All it took was a flyer asking for volunteers and Wendy Louis of Putnam signed up to take an EMT class through Putnam County.

Putnam County community members sent in thank you messages to area first responders. Read their heartfelt notes here.

Today we celebrate and honor first responders across our communities in northern Illinois

Davis originally begin her higher education wanting to be a social worker to “save the world.” One of the first friends she made knew sign language which peaked her interest in learning from him.

After beginning her career in education as an aid in Bureau Valley for a few years, Tracey Schoff decided to further explore her interest and pursued a full-time teaching degree. This decision has now led to a 17-year career teaching kids in BV, just as she once was.

Digging into the individual student and finding out what motivates them or helps them grasp a lesson, continues to be a large part of what Delvallee does with each class she comes across.

Welcome to our tribute to Putnam County teachers for 2022. Thank you, teachers.

Bell stated that for her and her students, while the work can be challenging, it’s the sense of accomplishment and achievement throughout the year that keeps things moving in the right direction.

St. Bede football coach Jim Eustice worked in banking and wealth management for 20 years before becoming a math and business teacher at St. Bede, and Eustice said he "can't wait to get there every day."