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PUTNAM COUNTY’S ONLY NEWSPAPER • putnamcountyrecord.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 • 50 CENTS
SPORTS
Home run! Lady Panthers are on the prowl in softball postseason. / 7
SPORTS
On route to regionals Panthers are on their way with two close wins. / 7
THE CLASS OF 2017!
LOCAL NEWS
PCR photo/Dave Cook
The 55 members of Putnam County High School’s Class of 2017 were all ready to celebrate after their graduation ceremony on May 19. SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT ON PAGE 2.
Helping us to help you Dear Putnam County Record Reader,
The 10-point plan Putnam County School District adopts new grading scale. / 3
PERSPECTIVE PCR Editor Terri
Simon asks 2017 graduates to color outside the lines. / 6
COMMUNITY See what Putnam
County communities have planned for Memorial Day. / 9
COMMUNITY Who won Hopkins Alumni Scholarships? / 12
We are proud to be your hometown newspaper. It is an honor we take very seriously, and we work hard to bring you the news from Putnam County and the Illinois Valley. Based on several conversations I’ve had with many of you, I’m confident you enjoy our publication and look forward to its arrival every week. The Putnam County Record is the county’s most widely-read weekly newspaper for many reasons. Some of you read our newspaper for local news, public meetings, social/education events and/or church happenings. Others enjoy our stories and views on area current events. Many of you rely on us for your grocery ads, real estate, financial and health information, as well as display and insert advertising from many businesses around the area.
Vol. 149 No. 39
One Section - 16 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
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We understand people read our newspaper for different reasons, and regardless of why you read this newspaper, we’re proud of our ability to provide it to you week after week — free of charge to more than 3,500 households in Putnam County for many, many years. When you think about the volume of local news and advertising we provide, we always do our best to give you a comprehensive newspaper that appeals to all of our readers. And when you consider our product is free, we are really proud of the products we produce — always with you in mind. While we expect to be able to continue to keep offering this service to you for many years to come, your help can make it easier. A voluntary donation in any amount will help us to keep providing you with the great coverage you’ve come to expect from the Putnam County Record. If you’d like
to make a voluntary payment toward your hometown newspaper, just use the enclosed envelope in today’s newspaper. It is addressed to our circulation department, which is housed in Sterling. Your check should be made to: The Putnam County Record. We value all of our readers, whether you make a voluntary donation or not. Please know you are not obligated to make a voluntary payment, and you will continue to receive the Putnam County Record regardless of whether you choose to contribute to this program or not. We look forward to continuing to serve you, our friends and readers. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at 815-875-4461, ext. 6330, or email me at tsimon@putnamcountyrecord.com. Thank you,
Terri Simon, editor Putnam County Record
Memorial Day • Monday, May 29 Parade starting at 8:45am from Am. Legion hall to the cemetery.
Pancake and sausage breakfast 7am-11am at the magnolia fire station Sponsored by the Magnolia Baseball/Softball Association