City of Peru
• High school seniors excelling in every aspect
• Unique Boutique highlights local vendors
• Cake recipes that may become family favorites
Four Sports and 4.0 GPAs 4
These two Henry-Senachwine High School students juggle many roles.
City of Peru 6
The city appreciates its female employees.
Unique Boutique 9
Holiday shopping made easy.
A Piece of Cake 11
These cake recipes will be crowd-pleasers.
PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE
Illinois Valley
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La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
General Manager/ Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com
Writers Katlyn Sanden
Alexia Serpette
Shannon Serpette
Photographer Shannon Serpette
Designer Liz Klein
4 Sports & 4.0 GPAs
These two Henry-Senachwine High School students juggle many roles
Story by Alexia Serpette
Not only are Rachel Eckert and Brooklynn Thompson killing it in all the sports they play, but these four-sport athletes are also grabbing every opportunity in life, too. Eckert and Thompson, both seniors at Henry-Senachwine High School, find time for good grades, volunteer work, and numerous clubs and organizations.
Both girls maintain grade point averages over 4.0, and Thompson ranks number one academically in her class. These athletes
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/MELISSA THOMPSON Brooklynn Thompson holds the plaque her Henry-Senachwine High School softball team earned for being sectional champions in 2025, while teammate Rachel Eckert jumps on her back for a picture.
or practice, or get right on it after the game or practice,” she said.
Eckert has participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball all four years. She was in cheerleading her freshman and sophomore years, and she’s been on the dance team for the last two years. Her high school clubs include Student Council, where she serves as treasurer; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; FFA, where she shows pigs; HSHS Gives Back; Art Club; Mallard Athletic Club National Honor Society; and Family Career and
“High school is more than just showing up and passing classes. It is your chance to explore, connect, and grow. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it.”
Rachel Eckert
breaks. She definitely helps me to not burn myself out and helps me stay organized. My dad loves to say, ‘Work before play,’ and that is something that helps me to focus on what I need to do,” Thompson said.
Even with a solid support system behind them, there are only 24 hours in a day. So, what’s the secret in their playbook for staying
Thompson’s game plan stems from “being personally competitive,” and staying focused on the end goal.
“I have always strived to be at the top, and I think a lot of my motivation comes from the pride that I know I will feel at the end,” she
Eckert’s strategy is first to earn good grades. After that, she said she has “the opportunity to spend time training and (give) back to my com-
Both athletes offered helpful tips to encourage others to stay motivated and on schedule.
“Prioritize, plan for crunch periods, and stay organized using a calendar to keep track of your assignments as well as your sports or other activities,” Eckert said.
“Don’t put things off until the last minute. If you have free time to do something, do it, even if others poke fun at you for doing so,” Thomp-
Keeping everything in perspective can also help students power through tough times and overpacked schedules.
“It is important to remember that while athletics may be a big part of your life, your athletic performance does not define you,” Thompson said. “A bad game doesn’t give you an excuse to slack off of everything else in your life, and being involved in the classroom is important whether or not you have a game that night.”
“High school is more than just showing up and passing classes. It is your chance to explore, connect, and grow. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it,” Eckert said.
The City of Peru appreciates
Story
arah Raymond, the police chief for the City of Peru, is thriving in a position that is traditionally held in many communities by a male – and she is grateful for the support shown to her.
“The community members have always been welcoming and inviting, especially to someone who is not originally from here. My experience as a police officer in Peru has been like no other, and I appreciate all the city has done for me in the past 22 years,” Raymond said.
“I’ve always felt welcomed by other depart-
ment heads, the city council, and the mayor, and feel that they have a great respect for me not only as a person but also as a Chief of Police,” she added.
Raymond is one of 21 female employees who work for the City of Peru. The other women working there include Trina Stevens, Susan Data, Stephanie Piscia, Mary Kramer, Allison Fusinatto, Ann Riva, Melissa Carruthers, Loran Goskusky, Linda Frederick, Tracy Mitchell, Kendra King, Allison Shaddix, Jordan Mitchell, Crystal Smith, Kim Reese, Christie DeGroot, Michelle Wagner,
All 21 of the City of Peru’s female employees are pictured with Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski.
and photo by Shannon Serpette
appreciates its female employees
Jeri Etscheid, Amy Sines, and Laura Mateika.
Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski is proud that Peru has so many women on staff across different departments.
“We have an unbelievable team here,” he said. “They are here because they are talented – not because they are women.”
When hiring employees, Kolowski doesn’t want to know the name of the applicant when he is looking at their credentials because he doesn’t want bias to be a part of any hiring decision. That process has worked well so far. He points to Raymond as an example
of someone hired by Peru because she was the best candidate for the job.
“She’s not here because she’s a woman. She just happens to be one,” Kolowski said. “Everybody’s the same here. No favoritism either way.”
Kolowski was proud, however, that Peru broke some barriers when Raymond was hired as police chief, becoming the first woman police chief in LaSalle County history. He hopes that the progress doesn’t stop there.
See PERU page 8
“I would love to see a female mayor (in Peru) someday,” he said.
Raymond would like to be an example who can inspire other women who want to be police officers.
“My time here has allowed me to excel as a woman in policing, and I hope that it shows other women that they, too, can excel in this profession. This career in the City of Peru has provided me with a firm foundation to advance in my career,” she said.
Raymond also takes on a mentorship role for other women officers.
“Within the department, I make sure the women working there know that they are valued, that they are respected by their peers, hopefully show them how to earn the respect of their peers, and treat them as they should be treated – valued members of our department and the City of Peru,” she said.
Tracy Mitchell, the finance director for the City of Peru, has been employed there for more than 9 years.
“It’s a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. I enjoy the cross-functionality and the opportunity to work with people from different areas. I appreciate the efforts made to make the workplace support-
including challenges and lessons learned. I learn just as much from other women. It’s about mutual respect and support for both professional relationships and meaningful progress within the city,” she added.
Kimberly Reese, the human resources director for Peru, has been working for the city for 25 years, under the
Since Reese has been working for the city for so long, she’s had a front-row seat to witness the evolution of women in the workplace there.
ive, especially for women,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell is happy to help other women and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from them as well.
“I am always available for informal discussions and to offer advice navigating the culture and career development within the City of Peru. I am always open to share my own experiences,
“I would love to see a female mayor (in Peru) someday.”
Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski
leadership of three different mayors.
“We really have such a great team of people here, a lot of talent, and strong work ethics. I also value the support and respect that I receive from the mayor and city council,” she said. “I can certainly say that city hall has a great work environment that consists of teamwork and camaraderie.”
“When I started here, we had females work in mostly clerical positions, and that has now transcended into females working as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and department heads. I have had the pleasure of congratulating the first female patrol officer to be sworn in and have gotten to congratulate her several times again as she moved up the ranks and ultimately be appointed our chief of police. I was equally proud to see one of our female staff accountants be promoted to the director of finance,” Reese said.
Dance classes for all ages
Unique Boutique
offering holiday shopping made easy
hose who are overwhelmed by holiday shopping or enjoy finding a one-of-a-kind item for that special person may want to check out Unique Boutique this season.
Unique Boutique, located at the Peru Mall through December, offers handmade treasures from over 25 local vendors. Some of their current offerings include tie blankets and pillows, sublimation tumblers, glass tumblers, earrings, home décor, lamps, table runners, baskets, coloring book carrying cases, bags, backpacks, candles, crochet items, doll and goose clothes, signs, decorative bricks, flavored mustard, jams, hot cocoa bombs, car freshies, woodworking, and jewelry.
“I wanted to make my store cute, warm, and inviting,” said owner and founder Sammi Sarosinski. “We try to make it easy for people to shop who don’t know what they’re looking for.”
Sarosinski said she incorporates all of the handmade items and displays them through-
out the store, grouped together to give people ideas on several gifting options. She thinks that may be what sets her apart from other shops, because her store looks and feels like an actual boutique, but with 98 percent handmade items. This combination makes everything unique and special, she said.
“I don’t know how I’ve figured out to make stuff people like, but they do,” Sarosinski said. “It probably has to do with my past retail experience and helping people find things they want. I do enjoy it. You meet some really cool people. If you would’ve asked me 17 years ago if this is where I’d be, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Nearly 20 years ago, Sarosinski was working retail at a store in the Peru Mall. She thrived on the chaos that holiday shoppers can sometimes bring, but also enjoyed spending her weekends shopping at local vendor markets, where her love for crafting took off.
Unique Boutique is now located in the Peru Mall through December for shoppers’ holiday needs.
Story by Katlyn Sanden
Boutique
“When my daughter was in preschool, she wanted a tutu,” Sarosinski said. “My friend and I went to a vendor show, and they wanted $45 for them. I was a young mom and couldn’t afford $45 for something she’d play in once and never use again. We thought we could make this cheaper and we did.”
A roll of tulle and elastic later, a tutu was
created and a dream was born. That first year Sarosinski made tutus in every color and created hair bows to go with them. She started out at Burgoo and has since added several surrounding craft and vendor shows to her repertoire throughout the spring and summer months.
With so much success and connections made at area vendor shows, the Unique Boutique opened nearly 7 years ago in the Peru Mall. With items curated from some of the best crafters and makers in the Illinois Valley, there is sure to be something for everyone.
“We have such a variety of products, and we also have a variety of ages of our vendors. We have as young as 7 through almost 80 years old,” co-owner Cathy Sarosinski said.
“I think it’s cool to have so many people say their daughter is in high school, but she wore your bows when she was little, and now we’ve gifted them to our friend’s little girls,” Sarosinski said.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Unique Boutique offers a variety of baked goods, including flavored mustards and jams.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Unique Boutique also offers customization on several items.
A Piece Of Cake
These cake recipes will be crowd-pleasers
By Shannon Serpette
Whether you’re having a small get-together at your house or going to a big party, cake is always welcome. People of all ages love it, and one cake can feed many people. If you’re tired of your usual cake recipes, here are some tried-and-true favorites to make.
Carrot Cake Bars
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Topping Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream sugar and oil together. Add one teaspoon vanilla and the eggs and beat well. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and mix well. Fold in the nuts and the carrot.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Cool completely. Beat the margarine, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy and spread on cooled bars.
Pumpkin Roll Cake
CAKE INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on a towel)
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
FILLING INGREDIENTS
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 15- by 10-inch jelly roll pan and line with wax paper or parchment paper. Grease and flour the paper, and sprinkle a thin kitchen towel or a sheet of foil with the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Beat the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin and add the flour mixture, stirring in. Spread the batter into the lined pan.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes (if you’re using a dark pan, check at 11 minutes) or until the top of the cake springs back if you touch it. Immediately loosen the cake and turn it onto the prepared kitchen towel or sheet of foil. Peel off the paper slowly off the cake and roll the cake and towel up together, using the narrow end. Allow it to cool. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese, one cup of powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla with a mixer until smooth. Slowly unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese mixture over it, and reroll the cake. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when serving, if desired.
Fudge Cinnamon Cake
INGREDIENTS
2 cups sifted flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
7 tablespoons baking cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
Sift together flour and sugar in a bowl. Mix together butter, cocoa, and water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Slowly pour the mixture over flour and sugar, blending with an electric mixer. Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and cinnamon, and mix well. Spread in a greased 15 by 10-inch jelly roll pan or a smaller pan (but make sure to increase baking time accordingly).
Bake in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes or until done. Cool in pan on rack. Frost with chocolate fudge frosting.
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter or margarine
5 tablespoons baking cocoa powder
6 tablespoons milk
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the cocoa powder and milk and stir well. Boil the mixture and then remove it from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat or stir until smooth.
