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Alden Global Capital hollowed the Tribune. The Daily Herald could be next.
One of the most talked-about local news stories of the past week was the kerfuffle that ensued when an Arlington Heights police officer lost his firearm in a school restroom.
You probably heard about it – perhaps on TV or the radio, or maybe from a post on social media. The first detailed reporting on the incident, however, originated in the Daily Herald, the suburban newspaper that’s specialized in covering Chicago’s northwest suburbs since 1872.
To be sure, the tale of a school resource officer losing a firearm – and the investigation that followed – was the kind of quirky and mildly disturbing yarn that was bound to go viral. But the underlying information that became the basis for the story came to light because local police officials were aware they had to come clean about what happened – that is, before reporters at outlets like the Daily Herald got wind of it through sources of their own.
Disclosure is what happens when public officials know journalists are paying attention. And that’s just what reporters at outlets like the Daily Herald and myriad other local newsrooms are doing day in, day out: Sitting in on seemingly endless local committee meetings. Stopping by the police station to check the blotter and chat with the night shift supervisor about the latest shenanigans. Scanning village budgets for numbers that might not add up. Asking the high school football coach how he’s prepping the team for the next big game. Strolling the main shopping strip to see how merchants’ sales are going.
This is the kind of local reporting that helps people who live and work in these
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Nell’s Woodland accepting artist mentorship program applications
Nell’s Woodland in Ottawa is currently accepting applications for its “Art in Nature” Young Artist Mentorship program, set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. Participants will learn about new materials and techniques, build relationships with artists and mentors and exchange ideas with peers. The mentorship program also includes various art
communities better understand what’s happening around them – even if they themselves don’t have the time or inclination to monitor library board meetings or find out why there were so many firetrucks racing down the town’s main drag. For decades, they’ve known they can likely find out what they need to know from their local paper.
But as anyone who’s been paying attention to the media business since the turn of the century could tell you, the labor-intensive business of news gathering is under assault. That’s why Crain’s reporting this week that the Daily Herald soon could be sold to Alden Global Capital landed like a gut punch across Chicago’s media community.
Alden has become infamous in the newspaper business for buying once-vital local publications and aggressively cutting them to maximize profits. Alden’s stewardship of the Chicago Tribune has been marked by repeated newsroom layoffs, buyouts and cutbacks that hollowed out one of the country’s great metropolitan newspapers. Similar stories have played out in city after city where Alden has acquired local news organizations.
And while suburban newspapers may not command the attention they once did, their importance has arguably never been greater.
In communities across the Chicago region, local newspapers remain among the last institutions regularly monitoring the decisions of village boards, school districts, park districts, police departments and local businesses. When those watchdogs disappear – or are reduced to skeleton
staffs incapable of sustained reporting –the effects ripple far beyond the newsroom itself.
Residents become less informed about how tax dollars are spent. Public officials operate with less scrutiny. Civic engagement declines. Corruption and incompetence become easier to hide. Communities grow more disconnected from one another. What’s lost is not merely a business. It is a layer of civic accountability that took generations to build.
The irony is that the very stories many readers casually encounter on TV or social media often begin with the painstaking work of local reporters doing beat reporting in their own communities. The Arlington Heights firearm story was a reminder of that reality. Without journalists on the ground, many of the stories that shape public understanding never surface in the first place.
The Daily Herald has chronicled life in Chicago’s suburbs for more than 150 years. If Alden succeeds in acquiring it, the concern is not simply that another newspaper changes ownership. It is that another vital civic institution could be stripped for parts at a moment when local journalism is already hanging by a thread.
The Daily Herald’s employee-owners still have a say in what happens next. So do readers and advertisers who have supported the newspaper for decades. Before another local newsroom falls into Alden’s hands, all involved should ask a simple question: Is maximizing short-term profit worth further weakening the local journalism these communities rely on?
Crain’s Chicago Business editorial board
disciplines, such as cyanotype photography, plein-air painting, wet felting and a collaborative mosaic project. The collaborative project features pieces created by the program’s artists. The art piece will be publicly exhibited. Non-local students’ lodging accommodations will be provided. Meals also will be served.
Applicants must be high school students ages 16 to 18 and graduating students interested in the visual arts. The
applications must include three artwork examples in JPEG or PDF format and a written description of favorite art materials, creative work interests and their inspirations. Applications are due Monday, June 1.
The program participants will be announced on Friday, June 5. To apply, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e.
Nell’s Woodland is located at 2000 Alexis Ave. in Ottawa.
– Shaw Local News Network
PCHS Class of 2026 graduates
The Putnam County High School Class of 2026 held its 16th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School.
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Putnam County High School graduate Alexander Rodriguez receives the American Legion award from Hennepin commander Steve Malavolti during the commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School. TOP RIGHT: Putnam County High School’s top 10 graduates stand to be recognized during the commencement ceremony on Saturday. ABOVE: Putnam County High School graduates receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School. LEFT: Putnam County valedictorian Cadience Marie Bickett delivers a speech during the commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School.
LEFT: Putnam County High School graduates stand during the commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School. ABOVE: Putnam County High School graduates sing in the choir during the commencement ceremony on Saturday in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School.
Photos by Scott Anderson
River Valley Players to hold auditions for ‘Between the Lines’
Auditions held to be held May 29-30 in Henry
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
River Valley Players announced auditions for “Between the Lines” from May 29-30 in Henry.
The program will be directed and choreographed by Deanne Crook. Music will be directed by Sara Dvorsky.
Auditions will be at 6 p.m. Friday, May 29 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30 in Henry United Methodist Church, 225 Lincoln St., Henry.
Possible callbacks will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31 in the church.
Performances will be Aug. 6 to 9 at
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
River Valley Players to hold auditions for summer teen show
River Valley Players announced that auditions for their Summer Teen show, “High School Musical, On Stage!” will be May 24 and 26.
~ Fire Up The Grill ~ Raffle
Hennepin Foods “Meat Dept.” Gift Cards
Prizes: 1st - $200 - Gift card
2nd-$100- Gift card
3rd-$50-Gift card
Tickets are $5 each Drawing is on: July 4, 2026
Please stop in at the Putnam County Community Center or speak with any Board Member.
Prairie Arts Center in Princeton.
“Between the Lines” is a musical about finding where you belong, inspired by the novel by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer.
Between the Lines is a contemporary musical written for teen and adult performers, with featured roles and ensemble opportunities for a wide variety of ages and personalities.
This show includes strong acting opportunities, contemporary musical theater vocals, feature ensemble roles, and fairytale characters with a modern twist.
Auditions are open to performers ages 16 and up.
For full audition information, character breakdowns, vocal ranges, and to register for auditions, visit https://urldefense.com
Auditions will be held at 2 p.m. on May 24 and at 6 p.m. on May 26 in Henry United Methodist Church, 225 Lincoln St., Henry. Callbacks will be held at 6 p.m. on May 28 if needed.
A song and dance will be taught to candidates at the audition.
River Valley Players will perform “High School Musical, On Stage” on July 24, 25, and 26 in the St. Mary’s Community Center, Henry. Auditions are open to all performers from fifth grade through 12th grade who have completed this school year. –TomCollins
May 22 8:30pm-11:30pm
Image provided by Monika Sudakov
River Valley Players announced auditions for “Between the Lines” from May 29 to 30 in Henry.
Applications open for two scholarship programs for the 2026 fall semester
Stonier Trust and Moews Memorial Fund accepting applications through May 31
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The I.F. Doug Stonier and Ella Stonier Educational Trust will provide scholarships to college students for the school year commencing in August.
To be eligible, students must have resided in the Granville, Hennepin or Magnolia townships for three years before the awarding of a scholarship.
The scholarships will be awarded on an educational capability and financial need basis to students working toward a bachelor’s degree and entering their third or fourth year of
college. Scholarship applications are available at Hometown National Bank’s trust department, 260 Bucklin St., La Salle. Applications are due Sunday, May 31.
Erna A. Moews Memorial Scholarship
Erna A. Moews Memorial Scholarship Fund committee members announce the availability of a scholarship for the 2026-27 school year.
Applicants must be high school graduates and pursuing a major in computer science, science, fine arts, mathematics or architecture, entering their third or fourth year of college. The students also must have resided in Granville Township for a period of three years.
Application forms can be obtained from Hometown National Bank. Applications are due May 31.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Princeton Park District recently announced City County Park is open to community members.
The park district installed a new con-
crete pad and park shelter. The Princeton Park District is currently working with electricians to provide electrical outlets and power.
The park district also is accepting event space reservations for the park. To reserve a space, call 815-872-0840.
Scott Anderson file photo Trees begin to reach their peak at City County Park on Oct. 23, 2023 in Princeton.
TERRILL “TERRY” WAYNE GLENN
Born: May 12, 1946 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Died: May 8, 2026 in Magnolia, Illinois
Terrill “Terry” Wayne Glenn, 79, of Magnolia passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at McNabb Fire Station, McNabb. IL
Celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon following the visitation at McNabb Fire Station. Cremation rites have been accorded. Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.
Terry was born on May 12, 1946 in Spring Valley to Dawson “Tony” and Angelina (Renini) Glenn. He married Mary Kudrick on February 11, 1995 at the Quaker Meeting House in McNabb, IL.
He was a self employed farmer and owned and operated Glenn Trucking Company.
Terry was a member of the Magnolia Fire Department and a member of the State of
Illinois “Snow Bird” crew. He was also road commissioner for Magnolia Township.
He was a Cleveland Indian and Green Bay Packers fan his whole life. He was on the first Miller High Life Tug of War team and the Magnolia slow pitch softball team. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and drinking beer with his many friends.
Survivors include his wife Mary Glenn; one son, Andrew Dawson (Jennifer) Glenn; three daughters, Laurie Lu Glenn, Krystal Nicole (Bart) Vaughn and Megan Marie (Alex) Tarr; one brother, James “Jim” (Mary) Glenn; special angel, RuthAnn Nelson; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael Anthony Glenn at birth, son, Stewart Allen Glenn and daughter, Tricia Ann Glenn.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Magnolia Fire Department, Magnolia. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com
Registration open for Hennepin Park District for swimming lessons
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Hennepin Park District is offering three sessions of Red Cross swimming lessons this summer, with registration opening Thursday, May 14.
Each session runs two weeks and includes six levels of instruction for swimmers ages 5 and older, plus preschool aquatics for children ages 2 to 4.
“Level 1 is the beginning class and requires students to be 5 years old by Sept. 1 and at least 42 inches tall,” according to the park district. Morning sessions run 40-minute classes Monday through Friday. Evening sessions run 50-minute classes Monday through Thursday. Preschool aquatics classes are 40 minutes.
The first session runs June 15-26, with classes from 9 to 9:40 a.m. (preschool), 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 to 11:20 a.m. (all levels).
GLORIA EKLUND
Gloria M Eklund, 96, of Princeton, IL, passed on 05/13/2026.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, Il. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
The second session runs July 6 to 17, with the same morning schedule.
The third session, an evening program, runs from July 20 to 30, with classes at 4 to 4:40 p.m. (preschool), 5 to 5:50 p.m. (all levels) and 6 to 6:50 p.m. (all levels).
Cost is $35 a session. Residents of Hennepin and Hennepin Township receive free lessons for all sessions. Residents of Standard and Magnolia pay $17.50 for one session.
Registration begins at the Hennepin Pool on May 14. After that date, registration continues during normal pool hours. Class sizes are limited to 24 students per time slot for regular swim lessons and 15 for preschool aquatics. Students may register for one session initially; a second session can be added three days before the next session begins.
The pool accepts cash and checks. For information, contact 815-925-7319 or hennepinparkdistrict@mchsi.com.
Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-632-2534. Notices are accepted until 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal.com/putnam-county-record, where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.
IVCC EKG technician certification program to begin May 27
50-hour course trains students to support cardiac care;
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College will offer a 50-hour EKG technician certification program from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from Wednesday, May 27, through Wednesday, July 29, at the Ottawa Center.
The program will train students as EKG technicians. EKG technicians set up and run tests and support doctors in detecting heart conditions.
The course features practice and background information on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, med -
ical ethics, patient-contact legal aspects, stress testing, medical disease processes, electrocardiography and medical terminology. Participants also can practice with EKG equipment to learn its function and proper use, and to perform clinical practice in lab settings.
Students who complete the program will be eligible to participate in certification exams. The National Workforce Career Association Certified EKG Technician Exam is being held in person and included in the program’s cost.
The program costs $1,299. Students may qualify for 50 percent off through a Noncredit Strategies at Work Grant. To register, call 815-224-0427 or visit ivcc.edu/enroll with class ID 27990.
38TH ANNUAL LAKE THUNDERBIRD
GARAGE SALES AND EVENTS
Friday and Saturday, May 22nd and May 23rd, 2026 Garage Sales 8am - 4pm Maps Available at the Clubhouse and Lake Entrances
ADDITIONAL EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Friday, Bake Sale at 8am and Hot Dog Lunch
Saturday, Bake Sale 8am - 1pm and Breakfast 8am - 11am~ $12/adult, $5 children under 10
Scott Anderson file photo
The Illinois Valley Community College is located at 815 N. Orlando Smith St., Oglesby.
Bureau County Fairgrounds to hold Sports and Pokemon Card Show on May 23
Vintage and modern cards, collectibles on sale May 23; vendor tables available
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Bureau County Fairgrounds will hold a Sports Card and Pokémon Card Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23.
The card show features vintage and modern sports, Pokémon, Dragonball,
One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh and TCG cards. The show also will include collectibles, comic books, coins, action figures, video games, Legos, bobbleheads and memorabilia.
Selling tables are available and cost $35. The tables also will be reserved; one gets one free. To reserve a selling table, call 815-866-3606
The show costs $3 for adults and is free for children ages 11 and under.
The Bureau County Fairgrounds are located at 811 W. Peru St. in Princeton. For more information, visit bureaucountyfair.com.
Experts remind residents to avoid handling wild animals
By JUDY HARVEY jharvey@shawmedia.com
As the weather warms up and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to leave young birds and other animals alone when they encounter them in the wild.
People may think they’re helping by taking possession of young animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned, but, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help, the IDNR said in a news release.
Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and dens if humans are nearby, the agency said.
“The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,” IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. “If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.”
Wildlife generally have more offspring than habitats can support. This means it’s normal for many offspring not to survive,
Most species continue to thrive even if more than half of their young don’t survive to adulthood, the IDNR said.
“We understand that the desire to help wildlife is strong, but it often comes at a cost,” IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer said. “Survival rates for relocated wildlife are very low, and the risk of accidentally moving dis -
Scott Anderson file photo
A baby fawn swims in the Hennepin Canal on July 12, 2021, near Bureau Junction. This fawn made its way safely to shore after swimming downstream for about 100 yards.
eases from one place to another is high.”
Wildlife protections
The Illinois Wildlife Code provides legal protection for wildlife.
Keeping wild animals as pets or raising wild animals believed to have been abandoned is prohibited, the IDNR said.
Most wild birds are protected by the Wildlife Code. This includes protection
of eggs, nests and feathers.
Migratory birds are also protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Rules for feeding
Anyone with questions about caring for possibly abandoned wildlife should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
before removing or relocating wildlife, the IDNR said.
There are strict rules on feeding wildlife in areas where wild deer are present, as laid out in Illinois Administrative Code 17-635.
In general, it is best to limit feeding wildlife species. To limit nuisance activity at residences:
• Do not leave pet food outside at night
• Clean up under bird feeders,
• Secure the lids on garbage cans to keep raccoons and other wildlife out
• Don’t feed Canada geese in urban or suburban areas.
Health threats
Handling wild animals can result in the handler being bitten.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that wild mammals that bite a person should be euthanized immediately and tested for rabies.
Many species of wildlife can also carry zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be passed on to people and can be serious and even fatal, according to the CDC.
Illinois experienced multiple Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) mortality events in wild birds, mostly waterfowl, over the winter, the IDNR said.
The general public should not handle “or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness,” the IDNR said. Go online at www. illinois.gov for more information.
To learn more about orphaned animals, potential wildlife conflicts, and keeping people, pets, and wildlife safe, visit Wildlife Illinois.
Special prosecutor to review police shooting in DePue hostage standoff
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
A special prosecutor has been appointed by Bureau County to review the investigation into an unidentified police officer who fired shots during the hostage standoff that killed 3-yearold Damian Camacho on Sunday, May 10, in rural DePue.
According to a news release, the Special Prosecution Unit of the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office will review the Illinois State Police’s investigation to decide whether any legal action is warranted.
The move was taken at the request of Bureau County State’s Attorney Dan Anderson “to avoid even the appearance of any potential conflict of interest the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office may have.”
Regardless, the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office will continue the prosecution of Anthony Daniel Rodriguez for his alleged actions that brought the officer into his home in the first place.
More details about the incident also were revealed during Rodriguez’s first court hearing on Wednesday, May 13. Prosecutors said a woman
called 911 after Rodriguez allegedly threatened her life and the lives of two children.
According to prosecutors, police arrived and established a perimeter around the residence while attempting to get Rodriguez to come out peacefully.
Rodriguez was locked in a bedroom inside the home with the hostages while officers attempted de-escalation techniques. When those failed, they broke down the bedroom door, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Rodriguez then jumped onto a bed with the knife,
which Camacho was on. Rodriguez then grabbed Camacho and held him. The officer, who has not been identified, fired three shots. A non-lethal weapon was deployed first, followed by two shots from a firearm. Both Rodriguez and Camacho were struck.
Authorities said when officers attempted to provide aid to Camacho following the shooting, Rodriguez initially refused to let them take the child for medical treatment.
Camacho was eventually transported to OSF St. Clare Medical Center in Princeton for treatment, where he later died from the gunshot wound.
2026 Inductee
Announcements started in April and will continue through May!
Celebrating Illinois Valley’s Excellence in Sports
The preservation and promotion of the local athletics history and tradition is important for any community, and the Illinois Valley is no different. Since 2019, Shaw Media has worked with the community to honor outstanding achievements of Illinois Valley’s greatest athletes.
The Hall of Fame will welcome its newest members – luminaries in local sports history, one and all – on June 4th at its 2026 induction ceremony at The Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle. Individuals and teams from the Illinois Valley will make up the Class of 2026, in addition to recipients of the Distinguished Media Award, the Lanny Slevin Lifetime Achievement Award, the Legacy Individual Award and the Legacy Team Award.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW
Limited Seats Available...reserve yours TODAY!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.illinoisvalleysportshof.com/
If you would like to sponsor the 2026 Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame, email Jeanette Smith at jmsmith@shawmedia.com
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1983: MLB Philadelphia Phillies Steve Carlton passes W Johnson with 2nd most strikeouts
1991: Chicago Bulls forward Michael Jordan is named NBA”s MVP
IESA STATE TRACK & FIELD
Judd wins 3 individual IESA medals, 4x100 medals
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Putnam County eighth grader
Anniston Judd put an exclamation point on a stellar junior high track and field career over the weekend by claiming four medals at the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 2A Meet at EastSide Centre in East Peoria.
Judd placed fourth in the 400 meters in 1:01.07, finished seventh in the 1,600 in 5:28.71 and took eighth in the 800 in 2:24.99. All three times were her personal bests.
She also ran a leg on the Lady Pumas’ 4x100 relay to fifth place in 54.22 seconds, running with Chloe Christiansen, Emily Konczak and Mylee Christiansen. The time was the foursome’s best of the season.
Judd finished her PCJH career with nine state medals in track and field. She also earned four medals as a junior in the same four events and claimed an eighth place medal in the 800 as a sixth grader.
Judd, Emily Konczak and Chloe and Mylee Christiansen also medaled in the 4x100 as seventh graders.
Panthers split pool play at Illinois Valley Tournament
BASEBALL
Hall 5, Putnam County 4: Traxton Mattingly was 3 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and a run for PC in their first game of the Illinois Valley tournament in Peru on Friday. Johnathon Stunkel was the losing pitcher, allowing five runs (2 earned) on three hits with six strikeouts and three walks in six innings.
Putnam County 4, St. Bede 2: Kade Zimmerlein went 2 for 4 and drove in a run as the Panthers (18-11) bounced back to win their second pool game in the Illinois Valley tournament. Stunkel dou -
bled and scored a run and Maddox Poole and Peyton Barto each had a hit and a run.
Poole was the winning pitcher as he allowed one run on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks in four innings.
PC, Hall and St. Bede finished in a 3-way tie in pool play with the Bruins winning by the fewest runs allowed tiebreaker
Putnam County 13, Serena 3 (5 inn.): Mattingly doubled twice and drove in four runs to lead the Panthers to a nonconference victory in Serena on May 14.
Carter Hochstatter was 2 for 3 with three runs and two RBIs for PC, while Stunkel was 3 for 4 with an RBI.
Rudy Villagomez started and threw two scoreless innings, allowing no hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
St. Bede 4, Putnam County 1: Traxton Mattingly went 2 for 3 with a triple and a run for the Panthers on May 11.
SOFTBALL
Hall 9, Putnam County 5: Bella Gibson was 1 for 4 with two RBIs for the Lady Panthers (10-17) and Chloe Parcher went 2 for 3 and scored two runs
on Friday.
Putnam County 3, Serena 1: Kennedy Holocker gave up one unearned run on two hits with six strikeouts and no walks in a complete game as the Panthers earned a nonconference victory in Serena on May 14.
Alexis Margis was 2 for 4 and scored two runs for PC (10-16), and Paige Tonioni was 1 for 3 and drove in two runs.
St. Bede 9, Putnam County 1: Chloe Parcher doubled and drove in a run for PC (9-15, 6-9) and Holocker took the loss in the circle on May 11.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Shannon Jenkins
The Putnam County eighth-grade girls 4x100 relay of Chloe Christiansen, Emily Konczak, Anniston Judd and Mylee Christiansen placed fifth at the IESA State Meet in East Peoria with a PR of 54.22. The PC entry, including coaches and alternates, are (from left) coach Jimmy Carboni, Trenity
Marquette is the first ‘King of the Valley’
By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com
While jets and airplanes buzzed Schweickert Stadium in Peru, Ottawa Marquette’s Griffin Dobberstein and Grant Dose put on their own air show in Saturday’s ‘King of the Valley’ championship game.
The Crusaders duo each clubbed tworun homers, driving in seven runs between them, to power the Crusaders to the inaugural Illinois Valley Baseball tournament, championship, defeating Tri-County Conference rival, St. Bede 13-3 in five innings, earning the title as “King of the Valley.”
“Been kind of in a slump. so it feels good to hit a couple balls hard, especially against St. Bede,” Dobberstein said. “We beat them once. They beat us once. This was kind of the rubber match between us. It was a must-win coming out today. All the boys knew it. We competed. A little grit.
“Didn’t have our 1 or our 2 [pitchers], but they did phenomenal. Our pitchers buried down and threw good pitches. [You] play good defense. Going to win a lot of games doing that.”
Dose said playing in the new tournament put on by Hall was fun.
“We knew a lot of the kids from this area, St. Bede, maybe not so much Newman, because they’re a little bit farther, and a few kids from Princeton,” he said. “It’s fun to compete against kids you’ve played against your whole life. It was really fun.”
Dobberstein’s two-run homer in the third inning gave the Crusaders an 9-3 advantage.
PUTNAM COUNTY POSTSEASON
Marquette’s David Clairmont (33) holds the “King of the Valley” championship belt after the Crusaders defeated rival St. Bede 13-3 Saturday at Schweickert Stadium in Peru.
Dose followed with a two-run blast of his own in the fourth inning to make it 11-3. He was as surprised as anyone.
“I’ve never really had a lot of home runs in high school, to be fair,” he said. “Griffin’s had a lot. Other kids on our team have had a lot. That was only my second home run. Always feels good to catch one out, because it’s a huge confidence booster. Makes you remember you can hit, you’re good.
“I kind of change my approach a little bit. Backed off the plate a little bit. Kept getting jammed. Put three good barrels. It was a good night.”
Marquette coach Todd Hopkins joked that, “He’ll be swinging for it now. Yeah, he hit that pretty good. That was good to see.”
Novotney reached on a hit by pitch to open the Marquette fifth and scored on a RBI double to center by Dobberstein. A fly out to center advanced Dobberstein
to third where he scored a batter later on Easton Debernardi’s sac fly to center to end the game.
St. Bede coach Bill Booker, whose team is the only team to defeat the twotime defending champion Crusaders this season to gain a split of their TCC series, said the Bruins gave it their best shot.
“We can’t match their firepower. That’s really tough. When you’re on the end of your arms for the week, if you can get ahead with pitcher’s counts, you might be able to get a few extra outs. But we fell behind. Missed spots and they hit them.”
Booker said he used every “single one of” his pitching staff to make it through a full week of six games in six days. The Bruins split Friday’s pool games, losing to Putnam County 4-2 and defeating Hall 4-2. They took the pool title by virtue of the fewest runs allowed tiebreaker.
The Bruins struck first with a two-
out, two-run hit to left by Geno Ferrari with the bases loaded.
Rainbir Saini, St. Bede’s starting pitcher, drove in a run with a RBI double to center to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead in the top of the second.
The Crusaders put up five runs in the home half on just two hits, including a two-run single to right by Dose to take a 6-3 lead. Beau Thompson also drew a bases-loaded walk, Novotney brought a run home on a ground out and Anthony Couch hit a sac fly to right leading up to Dose’s hit.
Both Dobberstein, who doubled, homered, scored three runs and drove in three runs, and Dose (four RBIs) went 2 for 3.
Marquette starter Jaxsen Higgins picked up the win, allowing three hits, three runs and five walks with three strikeouts, while Michael Johnson pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
“We were hitting the ball pretty good yesterday and carried it over today,” said Hopkins, whose team beat Princeton and Newman to win the American Pool on Friday. “Jaxsen has pretty much been our catcher this year. He threw a few and I thought he did a decent job. Then Michael came in and kept them off balance.”
Both Hopkins and Booker liked having the new tournament.
“It was good for the area. Credit to Hall for putting it on,” Hopkins said.
“I enjoyed this. The concept was a great idea. I like the area thing with decent crowds and good weather,” Booker said. “Good baseball teams in the area. When you’re playing them, it’s fun.”
Putnam County postseason assignments at a glance
SOFTBALL
1A Henry-Senachwine Regional
Monday: No. 10 Fieldcrest (0-16) at No. 7 Putnam County (10-17), No. 11 Woodland (1-15) at No. 6 Amboy (10-10). Tuesday: No. 2 Henry-Senachwine (13-10) vs. PC/Fieldcrest winner Wednesday: No. 3 Midland (1514) vs. Amboy/Woodland winner, 5 p.m.
Friday: Title game, 5 p.m.
At a glance: Henry begin its quest for a third consecutive regional championship
at home. Henry won a sectional title last spring. The Lady Mallards have swept PC (13-2, 6-4), Midland (9-1, 10-4) and Woodland (22-6, 21-1) in Tri-County Conference play. … The Lafy Panthers last won a regional in 2018. … Fieldcrest has lost its past 37 games.
Next: Winner moves on to the Williamsfield Sectional to face the winner of the West Central Regional at 4:30 p.m. May 26.
BASEBALL
1A Annawan-Wethersfield Regional
At a glance: Putnam County drew the No. 1 seed and will face the winner between No. 8.
Bureau Valley and No. 9 AlWood on May 27.
The Panthers will host the sectional on June 3 and June 6.
BOYS TRACK
1A El Paso-Gridley Sectional
When: Wednesday, May 20
At a glance: Putnam County competes at El Paso looking to qualify for state. They willl be joined by Hall and St. Bede. Field events start at 3:30 p.m. with running events at 5:30 p.m. PC senior Alex Rodgriquez was sectional champ in discus and runner-up in shot last year.
–KevinHieroymus
Kevin Hieronymus
CLASSIFIED
TAKE NOTICE
CE RTIFICAT E NO.
2 022- 0 001 0
TO: John R Mosqueda
Spouse of John R Mosqueda Cheryl A Mosqueda Spouse of Cheryl Mosqueda
Dustin Young Makenzie Hanson Occupant
John R Mosqueda
Spouse of John R Mosqueda Illinois Attorney General Illinois
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subjec t to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to adver tise “any prefer ence, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inte ntion, to make any such preference , limita tion or discrimination .”
Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or le gal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of child ren under 18. This newspaper will not know in gly ac cept any advertising for real estat e which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.
To complain of discrimination call, HUD toll-free at 800- 669-9777. The toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275
TAKE NOTICE
CE RTIFICAT E NO.
2 022- 0 001 0
TO: John R Mosqueda
Spouse of John R
Mosqueda Cheryl A Mosqueda Spouse of Cheryl Mosqueda
Dustin Young Makenzie Hanson Occupant
John R Mosqueda
Spouse of John R Mosqueda Illinois Attorney General Illinois Department of Revenue Putnam County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property;
Unknown ow ners or parties interested in said land or lots.
A Petition for Tax
Deed on prem ise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of PUTNAM County, IL as Case No 2026TX2
The Property is located at: 21 Cleveland Cir, Granville, IL 61326
Property Index Number: 02-00- 080- 210
Said Property was sold on 11/7/2023 for Delinquent Real Es
Department of Revenue Putnam County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown ow ners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax
Deed on prem ise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of PUTNAM County, IL as Case No 2026TX2
The Property is located at: 21 Cleveland Cir, Granville, IL 61326
Property Index Number: 02-00- 080- 210
Said Property was sold on 11/7/2023 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessm ents for the year 2022. The period of redemption will expire on 9/16/2026. On 10/01/2026 at 11:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said C ounty for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8144-964908
(Published in Putnam C ounty Record May 20, 27, June 3, 2026) 964908
Submit news to the Putnam County Record Email: news@ putnamcountyrecord.com or call 815- 875-4461
NAM AREA (2017 ) ENTERPRISE ZONE
NOTIC E IS HE RE BY GIVEN that a public hearing w ill be held on June 4, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. at the Spring Valley City Hall located at 215 N Greenwood Street, Spring Valley, Illinois
This hearing is for the purpose of an expansion application from Marquis Land Holdings LLC, to add land parcels to the Zone The public hearing will address the boundary of the proposed addition to the Enterprise Zone for the purpose of new business attraction, job creation opportunities, tax incentives, and other programs
Maps of the existing Enterp ri se Zone and proposed additions are availabl e at the address below.
All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting and be heard. Also, anyone desiring to express comments on the proposed Enterprise Zone addition without attending the public hearing may do so by sending correspondence to the Bureau/Putnam Area (2017) Enterprise Zone Administrator at 613 West Marquette St., Ottawa, Illinois 61350 or email info@n cicg.org prior to 3:00 pm on June 3rd.
(Putnam County Record 5/20/2026) 2326076
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