Organ donation is truly a gift from God
SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
Nine years ago, on May 31, my uncle had a double lung transplant. He was told the surgery could extend his life for five years.
I am happy to say he is still here and doing very well. In fact, I saw him this past week and told him how good he looks. He responded by saying, “I feel good.” And he genuinely meant it.
Those words are music to the ears of all who have witnessed his journey.
Prior to his surgery, my uncle carried an oxygen tank with him wherever he went. Getting from his vehicle to the house, or vice versa, had become a task requiring the determination of a champion. His life expectancy without the transplant was not long.
His donor was a young adult, and that donor’s gift has allowed my uncle to live his life as fully as possible, with whatever time he is given.
He no longer has to carry an oxygen tank, and his stamina and ability to live a typical life of someone in his seventies has increased dramatically.
While my uncle is doing well, he has faced challenges along the way. A double lung transplant is obviously a big surgery with intense effects on the body. Even after it was clear his body had not rejected the lungs, there have
been a few hospitalizations that, at times, were quite serious and uncertain. Side effects from his treatments have resulted in frequent skin cancer removals, and he now receives daily dialysis treatments at home.
But overall, he is doing remarkably well. And it is a beautiful thing to see, and be grateful for, every time we see him.
His well-being, I believe, is because of his will and desire to be here with his family as long as he possibly can, and the dedication, love, sacrifices and undying support of my aunt, my cousins and their families.
My uncle has used the time afforded him by his donor’s gift to travel, and most importantly, spend it watching his grandchildren grow through all the activities in which they are a part.
He, my aunt and my cousins have had strong family ties their whole lives, but every moment they can spend together since his transplant has become even more precious and meaningful.
And none of this would have been possible without the donor’s gift of life. The donor is anonymous, and their family and friends have surely mourned their loss and all the potential the donor’s life held.
But I am telling you, the ability of the organs in the human body to give others their lives back is no small thing.
Indeed, it is the work of God himself.
In many cases, it is not just one person who is the recipient of life-changing transplants. It can be dozens. And those organs can touch people around the world. Hearts, lungs, skin, corneas –these are just a few of the parts that can be harvested from a donor’s body.
As someone who has witnessed the profound effect organ donation can have on one’s life, I encourage anyone reading this to consider becoming a donor. Choosing to become a donor is not a “jinx” on your life. It does not mean that your death is necessarily imminent. But it does mean that should the unexpected happen, your life and your legacy will be nothing less than a sacred gift to the human family.
And for your family, knowing that pieces of you live on in the bodies of people your gifts have saved, would, I think, be a touch of magic in the midst of their ongoing grief.
Consider becoming an organ donor. And if you do – please – take care of your body as much as possible now, so that should the unexpected happen, your organs will be strong and healthy enough to give others the best quality of life possible.
Organ donation truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
• Spirit Matters s a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo. com.
La Salle County celebrates 150 years of Wild Bill Hickok parties
By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com
La Salle County residents came out in droves over the weekend to take part in several Wild Bill Days celebrations. 150 years after James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok’s death, commemorative events in Utica, Mendota, and Troy Grove are helping residents further their understanding of one of the Illinois Valley’s most famous figures.
“I thought it was great, an excellent presentation of the history,” Chris Sanford of Earlville said.
Sanford and his granddaughter attended the Sunday afternoon Buffalo Bill’s Best of the Wild West Show in Utica, after seeing the Walt Willey oneman show in Mendota on Saturday.
“The Buffalo Bill show is just fun
because of the animals and the guns and everything,” Sanford said.
The 80-minute show has been an annual tradition in Utica since 2019, thanks in large part to the efforts of the La Salle County Historical Society, located just north of the site of this weekend’s shows behind Jamie’s Outpost.
Attendees saw equestrian tricks and trick shots with period firearms as the story of Buffalo Bill and his connection to Wild Bill Hickok unfolded.
Attendees also got a glimpse of life in the Old West through a series of exhibits outside the show, featuring clothing, firearms, games, pelts, goods, teepees and more.
“I think the animals and the show help attract people and then they are more open to learning about the his -
tory,” Sanford’s granddaughter, Kendall, said.
The younger Sanford realized the aim of Executive Director of the La Salle County Historical Society, Amanda Carter, who said last week, “The more we can teach our younger generations about our local history, we’ll have a better rate of people getting more involved as they get older and carrying on this torch and preserving La Salle County’s rich history.”
This year’s turnout in Utica was largely a success, Daniel Vogt, a member of the show group, said.
“I think not only the fact that it’s Hickok’s 150th [anniversary], but that it’s the country’s 250th really helps,” he said. “It gets people into the nostalgia
See WILD BILL, page 4
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Granville American Legion to hold flag retirement ceremony June 9
The Granville American Legion will hold a dignified disposal ceremony for unserviceable flags at 6:30 p.m. June 9.
The event takes place at the Granville Post of the American Legion, at the corner of McCoy and Silverspoon Avenues. The public is invited to attend.
OBITUARIES
FREDDIE “FRED” WILLIS SAMMONS
Born: July 30, 1937 in Firebrick, Kentucky
Died: December 15, 2025 in Westerville, Ohio
Freddie “Fred” Willis Sammons, age 88, of Hennepin, passed away peacefully at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, Ohio on December 15 after complications of an extended illness.
Fred’s wife Kathy preceded him in death earlier this fall; they would have celebrated
For more information, contact Doug Ossola at 815-339-2631
Princeton
Rotary
Club awards first 2026 scholarships
The Princeton Rotary Club has awarded its first scholarships for 2026 to two Princeton School District graduates.
Lydia Johnson received the Swan
their 70th wedding anniversary on December 2nd. Also preceding him in death was his father Earl Sammons; mother Erma Sammons; brother Joseph Sammons; sister Eva Meyer and grandson Michael Zeman.
Surviving are his children: Jeff (Elizabeth) Sammons, Rhonda (Joe) Zeman, Mindy Sammons, Greg Sammons and Barry Sammons. His grandchildren: Jim (Gillie) Sammons, Sarah (Nathan) Senica, Ali (Jordan) Fisher, Brandon Sammons, Alexa (Bailey McQueen) Sammons, and Sophia Kiselova. His great grandchildren: Lia (Shane) Tonnies, Brody Toth, Autumn and Connor Blair, Charlotte and Sam Fisher, Lila (Nicolas Taylor), Daniel and Drew Senica. Two great-great grandchildren: Chevron Reynolds and Skylar Tonnies. Many more family mem-
Eickmeier Scholarship, named for Roger Swan and Roger Eickmeier, longtime Rotary members and community leaders. Matthew Lord was awarded the Judd Lusher Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of fellow Rotarian and friend Judd Lusher.
The club raises scholarship funds through various events throughout the
bers and beloved friends also survive.
A lifetime electrician, in 1968 Fred moved his wife and five children from South Shore Kentucky to Hennepin to begin employment at J&L Steel, later known as LTV. Fred took much pride in maintenance and operations of the plant. It was said that Fred knew every wire within; he was happy to return far beyond his retirement to lend a hand.
Fred had many interests and hobbies throughout his life including motorcycles, stock car racing, cycling, golfing, gardening, poker, and dominos. He was an avid sports fan and faithfully supported all Chicago teams. Fred was a Master Mason for fifty-five years of the Wenona Masonic Lodge No. 344, A.F. and A.M. and joined the Scottish Rite. He
year, including the annual ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo. Since 2001, Princeton Rotary has distributed more than $111,500 in scholarships.
For more information about the club, visit www.princetonrotaryclub.com or search for Rotary Club of Princeton on Facebook.
– Shaw Local News Network
was a faithful servant of the Hennepin United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hennepin Fire and Rescue.
Celebration of Life will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Hennepin Park District Pool in Hennepin on June 13, 2026. A graveside service will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Hennepin. Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www. dcfunerals.com
Stitching a Nation: The Life of Betsy Ross Presented by Michelle Gibbons Putnam County Community Center Tuesday, June 9, 2026 @ 12:30 pm
In her captivating portrayal of Betsy Ross, historical presenter Michelle Gibbons brings to life the spirited seamstress credited with creating the first American Flag. Gibbons embodies Ross’s determination and patriotism, recounting her pivotal role in stitching together a symbol of unity for the fledgling nation. Through engaging storytelling, she highlights Ross’s contributions during the Revolutionary era, emphasizing the flag’s enduring significance as a beacon of freedom. Weaving historical facts with vivid anecdotes, you will be transported to 1776 Philadelphia, where Ross’s needlework became a cornerstone of American identity. Join us as we celebrate America’s semiquincentennial by reflecting on Betsy Ross’s legacy as a symbol of creativity and patriotism. Please remember to call at least 24 hours in advance to confirm for lunch
Walt Willey performs his one-man monologue show, “The End of the Trail”, on Sunday in front of the Hume-Carnegie Museum in Mendota. The show highlights Wild Bill Hickok’s experiences as a child growing up in Troy Grove and La Salle County, as well as the story of his death in Deadwood, South Dakota.
• WILD BILL
Continued from page 2
and wanting to look back at things like the old western movies. Plus, this is just a great show for people to see.”
Buffalo Bill’s Best of the Wild West Show is run annually in Utica, but the other two sites of the weekend’s celebration popped up to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hickok’s death.
OBITUARIES
KATHRYN ALICE EHRHARDT PETERSEN
Born: November 25, 1946
Died: May 21, 2026
Kathryn Alice Ehrhardt Petersen, 79, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona with her family by her side. Kathy was born on November 25, 1946 in Battle Creek, Michigan to John and Priscilla (Sandford) Ehrhardt. She married Allan L. Petersen on August 27, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, County Line Road, Peru, Illinois. Kathy graduated from Magnolia-Swaney High School, the class of 1964. She attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois and Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois where she received her degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1968. She started her teaching career at Lowpoint-Washburn High School in Washburn, Illinois in 1968. In 2002, she completed her 34 year career there as an English teacher and director of school plays.
Kathy was a life member of the Magnolia American Legion Auxiliary Post 254, Magnolia, Illinois; life member of the Veterans of Foreign
In Hickok’s hometown of Troy Grove, the Old West Regulators put on a 12-scene re-enactment performance of the “Life and Times of James Butler Hickok”, and in Mendota, where Hickok returned to late in his abbreviated life, Walt Willey performed a one-man monologue show, “The End of the Trail”, to highlight Wild Bill’s life experiences in the Illinois Valley and to tell the story of Hickok’s death in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Wars of the United States Auxiliary Post 4903, Tucson, Arizona; and life member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary-Rincon Renegades Chapter 18, Tucson, Arizona.
She is survived by her husband, Allan Petersen of Tucson, Arizona; sister Carolyn Ehrhardt Mulhall of St. Louis, Missouri; sister-in-law Vicki Ehrhardt of Wenona, Illinois; brother Dirk (Erin) Ehrhardt of Hamptonville, North Carolina; sister Dana (Dale) Stuber of Tremont, Illinois; stepmother Karen (Paul) Bailey of McNabb, Illinois; nephew Timothy Michael (Katie) Mulhall of St. Louis, Missouri; niece Priscilla Kathryn (Jack) Mulhall Dobbin of St. Charles, Illinois; niece Christie (Jeff) Maas of Lacon, Illinois; niece Annette (John) Lionberger of Lacon, Illinois and niece Mary (Chuck) McQueary of St. Joseph, Michigan. She was adored by many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dr. John M. Ehrhardt, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at the First Lutheran Cemetery Number 2, Varna, Illinois at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to:
National Kidney Foundation of Arizona
301 West Warner Rd. Suite 137 Tempe, AZ
85284
Phone: 602.840.1644
Mathias Woerner
Putnam County Junior High School honor roll, 4th quarter 2025-26
High honor roll
Sixth grade: Alina Aguilar, Addilyn Bickett, Penelope Bird, Adaan Delgado, Colette
Gapinski, Austin Grasser, Stella Guisti, Josephine Heeley, Harper Heuser, Madelyn Holst, Eden Johnson, Madelyn Keigley, TJ Kramarsic, Reese Lenkaitis, Braxton Lopez, Gunner Perino, Braxton Reuschel, Blake Richardson, Bryson Smith, Ean Smith, Trey Soule, Enrique Vazquez-Barreras, Jackson Vice, Jaxon Zuniga
Seventh grade: Jacob Borri, Lucas Buettner, Guiliana Cimei, Addison Goetz,
Evelyn Grasser, Hudson Heiberger, Marshall Holocker, Sophia Jackson, Liam Judd, Carter Keller, Brayden Kierski, Mason King, Sean King, Mia Mennie, Alyzza Mucu, Jace Newsome, Emily Pundsack, Laila Rivera, Elijah Schrowang, Trenity Thomas, Aubrey Zborowski
Eighth grade: Anahi Avila, Isabella Bartoluzzi, Garrett Billups, Lillian Bouxsein, Davis Carlson, Jiovany Castro, Chloe Christianse, Mylee Christiansen, Dayzlyn Cioni, Jaylynn Dickey, Ayden Dienst, Hayden Doyle, Calvin Fiedler, Makenna Goulding,
Savannah Grasser, Natalie Guadiana, Murphy Hopkins, Jayce Johnston, Anniston Judd, Alexander Kloet, Emily Konczak, Avery Lenkaitis, Brendan Linton, Andrew Matheny, Geoffrey Pagani, Jolene Poole, Anthony Popurella, Luis Ramirez, Isaac Rodriguez, Jayden Serna, Sophie Sheppard, Garrit Smith, Annabella Songeroth, Kynzie Thomas, Nolan Weddell Honor roll
Sixth grade: Kayleigh Bent, Macoy Biagini, Reagan Doehling, Preston Goetz, Sophia Lozano, Jaxon Parcher, Molly Pundsack,
Brithany Velasco
Seventh grade: Karson Actis, Liam Askeland, Angell Chasteen, Hans Frund, Dominic Gonzalez, Dani Kramer, Addilyn Podobinski, Emily Reyes, Wyatt Rue, Hunter Smith
Eighth grade: Kayden Caldwell, Luca Carboni, Roony Castro, John Cooper, Luke Gabrielse, EliMae Glynn, Nathaniel Lenczewski, Brooklyn McCart, Colton Nicoli, Elijah Pennell, Kinsey Pierski, Colton Sabotta, Dylan Spratt, Shelby Willard
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
THOMAS “TOM” EUGENE SHAW
Born: March 22, 1942 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Died: May 26, 2026 in Granville, Illinois
Thomas “Tom” Eugene Shaw, born March 22, 1942, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side holding his hand. He was a devoted husband, extraordinary father, proud grandfather, and deeply cherished great grandfather whose life was defined by hard work, generosity, and unconditional love.
A man who could seemingly do anything, Tom was self-taught in countless trades and skills. He excelled in math during school, graduating from IVCC with an associate’s degree in accounting and taking various additional accounting classes at Bradley University. He
began his adult career working locally as a Cost Accountant at Westclox and Borg Warner. He still had a passion for creating things and working with his hands to help people. Whether it involved construction, mechanical equipment, fixing vacuums, building something from scratch, or solving problems others could not, he approached every challenge with determination, intelligence, and remarkable craftsmanship. In his younger years as a craftsman, he helped build and maintain bridges and even worked on refurbishing the Starved Rock Lock and Dam, leaving pieces of himself in the very structures people rely on every day.
But his greatest masterpiece was the life he built with his wife, Nancy, and the family he adored. He was the best dad Brenda, Rhonda, and Brian could ever ask for, the coolest grandpa to seven fortunate grandkids, and absolutely over the moon for his three-and-a-half great-grandchildren. Tom was a kid at heart,
always dreaming up fun, wild, wonderful plans for the whole family.
Tom would help anyone who needed it, no questions asked. Kind, humble, caring, loving, thoughtful — he lived those words, not just wore them. And if you ever heard one of his stories, you know he was a natural storyteller, spinning tales that made his kids and grandkids laugh, think, and feel loved.
Tom was also a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness, always ready to lend a hand at the Kingdom Hall and support his brothers and sisters in faith and carrying out the preaching work however he could.
Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hartman) Shaw, his daughters Brenda (Daniel) Wrobleski and Rhonda (Joseph) Bezely, and his seven grandchildren: Nicholas Wrobleski, Heather Wrobleski, Collin (Sydney) Bezely, Rachel (Evan) Bean, Hailey Shaw, Bryce Shaw, and Brayden Shaw. He is also survived by his three and a half great-grandchildren, Louisa and
Lottie Bezely, Leah Bean, and baby boy Bean –whom Grandpa hoped would be named “Nail” – as well as a niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Shaw, on October 18, 2018, his father, Frank Shaw, mother, Helen Ryan, brother, James Shaw, and sister, Carol Carruthers.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 1-3pm at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL, with a sharing of memories beginning at 3pm. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and quiet strength. He will be missed beyond words and forever remembered. Deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved him. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.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.
CLASSIFIED
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO 2022- 00010
TO: John R Mosqueda
Spouse of John R Mosqueda Cheryl A Mosqueda Spouse of Cheryl Mosqueda
Property Index Number: 02-00- 080- 210
Dustin Young Makenzie Hanson Occupant
John R Mosqueda
17+ Sheets ½ in used Plywood $200
9 old wind-up clocks
“as is” $30 each Large uprig ht desk $200 obo 815-894-3403
ADVERTISING NOTICE
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
Legal Notice for Public Meeting
The Village of Granville has announced that a public meeting will be held at the Village Hall on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. for the purpose of informing the public of the Village of Granville Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Operation & Maintenance Plan, the CSO Pollution Prevention Plan, and developments for the Long Term Control Plan The Plans will be revi ewed and questions and feedback from the public regarding these plans will be invited. A copy of the Plans is on file for review at the office of the City Clerk.
(Published in Putnam County Record June 3, 2026) 2328955
Putnam County Record Putnam County's only newspaper
MEETING NOTICE GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP
NOTICE IS HERE-
BY GIVEN that the normal monthly meeting which would have been held on June 23 has been moved to June 30, 2026 at 6 PM at the Granville Township office, 212 S. McCoy St., Granville, IL
Kelly Goetz
Granville Township Supervisor
Julie Niewinski
Granville Township Clerk -Granville Township Road District (Putnam Co Record Jun. 3, 2026) 2328917
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO 2022- 00010
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 owners 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 County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8144-964908 (Published in Putnam
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 owners 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 County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed
1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8144-964908
(Published in Putnam County Record
May 20, 27, June 3, 2026) 964908
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 County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed. 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8144-964908
(Published in Putnam County Record May 20, 27, June 3, 2026) 964908
Notice is hereby given that the Tentative Budget and Appropriation for Granville Township and Granville Township Road District, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027 is available for inspection at the Granville Township office, 212 South McCoy Street, Granville, Illinois, during regular business hours.
A public hearing on said budget will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at the hour of 6:00 PM at the Granville Township office, 212 South McCoy Street, Granville, Illinois and that final action on the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be taken by the Township Board at a meeting to be held at that time and place.
Kelly Goetz, Granville Township Supervisor
Julie Niewinski, Granville Township Clerk Granville Township Road District (Putnam Co. Record Jun. 3, 2026) 2328914
Putnam County Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing
Wednesday June 17th ,2 026 at 7:00 p.m. Putnam County Courthouse 120 North Fourth Street Hennepin, IL 61327
This Hearing is to consider the following: ZBA #26-02, Application for Text Amendment requested by Putnam County Zoning Administration to am end the current Putnam County Zoning Ordinance to align with the State Language (SB0025) regarding Comm ercial Wind and Commercial Solar Facilities. This Amendm ent will also include
