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Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ state funding unchanged
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
State funding appropriations for Soil and Water Conservation Districts were kept at current levels for the third consecutive year, while legislation to create a sustainable funding source for the agency stalled.
The Illinois General Assembly approved the nearly $56 billion fiscal year 2027 budget June 1 that included $4.5 million for SWCD operation expenses.
“That was level where it was the previous two years. Prior to that, however, we had gotten our funding up to $8.5 million for three years in a row, and many were under the assumption that this was going to be the new standard because it had not been raised in years prior,” said Eliot Clay, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts executive director. “But then it was cut a few years ago with a lot of budget constraints, and we got knocked back.”
The $4.5 million for SWCDs will be funneled down to the 97 districts serving 102 Illinois counties, equating to between $37,000 and $38,000 per district that is earmarked for operations.
“It’s going to be tough. Ideally, these districts are employing two people full time. For one person that’s not sustainable, let alone two,” Clay said. “We’ve got some districts that have gotten really great about being creative with other funding sources through their own fish, plant and tree sales, agreements with counties and all those things.
“We’ve got some that are struggling and have told us flat out they’ve got less than 12 months of operating funds in the budget. So, this year could be one where we really start seeing the negative impacts of the sustained budget and inef-
Eliot Clay
ficiencies. Essentially we’re looking at the same budget that was suggested by the governor back in January, but ultimately we were seeking more in the appropriation side, closer to $10 million.”
Sustainable funding efforts
After multiple years of funding uncertainty, legislation was introduced to create a sustainable way to fund SWCDs that wouldn’t hinge on General Revenue Fund appropriations.
Senate Bill 4044, sponsored by state Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, would establish the Agricultural Land Conservation Act. The bill would create a onetime farmland conversion fee paid by developers when agricultural land is permanently converted to non-farm uses.
“Essentially every acre of ag land that is currently in production that would be taken out of production for development would be assessed a $67-an-acre fee that would have only been paid by developers, not landowners,” Clay said.
Under the bill, a farmland conversion fee would be paid by the buyer or lessee of a transaction for any agricultural land that will be removed from production for the specific purpose of developing an industrial park, a commercial area, a single-family or multi-family dwelling or for any other use that removes the agricultural land from production.
“We wrote this specifically to not put a burden on farmers, and there were even exemptions in there for some environmental things, like developing agri -
voltaics as part of solar projects, and things like that,” Clay said.
The bill was sent to the Senate Assignment Committee on May 22 with no further action before the June 1 adjournment.
Looking ahead
“Unfortunately, we got through the process, we had a subject matter hearing in the Senate that went very well, but in the 11th hour we along with a lot of other people were disappointed in the outcome of the budget. I think a lot of it is just chalked up to the fact that it was a very difficult budget year,” Clay said. “We’re licking our wounds right now, but we’re going to come back during veto session.”
The veto session is scheduled to begin after the general election in November, and there are various revenue proposals on the table.
“The challenge continues and there’s a lot of different things we’re considering right now. We’ve got the veto session coming up, so we’re going to keep pressing this revenue idea,” Clay said. “The one cool thing is that we have a lot of bipartisan support for that, from very progressive Democrats and very conservative Republicans. I think there’s an interest to see a better funding source for conservation in general in Illinois, not just for agriculture, but also open space, too.
“The state has been wrangling with how to do this for a number of years, and I think there’s a lot of people that are interested in trying to figure that out. So, maybe there’s strength in numbers there, who knows? In the meantime, we’re going to spend the summer doing our own education efforts and getting lawmakers out to farms and showing them what’s going on.”
Hope Week volunteers make a difference across the Illinois Valley
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Volunteers participated in Hope Week, a community service initiative led by Ax Church, on projects throughout the Illinois Valley.
The annual event brings together hundreds of volunteers to complete beautification projects, assist local organizations and serve communities across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties.
Photos by Scott Anderson
LEFT: Dexter Logan and his brother Madden scrape away dirt from the base of a scoreboard on June 11 at Hopkins Park in Granville. ABOVE: Brady Hamiel scrapes old paint off of a foul pole on June 11 at Hopkins Park in Granville.
More on 34 garage sales return Father’s Day weekend across three counties
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
More than 60 garage sales will line Route 34 across three counties during Father’s Day weekend, with the majority opening Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20.
The annual “More on 34 Miles and Miles of Garage Sales” event stretches from La Salle County through Bureau County and into Henry County. Some sales begin Thursday, June 18, but most open Friday and Saturday.
The Bureau County Tourism Committee has compiled a list of participating sales, available at the Prouty Building at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, local gas stations throughout the villages, and on the Bureau County Tourism and More on 34-Bureau County Facebook pages.
Princeton alone has more than 30 sales listed, with additional sales
in Galva and Altoona. Route 34 will be marked with directional signs pointing to additional unlisted sales.
The Bureau County Fairgrounds will host approximately 50 vendors both inside and outside the building, opening at 8 a.m. both days. Rossy’s BBQ will operate a food truck Friday, and a concession stand inside the building will offer cold drinks, breakfast and lunch items.
Most garage sales begin at 8 a.m. or earlier and continue throughout the day. The Tourism Committee reminds shoppers to park carefully to avoid blocking street access or driveways and to bring small bills for making change.
Sellers are asked to use lettering at least 2 to 3 inches tall in bold on garage sale signs, avoid fastening signs to state property and remove signs when their sales end.
Next year’s event is scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2027.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
University of Illinois Extension launches lunch and learning series in Ottawa
University of Illinois Extension is launching a monthly “Lunch N Learn Series” in Ottawa that combines healthy eating instruction with hands-on cooking.
The program, led by Food and Nutrition Educator Susan Glassman, meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave.
Each session includes a short lesson on
healthy living, time to prepare and taste a recipe together and take-home tip sheets.
The series runs July 8, Aug. 5, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Participants will prepare chicken shawarma while learning how to build nutritious lunches.
The program is free and open to adults. Registration is required by July 6 at go. illinois.edu/lunchnlearn.
– Shaw Local News Network
Free fishing clinic teaches families river skills at Starved Rock State Park
A “Casting Memories” family fishing clinic will be at 9 a.m. June 28 at Starved Rock State Park.
This family event is designed to provide fishing lessons with hands-on experience. The program includes free bait, tackle and instruction.
Families also will learn about river fishing tactics, Illinois river fish species and ethical angling practices.
Registration is required for this event and those interested in registering can email lisa.sons@illinois.gov by June 24. Space is limited.
– Tom Collins
Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois announces new executive director
Former educator Rick
Burchell to begin role July 1
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois recently announced the appointment of Rick Burchell as its next executive director.
Burchell previously served as principal of Kaneland Middle School for eight years and Director of the Fox Valley Career Center for fourteen years.
Throughout his career, Burchell has overseen large educational systems and secured numerous grants to support programs and services.
“The board believes Burchell’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to community service make him exceptionally well-suited to lead VAC into the future,” board members wrote in a statement.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
McNabb library announces June programming
The Putnam County Public Library District’s McNabb branch announced its remaining June programs.
Docs & Dialogue: The Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia, 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 – Documentary about women on horseback who delivered books and hope to the most remote corners of Kentucky. 27 minutes. Made possible by PBS.
Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together, 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 –This hybrid teen book club will preview
Burchell will begin the new role on July 1 and will be heading up VAC’s ongoing operations in DeKalb County, as well as in Kendall, La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.
“The Board is excited to welcome Rick to the VAC family,” board president Joel Maurer said in a statement.
“His experience, vision, and strong community connections will help build upon the organization’s legacy of service while positioning VAC for continued growth and impact.”
The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois provides transportation, nutrition and other support services for seniors, individuals with disabilities and residents in need across northern Illinois.
Ken Burns’ PBS documentary, “The American Revolution,” followed by a group discussion.
This session’s featured title is “Ashes” by Laurie Halse Anderson. For ages 13–19. In person at the McNabb Branch or via Zoom; register at t.ly/dVqoV. Copies available at the branch.
All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact the Putnam County Public Library District at 815-339-2038 or visit the McNabb Branch at 322 W. Main St.
– Tom Collins
~ Fire Up The Grill ~ Raffle
Rick Burchell
St. Bede Auction raises $215,000 for kitchen
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The 43rd Annual St. Bede Auction, The Lane to Tomorrow, held on June 6, was one of the most successful auctions in school history, ranking among the top four auctions held during the event’s 43-year history.
Because of the kindness and support of donors, sponsors, volunteers and guests, St. Bede raised more than $215,000 for its Fund-A-Need Kitchen Modernization project – an important investment in the heath, safety and daily experience of students and staff.
Guests enjoyed a fun evening in the academy’s Perino Science Center. Attendees were welcomed with champagne and enjoyed new features such as the spritz bar, interactive games, spirited bidding opportunities and an atmosphere filled with excitement and com-
OBITUARIES
KARRY ELIZABETH BARACANI
Born: May 17, 1962 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Died: June 4, 2026 in Bloomington, Illinois
Karry Elizabeth Baracani, 64, of Bloomington passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at her residence.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL.
Karry was born on May 17, 1962 in Spring Valley to John Richard Baracani Sr. and Shirley (Haun) Davis.
She graduated from Putnam County High School and received her masters at Illinois State University. She was the H.R. for Sysco Company in Lincoln, IL and previously worked at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley in the H.R. department.
Survivors include her father, John Baracani Sr. of Spring Valley; mother, Shirley Davis
munity spirit.
Some of the most popular auction packages were the Rich Harvest Farms golf experience, La Dolce Vita: An Italian wine and culinary adventure to Tuscany, which sold 16 times, the Sonoma wine country experience, which sold four times, and Fr. Dominic’s Pizza Party, which sold twice.
“The success of this year’s auction shows how much people care about St. Bede,” said Bonnie Prokup, auction manager. “The support we received will help our students for years to come and help St. Bede remain a safe and welcoming place to learn.”
St. Bede thanks everyone who helped make the auction a success through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, attending and bidding.
More fundraising results and updates about the Kitchen Modernization project will be shared in the coming months.
of Magnolia; fur babies, Mookie and Buckus; brother, Bill (Lori) Baracani of Dallas, Texas; step-brothers, Jon Davis, Jim Davis, Don Davis and step sister, Shirley Davis; aunts, Kathy Norton Fishman of South Carolina, Dottie Haun of Peru, Mary Ann (late Donnie) Haun of Spring Valley; aunt and uncle, Lloyd and Janet Haun of Seatonville’ sister-in-law, Brandie (late John Jr.) Baracani of Spring Valley; Best friend, Deb Block of Bloomington and numerous friends. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her step-father, Dave Davis in 2023; brother, John Baracani Jr. in 2025 and nephew, Jordan Baracani 2019.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to McLean County Animal Control. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com
call 815-632-2534.
SPORTS
‘A
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1954: Rocky Marciano beats Ezzard Charles by unanimous points decision in his 3rd world heavyweight boxing title.
2010: Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics in Game 7 for franchise’s 16th NBA title.
BASEBALL – CLASS 1A STATE FINAL: TREMONT 10, PUTNAM COUNTY 0
lot of pride’: Panthers place second in Class 1A
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
The Putnam County baseball team did not walk off Illinois Field in Champaign the way it had hoped to on Saturday.
But the Panthers still walked off with pride, with a large contingent of family, friends and fans cheering them on following their 10-0, five-inning loss to Tremont in the Class 1A state championship game.
“It’s a little surreal,” Putnam County coach Chris Newsome said. “I mean, you can’t have any disappointment at this level because it’s incredible to be here. There’s a lot of pride going through my head right now and encouragement. This sets the stage and filters down to the youth who were here. It really helps drive throughout our community. You’ve seen it throughout the last couple days down here. The backing is unreal by these folks, and the entire community is unreal.
“It’s been a blessing, but ultimately, it comes back to the boys and how proud I am and how much I love those guys.”
The Panthers matched the best finish in program history and brought home the school’s fourth state trophy.
“It’s great to do it with these guys,” Putnam County senior Johnathon Stunkel said. “There’s no one better. It’s like a brotherhood around here. We worked hard for this. We didn’t get the job done today, but we went as far as we could and gave it everything we had.”
Tremont (39-2) took control from the start Saturday.
Putnam County’s Traxton Mattingly drew a walk from Tremont starter Chase Rhodes to lead off then stole second, but the Panthers couldn’t move him any farther.
In the bottom of the first inning, Tremont’s Griffin Meeker ripped a triple to deep center field to start things off. The Turks got three more hits and benefited from an error to score three runs.
After another scoreless frame for Putnam County in the second, the Turks scored two runs and had the bases loaded with one out when thunder and lightning caused a delay.
“Tremont is probably the best team we’ve played all year,” Mattingly said. “I
give Chase a lot of credit. I played with him back in 15U. He throws hard. He throws well. The whole team can just hit it really well.”
The 57-minute delay did not provide a spark for the Panthers like it famously did for the 2016 Chicago Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series.
“We went with an opener [on the mound] with Maddox[Poole] to hopefully go soft because we knew they were pretty talented,” Newsome said. “We were hoping to get some more ground balls and lazy pop ups, but that wasn’t the case. Obviously, they were putting some good barrels on it. Then we go to Kade [Zimmerlein] and they continued to put barrels on it.
“We had the rain delay. I joked with the guys, ‘Who’s our Jason Heyward.’ Then I realized some of those kids were like 6 years old when that happened and were probably in bed. I think the reset
gave us an opportunity, but they’re just super talented, and you just have to tip your hat when you’re beat. They had more talent than we did. They executed better, but that doesn’t take anything away from our guys.”
After the delay, Tremont scored three more runs in the second and two in the third to build a 10-0 lead.
The Panthers, meanwhile, finished with only two hits. Carter Hochstatter hit a slow chopper for a single in the second, and Zimmerlein lined a single into center in the fourth.
“We knew they were going to be good,” Stunkel said. “There were a few mistakes and some walks and they just hit the ball really well. There isn’t much you can do about it when they’re hitting gaps all day.”
With the big deficit, Newsome made sure to get every player into the game. Along with Poole and Zimmerlein, Rudy
Villagomez and Mattingly also pitched, while Tyson Zuniga played an inning in left field and got an at-bat.
“You want it to happen when you’re ahead, but ultimately we had to scramble there and get everybody in because you never know when it’s going to happen again. You can’t take it for granted. You have to use the opportunities that are given to you. It was nice to get everybody in. Obviously, we would have liked to be on the winning end. Everybody knows that. But we lost to an incredibly talented Tremont team.”
Saturday was the final game as Panthers for Mattingly and Stunkel, but not their final game together as both will play next season at Illinois Central College.
“I told Johnathon at the start of the year that we were going to get us some big hardware this year and we did it,” Mattingly said. “We couldn’t be more proud of each other and the whole team.”
Tiffany Blanchette
Putnam County’s Traxton Mattingly (left) and Johnathan Stunkel (center) present the Class 1A second-place trophy to the team following the Panthers’ 10-0 loss in five innings to Tremont in the IHSA Class 1A state championship on Saturday at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Putnam County wins dogfight, beats North Clay
Panthers advance to state title game
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Johnathon Stunkel didn’t mind the extra baseball.
And the pressure didn’t faze him.
The Putnam County baseball team was on the verge of a state championship game appearance, needing only one out to advance, when North Clay hit a game-tying double.
After relief pitcher Maddox Poole got a pop-up to force extra innings, Stunkel was due up for the Panthers.
“I love it,” Stunkel said about tight games. “It keeps you on your toes. We got extra innings today. I love baseball, so as long as I get to keep playing.”
Stunkel played a key role keeping the Panthers in the hunt for the Class 1A state title.
The senior ripped a double to left-center field to start the eighth inning, advanced to third on a groundout and raced home on Poole’s sacrifice fly to center to help lift Putnam County to a 4-3, eight-inning victory over North Clay in the semifinals at Illinois Field in Champaign.
“I knew I was going to get the job done,” said Stunkel, whose teammates rushed him and doused him with water after the game. “I just went up there, did me and got it done, and I knew my teammates behind me would get me in.
“It’s awesome. Growing up with these guys and now we’re here, there’s nothing better.”
Tied 2-2 in the sixth, Putnam County’s Peyton Barto was hit by a pitch, then stole second base.
With two outs, Barto stole third, and the throw got away. Barto started home, but third baseman Trevan Sidwell bumped into him. Barto was tagged out in a rundown but was awarded home plate on an obstruction call, giving the Panthers a 3-2 lead.
“I didn’t know if the third base umpire was going to call it,” Newsome said. “I had my arm out immediately, telling Peyton to go. The home plate umpire took over and called it. … You hear the roar of emotions from the crowd. It was sweet.
“In a perfect world, I would have loved for Johnathon to close it out there, but
they’re good. We expected them to give us the battle of the century.”
Stunkel stranded two runners in the sixth and got a ground ball out to start the seventh before North Clay leadoff hitter Jack Compton reached when second baseman Eli King lost a pop-up in the sun.
After another out, Ian Jones ripped a double down the third-base line to tie it.
Poole and the Panthers closed it out in the eighth.
“I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous at first,” Poole said about coming on in relief. “I’m usually even-keeled, but I was nervous. But I got that pop-out in the seventh and the next inning I felt good, like nobody was going to beat me.”
The Cardinals got two runners on with a walk and a hit batter with one out, but Poole got a pop-out, then King ended
it when he fielded a ground ball and threw to Traxton Mattingly at first.
“I was super proud of Eli for stepping up,” Newsome said. “He was kicking himself on the fly ball that got in the sun, which happens to everybody. He was really hard on himself because he expects to be good every single time. He got another play there to pick himself up, and that was special.”
The Panthers had a strong start as Mattingly and Stunkel drew back-to-back walks to open the game. After Kade Zimmerlein reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second, Poole hit a two-run single to left.
The Cardinals scored on a misplayed fly ball in the second and on an RBI double by Carder Walden in the fourth.
“The early runs were huge,” Newsome said. “They came storming back.
We absolutely knew this was going to be a dogfight, so I think planning that mentally out in your head ahead of time gives us at least some breathing room when stuff does get tight because you expected this type of game.”
Stunkel pitched 6⅔ innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks before leaving due to the pitch count. Barto pitched 1⅓ scoreless innings.
Stunkel doubled twice and scored a run, Poole was 1 for 3 with two RBIs, Barto was 1 for 3 with a run and an RBI, and Mattingly was 1 for 2 with two walks and a run.
“I’m stoked,” Poole said. “I’m speechless. I don’t think anybody expected us to be here except for after we started to get rolling, but this is awesome. Nothing is better than this.”
Tiffany Blanchette
Putnam County’s Traxton Mattingly celebrates with teammates as they turn toward their cheering fan section following their 4-3 victory in eight innings over North Clay in a Class 1A State semifinal Friday at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Large upright desk $200 obo 9 old wind-up clocks "as is" $30 each 17+ Sheets ½ in used Plywood $200 815-894-3403 PU BLIC NOT ICE
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
The Village of Standard has available upon request this year's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR includes basic information on the sources of your drinking water, the levels of any contaminants that were detected in the water during 2025, and compliance with other drinking water rules, as well as some educational materials. To obtain a free copy of the report, please call Mike Holmes at (815) 343-9942 or you may pick one up at the Standard Village Hall. (Putnam Co. Record 6/17/2026) 2331203
HENNEPIN FOOD MART
GROCERY SPECIALS
Pam Cooking Spray 6oz $3�89
Wishbone Western and Assorted Salad Dressings 15oz 2/$6
Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce 15oz �������������������������3/$5
