you.
• M. Eileen Brown is the executive editor of Shaw Media.
Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11
Granville American Legion Post 180 and the Putnam County VFW will hold a Veterans Day observance on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Standard Village Hall. Veterans are encouraged to attend and participate. Organizers ask all veterans to gather at the Village Hall by 10:30 a.m. to prepare for the service.
– Kevin Solari
Henry Presbyterian holiday seminar offers support for those grieving during holiday season
Henry Presbyterian Church will host a two-hour holiday seminar designed to help people cope with grief during the holiday season.
PUTNAM COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FIRST-QUARTER HONOR ROLL
The event will feature video stories from individuals who have navigated the emotional challenges of the holiday season after loss. Attendees will receive practical tips for managing difficult emotions and a small book for further study.
The seminar will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the church located at 511 Wirt St., Henry.
The church welcomes all and offers handicapped accessibility. Videos include subtitles for the hearing impaired. No registration is required, but organizers ask that attendees call 309-238-0432 or 309-364-2556 or email barnlady61537@ yahoo.com with plans to attend to help with planning.
Eighth grade: Isabella Bartoluzzi, Luca Carboni, Davis Carlson, Mylee Christiansen, John Cooper, Jaylynn Dickey, Hayden Doyle, Luke Gabrielse, Makenna Goulding, Savannah Grasser, Murphy Hopkins, Jayce Johnston, Alexander Kloet, Nathaniel Lenczewski, Caius Luncsford, Colton
Nicoli, Geoffrey Pagani, Elijah Pennell, Kinsey
Pierski, Landen Robertson, Colton Sabotta, Jayden
Serna and Garrit Smith
GETTING EDUCATED Hennepen resident, Navy veteran Malavoti uses GI Bill to enhance career options
By HELEN MANSFIELD
As the son of a Hennepin farmer, Steve Malavolti knew that his family wouldn’t have any money for him after he graduated from high school to attend college. The same went for his two younger brothers.
“We didn’t own our own farm,” he said.
Born at the old Spring Valley hospital, Malavolti graduated from Putnam County High School in Granville in 1983 and chose to pursue an education the way many other young people have: He enlisted in the U.S. Navy with the intention of one day using the GI Bill to continue his education.
His father served in the U.S. Army just before the war in Vietnam.
See MALAVOTI, page 7
U.S. Navy Veteran Steve Malavolti teaches in the electronics lab on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby.
FROM U.S. ARMY TO OTTAWA FIRE DEPARTMENT Brian Ksiazak follows family footsteps
By MARIBETH M. WILSON
Brian Ksiazak was in middle school when his father, a Naperville firefighter, was honored for saving a patient’s life.
He remembers the ceremony, the dinner, and the familiar faces of his father’s department. But it was a stranger’s face that stayed with him.
“This person went up and explained what happened,” Ksiazak said. “This is how long I was down for, this is when they first got me back… and it dawned on me. The person I’ve been sitting here with, ate dinner with — was the save.”
Now living in Grand Ridge, Ksiazak said that moment helped shape his commitment to community.
Raised in a service family in Joliet—the son of a teacher and a fireman—he knew early on he wanted to serve.
He enlisted in the Army during his senior year of high school, following the footsteps of both grandfathers, who served in the Army, and an uncle who served in the Navy.
“I just always wanted to enlist,” he said.
After high school, Ksiazak attended basic training in South Carolina. While some cadets struggled, he found it “kind of easy.”
“They broke everything down to the simplest level and taught you how to do it,” he said. “As long as you followed directions, you could adapt and learn.”
Following basic training, he went to Texas to become a veterinary food inspector specialist.
“Truthfully, I got lied to about there being medics in the reserves,” he said. “It was a medical job and I like food.”
As a food inspector, Ksiazak oversaw dining facilities and water safety at all Army bases, Navy bases and ships, and Marine bases.
During his 10 years in the Army, he served two deployments: Kuwait from 2018 to 2019 and Iraq from March to December 2024. He advanced from specialist to staff sergeant.
His proudest moment came during a mission running a no-cost clinic.
“We ran medical, dental, psychiatric, and veterinary services for a month,” Ksiazak said. “I spent those times doing vaccines, nail trimmings, and
heartworm tests. It made me realize how much we were helping because everyone was so grateful.”
The community supported them with homemade meals and coolers of ice and water to beat the summer heat.
Ksiazak continued his service locally by joining the Ottawa Fire Department between deployments after his older brother told him residency requirements had changed.
“It was honestly like the holy grail,” he said. “A fire department nearby that opened hiring to people who hadn’t gotten there yet.”
He was hired in September 2023 as a firefighter EMT and is currently completing paramedic school, which the department is funding.
“It is the best thing,” Ksiazak said. “I haven’t worked a single day in many years, because it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being with my second fam-
ily. I’m going to help people.”
Returning home in late 2024 was a special moment. Ksiazak surprised his wife, Alyssa, and their fivemonth-old daughter, Rory, at the Kris Kringle Market in Ottawa.
“It was a nice surprise,” he said. “It was the day before Christmas Eve. We got pictures with Santa the first day I was home.”
Ottawa Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Tieman said while he hasn’t had that much time with Ksiazak, as he was deployed after being hired, but in a short time, he has brought great joy, a sense of humor and personality to the firehouse.
“We live with each other for 48 hours at a time,” he said. “I don’t think he’s ever really met anybody he can truly call a stranger... The level of discipline and professionalism that was ingrained from the military carried over to the fire service.”
Scott Anderson
Veteran and Ottawa Fireman Brian Ksaizak, poses for a photo next to a fire engine on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Ottawa Fire Station.
Brought to you by:
Shaw Local News Network would like to recognize and thank the veterans in our community. Find a list below of local organizations that support veterans.
STATE AND NATIONAL VETERANS
ORGANIZATIONS
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs & Programs
Gold Star Families, Homeless Program, Illinois Joining Forces, IIL Warrior Assistance Program, Women Veterans, Veterans Nursing Homes. www.veterans.illinois.gov
American Legion Department of Illinois
2720 E Lincoln St., Bloomington, IL 61704 309-663-0361 hdqs@illegion.org
AMVETS
Office of the Commander Statewide 2200 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703 217-528-4713 www.ilamvets.org
Disabled American Veterans
Office of the Commander Statewide 809 S. Grand Ave. W, Springfield, IL 62704 217-793-8115 www.dav.org
Illinois Association of County Veteran Assistance Commissions www.veteransbenefitsillinois.org
Illinois Joining Forces
Supporting Service Members, Veterans & their Families- all working to create a “no wrong door” system of support. www.illinoisjoiningforces.org
Illinois Marine Corp League
The Illinois Marine 1005 Prairie St., St. Charles, IL 60174 630-564-1804 usmc1962@comcast.net
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
Warm helpline and high touch holistic resource navigation and case management service providing information, resource referrals and support to Illinois Veterans, their families and caregivers experiencing various traumas. 866-554-4927 www.illinoiswarrior.com
Military Officers Association of America (800) 234-6622 www.moaa.org
VFW State Headquarters 3300 Constitution Dr., Springfield, IL 62711 217-529-6688
VETERANS OF FOREIGN
WARS
Depue VFW Post 4602 202 W. 1st St., DePue, IL 61322-0289
Mendota VFW Post 4079 610 6th St., Mendota, IL 61342-1702
Princeton VFW Post 4323 1549 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL 61356-8829 www.princetonveterans.org/vfw4323
Piercy-Ward VFW Post 3666 215 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley, IL 61362-2135
Putnam County Memorial VFW Post 8324 401 Laughlin Ave., Granville, IL 61326
AMERICAN LEGIONS
American Legion Post 125 1549 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL 61356
American Legion Post 875 113 W Commercial St., Neponset, IL 61345
American Legion Post 938 111 S. Main Ave., Ladd, IL 61329 815-894-3221
American Legion Post 1043 23062 IL Hwy 89, La Moille, IL 61330 lrharvey@frontier.com
PLAYING FOR UNCLE SAM
Ottawa Legion officer played tuba in U.S. Army bands
By TOM COLLINS
One of Tonya Willey’s challenges is getting veteran musicians, like her, to join the Ottawa American Legion. She said that if you played for Uncle Sam – as she did – then you served. You belong, too.
Willey is the finance officer for the Ottawa American Legion and got there after playing tuba for the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2002. The Ottawa Township High School graduate started in the U.S. Army Reserves and then signed up for active duty.
“I really like the camaraderie and serving my country,” she said. “I really believe in what the Constitution stands for and believe in defending that –making sure that future generations are entitled to the same liberties.”
It all fell into place for Willey, whose family was steeped in military service as well as music.
Her grandfather and his brothers were in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Her parents, Anthony and Cathy Willey, were serving in the U.S. Air Force when they met and married. Willey’s half-brother Mark also served in the Army.
Willey grew up in Ottawa, where she accompanied her mother after her parents’ divorce, and took up the flute in grade school. If she wasn’t a prodigy, she nonetheless showed enough aptitude to later expand to trombone, saxophone and tuba.
When first approached about enlisting, Willey initially said no – she wanted to go to college – but she left the door open to joining the reserves if they found her a chair in an ensemble. A spot was found in the 85th Infantry Division Band at now-closed Fort Sheridan.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Gahgan was her brass group leader at Fort Sheridan. Gahgan said Willey came in through a delayed entry program – tailored to easing high school students into military service – and, like most young adults, Willey faced a learning curve. Nevertheless, he recalled, Willey picked things up quickly.
“We could tell right from the start she was an excellent musician; it was our job to get her broken into the military side of things,” said Gahgan, a tuba player himself. “Once she started to train and drill
with us and get into the swing of things, she became a very valuable member of the unit.”
Once she was well-established, Willey decided active duty “would be fun.”
In active duty, she served at the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Fun it was. Yes, there were days when toting a sousaphone and sweating under blistering sun were tough – she and her comrades played all over the south and Great Plains – but there were concerts, marches and holiday programs where she could flash her musical skills and in service to the nation. It was the best of both worlds.
Willey might have opted to retire as an Army musician were it not for motherhood. When her enlistment ended, she had two sons and opted not to re-up. She would welcome a daughter after her honorable discharge.
Music and military service run in her bloodlines.
Her sons Karl and Nikolai both played French horn, and Karl is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Florida. Her daughter, Kalie, on the other hand, is not a musician but a standout athlete at IVCC.
For the past three years, Willey has been active at the American Legion, an experience she called “absolutely rewarding.”
“We don’t just engage with fellow veterans, we help our community,” said Willey, who owns an accounting practice in Ottawa. “We offer scholarships, help with the Boy Scouts and lots of youth organizations around here. We’re partnering with just, you know, helping out everywhere.”
Legion Commander Tom Przybyla said Willey is a driving force behind the post’s activities and outreach.
“She’s one of our assets,” he said. “She’s really on the ball.”
Tom Sistak
Tonya Willey is finance officer for the Ottawa American Legion and got there after playing tuba for the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2002. The Ottawa Township High School graduate started in the Army Reserves while still in high school.
Continued from page 3
While an education may have been in the front of his mind, Malavolti also saw that his career opportunities back home would be limited, so he saw the Navy as an opportunity “for a career.” Ironically, he didn’t actually continue his education until he retired from the service.
He entered boot camp in March 1984, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and the Cold War between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union was warming up.
While most incoming seamen expect ship duty, Malavolti started his career as an aircraft mechanic, then became an enlisted aircrewman on the aviation side of the Navy. The air crewman became an aircraft hydroman, working on C-130s and the Boeing 707. Later, he learned the ins and outs of the U.S. military’s system – the TACAMO Reel System.
Developed during the early days of the Cold War, TACAMO stands for “Take Charge and Move Out.”
As Malavolti describes it, TACAMO was designed as the “last line of communication in the event of a nuclear war,”
which would allow a plane to communicate with nuclear submarines – in the event the unthinkable happened.
“There is a plane in the air 24 hours a day,” he added.
During a mission, Malavolti would serve as the reel operator, operating one of two antennas for two-way transmissions to the sub. He said the “short wire” antenna measures up to 4,500 feet. The “long wire” measures up to 28,500 feet.
“It depends on which frequency you’re using as to what length of antenna is extended out of the aircraft,” he explained.
Once antenna lengths are known, both antennas are deployed, and the planes then bank into a tight angle to create a corkscrew shape. He said this would allow up to five miles of antenna to transmit very low-frequency radio waves to nuclear subs.
In his 20 years of service, Malavolti never saw combat – though he said his tours were still considered sea duty. He put in 5,000 flight hours in a C-130 and other aircraft.
“We went out on two-week deployments that consisted of 13-hour missions, then we’d have three weeks off,” Malavolti said.
Following in his footsteps, his broth-
ers Greg and Fred also joined the Navy. All three brothers managed to retire as Chief Petty Officers, the highest enlisted rank, “with 65 years of experience among all three,” he added.
Malavolti was first stationed in Hawaii, then became a Naval instructor, teaching the reel system at Patuxent River in Maryland. He finished his career at Tinker Air Force Base, serving in the Squadrons VQ3, VQ4 and VQ7, which is under the TACAMO Strategic Communications Wing One.
When he retired in 2004, he finally decided to put his GI Bill to work and began his education at Illinois Valley Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science with an emphasis in electrical and an additional Associate in Science. He eventually joined IVCC’s staff and still serves as an adjunct faculty instructor.
While at IVCC, Malavolti was recruited by Fred Marquardt of Industrial Semiconductor to work for him.
A semiconductor is a type of computer chip, diode or thyristor that is used to power automated machinery and power systems. They have applications in the manufacturing, energy and transportation fields. They are considered “industrial” if they can accommodate higher voltages and currents.
“We mostly sell wholesale and to repair businesses and resellers,” he said. “Most of our business comes through the internet.”
Malavolti worked his way up to the company’s general manager, then became the owner of ISI in 2015. The company will relocate from Granville to 3323 Frontage Road in Peru next year.
He also served on the Putnam County Board for 10 years and is active in the Ministry of Christ to Reach the Unreached, a Christian nonprofit. He said the Navy, and his belief in God, have made him the man he is today.
“I had been a shy guy in high school, pretty quiet,” he said. “But it (the Navy) taught me how to tactfully speak my mind.”
Malavolti’s experience was so positive, he said he would recommend that every eligible young person should also serve in the military.
“Even though I wasn’t in combat, I’ve been outside of the country and it makes you appreciate what we have,” he said.
While he acknowledges that college may not be for every high school student, “the military changes the individual.”
“It made me who I am today,” Malavolti said.
‘SPREAD YOUR WINGS’ Tonica native breaks gender gap at Oglesby Legion
By TOM COLLINS
The rural Tonica native had been a shy girl. Kathy (Ott) Lawyer kept such a low profile that one of her brothers once was asked, “Oh, you have a sister?”
That was one reason she surprised her family when she announced she was enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Nobody in her family had served in the military. She’d never left home or been on an airplane, let alone a ship. Where had this come from?
Kathy Lawyer, now of Oglesby, said she simply found the idea alluring – and thought Navy uniforms rather sharp – and, after a few consultations with a recruiter in Ottawa, signed with Uncle Sam after graduating from Tonica High School in 1973.
I just thought it was cool, something I wanted to do,” Lawyer recalled. “It was the time of my life. I enjoyed it.”
See LAWYER on page 9
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15- December 7.
Every year, Medicare beneficiaries should review available Part D plans to ensure they have the best plan that fits their needs and that they are not overpaying.
The PCCC has Medicare counselors available to take appointments Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. In-office, in-home and limited evening appointments are available for your convenience.
The Putnam County Community Center is a certified SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) site & partially funded by the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging.
Photo provided by Greg Baker
Kathy Lawyer (left), who served in U.S. Navy from 1973-76, was sworn in as commander of Oglesby American Legion Post 237 on June 13, 2024. Lawyer is the post’s first female commander in its 102 years of existence. Past Commander Chuck Trovero hands over the gavel.
Continued from page 8
Her navy career did get off to an inauspicious start, however. She boarded her first flight from Chicago in December 1973, bound for Orlando, Florida. She arrived in the wee hours and tiptoed through the barracks, trying not to wake her new comrades.
And if she went in thinking basic training during a Florida winter would be balmy, she was quickly disabused of the notion.
“You get up in the morning and go to the chow hall and it’s freezing cold,” Lawyer recalled, “and then by the mid-afternoon, you’re sweating.”
The next setback would come when she learned the Navy’s nursing school didn’t have an opening. Lawyer had long dreamed of being a military nurse and now that door was at least temporarily closed.
So it was off instead to Puerto Rico, where she clerked at the post exchange. She’d board a truck and visit the PXs to make cash pickups. Nineteen months later, she was accepted into schooling at Great Lakes and into the medical corps.
Lawyer then requested a transfer to an air base in in Meridian, Mississippi, where she had followed a handsome navy man who caught her eye. The relationship didn’t work and Lawyer missed her family. When her threeyear enlistment drew to a close, she opted not to re-up.
“I was supposed to sign a six-month extension, but they never made me sign it,” she said. “I was really homesick –I’d never been on an airplane until boot camp – and I wanted to come home.
“There are many times I kick myself for not staying in.”
She was honorably discharged as a hospital corpsman in 1976, but that wasn’t quite the end of her military service, so to speak.
Two years after her discharge she married Dale Lawyer, whom she met a bowling league, and settled in Oglesby. She spent her career in medicine, working at hospitals and nursing homes in La Salle County starting out as a nurses’ aide and finishing her career as an endoscopy technician.
When Dale passed away suddenly in 2014, Lawyer was overcome with grief and in need of a diversion. She gravitated to the Oglesby American Legion and the La Salle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group, becoming the first woman to participate in the group’s honor guard.
Lawyer may have needed the American Legion to manage her grief, but the post needed her, too. Jim Ebner, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, remembered being overextended as adjutant and being grateful when Lawyer came in ready and willing to do whatever was asked.
“It was a welcome thing,” Ebner recalled. “It’s a difficult, time-consuming job and she took it over and did very well with it.”
Lawyer didn’t stop there. She built up membership and got existing members to put in more volunteer hours, particularly in the kitchen to prepare fundraiser dinners.
“She’s just a positive force,” Ebner said.
Her peers eventually elected her post commander – the first woman so named in Oglesby.
Syl Janusick, an Army combat veteran of the Vietnam war, said Lawyer quickly impressed her legion brethren with her work ethic – no task was beneath her – but more than that with her integrity and honesty.
“There’s no baloney about her,” Janusick said. “She’s got a sense of humor and she’s personal, but there’s no BS. She does a ton and a half of work and you never hear her complain.”
And when the time came to select a new post commander, Janusick said,
Lawyer’s talents made the decision an easy one. Gender didn’t creep into the discussion at all.
“We’ve had some male commanders who couldn’t polish Kathy’s shoes,” he said.
Lawyer is now in her second term as
commander – “They haven’t impeached me yet,” she joked – and said she appreciated the confidence of her peers.
And what would she say to a young woman thinking of a military career?
“I’d say do it. It’s a growing-up experience. I would say, spread your wings.”
Scott Anderson
Navy Veteran Kathy Lawyer, poses in her home with a photo of her in the service on Sept. 3 in Oglesby.
A ‘MASTER’ OF SERVICE
Air Force Veteran and Henry resident Masters continues service, volunteer mission
By HELEN MANSFIELD
Since retiring in 2017, after 34 years in the Illinois Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, Roger Masters has become a cheerleader of all things Henry. He is an active government servant, a purposeful volunteer, and he also manages to operate a successful business on the riverfront.
LaRose Elementary School,” he said.
Masters currently serves as the legion commander for the Henry American Legion, president of the Henry Rotary, president of the Henry Zoning Board, the director for solar installation. Additionally, he has served on Henry’s board for transportation improvement and economic development.
Masters was born in Peoria and graduated from Washburn High School in 1978.
“I was in the last sixth-grade class of
During World War I, his grandfather served in the Army Air Corps, his father and uncle served in the Navy during World War II, and three of his older brothers also joined the service. Because three of his four brothers were in the service, Masters said that the military was not an option for his youngest brother.
The U.S. military made a policy change during World War II after all five of the “Fighting Sullivan Brothers” of Waterloo, Iowa, were killed aboard the U.S.S. Juneau, when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine, during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Masters said he didn’t join up right after high school. He attended Illinois
Scott Anderson
Veteran Roger Masters poses for a photo on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the American Legion Hall in Henry.
Continued from page 10
Valley Community College, where he met his future wife, Gina, who was from Henry. After IVCC, he became a tool grinder/sharpener and an automatic torch operator. At 22, he decided to join the Illinois Air National Guard.
“I had always wanted to serve,” Masters said. “And when CAT (Caterpillar) went on strike, it was the perfect time to go.”
He began a career as an aircraft fuel system specialist, where he oversaw the use of cryogenic fuels and gases. He also learned about unique identification systems, which were used to track the Air Force’s assets worldwide.
During his seven years with the National Guard, Masters attended drill in Peoria. He was later deployed overseas to participate in Operation Northern Watch, which began in Iraq in January of 1997. During that time, he served in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
“And two weeks after I returned home from Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11 occurred,” he added.
Masters intended to return to the Middle East, but the Group Commander in charge would not sign off on the medals
would recommend that they keep themselves busy while on mission to help the time pass – whether it was keeping a workout schedule or volunteering their time.
Of all the accolades he earned in the service, Masters is especially proud of having earned the Military Volunteer Service Medal for volunteering 2,000 hours in a two- to three-year period on top of working 12-hour workdays.
Masters retired as an E-9, a chief master sergeant, the top enlisted rank. Since returning to his late wife’s hometown, he has continued to serve in government and volunteer in Henry.
He has worked on various community landscaping projects around town, and even works with residents who need items removed from their yards – and transplants them to other locations.
and awards he had earned during Northern Watch, complaining that “every time I was deployed, I was recognized.”
In 2002, he joined the U.S. Air Force’s Office of the Inspector General, where he assisted in testing the readiness and compliance of bases across the country.
“I was blessed that a lot of things I did affected me, the National Guard and the Air Force in general,” Masters said.
In retrospect, he said making a career in the Air Force was never on his radar.
Afghanistan, he said, gave him “the best idea of what the Air Force was doing in other countries,” such as improvements to local villages and schools.
He recounted a time he watched a young boy and girl, of different social castes, playing together in the same school – the young girl receiving an education that was previously denied by the Taliban.
As the years went on, whenever Masters encountered young airmen, he
And somehow, he has also managed to donate 600 platelets and blood to the American Red Cross, totalling 118 gallons over his lifetime.
“People want something to do,” he said. “If you have an idea, call an organization – even if you don’t belong – bring them your ideas. If you envision a better community, start making one. The worst ideas are the ones that are never expressed, brought forward and don’t happen.”
Scott Anderson
Veteran Roger Masters poses for a photo on Thursday, Oct. 9, outside the American Legion Hall in Henry.
‘HOW BLESSED WE ARE AS AMERICANS’ Mendota vet Donahue never forgot freedom
isn’t free
By TOM COLLINS
Want to sneak off at night? The U.S. Navy company commanders pointed out the hole in the fence at Great Lakes Naval Station.
Jason Donahue of Mendota remembered being flabbergasted when he and his fellow Navy recruits were shown how to make a getaway. But the chiefs had a pretty sound reason for giving the enlisted troops an out.
“Because they didn’t like paperwork,” Donahue said. “They told us, ‘If you’re going to do it right, you do it this way.’”
There plenty of days in basic training – and many nights aboard the USS Caron – when Donahue wondered exactly what he’d gotten himself into when he signed with Uncle Sam. But by the time he completed active duty in 1995 Jason Donahue was a proud Navy man and somebody who’d never take his freedoms for granted again.
“The one thing I specifically remember is how blessed we are as Americans,” he said. “We take a lot for granted.
“I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and in the Arabic world, and the freedom of speech isn’t there. So you came to really appreciate the freedom, but also the price that we have to pay for it.”
He’s proud to have served Uncle Sam and that has permeated into his long stint at the Mendota VFW Post 4079, where he just finished a term as post commander.
But military service wasn’t something Donahue hadn’t grown up dreaming about. It merely seemed like a good option after his girlfriend at Mendota High School delivered big news. Surprise news. Donahue was just 16 years old but got no sympathy from his father, who told him to find a way to support his new family – and fast.
Seeking a way to feed his new family, Donahue contacted several recruiters. The Navy got back to him first. Comically, the Army recruiter never called while the Marine Corps recruiter kept phoning even after he’d completed basic training at Great Lakes. Or at least it seemed comical at the time. Operation
Desert Storm was gearing up and Donahue now thanks his lucky stars that he was aboard a ship in the Persian Gulf rather than camped out in Iraq where the physical dangers were even closer at hand. Otherwise bright, sunny days were rendered pitch-black by the heavy smoke from the burning oil wells – and that was only one of the environmental hazards.
“I wasn’t very a religious man at the time,” he said. “But, you know, I think God moves you in certain directions, even when you don’t know it.”
As it was, he and his shipmates saw plenty of action aboard the Caron. One of Donahue’s duties was launching Tomahawk missiles and patrolling the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. While in the Gulf, the waters were littered with mines the Iraqis had placed in the Caron’s patrolling area.
“We saw first-hand the devastation of the mines when steaming past the Tripoli,” he said. “You might have a month of boredom and five minutes of, ‘What are we in?’”
The young husband and father grew up fast, though his division officer at the time said Donahue hit the
ground running.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Neil Drumheller, U.S. Navy (retired) said Donahue boarded the Caron shortly before the ship was deployed in December 1990 in Operation Desert Shield – soon Operation Desert Storm when, in January, combat operations were commenced.
It was a hectic time – the crew of the Caron earned commendations because there was no more than two hours’ down time at any point during the conflict – and Donahue distinguished himself.
“Jason fit right in,” Drumheller said. “He was a good technician. He had a good attitude and all the guys liked him.”
Donahue reveled in the camaraderie of the Navy but also learned to deal square-jawed with the rigors of military life.
“We don’t have the freedoms that the people back home do,” Donahue said “You know, we can’t just quit our job. We’re stuck there. We’d face court martial or,
Scott Anderson
U.S. Navy veteran Jason Donahue plays pool on Oct. 17 at the VFW Hall in Mendota.
Continued from page 12
if you’re out to sea, you’d have to swim home.
“You can’t can’t walk away from bad situations. You just got to suck it up and make the best of the situation.”
Phil Harth of Mendota, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was a schoolmate of Donahue’s in grade school and a teammate in Little League – they reconnected years later through the VFW –and he wasn’t surprised at how openly Donahue speaks of his wartime experiences.
“He’s always been a cool-cat guy,” Harth said. “He’s always been a level-headed guy and good under fire. He just never got shook about anything.”
Donahue’s enlistment ran out in August 1995 but he served another six years in the reserves and returned to his native Mendota. Today, the 53-year-old is remarried and working at James Hardie Building Products in Peru.
Military service has become something of a family tradition. Shayne, the son from his first marriage, professed no interest in a military career but two of his daughters all did.
tary police.
Middle daughter Halie was medically retired from the Army following an after-hours sports injury. Her husband, Nick Jones, is a military police officer stationed in Fort Leavenworth. Youngest daughter, Rubi, remains at home in Mendota.
“I always encourage them to join the military and it was always, ‘We ain’t going to join,’” he laughed.
“And then one day, my oldest daughter decided she’s joining the Army.”
Bill Hunt, past commander of the VFW Post, wasn’t surprised by the effect Donahue had on his children, insofar as he has a knack for reaching out to fellow veterans, too.
Donahue’s sincerity and openness are infections and helped build VFW membership back up after the pandemic, which hurt all social clubs.
“Jason has the type of personality that allows him to interact with all generations of veterans,” Hunt said. “Veterans in general are closed off with regard to our service. Jason is atypical: he’s open, honest and shares his experience.
Eldest daughter Cera and her husband, Jovany, both are active duty in
the U.S. Army. Cera is in human resources and Jovany is with the mili-
“Jason is genuine. A good man who cares about his community and fellow veterans.”
Scott Anderson
Veteran Jason Donahue, poses for a photo on Friday, Oct. 17, at the VFW Hall in Mendota.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Starved Rock State Park, the most-visited state park in Illinois, hosted 180 University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists and staff Oct. 9 and 10 for its annual state conference.
Set against migrating pelicans on the Illinois River and bald eagles soaring above the park’s sandstone bluffs, the conference brought together volunteers from across Illinois to share ideas and gain skills for local environmental stewardship.
Illinois, known as the Prairie State, contains 14 distinct natural divisions, all facing challenges such as habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and climate change. Conference speakers emphasized that ongoing efforts by environmental stewards, both large and small, make a difference in conservation.
“You all are the inspiration for the hope that I have in a better future and a better world, and I want to say thank you,” Master Naturalist program specialist Abigail Garofalo said in her welcome address.
An aerial view Friday shows fall colors near Lovers Leap at Starved Rock State Park. The park hosted nearly 200 Master Naturalists in October for the University of Illinois Extension’s state conference.
The conference began with guided tours of Starved Rock State Park, the lock and dam, Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, Dayton Bluffs Preserve and the Illinois River. Participants hiked to observe birds and geological features, and kayaked through wetlands to study local wildlife.
The second day featured presenta tions on wildlife rehabilitation, tick safety, emerging water contaminants, wetland ecology and native plants. A
offices in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties, coordinated the conference.
“It was a pleasure to support the dedicated volunteers who make such a meaningful impact in our communities and to introduce them to the fantastic natural areas in La Salle County,” Hansen said.
Illinois has about 900 Master Naturalist volunteers who study topics including botany, environmental ethics, archaeology, climate, forestry, geology, prairies, mammals, birds, insects, and urban and agricultural systems. They apply their knowledge through projects such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring.
panel discussed community science opportunities, highlighting how public participation in bird surveys has provided decades of data to guide conservation efforts.
Keynote speaker Tara Beveroth, an avian ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, underscored the impor
The Master Naturalist program is offered through local Illinois Extension offices statewide. More information is available at extension.illinois.edu/MN.
The Extension’s natural resources, environment and energy program provides research-based education to promote healthy ecosystems and resilient communities. It supports volunteer programs such as Master Naturalists, Climate Stewards and Master Watershed
Scott Anderson
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1933: Chicago Bears’ 30 game streak ends with a 10-0 loss to Patriots. 1971: LA Lakers begin a 33 game consecutive victory streak. 1978: Oakland Raiders coach John Madden wins 100th NFL game.
GIRLS
Putnam County loses momentum, regional to Orion SPORTS
By BRAD MARTIN Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Putnam County came out of the gate strong, playing for its first regional title since 2014 by winning the first set of the Class 1A Putnam County Regional championship, but Orion responded with overwhelming serving and power hitting as the Chargers came away with a 26-28, 25-11, 25-10 victory Thursday in Granville.
With the crowd going crazy for the hometown Panthers, Putnam County surged to an 8-1 lead as the Chargers committed two errors right away.
After a Mallory Pronschinske kill, Putnam County benefited from an Orion error and then a block from Myah Richardson for a 4-1 lead.
Two more Orion errors, then an ace from Kennedy Holocker that went along with a touch shot from Richardson, and the Panthers were ahead 8-1.
The Chargers slowly started to creep back into the mix as Pronschinske served up three consecutive aces to cut the Putnam County lead to 8-5.
Richardson used a touch shot again to stop the run, but Ellie Kupp blasted a kill and Sadie Appel picked up a block to make it 9-7.
Moments later, Richardson, who was seeing just about every hole in the Orion defense, used another quick shot to give the Panthers an 11-8 lead.
As the set continued, Richardson used two more quick shots as Orion was right on the Panthers’ heels at 15-14.
With the score tied at 19, Putnam County didn’t panic as Britney Trinidad found a spot in the defense as did Richardson before a block from Trinidad pushed the lead for the Panthers to 22-19.
Orion stormed back and had three set points, but the Panthers continued to have an answer and then turned the tables with an ace from Holocker and then a mishit from Pronschinske to take the first set 28-26.
“We came out with a ton of adrenaline and were ready to play,” Putnam County coach Amy Bell said. “We were doing a lot of great things, mixing up our shots, playing great defense, and showing we were there to fight.”
Unfortunately for Putnam County, the momentum did not last long as the Chargers took over quickly with power and serving from that point on.
Four early errors by the Panthers helped give Orion a 5-1 lead. Not long after, Claire Haars split defenders as did Appel before Haars served up an ace for a 9-3 advantage.
Orion was starting to play well at the net with Appel and Knupp combining for a block before another ace from Haars.
PC’s Chloe Parcher found a hole in the corner, but the excitement was shortlived as the Panthers had a service error.
Knupp and company went back to work with three more aces and a kill from Ellie Mielke as the lead grew to 17-4.
Trinidad picked up an ace for the Panthers, but a Mielke touch shot set up yet another ace, this time from Delaney Tapscott.
A hit from Trinidad sailed wide, and then a cross-court kill from Pronschinske gave the Chargers a 25-11 second-set victory.
“I told the girls to settle in and play their game,” Orion coach Sydney Adams said. “We just had to go out there and play with intention. Every pass, every set and every swing, and once we did that, we were able to get rolling.”
The final set was more of the same for the Panthers, who were quickly down 3-0 with a dink and a kill from Pronschinske.
After a Chargers’ service error, Orion got right back into the swing of things after a PC error as Knupp and Appel got a block.
After a Richardson kill cut the Panthers’ deficit to 6-3, Haars had a quick shot over the net, and a few points later, a kill down the line from Mielke made it 11-5 Chargers.
Putnam County fought back as Holocker picked up a much-needed kill, and then two Chargers’ errors made it 11-8.
But once again, the Chargers came out firing with big kills from Pronschinske and Knupp and then a big cross-court shot from Haars as the lead grew to 16-9.
Two points later, after a Putnam County timeout, Knupp put down a kill, then a shot sailed long for Richardson, and the Panthers were called for four hits as Orion’s lead grew to 19-10.
Haars served up back-to-back aces, and Appel added a kill before another timeout for the Panthers.
But immediately, Haars had an ace, and two points later, Haars served another ace for the 25-10 third set victory.
“(Orion) had some tough servers,” Bell said. “Unfortunately, we just kind of crashed a little bit, and they kept firing and we became a little less aggressive, but we have a young team and a lot of talent coming back with some good experience here tonight.”
For the Panthers, Richardson led with eight kills and 13 digs. Sarah Wiesbrock had 22 digs, while Trinidad added 20 and Holocker 14.
Orion was led by Haars with six aces and 24 assists, while Mielke had 12 kills to go along with 25 digs from Abbi Arnold.
Scott Anderson
Putnam County’s Chloe Parcher tries to hit over Orion defenders Thursday during the Class 1A Putnam County Regional final at Putnam County.
Lady Panthers stun Henry in regional semifinals
By BRAD MARTIN
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Fans could not have asked for two more exciting matches during the Class 1A Putnam County Regional semifinals on Wednesday Oct. 28 in Granville.
No. 7-seeded Putnam County knocked off top seeded Henry-Senachwine 25-21, 16-25, 25-23 to start things off while No. 5 St. Bede went three rounds with No. 4 Orion, but fell 25-22, 22-25, 25-13.
Putnam County def. Henry 25-21, 16-25, 25-23: After splitting the first two sets, the Lady Panthers, whose defense was the difference, put the pressure on the Mallards.
The set went back and forth with a block from Chloe Parcher that briefly gave the Panthers the 7-6 lead, but Henry responded with Bryanna Anderson also getting a block to tie the match.
It looked as it the Mallards were going to pull ahead as Kennedy Holocker sent a shot into the net for the Panthers and then Henry’s Rachel Eckert served up an ace and Harper Schrock hit off Panther defenders for a 13-10 lead.
Putnam County once again fought back with several one-handed digs from Sarah Wiesbrock and Holocker.
A shot and then a quick punch over the net from Myah Richardson tied the set at 15, but the Mallards again pulled ahead 20-16 when Brooklynn Thompson mishit the ball, but it managed to fall in and then she had a big kill.
“We seem to play our best when we are down three or four,” PC coach Amy Bell said. “Tonight was no different. The girls gathered together and got the job done. I could not be prouder of the way they played and now we have a chance at a regional title on our home court.”
But the Lady Panthers rallied one final time.
Britney Trinidad had a kill down the middle and then Henry was called for four hits to the set at 20.
With the score tied at 22, a mishit from Ella Pyszka managed to fall for the Panthers and then Richardson’s kill made it 24-22 before Henry sent a shot into the net as the Panthers wrapped up the win.
“Putnam County came out strong,” Henry coach Hope Vinson said. “Defensively, they were outstanding and that was the difference in the game tonight. Long, hard rallies that the defense kept alive and got the points for Putnam
County.”
Putnam County was led by Wiesbrock with 33 digs, Richardson with 29 and Trinidad with 27, while Richardson added 14 kills and Trinidad had 18 assists.
Henry (29-6) was led by Taylor Frawley with 33 digs and Maya Johnson with 15, while Rachel Eckert had 14 digs and 27 assists and Schrock put down 14 kills.
Orion def. St. Bede 22-25, 25-22, 25-13: The Lady Bruins took the opening set behind outstanding net play from Kijah Lucas and Hannah Waskowiak and big hitting from Waskowiak and Nelle Potthoff.
The Chargers reversed the score in the second set and pulled away to victory in the third set.
“I think we got taken back by a few of their big shots,” St. Bede coach Nicole Trenka said. “We didn’t close the blocks as well in the third set as we did the first
two sets. We just let them get too much of a lead in that third set. I thought our big hitters did a really nice job tonight, but we just fell short in that third set.”
St. Bede (18-12-1) was led by Waszko-
Putnam County’s Broooklin Brown returns a serve from Henry-Senachwine during the Class 1A Regional semifinal game on Oct. 29 at Putnam County High School.
wiak with seven kills to go along with six from Lucy Potthoff. Lucas and Waszkowiak each had six blocks, Lily Bosnich had 15 digs and Ava Balestri had 16 assists.
Photos by Scott Anderson
Members of the Putnam County girls volleyball team (from left) Myah Richardson, Alyvia Wachowiak, Ella Pyszka, Briitney Trinidad, Sara Wiesbrock and Kennedy Holocker react after upsetting Henry-Senachwine during the Class 1A Regional semifinal game on Oct. 29 at Putnam County High School.
CLASSIFIED
SPORTSMAN AUCTIO N
The following items will be offered Live and On-Line by Public Auction located at Rediger Auction Service's Sportsman Facility, 109 N. King St., Wyanet, IL 61379 on:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
9 AM Preview 10 AM Auction
100+ lots of firearms plus 100+ lots of Ammunition & Sports man Items
Seller s: Cusack and Other s www.RedigerAuc tionService .com
815-699-7999
FOID CARD REQUIREDNOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS TRANSFERS DONE BY: FIVE OAKS CUSTOM GUNSMITHING 9754 TWNSHP RD, 1550 N, BRADFORD, IL 61421 Jeremy - Jon - Brik - Rick 309-883-1561 FiveOaksCustom@gmail.com
The Hostetler farm is located approximately 3.5 miles west of Yorktown, IL and is further described as being located in Section 9, T18N-R5E, Yorktown Township, Henry County, Illinois.
The Hostetler farm represents productive, tillable farmland in Henry County, IL. Nearly 100% tillable with the majority of the farm under irrigation. A great opportunity for farmers and investors!
KENT & LEILA HOSTETLER
Representing Attorney: Dan Condon Condon & Condon Law Office | (563) 659-3294 610 9th St., DeWitt, IA 52742 Auction Managers: Isaac Taber (309) 335-8081 & Luke Sullivan
KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025 AT 10:00 AMCT
207.94 TOTAL ACRES± • 3 TRACTS
The Runyon Family Trust real estate is located approximately 2.8 miles north of Yates City, IL. Access for Tract 1 is along 750 N, access for Tract 2 is along Knox Rd 2300 E and Knox Rd 700 N, and access for Tract 3 is along Knox Rd 2300 E. These tracts are further described as being located in Sections 25 & 26, T10N-R4E, Elba Township, Knox County, Illinois.
The Runyon Family Trust real estate represents high quality farmland in Knox County, IL. A great opportunity to add on to an existing farm operation or investment portfolio.
RUNYON FAMILY TRUST
DANIEL R. RUNYON & JAMES L. RUNYON, CO-TRUSTEES
Representing Attorney: Robert L. Potts | Whitney & Potts Ltd. 118 W Main St., Elmwood, IL 61529 | (309) 742-3611 Auction Managers: Isaac Taber (309) 335-8081 & Dan Sullivan
IN THE CIRCUIT C OU RT O F THE 10T H JUDICIAL CIRCU IT PU TNAM COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
Selene Finance L P; Plaintiff, vs.
John Allen Sieg a/k/a John Sieg; Lisa Jean Sieg; CitiFinancial Services, Inc. as Mortgagee Under Mortgage 002 109 53 55; Collection Professionals, Inc.; St. Margar et`s Hospital; Defendants.
Case No. 1 2 CH 2 1
Judge Presiding NOTICE OF JU DICIAL SALE OF RE AL ES TAT E MORTGAGE FORECLO SURE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Sheriff of Putnam, Illinois, w ill on December 11, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM at Putnam County Sheriff (lobby),120 N. Fourth Street, Hennepin, IL 61327, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Putnam , State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit:
C/K/A: 112 Saint Paul Street, Mark, IL 61340
PIN: 02-00-086-220; 02- 00-086- 230
The person to contact regarding information regarding this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1540, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W12- 3902. The terms of the sale are Cash. 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours. The property is im proved by: single family hom e.
The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale The real estate, together with all buildings and improvem ents thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms.
Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310)
Christopher J. Irk (6300084)
Cory J. Harris (6319221)
Tracey M. Coons (6311050)
The Wirbicki Law Group LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1540 Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312- 360- 9455 W12- 3902 pleadings.il@wirbickila w.com#irbickilaw.com I3 274 00 1 (Published Putnam C ount y Record Oct. 29, November. 5, 12, 202 5)
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUTNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE: The Estate of Stanley S. Shevokas Jr., Deceased Case # 2 5 PR 8 NO TICE TO CREDIT ORS OF CLAIM DATE
Notice is given of the death of Stanley S. Shevokas Jr., a resident of rural Granville, Putnam County, Illinois, who died on October 13, 2025, and that Letters of Office as Co-Executors were issued on October 23, 2025 to STANLEY J. SHEVOKAS III and SUSAN HOLOCKER, who may be contacted c/o their attorney as set forth below. Claims may be filed six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice of Claim Date or three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later, and any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Putnam County Courthouse, Hennepin, IL 61327, or with the Representatives c/o their attorney, or with both the Representatives and their attorney. Within ten (10) days after a claimant files its claim, if filed with the Court, the claimant must mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Representatives c/o their attorney of record AND file with the Court proof of mailing or delivery of said copies.
whichever is later, and any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Putnam County Courthouse, Hennepin, IL 61327, or with the Representatives c/o their attorney, or with both the Representatives and their attorney. Within ten (10) days after a claimant files its claim, if filed with the Court, the claimant must mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Representatives c/o their attorney of record AND file with the Court proof of mailing or delivery of said copies.
Dated October 23,, 2025 /s/ Scott A. Shore, Attorney for Executors
Scott A. Shore, Attorney At Law
227 E. Court St.P.O. Box 231 Hennepin, IL 61327
Tel. 815- 925- 7117
ShoreLaw And Mediation@gmail. com
(Published Putnam County Record
Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 2025) 2281944
Dated October 23,, 2025 /s/ Scott A. Shore, Attorney for Executors
Scott A. Shore, Attorney At Law
227 E. Court St.P.O. Box 231 Hennepin, IL 61327 Tel. 815- 925- 7117 ShoreLaw And Mediation@gmail. com
(Published Putnam County Record
Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 2025) 2281944
IN THE CIRCUIT C OU RT O F THE 10T H JUDICIAL CIRCU IT PU TNAM COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
Selene Finance L P; Plaintiff, vs. John Allen Sieg a/k/a John Sieg; Lisa Jean Sieg; CitiFinancial Services, Inc. as Mortgagee Under Mortgage 002 109 53 55; Collection Professionals, Inc.; St. Margar et`s Hospital; Defendants.
Case No. 1 2 CH 2 1
Judge Presiding NOTICE OF JU DICIAL SALE OF RE AL ES TAT E MORTGAGE FORECLO SURE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Sheriff of Putnam, Illinois, w ill on December 11, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM at Putnam County Sheriff (lobby),120 N. Fourth Street, Hennepin, IL 61327, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Putnam , State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit: LO TS 77 AND 78 IN THE ORIG INAL TOWN, NOW VILLAG E OF MARK, PU TN AM CO UNTY, ILLINO IS, EXCEPTIN G THEREFROM THE COAL UN DERLYING THE PREM ISES AN D THE RIGHT TO MINE AND REMO VE TH E SAME THROUGH UNDERG RO UND PASSAGES
C/K/A: 112 Saint Paul Street, Mark, IL 61340
PIN: 02-00-086-220; 02- 00-086- 230
The person to contact regarding information regarding this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1540, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W12- 3902. The terms of the sale are Cash 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours. The property is im proved by: single family hom e.
The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale The real estate , together with all buildings and improvem ents thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms.
Our Family Granulated Sugar 4# .......................... 2/$7 OF Canned and Stewed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce 14.5oz ............................................................. 5/$5
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Black Forest Ham
‘SPREAD YOUR WINGS’
Tonica native breaks gender gap at Oglesby Legion
By TOM COLLINS
The rural Tonica native had been a shy girl. Kathy (Ott) Lawyer kept such a low profile that one of her brothers once was asked, “Oh, you have a sister?”
That was one reason she surprised her family when she announced she was enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Nobody in her family had served in the military. She’d never left home or been on an airplane, let alone a ship. Where had this come from?
Kathy Lawyer, now of Oglesby, said she simply found the idea alluring
See on page (To)
Kathy Lawyer, who served in U.S. Navy from 1973-76, was sworn in as commander of Oglesby American Legion Post 237 on June 13, 2024. Lawyer is the post’s first female commander in its 102 years of existence. Past Commander Chuck Trovero (right) hands over the gavel.
Photo provided by Greg Baker
FROM U.S. ARMY TO OTTAWA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Brian Ksiazak follows family footsteps
By MARIBETH M. WILSON
Brian Ksiazak was in middle school when his father, a Naperville firefighter, was honored for saving a patient’s life.
He remembers the ceremony, the dinner, and the familiar faces of his father’s department. But it was a stranger’s face that stayed with him.
“This person went up and explained what happened,” Ksiazak said. “This is how long I was down for, this is when they first got me back… and it dawned on me. The person I’ve been sitting here with, ate dinner with — was the save.”
Now living in Grand Ridge, Ksiazak said that moment helped shape his commitment to community.
Raised in a service family in Joliet—the son of a teacher and a fireman—he knew early on he wanted to serve.
He enlisted in the Army during his senior year of high school, following the footsteps of both grandfathers, who served in the Army, and an uncle who served in the Navy.
“I just always wanted to enlist,” he said.
After high school, Ksiazak attended basic training in South Carolina. While some cadets struggled, he found it “kind of easy.”
“They broke everything down to the simplest level and taught you how to do it,” he said. “As long as you followed directions, you could adapt and learn.”
Following basic training, he went to Texas to become a veterinary food inspector specialist.
“Truthfully, I got lied to about there being medics in the reserves,” he said. “It was a medical job and I like food.”
As a food inspector, Ksiazak oversaw dining facilities and water safety at all Army bases, Navy bases and ships, and Marine bases.
During his 10 years in the Army, he served two deployments: Kuwait from 2018 to 2019 and Iraq from March to December 2024. He advanced from specialist to staff sergeant.
His proudest moment came during a mission running a no-cost clinic.
“We ran medical, dental, psychiatric, and veterinary services for a month,” Ksiazak said. “I spent those times doing vaccines, nail trimmings, and
heartworm tests. It made me realize how much we were helping because everyone was so grateful.”
The community supported them with homemade meals and coolers of ice and water to beat the summer heat.
Ksiazak continued his service locally by joining the Ottawa Fire Department between deployments after his older brother told him residency requirements had changed.
“It was honestly like the holy grail,” he said. “A fire department nearby that opened hiring to people who hadn’t gotten there yet.”
He was hired in September 2023 as a firefighter EMT and is currently completing paramedic school, which the department is funding.
“It is the best thing,” Ksiazak said. “I haven’t worked a single day in many years, because it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being with my second fam-
ily. I’m going to help people.”
Returning home in late 2024 was a special moment. Ksiazak surprised his wife, Alyssa, and their fivemonth-old daughter, Rory, at the Kris Kringle Market in Ottawa.
“It was a nice surprise,” he said. “It was the day before Christmas Eve. We got pictures with Santa the first day I was home.”
Ottawa Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Tieman said while he hasn’t had that much time with Ksiazak, as he was deployed after being hired, but in a short time, he has brought great joy, a sense of humor and personality to the firehouse.
“We live with each other for 48 hours at a time,” he said. “I don’t think he’s ever really met anybody he can truly call a stranger... The level of discipline and professionalism that was ingrained from the military carried over to the fire service.”
Scott Anderson
Veteran and Ottawa Fireman Brian Ksaizak, poses for a photo next to a fire engine on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at the Ottawa Fire Station.
PLAYING FOR UNCLE SAM
Ottawa Legion officer played tuba in U.S. Army bands
By TOM COLLINS
One of Tonya Willey’s challenges is getting veteran musicians, like her, to join the Ottawa American Legion. She said that if you played for Uncle Sam – as she did – then you served. You belong, too.
Willey is the finance officer for the Ottawa American Legion and got there after playing tuba for the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2002. The Ottawa Township High School graduate started in the U.S. Army Reserves and then signed up for active duty.
“I really like the camaraderie and serving my country,” she said. “I really believe in what the Constitution stands for and believe in defending that –making sure that future generations are entitled to the same liberties.”
It all fell into place for Willey, whose family was steeped in military service as well as music.
Her grandfather and his brothers were in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Her parents, Anthony and Cathy Willey, were serving in the U.S. Air Force when they met and married. Willey’s half-brother Mark also served in the Army.
Willey grew up in Ottawa, where she accompanied her mother after her parents’ divorce, and took up the flute in grade school. If she wasn’t a prodigy, she nonetheless showed enough aptitude to later expand to trombone, saxophone and tuba.
When first approached about enlisting, Willey initially said no – she wanted to go to college – but she left the door open to joining the reserves if they found her a chair in an ensemble. A spot was found in the 85th Infantry Division Band at now-closed Fort Sheridan.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Gahgan was her brass group leader at Fort Sheridan. Gahgan said Willey came in through a delayed entry program – tailored to easing high school students into military service – and, like most young adults, Willey faced a learning curve. Nevertheless, he recalled, Willey picked things up quickly.
“We could tell right from the start she was an excellent musician; it was our job to get her broken into the military side of things,” said Gahgan, a tuba player himself. “Once she started to train and drill
with us and get into the swing of things, she became a very valuable member of the unit.”
Once she was well-established, Willey decided active duty “would be fun.”
In active duty, she served at the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Fun it was. Yes, there were days when toting a sousaphone and sweating under blistering sun were tough – she and her comrades played all over the south and Great Plains – but there were concerts, marches and holiday programs where she could flash her musical skills and in service to the nation. It was the best of both worlds.
Willey might have opted to retire as an Army musician were it not for motherhood. When her enlistment ended, she had two sons and opted not to re-up. She would welcome a daughter after her honorable discharge.
Music and military service run in her bloodlines.
Her sons Karl and Nikolai both played French horn, and Karl is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Florida. Her daughter, Kalie, on the other hand, is not a musician but a standout athlete at IVCC.
For the past three years, Willey has been active at the American Legion, an experience she called “absolutely rewarding.”
“We don’t just engage with fellow veterans, we help our community,” said Willey, who owns an accounting practice in Ottawa. “We offer scholarships, help with the Boy Scouts and lots of youth organizations around here. We’re partnering with just, you know, helping out everywhere.”
Legion Commander Tom Przybyla said Willey is a driving force behind the post’s activities and outreach.
“She’s one of our assets,” he said. “She’s really on the ball.”
Tom Sistak
Tonya Willey is finance officer for the Ottawa American Legion and got there after playing tuba for the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2002. The Ottawa Township High School graduate started in the Army Reserves while still in high school.
