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New bar opening, longtime Illinois Valley photographer retiring
A new bar and restaurant is set to open this fall in downtown La Salle.
The Thirsty Mule, a nod to the mules that pulled the boats through the Illinois and Michigan Canal, will open at 541 1st St., the location of the former Social Kitchen that closed in 2019.
Owners Dayne Junker and Shayn Donahue hope to have a soft opening for the bar by mid-October. The kitchen likely won’t be operating until the end of the year. To start, the menu will be simple, with appetizers, burgers, pizzas and a soup and salad bar for lunch. Daily specials will be offered as well.
“As time goes on, I’d like to expand a little more, but for the beginning, we just want to keep it simple,” Junker said.
Junker and Donahue also own The Backstreet in La Salle.
Valley Flowers to merge with Flower Bar
Valley Flowers is moving to Peru. The Spring Valley floral shop is merging with the Flower Bar, 2428 4th St., effective Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Nikki Tonioni, owner of the Flower
PUTNAM LIBRARY DISTRICT NEWS
Tales with Tails reading dog returns to Putnam libraries
Putnam County Public Library District welcomes back Hobo, a certified reading dog, to the Granville branch this fall as part of the Tales with Tails program. This literacy initiative offers children a unique and supportive opportunity to practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. The calm and nonjudgmental environment helps young readers build confidence, improve fluency, and discover the joy of reading in a fun, rewarding way.
Program dates
• 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13
• 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23
• 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11
• 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28
• 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8
The Tales with Tails program is free and open to the public. All sessions will be at
EYES ON ENTERPRISE
Stephanie Jaquins
Bar, purchased Valley Flowers in 2024.
In a Facebook post making the announcement, Tonioni said the merger will allow a wider variety of fresh floral designs, more event and wedding options, and enhanced customer service.
“Thank you for your continued support,” Tonioni wrote. “We’re so excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to bloom with you.”
Utica photographer announces retirement
Blue Truck Photography will close its doors this fall. After 15 years, Diane Kinzer announced her plans to retire at the end of October.
“To the thousands of families and little ones who’ve trusted me with your most special moments, thank you! Throughout these years, through the lens of my camera, I had the privilege of watching your
little ones grow up, capturing the special relationships in your life, and even preserving a memory of a parent who has since passed,” Kinzer wrote in the announcement on her business’ social media accounts.
“This decision comes with mixed emotions. I know the time is right and want to go out on my own terms.”
She said she is looking forward to several mentor relationships with upstart photographers and perhaps classes on professional-quality photos that people could take at home. Kinzer said she is looking forward to more family time, traveling and possibly another business venture.
She thanked her longtime business partner, Susan Bellino.
• The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau CountyRepublicaniscommittedtokeepingreadersuptodatewithbusinesshappeningsinthearea.Muchofourreporting reliesonwhatweseeandhear,butwe’re alsoreachingouttoreadersfortipson businessitems.Ifyouhaveatiptoshare forEyesonEnterprise,emailnewsroom@ mywebtimes.com.
the Granville branch, 214 S. McCoy St. For information, call 815-339-2038.
Granville library to hold two prize drawings in September
The Granville branch of the Putnam County Public Library District will celebrate September with two prize drawings tied to special events and programs.
National Library Card Sign-Up Month Prize Drawing
In honor of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Granville Branch offers a chance to win a prize bundle featuring three adult books tied to this month’s programs, a book light, a book charades card game, and a ceramic mug.
Entering is simple: just complete one of the following: sign up for a library card (if you don’t already have one), check out a book, or attend a program. Once completed, fill out an
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Dalzell church resumes pasta sales in September
St. Barbara Parish announced that the annual September tortellini and tortalach fundraiser
will return to Dalzell’s Catholic church at the St. Thomas More site in Dalzell. The cost is $9 a bag.
entry form and drop it in the basket.
International Observe the Moon Night Prize Drawing
Celebrate the wonder of the night sky with a moon-themed prize drawing in recognition of International Observe the Moon Night on Oct. 4. The prize includes two youth books, a moon globe light, a Sera Moon Festival enamel pin, and two NASA Apollo 11 pins.
To enter, check out any library item, participate in a citizen science activity such as GLOBE at Night or attend the Library’s “Moon Quest” program on Sept. 30. After completing one of these, fill out an entry form and drop it in the basket. Both drawings run throughout September and end Oct. 2. Winners will be notified after the drawing closes. For information, call 815-339-2038. The Granville library is located at 214 S. McCoy St. – Shaw Local News Network
To pace an order, leaving a message at 815-252-2215. Messages should include a name, phone number and the number of bags.
– Tom Collins
Gateway Services celebrates 55 years of community in Princeton
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 27, to celebrate Gateway Services’ 55 years of service to the community. The event featured a tour of the newly remodeled Ollila Learning Center, face time with team members and light refreshments.
Gateway Services provides a variety of services to adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities in Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties.
The nonprofit organization was
started in 1970 by Bill and Barb Ollila. The Ollilas were longtime supporters of Gateway.
Bill was employed as a vocational coordinator for many years, and Barb was active with the Faith-in-Action grant and was later a Gateway to the Future Foundation board member.
“The Ollilas were dedicated to a lifetime of learning and overcoming obstacles, and it seems fitting that we remember them and their final gift with our newly remodeled classroom area,” CEO Tracy Wright said. “They were truly a remarkable couple, and they will never be forgotten.”
ABOVE: Juanita Roberts-Beams of Tiskilwa pages through a memorabilia book of Gateway Services on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Princeton. LEFT: Tracy Wright, CEO of Gateway Services, leads a tour inside one of the newly remodled Ollila Learning Center classrooms on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Princeton. The classrooms have many uses, inluding socialization. Gateway Services, sees about 50 individuals per week while providing services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam counties. ON THE COVER: The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 27, to celebrate Gateway Services’ 55 years of service to the community.
Photos by Scott Anderson
Firefighters respond to structure fire Thursday in Spring Valley
Firefighters work the scene of a structure fire in the 300 block of West Erie Street on Thursday, Aug. 28, in Spring Valley. The fire happened about 4:45p.m. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was set out when firefighters arrived. Fire departments from Princeton, Spring Valley, Peru, Ladd, Cherry, Standard and La Salle were on the scene. Peru and Spring Valley EMS also were dispatched. Spring Valley Police assisted on the call as well.
Self-administered sexual assault evidence kits will be banned in 2026
State Rep. Briel says law will help protect survivors, stop deceptive marketing
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
Survivors of sexual assault in Illinois will have stronger protections under a new law spearheaded by state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa.
The new legislation, signed earlier this month, prohibits nonmedical professionals from selling, marketing, promoting, advertising or distributing self-administered sexual assault evidence collection kits.
“This new law corks an alarming trend where any person on the street can advertise at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits as an alternative to a medical forensic exam,” Briel wrote in a news release. “This type of
marketing and promotion is egregiously deceptive to survivors of sexual assault, who may turn to these kits instead of seeking real medical aid.”
House Bill 2548 creates the Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Ban Act.
It prohibits anyone other than a medical professional from distributing or promoting the kits in order to curb misinformation while trying to prevent survivors from relying on unreliable evidence collection.
“When we bar nonprofessionals from promoting these kits, we encourage survivors to seek professional medical help while ultimately getting more offenders off the streets and brought to justice,” Briel wrote. “This new law makes it less likely for offenders to reoffend and allows survivors to have their voices heard untampered.”
The law was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and takes effect at the start of 2026.
NCI ARTworks to hold mobile displays in Utica and Seneca
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
NCI ARTworks will hold mobile displays in Utica and Seneca.
In a Monday news release, NCI ARTworks announced partnerships with Lumber Lane Gallery in Seneca and Heritage Corridor Destinations Welcome Center in Utica to present the work of Doug Dalrymple.
“We are partnering with other art venues to contemporaneously showcase the work of local and regional artists,” NCI ARTworks Executive Director Julia Messina said. “Individual small galleries cannot continue to exist as islands unto themselves, utilizing the current donations/grants fiscal model.
“With the federal budget cuts for arts grants and the general pullback on non-essential spending that is endemic to the actual economic situation, the math just doesn’t math. The choice is to close up shop or pivot and try to develop innovative solu -
tions to address the shortfall.”
Throughout August and into September, each of the three venues is showcasing the work of a single artist, Doug Dalrymple, a Chicago-based artist who moved to the Illinois Valley and works with a variety of mediums.
Dalrymple’s work is on display at Lumber Lane Gallery in Seneca through Sept. 3 and it is currently on exhibit at the Welcome Center in Utica until Sept. 17.
Both of these smaller exhibits are preview shows of Dalrymple’s full exhibit, which will premiere at the NCI ARTworks Gallery opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. It is free and open to the public.
In addition to the multi-venue exhibition program launched by NCI ARTworks, the nonprofit arts agency will continue to raise money through its annual Arts, Culture & Wellness trips in the U.S. and abroad and at its annual fundraiser. Information is available online at www.nciartworks. com.
Scott Anderson
Hennepin teen wins National Grand Champion title for third year
For the third year in a row, 14-year-old McKlay Gensini of Hennepin brought home the title from one of the nation’s premier livestock shows. Gensini earned the title of Grand Champion Maine-Anjou Female at the National Junior Heifer Show, held in June in Louisville, Kentucky. The show saw 724 exhibitors and 850 head of cattle from more than 30 states and Canada. This year, her champion heifer, GDMN Miss Gigi ET, a purebred daughter of BNWZ Data Bank 1311C, was selected by judge Kyndal Reitzenstein. Gensini previously claimed top honors in 2024 with TJSC Miss Harmony 9L ET and in 2023 with CMCC Jump Start 1015J ET. The daughter of Joe and Kerry Gensini, McKlay said her success comes from hard work and a passion for showing cattle.
Putnam County CUSD #535
District Facilities Information Session
The Putnam County CUSD #535 Board of Education will hold an informational session on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Putnam County High School Auditorium.
The community is invited to attend and hear a presentation from Larson & Darby Group, the District’s architect, on the recent facilities assessment. The presentation will provide an overview of the assessment process along with a summary of identified facility needs and associated costs.
This assessment is the first step in the development of a long-range facilities plan for the District schools. The Board of Education is committed to ongoing communication and engagement with the community as it develops this plan with the goal of providing safe and welcoming environments for students, staff, and visitors.
Questions may be submitted in advance by emailing info@pcschools535.org or calling (815)882-2800 ext. 5.
Photo provided by Kerry Gensini
Ottawa woman wins local grocery shopping spree
By ELIZABETH GRIFFIN Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Michelle Duttlinger of Ottawa won the Hometown National Bank “Hometown Hero” sweepstakes on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hy-Vee in Peru.
Each year, the public is invited to nominate people who have made a positive impact within their community. Six
finalists are honored at an event at Your Peru Hy-Vee, with one grand prize winner winning a 2-minute Hy-Vee shopping spree.
The Hometown Hero sweepstakes is made possible by Hometown National Bank, S.G.K.R. Injury Attorneys, Schimmer Ford Hyundai in Peru, Debo Ace Hardware, A Lifetime of Smiles, and Your Peru Hy-Vee.
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.
This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.
YOU WILL LEARN TO:
• view falls as controllable
• set goals for increased activity
• make changes to reduce fall risks at home
• exercise to increase strength and balance
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• anyone concerned about falls
• anyone interest in improving balance, flexibility and strength
• anyone who has fallen in the past
• anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns
Each session is led by trained Matter of Balance coaches. These coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall.
There are 8 sessions that last 2 hours each. The classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks.
First class will start Tuesday October 7th 9 AM-11 AM
There is a suggested donation of $15 to cover the costs of workbooks. *No one will be denied participation due to the inability to make a donation*
Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Snack and water will be provided
Lunch is available at 11:30-must sign up the day before For additional information or to sign up for the classes please call, PCCC at 815-339-2711
receipt after checking out during the Hometown National Bank Hometown Hero sweepstakes on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hy-Vee in Peru. Duttlinger was the winner of the shopping spree. ABOVE: Duttlinger loads chicken breasts into her cart during the Hometown National Bank Hometown Hero sweepstakes on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hy-Vee in Peru.
Photos by Elizabeth Griffin
LEFT: Michelle Duttlinger of Ottawa, holds her
OBITUARIES
MARGARET (PEG) GONET
Born: January 9, 1935 in Granville, Illinois
Died: August 26, 2025 in Peru, Illinois
Margaret (Peg) Gonet, 90, of Granville, Illinois passed away on August 26th, 2025.
Peg was born on January 09, 1935 in Granville, Illinois to Ruth (Carlson) and Clarence Franceway. A longtime resident of the Illinois Valley, she graduated from Hopkins High School and attended Bradley University. On July 9, 1955, Peg married Vernon “Frog” Gonet. The initial years of their marriage were spent living abroad in France, where Peg navigated life as a military spouse and new mother
in a foreign country.
A Granville girl at heart, Peg was glad to return to Illinois a few years later where she and Frog worked together to build a business and a family. Peg worked at Gonet Insurance and Real Estate for over 50 years. After growing up as an only child, Peg wished for a large family and was happiest when spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout all the eras of her life, Peg found joy in helping others. She volunteered with the Putnam County Food Pantry and Hopkins Alumni Association. She spent more than twenty five years helping families navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease through the Alzheimer’s Association and as a pioneer of the Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Group. Peg loved line dancing, reading, poolside naps in the sun, and planting flowers. If you
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.
were lucky enough to join in on one of her annual trips to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, you would have found Peg in her element with a cup of clam chowder at her favorite local seafood spot. To her delight, Peg spent a lifetime staying busy with the people she loved. She was at her happiest attending events to support her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, or hosting a get together at her home. Everyone was always welcome at Peg’s pool.
Peg is survived by her children, Mike (Linda) Gonet, Dave (Cathy) Gonet and Mary Kay (Norman) Quist, grandchildren Jessica (Charlie) Lenkaitis, Kim (Seth) Chambers, Brian (Carina) Gonet, Carly (Jeffrey) Seneca, Rebecca Gonet, Emma Gonet, Claire Quist (Declan McGuire) and Evan Quist. Great-grandchildren include Audrey Chambers, Leah Chambers, Michael Chambers, Avery Lenkaitis, Reese Lenkaitis,
Jennings Lenkaitis, Vernon Gonet, Gideon Gonet, Joyce Gonet and Hattie Seneca. Peg was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Visitation will be held at Dysart - Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville from 9 am until 11 am on Saturday, August 30th, with funeral services to follow and interment at the Granville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Group. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Retiring well:
(BPT) - What makes for retiring well?
For most Americans, it’s living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research.
BIG AND LITTLE JOYS
Most agree satisfaction in retirement includes the ability to pay bills on time and in full (68%) and living debt-free (63%) - including owning a home outright (55%). Some 42% of people say it comes down to experiences, like the ability to travel the world, and to give back by volunteering (25%).
EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME
Having a clear timeline brings peace of mind for many - 66% say they have a goal retirement age in mind, including 73% of men and 61% of women.
68% of Americans say it’s living a little by affording experiences that bring joy
Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) have savings milestones to reach before retirement - goals that they’re striving for - including setting aside funds for emergencies (57%), travel (33%) and leisure activities like starting a new hobby (32%). About the same number (68%) say their happiness in retirement depends most on reaching their retirement savings goal. Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%).
TRAVEL AND LEISURE
When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire.
Some 37% prioritize proximity to
family and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it’s more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists - 23% describe their current location as their happy place.
Many see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people
imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement.
MethodologyEmpower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024.
RO4157537-0125
RETIREMENT FOR LIFE
PODCAST
FINANCIAL PLANNING
4 ways to save money all year round
(BPT) - If you want to save on more than just your tax return this year, check out Kaplun’s four pro tips that can help you save without sacrificing quality.
1.UNCOVER SPENDING LEAKS
Do you know where your money is going? You likely already know your fixed expenses like your rent or mortgage payment, car loans and utilities, and probably most of your variable expenses like groceries. However, there may be leaks in your budget.
For example, don’t overlook small daily purchases. A daily $5 latte quickly adds up to a yearly expense of $1,825. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on coffee completely, but consider making coffee at home most days and limiting your lattes to a couple of times a week.
For parents, another seemingly small expense that adds up over time is your kids’ phone use.
“Make sure your kids aren’t racking up too many in-app purchases on their phones,” said Kaplun. “Have your parental controls turned on so you can see what your kids are doing and how much they’re spending.”
2.SWITCH PROVIDERS
You’ve probably heard about how you can save on car insurance by comparing rates and switching. You can apply the same principle to other expenses, too, like your internet service.
Just because you’ve been with your internet service provider for a long time doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. Shop around and see what competitors are offering.
For example, you could consider switching to NOW Internet by Xfinity. NOW Internet is a pay-as-you-go service, with no annual contracts and no credit checks that starts at just $30 a month, with all-in pricing and equipment included. Best of all, there’s no hassle. You can order your equipment online and have it shipped to your home or pick up your box at your local Xfinity store.
Bonus: Your internet service provider may offer deals on other services like mobile. For example, you can sign up for NOW Mobile and pay just $55 a month when you get both NOW Internet and NOW Mobile, with no annual contracts or hidden fees. NOW Mobile is available for NOW Internet and Xfinity Internet customers.
3.REVIEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS
It’s easy to rack up subscriptions. Whether it’s digital streaming platforms, a gym membership or a monthly food box, you’d be surprised how many you have and how many you don’t use.
“Reviewing your online and offline subscriptions and removing those you no longer use can save you hundreds of dollars a year,” said Kaplun.
4.LOOK FOR DEALS AND BUNDLES
Now that you’ve reviewed your subscriptions and canceled those you don’t use, take a careful look at the ones you want to keep. You may be able to get better deals or bundle subscriptions to save money.
If you subscribe to platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock, consider switching to NOW StreamSaver. NOW StreamSaver bundles Apple TV+, Netflix with ads, and Peacock Premium for the low monthly subscription of $30 a month with no contracts or additional fees. NOW StreamSaver also delivers over 125 streaming channels, so you always have something to watch.
NOW also offers NOW TV and NOW TV Latino, which offer over 125 streaming channels, including A&E, AMC, Discovery, HGTV, MGM+, TLC, Cinelatino, WAPA Amé0rica and more. Plus, you get Peacock Premium for no additional cost. To learn more, visit Xfinity.com/NOW.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DOLLARS
You can still enjoy the things you love while saving money. Using these four expert tips, you can make the most of your tax season financial review and save money all year long.
It’s natural to wonder and be curious … about everything
I shared some stories recently about dumb luck.
The purpose was to show how a simple change in your daily routine sometimes can radically change your life. Or maybe save it.
My friend Charles shared this thought: “Yes, luck, karma, or whatever you call it, is really fickle. I like to think God has a plan for all of us, but sometimes I wonder.”
Charles was referencing God, religion and faith which eventually begs the ultimate question: What is the miracle of life all about? And similar deep questions that tug at our curiosity.
I responded: “It’s good to wonder, right? What would life be like without curiosity?” Thinking on it now, my response sounds a bit flippant. It was not meant to be. But I still cannot let go of that thought – life without curiosity. I’m thinking that is not possible. Doesn’t curiosity drive our growth, our learning, our discoveries, our entire life?
When I started walking, taking those first shaky steps, I don’t think my goal was to learn to walk. It’s likely I was figuring out a way to get from A to B
PAPERWORK
Lonny Cain
because I was curious about B. Even if B was my Mom with arms outstretched, encouraging me to step toward her.
Doesn’t that make sense? All that energy I had as a toddler was driven by my desire to get a closer look, to touch, and to shove things in my mouth that I shouldn’t. Which, of course, is why curiosity needs guidance. And why you don’t take your eyes off a toddler – ever.
Some things you must learn yourself, so the lesson sticks. I wonder how many times my parents said, “Let him go. He’ll learn.” I wish my memory could show me how I learned what “hot” meant. As in, “Don’t touch that. It’s very hot.” We all eventually find out, right?
The dangers of curiosity don’t fade with age and I don’t think that toddler inside me has ever stopped exploring or asking questions. I endured years of education that involved answering lots of questions. I was lead to believe the
answers were important. It took me a long time to understand that learning was about asking the questions and questioning the answers.
Yes, guidance always comes in handy. Which reminds me of some short videos I have seen on social media. Pictured are adults leading a child, hand in hand, into a rain puddle to demonstrate how to jump, smash the water and love the splash.
I like the idea of showing children how to enjoy the simple joys of nature and that it’s OK to break the rules now and then. It also was a lesson on curiosity – an invitation to follow your curiosity.
It’s kind of sad that adults are guiding that moment. The curiosity is a bit forced. But I guess it’s hard to take the leash off, and it doesn’t get much easier as the kids get older. I do like the idea, though, of teaching kids how we used to have fun.
It likely was a grownup in my family who pointed me toward a patch of clover and said, “Hey, if you look closely you might find a lucky four-leaf clover.” So this curious young mind put nose to
ground and learned to recognize clover and that has three leaves, not four. Until you find one.
I flashed to that memory last week as I got out of the car and looked down at a small patch of clover in a grassy section of the parking lot. I had to bend down and do a quick search. But, no luck. Lunch was calling, but I walked away thinking, “I haven’t done that in a long time. I should do that more often.” But why? Well, because it’s a treasure hunt that tickles the curiosity. Somehow curiosity will interrupt or guide or misguide your days. Which brings me back to what got me tangled in these rambling thread of thoughts.
Back to what Charles said: “Yes, luck, karma, or whatever you call it, is really fickle. I like to think God has a plan for all of us, but sometimes I wonder.”
1981: The longest MLB game in Fenway Park is suspended after 19 innings at Seattle Mariners 7, Boston Red Sox 7; Mariners win 8-7 in 20 the following morning.
VOLLEYBALL: HENRY DEF. PUTNAM COUNTY 25-14, 25-15
Henry uses big hitters, experience to top PC in opener
By BRAD MARTIN Shaw Local News Network correspondent
An early-season Tri-County Conference battle was close early Thursday night in Henry as Henry-Senachwine battled Putnam County.
But as the night went on, the big hitters and the experience for the Mallards helped them to a 25-14, 25-15 victory over the visiting Panthers.
Right out of the gate, Brooklynn Thompson showed her big hitting abilities with a kill to start the scoring.
But the Panthers responded as an ace from Kennedy Holocker tied the game at 2-2.
After a couple of errors from the Mallards, Putnam County took the lead at 5-2 off a Henry shot that sailed into the net.
But the Mallards answered with a 5-0 run led by Brynna Anderson, who, after a nice dig, found a hole between Putnam County defenders before back-to-back kills from Harper Schrock gave Henry a 7-5 advantage.
“I think we really feed off of each other,” Schrock said. “And this crowd is amazing. When they’re loud, it just gets us going even more.”
After a combined block from Ella Pyszka and Alyvia Wachowiak, the Panthers regained the lead 9-8, but it was short-lived as Anderson hammered a shot down to tie the game again.
The back-and-forth affair continued as Addy Leatherman hit a shot into the corner and then Anderson tied it again as she found a hole in the defense.
After Grace Anderson was called for a net violation to give the Panthers an 11-10 lead, it was all Henry the remainder of the night.
Rachel Eckert hit a shot off the defenders of Putnam County and then Thompson followed with a big kill to take the lead for good at 12-11.
“I think we did a nice job of hitting some touch shots and that really opened things up for our hitters,” Henry coach Hope Vinson said. “Then we had Brynna Anderson playing outstanding defense tonight on top of everything else and that’s tough to beat.”
Eckert picked up a block for Henry and then, after a Putnam County error, Eckert served up an ace as the lead grew to 17-12.
Pyszka hit a shot across her body that just went over the net for the Panthers, but it wasn’t enough as Alison Mitchell served up an ace and then Schrock added a dink shot as the Mallards took the opening set 25-14.
Putnam County started the second set strong with an ace from Britney Trinidad for an early 2-0 lead, but back-to-back errors quickly tied the game.
On the following play, Pyszka made a nice dig to keep the play alive, but Anderson put a stop to the rally with a kill to give Henry a 3-2 edge.
Anderson followed that with a nice
See PANTHERS, page 12
Photos by Scott Anderson
Putnam County libero Sarah Wiesbrock returns a serve from Henry-Senachwine on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Henry-Senachwine High Schoo l. BELOW: Henry-Senachwine’s Brooklynn Thompson sends the ball past Putnam County’s Chloe Parcher and Myah Richardson on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Henry-Snachwine High School.
AREA ROUNDUP
VOLLEYBALL
Wethersfield 2, Putnam County 0: Myah Richardson had nine digs, four kills, four assists, two blocks and an ace as the Panthers lost 26-24, 25-11 in a nonconference match in their season opener in Kewanee in the 2025 season opener on Monday, Aug. 25.
Kennedy Holocker had 12 digs, three aces and two kills for PC.
Putnam County 2, Mendota 0: Myah Richardson had eight kills, seven digs, six points, two aces, two blocks and two assists to help the Panthers to a 25-11, 25-15 victory
• PANTHERS
Continued from page 11
tip and then Mitchell’s shot crawled over the net to finish off a 6-0 Mallards run.
A service error gave the ball back to the Panthers, who then picked up an ace from Holocker, but then a service error, a shot into the net and one that sailed wide helped the Henry lead grow to 10-4.
Back-to-back aces from Mitchell and a shot down the middle of the court capped off a 7-0 Henry run for a 13-4 lead.
“I was really happy with the effort tonight,” Putnam County coach Amy Bell said. “We capitalized off some early mistakes, but Henry is a good team who’s played a lot of volleyball going to sectional last year. I think we have the potential to be a good team. We’re still learning to talk to each other and that just takes time.”
After a nice rally by both teams, Henry made it 14-6 after a Pyszka shot went long. Then the teams combined for three straight service errors before a nice touch shot in the corner from Eckert made it 17-8 Mallards.
Putnam County continued to fight as Paige Tonioni picked up a nice dig, but to no avail as Thompson finished off the play with a kill.
Cadence Breckenridge hit a cross court kill to make it 20-12, but another service error gave the ball right back to the Mallards, who got a kill from Schrock as they came away with a 25-15 second set victory.
Schrock led the Mallards (3-0, 1-0 TCC) with nine kills, Anderson had six kills, 10 digs and six assists, Thompson contributed 12 points, seven digs and four kills and Eckert added 14 assists, three kills and an ace.
Putnam County (1-2, 0-1) was led by Holocker with five points and 11 digs, while Myah Richardson had three kills and five digs.
at home on Tuesday, Aug. 26
Britney Trinidad had 11 points, three aces, seven assists and two kills for PC (1-1), while Sarah Wiesbrock contributed 13 digs.
BOYS GOLF
At Lacon: Emmett Main shot a 51 as Putnam County finished third in a Tri-County Conference triangular at Lacon Country Club on Thursday, Aug. 28.
Zachary LeQuia had a 52 and Ian Walder added a 54 for the Panthers (223 to finish behind Midland (163) and Marquette (199).
– Shaw Local News Network
Putnam County
Coach: Chuck McConnell Top returning runners: Brayden Zuniga, sr.; Quincy Smith, so. Top newcomers: Carter Baxter, so.; Carter Smoode, so.; Ryan Oliver, sr. Worth noting: With two runners returning along with a group of three newcomers, the Panthers look to be in the mix in the team standings this season. “We hope to compete at some of the meets as a team when I do not have the younger runners competing at the
JV level,” McConnell said. PC also looks to have runners advance in the postseason. “Our goal is to have runners advance from the IHSA regional meet to the sectional meet,” McConnell said. “I believe it’s possible if we continually keep improving our times through the season and avoid injuries. They have had a great start to the practices so far and show promise.”
Note: There are no girls running cross county this year
– Shaw Local News Network
Photos by Scott Anderson
LEFT: Putnam County’s Britney Trinidad hits the ball in the air against Henry-Senachwine on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Henry-Senachwine High School. TOP RIGHT: Putnam County’s Kennedy Holocker spikes the ball past Henry-Senachwine’s Rachel Eckert on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Henry-Senachwine High School. ABOVE: Putnam County’s Kennedy Holocker blocks a spike from Henry-Senachwine’s Alison Mitchell on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Henry-Senachwine High School.
CLASSIFIED
AND SUFFERED AN INFECTIO
between 2020 and the pr esent
Call A ttorney Ch arles
PUTNAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAND AUCTION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 AT 10:00 AMCT
PUBLISHE R'S NOTICE
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subjec t to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to adver tise “any prefer ence, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inte ntion, to make any such preference , limita tion or discrimination .”
Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or le gal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of child ren under 18. This newspaper will not know in gly ac cept any advertising for real estat e which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD toll-free at 800- 669-9777. The toll-free telephone numbe r for the he aring impaired is 800-927-9275
33.075 SURVEYED ACRES • 1 TRACT
Land is located on the north edge of Mark, IL or 7 miles southwest of Peru, IL and is further described as being located in Section 5, T32N-R1W, Granville Township, Putnam County, Illinois.
Currently planted to alfalfa but ready for residential or commercial development. Suitable for row crops or transition to organic production.
BGS INVESTMENTS LLC
Representing Attorney: John S. Duncan Herbolsheimer, Duncan & Klinefelter, P.C. | (815) 223-0111 654 First Street, Suite 400, La Salle, IL 61301 Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767
NOTICE OF PU BLIC H EARING
Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget & Appropriation Ordinance for the McNabb Fire Protection District, Putnam Co IL for fiscal year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 is on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the McNabb Fire Protection District Station, 391 IL HWY 89, McNabb, IL
Notice is hereby further given that a Public Hearing on the Tentative Budget & Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 a.m. on Oct. 7th, 2025 at the McNabb Fire Station, 391 IL HWY 89, McNabb, IL & final action on the Budget & Appropriation Ordinance will be taken by the District Trustees at a meeting to be held at that time and place.
Brian Mekley, Dist Secretary (Published Putnam County Record Sep. 3, 2025) 2269263
PUBLIC NOTICE LE GAL PU BLICATIO N Notice to Bid
The County of Putnam is now accepting sealed bids for countywide Ambulance Services Inform ation outlining the Am bulance Services RFP will be available upon request by contacting the Putnam County Clerk's Office (815) 925-7129 or in person at 120 N. Fourth St, Hennepin, IL 61327. Office Hours are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m ., M- F. Bids must be returned no later than 4 p.m. on October 3, 2025, and addressed to the Chairm an of the Putnam County Board, Charles Lenkaitis.
The County of Putnam reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted. (Published in Putnam County Record Sep. 3, 17, 24, 2025) 2269348
No Business is too small to advertise
PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE 25/26-2
ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR TH E FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING THE FIRST DAY OF JU LY, 2025 AND ENDING THE 30TH DAY OF JUNE 2026
WH EREAS, The Board of Library Trustees of the Putnam County Public Library District, of the County of Putnam , State of Illinois, has prepared or caused to be prepared a tentative form of the Annual Budget and Appropriation for said Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July l, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 and the same has been conveniently availabl e for public inspection for at least thirty (30) days prior to final action thereon; and WH EREAS, a public hearing was held as to such Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on August 11, 2025, notice of which was given at least thirty (30) days prior thereto by publishing notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the Putnam County Public Library Distri ct; and
WH EREAS, all other legal requirements have been duly complied with by the Board of Trustees of Putnam C ounty Public Library District; NO W, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AN D BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES OF TH E PUTNAM CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, IN THE CO UNTY OF PUTNAM AN D STATE OF ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS:
Section l: That the following sums, or so much thereof as by law may be authorized, be and the same are hereby budgeted, set aside and appropriated for the specified Library Purposes for the fiscal year beginning July l, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are made, and the amounts thereby appropriated are as follows; to-w it: FOR CORPORATE PU RPOSES [75 ILCS 16/35-5]: l.
cash on hand June 30, 2026 $ 0
Section 3: Any unexpended balances in the General Library Fund, and Maintenance Fund appropriations will be deposited into the Special Reserve Fund pursuant to a plan in accordance with Article 40 of Chapter 75, Illinois Compiled Statutes
Section 4 : The Secretary of the Putnam County Public Library District is hereby authorized and directed to have this Ordinance published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within this library district
Section 5 : This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from its passage, approval and publicat ion as provided by law.
Passed by the Board of Library Trustees of the Putnam County Public Library District and approved by the President thereof this 11th day of August, 2025.
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES OF PU TNAM CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT By:/s/ Robert B. Steele
SOCIAL SECURITY FUND PURPOSES [40 ILCS 5/21- 110; 21-110.1]:
ILL. M UNICIPAL RETIREMENT PURPOSES
[40 ILCS 5/7-105; 7-171]:
[75 ILCS 16/30- 45 and 50 ILCS 310-
ATTEST: Its President /s/ Allison Voss Secretary STATE OF ILLINO IS ) ) SS COUNTY OF PUTNAM ) CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed, qualified and now acting Secretar y of the Putnam County Public Library District in the County of Putnam and State of Illinois; that attached hereto is a true and correct copy of the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance No 25/26- 2 for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
I further certify that the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance was duly passed by the Board of Library Trustees of said Library Distri ct at a meeting thereof held on the 11th day of August, 2025; that said Ordinance was duly passed by yea and nay vote thereon with at least a majority of all the Board of Library Trustees having voted yea on the adoption and passage thereof and approved in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois pursuant to the notice and publication thereof as required by law.
I further certify that said Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance contains an estimate of revenues, by sources, anticipated to be received by the Putnam County Public Library District in the fiscal year IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name in my official capaci ty as the Secretary of the Board of Library Trustees of the Putnam County Public Library District, at Hennepin, Illinois, this 11th day of August, 2025. /s/Allison Voss Secretary, Putnam County Public Library District
