February 26, 2026 | WALLS 102 - Part 16

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Putnam County library awarded $33,892 grant for youth science programming

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Illinois Valley Chamber names 40 Under Forty and Community Cornerstone winners

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Putnam County library awarded $33,892 grant for youth science programming

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Illinois Valley Chamber names 40 Under Forty and Community Cornerstone winners

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Putnam County library awarded $33,892 grant for youth science programming

The Putnam County Public Library District has been awarded a Project Next Generation Grant from the Illinois State Library of $33,892.The funded project, “From Soil to Stars: Discover Science All Around,” will provide hands-on science and technology programming for youth ages 11 through 14 throughout Putnam County and surrounding communities. The initiative is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen practical science skills and expand access to engaging learning experiences both in person and at home.The program will be offered in two sessions — summer and fall.The Summer Session, Earth Explorers, will introduce participants to three key areas of environmental science: Weather & Climate (Weather Lab), Biodiversity (Nature Detective) and Soil & Watershed Systems (Unearth It!). Through interactive, hands-on activities, youth will explore real-world environmental systems and gain a deeper understanding of the science shaping their communities. The session will conclude with an all-expenses-paid field trip to the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford.The Granville Branch will also purchase a groundwater simulator — a hands-on visual model that demonstrates groundwater flow, wells, aquifers and how contaminants, such as those from leaking storage tanks, can move underground. This tool will make complex groundwater systems clear and engaging for learners of all ages.The Fall Session, Sky Explorers, will focus on backyard astronomy. Participants will observe both daytime and nighttime skies from their own homes — whether in town or rural areas — using rotating telescope and binocular kits. Youth will learn about light pollution, develop practical sky observation skills and build confidence using real scientific tools. The session will culminate with an all-expenses-paid field trip to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.Beyond the grant period, the materials and learning kits developed through “From Soil to Stars” will remain in circulation, providing a lasting educational resource for the community.The library looks forward to welcoming youth participants to one or both sessions. Additional details, including start dates and registration information, will be announced soon.For more information, contact the Putnam County Public Library District at 815-339-2038 or Project Next Generation Project Director Rachael Blomquist at rblomquist@putnamcountylibrary.org.

Illinois Valley Chamber names 40 Under Forty and Community Cornerstone winners

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2025 Champions of Change honorees, recognizing outstanding leaders through its annual 40 Under Forty and Community Cornerstone awards.The honorees are driving progress across the region through innovation, service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to community.“These two awards represent the past, present and future of leadership in our region,” the chamber said in a statement. “40 Under Forty celebrates the rising leaders 40 and under who are making an incredible difference through their professional work and volunteerism. Community Cornerstone recognizes those over 40 who have served as the region’s guiding lights, spearheading initiatives, mentoring others and building the foundations our communities stand on.”This year’s recipients represent a diverse cross-section with decades of impact across the Illinois Valley.“These individuals have poured their passion, leadership and resilience into strengthening our region,” Bill Zens, IVAC Executive Director, said. “This recognition reflects not just what they’ve accomplished, but the lasting impact they continue to make every single day.”IVAC extended its appreciation to the volunteer selection committee, which included Dr. Tracy Morris of Illinois Valley Community College, Lissa Olson of the Veterans Assistance Commission, Dr. Clayton Theisinger of Putnam County School District, Jenica Cole of Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Jay McCracken of Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce.Megan Blankenhagen, Midwest Mane Co.; Katie Burdette, OSF HealthCare; Emily Clark, Mendota CCSD #289 – Northbrook School; Cassie Essl, Essl Farms; Kelly Fahle, Express Employment Professionals; Alexis Ferracuti-Stearns, Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, P.C.; Sarah Finley, SOCU; Julia Fowkes, Shaw Local Radio; Vickie Frenzer, Vista Resources Inc.; Ray Gatza, City of La Salle Police Department; Ashton Good, Vactor Manufacturing; Dani Holland, Shaw Media; Alaina Iverson, City of Ottawa; Miranda Johnson, Regional Office of Education – Serena Middle School; Kelsey Klein, Maitri Path to Wellness and The Tee Box; Brandon LaChance, Self-Employed; Bethany Lamb, B Dominique Boutique; Kayla Law, Kayla Law’s Cleaning Service; Jordan Lebahn, Marquis Management LLC; Edgar Lucero Castillo, Perona, Peterlin & Associates; Grant Magerkurth, CIT Trucks LLC; Madison Mendoza, SOCU; Seth Miskowiec, Arukah Institute of Healing; Emma Nagel, Kelley Cawley; Lindsey Nordstrom, Spry Physical Therapy and Geriatric Wellness; Richard Parsons, KTO Travel Solutions, Next Level Exit & FYA Bar; Jade Poundstone Spears, Tria Federal; Marion Quintana, Expressions Salon LLC; JJ Raffelson, JJR Next Level Training and Fitness; Sara Renner, The SUD CO. & Federal Signal; Nicole Salazar, Kelley Cawley; Brandon Scheppers, Mendota School District 289; Paige Scoma, Empowering Minds; Ariel Swanson, Arukah Institute of Healing; Cailey Taylor, Illinois Valley Auto Group; Ruth Tempest, Accenture; Corrina Trumbo, Epilepsy Advocacy Network; Cory Uranich, ADM; Bailee Wallace, Carus LLC; and Alexandria Wamhoff, LaSalle County CASA.Ron Borelli, retired; Fran Brolley, nonprofit work; Kevin Coleman, retired; Jennifer Dudek, retired; Ron Groleau, Illinois Valley Community College (retired); Melanie Malooley Thompson, self-employed CPA and co-owner of The Tee Box and mayor of Spring Valley; Lynda Marlene Moshage, Carle Health; Donna Nordstrom, Heritage Corridor Destinations and EdRae Contracting Services; Angela Partridge, Blanco Kays Corgiat Eyecare; Demetrio Salazar, retired; Diane Scoma, Illinois Valley Community College; and Molly Thrasher, retired T.E.S.T Inc. and Ladd Farmers Market.Event details and ticket information will be announced soon. Community members are encouraged to subscribe to Chamber email updates or visit www.ivaced.org for the latest information.

Putnam County library awarded $33,892 grant for youth science programming

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Sterling Main Street launches 2026 annual Partnership Campaign

Sterling Main Street has announced the launch of its 2026 annual Partnership Campaign, inviting businesses and individuals to invest in the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Sterling.

Illinois Valley Chamber names 40 Under Forty and Community Cornerstone winners

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Putnam County library awarded $33,892 grant for youth science programming

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The Putnam County Public Library District has been awarded a Project Next Generation Grant from the Illinois State Library of $33,892.

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