Issuu

SERVING NORTHERN ILLINOIS SINCE 1851 • ShawLocal.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 • $1.25

LOCAL NEWS

Top picks Take a look back at these favorite Starved Rock State Park photos of 2025 / 3

TODAY’S EDITION: 24 pages • Vol. 148, Issue 1

WHAT’S NEXT

Key elections, construction and unresolved questions set the agenda for the Illinois Valley in 2026 / 4

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

2 ShawLocal.com

UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS Included in every subscription Activate your digital subscription today. Email: digitalactivation@shawmedia.com

Like a saint once said, ‘Always we begin again’ taking back our lives SPIRIT MATTERS Jerrilyn Zavada Novak

OFFICE 703 Illinois Ave., Mendota, IL 61342 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Phone: 815-526-4420 Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm SUBSCRIPTIONS Wednesdays, $69 per year in advance in LaSalle, Lee and Bureau counties and $89 per year in advance in the United States outside of those counties. Subscriber Terms and Conditions may change at any time. The current version will supersede all previous versions. The most current version of subscription terms are posted on the website under Terms and Conditions. DEPARTMENTS To reach all other departments, call 833-584-NEWS. CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com LEGAL NOTICES lasallelegals@shawlocal.com OBITUARIES lasalleobits@shawlocal.com General Manager/Advertising Director Jeanette Smith 815-220-6948 jmsmith@shawmedia.com Editor Kevin Solari ksolari@shawmedia.com The Mendota Reporter (USPS 399-100) is published Wednesdays except federal holidays. Periodical postage paid at Mendota, IL and additional mailing offices Postmaster: Send address changes to Mendota Reporter, 703 Illinois Ave., Mendota, IL 61342 Mendota Reporter and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2026

It goes without saying that 2025 was “a lot,” as current slang goes. Our bodies and our bones carried it all as we trudged into and through the holiday season, feeling the weight of a nation in chaos. Even if our brains don’t realize how heavy last year was, our bodies and our bones know it all too well. We are now only a few days into 2026, with an opportunity to reset mentally and start the new year grounded, with renewed purpose and hope. As St. Benedict famously wrote “Always, we begin again.” (On a side note, Benedict’s words remind us we don’t need the turning of the calendar to start over. So if things should go south fast, we can ‘begin again,’ whether it is Jan. 18 or Aug. 27.) Since we are beings made of body, mind and spirit, we can pray in various ways. Prayer isn’t just a mental exercise. The best prayer involves a total surrender of our being to the Divine Intelligence that designed and created us. Those who are Catholic might not be aware that is why there is so much standing, sitting and kneeling during the Mass. With each movement, we place ourselves in a posture to receive and to offer reverence to the Word of God made flesh in Jesus. Engaging in these repetitious patterns every time we go to Mass leaves a deep, lasting imprint on our bodies and souls.

To that end, I want to encourage you to practice another way of prayer, even when you are not at church. To begin, put your feet on the ground, preferably without shoes on. Allow the ground to represent God. Sit or stand with your back straight, and feel your feet on the floor, supported by the ground beneath you. Allow your feet to settle into the floor and imagine roots anchoring your body deep into the ground. Close your eyes and imagine releasing all the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual stress your body carries through those roots, as your stress descends into the ground. Then imagine the limitless currents of strength from the ground ascending into your feet and up into your legs and body, renewing every part of you. Continue to visualize this exchange between your body and the earth for as long as you need to. All your stress going deep down into the ground. The strength from deep within the ground ascending into your worn limbs, abdomen, heart, back, shoulders, neck, brain, fingers, toes. Return to this exercise as often as necessary. Another way to ground ourselves is to simply walk mindfully. Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are, walk with the awareness of your feet touching the ground with each step. Allow it to be a meditative experience, even while you are out and about at your job, shopping or at your kid’s or grandkid’s soccer game. Focus on your feet touching the ground, and forget all the noise around you. Finally, we always have our breath.

By taking time to practice deep breathing at various times of the day, we train our bodies to return to its original way of breathing, and ultimately manage more efficiently whatever stress comes our way. Our breath is the beginning and ending point for well-being. Everything else depends on it. Whenever we feel ourselves beginning to carry too much in our bodies, we return to our breath. Most of us breathe too shallowly. Ideally, we should be breathing from deep without our abdomen, rather than our chest. Practice often throughout your day becoming aware of your breathing patterns, and allowing them to slow down and reset your nervous system. By taking time to practice deep breathing at various times of the day, we train our bodies to return to its original way of breathing, and ultimately manage more efficiently whatever stress comes our way. Life throws a lot at us every day. But with a few practical exercises and other healthy lifestyle changes, we can take the upper hand and not allow exterior forces to control the quality of our brief lives on earth.

• Spirit Matters is a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human Scan here spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@ to get yahoo.com. Illinois

ON THE COVER

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Mendota Police Chief Jason Martin (left) takes the oath of office at the Mendota City Council meeting on April 21, 2025.

We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Valley Text Alerts

Scan here here to to get get Scan La Salle County County Kendall Text Text Alerts Alerts

3 MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Top Starved Rock photos for 2025

MER

Illinois Valley photo editor Scott Anderson picked some of his favorite photos of Starved Rock State Park from 2025.

Photos by Scott Anderson

TOP LEFT: Gerry Voelliger of Bettendorf, Iowa, (top) climbs up a 80-foot frozen waterfall inside Wildcat Canyon on Jan. 24, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. TOP RIGHT: Adventurer and thyroid cancer survivor Robert Youens, 71, holds a bag of goodies from the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center while locking at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on July 28, 2025, near Utica. Youens is making the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile journey on his Jon boat – something that hasn’t been done before. ABOVE: Hundreds of runners pass by the entrance to Starved Rock State Park while competing in the Starved Rock Country half-marathon on May 10, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. LEFT: Peter Frank of Escanaba, Mich., paddles along the Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park on Sept. 11, 2025. Frank left Escanaba, Mich., on June 27, 2024. He has logged nearly 450 days and over 4,400 miles while navigating the American Great Loop in reverse.

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

A CLOSER LOOK

LOOKING AHEAD IN 2026

Stay up to date on what we’re keeping eyes throughout the Illinois Valley By MARIBETH M. WILSON, TOM COLLINS, BILL FRESKOS and KEVIN SOLARI Shaw Local News Network With 2025 in our rearview, plenty of news stories have already reached their conclusion. However, we also know of several significant developments coming to the Illinois Valley in 2026. March 17 will see Illinois’ primary election, where parties will determine their candidates for local and federal offices. Although there are few contested races, there are some that could prove to be consequential, such as the Bureau County Sheriff’s race. On Nov. 3 we’ll see the General Election, which will have national implications, with the midterms serving as a referendum for the second Trump administration.

Mendota police ranking up

The Mendota Police Department is fully staffed. In April, the department welcomed new chief Jason Martin and new patrol officer Deven Guelde. When Sabrina Poole was sworn in in Scott Anderson file photo September, the department became An aerial view shows the fall colors of Pontiac Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. Pontiac Canyon is one of the six parts of the park slated to fully staffed. undergo an upgrade. The park is expected to receive a total of $37 million in trail improvements through 2026. Martin said he was very pleased with the new officers. New Mendota “Both are young, motivated and OSF shakeup leaves questions about Police Officer ready to learn,” he said in an email. healthcare in Ottawa, Peru in 2026 Sabrina Poole “Deven Guelde has been released from Ottawa is expected to spend the new (standing, his field training and is on solo patrol. year grappling with the long-term right) smiles Sabrina has started her third week of impact of OSF Healthcare’s decision to after taking field training. Both are doing great.” build a new regional care model and its the oath of decision to withdraw plans for a new Starved Rock trail hospital in Ottawa. office on Aug. improvements coming The loss of the proposed $150 million 18, 2025, from Workers will make trail improvefacility continues to raise concerns Paula Daley ments at Starved Rock State Park in (standing, left) about access to emergency, inpatient 2026. of the Mendota and specialty care, particularly now as Monty Bernardoni, site superintenFire and Police Ottawa residents are expected to drive dent, alerted authorities in and around farther for certain services. Commission. Utica to intermittent trail closures as Access to care will remain a concern workers make improvements. as patients continue adjusting to OSF’s Tom Collins file photo “We’re going to have plenty of sigregional care model, which moved ICU nage out there warning people that and obstetrics services out of the city. there will be construction going on,” Emergency response times, specialty Bernardoni said. have trails and facilities that comply improvements under the ADA heading, care availability and the broader impact State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said with the Americans with Disabilities Bernardoni said work is expected that one of her long-standing goals is to Act. Even if there are no immediate “soon” at Matthiessen, as well. See Looking ahead on page 8

Weather, markets, economics among the topics at Mendota event SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com First State Bank will host its 26th Annual Agriculture Conference on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. at the Mendota Civic Center. The conference will feature three speakers addressing weather forecasting, commodity markets, and economic trends relevant to farmers. Matt Freidlein, science and operations officer for the National Weather Service Quad Cities office and 2000 Mendota High School graduate, will open the program with seasonal predictions for the growing season and weather safety resources for farmers. Adam Betancourt, manager of cus-

tomer risk at Archer Daniels Midland Company, will discuss agriculture derivatives and non-traditional contracts. Betancourt has eight years of experience in the agriculture derivatives field. Keynote speaker Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, will present “Managing in Economic Chaos.” Kohl has conducted more than 7,000 presentations and published more than 2,500 articles during his career focused on agriculture industry trends. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. First State Insurance will provide coffee and donuts. ADM Grain Company and Heuber LLC will sponsor lunch, while Clifton Larson Allen will sponsor beverages. Door prizes will be provided by more than 20 area businesses. Registration is required by Saturday, Jan. 17, by calling the First State Bank agriculture department at 815539-3834 or visiting firststatebank.biz.

We take quality and workmanship very seriously. We’re not surprised when our customers do too. After all, when choosing the most permanent thing you’ll ever buy, it’s only natural to demand perfection. And when you deal with us, it’s only natural to receive it.

606 S. Main St. 539-7276 (800) 845-5809

Artistic Memorials

IVCC offers real estate, home inspection training courses

Illinois Valley Community College will offer real estate broker and home inspector training courses starting in January through its Continuing Education Center. The real estate course fulfills the 75-hour education requirement for obtaining an Illinois broker license, according to the college. Classes meet Tuesdays from 6 to 10 p.m. starting Jan. 13 through May 5, plus two Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 21 and April 18. The course covers license law, property basics, agency relationships, state and federal regulations, brokerage, contracts

and financing. Tuition is $931. The home inspector course combines 60 hours of online education with five required field inspections. The college says the program prepares students for state licensing requirements. Course tuition is $2,199, but grant funds can reduce costs by half for students who register through IVCC Continuing Education, according to the college. Both courses require advance registration through the IVCC Admissions Office at 815-224-0447 or ivcc.edu. For information, call IVCC’s Continuing Education Center at 815-224-0427. – Shaw Local News Network

MER

CHOOSING A MEMORIAL IS NO TIME TO SETTLE FOR IMPERFECTION

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

First State Bank schedules agriculture conference Jan. 22

Upgrade your Cold & Drafty wood fireplace with a

WARM & KOZY GAS INSERT

Located on Water St. Along Peru’s Historic Waterfront 815-223-1742 • mazelumber.com

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

Scott Anderson file photo

La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro presents a display board showing his pending murder cases at the time on Aug. 1, 2025. Navarro has been La Salle County state’s attorney since 2022 and previously held that post from 1988-96. However, he said he’s never seen this many cases at once: “Within a span of 20 months, we’ve had seven people charged with murder. That’s definitely unprecedented.”

‘There were no serious negotiations’ No murder pleas so far in La Salle County, maybe none coming By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com The tally so far: seven dead in 20 months. La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro has said it’s the worst stretch of murders in county history. One commonality? Drugs. While careful not to violate Illinois Supreme Court rules against discussing specific cases, Navarro said in August that the purchase or exchange of drugs was a flashpoint or contributor in the killings to date. Now, as La Salle County begins a new calendar year, a new theme is emerging: So far, nobody has pleaded guilty. Three were convicted in 2025 at bench or jury trials and the Navarro anticipates having to bring the remaining suspects to trial in the months ahead. “There were no serious negotiations with any of the murder defendants,” Navarro said, “nor do I expect any.”

Tried and failed

Malcolm Whitfield stood trial in July for the 2023 shooting of three people in Streator. Shaquita Kelly died from her injuries. A jury rejected Whitfield’s argument that the evidence against him was insufficient. His projected release date is 2117. Logan Petre, 21, of Marseilles was convicted in September of killing his father, Leo Petre, on Father’s Day weekend 2024. Petre tried to argue in self-defense; Judge Michelle A. Vescogni ruled Leo died of strangulation and that Logan’s failure to release his father from the chokehold was proof of intent to kill. He’s set for release in 2076. Tyler Skerett was convicted in October of murdering Camryn Merritt in the Easter Sunday 2025 drive-by shooting in Streator. Skerett exercised his right to speedy trial in what was believed to be a bid to catch prosecutors and witnesses unprepared. Skerett’s scheduled release date is

2134. Navarro confirmed he and his Two more murder suspects are prosecutors were ready for Skerett – awaiting 2026 trial settings. and all the others who rolled the dice at Joshua Casey, 39, of Streator is trial. scheduled to get new trial dates when he appears Jan. 21. Casey faces up to 60 Still pending years if convicted of killing Jessica Navarro said he doesn’t expect any Balma, who was found dead March 4. serious plea negotiations with the The cause of death was manual stranguremaining suspects. A review of the lation. open cases to date suggests he’s correct. The suspect in the double shooting in Nicolaus Phillips of Spring Valley is rural Sheridan appears Jan. 23 but it’s currently set for trial March 5 for the less certain that Ronald Martin Jr. will fatal 2023 shooting of Eric Clements of get new dates then. Ottawa. Recently filed court records Martin’s controlling charges are show Phillips plans to argue self-de- first-degree murder for allegedly killing fense – a likely sign he’s headed for Sidney Schiltz and Melissa Vissman on court rather than the bargaining table. July 17. Since then, Martin was indicted Less certain is whether Phillips’ on companion charges including armed alleged accomplice will go to trial soon. robbery, residential arson and possesChastity Furar is not alleged to have sion of a weapon. fired the shot to have killed Clements – In November, his lawyer indicated a she is alleged to have driven the gun- large volume of case information to sift man and to have supplied him with the through, with more on the way, increasweapon – and awaits a new trial setting. ing the probability of a trial setting in She will appear Jan. 16. late 2026 or beyond.

Bad Momz of Comedy to bring laughs to Sandwich Opera House Get ready to laugh as the all-female, moms-only group Bad Momz of Comedy hits the stage at the Sandwich Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Bad Momz of Comedy is composed of Chicago-based comedians with a rotating cast of more than 80 comics. Performers at the Sandwich Opera House show include K.G. Orly, Deanna Ortiz, Laura Hugg, Lia Berman, Lindsay Porter and Mo Good. Bad Momz has performed in comedy clubs or comedy festivals around the Midwest. The group has appeared on the “Kelly Clarkson Show,” WGN-TV and at Zanie’s Comedy Club. Tickets cost $29-35 and can be purchased online at sandwichoperahouse.org.

Bureau County Farm Bureau offers ag education grants The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation is accepting grant applications from teachers of pre-K through

eighth grade to enhance agricultural literacy programs in their classrooms. The foundation offers two grant options, according to the organization. A capital improvement grant provides up to $1,000 for classroom equipment used over multiple years, with up to 30% available for consumable supplies. A supply grant awards up to $500 for materials and supplies. Grant funds can support programs including classroom incubators, agriculture-themed books, field trips, gardens, pollinator plots and guest speakers, the foundation said. Applications are due Feb. 28 and are available at bureaucountyfarmbureau. org. Late applications will not be considered until the next cycle. For information, contact the Bureau County Farm Bureau at 815-875-6468 or aitc@bureaucountyfarmbureau.org.

AARP to offer tax return help

AARP’s Tax–Aide will offer a free tax return preparation program in 2026 for everyone, focused also on area residents ages 50 and older.

There is no age restriction for the service, however. The program will be available at five locations in DeKalb, La Salle, Genoa and Sycamore. The tax return preparation program will be provided by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. Special focus is being given to taxpayers ages 50 and older or residents who have low-to-moderate income. Taxpayers do not need to be AARP members. The tax preparation sites include: Elder Care Services, 1701 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. For appointments, call 815-758-6550. La Salle Public Library, 305 Marquette St. For appointments, call 815-223-2341. Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. For appointments, call 815-501-5696. Resource Bank, 310 Illinois Route 23, Genoa. For appointments, call 815-7515826. DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. For appointments, call 815-751-5763. For information, call 815-751-5763. – Shaw Local News Network

GERALD KENNETH THORSEN Gerald Kenneth Thorsen, 69, of Ottawa, IL, passed on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Arrangements entrusted to Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL. Additional information: www.MuellerFH.com or 815-434-4433.

MAKE SURE THEY’RE IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT

NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

BUILD

your future, we work hard to

protect it.

Get your free quote today! tri-county insurance services

SUBLETTE

815-849-5219 AMBOY

815-857-2125

LAMOILLE

815-638-2171

HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS | FARM

MER

You work hard to

Illinois Valley Property Management Illinois Valley Property Management has currently 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units available for rent in Mendota. To check on unit availability or to request an application, please email ivpmre@yahoo.com or call 815-830-4422.

OBITUARIES

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

• LOOKING AHEAD Continued from page 4 on local patients will stay front and center as residents look for reassurance that health care needs are being met. City officials and local watchdog group Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa are likely to remain engaged in discussions surrounding OSF’s plans in eastern La Salle County.

Streator education remains in focus for 2026 following turbulent year

Education is expected to be a focus in Streator in 2026, following a turbulent 2025 for the Streator Elementary School District, which included teacher contract negotiations, leadership changes and unresolved questions regarding Northlawn Junior High’s former principal. In December, the Streator Elementary school board accepted the resignation of Northlawn principal Karen Brennan following an administrative leave in November, though district officials repeatedly stated they could not comment on the specifics of the situation. The lack of public detail surrounding Brennan’s resignation has remained Scott Anderson file photo a point of frustration for some teachers A crowd member holds a sign that reads “Save Our Hospital” during a public hearing June 10, 2025, at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa and parents. Board members and regarding OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital’s plans to reduce services at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa. administrators acknowledged the concerns while maintaining that certain information could not be disclosed. The district enters the year under relatively new leadership, with Superintendent Jeffery Alstadt having started his role this year after teachers contract negotiations that almost led to a teachers strike in the spring. After tense negotiations, Alstadt emphasized collaboration and stability, working to bring a sense of togetherness to the district. How that leadership translates into long-term changes, along with the changes at Northlawn, will be a major storyline in 2026. Photo provided by Riley Hintzsche

L-P ag center construction underway, set for May completion

La Salle-Peru High School’s $8 million agriculture center is expected to be mostly complete by mid-May, marking the revival of the school’s agriculture program. Construction on the two-story facility began in December 2025, which will include two classrooms, an agriculture maintenance shop, a greenhouse, a veterinary science building, a kitchen, a learning center, a student store and an FFA office. The district hired instructor Riley Hintzsche in February 2025 to lead the

Melissa Brown speaks during a special Streator Elementary School District board meeting Dec. 17 before the board approved the resignation of Northlawn Junior High School Principal Karen Brennan.

Riley Hintzsche holds a pig from Brockman Farms in Verona. Hintzsche began a project at Streator High School called “Think Oink!,” where the school brings in two pregnant pigs and they give birth. The students manage the entire process.

program’s resurrection. Hintzsche previously revitalized Streator High School’s agriculture program. “I was very impressed with the student-leadership development program, the ranges of courses offered, and the real-world experiences students had,” Hintzsche told Shaw Local News Network in March. “I knew then that this is

every piece of this process. It’s not just been teachers or adults at the table.” The instructor expressed excitement about the facility’s potential. “I will be transparent in regards to this. This is really exciting,” Hintzsche said in November. “We will have one of the best agriculture buildings in the state... for a high school campus.”

Bill Freskos file photo

the type of program we would aspire to create at L-P.” Hintzsche emphasized student involvement in the planning process. “[The students] get to see everything they wished and dreamed come to fruition over the course of the next few years,” Hintzsche said at a November meeting. “They’ve had their feet in

STATE

News laws provide legal protections for students, guidelines for schools

faculty members to use AI as a teaching tool in their classrooms. “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can enhance both students’ and teachers’ capability to learn and teach, but it cannot replace an instructor,” state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, the bill’s lead House sponsor, said in a statement. “This legislation clarifies that college courses must be taught by real people, not AI.”

By PETER HANCOCK phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

School program participation

Among those was House Bill 3247, which passed the General Assembly in the final days of the spring session in May and was signed into law Aug. 15. It prohibits schools from excluding or discouraging students from attending school or taking part in school programs based on their immigration status or that of their parents or guardians. “In the face of federal threats to our schools and students, our communities came together and organized to demand that our state leaders stand up for education for all Illinois children,” Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Ref-

AI at elementary and secondary schools

Capitol News Illinois file photo

Immigrant rights advocates demonstrate outside the Illinois Statehouse in Springfield in May 2025, urging passage of legislation to guarantee all children the right to a free public education regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. ugee Rights, said in a statement after the bill’s final approval. “While the right to safe and free public education remains under attack from Trump and leaders in other states, Illinois has the opportunity to continue to uphold our values.” The law specifically prohibits schools from requesting or collecting information from a student, their parents or guardians about their citizenship or immigration status unless the information is required by state or federal law. It also prohibits schools from disclosing information about their immigration or citizenship status to any other person or entity, including immigration and law enforcement agencies, unless required to do so under federal law. In addition, starting July 1, schools that violate those prohibitions can be sued in civil court for actual damages.

ity for state-funded student financial aid such as the Monetary Award Program, or MAP grants, to any student who meets Illinois residency requirements. House Bill 460, which was signed into law in August, expands that to include programs administered by local units of government.

Artificial Intelligence in college

The rapid deployment in recent years of new technologies like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemeni has raised a host of new questions for educators. Should students be allowed to use them in lieu of doing their own reading and writing? And should schools themselves be allowed to use them in lieu of human instructors to lead classes? Illinois lawmakers addressed some of those questions. House Bill 1859 requires community colleges to ensure that faculty members Scholarships and immigration status who teach courses must be actual peoAnother new law expands the types ple who meet the qualifications to hold of publicly funded scholarships students their positions. It also provides that colcan qualify for regardless of their citi- leges may not, in lieu of a faculty memzenship or immigration status. ber, use AI programs “as the sole source Illinois law already extends eligibil- of instruction.” It does, however, allow

Lawmakers were less specific about how AI should be handled at the elementary and secondary education levels. Instead, they directed the Illinois State Board of Education to develop broad guidelines. Senate Bill 1920 directs ISBE to develop statewide guidance for districts and educators on the use of AI in K-12 settings. That includes a basic explanation of what AI is and how it works as well as descriptions of how it can be used in the classroom “to inform teaching and learning practices while preserving the human relationships essential to effective teaching and learning.” The law also directs ISBE to include guidance on the impact AI systems and applications could have on student data privacy, on best practices for teaching students about responsible and ethical uses of AI, and the dangers of “unintentional and disparate biases against special populations inherent within artificial intelligence products.” The law directs ISBE to publish those guidelines by July 1.

Other education laws

Also beginning Jan. 1, students in seventh and eighth grade will be able to get an early jump on earning high school credits. House Bill 3039 authorizes districts to award credits to seventh and eighth graders who enroll in high school classes as long as they pass both the course and the end-of-course examination, demonstrating they have achieved high school-level proficiency. House Bill 1366 requires districts to notify the parents or guardians of students with special needs that they have a right to bring a third-party advocate with them to meetings about their student’s Individual Education Plan, or IEP meetings.

MER

SPRINGFIELD – Immigrant rights and artificial intelligence were two of the hot-button issues that influenced public education in 2025. They also are the subject of new education-related laws that will take effect at the start of the new year. The rights of noncitizen students, including those who are not lawfully present in the U.S., rose to the top of the education agenda as soon as President Donald Trump was sworn in to his second term in January. The day Trump was inaugurated, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden administration policy that had limited immigration enforcement actions in or near “sensitive locations” such as schools, playgrounds, child care centers and school bus stops. Two days later, Illinois Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders issued what he called “non-regulatory guidance” to local school officials, urging them to adopt policies spelling out how and when their staff should cooperate with federal immigration officials carrying out enforcement actions or seeking information from school officials. At the Statehouse, the Democratic-controlled General Assembly also took action, passing bills intended to extend more legal protections to noncitizens living in Illinois.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Education measures focus on immigrant rights, AI

Durbin talks ag policy with Illinois farmers By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin met with Illinois Farm Bureau members at the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago to highlight agriculture’s vital role in the economy and the importance of providing fair, balanced support as farmers navigate ongoing challenges. Speaking to a room full of more than 100 people on Dec. 6, Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding trade and tariffs, noting their impact on farm income and market stability. He said he is working with colleagues on bipartisan efforts, including expanding year-round E15 ethanol sales, and stressed that agriculture remains one of the most bipartisan issues in Congress. The senator also addressed questions about farmer bridge payments that the Trump administration later announced qualifying farmers would receive from the Department of Agriculture by Feb. 28. Up to $12 billion will be made available to farmers to help them cope with

Photo by Catrina Rawson of FarmWeek

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin speaks to reporters on Dec. 6 after giving remarks to Illinois Farm Bureau members and staff at an annual meeting in Chicago. narrow profit margins through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Further details about these payments still are to come, but Durbin said he hopes USDA comes through to “keep their promise to help these farmers.” “I want to give [farmers] a helping

hand,” he said to Jim Taylor of the RFD Radio Network. “I think there will be fair apportioning of any of these checks, so the people in the Midwest have a fighting chance.” Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau member Steve Turner said Durbin’s comments

about these payments resonated with farmers facing financial strain. Turner explained that while producers prefer “trade, not aid,” the reality of depressed grain prices and rising input costs has created a squeeze on profitability. “We’ve been here before,” he said to FarmWeek. “When markets are down, advancing part of those farm program payments can help farmers manage cash flow and keep operations moving.” Turner also reinforced Durbin’s remarks about IFB’s credibility and reputation in Washington, D.C., noting that the organization’s influence comes from its grassroots approach and preparation. He said the organization’s advocacy is effective because members share real-world experiences supported by research, ensuring policymakers such as Durbin hear clear, fact-based messages during discussions on farm policy. This story was distributed through a cooperative project between the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.

$49

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

When Was Your Last HVAC Tune-Up?

Schedule Soon & Save Up to $2000!

Call today & Save!

(833) 672-1107

Cooling or Heating System Tune Up

Price valid for one working unit. Excludes oil ﬁred systems. Valid at participating ARS® Network locations. Not valid for third party, new construction, or commercial customers, with any other offers, discounts, or on prior sales. Call service center for details. Coupon required at time of service. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited. Any other use may constitute fraud. Cash value $.001. Offer expires 3/31/2026. License numbers available at ars.com/licenses

SAVE UP TO

$2000

on a New Cooling and Heating System with our Buy Back Program! Savings requires purchase and installation of select complete heating and cooling system. Removal and disposal by Company of existing heating and cooling system required. Valid at participating ARS® Network locations. Not valid for third party, new construction, or commercial customers, with any other offers, discounts, or on prior sales. Call service center for details. Coupon required at time of service. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited. Any other use may constitute fraud. Cash value $.001. Offer expires 3/31/2026. License numbers available at ars.com/licenses

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

1 Selling Walk-In Tub

Featuring our Free Shower Package Plus 15% Off

Now relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package! First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better,

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Call Toll-Free 855-488-2288

La Salle man accused of causing $9K damage to squad cars

County Jail with conditions and given A La Salle man faces up to five years in a Jan. 16 court date prison if convicted of damaging eight La before Circuit Judge Salle police squad cars and an officer’s Michelle A. Vescogni. personal vehicle. La Salle Police Chief Eric N. Fischer, 46, appeared Dec. 29 in Jason Stubler La Salle County Circuit Court and was confirmed prelimiEric N. Fischer presented with two counts of criminal nary damage of more damage to property. One of the counts is a than $9,000 but Class 4 felony carrying one to three years declined to disclose additional informain prison, and the second is a Class 3 tion, including digital images, to deter felony carrying two to five years. copycat crimes. Fischer was released from La Salle – Tom Collins

With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase.

Call Today for Your Free Shower Package

855-488-2288 FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT

CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 13VH11096000

MER

Dylan Davidson said he shot in self-defense. Prosecutors said the Mendota incident was a drive-by shooting. A La Salle County jury will have to settle that. However, arguing self-defense wasn’t enough for Davidson to persuade a judge Wednesday to exclude him from La Salle County Jail in time for Dylan M. Davidson New Year’s Day. Davidson, 23, of rural Mendota has been detained since September on three felony charges, among them aggravated discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors also charged him with two Class 4 felonies of possessing cocaine and possessing a loaded gun without a concealed carry permit. Chicago defense attorney David Drwencke appeared Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court and asked Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni to reconsider granting Davidson pretrial release. To hear Drwencke tell it, Davidson’s two accusers – “I’m not going to use the word ‘victim’ in this case,” he

said – gave divergent stories to police after the Sept. 25 shooting at Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street in Mendota. Drwencke said they made it sound as if they simply wanted a word with Davidson. Drwencke said that the complainants pursued Davidson’s vehicle across town and then bumped his vehicle – only then did Davidson, fearing for his safety, fire the weapon. “Their statement that they wanted to talk to my client is one of the most laughable explanations for following him across town and bumping his vehicle,” Drwencke said, terming their actions as “road rage.” In response, prosecutor Laura Hall said the state didn’t rely solely on the victims’ statements, but also on home surveillance that substantially corroborated their allegations. Even if Davidson has grounds to argue self-defense, there was a risk to the public at large that justified his being jailed. “He’s got no concealed carry permit, he’s got cocaine in the car and he commits a drive-by shooting in a residential area,” Hall said. “You’ve got risk to an entire neighborhood.” Vescogni agreed. The judge said she stood by her earlier ruling to detain Davidson and “considered the grave nature of the offense.” Davidson will next appear Jan. 30.

N O R T H A M ER I CA’S

FREE Back by Pop SHOW ular De ER P mand! AC K A GE !

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

No pre-trial release for suspect in Mendota shooting

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Naplate homes were heavily damaged after a winter tornado swept through Naplate and Ottawa in February 2017.

Winter tornadoes strike Illinois more often than you think The severe cold front that swept across the region on Dec. 28 sparked several tornadoes, some of which caused significant damage across Macon and Tazewell counties in central Illinois. Twisters in Illinois in the winter months are not entirely rare. While the majority of the state’s tornadoes, as elsewhere, occur between March and May, a surprising number of destructive tornadoes have struck in the months of meteorological winter, December, January and February. The office of the Illinois State Climatologist reports that, from 1950-2020, more twisters occurred in December and February combined than in September and October combined. Those winter storms in Illinois are often deadly. While December and February have the fourth- and fifth- fewest tornadoes of any month, they also have the fourth- and fifth-most fatalities.

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS Tom Emery

EF2 twisters caused damage to homes near Litchfield, Leroy and Stonington. January is not immune to Illinois tornadoes, as 33 were reported in the state from 1950-2022. On Jan. 3, 2023, nine tornadoes were reported across One of the December tornadoes in the state, many in Macon and Sanstate history was an EF3 storm on Dec. gamon counties in central Illinois. 10, 2021, that tore through an Amazon It was the most January twisters in warehouse south of Edwardsville, in the state since eight were confirmed on the St. Louis Metro East. Six people Jan. 7, 1989. Another notable outbreak were killed. was on Jan. 24, 1967, when five were Three years earlier, an outbreak on reported in central Illinois. Dec. 1, 2018, caused 28 tornadoes across Nearby, a massive EF4 tornado left Illinois, the most of any December 21 dead in the St. Louis area on Feb. 10, event in state history. The old record 1959, in one of the worst winter tornawas 21, set on Dec. 18-19, 1957. does in American history. It was part The worst of the 2018 tornado event of an outbreak of 17 tornadoes in the was an EF3 that ripped through a resi- Midwest and Southeast. dential area of Taylorville, 25 miles After ravaging St. Louis, the torsoutheast of Springfield. That storm, nado continued across the Mississippi which lasted for 12.7 miles and was a River and caused damage in Madison half-mile wide, injured 22 people and County, Illinois. The twister was estidamaged 406 homes. That same day, mated to have traveled 23.9 miles in 35

minutes on the ground, and was 200 yards wide. In addition to the fatalities, 345 were injured, with damage to over 2,000 buildings. Another deadly February tornado was the EF4 “Leap Day” twister that hammered parts of Harrisburg, in southern Illinois, on Feb. 29, 2012. Eight people were killed, with 108 injuries. Eleven tornadoes were confirmed in northern Illinois, including 10 in the Chicago area, on Feb. 27, 2024, including a twister that left a trail of damage in Geneva, in the western suburbs. In an earlier era, winter twisters hit Caseyville near St. Louis and Metropolis, along the Ohio River, on Feb. 19, 1884.

• Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Illinois. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.

13 MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MER

ShawLocal.com/games

CLICK LINK TO PLAY!

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

Bald eagles thrive along Hennepin Canal By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com Bald eagles were spotted at Lock 19 along the Hennepin Canal on Thursday, Jan. 1, near Wyanet. The water at Lock 19 doesn’t com-

pletely freeze over, allowing the birds to thrive over open water. Around a half-dozen eagles were spotted above the lock.

Photos by Scott Anderson

TOP: A bald eagle flies over Lock 19 along the Hennepin Canal on Thursday, Jan. 1, near Wyanet. The water at the Lock 19 doesn’t completely freeze over allowing the birds to thrive over open water. Around a half-dozen eagles were spotted above the lock. ABOVE: Bald eagles rest in a tree above Lock 19. LEFT: A bald eagle rests in a tree over the lock.

By MARTHA BLUM mblum@shawmedia.com

AgriNews photo/Martha Blum

Marty Travis (left) and Connie Spreen talk about the ways they are working to build the local food system in Illinois during a Chicago Farmers meeting. hundred acres of organic production in Livingston County. “That number has increased to nearly 60,000 acres, so now our farm is nearly surrounded by organic crops,” he said. “Many of us are certified organic, but we do not require everybody to be; we just ask them to grow it that way.” Travis is quite involved with mentoring and adding new farmers into the system. “We work with all our farmers to help them understand good soil and plant health,” Travis said. “We do testing of plants and crops as they are growing and also the finished product so we understand the level of nutrient density and how quickly our food can bring about change,” the farmer said. “The biggest piece I’ve been working on in the last year is designing a food as medicine program with OSF Hospital in Peoria, through their Cancer Institute,” he said. “That one revenue stream alone has the potential to eclipse everything else because we have a lot of unhealthy folks dealing with health issues.” Travis is working with the chief medical officer at the hospital.

“We are trying to understand what foods our farmers can provide to help support folks in their treatment protocols to support their nutrition,” he said. “This is very exciting and really impactful for our farmers.” There is still a lot of work to do with the local food system, Travis said. “In this next year, we will probably need another $3 million to $4 million worth of local food from our farmers,” he said. “And in 2027, we are scheduled to start another iteration that will need at least another $3 million of food on top of that.” In the next couple of months, Travis will probably add about 20 farmers to his group to fill specific gaps. “This year for sold outs, we left about $200,000 on the table of items that folks wanted to order, but we did not have enough of,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to continue to do – build a food system in ways that can partner with folks from throughout the state.”

Roadmap to end hunger

Connie Spreen, co-founder and executive director of the Experimental Station, also provided information during the meeting about work involving local

MER

In addition to growing food organically, Marty Travis works with numerous Illinois farmers to provide marketing and distribution services that connect them to numerous buyers. “In four more years, our farm will be a bicentennial farm,” said Marty Travis, who is a partner in Spence Farm. “My son, Will, his wife and my three grandkids live on the family farm and my grandkids are the ninth generation to be there.” Spence Farm is a 160-acre operation. “We grew to 1,000 acres, but families like to have pieces of things, so it has diminished back to the original 160 acres that was purchased for $1.25 per acre,” Travis said during a presentation at The Chicago Farmers meeting. His grandparents farmed, but he did not grow up being a farmer. “After high school, I built Shaker furniture for people all over the world, including Oprah Winfrey and the Smithsonian gift shop,” Travis said. “But through all those experiences there wasn’t anything I built in 35 years that anybody really needed; they were all wants,” he said. About 20-plus years ago, Travis decided to start farming. “When we started our farm, we realized very quickly there was no way we were going to supply even one restaurant with what they needed,” Travis said. “We kept seeing young people in our community graduate from high school, go to college and not coming home,” he said. “So, we did a challenge to parents to give their kid an acre to get them started and I had kids making $20,000 to $30,000 on their half-acre garden, selling to Rick Bayless.” Today, Travis works with 120 farmers and there are over 1,000 people on an email list that he sends out every week that includes information about food products that are available for purchase. “We sell to restaurants, co-op grocery stores, schools, nursing homes, corporate kitchens, non-for-profits, food pantries and food banks,” he said. “We have nearly 2,000 items on our product list and we deliver every week of the year, except Christmas and New Year’s.” When Travis started growing organic crops, he said, there were only a few

food. “The Experimental Station is a cultural organization on the South Side of Chicago,” she said. “We were founded in 2002 to bring together a lot of different cultural practices under one roof.” In 2008, the Experimental Station founded the 61st Street Farmers Market. “The idea was to bring food to an under-resourced neighborhood,” Spreen said. “Right from the very beginning, it was apparent we had to make it accessible and accept SNAP, which is called Link in Illinois, so we set up that system.” In addition, she said, it was important at the farmers market to make the food affordable, so the Link Match program was developed. For the Link Match, customers take their Link card to a central booth at the farmers market, and they get tokens or vouchers that match the amount of money on the Link card. “Those vouchers are for fresh fruits and vegetables only, and we matched the purchase up to $25,” Spreen said. “All that money goes into the pockets of the vendors at the markets,” she said. “We are now at 160 locations throughout the state, including about 100 farmers’ markets along with grocery stores and food co-ops.” During 2025, the Experimental Station created an Illinois Food System Roadmap task force to address food insecurity in the state. “We need to create a plan to increase the amount of food produced here in the state, and Marty is one of the leaders on that task force,” Spreen said. “People don’t know what other people are doing, so that is part of the work of this roadmap.” The project featured a series of meetings across the state to gather information for the roadmap. “There was a real mix of people who participated, and a big chunk was nonfor-profits and the next biggest chunk was farmers,” Spreen said. “Others include people representing finance, philanthropy, labor, government agencies, manufacturing, public health and retail.” The vision for the roadmap, she said, “is to build a diverse, sustainable and resilient Illinois food system that will grow the local food economies of the state and provide equitable access to nourishing food for all residents of Illinois.”

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Illinois farmers unite for local food growth

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

An aerial view of Maze Lumber on Aug. 12, 2025, in Peru.

Maze Lumber names 6th-generation family member as new GM Peru business celebrates Loveland’s retirement after 42 years By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com Maze Lumber has announced a leadership change as it enters its 178th year of operations, the company said in a news release. The Peru-based company announced sixth-generation family member Andrew Kreofsky as the new general manager. Kreofsky has worked with the company for 18 years, most recently serving as operations man-

ager. Kreofsky is taking over for Pete Loveland, who is retiring after 42 years of service with the company. Stepping into Kreofsky’s prior role is Amy Davenport, who has been with the company since 2022. In the release, the new leadership at Maze Lumber said they were excited to continue focusing on the core values that have defined them for generations: integrity, service, high-quality building materials, community, and a commitment to doing things the right way, one customer at a time. Maze Lumber is located at 1100 Water St. in Peru and can be reached by phone at 815-688-6033 or via email at andrew@mazelumber.com.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MER

Scott Anderson file photo

GM CERTIFIED, 1-OWNER, 22K MILES RUNNING BOARDS, 6.2L V8 & MORE!

RED $43,900

• 6-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty

No Worries.™ • New, Exclusive 2-Year/24,000-Mile Standard CPO Maintenance Plan • 12-Month/12,000-Mile Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty

• 24/7 Roadside Assistance • 172-Point Vehicle Inspection And Reconditioning Process • 3-Day/150-Mile Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

2024 Chevy 2500 Crew Cab LTZ 6.6L Gas Sunroof Loaded 17K Miles, Dark Ash ........$61,900* 2023 Chevy Colorado 4x4 Z71 Crew Cab 5K Miles, White ........................................$40,900* 2022 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LTZ 5.3L V8 4x4 22K Miles, Dark Ash .......................$46,900* 2022 Chevy 2500 Regular Cab 4x4 LT 22K Miles, Red ...............................................$43,900* 2022 Chevy Trailblazer FWD Activ 7K Miles, Bronze Metallic .................................$22,900* 2022 Buick Encore GX Essence FWD 17K Miles, White ..............................................$22,900* 2021 Chevy Traverse Premier AWD 74K Miles, White................................................... $28,900* 2020 Chevy 2500 Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 Z71 Gas 71K Miles, Silver ..............................$45,900*

QUALITY USED CARS, TRUCKS, SUV’S & VANS 2019 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 90K Miles, Gray .................................................. $29,900* 2019 Chevy Blazer AWD Premier Loaded 60K Miles, White ................................... $22,900* 2019 Chevy Blazer 3LT AWD 74K Miles, Gray, ....................................................................$20,900* GMF FINANCING OR LEASING AVAILABLE

“Great Deals, Great Service, Since 1926”

HIGHWAY 52, SUBLETTE, IL 815-849-5232 • 1-800-227-5203 OR AFTER 6PM (815) 849-5251

www.vaessenbrothers.com

*Plus Tax, Title, License & Doc Fee. Rebates Applied. Subject To Credit Approval.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

MENDOTA REPORTER

2022 CHEVY 2500 REG CAB 4X4 Z71 LT

Smith gets concurrent sentences for arson, theft By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com A Streator man who set fire to the New Brite Spot in Ottawa in 2023 was sentenced Dec. 29 to a pair of four years for violating his probation for arson and theft. When offered a chance to speak, 47-year-old John F. Smith asked for another crack at probation. He told Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. that he’d been accepted into treatment for drug and mental health issues and would make the most of any last chance. “Give me one more shot,” Smith said. “I won’t fail. I’ll do my best.” But the judge ruled that Smith hadn’t availed himself of previous chances at probation. “He’s just not doing real well (with probation),” the judge ruled. “He can’t get it done.” Smith’s current legal problems began on April 15, 2023, when firefighters were

But Smith failed to meet with probation officers, skipped appointments and flunked a drug test. He was charged with felony retail theft after Streator police seized stolen items, including a crossbow and arrows. He entered a blind plea in October. At sentencing Dec. 29, assistant public defender Doug Kramarsic said Smith was a much-improved candidate for probation. Kramarsic attributed Smith’s no-shows to a lack of housing and transport, both now resolved, and his mental health and drug abuse were “something probation could help him address.” But prosecutor Kelley Porter said Smith’s criminal history was dotted with “pretty regular run-ins with the legal system” and “picked up with a bang” when he lit the fire. As for probation, Porter said Smith violated virtually every condition of probation. Tom Sistak for Shaw Local News Network “He took the probation order, chewed John F. Smith was sentenced Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, to four years in prison for retail theft and a it up and spit it out,” Porter said, recomprobation violation. Probation had been granted after he admitting setting fire to the New Brite mending five years. Spot restaurant in Ottawa in 2023. Smith won’t be in prison long. He has a shot at a day-for-day good time and dispatched to the New Brite Spot, and Circuit Court and was sentenced to about nine months’ credit for time the fire was quickly deemed suspicious. reporting probation plus special condi- served. He could be eligible for release Smith pleaded guilty in La Salle County tions. in early 2027.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Ottawa restaurant arsonist gets 4 years

MER

Inogen® Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Leave the tanks at home. Convert the air around you into medical-grade oxygen. At just under 3 lbs.*, Inogen® lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go.

CALL 1-855-238-0552 * Inogen Rove 4 weighs 2.9lbs. with a standard battery SM250015 EN_EX_USA | Rx Only. © 2024 Inogen, Inc. 859 Ward Drive, Suite 200, Goleta, CA 93111 Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

MENDOTA REPORTER

CROSSWORD

MEDIUM

HARD

ACROSS 1. Lakes 6. Electromotive force 9. Invests in little enterprises 13. Longtime Utah Jazz coach 14. Small sailboat 15. Actor Idris 16. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls 17. System that detects objects under water 18. Harsh, grating noise 19. Steward 21. A fencing sword 22. Infections 23. Actress Ryan 24. Sodium 25. Swedish castle 28. A lump of slime 29. African antelope 31. Insurance providers 33. Choosy 36. Ringworm 38. Unpolished 39. Drenches 41. Pant style 44. Son of Noah 45. Spiritual being 46. Upton Sinclair novel 48. Journalist Tarbell 49. Popular sports highlight show 51. Born of 52. Rich tapestry 54. S. China seaport 56. State of being unclothed 60. Surrounded by 61. Residue 62. Away from wind 63. Dried-up 64. Visionary 65. A very large body of water 66. Garden tools 67. Screen type 68. Ancient Scandinavian poet DOWN 1. Millisecond

2. Spanish city 3. A sudden very loud sound 4. “The Indiana Jones of beer” 5. Tin 6. Sea eagles 7. Volcanic crater 8. Type of coat 9. Women’s apartments in Ottoman palace 10. Divulge a secret 11. Norwegian playwright 12. “It’s a Wonderful Life”

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

director 14. Poisonous perennial plant 17. 18-year astronomical period 20. Clothes 21. Places to sit 23. Family of regulator genes 25. New York ballplayer 26. Impressive in size or scope 27. Jacques __, French biologist 29. One from the Big Apple 30. Genus of woolly lemurs

32. Songs to one’s beloved 34. Indigenous person of N.E. Thailand 35. Supplemented with difficulty 37. Farewell 40. Investment account (abbr.) 42. One from Utah 43. Begets 47. A male child 49. Break apart

50. Brief appearance 52. Partner to “oohed” 53. A light informal meal 55. Fabric with smooth, shiny surface 56. One billionth of a second 57. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 58. Close tightly 59. Mail out 61. Language 65. Computer characteristic

SUDOKU ANSWERS

HARD

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

EASY

MEDIUM

MER

PUZZLES

EASY

By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com Horizon House in Peru has surpassed its $75,000 Tree of Hope campaign goal, raising $78,245 as of Dec. 30. This year’s funds will go toward the Personal Support Worker and Community Day Services programs, said Director of Development Carol Fesco. “We did reach our goal before Christmas and were able to light the entire Tree of Hope,” she said. “This is not a record, but it is close. We are thrilled and humbled by the generosity of the Illinois Valley.” Fesco said this was the largest goal Horizon House has ever set and surpassed last year’s proceeds by $10,000. “I am so grateful for every gift we receive,” she said. “Some are large donations and others might be a few dollars. MaKade Rios for Shaw Local Each gift is valued. We appreciate all the The Tree of Hope is lit on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at Horizon House at 2000 Plank Road in Peru. The community does for us. It really does organization exceded its $75,000 fundraising goal this holiday season. make a difference.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Bureau County Farm Bureau offers agriculture scholarships

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Almost a record: Horizon House of Peru exceeds Tree of Hope fundraising goal

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for students pursuing agriculture-related degrees or trade school programs. Separate applications are available for high school graduates and current college or trade school students, according to the foundation. Students must be majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related field to be eligible. Applications are due Feb. 28 and are available at bureaucountyfarmbureau.org under the Foundation tab. The foundation will also email applications directly upon request. For more information, call the Bureau County Farm Bureau at 815-875-6468. – Shaw Local News Network

FARMING THE FUTURE AG RATES AS LOW AS

4.55

APR*

Joe Brizgis 815-883-3354

Brad Cook

815-853-4333

SM-LA2295871

eurekasavings.com e urekasavings.com

MER

Rates are accurate as of 1/5/2026 and are subject to change at any time. Loans and Lines of Credit are subject to credit approval. NMLS #447018

Be Prepared this Winter! Generac is here to keep you warm!

404 W. Main St., McNabb, IL www.grassersplumbingheating.com

815-882-2111

CLASSIFIED To place an ad

833-584-NEWS (6397)

classiﬁed@shawlocal.com

Auctions Help Wanted

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER The Mendota District is seeking a reliable and safety-minded School Bus Driver. Qualifications: Valid CDL with school bus/passenger endorsement (or willingness to obtain) Clean driving record Ability to work morning & afternoon routes Enjoy working with children We Offer: Competitive hourly pay Training provided School-year schedule Apply at: Mendota High School, 2300 W Main St., Mendota, IL 61342 Call: Wes Sims @ 815-538-6211 or wsims@mendotahs.org for more information

Auctions

Anyone can do it!

Searching for jobs online is probably the easiest and most convenient way to look for careers. Get online today and start the job hunt.

Jobs.ShawLocal.com Auctions

Auctions

KEVIN PINTER RETIREMENT AUCTION

Full line of row crop farm equipment offered at Public Auction, located at 26802 Angling Road Malden, IL 61337. 9.5 miles North East of Princeton, IL. Nearest Exit 56 off of I-80, Bureau County Illinois.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2026 LIVE @ 10 A.M. Auction will be Live and Online, Online items start at 12 Noon TRACTORS, COMBINE AND HEADS: *John Deere 8320 FWA, #RW8320P005365, 5469 hrs, 480/80R46 axle duals, 380/85R34 fronts, 3 pt/quick hitch, 4 remotes, 1000 pto, 2 sets inner/1 set outer rear wheel weights, 12 front weights; *John Deere 8570, #RW8570S003190, shows 5760 hrs, Trimble EZ Pilot, Trimble 750 monitor and EZ remote, 3 remotes, 18.4-42 duals; *John Deere 7200 2WD, #RW7200H004203, shows 6032 hrs, JD 200 ATU, 3 pt, 3 remotes, 18.4-38 rears, 540/1000 pto; *John Deere 4010 Diesel w/ JD 720 loader, WF, shows 5281 hrs, 2 remotes, 15.5-38 rears; *(Neighbor will sell) John Deere 8450, #RW8450H00234, shows 8747 hrs, 3 remotes, 3pt/quick hitch, 1000 pto, 18.4-38 tires; *John Deere 9570 STS combine, #H09570S725861, 2626/1746 hrs, 520/85R38 dual drives, 420/85R26 steers, JD 2630 monitor and Starfire 3000 globe (Sells Seperately) John Deere 7200 Conservation Max Emerge 2 16R30, #H007200D655164, 20/20 monitor, 20/20 air force down/up pressure, screw adjust row cleaners, precision electric V-Drive meters, AmVac smart box insecticide w/ monitor; *John Deere 893 corn head, 8R30, #H00893X700761, auto height control, knife rolls, hyd deck plates, single point hook-up; *John Deere 625F Hydraflex platform, 25’, #1H00625FKA0735871, header height control; *(2) Unverferth HT25 head cart SEMI AND TRAILER: *1993 Mack CH613 semi, #1M1AA13YAPWO25423, 705,368 miles, E7-350HP engine, Alcoa aluminum wheels, air ride; *2020 Timpte Super Hopper, #1TDH40021MB170094, Thunder 7000 auto tarp, 11R22.5 tires, ag hoppers, air ride, very nice PLANTER AND EQUIPMENT: John Deere 7200 Conservation Max Emerge 2 16R30, #H007200D655164, 20/20 monitor, 20/20 air force row cleaners, precision electric V-Drive meters, AmVac smart box insecticide w/ monitor; *Kory KT260 2 box seed tender, scales w/ Avery scale head; *Hardi NP1100 Sprayer, #11-0052, 80’ boom, JD 5 sec control and rate controller, triple nozzle bodies; *John Deere HX15 batwing, hard tires, spring suspension, 1000 PTO; *Brent 672 grain cart, #672090, J-Star mod 5 scale, Cab Cam, 24.5-32 tires, tarp; *Brent 674 grain cart, #B17900144, DigiStar EZ400 scale, rearview/auger CabCam, 24.5-32 Tires; *IH 490 disk, rear hitch and hyd, walking tandems; *John Deere 980 field cult, #N00980X020541, Mcfarlane 5 bar hanging harrow, rear hitch and hyd, walking tandems; *John Deere 512 ripper, #N00512X003352, 5 shank, 3 bar hanging harrow; *McFarlane HDL132-44 harrow, #12197, 32’, hyd lift and fold; *McFarlane 24’ 4x4 harrow, hyd lift; *IH 720 5 bottom plow; *DMI 2500B inline ripper, #JFH0012431, 5 shank; *Hutchinson 10x60 swing away auger, #921966; *Mayrath 8x60 swing away auger, hyd lift, #936988; *Mayrath 8x30 truck auger, electric, #4100844; *Winco PTO gen, 20KW, single phase; *JD 400 rotary hoe; *Riteway RR250 rock picker; *Barge box w/ hoist; *Flare box wagon, Service 3pt blade; *(3) 500 gal fuel barrels w/ pumps; *Various small items on hayracks and pallets

Number system will be used – ID Required Terms: Cash or good check Lunch Stand: Faith’s Fabulous Treats Seller: Kevin Pinter 815-878-2502

For online bidding go to www.RedigerAuctionService.com

REDIGER AUCTION 107 S. WEST ST. WYANET, IL 61379 815-699-7999 Jeremy – Jon – Brik

SM-LA2296886

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

21 MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026 MER

ShawLocal.com/games

CLICK LINK TO PLAY!

SM-CL2219540

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

MENDOTA REPORTER

22 BEARS

Bears’ Johnson confident offense can fix slow starts pressure and that they’re going to rise to the occasion when the lights are bright like this.” The Bears won’t have much time to let Sunday’s loss stew. The players had an off day Monday and return to Halas Hall on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s game. That was fine for Johnson, who looked forward to moving on. “We’ll make our corrections, and we’ll quickly turn the page,” Johnson said. “We don’t have to sulk on what happened yesterday, and they understand that. We talked about that at the end of the game. I think we’re going to be good turning the page, but the things that need to get cleaned up, we’re going to clean up.”

By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson met with reporters virtually Monday, a day after the team ended the regular season with a 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions. Sunday felt like a deflating way to end what was a memorable regular season. The Bears came out flat against the Lions and couldn’t complete their seventh fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Despite the loss, Chicago still earned the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs after the Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Now it’s do-or-die time. The Bears will open the playoffs Saturday night at Soldier Field when they host their longtime rival, the Green Bay Packers, in the Wild Card round. Here are three of the most interesting things Johnson said Monday.

On preparing for playoff football

On fixing offensive issues

Another slow offensive start played a role in Sunday’s loss. The Bears didn’t get much going offensively during the first three quarters when the Lions shut them out. Chicago had 69 total yards of offense in the first half and only started to build momentum late in the third quarter when it trailed 16-0. It was the same old story offensively. In its four games against the Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Lions in December and January, the offense scored a total of 17 points in the first half. Fourteen of those points came against the 49ers. Chicago did score 14 points against the 3-11 Cleveland Browns in December as well. Despite the slow starts, Johnson doesn’t believe he and his staff need to do anything different to correct those issues for the playoffs. He said everything could be addressed and believed the offense wasn’t far from fixing the mistakes. “I trust the process that we’ve put in,” Johnson said. “I’m not all of a sudden going to start changing up the calls. We work all week on these things, we practice them, and we feel good about them going into the game. Just like anything that we’ve done all season long is, if there’s something that needs to be addressed, we bring it up, make it a point of emphasis, and the guys usually do a really good job of

Mark Busch

Bears coach Ben Johnson watches a replay during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. finding a way to fix it.” Although Johnson was optimistic about the offense, that doesn’t mean he was happy. Johnson was clearly irritated with the lack of production offensively and voiced his displeasure with the unit after Sunday’s loss. Johnson said his strong message was received “fairly well” and looked forward to seeing how they respond during the week. “That’s really the end all be all is the response we’ll get over the course of practice,” Johnson said. “These guys, they’re pros. They know. I didn’t tell them anything that they didn’t already know. We’re capable of a lot on offense. The standard is very high, and when we as a unit feel like we’ve fallen short, we call it out, we address it and we get better from it.”

Bears. But this week won’t be the first time they have to respond to adversity. Johnson showed his ability to rally his team when Chicago began the season 0-2. The Bears responded by winning four straight games, including two fourth-quarter comebacks. They did the same after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 by winning five straight and then won back-to-back games after a last-minute loss against the Packers in Week 14. What worked earlier in the season won’t necessarily work this time around. But Johnson remained confident the Bears could respond to adversity once again. “I wish there was a secret sauce,” Johnson said. “It starts with the type of people that you have in the building. That’s kind of been something that we’ve highlighted with guys that we’ve brought in, both from a free agency perOn moving on from spective, but also with these draft picks, a disappointing loss Sunday was a letdown from the that they’re going to be poised under

Saturday’s game will be the first playoff game for many Bears. Tight end Cole Kmet, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and kicker Cairo Santos are the lone members remaining from the 2020 Bears roster that qualified for the playoffs. Chicago has brought in other players who’ve had playoff experience, most notably left guard Joe Thuney, who’s won four Super Bowls. Johnson himself has some playoff experience, going 2-2 as the Lions’ offensive coordinator over the past two seasons. He and the other players will try to prepare those without experience as much as they can for what playoff football is like. “You can try to describe it as much as you can, but until you go through it yourself firsthand, I think that’s the best way to learn,” Johnson said. “I think we have a lot of veterans who have been here before, so they know what that’s about and they can certainly share those experiences with the younger guys.” If there’s one message Johnson will share with the Bears this week, it’s that details and fundamentals are important in the playoffs. Little mistakes could decide whether a team advances or goes home. In the playoffs, it comes down to the basics. “As simple as it is, it’s the blocking, it’s the tackling, it’s the proper catching of the football, ball security, taking the ball away,” Johnson said. “It’s all those little things that show up the most when the lights are the brightest.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: PLANO CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Trojans win a nailbiter 46-45 over the Pirates By DEREK BARICHELLO Shaw Local News Network correspondent

kicked it out to Carroll as soon as he was double-teamed. When Carroll’s shot rimmed out, Sanders grabbed a game-saving offensive rebound falling out of bounds along the baseline, where he was able to spike the ball off a Trojan’s defender to maintain the Pirates’ possession with five seconds remaining. Out of the Pirates’ timeout, the Trojans planned on fouling Sanders before he got his final shot off. The Trojans weren’t able to do so, but it still worked out in their favor. “I knew they would draw up a good play,” Mendota coach Steve Wasmer said. “We actually tried to foul at the end before the shot got up to give them a tougher inbound spot. We didn’t take the foul, and when Sanders got that good of a look, I’m like ‘Oh no,’ and you think

we were really good, and that’s what I was most worried about when the season started.” Cooper credited the effort from both teams and said he would like to see the Pirates “execute better in crunch time.” “We still have a lot of growth left,” Cooper said. “We’re capable of playing at a higher level than we are right now. There are reasons we lost this game. I have to do a better job of having the defensive matchups we need. There’s certain points in the game we have to make sure we get better quality shots when the game hangs in the balance, but I don’t have any problem with effort. I thought both teams played really hard and did a lot of good things. And they were one point better.” Carroll and Sanders led the Pirates with 15 points apiece, while Moore had 10. Carroll and Moore each made three 3-pointers. Mendota was 3 of 19 from 3-point range, two from Tillman and one from Dane Doyle. The Pirates and Trojans will play again Tuesday. “It feels really good to get this one,” Munoz said. “Especially because we play them in a week. I feel like it’s going to be another competitive game.”

Stream DIRECTV to any device no satellite dish needed. Contact your local DIRECTV dealer! IVS Holdings

866.397.0263

CHOICE ™

PACKAGE

$89

.99 *

/MO.

FOR 24 MO + TAX & FEES.

($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime.

Service subject to DIRECTV terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. DIRECTV App: Req’s compatible device and data connection or high-speed internet; data/ internet charges may apply. Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Pricing: CHOICE $117.98/mo. for 2 years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless canceled. Prices reflect base package prices plus one req’d. $10/mo. Gemini lease fee and, for CHOICE Pkg. or higher, a Regional Sports Fee (RSF) of up to $17.99/mo. varies by location. May be lower in some areas. $10/mo. for each additional device added to your account. Additional Fees & Taxes: State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT (www.directv.com/techprotect) Lease Agreement and transactional fees, are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details. Equipment Non-Return-Fees: If service is cancelled you must return all leased devices to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional sports available with CHOICE Pkg. and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions. All programming, terms & restrictions subject to change at any time without notice. See directv.com for details. Premium Channels Offer: Max: Access Max through Max app or max.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see max.com/terms-of-use for details. To learn more, visit directv.com/max. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: Access Paramount+ with SHOWTIME streaming plan through Paramount+ app or paramountplus.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Paramount+ is subject to its own terms and conditions, see viacomcbs.legal/us/en/pplus/sub-terms for details. Access to Paramount+ requires a subscription to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and access to your local CBS affiliate. To learn more, visit directv.com/paramountplussho. General Terms: Programming and content subj. to change. Offer requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to Max and Paramount+. Cancel your premium channels online at directv.com or by phone at 800-531- 5000. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer. Limits: Access to one Max account and one Paramount+ account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. Max and related elements are property of Home Box Office, Inc. Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a Paramount Company. Paramount+ and related marks are trademarks of Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved. Starz and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times. MGM+ is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp. 2025 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

MER

Ottawa boys basketball coach Mark Cooper summed up Tuesday’s game against Mendota as a “make-or-miss game.” Mendota’s Oliver Munoz scored the Trojans’ final six points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:30 remaining to capture fifth place, 46-45, in the Plano Christmas Classic. One more basket in the final seconds from the Pirates (7-4), which had a Jack Carroll 3-pointer roll in and out of the hoop, along with a good look came up short from Owen Sanders inside the paint, and it’s a different outcome. “We liked the shot,” Cooper said. “We make that one, it’s confetti and parties, and you miss it, and that’s what it was. Make or miss.” On the flip side, the Trojans (11-4) missed a pair of 3-point opportunities on their final possession to extend the lead to four. On the Pirates’ final possession, they got the ball inside to Sanders, and he

as the opposing coach, it’s going in. He makes that one seven out of 10 times, so I’m happy to be on this end of it.” With the Trojans trailing 43-40 with 3:15 remaining, Munoz said instinct took over for him offensively, as his six points in the final three minutes flipped the game in favor of Mendota. “I just think it was instinct at that point,” said Munoz, who finished with 17 points. “I just felt like, at that point, nobody else was scoring.” The Pirates trailed the majority of the game, and by as much as seven, 39-32, following a Cole Tillman basket off an inbounds pass with a little more than five minutes to go. Tillman finished with a game-high 19 points for the Trojans. Carroll hit consecutive shots from beyond the arc to cut Mendota’s lead to one, then Sanders tied the game at 40 following an Aden Tillman free throw for the Trojans. Rory Moore hit a 3 to give the Pirates a 43-40 lead. Wasmer credited Ottawa’s inside-out game with Sanders for opening up those good looks. “They kept it at their pace, which we struggled with a bit,” Wasmer said of the Pirates’ tempo. “I was very happy we still found a way to win. It’s tough. It doesn’t look pretty, but you have to grind it out every possession, and I thought defensively in the second half

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Mendota holds on against Ottawa for 5th place

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1927: Harlem Globetrotters play their first game in Hinckley, Illinois 1994: U.S. female Figure Skating championship won by Tonya Harding 1998: Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal surpasses 1,000 blocks. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai gets outside of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Roy Lopez for good yardage during their game Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Photo by Mark Busch

PLAYOFF FOCUS

Ben Johnson looks to steady the Bears, clean up offensive issues / 22