Putnam County Record_07052023

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Pantry hands out annual 4th of July picnic baskets

About 60 volunteers helped with the effort, including a visit from Uncle Sam

By JAYCE EUSTICE jeustice@shawmedia.com

Hall Township Food Pantry handed out hundreds of picnic baskets to local families Wednesday as part of its annual

Fourth of July distribution. Several years ago, the pantry began the tradition of setting aside the last Wednesday of June for distribution of foods considered picnic fare. About 60 volunteers helped with the effort and the

pantry collected basket sponsors, including a visit from Uncle Sam.

The baskets included hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, salads, beans, chips, ketchup, mustard, cheese and pickles, among other items.

Photos by Jayce Eustice – jeustice@shawmedia.com

TOP: Volunteers began preparing the baskets weeks in advance as the Hall Township Food Pantry expected about 300 families to utilize the distribution Wednesday. ABOVE: The Hall Township Food Pantry provided items Wednesday for a holiday picnic including hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, salads, beans, chips, ketchup, mustard, cheese and pickles, among other items. LEFT: The Hall Township Food Pantry conducted its annual Fourth of July distribution on Wednesday at 500 N. Terry St. in Spring Valley.

OSF: Peru hospital could be reopened by Thanksgiving

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

The closed Peru hospital will become OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru – it will remain a sister hospital to Ottawa – and it should open by Thanksgiving.

Once OSF HealthCare actually acquires it, that is.

An OSF executive said the network has not actually closed a deal to acquire the property from St. Margaret’s Health. A.J. Querciagrossa, CEO Western Region, said he’s confident OSF will do so, but meanwhile there are regulatory hurdles to contend with.

“There are many, many, many steps that have to be taken to get that open,” he said.

But OSF does have a timeline. The two clinics in Peru – on Midtown Road and Route 251 – and one in Granville will be open by July 31.

The Midtown Road plaza will be the primary care hub for the La Salle-Peru area, featuring a prompt care/urgent care with X-ray on site, expected to be open 12 hours a day. Spring Valley patients can go there or to Granville while OSF seeks a Spring Valley clinic.

“We don’t own any buildings in Spring Valley yet,” Querciagrossa said.

And the former Illinois Valley Community Hospital will be opened some time between mid-October and mid-November. Though the sale or property transfer between St. Margaret’s Health and OSF is not yet complete, OSF is proceeding with the regulatory approval. Ahead is an Aug. 15 hearing before the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. If approved, the Peru hospital will be 60 to 90 days from opening.

Querciagrossa said Peru will not simply be an emergency room but rather a multi-service hospital, though some services have yet to be sorted. Regarding obstetrics, for example, OSF’s labor and delivery unit will

remain in Ottawa – “We just got it moved and we’re not going to disrupt that,” he said – but OSF does foresee extending pre-natal and post-natal care to Peru.

OSF has an urgent message for Illinois Valley residents: If you have not yet procured your records, send for them. For all intents and purposes, anyone with records in the St. Margaret’s system should consider themselves new patients and should furnish their OSF provider with records.

“We do not have any of your medical records,” Querciagrossa said. “We need you to request them.”

Regulatory approval may be pend-

ing, but OSF has been busy at the hiring table. As of June 26, OSF has hired 266 healthcare workers from St. Margaret’s – plus 41 physicians and advanced practice providers – and they’re not finished.

“We still have over 150 open positions and will be hiring, as we open up services and as the timelines become more definitive.”

Some physicians will go to the Peru and Granville clinics while others have temporary locations in other OSF facilities. To find out where your provider is located, call 844-673-2778.

Querciagrossa said the healthcare landscape remains uncertain but OSF is committed to providing care long-term in the area voided by St. Margaret’s.

“This was predictable. This is happening across the country. This is not happening only in the Illinois Valley. We are going to sustain and make health care better in the Illinois Valley.”

Scott Anderson file photo – sanderson@shawmedia.com

The closed Peru hospital will become OSF St. Elizabeth-Medical Center in Peru – it will remain a sister hospital to Ottawa – and it should open by Thanksgiving.

There are many, many, many steps that have to be taken to get that open.”

A.J. Quercigrossa, CEO Western Region at OSF HealthCare

Hennepin man sentenced to 6 years for heroin, sex offender compliance charges

Shaw Local News Network

Justin J. Hash, 41, of Hennepin, was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for a Class 1 felony of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver heroin and two years for the Class 3 felony of failing to report a change of address as a sex offender.

The two sentences will run consecutive to each other.

The Spring Valley Police Department received information Hash no longer was living at his listed address in Spring Valley.

An investigation was conducted and multiple witnesses confirmed Hash had moved out of the registered address on Dec. 3, 2021, and never reported

his change with the SVPD after moving.

The Princeton Police Department also received information Hash had a warrant for his arrest and was at a business in Princeton.

Princeton police located Hash and as he was being placed under arrest, he pulled out a bag from his pocket and dropped it, the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

The substance later was determined to contain heroin, and based on the packaging and the weight, it was indicative of having the intent to deliver.

The case was heard by Bureau County Judge James Andreoni and presented by State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick.

Marshall-Putnam Fair seeks help updating its museum

The Marshall-Putnam Fair is seeking help from the local community to put together this year’s Marshall-Putnam Fair Museum.

The organization wants to change the displays and is looking to tell the story about the work and creation of what goes into holding the annual fair.

There are several past community members who have passed and the organization is hoping their families would be interested in putting together a display for a table.

This year’s museum will be called ”Remembering Those who Helped to Build our Fair Memories of Yesteryear.”

For information or to volunteer, call Brandi Lequia at 309-238-3939.

Freedom House to hold Every Shoe has a Story events in Princeton, Lacon, Kewanee

Freedom House will hold three Every Shoe has a Story events from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 17, at 440 Elm Place in Princeton, 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 24, at 544 Tenney St. in Kewanee and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 31, at 415 Fifth St. in Lacon.

The events are free for youth ages 6 through 17 and will teach communication skills that will help them empathize with other people’s experiences and points of view.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Registration is required by July 8. To reserve a spot, call Nicole Frank at 815-872-0087 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pocket of Blessings Ministry to host annual teacher prayer July 18

The Pocket of Blessings Ministry invites all local administrators, teachers, assistants and school staff to the second annual Teacher Prayer and Blessing event from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the Princeton Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 20018 County Road. 1950 N. in Princeton. The event will include a continental breakfast followed by a short time of prayer and blessing for the attendees.

The group also will hand out goodies as a thank you for all that the teachers and staff do. Those who would like to attend the event are encouraged to send a message to pocketofblessings2019@yahoo.com to ensure that enough food and goodies are provided.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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North Central Behavioral offers mental health services

Shaw Local News Network

North Central Behavioral Health Systems is offering the following services to support those in need of behavioral health care or experiencing a mental health crisis in the wake of the recent Spring Valley and Peru hospital closures.

For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, the agency offers walk-in crisis evaluation from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at its La Salle office, 2960 Chartres St and an after hours crisis assistance by calling 815-224-1610, or 988.

For those in need of ongoing behavioral health treatment and care because of the closure of the Hygienic and St. Margaret’s outpatient clinics, call 815224-1610 to schedule an appointment. When calling to schedule let the receptionist know you had been receiving

Pam Horwitz elected to Freedom House Board of Directors

Horwitz served the local community in many roles

Shaw Local News Network

Freedom House announced that Pam Horwitz has been elected to a three-year term on its board of directors.

treatment through one of St. Margaret’s facilities for behavioral health care.

North Central Behavioral Health Systems remains committed to serving those in need of behavioral health treatment by offering outpatient individual therapy, case management and substance use treatment, no matter their background or payment method.

“[Horwitz’s] business expertise ranges far and wide, including stints as executive director for the American Corn Growers Institute for Public Policy and a fellowship at the Mid-America Regional Public Health Leadership Institute,” Executive Director Michael Zerneck said.

Horwitz also is a former restaurateur of the Four and Twenty Cafe.

“Freedom House founder Nedda Simon is my friend and mentor,”

Horwitz said. “From humble beginnings in 1983, she and the agency staff and board have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the communities and families they serve. I want to be part of that mission.”

Horwitz said that she hopes to help the agency by providing development support, strategic planning and policy and advocacy work.

Freedom House is the domestic and sexual violence agency for Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties in Illinois. Headquartered in Princeton they have satellite offices in Geneseo, Kewanee, Cambridge and Lacon,

Pam Horwitz

Photo provided by Eric Ginnard North Central Behavioral Health Systems is offering services to support those in need of behavioral health care.

BPART releases 2023 public transportation survey results

83% of respondents were from Bureau County

Shaw Local News Network

After hearing from 48 participants in 2022, a total of 195 people responded to the 2023 survey from the Bureau-Putnam Area Rural Transit. The survey was available to riders who made a reservation in 2022 and was also available at public locations and online.

Riders were first asked about their county of residence. Of those responses, 83% of respondents live in Bureau County, 10% in Putnam County and 6% in La Salle County.

When broken down by ZIP code, the majority of riders live in Princeton (50%) and Spring Valley (13%). The remaining riders were from Bureau, Dover, Granville, Hennepin, Kewanee, Ladd, LaMoille, La Salle, Magnolia, Malden, Manlius, Mark, McNabb, Oglesby, Ohio, Peru, Putnam, Seatonville, Sheffield, Tiskilwa, Walnut and Wyanet.

According to this survey, 62% of the riders are age 60 and older, 15% are 50 to 59, 9% are between 40 and 49, 6% are ages 30 to 39, and 6% are 20 to 29. BPART reports that 2% of riders are under the age of 20 and the percentage of riders aged 60 and older has increased from 33% from the previous year.

When asked if the rider had access to a valid driver’s license and a functioning vehicle that is licensed and insured, 72% of the riders responded they did not have this access, an

increase from 56% from the previous year.

Riders were asked if they would use WiFi on the vehicles: 36% of the customers replied yes, 64% stated no.

According to the survey, 87% of the riders said they do not use the touchless punch card system. Survey respondents older than 60 are not required to pay a fee. There were 25 respondents who currently use the touchless punch card system.

All of the survey results listed English as the rider’s primary spoken language.

When asked why a rider did not use BPART in the last six months, 22% said the trip was out of BPART’s service area, 17% missed the reservation cut-off time, 9% needed service before or after operational hours, 6% stated the trip wasn’t a BPART scheduled date for Peoria or Ottawa and 2% could not afford the fare.

The last question pertained to a rider’s interest in being part of a group that meets regularly to discuss public transportation in the region.

Most riders replied no at 83%, 13% said they would contact BPART for more information and 4% said yes. To date, one rider has reached out with interest in being part of an advisory group.

BPART thanked those who took the time to offer feedback. If you have an interest in learning more about participation in a local transportation advisory group, contact Amber Biddix, director of transportation, at 877-8748813 or by email at abiddix@gateway-services.org.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

After hearing from 48 participants in 2022, a total of 195 people responded to the 2023 survey from the Bureau-Putnam Area Rural Transit. The survey was available to riders who made a reservation in 2022 and was also available at public locations and online.

Tapatios now serving Mexican dishes in Ottawa

Mexican restaurant also set to open in La Salle

EYES ON ENTERPRISE

Stephanie Jaquins

Tapatios opened this month at 3005 Columbus St. in Ottawa.

The menu includes traditional Mexican dishes and can be viewed on Tapatio’s Facebook page.

Dine in and carry out are available, as well as patio and bar seating. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The lunch menu runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Tapatios location was built originally to house Starbucks. After the Starbucks closed, Furlong’s Sports Grill opened in 2019 at the location, then the Black Eyed Susan Sports Lounge.

A sign placed in front of the former Arby’s in La Salle in April also announced a second Tapatio’s location. No opening date has been announced.

Home decor store opens in Streator

A new furniture and home decor

store opened this month at 409 E. Main St., Suite 1, in downtown Streator.

Cottage Lane Home Decor is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The business takes the storefront once held by Primrose Boutique. Go to https://www.facebook.com/cottagelane.streator for more information.

Polancic’s introduces shipping option for porks

You can now enjoy a Polancic’s pork tenderloin from anywhere in the country.

Polancic’s Meat Market & Tenderloins recently announced their popular breaded pork tenderloins are available for shipping on their website. To learn more about shipping and to place an order, visit polancics.com.

Locally, they can purchased from the store at 412 W. Norris Drive, Ottawa. The porks also can be found at many local restaurants.

Boggio’s owners announce sale

Boggio’s Orchard and Produce owners Keith and Denise Boggio recently announced the sale of their Granville business.

In a Facebook post on the business’ page, Joe and Christine Migliorini were announced as the new owners of the

orchard and produce farm at 12087 Highway 71.

Joe, the Boggio’s nephew, looks forward to keeping the operation in the Boggio family while continuing to provide the same great experience the family has worked to build, read the post.

The Migliorinis are Putnam County natives with a 1-year-old son, Geo, who already shows excitement when he comes to the orchard.

“They are appreciative of the immense support they have received so far in the new endeavor,” read the post. “They look forward to meeting you and are excited for the season ahead!”

After more than 30 years, the Boggios are looking forward to some well-deserved rest and time with family. They are grateful for the support and loyalty their customers have shown over the years.

Former St. Margaret’s doctor joins Arukah

Dr. Benjamin Shepherd has joined Arukah Institute of Healing, 1916 N. Main St., Princeton.

Shepherd will continue to provide psychiatric care to patients he served as part of St. Margaret’s Health and is accepting a limited number of new patients.

Call 815-872-2943 to schedule an appointment.

Arukah is not affiliated with SMH operations and SMH’s closing locations did not impact its services or operations. Arukah began a partnership with SMH in 2021 to offer a range of behavioral health services. The two organizations operated independently of each other as Arukah is proceeding with operations in its Princeton location.

Axe throwing available at Ottawa bar and grill

Axetreme Throwing is also located at Berta’s Tap, 616 Clinton St., Ottawa. Two axe lanes are set up in the outdoor portion of Berta’s.

Axetreme Throwing opened last year at 204 E. Walnut St., Oglesby. For more information, find Berta’s or Axetreme Throwing on Facebook.

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IVCC ACADEMIC HONORS SPRING 2023

For the spring 2023 semester, the following students were named to the Academic Honors list at Illinois Valley Community College.

Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 in six or more semester hours, listed by hometown are:

Amboy: Jensen Lewis;

Ancona: Shay Wilcoxen;

Arlington: Bella Drummer, Lisa Grisham;

Bradford: Chase Wright;

Buda: Bo Blair;

Cedar Point: Zachary Haeffner, Kinnason Jackson;

Cherry: Emily Robbins;

Compton: Talya Schwaergerman, Mikayla Seablom;

Dalzell: Kristin Marsh, Lilliana Orlandi;

DePue: Antonio Acosta, Diego Garcia, Anthony Hernandez, Guadalupe Hurtado, Emily Marquez, Giovanni Rios, Angie Toledano;

Dover: Gracie Pollok;

Dwight: William Milton;

Earlville: Madeleine Anderson, Trisha Askin, Sarah Bresser, Elizabeth Browder, Brandon

Bruce, Logan Fahr, Emily Harness, Emma Kamin; Liam McGann, Morgan Myre, George Richter, Tai Sheehan, Avery Strohm, Cody Swanson;

Gardner: Peyton Enerson;

Grand Ridge: Ruben Alvarado, Brian

Gutierrez, Randi Heth, Hayden Marvin, Alexis McKinnie;

Granville: Jennifer Alvarado, Tori Balma, Cale

Charbonneau, Emma Colle, Adam Currie, Kyle

Edgcomb, Benjamin Johll, Jordan Lieske, Drayson O’Connell, Luke Story, Isaac Wujek, McKenzie Yarger, Ferdese Zulbeari;

Hennepin: Mikenna Boyd, Matthew Burr, Logan Cogdal, Jessie Grandadam, Olivia

Holmes, Ryan Hundley, Tonia Lester, Emma Nicoli, Luke Pederson, Molly Roach, Haven Sittler;

Henry: Jeremy Glenn, Amsal Jakupi, George Pozeg;

Hollowayville: Faith Rutgens; Jonesville: Joshua Hobson;

LaMoille: Danny Blackburn, Brian Edwards, Austin Fischer, Brianna Lipe, Wyatt Lundquist, Harley Lurz, Raven McSherry, Collette Motter, Abriana Powers;

La Salle: John Brady, Ryan Brady, Jackelyn

Carreon, Aurora Castelli, Ismael Ceballos, Latrell Coulter, Joshua Dickey, Riker Fesperman,

Madison Flatness, Alyssa Franklin, Autumn Franklin, Christina Fuentes, Nathan Gonzalez, Hannah Hubinsky, Jayden Huebbe-Faso, Mason Hurst, Landon Jackson, Rawland Jasi, Ryne Kerschke, Zackary Kimball, Jesse Lasik, Gianna Lopez, Miranda Mazzorana, Sierra Medina, Alejandro Mesa, Emily Mitchell, Ruby Mondragon, Arturo Moreno, Vanessa Nikischer, Stefanie Raffety, Zachary Riggenbach, Dylan Salz, James Sanchez, John Scassiferro, Khristina Scassiferro, Dylana Shankle, Sandra Shankles, Leah Smudzinski, Kevin Stachowicz, Rilee Sterling, Thomas Swartz, Celeste Thompson, Niles Tremper, Emma Woulfe;

Lacon: Barrett Austin, Austin Bickel, Peyton Fox, Lucas Lambrecht;

Ladd: Jacob Doonan, Hanna Goetz, Kyler Lapp, Andrea Lee, Michael McCutcheon, Zachary Tieman, Alec Vecchia, Paige Worden; Leland: Erick Cole, Brooklynn Guelde; Leonore: Peyton Baker, Mollie Wiesbrock; Long Point: Lacee Essman, Christian Rhodes, Delorian Weidert;

Lostant: Chase Kreiser, Lucas Wiesbrock;

Magnolia: Jolene Bobinski, Camrie Kuehn, Ross Redman;

Malden: Katherine Fiste;

Mark: Aidan DeGroot, Lauren Faletti;

Marseilles: Tyler Arroyo, Alexandrea Beyer, Neil Brudnak, Alannah Casey, Samuel Churchill, Ashton Collins, Jonathan Covert, Grant Feiner, Juliana Graves, Faith Hawley, Emma Heiser, Ashlin Jackson, Kailey Johnson, Alana Jones, Anthony King, Jennifer Knudson, Lauren Machetta, Megan Machetta, Sarah McAlpine, Kara McCloskey, Sarah McMickens, Raymond Nichols-Hisle, Ryan Nolasco, Reese Puleo, John Salz, Luke Sangston, Trinity Schlappi, Hailey Smith, Suzanne Spreitzer, Taylor Stenzel, Dominic Traina, Olivia Vangelisti;

Mazon: Anastasie Farcus, Christopher Poyner, Gracie Steffes, Samantha VandeVelde, Lilliana Wise;

McNabb: Gabriella Smith;

Mendota: Daisy Arteaga, Edgar Arteaga, Vanessa Bailey, William Bentley, Vanessa Bermudez, Melaina Bierwirth, Shelby Boege, Logan Brandner, Jenny Brown, Maricia Cocanour, Daisy Contreras, Alyssa Engels, Isabelle Escatel, Mauricio Escatel, Marisol Felix, Alexis Finley, Zoe Finley, Analiyah Flores, Lillian Gehant, Zoe Hanson, Ian Hiebing, Nicholas

Hochstatter, Katlyn Jenner, Landon Kreiser, Abigail Kunz, Karliann Miars, Lizabeth Miller, Izabella Nanez, Cody Nettleton, Alayna Nosalik, Carlos Olivas, Yasmine Orozco Godinez, Mia Preciado, Lizbeth Quintana, Theran Schmitt, Emma Schultz, Allison Stewart, Emily Stewart, Kyle Walzer, Garret Zinke; Minonk: Garrett Nix; Morris: Jacob Witthuhn; Naplate: Noah Setser;

Oglesby: Kylie Ambrose, Virginia Anderson, Savannah Bernhardt, Patricia Black, Cam Calkins, Abby Drewel, Allayna Elnicki, Callan Hueneburg, Kaitlyn Kelly, Brett Knoblauch, Rileigh Lemmer, Nancy Martinez, Paola Martinez, Kalei McCague, Grace Mertel, Ava Pagakis, Abraham Pantoja-Burgos, Angela Partridge, Teresa Pini, Quinn Pleskovitch, Abigail Ruppert, Elizabeth Shaw, Bella Soens, Ivy Soens, Ava Stone, Maddison VanZuiden, Mia Waters, Noah Wells, Jack Wheeler; Ohio: Anna McDonald, Donald Reuter; Ottawa: Jenna Andersen, Ashley Anderson, Chesney Auter, Samuel Barron, Ariana Bass, Richard Bautista, Timothy Bayer, Ella Biggins, Emily Brandis, Jacob Brewer, Tyler Brewick, Joseph Burke, Jonathan Bybee, Kailey Cap, William Carlson, John Cheli, Makenna Chiaventone, Rebecca Conner, Ayla Conrad, Jonathan Cooper, Joshua Cruz, Gino DeFlorio, Stephanie Debolt, Chirstopher Degner, Claire Dewalt, Aidan Doorhy, Grace Dose, Travis Dougherty, Sara Duchon, Dayana Esparza,

Jaycie Frederick, Emma Gerkitz, Cheyenne Goetsch, Tres Guerrero, Leonel Gutierrez, Riley Haage, Kerrigan Hagi, Michaela Harsh, Morgan Hoechbauer, Alora Hyatt, Micki Lynn Johnson, Kaylee Killelea, Sadie Kjellesvik, Nalani Kosin, Mary Lechtenberg, Danielle Lyons, Maisie Lyons, Kain MacFadgen, Haley Marques, Justus Mason, Nicole Morones, Lily Nanouski, Nathaniel Nelson, Paisley Nixon, Hunter Owens, Catherine Reynolds, November Rhodes, Emma Rinearson, Nora Rinearson, Haley Roalson, Araceli Rodriguez, Destiny Rosales, Gavin Sandoval, Reagan Shea, Sarah Smith, Jenna Smithmeyer, Xochitl Solano, Melanie Stisser, Kylie Strickland, Jared Stringham, Zachary Swart, Tessa Thiry, Jessica Tongate, Noah Underhill, Adriana Vercolio, Emma Walker, Griffin Walker, Makensey Walker, Baizan Wang, Matthew Wiggins, Tiffany Willet, Cassie Williams, Jacob Wojtowicz, Janice Yanko, Baxter Zander;

Peru: Jaclyn Brucki, Hailey Bryan, Hope Christmann, Jennifer Cortes, Kelli Cousins, Abner Cruz, Kayveon Dickerson, Robert Duckworth, Emily Eitutis, Addison Ernat, Trinity Ferrell, Zachary Frank, Perla Garcia, Meagen Gillan, Matthew Goodbred, Kyle Hancock, Arianna Heersink, Lacey Juergensen, Sydney Kasperski, Madison Keffer, Nicholas Kerasotes, Macy Kolowski, Alex Kosciewicz, Eric Lane, Jordyn Lashure, Tyler Lucas, Amber Lynch, Kailey McCauley, Olivia McCauley,

See IVCC HONORS, page 10

• IVCC HONORS

Continued from page 9

Melinda Mealer, Lawrence Miller, Jose

Antonio Moscosa, Morgan Nawa, Brandon

Novotney, Riley O’Brien, Kaedyn Oberholtz, Michael Olle, Snezana Pavlovich, Bilkize Purelku, Madison Rahberg, Justice Rodriguez, Ashley Rossman, Elijah Safranek, Vincent Schultz, Alexandra

Stevens, Gage Swiskoski, Bich Tran, Kurtis Vlastnik, Ella Ware, Nicholas Wollack, Connor Woods, Sydnee Wright, Hannah Zera; Princeton: Lizbehte Arellano-Garcia, Elizabeth Arkels, Courtney Atkinson, Emma Baker, Alexia Bouslog, Kiana Brokaw, Tiara Brokaw, Cayla Colby, Olivia Colmone, Jylene Cortez, Kelly Devert, Jordan Eggers, Carson Etheridge, Lauren Frost, Roger Garrett, Isabelle Gerber, Gabriel Glass, Fernando Hernandez-Campos, Connor Hickey, Mariah Hobson, Isabella Ibarra, Lily Ann Keutzer, Hensley Leach, Isaac Legner, Allie Leone, Brooke Lovgren, Dylan Lovgren, Mallori Manna, Jack May, Patrick McKeown, Rigoberto Mendez, Matthew Mesick, Christy Michael, James Mott, Logan Mueller, Robert Nelson, Kailey Patterson, Karter Patterson, Terran

Polhemus, Larry Ramer, Joel Renner, Sophia Rucinski, Colton Schafer, Noah Simon, Joyce Smith, Rebecca Smith, Zoe Starkey, Veronica Gen Digma Tirao, Annaca Watson, Dean Welte, Anthony Wendling, Roxanne West, Isabella Whitfield, Emma Wittig, Allyssa Woolley; Putnam: Kristopher Lee, Wyatt Workman; Ransom: Grace Blickensderfer, Carley Brewick-Pointer, Denver Trainor; Rutland: Danielle Densing; Seatonville: Shechinah Ridley, Victor Romero, Avril Ruiz; Seneca: Marissa Aguilar, Ashley Alsvig, Madison Applebee, Kiersten Barr, Sierra Culbertson, Ella Gilbertson, Michelle Govea, Timothy Hawley, Teagan Johnson, Leslie Klicker, Gabrielle Maxwell, Maggie McDonald, Taylor Mino, Brayden Roe, Reese Sanburg, Alexis Sprinkel, Avery Stiegler, Harleigh Varland, Maveric Varland, Maximilian Walker, Christopher Scott, Taylor Staton; Sheffield: Matthew Foes; Sheridan: Reese Cole, Mikayla Durland, Hannah Ernat, Lindsey Kaufmann, Meredyth Watts, Karly Westvig, Charles Woods, Stephanie Wormsley; Spring Valley: Arthur Argubright, Dylan Brejc, Josue Bustos, Sean Casey, Jennifer

Casford, Robert Cavanah, Kylie Craig, Mya Dietman, Casie Frazier, Maria Garcia, Promise Giacometti, Carlo Gutierrez, Clara Jablonski, Payton Johnson, Abigail Kaszynski, Adrian Macias, Callie Meyer, Pablo Morales, Haylie Pellegrini, Austin Pelszynski, Gennaro Piccolo, Maribel Puga, Humberto Salazar, Stephen Shaver, Terrance Smith, Gage Szymovicz, Jonathan Thomas, Hope Whightsil;

Standard: Genevieve Hunter; Streator: Jenna Anderson, Jeffrey Armour, Emma Augustine, Anneliese Bangert, Madison Barichello, Megen Berg, Charlee Bourell, Elizabeth Bradley, Claire Broyles, Reagan Bush, Kieran Cassady, Kylie Cook, Anabel DePaz, Isabel DePaz, Carissa Dye, Murphy Elias, Alyssa Eutsey, Shea Gilkerson, Albert Gonzalez, Michael Goodrich, Hanna Gotch, Brady Grabowski, Mercedes Griffin, Liset Guadarrama, Darryl Gullens Jr., Cailey Gwaltney, Holly Hagi, Carleigh Hamilton Foxhoven, Nathaniel Harcar, Alex Harsted, Kristy Hoang, Anna Hoffmeyer, Lydia Huey, Ellie Isermann, Nicolette Kendall, Emily Kestner, Elizabeth Lopez, Kaylee Martin, Daniel Miramontes, Tyler Montalvo, Christopher Moreno, Zachary Moritz, Caitlin Neal, Videl

Obenhin, Helena Ogle, Olivia Pastirik, Mauricio Pena, David Pence, Parker Phillis,

Abbigail Pierce, Karilyn Porter, Hailey Rhodes, Makayla Ritko, Franchesca

Rodriguez, Brianne Roe, Carter Ruff, Ella Sibert, Jotie Sliker, James Sokol, Alecia Stephenson, Mason Sterling, Nolund Stueckrad, Isabelle Tutko, Madison

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Toluca: Faten Hariri;

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Utica: Maxwell Colby, Frederick Fess, Sydney Galvan, Austin Grieve, Joshua Grob, Mason Guerrero, Thomas Hartman, Kyle Johnson, Connor Kelly, McKenzie Lewis, Kirsten Low, Joseph Plankenhorn, Taylor Schrader;

Van Orin: Ava Williams;

Verona: Faith Baker, Erinn Kenney; Walnut: Kelly Langford;

Wenona: Angela Cain;

West Brooklyn: Kevin Swope.

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TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1898: Lizzie Arlington becomes the first woman to play professional baseball when she pitches 9th inning for the Reading Coal Heavers against the Allentown Peanuts for a 5-0 win. 1934: Lou Gehrig hits record 17th career grand slam, passing Babe Ruth’s total

Combining baseball with family

Louis Perona playing for Pistol Shrimp, staying with grandma this summer

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp manager John Jakiemiec always leaves some roster spots open until just before the season.

“Typically, it’s for pitchers, because you can never have enough arms in this league,” Jakiemiec said of the summer collegiate Prospect League.

This season, however, one of those spots was taken by Louis Perona, an outfielder from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Jakiemiec received an email from Perona’s father, Joe, who was a star at St. Bede before going on to play at Northwestern and in the minor leagues for five seasons, telling him that his son had a good year at Wesleyan, had family connections to the area and would be available for a temporary contract.

“I took a look at Louis’ stats at Illinois Wesleyan, and they jumped off the page,” Jakiemiec said. “He started every game. He hit .432 and stole 31 out of 34 bases. I don’t care what level you are, those numbers jump off the table.

“I replied back to Joe that we’d love to bring him on as a temp.”

It’s proven to be a good decision.

Perona is hitting .356 as the Shrimp’s leadoff hitter with a .492 on-base percentage. He’s driven in seven runs, scored nine runs and stolen six bases in 14 games.

He’s played so well, in fact, that Jakiemiec has switched him from a temporary contact to a full-time contract, so Perona will be with the Shrimp the rest of the summer.

“He deserves to play in the Prospect League,” said Jakiemiec, who noted if he did release Perona he’d likely be scooped up quickly by another team in the league. “He needs to showcase his skills. I’m thrilled with what he’s been able to do.”

Jakiemiec said, “if you draw up a job description of a leadoff guy, he’s it,” because Perona is a speedy lefthanded hitter.

“He immediately puts pressure on the defense,” Jakiemiec said. “He’s learning to adjust how they’re pitching him at this level. I think he would say his frustration is he’s been strik -

ing out a little more than he’s used to, but part of that is seeing some higher velocity pitching and some different approaches. I think he’s doing a good job making adjustments.

“As a leadoff hitter, we need him to put the ball in play a little more, but I’m not worried. His swing plays well against velocity, and he hits the ball to all fields.”

Perona said he’s enjoyed the opportunity to hit in the leadoff spot after hitting in the No. 2 or No. 3 spot for the Titans as a junior.

“For my college team, I hadn’t hit leadoff at all,” Perona said. “I’ve kind

of been asking my coach to do it, because I like to steal bases, and it allows me to get things started. At my college, it’s big for me to knock in runs. For this team, I have to get on base, manufacture innings, and it allows me to use my speed more, which I like.”

Perona also has moved around the field defensively. After playing outfield full time this spring at Illinois Wesleyan, Perona has also played third base and second base for the Shrimp.

“I’m always ready for it,” Perona said. “I grew up as a shortstop. I really didn’t make the move to outfield full time until this past year. I played some third base and some first base [in college]. I played second base the other day, which I hadn’t played in a while. It’s just being an athlete and being able to play. It’s not too hard. You have to make the routine plays. If I’m able to stay within myself, I’ll be all right.”

On top of getting experience against top-notch competition and working on his game, Perona gets the added bene-

fit this summer of spending time with his extended family. He’s living with his grandma Dolly Derix this summer.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Perona said. “I get to stay with my grandma and see her everyday. I’m seeing a lot of my aunts, uncles and cousins at games. It’s something I haven’t gotten to experience before. It’s really nice.”

Perona said while it’s been tough for his parents, especially his mom, for him to be gone all summer, they’ve enjoyed attending games and spending time with Illinois Valley family, as well.

Perona said he’s also enjoyed the atmosphere at Schweickert Stadium.

“I’ve never played on a team where entertainment is such a big part of the game,” Perona said. “All the promotions and the kids [coming on the field] after the game, it puts in perspective what you’re playing for. Having kids ask you for autographs is pretty cool.”

While Perona is enjoying family and the environment of summer baseball, ultimately he’s looking to improve his game.

“I want to get bigger and stronger,” Perona said. “Overall, I want to be more refined as a player and get better in the outfield. I’ve only played corner outfield. I’d maybe like to experiment with playing center field. I want to get more in tune with my game, identify my weaknesses and break down my approach at the plate. Coach John has been very helpful. He’s very into sabermetrics and has an analytical approach to hitting. I think that’s going to help me this summer.”

Jakiemiec said with Perona’s skills and high baseball IQ, he has the potential to land at an NCAA Division I school as a graduate transfer after his senior season at Wesleyan.

Perona said that is his plan.

“I feel like I can play at that level,” Perona said. “As I’ve been playing more and more, it seems more attainable. Hopefully, I can play well enough to get an opportunity at one of those schools.

“[The Prospect League] is the highest level of collegiate baseball I’ve ever played. It’s a really good measuring stick of my abilities. I’m playing against better players. It lets you know where you need to work and where you stand compared to your peers. It also puts you in front of scouts.

“I think [this summer season] will be really beneficial.”

Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp’s Louis Perona makes a sliding catch against the Normal CornBelters on Tuesday at Schweickert Stadium in Peru.

[The Prospect League] is the highest level of collegiate baseball I’ve ever played. It’s a really good measuring stick of my abilities.”

Louis Perona, Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp

Mr. Salsa’s barbecue nachos impress mightily

Some of the best barbecue I’ve had in La Salle County was at Mr. Salsa’s in Oglesby. Who would have thought a Mexican restaurant would feature some of the most superlative barbecue flavors?

My dinner companion and I decided to begin our meal with the barbecue nachos from the appetizer section of the menu. The dish presents nachos with carnitas, cheese dip, beans and barbecue. The flavor was incredible.

The carnitas provided the tender pork, and the barbecue resembled the Kansas Citystyle flavor profile. The cheese was perfectly slathered on, and the beans delivered complementary flavor.

Along with the usual tortilla chips and salsa (the chips were red, green and light-colored to resemble the Mexican flag’s hues), our meal was off to a great start.

Mr. Salsa’s has a sizable dining area with two different rooms and a full bar with televisions. Upon our arrival, we were ushered into the auxiliary dining room, and seated in a comfortable booth. Dinner time was busy.

My dinner companion ordered chili Colorado, featuring a choice of chicken or steak, and selected the chicken, which was served with salsa roja and onions, along with rice, beans and three tortillas.

I ordered the chori pollo, which served up a full grilled chicken breast topped with chorizo, salsa ranchero and melted cheese, served with rice, beans and sour cream. The chorizo flavor was noticeable in the dish, lending spicy and salty notes. This is a good dish for chorizo lovers.

We decided to top off the meal in grand style by ordering fried ice cream for dessert. The ice cream comes with the option of chocolate, strawberry or both sauces. We opted for the strawberry, which had real pieces of berry in it. The five dollops of whipped cream had good rich flavor. The crust

holding the giant scoop of ice cream added cinnamon and sugar notes. The dessert feeds two to three people.

Items on the menu range from less than $10 to more than $30, depending on the entree.

Although we opted to pass on drink offerings, the bar offers a wide selection of beers (including Victoria, Corona, Tecate, Modelo, Dos Equis,

Pacifico), margaritas, daiquiris, piña colada and wine, among other options.

Mr. Salsa’s in downtown Oglesby is casual dining. The restaurant can be a date destination, but also serves large groups from families to friends gathering together. The menu has the traditional favorites –from burritos to chimichangas and enchiladas to tamales –but also showcases a full offer-

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: Mr. Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant

• WHERE: 309 E. Walnut St., Oglesby

• PHONE: 815-883-9299

• INFORMATION: www. facebook.com/mrsalsas

ing of house favorites, seafood, burgers and chicken. A molcajete, which combines steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, grilled cactus, green onion, avocado and quesadillas, is one of the highlighted items on the menu, as well as the carne asada a la Tampiqueña (a skirt steak with red sauce).

With a wide variety of menu items and some dynamic tastes, Mr. Salsa’s provides

plenty of pleasant surprises.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

Mr. Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant is a popular destination in downtown Oglesby.

Shaw Local photos

LEFT: The barbecue nachos appetizer at Mr. Salsa’s featured carnitas topped with cheese dip, beans and barbecue. RIGHT: With generous dollops of whipped cream, the fried ice cream arrived topped with our choice of strawberry sauce with pieces of berry.

CLASSIFIED

767 • Mobile Home Sales

MAINTENANCE TECH - GENERAL CUSTODIAN

The Putnam County Courthouse / Sherif f's Office is accepting appli cati ons for the posi ti on of Maint enance Tech - General Custodian

Maintenance backgr ound, including any cert ifi cati ons or speciali zed training, is prefer red. Applicat ion, along wi th a descripti on of job responsibilit ies and qual if icati ons, can be pi cked up at the Putnam Co Sheri ff' s Off ice, 120 N. 4t h St, Hennepin, and shoul d be returned no later than August 4th.

PUBLIC HEA LTH NURSE COORDINATOR

Bureau, Putnam, and Marshal l County Health Departments are accepti ng appl icat ions for a Publ ic Heal th Nurse Coordi nator.

We are seeki ng a Regi stered Nurse (RN) to work out of our Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall County Heal th Department s. The abilit y to tr avel to Marshall or Putnam may be requir ed The job will encompass the following servi ces: WIC (Women, Infant s and Children) Program, Breastfeeding, Immuni zati ons, Communicable Di sease Investigations and general Public Health Nursing. A bachelor's degr ee in nursing is preferred.

Please di rect all applicati ons to Bureau County Heal th Department

A ttn: Joyce Barajas, HR 526 S Bureau Vall ey Pkwy Princeton, IL 61356 or email to jbaraj as@ bpmhd.org

PUBLISHE

R'S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subjec t to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inte ntion, to make any such preference , limitation 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