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‘Wonder Roam’ turned out to be a whimsically soulful spiritual practice
This week, I realized wonderlust, with an “o,” is the driving force in my life.
Whereas the more familiar ‘wanderlust’ describes a hunger for travel and new experiences, those with ‘wonderlust’ crave a sense of awe and wonder at the discovery of new things. Wonderlust can be practiced anywhere, even in our own backyards.
By nurturing my wonderlust, I hold a mirror to my soul and allow my soul to reveal the mysterious and varied landscapes within.
Wonderlust takes me into my inner and outer worlds with a posture of gentle receptivity and teaches me to notice what sparks my curiosity and interest. It allows me to travel into these worlds without an agenda or timeline, and let what I find speak to me about who I am, or what I need at this moment in time. The practice of wonderlust softens rigidity and helps me remain open to changes of plans.
The most basic way I appease my wonderlust is to go for a drive, without a destination, and allow my intuition to guide me where to go. It is a simple, enchanting way to observe the four seasons, as the landscapes change.
This practice not only introduces me to sights before unseen, but it also has a
SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
way of soothing my inner child, in ways beyond words. These drives often bring clarity to whatever is going on in my life.
When I lived in Bloomington/Normal, I practiced what I now call “Wonder Roam” at the mall and the bookstore.
One of my favorite places to practice Wonder Roam was at Bergner’s department store. I went there on slow evenings and allowed myself to wander without looking for anything in particular.
The housewares and bedding departments were particularly rich places for me to discover patterns and items that attracted me. And, of course, the Christmas tree displays during the holidays offered a feast for my senses.
At Barnes and Noble, I roamed the stacks not looking for any particular book, but waiting for the book I needed to pick me.
One of the most memorable times this happened, I walked slowly, looking at the titles on the spines of books, when one with a soothing blue cover, called “The Wonders of Solitude,” by Dale Salwak,
seemed to jump off the shelf into my hands.
At that moment in my life, this book was exactly what I needed, and for quite a while, I took it with me wherever I went. Salwak’s collection of quotes about the healing properties of silence and solitude not only nourished my soul but gave me the courage to claim these practices as a countercultural necessity in a world that cringes at the thought of 30 seconds of uninterrupted quiet.
Wonder Roam is more than just a spiritual practice. It describes my creative tendency to whimsical and playful elements, as well as an awareness of the beauty and oneness of creation. Much of what I make or design incorporates this sense of wonder, whimsy and gentle beauty into it.
In a world starving for authentic, incarnational experiences, Wonder Roam is perennial spiritual medicine. I have found that I cannot live without a sense of wonderlust. When I do, I feel myself shriveling inside, and I no longer recognize myself. It is foundational for my well-being.
• Spirit Matterss a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo.com.
First State Bank contributes $10K to IVCC agriculture center
Donation funds faculty office naming in new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
A faculty office in the new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center at Illinois Valley Community College will be in honor of First State Bank, the college announced in a news release.
“Agriculture has always been at the core of who we are as a community bank, ” Kirk Ross, First State Bank President/ CEO, said in a news release. “That is
why we are proud to partner with IVCC on the Ag Forward campaign – because supporting education and opportunity in agriculture is really an investment in the future of our entire region.”
The bank contributed $10,000 towards the building, the college said.
“We are so thankful for our partnerships with First State Bank,” IVCC President Tracy Morris said in a news release. “This is a testament to their commitment to our community and to agriculture. Having their name on this office will be a lasting legacy for future generations to see.”
The college said the Center will help redefine the IVCC Agriculture program, outfitting the College to train and upskill agriculture workers and aid in the development of new technology and sustainable practices.
The $7.6 million capital project is made possible by community support and public grants, including $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration and $240,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, according to the release.
The Ag Forward campaign has brought in more than $1.7 million in support of the project through naming opportunities, IVCC said.
The building, which also features conference rooms, flexible classroom space and room for a future greenhouse, is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2027.
For information, visit www.ivcc. edu/agforward or contact Executive Director of the Foundation Tracy Beattie at 815-224-0550.
Fire crews spray water on a large structure fire July 7 in the 200 block of Elm Street in Ohio.
A Mutual Aid Box Alarm was raised to the second level, prompting fire departments as far as Sterling, Rock Falls and Amboy.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Large fire destroys outbuilding in Ohio
A large outbuilding near Swanson Trucking in Ohio was destroyed in a fire on July 7, according to the Walnut Fire Protection District.
The fire was reported in the 200 block of Elm St. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming through the roof of the structure, Fire Chief Robert Miller said.
After battling the flames from outside the outbuilding, firefighters remained at the scene for about four hours and used an estimated 150,000 gallons of water to
extinguish the fire.
The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated the fire and determined the cause was undetermined because of the damage to the building.
Fire departments from Ohio, Sheffield, LaMoille, Manlius, Yorktown, Amboy, Princeton, Sterling, Rock Falls, Wyanet, Sublette and Mendota assisted at the scene, along with Advanced EMS. The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, BuEComm, Nicor and ComEd also assisted.
No injuries were reported.
– Bill Freskos
Other fire departments assisting came from Princeton, Bureau, Ohio, LaMoille, Sheffield, Walnut and Manlius counties, among others. The fire happened about 11:15a.m.
Photos by Scott Anderson file photos
Psych exam pending in rural DePue police shooting
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The suspect in the Mother’s Day police shooting in rural DePue – a 3-yearold was killed by gunfire – will undergo a psychological exam. Anthony Rodriguez’s trial was postponed pending an evaluation.
Rodriguez, 42, of Princeton, appeared Tuesday in Bureau County Circuit Court for a final pretrial conference. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted of aggravated unlawful restraint, but also is charged with misdemeanor assault and domestic battery.
He initially was set for trial in August; but Public Defender Eric May said Tuesday in open court he is filing a series of pretrial motions to be settled before trial. Rodriguez told Circuit Judge Geno Caffarini he voluntarily waived his right to speedy trial.
Rodriguez’s trial was rescheduled to Oct. 5. He will next appear Aug. 3 for a status hearing.
Anderson file photo
Anthony Daniel Rodriguez walks into the Bureau County Courthouse for a hearing on July 7 in Princeton. Rodriguez left with a new trial date of Oct. 5. His case was postponed while he undergoes a mental health evaluation. The defense intends to raise an insanity defense in the Mother’s Day incident that killed a 3-year-old.
Chief among the pending motions is a mental health evaluation. May said he wants an expert to help determine whether Rodriguez was sane at the time of the offense.
May also plans to challenge evidence seized during the ensuing search war -
rant. He further advised the judge that he’s drafted motions seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor and for a change of venue, that is, to move the case out of Bureau County.
Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting a determination on whether the officer who fired the shot that killed 3-year-old Damian Camacho was justified in discharging a firearm.
As previously reported, prosecutors said a woman called 911 after Rodriguez allegedly threatened her life and the lives of two children. Police arrived and attempted to get Rodriguez to come out peacefully, according to open court statements.
When deescalation techniques failed, prosecutors said, police broke down the bedroom door. Rodriguez, armed with a knife, is alleged to have grabbed and held the child. A non-lethal weapon was deployed first, followed by two shots from a firearm. Both Rodriguez and Damian Camacho were struck.
Damian was eventually transported to OSF St. Clare Medical Center in Princeton for treatment, where he later died from the gunshot wound.
When: Monday, August 3, 2026
Where: Putnam County Primary School Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Information:
• Pre-registration is Required.
• A biological parent or legal guardian Must be present at the screening with the child.
• Children must be 3 years old by August 3, 2026 to be
Must Bring:
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
Proof of Income (MOST RECENT PAYCHECK STUBS-2)
Scott
Ottawa Military Show takes visitors back in time
By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com
In the past, they were found on the beaches and on the landing grounds, and this weekend they fought in the fields and streets near Ottawa as the 7th Annual Ottawa Military Show took attendees back in time.
War reenactors from across the Midwest converged in northern Ottawa to battle, educate and exhibit an authentic World War II experience.
“For a lot of us, it’s about family ties or interest with World War II,” reenactor Tieler Smith said. “It’s great to be able to provide historical information and education in a fun way like this.”
While they participated in different events and aren’t part of a single group, all of the reenactors are members of the Living History Reenactment Association.
Period-accurate uniforms, weapons, equipment, communications and language placed spectators in World War II during field and town battles.
Reenactors in camp answered questions from visitors while recreating what an Allied or Axis military camp from the period might have looked like.
Details down to the reenactors’ morning cuisine and cooking utensils gave visitors the impression that they had stepped into the past.
Various vendor stands featured original and refurbished artifacts from wars of the past, dating back to World War I.
Authenticity runs throughout the military show experience. The makeshift village built for the street fighting demonstration included authentic or refurbished items to bring places like a bank, gas station, bookstore, and post offices to life.
“I think this just shows that people have a love and fascination for World War II,” Smith said.
The battles are held within a “safety script”, where reenactors operate within a framework while portraying a World War II battle.
“The kids love the tanks and the jeeps, so we can give them rides and
Photos by Kyle Russell
U.S. Soldier reenactors charge up the battlefield towards the German front lines Saturday during the field battle at the 7th annual Military Show in Ottawa.
A German soldier defends his position from an American push Saturday during the simulated field battle at the 7th annual Military Show in Ottawa.
Marshall-Putnam 4-H foundation’s annual silent auction begins July 21
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Marshall-Putnam 4-H and Extension Foundation will hold its annual silent auction for community members to celebrate its 40th anniversary from Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23, at the Marshall-Putnam 4-H Show.
The auction features more than 40 items donated by local organizations, businesses and community members. The items include restaurant gift certificates, golf outings, quilting supplies, orchard day trips, Monier Seed and Wyffels seed packages and farm photography session by The Ag Photographer.
The Marshall-Putnam 4-H clubs also created custom gift baskets. To preview auction items, visit bit.ly/ MP4HAuction.
“As a former 4-Her and volunteer, I have seen firsthand the benefits of having a local foundation,” Marshall-Putnam 4-H and Extension Foundation treasurer Ida Boyle-
OBITUARIES
ROGER MORGAN
Roger Allen Morgan, 83, of Princeton, IL, passed on 06/29/2026.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, IL. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
• MILITARY SHOW
Continued from page 5
answer all their questions,” Reenactor Joshua Hudson said. “For some of these shows, we get into the darker elements of war that aren’t suitable for kids.”
Saturday’s other events featured a convoy of military vehicles taking visitors through downtown Ottawa.
While the different groups of reenactors that come together typically
Bruch said in a news release. “By supporting this auction and making donations, Marshall-Putnam Extension can continue to give opportunities to our local communities through so many youth and adult programs.”
The foundation’s community supporters raised more than $7,000 in 2025.
“This year’s auction truly has something for everyone, whether you support our local 4-H and Extension regularly or want to start investing more in our community now,” Marshall-Putnam 4-H and Extension Foundation secretary
Debbie Leigh also said in the news release. “The range of auction items this year is something special. Come see for yourself July 21 through 23.”
The auction bidding will close at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds Activity Building. Accepted methods of payment include check, cash or Venmo. Participants unable to attend may arrange a proxy bid.
How to submit
Send obituary information to putnamobits@shawlocal.com or call 815-632-2534. Notices are accepted until 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition.
have a set of tools and equipment that pigeonhole them into one unit from one country, there is freedom to switch and try different roles out if there are enough participants, Hudson said.
Over the weekend, Hudson stayed with his main Ukrainian group, a cast of characters that he said were like a family to him.
Regiments representing six different countries combined in the war efforts, giving spectators a glimpse into the rearview mirror of history.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1986: 57th All-Star Game: AL wins 3-2 at Astrodome, Houston, Texas.
2019: Tampa Bay catcher Travis d’Arnaud becomes first player in MLB history to hit three home runs while catching and batting leadoff.
SPORTS STADIUMS
A look at the names, history behind area fields, stadiums
Hennepin, Granville fields named after baseball coaches Ken Jenkins, Joe Massino
By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com
Sports fans walk in to area gyms and fields and see names like Bryant, Prouty, Nesti, Howard Fellows, Pops Dale, Kingman, Lancaster and Musgrove on the walls and read about them in newspaper stories.
Just who are these namesakes on the wall/sign? The first installment in a two-part series looks at the story and history behind those names of area fields and stadiums.
The second part will look at the namesakes of area gymnasiums and tracks.
Ken Jenkins Field (Granville) – The Putnam County High School baseball field is named after its former Hall of Fame coach. Ken Jenkins was the PC coach from 1979-2008, leading the Panthers to a 1A third-place finish at state. He finished with a 517-336 record, including seven regional titles and three sectional titles, leading PC teams to state in 1982, 1998 (fourth) & 2008 (third).
Joe Massino Field (Hennepin) – Most well known as baseball coach at Hennepin and PC, Joe Massino compiled a 421-103 record (.803 winning percentage), won seven Tri-County Conference titles, six districts titles, three regionals, one sectional and led the 1972 PC team to the state tournament in one-class system. He was an inaugural member of PC Hall of Fame and is being inducted into the Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame in June.
Bryant Field (Princeton) – The Tigers football field is named after John H. Howard Bryant, a distinguished early settler in Princeton and brother to the Poet William Cullen Bryant. The Tigers moved into Bryant Field during the 1930 season, previously playing at cross-
town Alexander Park. The Bryant Field dedication was held on Nov. 11, 1930. According to the Bureau County Tribune, keynote speaker Major Reed Landis, world war ace and son of Judge Landis of baseball and judicial fame, “declared that he had never seen a more splendid location or more complete equipment in a high school.” The Tigers marked the occasion by defeating Geneseo 14-7.
Prather Field (Princeton) – The land for the Tigers baseball field, including the tennis courts and track throws area and former football practice field, was sold to the school by Jim and Myrtie Prather family in May of 1963. Their son, Dallis, was a PHS grad and World War II hero, killed in action, recognized for his heroic actions.
Richard Nesti Stadium (Hall) – Richard Nesti, a native of Modena, Italy, returned to Hall, his alma mater, to coach in 1928. He put Red Devil football on the map, winning eight conference championships, the 1931 “state” championship and compiling a 211-44-9 record. The Hall stadium, which was built in the early 1930s, was named in his honor in 1979.
Kirby Park/Foley Field (Spring Valley) –Kirby Park is named after Dr. George Kirby, a Spring Valley surgeon, who spearheaded the community drive to raise funds for the park’s creation in 1940. Foley Field, the baseball home of the Hall Red Devils at Kirby Park, is named after a prominent local family (Archie Foley and his son, Dr. Louis Foley, a 1957 Hall grad), with long-standing ties to Spring Valley and the medical community at the former St. Margaret’s Hospital.
Abbot Davey O.S.B. Softball Field (St. Bede)
– The naming and dedication of Abbot Philip Davey, O.S.B. Field at St. Bede was held on 2022 Homecoming Day. Softball was in Davey’s blood having been head coach for the program for parts of five decades. He took the Bruins to the Class A Sweet 16 in 2006. He was elected the eighth abbot of the monastery on June 7, 2011. He attended St. Bede
See STADIUMS, page 9
Shaw Local Network file photos
ABOVE: The Putnam County High School baseball field is named after its legendary coach Ken Jenkins. BELOW: The baseball field in Hennepin is named after Hall of Fame coach Joe Massino, who coached at Hennepin and Putnam County.
• STADIUMS
Continued from page 8
Academy and Junior College, and is a member of the Class of 1965.
Sunny Jim Bottomley Field (Oglesby) – The youth baseball baseball is named in honor of Baseball Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals legend Jim “Sunny Jim” Bottomley, who was born in Oglesby in 1900.
Howard Fellows Stadium (L-P) – The dedication of the L-P football stadium was held on Oct. 22, 1976, named in honor of the longtime La Salle-Peru coach. Howard Fellows was a L-P coach, mathematics teacher and athletic director who was on staff from 1913-59. He coached basketball, football, track and field, swimming and tennis. He was appointed athletic director in 1928 and served in that role until 1959.
Upon retirement, Fellows said, “It has been worthwhile. God has been good to me.”
Huby Sarver Field (L-P) – The Cavaliers’ new baseball field at the L-P Sports Complex was named in the fall of 2023 after its former longtime baseball coach Hubert “Huby” Sarver. He coached the Cavs for 26 years, compiling a 431-244 record. Sarver also coached basketball for 12 years and football for two years.
Schweickert Stadium (Peru) – The home
Peru was named in 2023 after native son JA Happ, who launched a 15-year big league career there. The St. Bede alum broke in with the Phillies in 2008 and ended his career with the Cardinals in 2021, pitching for eight teams along the way.
Jeff Prusator Athletic Complex (Mendota) – Retired Mendota superintendent Jeff Prusator was the driving force behind the athletic complex at Mendota High School, which was named in his honor in June, 2024. Prusator was an administrator at Mendota from 1996 until his retirement after the 2022-23 school year, serving his last 19 years as the school’s superintendent.
The soccer field, which is now a practice field, was first used in 2004, the tennis courts and baseball and softball fields opened in 2010 and the football stadium and track was completed in 2011.
Doenier Field (Mendota) – The youth football field in Mendota, formerly the home of the high school team, is named after former Mendota High School principal and basketball coach Lloyd Doenier.
of the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp at Veteran Memorial Park in Peru is named for Schweickert family, a major
benefactor of the renovated stadium.
J.A. Happ Field (Peru) – The Senior League diamond at Washington Park in
Faber Field (Mendota) – The former Mendota High School baseball field is named after Mendota graduate Brian Faber, who tragically was a killed in an auto accident his freshman year at IVCC. He was a member of the Trojans’ state tournament team in 1996. The field still is being used for Senior League.
Scott Anderson file photos
An aerial view of Bryant Field as the Tigers take the field against IC Catholic in the Class 3A Quarterfinal game on Nov. 12, 2022 in Princeton. The Tigers football field is named after John H. Howard, a distinguished early settler in Princeton and brother to the Poet William Cullen Bryant. The Tigers moved into Bryant Field during the 1930 season, previously playing at cross-town Alexander Park. The Bryant Field dedication was held on Nov. 11, 1930.
The Ottawa Pirates and L-P Cavaliers play football on Oct. 3, 2025 at Howard Fellows Stadium in LaSalle. The stadium was named after longtime La Salle-Peru coach Howard Fellows, a teacher, coach and athletic director who was on staff from 1913-59.
CLASSIFIED
PU BLIC NOT ICE
17+ Sheets ½ in used Plywood $200 815-894-3403
Large upright desk
$200 obo 9 old wind-up clocks "as is" $30 each 815-894-3403
Legal
A Pu blic Hearing on the 2 026 Tax Appr opriation of the Standard Fire Protection District will be held at the Standard Fire Station located in Standar d, Illinois, on Thurs day, 6 Au gu st 20 26, from 6: 45 pm to 7:00 pm The Tax A ppropriation is available for inspection at the Stan dard Post Office du ring its regular business hou rs.
(Published in Putnam County Record Jul. 15, 2026) 2337280
Notice of Public Hearin g Pu tnam Count y Conser vation District
Business Directory
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
202 6- 202 7 Tentative Tax Levy Meeting Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Putnam County Conservation District, to approve 2026- 2027 Tax Levy of the Putnam County Conservation District, Putnam County Illinois. Said hearing will be held at the Putnam County Conservation District, Natural Lands Area Office, McNabb, IL at 10:00 a.m., August 19, 2026 NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Tentative Tax Levy will be made conveniently available for public inspection at the Natural Lands Office, by calling 815882-2319
(Published in Putnam County Record Jul. 15, 2026) 2337273
