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Deadline for obituaries is 5 p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s edition
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IVCC reports enrollment gains, budget challenges as fall semester nears
Budget projects $4.4
million shortfall as dual credit enrollment surges
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College is seeing more students enroll, but fewer credit hours as the fall semester approaches, President Dr. Tracy Morris told the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, July 21.
With three weeks before classes begin, headcount enrollment is up 3.9 percent compared to fall 2025, while credit hours have dipped 2%. The biggest surprise: dual credit enrollment – courses taken by high school students – jumped almost 44%.
“Much could change by the time the College takes the official measurement 10 days into the semester,” Morris cautioned.
The mixed signals come as IVCC prepares to present a $47.7 million budget that projects a $4.4 million shortfall. The tentative fiscal 2027 budget, set for public hearing at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25, reflects rising expenses and capital costs that will exceed projected revenues, even with increases from higher property values and tuition fees.
New tools and programs
The college is rolling out a Student Resource Hub within its Brightspace learning platform to help students find campus services, support resources, and involvement opportunities in one place.
The Workforce Development and Health Professions divisions also are launching a career exploration program
designed to create education and career pathways tailored to the district for high school students.
Meanwhile, IVCC’s Ed’Venture summer camps continue to draw interest. The program logged 472 registrations across 43 camps this summer, with half of those campers signing up for multiple sessions.
Board approves capital requests
Trustees authorized a request for state funding through the Community College Capital Resource Allocation Management Program for a $3.1 million nursing simulation lab.
The board also renewed subscriptions for student and professional development training, computer software maintenance, and campus scheduling software.
Dr. Nina Dulabaum has been appointed as a psychology instructor.
Learn about funky foods Tuesday at the Granville library
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
“Green Goddess, Watergate, and More: Funky Foods of the 1970s” is a free program offered at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Granville library.
Free program with author Amy Alessio explores the vintage recipes – and cultural moments – that defined a decade Alessio will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
The presentation offers a fun, flavorful
look back at the food trends of the 1970s –and the surprising number that never really went away.
The program digs into the cultural moments and culinary curiosities that defined a decade. Along the way, attendees will discover how politics, pop culture and a fondness for Jell-O molds shaped what Americans were putting on the table – and why so many of those dishes are making a comeback today.
Alessio is an award-winning librarian and author of the Amazon bestselling Alana
O’Neill mystery series, which features vintage recipes throughout. She has given more than 300 presentations to libraries and groups on vintage cooking and crafts. To register for virtual attendance via Zoom, visit t.ly/7R9R3. No registration is required for in-person attendance at the Granville Branch. For more information, contact Rachael Blomquist at 815-339-2038 or rblomquist@putnamcountylibrary.org, or visit www.putnamcountylibrary.org. The Granville Branch is located at 214 S. McCoy St.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Hegeler Carus Mansion to offer anniversary tours through September
The Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle will continue to offer a new tour experience to celebrate its 150th anniversary in August and September.
The one-and-a-half-hour-long guided tours include the mansion’s public areas such as the ground level, main level, gymnasium and exterior, weather permitting.
Participants can learn about the history of the mansion’s workers, Open Court Publishing Company, the mansion’s architecture
and interior design and M and H Zinc Company.
Tickets cost $80 with a limited tour capacity. Groups of 10 or more must contact the museum to schedule a private tour. The tickets are nonrefundable.
– Shaw Local News Network
Jennifer Ebner.
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
Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra launches 77th season under new music director
Benjamin Klemme leads five-concert season titled “Together, Echoing”
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Benjamin Klemme takes the podium as the new music director of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, launching the ensemble’s 77th season with five concerts celebrating music’s power to unite communities.
The season, titled “Together, Echoing,” opens with “Broadway to the Big Screen” at 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at Illinois Valley Community College. Subsequent concerts are “Resonance” on Nov. 7 in Streator, “Glories Ring” on Dec. 12 in Ottawa, “Abundance” on March 7, 2027, in Oglesby, and the finale “Influence” on May 1, 2027, in La Salle.
Klemme, who also teaches conducting at Wheaton College, was appointed after guest-conducting with the orchestra in spring 2026. He succeeds Daniel Sommerville.
“The IVSO’s 77th season celebrates the power of orchestral music to foster and strengthen community, inspire awe and wonder, and shape both who we are and who we wish to become,” Klemme said.
General Manager Aelsa Woods said the season title reflects artistic themes woven throughout the year’s programming. “‘Together, Echoing’ honors the theme of resonance in representing a group of voices raised in unison and reflecting back at each other,” Woods said. “It demonstrates the theme of abundance in its cacophony, with music going out and coming back in layers. Finally, it captures the theme of influence in the ways music reiterates through time in homage.”
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1949, presents professional-quality orchestral performances throughout north-central Illinois. Subscriptions and tickets are available at ivso.org. All venues are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Questions about accommodations can be directed to accessibility@ivso.org.
Beverley & Larry Lapuh, IMO Jean Spanos
Sherry Miskowiec
Robert Cofoid
Linda Bean
Gina & Kevin Toovey, IMO Barrett Keller
Putnam County Community
By MAKADE RIOS Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Photos by MaKade Rios
TOP LEFT: Superior Burgess flies down a zip line Saturday at the Taste of the Illinois Valley in Centennial Park in Peru. ABOVE: Collin Robbins and his daughter Audrey zip over Centennial Park on a zip line Saturday at the Taste of the Illinois Valley in Peru. More photos on page 6
More from Taste of the Illinois Valley
Photos by MaKade Rios
ABOVE: Gabriella Sauseda jumps over a moving pole in an obstacle course Saturday at the Taste of the Illinois Valley in Centennial Park in Peru. LEFT: Myla Miller scales a rock wall Saturday at the Taste of the Illinois Valley in Centennial Park in Peru.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Aden Lamps Foundation’s annual golf fundraiser set for Sept. 26 in Spring Valley
The Aden Lamps Foundation will host its annual golf outing fundraiser to support its mission at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Spring Creek Golf Course, 286 Spring
Creek Drive, Spring Valley.
The outing features 18 holes of golf, cash prizes and chance and skill games. A grilled lunch and two beverages will be served. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Registration is required and costs $75 through Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration
OBITUARIES
MARLENE J. REASKA
Born: September 22, 1939 in Peru, IL
Died: July 24, 2026 in Spring Valley, IL
Marlene J. Reaska
Born: September 22, 1939, Died: July 24, 2026, Marlene J. Reaska, 86, of Cedar Point, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Goldwater Care in Spring Valley surrounded by friends and Family.
In honor of her request, there will be no public funeral services. We invite you to privately
KRISTA HUNT
Krista D Hunt, 72, of Princeton, IL, passed on 07/26/2026.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, Il. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
celebrate Marlene’s memory in your own way.
She will be with us all in spirit. Helmer-Shields Funeral Home in Granville has been entrusted with private funeral arrangements to be determined later.
She was born Marlene Judith Braun in Peru September 22, 1939, to Theodore and LaVina (Johnson) Braun. She married William E. Reaska on July 25, 1959. She was a lifelong resident of Cedar Point and the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Marlene and Bill met at Westclox in Peru, where they both worked. After they married Marlene and her husband owned and operated Dolittle Greenhouse and RepCor Corp. in Cedar Point.
Marlene found great joy in the simple plea-
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. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal.com/putnam-county-record, where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.
will increase to $75 on Sunday, Sept. 20.
The Aden Lamps Foundation was founded by Ashley Lamps in memory of her son, Aden, in 2014. The foundation’s mission is to educate families about unsafe sleep environment dangers and promote the use of sleep sacks. The Aden
Lamps Foundation has distributed over 14,000 safe sleep packages to daycares, area hospitals and organizations.
For more information or to register, call 815-712-7701 or email adenlampsfoundation@gmail.com.
– Shaw Local News Network
sures of life. Gardening was her true passion, and she lovingly nurtured every flower and plant she grew. She talked to everyone and was blessed with many friends who were drawn to her warm heart, kind spirit, and infectious laughter. She loved traveling, especially the time spent in Harlingen, Texas, where she created many treasured memories. Marlene was also known for her playful spirit and wonderful sense of humor. April Fools ‘Day was one of her favorite days of the year, as she was delighted to play harmless pranks on family and friends, always leaving everyone laughing along with her. Her joyful personality, quick wit, and genuine love for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of
knowing her.
She is survived by her husband, one son William E. (April Casey) Reaska Jr. of Lake Thunderbird, IL, one niece, Kris (Braun) Peshel of Spring Valley, IL., Becky Cenkar, her dear friend of Cedar Point, IL., six grandchildren, Adam Reaska and Dean (Jacqueline) Reaska, from England, Zachary (Emily) Radtke, of Dubuque, IA, Samantha Radtke of Colorado, Chelsea (Jacob) Creviston of Canton, GA, Sydney (Sean) Jones of Alpharetta, GA and ten Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Ted Braun Jr., and Wayne Braun, one son, Todd Reaska and one nephew Mark Braun. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the family.
SPORTS
DEPUE BOAT RACES
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1973: Atlanta Braves pitcher Phil Niekro no-hits the San Diego Padres 9-0, achieving the firts no-hitter for the franchise in Atlanta.
Spring Valley’s Joseph Perez repeats at DePue Boat Races
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Before Friday, Joseph Perez hadn’t raced a boat all summer.
“I don’t have time for that anymore,” said Perez, a Spring Valley resident who will be a senior at Hall in the fall. “I have golf all year-round.”
Despite focusing more on his golf game than his racing, Perez didn’t have any trouble flying around the course at Lake DePue.
Perez swept all three heats to repeat as champion in the 125cc Runabout at the Lake DePue PRO National Championship Boat Races.
“It feels great,” Perez said. “I never went back to back in anything and it feels amazing.”
The title is Perez’s third in the last four years. He won his first in 2023 and placed second in 2024 before winning the past two summers.
“It doesn’t feel real to me, honestly,” Perez said. “I didn’t actually place at all until I won in 2023 because I was just never that good. It feels great.”
Perez had near perfect starts in the first and third heats, immediately flying in front of the pack for a commanding lead.
“Just taking my time,” Perez said about the key to strong starts. “Don’t rush anything. Just know your strategy and stay wide.”
Perez was third out of the gates in the second heat, but Brad Brinkman was disqualified for crossing the starting line early and Perez eventually overtook Jon Wienandt to win the heat.
“I just focused on one driver at a time,” Perez said. “I didn’t know Brady jumped the gun there, so I was just trying to catch up to Jon.”
Wienandt finished second, and Brinkman took third. DePue’s Morgan Bosnich was fifth. Perez was one of eight drivers to win titles over nine classes on Friday. The races continued Saturday and Sunday.
Austin Vanover edged Kevin Ellison to win the C Racing Hydro title. Vanover is no stranger to winning titles at DePue, but he took the past two years off after the
birth of his twins.
“It feels good,” Vanover said. “It’s special today. It’s my twins’ second birthday, so to win a national championship on their birthday is extra special.”
Vanover won the first heat then was in a neck-and-neck battle with Ellison in the second heat.
“That was fun,” Vanover said. “I’ve never actually raced with Kevin Ellison before, so there was a lot of trust factors going into the first turn and leaving him just enough room to fit his boat in, and I just hoped he wasn’t going to run into me.”
Photos by Scott Anderson
Joe Perez of Spring Valley smiles after winning his race during the 40th annual Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday at Lake DePue.
Marshall Walk of Hennepin walks into the pit area during the 40th annual Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday at Lake DePue.
• BOAT RACES
Continued from page 8
The pair was side by side in the final curve before the finish line. Ellison had the inside position, but Vanover came on the outside to earn the heat win.
“I think it worked out perfect for us to battle like that because I think I had a little bit of top end on him, so that helped,” Vanover said. “He was getting through the bottom corner better than me. It’s a little bit rougher down there, and he was more willing to drive in there harder than I was after winning the first heat. After we came through, I had enough room on him that when we got to turn two, I was able to pinch down on him a little bit harder and kill a little bit more of his momentum, which helped spring me to more of a lead at the finish.”
After winning the first two heats, Vanover had enough of a cushion that he just had to finish the final heat to win. He finished second to cap off his title with Ellison second and Doug Martin third.
Martin won the first class of the day
– C Service Runabout – by winning the first two heats and taking second in the third.
Raymond Bradford was the only driver to finish all three heats of 500 Hydro, placing second, first and third to win the title.
Theodore Hearn won the J Hydro and J Runabout, which are both classes for drivers ages 9-16 with both being new to DePue this year.
Nicole Dunlap-Truly won the first two heats and took second in the third to claim the championship in
OSY-400 Hydro.
The final two classes of the day both had leaders taken out by red flags in the final heat.
In 175 Hydro, Mackenzie Hellsten won the first two heats, holding off Tyler Keller in a tight second heat. As drivers were on the course preparing for the third heat, Hellsten’s boat stalled near the starting line, causing a red flag, which made her ineligible for the restart.
Keller finished the third heat in second place to take the win ahead of Daniel Korpe. Hellsten placed third. Oglesby’s Camden Vasquez finished fifth.
Hennepin’s Marshall Walk made a strong move around the final turn to hold off Jackson Hall to win the first heat of 500 Runabout then place second in the second heat to put him atop the standings entering the last race of the day.
On the first turn of the final heat, Walk’s boat flipped. He hit the water multiple times in frustration before getting to the rescue boat.
With Walk out, Andy Kirts won the final heat, and Luke Bosker took second, giving Bosker the title with Kirts in second and Walk third.
Photos by Scott Anderson
Joe Perez of Spring Valley races during the 40th annual Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday at Lake DePue.
Camden Vasquez gets ready to race during the 40th annual Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday at Lake DePue.
HENNEPIN PARK DISTRICT
PUTNAM COUNTY, IL LINOIS
CLASSIFIED
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
HENNEPIN PARK DISTRICT PUTNAM COUNTY, IL LINOIS
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Hennepin Park District, Putnam County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 20 26, and ending June 30, 2027, will be available for public inspection at the office of the Secretary of the Hennepin Park District, 326 South Milan, Hennepin, Illinois, from and after August 6, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
NOTICE IS FURTHER
HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held September 9, 2026 at 6:45 p.m., at the office of the Secretary of said District, 326 South Milan, Hennepin, Illinois, and the final ac tion on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Commissioners of said District at the regular meeting thereof on September 9, 2026, 7:00
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Hennepin Park District, Putnam County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 20 26, and ending June 30, 2027, will be available for public inspection at the office of the Secretary of the Hennepin Park District, 326 South Milan, Hennepin, Illinois, from and after August 6, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held September 9, 2026 at 6:45 p.m., at the office of the Secretary of said District, 326 South Milan, Hennepin, Illinois, and the final ac tion on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Commissioners of said District at the regular meeting thereof on September 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the office of the Secretary of said District, 326 South Milan, Hennepin, Illinois. Dated this 29th day of July, 2026. HENNEPIN PARK DISTRICT By: Board Secretary (Putnam Co Record Aug. 5, 2026) 2341568
LEGAL NO TICE
McNabb Fire Department & PC EMS Trustees 2026 - 2027 Meeting Dates and Times All meetings start at 0700. Unless otherwise noted.
July 28, 2026
August 25, 2026
September 22, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 24, 2026
December 22, 2026
January 26, 2027
February 23, 2027 March 23, 2027 April 27, 2027 May 25, 2027
June 22, 2027
The McNabb Fire Protection Distri ct and PC EMS Board of Trustees has their tentative 2026- 2027 Budget Appropriation Ordinance avail able to for public review The tentative budget is posted at 391 IL Hwy 89 Mcnabb, IL; McNabb Fire Department
(Published in Putnam County Record Aug. 5, 2026) 2341083
IN THE CIRCU IT C OURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUTNAM CO UNTY, 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
