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Enjoy free Ravinia tickets through Putnam County libraries
Partnership includes complimentary Metra transportation to acclaimed music festival
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The Putnam County Public Library District announced the return of its partnership with the acclaimed
Ravinia Festival for the 2026 Words & Music Program, which includes complimentary tickets to select performances at Ravinia Festival.
In addition to concert admission, tickets also include free Metra transportation on the Union Pacific North Line, offering convenient access to one of the nation’s premier music festivals.
Founded in 1904, Ravinia is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. It is internationally renowned for its outstanding pro -
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
IVCC tuition due Wednesday
Students must pay tuition or arrange a payment plan by Wednesday to keep their fall classes.
Illinois Valley Community College will drop students from all courses on July 30 if tuition is not paid in full or a payment plan is not established by July 29.
Students who are dropped will have to re-enroll, and the college does not guarantee they will get the same schedule or classes.
Financial aid recipients should contact the college’s cashier’s office to apply their
aid toward tuition before the deadline. Students can pay tuition, set up payment plans and view class schedules through the IVCC Self-Service portal at https://www. ivcc.edu/searchforclasses/. – Shaw Local News Network
Putnam County Community Church hosts Vacation Bible School
Putnam County Community Church in Granville is hosting Vacation Bible School for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, through Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Children will participate in Bible adven -
gramming, featuring performances by some of the world’s most celebrated artists across a wide range of musical genres.
Tickets are valid only for the date printed; they cannot be exchanged or resold, and availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To check availability, contact the Granville Branch of the Putnam County Public Library District at 815339-2038. The Granville Branch is located at 214 S. McCoy St., Granville.
tures, games, crafts and snacks while learning that Jesus is the Light of the World.
The program concludes with a family-friendly celebration for registered participants at Hennepin Pool on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The celebration includes family swim time from 7 to 8 p.m. and a final Bible lesson with refreshments from 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration is available online. Visit the church’s Facebook page for details.
– Maribeth M. Wilson
Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair goat show draws young
Young
The
for
on
21
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local
LEFT: Ben Vineyard attempts to lead goat
judging during the Goat Show at the Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair
July
at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry. ABOVE: Sarah Hodel pets a goat named Chai as Sharon Read laughs during the Goat Show at the Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair in Henry.
4 - 12:30 pm – Music Therapy w/Michelle (Virtual & In Person)
6 - 12:30 pm – Bingo
10 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am – Medicare Part B Prevention & Wellness Benefits, Extra Help/LIS, MSP Program & BA Enrollment
11 - 9:30 am – 11:00 am - Free Blood Pressure & Glucose check
12:30 pm – Pre-Civil War Quilts w/ Connie Martin (Virtual & In Person)
13 - 10:00 am – 11:30 am Outreach at Granville Library 12:30 pm – Ginger Rogers w/ Michelle Gibbons (Virtual & In Person)
14 - 10:30 am – PCCC Board Meeting 11:30 pm – PCCC CLOSED to Celebrate our Volunteers
18 - 12:30 pm – Bingo
20 - 12:30 pm – Lincoln Douglas Debate (Reddick Mansion) w/ Lorraine McCallister 3 (Virtual & In Person)
25 - 12:30 pm – Social Hour
27 - 12:30 pm – 5 Second Game
THANK YOU, DONORS!
George Robinson Granville National Bank Tom Ernat McNabb United Methodist Church Evangelica Emmaus
IN MEMORY OF Eugene & Joan Kunkel – Candace & Richard Haar
Angeline Kay Troglio – Candace & Richard Haar
Adam Passini Jr. – Bob & Marsha Passini & Family, Brad & Shelley Kays, Ryan & Rose Bell, Debra Holmes, Shannon & Angela Fay, Mr. & Mrs. John & Suzy Twardowski, Kelly & Mike Legrenzi & Family, Jeff & Mary Newcomer, Georgia & Jerry Kulis
Charlie Witzman – Candace & Richard Haar
PUTNAM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER – AUGUST 2026
Join us at the PCCC as Connie Martin presents,
“Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad”
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 12:30 pm
Please call at least 24 hours in advance to confirm for lunch
Dancing Through Time: Step into the Spotlight with Ginger Rogers
Join the PCCC as Michelle Gibbons steps into Ginger’s Shoes (quite Literally) and complete with a spell bound-ing tap-dancing sequence that captures the spirit of the legendary entertainer. PCCC
Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 12:30 pm
Please call to confirm for lunch at least 24 hours in advance.
Experience the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age as historical presenter Michelle Gibbons brings Ginger Rogers to life in this captivating portrayal. Known for her dazzling dance routines and timeless charm, Ginger Rogers wasn’t just a star — she was a trailblazer, captivating audiences with her elegance and talent both on-screen and on-stage.
Through storytelling and dance, you’ll relive Ginger’s most iconic moments, from her unforgettable films with Fred Astaire to her Academy Award-winning acting career.
Discover the woman behind the glamour and learn how Ginger Rogers danced her way into history — backward and in heels. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Youth present projects at Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair
ABOVE: Emerson Jugovic presents her project on Archery Safety to a judge at the Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair on July 21 at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry.
FAR LEFT: Judge Katie Grumbine talks with children at the Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair. LEFT: Beau Barrow’s art piece is displayed at the Marshall-Putnam 4H Fair in Henry.
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
2026 Granville Cruise In
FRIDAY AUGUST 7th
Cruise Night - 5-8pm - Registration starts 5pm
$10 Registration Fee
The Unique Twist Balloon Artist - 5-8pm
Flag Presentation - 6pm
Panteras & PC Cheer - to perform Immediately following Flag Presentation
Street Dance following Car Cruise- Band performance by VERMILLION RIVER BAND
LYNDA A. (LENKAITIS) MARKUT
Born: August 12, 1949
Died: July 20, 2026
Lynda A. (Lenkaitis) Markut, age 76, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on July 20, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1949 in Spring Valley, IL, the daughter of Victor J. and Hellen A. (Skutt) Lenkaitis, Sr. She graduated from Putnam County High School in 1967 and went on to The University of Illinois for her undergraduate and graduated in 1971. On March 11, 1972 at St.
Anne’s Catholic Church in Spring Valley, IL, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Michael F. Markut, Jr. They welcomed a daughter, Jeanette, in 1975. Lynda attended Northern Illinois University where she obtained her Master of Science degree in 1980. She lived in Woodstock, IL for the majority of her life and worked as a social worker/clinical director at Family Alliance in Woodstock. In 2008, she moved with her husband to Clinton, WI to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. While living in Wisconsin, she worked for the Alzheimer Association as a workplace education coordinator until retiring in 2020. Lynda cared for her mother as well as many, many others who had dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. She co-authored a book in 2005, Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories
and was named Women of the Year by the Woodstock Professional and Business Women in 2006. Lynda presented across the United States at many conferences. She will be especially remembered for her compassion, kindness and care to all. She was a proud daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Lynda loved to stay active and spend time in nature, especially gardening, birding, kayaking/canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. She also loved to bake and cook for friends and loved ones. She was into storytelling and spoke at the Illinois Storytelling Festival. Lynda was proud of her Lithuanian heritage and practiced many traditions with her family. She was very outgoing and had a heart of gold. She will be missed immensely by all who were blessed to have known her.
Lynda is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Michael; daughter, Jeanette (Heath) Troha; grandchildren, Allen and Annastasia Troha; sisters in law, Jane and MaryEtta Lenkaitis; and numerous other extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: Eleanor Hopkins, Victor Lenkaitis, Jr. and Albert Lenkaitis.
A memorial celebration will be held on August 22, 2026 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Rotary Botanical Gardens in 1455 Palmer Dr. Janesville, WI 53545. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.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.
Summer slowdown at the state parks?
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Remember all the severe weather alerts we had in June? All those tornado watches reached would-be tourists in the Chicago area, too.
The summer season got off to a roaring start at Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, both of which enjoyed strong May attendance and big Memorial Day weekend crowds. It wasn’t a shock: Gas prices were expected to spur day trippers from Chicago.
The shock came when the June totals were collected. Not only did Starved Rock have a weak June (almost a quarter below average), but there were just 978,336 year-to-date visitors through June 30.
Starved Rock usually has a million visitors in the books by July 1. The park has missed that mark just twice in the past 15 years, once because of the pandemic and once because of storm damage and trail closures.
“The numbers came as quite a surprise to me, as well,” said Matthew Klein, president of the Starved Rock Foundation, “especially for a region that relies so heavily on tourism.”
Erratic weather
But Klein and site superintendent Monty Bernardoni have a few theories about why tourism abruptly declined.
Even if June had been mild instead of unusually warm and humid, National Weather Service advisories did the parks no favors. Northern Illinois as a whole was subject to near-weekly severe weather alerts, and Streator residents can testify
Mother Nature bears most of the blame.
MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
Visitors walk through sunflower fields at Matthiessen State Park on July 21 in Oglesby.
IVCC trustee establishes $10,000 scholarship for veterans
William F. Hunt endows
Illinois Valley Community College trustee William F. Hunt has established an endowed scholarship to support veterans pursuing education at the college.
The William F. Hunt Family Scholarship is funded by a $10,000 endowment designed to provide ongoing support to military veterans enrolled at IVCC.
Hunt, a U.S. Navy veteran, said his military experience and commitment to higher education motivated him to create the scholarship.
“Being on the Board at IVCC, I have witnessed the positive impact a scholarship can provide a student and after spending many years in the Navy, I have a strong belief in teamwork and making a difference in someone’s life,”
Hunt said.
Hunt currently serves on the IVCC Board of Trustees and previously served on the IVCC Foundation Board, where he worked to expand educational opportunities.
Tracy Beattie, executive director of
the IVCC Foundation, said the scholarship addresses a critical need.
“This generous endowment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of veteran students, helping reduce financial barriers while honoring Bill’s remarkable legacy of service
to both our country and IVCC,” Beattie said.
For information about establishing a scholarship or supporting the IVCC Foundation, contact the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation at 815224-0550 or tracy_beattie@ivcc.edu.
Photo provided by IVCC
Navy veteran William “Bill” Hunt and his family have established a scholarship for veterans who are pursuing their education at Illinois Valley Community College. Pictured are (from left) Donna Hunt, Paityn Barkman Hunt, Zach Hunt, Kevin Hunt, Phoebe Hughes (holding Rory Hunt) and Bill Hunt.
DANIEL DOW
Born: January 29, 1950 in Spring Valley, Illinois Died: July 17, 2026 in Peru, Illinois
Daniel Dow, 76, of Peru, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel, 208 S. McCoy Street, Granville. Funeral services will immediately follow at the funeral home, with Pastor Bonnie Micheletti officiating. Burial will take
• STATE PARK
Continued from page 8
to their accuracy. A June 11 tornado pounded the city, and there were nearmisses across the rest of Illinois Valley.
Little wonder that Chicago-area residents didn’t make a beeline for the parks. Blistering heat indices didn’t help.
“The heat played a big part in June attendance,” Bernardoni said, “and I don’t think everyone was comfortable enough to go into the heat and humidity.”
“Weather likely impacted park attendance,” Klein agreed. “There were many rainy days and a few trail and parking lot closures due to flooding.”
Trail closures
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has launched a massive trail improvement project at Starved Rock. Klein and Bernardoni both agreed the improvements were sorely needed. Years of record attendance damaged the infrastructure.
The advisories to park visitors about the improvements proved to be a dou -
place at Peru City Cemetery in Peru. Daniel was born on January 29, 1950, in Spring Valley, Illinois, to Joseph and Helen (Donahue) Dow. He married the love of his life, Rhonda Rett, and together they shared more than 57 years of marriage. He attended Illinois Valley Community College and was a certified electrician, completing his electrician training through trade school. Daniel devoted more than 30 years of his career as an electrician in the Central Maintenance Department at Hennepin Steel Mill before continuing his work at Dynegy (Hennepin Power Station) for another 15 years. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51, the United Steelworkers Union, and the Oglesby Elks Lodge.
ble-edged sword. Many visitors assumed the bulk of trails were off-limits. Not so, Bernardoni said, who estimated just 30% of the trails were closed.
“The far majority of trails at Starved Rock are currently open for hiking,” Klein said. “I visited Ottawa Canyon two weeks ago on a sunny Sunday afternoon to photograph the waterfall after a heavy rainfall, and I was the only visitor for nearly two hours.”
Indeed, the June totals suggest trail closures apparently dissuaded visitors from even getting in the car. Starved Rock attendance was 24% below the June average.
“Maybe people just decided they’re just not going to come,” Bernardoni said. “We’re not trying to limit people coming; we’re just trying to better the park.”
Although unintentional, the trail closures also affected Matthiessen. Last year, a whopping 75,000 visitors jammed the park in June. Last month, it was just 51,000
No long weekends
Bernardoni predicted that when gas crested $4 a gallon, suburban visitors
Daniel had a generous spirit and a passion for helping others. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in El Salvador, an experience that was especially meaningful to him. During this trip, he formed lasting friendships and was honored to receive an invitation to attend the local mayor’s daughter’s wedding. Above all else, Daniel treasured his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories they will cherish forever. He also enjoyed golfing, brewing beer with his son-in-law, cheering on the Chicago Bears, and traveling the world. Together, Rhonda and Dan visited 6 of the 7 continents.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Rhonda Dow of Peru; his son, Dana (Amy) Dow of Kentucky; his daughter, Dawn (Jeff) Dove of
would forgo long-distance trips and jam Starved Rock. The May totals backed him up: Starved Rock attendance was 10% above average while Matthiessen set a May record.
But Bernardoni said travelers still need a defined window to hit the road. In that context, June fell off in part because of a lack of federal holidays and three-day weekends. Spontaneous travel was, as mentioned, dampened by weather and
Princeton; his grandchildren, Jenna (Lawton) Kietzman, Olivia Dow, Travis and Erin Dove; and his beloved great-grandchildren Brooks and Brenton Kietzman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Dow, and his brothers, John and David Dow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle, Illinois, or the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.dcfunerals.com.
trail closures. Klein said the messaging needs to be tweaked to ensure visitors are fully informed and not inadvertently discouraged from hitting the road.
“Summer remains one of the best times of year to explore Starved Rock Country,” he said. “As a region, we must continue sharing that message, highlighting what is open for visitors, and giving tourists new reasons to experience all our parks and communities have to offer.”
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1989: Philadelphia Phillies retire No. 32 in honor of pitcher Steve Carlton.
2001: 88th Tour de France: no winner (Lance Armstrong disqualified).
All good things must end and this has been good
Longtime BCR sports editor to retire at the end of July
HIERONYMUS’ HYPOTHESIS
Kevin Hieronymus
There have been times over the years where I’ve dreamt that I’ve left the Bureau County Republican for somewhere “bigger and better” sitting in a new office.
Each time, my mind is asking, “Why did I do this?” Then I’d wake up and was relieved it was only a dream. This time, it’s not a dream.
The common greeting I’ve had the past few years has been, “Hi Kevin. Are you still working?” Or, “when are you going to retire?” Just had a couple people ask me last week. I guess you get that at my age.
Well, the time has come. After almost 40 years as your sports editor, 42 years in the business, it’s time to hang ‘em up. I’ve often heard players and coaches say, “I’d rather retire one year too soon than one year too late” and come to regret it. That’s the approach I’m taking.
I will be working through the end of the month. I want to make sure I finish what I start, so I’ll step away before the start of another new school year.
It’s not an easy decision certainly to move on from your passion, but I am excited for what’s out there. I’ll have more free time to travel with Kami and our sidekick, Cocoa, our little Jack Russell. I’m sure I won’t stray too far from the local sports scene in one way or the other.
While I won’t miss all the late nights and deadlines, I will miss the people along the way from the kids, the coaches, the scorekeepers, the ADs, the custodians and other school personnel behind the scene.
I kind of came in (my third year in town) with the 1989 Princeton Tiger Style Runnin’ Wild” Princeton state runner-up football team. One team
member, Darren Foley, told me years later, “Hieronymus, we made you in this town.” I told him he wasn’t wrong.
Now I’m not sure how many of us are still running wild.
I’ve driven through a tornado coming back from DePue’s sectional championship basketball game in 2017 in Somonauk and thunder snow for a girls regional finals in Mendota. I also ran out of the Nesti Stadium press box which appeared to be on fire with sparks flying and smoke billowing. Fortunately, it was just a wire sparking outside the press box. Then some folks suggested to not touch the hand rails on the way down which made the exit more harrowing.
In the early years, I drove to work
downtown one morning and saw our roof on fire. Thankfully, the fire department saved our building at 316 South Main, now Festival 56, and we put a paper out smoke smell or not. Once I walked five blocks in a blizzard to work and our skeleton crew still put a paper out and I wound up helping deliver the paper in a co-worker’s Jeep.
I’ve filled in as interim news editor four or five times over the years, went on the news beat temporarily when COVID shutdown the sports scene in 2020 and served as an interim page designer.
I may have sold an ad at one time, so I’ve done or seen about it all.
Reflecting back, I will always remember the state champions – the
1988 St. Bede baseball team, the 1990 Princeton volleyball team, the 1995 and 2001 Hall and 2005 Bureau Valley football teams, the 2018 Hall baseball and the 2023 St. Bede softball teams – as well as some of the heart-breaking losses along the way like Princeton’s overtime loss in the 1995 sectional finals at Plano on a last-second throw-in and again in the 2003 supersectional at DeKalb, also on a last-second shot.
I also will remember Princeton coach Lee Wahlgren’s bear hugs on sons Kipp and Kristian after winning the state wrestling championship, Chad Hamel streaking down the sidelines in Princeton’s 1989 playoff win over Alleman in
See FAREWELL, page 12
Mike Vaughn file photo
Longtime BCR Sports Editor Kevin Hieronymus interviews Princeton’s Teegan Davis during the Tigers’ 2022-23 basketball season when they were No. 1 ranked in the state. Hieronymus will be retiring after nearly 40 years at the end of July.
Lions Jr. Starved Rock 17 Nationals take ninth in bracket
The Lions Jr. Starved Rock 17 Nationals club team went to the AAU nationals in Orlando, making it into the gold bracket on the last day for the third straight year.
The team went 8-3 overall in the competitive 17th spirit division, taking ninth out of 120 teams in their bracket.
– Shaw Local News Network
FAR LEFT: Sarah Wiesbrock makes a pass. MIDDLE: Myah Richardson makes a set to Kijah Lucas. ABOVE: The Lions Jr. Starved Rock 17 Nationals club team went to the AAU nationals in Orlando, making it into the gold bracket on the last day for the third straight year. The team went 8-3 overall in the competitive 17th spirit division, losing a nail-biter to an undefeated team on the last day right before quarterfinals of the gold bracket. They took ninth out of 120 teams in their bracket. Team members are Kendall Biba, Maggie Boudreau, Kaitlyn Coutts, Payten Harden, Anna Hjerpe, Grace Longmire, Kijah Lucas, Myah Richardson and Sarah Wiesbrock. They were coached by Erin Polte.
• FAREWELL
Continued from page 11
front of a packed Bryant Field and the Tigers’ victory at Marmion in the bitter cold, Jeff Ohlson’s sectional-winning free throw and Roger Lowe’s blue collar Sweet 16 1992 basketball team, Brad Bickett’s foot stomps and the Storm’s state thirdplace three-peat, Hall line coach Steve Smith’s King of Rock ’n Roll chants, Eric Bryant’s Hustlin’ Hall Red Devils and Shawn Jeppson’s 51-point game at state, Princeton’s 2009 sectional win over mighty Peoria Manual, Mac Resetich racing down the field, slam dunks by Teegan Davis, Grady Thompson and Noah LaPorte and the state basketball and baseball teams from PC.
Just the same, I will never forget the young athletes we’ve tragically lost - Lindy Woods and Joe Nord of Princeton, Brett Thompson of Walnut, Steve Hamacher, Mike Crawford and Mike Swanlund (“Mike and Mike”) of LaMoille, Matt Bence of Princeton, Blaine Foster and Daniel Lule of Hall and Tyler Harrison and Evan Knoblauch of St. Bede. Sadly, I’ve had seven of my former Little Leaguers pass away -
Adam Romagnoli, Eric Provance, Brett Shepard, Phillip Briddick, Matt Anson, Mike Monier and Tony Carr - who I will always remember.
The very first game I covered for the BCR was the 1986 LaMoille at Tampico first-round playoff football game with my hometown pal Kip Cheek of the Mendota Reporter won by the Lions 6-0. Still remember my story lead saying “the Trojans found the Lions defense just as stiff as Tampico native son Ronald Reagan.”
My last game was Hall’s regional semifinal baseball 5-4 loss this spring to Monmouth-Roseville at Princeton.
Along the way, we’ve had 10 teams from Hall reach the state tournament/ finals, seven from St. Bede, six from Bureau Valley and five from Princeton plus numerous individual state champions.
I’ve always wondered how many games I’ve covered over the years. This past year I’ve kept track what an average year would be like. For ballpark figures, I’ve covered about 1,600 basketball games, 800 baseball and softball games, 700 volleyball matches and 400-some football games, not to mention soccer, golf, track, cross country and tennis.
I’ve also logged about 106,000 miles
on the job based on this year’s mileage. I figure I have put out more than 5,500 editions of BCR sports sections with 2,000 or more of these Hieronymus’ Hypothesis columns and in recent years, the Record. I created that column name in college to come up with something about as long as my last name. Former Walnut football coach Mick Peterson still calls me Kevin Alphabet because of all the letters in my name.
The BCR may be considered smalltime in some circles. Bigger is not always better. I could have gone to a bigger town and bigger paper, but I would have not found a place that lives and breathes sports more than Bureau County and Putnam County.
It’s always rewarding to attend graduation parties and see scrapbooks full of stories you have written on that senior. This is why newspapers still matter and always will. Keep supporting your local newspapers. You won’t know what you got until it’s gone.
I thank you for inviting me into your house two or three times a week the past 40 years, depending on publication schedule. It’s been my extreme honor to cover sports in Bureau County and Putnam County. I want to give a special thanks to Shannon Jen-
kins for serving as a dedicated PC sports correspondent, largely with no pay, for passing on your hometown sports news.
I feel like I’ve known you all in one way or the other, either writing about you, your child or grandchild.
I’ve written about kids of kids I’ve covered years ago, but haven’t quite got to grandkids, I don’t believe.
I remember sitting in Matt McDonald’s living room in Princeton signing his professional baseball contract after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1994. Twenty-four years later, I covered his son, Cam, recording the last out on the mound for Hall’s state championship in 2018 with Matt in the dugout.
One of the first families I’ve covered here was the Davis family in the late ‘80s with Brian at Manlius. It’s only fitting that I finish with the Davis family and having one of my last interviews with his niece Keighley.
They say all good things must end. And this has been a good thing. Very good.
• Kevin Hieronymus has proudly been the BCR sports editor since 1986. Contact him at khieronymus@ bcrnews.com
Photos provided by Shannon Jenkins
CLASSIFIED
Read us onli ne putnamcountyrecord.com
IN THE CIRCU IT C OURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUTNAM COUNTY, IL LINOIS ADOPTION NOTICE IN RE THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF ALIVIA MAE JONES, A Female Child. No 2026 AD 1 Take Notice that a Petition was filed in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, Illinois, for the adoption of a child named, ALIVIA MAE JONES. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, UNKNOWN BIRTH FATHER, file your answer to the Petition in the action or otherwise file your appearance therein, in the said Circuit Court of Putnam County, 120 N. 4th St., Hennepin, Illinois, on or before the 28th day of August, 2026, a default may be entered against you any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. Dated: 7/24/2026 /s/Carly R. Zeilinski Clerk of Circuit Court. Law Offices of John W. Fisher, 925 Shooting Park Rd.,Ste B, Peru IL 61354,(815)223- 4646 Atty No 6206276 jwfisherlaw@gmail. com (Published Putnam Co Record Jul. 29, Aug 5, 12, 2026) 2340007
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pursuant to Section 17-40 of the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/17-40), the percentage to be applied to the assess ed valuation of locally assessed property other than that assessed under Sections 10-110 through 10- 140 and 10170 through 10-200 of the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/10- 110 through 10- 140 and 10170 through 10-200) in Putnam County as certified by the Department of Revenue for the assessment year 2026 is 0.00% by the applicat ion of an equalization factor of 1.0000 (Published in Putnam County Record July 29, 2026) 2339287
Putnam County Record
Putnam County's only newspaper
HA VE SO METHING TO SELL?
Items $1, 000 or less can run for $10 for 1 week. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items wi th price and price totali ng under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week No commercial ads, firearms, firewood or animal sales.
E-mail informat ion to: clas sified@shawlocal.com or call 833- 584-NEWS
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fa ir H ous in g Act which makes it il legal to adverti se “any preference, li mitation or di scriminat ion based on race, color, reli gion, sex, handi cap, familial st atus or national origin, or an intention, to m ake any such preference, li mitation or discriminati on.” Fami li al st atus incl udes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and peopl e securi ng custody of children under 18
This newspaper will not knowingl y accept any adverti si ng for real estat e which is in vi ol ati on of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that al l dwellings adverti sed in this newspaper are avai lable on an equal opportuni ty basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 800- 669-9777. The toll- free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800- 927- 9275
TREASURER'S
HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP & ROAD DISTRICT
TOWN FUND
BEGINNING BALANCE APRIL 1, 2025 $26 7,7 82 .60
TOWNSHIP - REVEUE SUMMARY: Property Taxes Corp-$37,725.63; Property Tax Insurance$3,203.20; Property Tax Social Security-$3,306.55; Replacement Tax- $53,461.41; Interest Income -$128.28; Miscellaneous Income - $426.00 TOTA L REVENUES: $98,25 1.07
Range over $25,000: Ted Doucette, Range under $25,000; Brian Biagi, Dan DeMattia, Joe Gensini, John Biagi, Harold Hayward, Linda DeMattia, Mary Ann Brouwer and Korey Serrine. TOTA L COMPENSAT ION: $ 52, 690 .26
TOTA L EXPENDITURES: $89, 623.35
ENDING BAL ANCE; MARCH 3 1, 2026 $276, 410 .32
ROAD DISTRICT
BEGINNING BALANCE APRIL 1, 2025 $65 0,6 75. 42
ROAD DISTRICT - REVENUE SUMM ARY:
Property Tax R&B - $147,243.65; Property Tax SS - $00; Replacement Tax - $177,677.05; Interest Income - $340.44;
Miscellaneous Income - $3,865.00. Property Tax Insurance - $.00; TOTAL REVENUES: $329 ,126.1 4
ROAD DISTRICT - EXPENDITURE SUMM ARY: McNabb Telephone - $910.14; Bureau Co Republican Publishing - $230.00; Republic Services Garbage$1,725.00; Miscellaneous Expense Administration$444.00; Unem ployment Insurance -$498.39; SS Contribution (FICA) - $6,513.67; Medicare Contribution$1,523.36; Building Repairs & Maint. - $1,465.83; Vehicle Repairs & Maint - $8,246.66; Corn Belt - $1,617.02; Sm all Tools & Supplies $362 76; Compass Minerals Salt$21,852.67; Tri-Con Materials - $5,579.15; Operation & road supplies- $5,579.15; Health ins- $32.88; HSA contribution- $4,300.00; Capital Outlay Vehicle$128,334.00; Training Administration - $75.00; Signs$250.00; Misc-$1,418.60. Salaries- $105,589.80 Vendors receiving more than $2 500 ; Ace in the hole$24,756.30; Blue Cardinal Chemical- $2,942.21- Edward Jones- $2,792.30; Koenig Body-$5,303.46; Martin Equipm ent- $2,657.69; Mastercard -$5,636.30; Putnam County Highway- $22,152.67; Toedter O il-$8,670.13; Tolima- $7,510.00. ROAD DISTRICT COMPENSATION SUMMARY: Range: Under $25,000 - Glenn Feddericke ,Matt Mattingly, Austin Mattingly. Range: $25,000 to $49,999 Chris Dixon.
TOTAL EXPEDITURES: $34 3,81 9,6 6
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Subscr ibed and sworn to this 8th day of April 2 026 s/Brian Biagi-Treasurer I Daniel DeMattia, Clerk of Hennepin Township, Putnam County,Illinois, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Annual Treasures Repor t for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2026 . s/Daniel DeMat tia- Clerk (Published in Putnam County Record July 29, 2026) 2339621
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SPORTSMAN AUCTIO N
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