Mendota goes 3-0 at boys soccer tournament after learning from mistakes from team’s film / 25
Residents enjoyed carnival, wrestling and motocross at fair / 3
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Death and the undimmed immortality of Robin Williams’ artistic genius
SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
Robin Williams was undeniably a genius at his craft.
His ability to spontaneously create characters during standup performances was unmatched, as was his ability to have everyone in the crowd almost literally rolling on the floor in laughter.
Just as he could take the roof off with his comedy, he could brilliantly play more dramatic roles with a rare nuance, such as John Keating in “Dead Poets Society” and Sean Maguire in “Good Will Hunting,” to name a few.
He truly was a gift to the world, and he was a gift to my soul.
When Williams took his own life Aug. 11, 2014, millions of people around the world were devastated. Initially, many thought he might have suffered from depression or other mental health issues. But it was more than that. Williams had been quietly suffering from the degenerative disease Lewy-body dementia, even while filming his latter movies. A documentary my husband and I watched, “Robin’s Wish,” lays out in stark detail the hellish nightmare he endured from within.
Every year in August I remember Williams, almost as though he were a family member. There have been other celebrities whose work has deeply touched my life, and whom I have grieved when they died, but Williams gave color to people’s souls in an irreversible way.
From the time I first saw him on “Mork and Mindy,” I was mesmerized. Who was this guy who seemed to have endless manic energy? (In his early
years, Williams struggled with addiction to various substances.) I’ve watched talk show interviews and many of his movies through the years.
Recently, my husband and I have been looking for Williams’ movies “What Dreams May Come” and “Patch Adams” on our streaming services. I have never seen either one and have had a recurring desire lately to watch them, but neither has been available for us.
For whatever reason, they are both now available for free (with a subscription) on YouTube, and we have been able to watch both of them in the past few weeks.
Neither of them disappointed. His vast comedic and dramatic range was on display in both.
Interestingly, there was a time many years ago when I had forgotten how to laugh. Eruptive, rolling laughter is a basic ingredient God used when he made my soul, to the point where I often draw looks in public.
Laughter has always had a way of helping me manage difficult circumstances and making me feel better, even when I have been asked by some employers “if I have a minute” to remind me to turn the volume down a few notches, so as not to disrupt other co-workers. In these moments, a famous quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw inspired me with comfort: “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old. You grow old because you stopped laughing.”
So, it was a particularly cruel aspect of the major depression I had in the mid part of the first decade of this century that I could not laugh. The depression was so heavy and so deep that it took me a long time to even recognize that this defining quality of my personality had abandoned me without me even noticing. My recovery from this episode seemed
ON THE COVER
to go on forever, weighing me down and at times burdening those around me. I did feel old, and a significant part of that was because I had stopped laughing.
Until one day I was in a used bookstore and came across a book about laughter as a healing mechanism. I was well aware of the adage “laughter is the best medicine,” but sometimes we need reminders of things we already know, to be nudged in the right direction. The book mentioned Patch Adams and his work in using humor in his medical practice to treat people holistically.
I held onto that book for quite a while, and gradually sought comedic relief more and more in my daily life. I am convinced laughter is truly good medicine.
At least at this time in history, no one was more perfectly made to play the role of a doctor who uses medicine to heal than Robin Williams.
As Scott and I watched Williams in “Patch Adams” early this week, I felt both sad and happy. Sad that this creative genius, who has not only touched millions of people’s lives with his sense of humor, but surely saved some too, is no longer with us. It still seems eerily impossible.
And yet, I felt happy because his life and his work have been immortalized digitally. Seeing him on the screen, in whatever role he plays, I have a fleeting mystical awareness that Robin Williams’ uncontainable, bigger-than-life spirit is everywhere, and that he continues to entertain from the great beyond.
Even death can’t contain his healing medicine.
• Spirit Matters is a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@ yahoo.com.
The annual Tri-County Fair returned to Mendota on Thursday at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Mendota. See story on page 3.
Photo by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
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OSF Saint Paul Medical Center earns 4-star national rural hospital rating
Recognition highlights quality care, patient satisfaction at rural hospitals
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota recently received a 4-star rating from the National Rural Rating System, which recognizes rural and critical-access hospitals for patient satisfaction.
The NRRS was created to highlight rural and critical-access hospitals that often don’t qualify for the traditional Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services star ratings.
Instead of focusing on patient volume, the system uses a broader set of measures, including patient satisfaction surveys and clinical performance data.
Since 1951, OSF Saint Paul Medical Center has been a cornerstone in the Mendota area. The hospital provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, primary care, diagnostics and more.
According to a news release, the 4-star
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Illinois Valley Sportscard and Collectibles Show returns to Peru Mall on Sept. 6
The Illinois Valley Sportscard and Collectibles Show will return Saturday, Sept. 6, to the Peru Mall, 3940 Route 251.
OSF
rating is reserved for rural hospitals that consistently go above and beyond in serving their communities, often in settings where resources may be limited but dedication and compassion are abundant.
“This recognition is more than just a rating; it’s a reflection of the trust our patients place in us every day,” OSF Saint
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 1980s Cubs and White Sox pitcher Randy Martz present for autographs.
Martz posted a 3.78 ERA over 68 games in his four-year career, spending his first three seasons with the Cubs and last with the Sox. He will be signing from noon to 1 p.m.
More than 80 tables are expected to be at the mall. Admission is free.
– Bill Freskos
LA SALLE COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES, AUG. 1 TO 15
Here is the list of La Salle County couples who applied for marriage licenses from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15.
Donny Lee Schroeder of Benson and Bailey Ann Leman of Roanoke
Seth Myles Ponton of Streator and Angela Marie Nemeth of Streator
Lawrence Thomas Walsh III of Arlington Heights and Danai Lin Shreeves of Arlington Heights
Brandon Michael Carr of Ottawa and Kaitlyn Nicole Gribbins of Ottawa
Curtis Scott Draughan of Champaign and Scout McKenzie Coady of Champaign
Brian Scott Engels of Peru and Emily
Elizabeth Andreina of Peru
Thomas Richard Walker of Oglesby and Sierra Jade Scott of Oglesby
Kyle Raymond Voights of Streator and Tessa Aleyce McClellan of Streator
Tyler Michael Martyn of Oglesby and Kylee Jean Turczyn of Peru
Alexandro Joseph Cadena of Streator and Mikaylah Raine Huss of Streator
Matthew Navor Zamudio of Aurora and Cassidy Wynne Sterling of Aurora
Vincent Guido Haynes of Seneca and Kimberly Ann Brzozowski of Seneca
Jonathan Tyler Mohler of Oswego and Amanda Shivani Fauteck of Oswego
Paul Medical Center President Heather Bomstad said. “We’re incredibly proud of our mission partners for the care, skill and heart they bring to every patient encounter. This 4-star rating affirms what we already know: that our community receives exceptional care, right here at home.”
“This award is a reflection of the unwavering dedication and deep compassion these hospitals bring to rural health care,” National Rural Health Association COO Brock Slabach said. “In communities where access can be limited and challenges are complex, these teams continue to deliver excellence with heart.”
Story Time with Queen Litzy Celis at Mendota Library
The Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council’s 2025 Queen Queen Litzy Celis will host a special story time event at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the GravesHume Public Library in Mendota. Children and families are invited to enjoy stories, interactive play and
cookies during the free community gathering.
The event is open to the public and no library card is required.
Registration is encouraged by calling 815-538-5142.
For details, visit the library’s Facebook page or pick up a newsletter in person – Maribeth M. Wilson
Nicholas Eugene Drummer of Mendota and Rachel Ann Lynn Beetz of Mendota
Andrew Richard Kelly of Ottawa and Sarah Jean Grever of Ottawa
Anthony Andrew Menzel of Compton and Evelyn Faith Coyle of Mendota
Jared Christian Thumm of Ottawa and Emily Rose Jones of Ottawa
Joshua James Lewis of Mendota and Mari Alexis Lynn Rosas of Mendota
Wesley Austin Vatland of Serena and Brittany Jo Terando of Marseilles
Serguei Tchaika of Grand Ridge and Marlene Joyce Pfalzgraf of Grand Ridge
Darnell Cortez Smith of La Salle and
Erica Tiffany Twardzik of La Salle
Frederick James Wahl of Streator and Keri Ann Noseworthy of Streator
Daniel Ellsworth Konczak of La Salle and Brianna Aurora Salazar of La Salle
Gabriel Alexander Davis of Ransom and Kennedy Ann Feltman of Ransom
Jason Rosales of Streator and Dayna
Michelle Richardson of Streator
Aaron Joseph Mitchell of Cherry and Tristan Mae Chapman of Cherry
Bradley Matthew Guinto of Yorkville and Kalie Morgan Sudaj of Yorkville
Jay Robert Coleman of Oswego and Linda Marie Taylor of Burbank
Photo provided by JoEllyn Gahan
Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota recently earned a 4-star rating from the National Rural Rating System.
La Salle County to host free electronics recycling event Sept. 20
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
La Salle County will host a free electronics recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20, at the La Salle County Government Center, 707 E. Etna Road in Ottawa.
Accepted items include computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, televisions, printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, phones, networking equipment, rechargeable batteries, cameras, stereos, gaming consoles, projectors and more.
The event also will collect metals, ink and toner cartridges, and small appliances such as microwaves.
Items not accepted include loose alkaline batteries (unless contained within electronic devices), liquid-containing items, Freon-containing appliances such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers, white goods such as refrigerators and freezers, thermostats, and light bulbs.
The event is open to residents of La Salle County only, and registration is required. Registration can be completed
online, the preferred method, or by phone at 815-630-4308 during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to
noon Friday.
Registration is not open to businesses, and oversized loads may be refused.
Each vehicle is limited to two televisions. For questions not related to registration, call the La Salle County Land Use Department at 815-434-8666.
Photo provided by CZS-Brookfield Zoo
La Salle County will host a free electronics recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the La Salle County Government Center, 707 E. Etna Road in Ottawa.
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.
See SHOPPING SPREE, page 22
was the
of the shopping
Duttlinger loads
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 receipt after checking out during the Hometown National Bank Hometown Hero sweepstakes on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hy-Vee in Peru. Duttlinger
winner
spree. ABOVE:
chicken breasts
CHURCH DIRECTORY
MENDOTA
ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS
Rev. Greg Nelson, Pastor
Fr. Joseph Domfe, Parochial Vicar
Ray Fischer, Jose Lopez, and Hector Diaz, Deacons HOLY CROSS, MENDOTA
Weekday Mass
M - 6 p.m., Tu - 8 a.m., W - 8:10 a.m., Th - 8 a.m., F - 7 a.m.
Weekend Mass
Sat - 8 a.m. (1st Saturday only), 4 p.m.; Sun - 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish) Confession
STS. PETER AND PAUL, PETERSTOWN
Weekend Mass: Sun - 9 a.m. Confession
ST. THERESA, EARLVILLE
Weekday Mass: Wed 7 a.m., Fri. 8 a.m.
Weekend Mass: Sat 5 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
100 E. Sixth St. • (815) 538-5587
Rev. Mary Bohall, Pastor
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
9 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship
In-person & on Facebook at: Mendota First United Methodist Church
ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
808 Jefferson St.
Pastor Jeff Brace jbrace8459@gmail.com
Church office (815) 538-2186
Facebook: Mendota Zion United Methodist Church
SUNDAY’S CHEDULE: Sunday Worship 9 a.m.
Sunday School for Preschool - 6th grade in fellowship hall during worship service (Parking lot worship available on 90.9 FM during Sunday services)
TUESDAY - Prayer group 7 p.m.
UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
4401 State Route 251 • (815) 538-3444
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Rev. Charles Yeakel, Pastor
E-mail: mendotaupc@yahoo.com www.mendotaupc.org
SUNDAY: Christian Education-10 a.m. Worship - 11:30 a.m.
9 a.m. Sunday Worship in person and online via YouTube Find us on Facebook
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1003 5th St.• (815) 538-5603
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Website: fpcmendota.com
Accessible
Pastor Laurie Walker
Fellowship 9:45 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School following children’s message
Worship 10:30 a.m.
Available on Facebook Live
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fpcmendota
CHRIST’S CHURCH
“He is the Head of the Body, the Church . . . That in everything He might have the supremacy.” Col. 1:18
1107 Main St. • (815) 993-2462
Dave Manion Jim McDowell
Wayne Shuman
Please join us for . . .
Sunday Bible Study (all ages) 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Church Builders 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 6 p.m.
Men’s Ministry
Ladies & Mens Bible Study Thursday 6 p.m.
Non-denominational
Please call for more information
COMPTON
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
398 Church Road, Compton
Pastor Jeffrey Schlesinger (815) 539-6567
Wheelchair accessible Website: www.ilccompton.org
E-mail: immanuellutheran compton@live.com
“Living in God’s Grace as a Neighbor to the World”
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. Worship at Immanuel 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship at First Online “devotional service” videos continue every Sunday at facebook.com/ilccompton and YouTube. Check our website and Facebook page for more information.
LA MOILLE
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH LaMoille (Clarion) 4 miles west of Mendota on Rt. 34
Pastor Sarah (Churness) Floyd (815) 539-7820
Sunday Worship 9 a.m.
Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Accessible
COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH La Moille • (815) 638-2348
Pastor David Jungnickel
E-mail: lamoillecumc@gmail.com
SUNDAY WORSHIP 9 a.m. Children’s Sunday School following children’s message FELLOWSHIP 10 a.m. (nursery available) Mondays - 10 a.m. Adult Bible Study Wednesdays - 5:30 p.m. Soup & Soul
TROY GROVE
FAITH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
208 W. South St., Troy Grove
Pastor Brian Hamiel Website: www.faithbiblefellowship.info
E-mail: fbfchurch20817@gmail.com
“At Faith Bible Fellowship, we exist to glorify God through the equipping of His saints, teaching of His Word and raising of His name. We would love to have you join us to worship and learn about our risen Savior.”
SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9 a.m.
SUNDAY SERVICE - 10 a.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 6:30 p.m.
The Thirsty Mule was named after the mules that once pulled naval vessels through the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The Thirsty Mule business is scheduled to open at 541 First St., the location of the former Social Kitchen that closed in 2019.
New bar opening, longtime Illinois Valley photographer now retiring
EYES ON ENTERPRISE
Stephanie Jaquins
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., effec-
tive Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Nikki Tonioni, owner of the Flower 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.
See EYES ON ENTERPRISE, page 9
Stephanie Jaquins
Run Today for Tomorrow raises $30K for mental health services
Emily Hardee’s annual run supports suicide prevention
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Emily Hardee has turned a family tragedy into a personal crusade to prevent suicide, and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and a growing contingent of supporters are assisting her efforts, according to a SRCCF news release.
Hardee’s sixth annual Run Today for Tomorrow Run/Walk to Fight Suicide on June 28 in Ottawa raised more than $30,000 and attracted 216 finishers.
Hardee donated $7,000 each to the Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley and North Central Behavioral Health Systems to support individuals in need of mental health services.
YSB is using the funds to continue its “Run Program” – created after receiving funds from the Run Today for Tomorrow Run/Walk to Fight Suicide in previous years – to help clients in need of financial assistance receive counseling services. The grant to NCBHS will aid individuals in its billpay assistance program.
To date, the race has raised $128,466. It also supports a SRCCF scholarship in memory of Emily’s cousin, Molly Yacko, who died by suicide in 2018.
• EYES ON ENTERPRISE
Continued from page 8
”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 that she is looking for -
A total of $14,000 was awarded this week to two nonprofits by organizers of the Run Today for Tomorrow (RTFT) 5K Run/Walk in Ottawa. Pictured are RTFT’s Renee Durdan, left, Youth Service Bureau Executive Director Sam Tenuto, RTFT’s Katie Fleming, organizer Emily Hardee with 18-month-old daughter Peyton, and North Central Behavioral Health Systems’ Angie Hughes. The YSB and NCBHS each received $7,000 in proceeds from the race.
“It’s not just my cause anymore,” Hardee said. “Others are helping with the event, and it’s become our cause.”
Hardee’s goal is to aid and bring hope to individuals affected by suicide. She urged those suffering from depression and mental illness to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
To donate to the RTFT fund – and see a film on Emily and Molly’s story – go to srccf.org/fund/run-today-for-tomor -
ward to more family time, traveling and possibly another business venture.
She then thanked her longtime business partner, Susan Bellino.
• The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
row-field-of-interest-fund.
To create a SRCCF fund, contact President Fran Brolley at fran@srccf.
org. SRCCF is celebrating its 10th anniversary, “A Decade of Giving,” in September and October.
Photo provided by SRCCF’s Fran Brolley
Authorities search for missing driver in crash near Mendota
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
Emergency crews responded early Sunday morning to a two-vehicle crash outside of Mendota, where three people were hospitalized with minor injuries, while the other driver fled the scene.
Three occupants of one of the vehicles were transported to hospital after it overturned, but the driver of the second vehicle was not located.
Firefighters and police searched the area using a thermal drone and a K-9 unit from the Princeton Police Department, but were unable to find the missing driver. Rutishauser said the three transported patients were considered “green,” or low priority, and likely were treated and released.
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser said the call came in at 12:45 a.m. Crews remained on-scene until about 4 a.m. Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Sublette, Paw Paw, Compton, La Salle and Troy Grove.
The crash remains under investigation.
MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
sniffs
involved
rollover
Sunday at the intersection of Route 251 and 46th Road in Mendota.
IVCC graduates honored at summer ceremonies
More than 100 students in health professions celebrate milestone achievements
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
More than 100 students in health professions marked the completion of their programs with summer pinning and graduation ceremonies at Illinois Valley Community College.
Here are the graduates listed by program:
RN program
A total of 53 registered nursing graduates participated in a pinning ceremony May 17. Featured speakers included Hannah Larsen, Kasie George, Olivia Colmone-Burns and
Morgan Gascoigne.
Graduates were Anne Abende, Katherine Busch, Coco Collins, ColmoneBurns, Keysha Cortez, Leticia Cruz, Julie Cummings, Stephanie Debolt, Danielle Densing, Brenda Dimas, Gascoigne, George, Ella Gilbertson, Cheyenne Goetsch, Emma Gordon, Liset Guadarrama, Shane Halm, Faten Hariri, Natali Haynes, Walter Hoskins, Emily Joanis, Amber Kartheiser, Laura Kicinski, Camrie Kuehn, Kiara Ladson, Larsen, Stephanie Lijewski, Kasandra Mandujano, Zoey Margis, Mary Mead, Jeremy Morey, Ellie Neisler, Julie Ochuba-Neill, Yasmine Orozco-Godinez, November Rhodes, Becky Rogers, Alejandra Rogus, Marianna Rosales, Abigail Ruppert, Emily Sarabia, Christine Senica, Sandra Shankles, David Smith, Hannah Smith, Suzanne Spreitzer, Erica Stuart, Kylie Thome, Leala Usaphrom, Baylea Weston, Kaed Wisneski, Emily Wright, Paxton Zell -
mer and Ferdese Zulbeari.
Paramedic program
A total of 25 students graduated from the paramedic program in ceremonies May 8 and July 31.
Featured speakers were Alexander Dunn and James Gassen.
Graduates were Tyler Blackard, Dunn, Joseph Ellena, David Emanuel, Andrew Eyster, Nolan Hamilton, James Hutton, James McGuire, Diego Ortega, Conner Sherwood, Reid Smith, Elisheva Bruins, Gassen, Sabryna Hamilton, Derrick Hobbs, Benjamin Kolczaski, Maria Pawlak, Matthew Ruiz, Manny Solano, Quenten Sondgeroth, Jasmine Stanton, Nicholas Swiskoski, Will Thrun, James Waitekus and Caitlynn Windsor.
Practical nursing program
A total of 12 practical nursing students participated in the pinning cere-
mony July 14.
Featured speakers were Carissa Dye and Blair Stillwell.
Graduates were Erica Antle, Sydney Buffington, Dye, Alyssa Eutsey, Julie Kern, Tina Mauk, Kelsey Moore, Emma Nicoli, Adrienne Ortega, Miranda Roberts, Avarie Ruppert and Stillwell.
Dental assisting program
A total of 16 graduates of the expanded functions dental assisting program participated in the pinning ceremony July 31.
The featured speaker was Emma Augustine.
Graduates were Augustine, Ashton Collins, Madison Freeman, Vanessa Gomez-Rico, Zulema Gonzalez, Tiffany Hegland, Nalani Kosin, Megan McGuire, Mia Moncrief, Emily Myre, Stacy Pavnica, Talia Peck, Camryn Piscia, Diana Reyes, Cynthia Rosas and Ariana Villalobos.
Photo provided by IVCC
More than 100 IVCC students who completed health professions programs were celebrated this summer at pinning and graduation ceremonies for registered nursing, paramedic, practical nursing and dental assisting.
AARP driver safety course to
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
The AARP is hosting a driver safety program at Illinois Valley Community College.
The program is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, and Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Truck Drivers Training Center at IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby. Call 815-224-0427 to register.
The AARP Driver Safety Program is a classroom and online driver refresher course designed for drivers 50 years or older. The program aims to help participants retain their driving competency.
The course will focus on how to navigate changes, reviewing driving strategies, being smart on the road, changing technology, understanding the effects of aging on driving and learning about
the changes aging residents need to accept.
At completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate to pres-
ent to their auto insurance company that may entitle them to a premium discount. The course fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers for
materials and is payable to AARP. The course is free to participants who are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Insur
ance.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
The AARP is hosting a driver safety program at Illinois Valley Community College. Call 815-224-0427 to register.
Mendota arson suspect’s trial set for Nov. 17
A Mendota man accused of setting fire to his apartment complex – from which damage was not significant – will stand trial Nov. 17.
Robert A. Bugiyne, 62, appeared Aug. 28 in La Salle County Circuit Court and entered a not-guilty plea to one count of residential arson, a Class 1 felony carrying a sentence of four to 15 years in prison.
Streator strangulation case unlikely to go in 2025
The window for Joshua Casey to stand trial for murder in 2025 is closing fast.
Casey doesn’t have new trial dates, and it looks unlikely that he’ll get them before the holidays.
US Senate candidates to speak at Democrats’ Candidate Forum
Bugiyne appeared with Peru defense attorney Douglas Olivero, who requested a Sept. 10 detention hearing. Bugiyne has been in custody since Aug. 6 but deferred opportunities to argue for pretrial release. Bugiyne was charged after Mendota police were summoned about 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6 to the 100 block of South Third Avenue. According to court records, an eyewitness told police that he saw Bugiyne start a fire at the apartment complex where both the witness and Bugiyne resided.
Casey, 39, appeared Friday in La Salle County Circuit Court for a status hearing. Casey faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted of killing Jessica Balma, who was found dead March 4. The cause of death was manual strangulation.
Casey left the courtroom with an Oct. 6 status hearing, but no new trial setting. He was initially set for trial in mid-July, but that was indefinitely postponed after Casey secured private counsel who needed more time to prepare.
The latest continuance means Casey is increasingly likely to go before a jury in 2026.
– Tom Collins
Event set for Saturday, Sept. 27 at
Grand Bear
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Candidates in the Illinois Democratic primary race to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will address La Salle County Democrats on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Utica.
The forum, sponsored by La Salle County Democrats, will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock in Utica.
Scheduled speakers include Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton; U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood; state Rep. Amy Murri Briel; and Paul Nolley, a candidate for U.S. Congress.
The event includes the chance to meet and sign the petitions of local, state and national primary candidates; a brunch provided by Grand Bear
Lodge; and raffle baskets.
Proceeds will benefit Democratic candidates in La Salle County.
Tickets cost $65 per person and $55 for students with an ID.
Become a gold-level sponsor by donating $5,000 (includes up to 50 tickets), a silver-level sponsor by donating $2,500 (includes up to 30 tickets) or a bronze-level sponsor by donating $1,000 (includes up to 10 tickets).
To buy tickets, go to secure.actblue. com/donate/2025candidateforum.
Scott Anderson file photo
Candidates in the Illinois primary race to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will address La Salle County Democrats on Sept 27 in Utica.
Robert A. Bugiyne
Joshua R. Casey
Catholic schools react to Minnesota shootings
Faith, safety emphasized as parents address shooting with children
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Police were present Wednesday for the school Mass at Holy Family Church in Oglesby. The Academy of St. Carlo Acutis still was learning about what happened in Minnesota and worked to avoid a copycat scenario.
Everyone went home safe that day, but one thing didn’t happen. The Very Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor in Oglesby, said teachers did not pull aside the elementary school students to discuss what happened at the Minneapolis school where two children were killed.
“We’re leaving it to the parents to do that,” Carlson said. “Such matters are best left to Mom and Dad and, in any case, there’s no explaining it.”
Catholic school officials in the Illinois Valley reacted with horror after more than a dozen students were injured by gunfire Aug. 27 in Minneapolis. But all hastened to assure local parents that safety procedures were in place.
Carlson said administrators at the Academy of St. Carlo Acutis had recently undergone additional safety training and, coincidentally, students this past week were put through a security drill. Everyone was ready –as they’re ever ready for unprovoked violence.
Other Catholic schools issued statements saying they were aware of the situation and, without disclosing specific measures, assured families that appropriate measures were being taken.
“The safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and monks is at the forefront of all we do on a daily basis,” said Eve Postula, superintendent of St. Bede Academy. “We can never become complacent or numb to the importance of this endeavor, and we take the responsibility for it seriously.”
The Rev. Dominic Garramone, chaplain of the high school, led the St. Bede community in morning prayer for the sake of those who mourn the death of a loved one and asked that
Christians come together to comfort all families who were affected in any way.
“He guided our students to ask God to help us remember that we do not live in a world ruled by dark and sinister powers, but one that is ruled by his grace and mercy,” St. Bede said in a statement.
Marquette Academy in Ottawa released a statement that “the safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority.”
“We have proactively implemented safety measures to provide a secure learning environment,” according to the statement.
“Each of our schools in the Diocese of Peoria works closely with local law enforcement. Every year, our students and staff participate in active shooter drills, ensuring that everyone is prepared should an emergency ever arise. In addition, law enforcement officials regularly review our safety plans.
“We remain vigilant and proactive in creating a safe and caring environment where our students can learn, grow in faith and thrive. We ask our families and community to join us in prayer for the victims of violence and to work together in fostering a culture of peace and respect rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Scott Anderson file photo
Catholic school officials in the Illinois Valley reacted with horror after more than a dozen more students were injured in gunfire in Minneapolis.
New state law bans nonmedical sale of self-administered sexual assault evidence kits
State Rep. Amy Briel says law targets alarming trend
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.
Mark Busch file photo
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, speaks at a town hall ahead of the Aug. 15 signing of legislation creating the Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Ban Act, which she spearheaded throughout the year.
DONALD J. BIAGINI
Born: February 16, 1943 in Berwyn, IL
Died: August 28, 2025 in Peru, IL
Donald J. Biagini, 82, of Peru, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Holy Family Church, Oglesby with Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor officiating. Burial will be private and at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Granville. Visitation will be from 10:00-10:50 AM Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby.
Mr. Biagini was born February 16, 1943 in Berwyn to John and Zelinda (Bernardi) Biagini. Don graduated from Hopkins High School in Granville and served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a telephone repairman and lineman for AT&T for 25 years.
Don married Karen Newell on May 3, 1969 at St. Augustine Church in Ashland. He was
PAUL GREEN
Paul Edward Green, 76, of Princeton, Il, passed on 08/25/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, IL. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
NORBERT “NORB” DUDEK
Born: May 23, 1933 in LaSalle, IL. Died: August 28, 2025 in Peru, IL.
Norbert “Norb” Dudek May 23, 1933 – August 28, 2025 Norbert
J. “Norb” Dudek, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 23, 1933, at home on the family farm to Marie (Wyciskala) and Michael Dudek, where he lived with his parents and brothers, the late Richard and late Michael Dudek. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth (“Betty”) Wojciehowski, his children John (Peggy), the late Annmarie, Mark (Lori), Rose (Patrick) Pollard, and Mike (Jennifer) Dudek, his grandchildren Matthew (Gina), Michael (Amy), Ross (Charlotte), Kara (Eric) Mizel, Joe Dudek, Michael (Monika) Pollard, John Pollard, Claire,
a member of Holy Family Church in Oglesby, IBEW #176, and the Oglesby American Legion Post #237. Don was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and skiing out west and at home here in the midwest. He enjoyed traveling and visiting National Parks and was a Green Bay Packer fan. Don and Karen enjoyed wintering in Las Vegas. Most of all Don loved spending time with friends and family and especially loved playing with his grandchildren and going to all their sporting events.
Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen Biagini of Peru, and their children, Mark (Renee) Biagini of Aurora, Lori (James) Niessner of La Salle, and Mike Biagini of Oglesby. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brandon, Madison, Macoy, and Landyn Biagini, and Hunter and Abby Stone, and his sister, Linda Binder of Cape Coral, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John “Jack” Biagini. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Family Church or Missionaries of Charity in Peoria. The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.muellerfh.com.
ELEANOR MICHAEL
Eleanor M. Michael, 88, of Spring Valley, passed on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Arrangements entrusted to The Fiocchi Funeral Homes Additional information: www. FiocchiFuneralHomes.com or anytime at (815) 894-2222.
Jake and Eric Dudek, and his great grandchildren, Jackson, Olivia, and Quinn Dudek, and Edda Senz Pollard. Norb’s life was rooted in hard work, service, and a deep love for his community. He attended Deer Park Grade School, graduating second in his class—out of two students. The one-room schoolhouse, with just eight children across grades 1–8 and a single teacher, shaped Norb’s early years. He fondly recalled carrying coal and water each day for the school and using outdoor toilets. At age 12, he was entrusted by his teacher to drive a Model A car filled with classmates to pick up a Christmas tree for the classroom—a story that reflects his early sense of responsibility and adventure. After graduating from Marquette High School, Norb proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His career path was as diverse as it was industrious: he worked as a Fuller Brush salesman, at the Bakelite Factory, and for Burkhart making deliveries. In 1961, with a $1,500 loan and a dream, he founded Letterkraft Printers (now LKCS, Inc.) out of his basement, building a successful business that has served the Illinois
Nellie Bly comes to life at Mendota Library
Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota will present “Nellie Bly: Adventures of a ‘Mad’ Woman” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Storyteller Tricia Kelly will portray the groundbreaking journalist in a live, costumed performance. The event is free and open to the public. No library card is required. To register, call 815-538-5142. More information is available on the library’s Facebook page or in the library newsletter.
– Maribeth M. Wilson
Michael Vincent “Griff” Griffin, 82, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, Illinois. Additional information: www.MuellerFH.com and 815-434-4433.
CONSTANCE DUCANTO
Constance DuCanto, 93, of Tiskilwa, passed on Sunday, August 25, 2025.
Arrangements entrusted to The Fiocchi Funeral Homes Additional information: www. FiocchiFuneralHomes.com or anytime at (815) 894-2222.
Valley and throughout the United States since. All four of his adult children followed in his footsteps leading LKCS to the current day. A passionate Rotarian for over 50 years, Norb served as President in 1967–68 and was honored as Rotarian of the Year for his contributions during the Gulf War. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow. His commitment to service extended to aviation—he fell in love with flying after soloing at age 17 and became a Lifeline pilot, volunteering flights to St. Jude and Mayo Clinic. He also flew business leaders to the Illinois Valley to encourage investment in the region. Norb was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, joining at age 17, and an advocate for workers’ rights as a Teamster. He served as President of the Ambassadors in the Chamber of Commerce and was a passionate defender of the local agricultural economy, a cause close to his farm boy heart. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and throughout the world. He and Betty spent over twenty memorable winters with many good friends in Mesa, AZ. Norb enjoyed flying, boating, golfing, fishing, RVing, camping, shuffleboard,
JOHN MCGLONE
John Francis McGlone, 89, of Princeton, Illinois, passed on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to The Fiocchi Funeral Homes Additional information: www. FiocchiFuneralHomes.com or anytime at (815)894-2222.
JANE MCCLINTOCK
Alice Jane McClintock, 96, of Cherry, Illinois, passed on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to The Fiocchi Funeral Homes Additional information: www. FiocchiFuneralHomes.com or anytime at (815) 894-2222.
hunting, cooking, and playing Euchre. For 15 years, he flew friends and family to Canada for fishing trips, creating cherished memories. Norb remained active in his alma mater, Marquette High School, organizing and hosting numerous class reunions at his home in Utica. He was known for his warmth, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his community and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sep. 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, 927 10th St. LaSalle, IL. Additional visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10 until the time of services. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Sep. 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Hyacinth’s. Fr Tom Otto will officiate. Interment St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the LaSalle / Oglesby Veterans Group. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated. Arrangements are being managed by Burgess Funeral Homes, 815-223-0587. On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
Scott Anderson file photo Graves-Hume Public Library will present “Nellie Bly: Adventures of a ‘Mad’ Woman” on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
MICHAEL VINCENT “GRIFF” GRIFFIN
OPINIONS THE
FIRST AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Redistricting ideas in the news; same as it ever was
Next June will mark the 25th anniversary of the start of my professional journalism career.
I started my role as managing editor of the Independence (Iowa) Bulletin-Journal, where my office window looked over the Buchanan County Courthouse and the top government story was redrawing the state legislative districts.
A few weeks earlier, the Iowa Senate had rejected the Legislative Service Bureau’s first draft of maps for the 2022 elections. In a resolution explaining its reasons, the Senate requested improved population deviates to more closely reach the “one person, one vote” ideal, among other reasons. Lawmakers enacted the second plan June 22. And I’ve been writing about redistricting ever since.
The Iowa Legislature’s website contains voluminous information on old redistricting cycles (the 2001 data is at
Scott T. Holland EYE ON ILLINOIS
tinyurl.com/Iowa2001Maps), but it’s pretty easy to summarize the boundary-setting process for 50 state Senate and 100 House seats, along with the four U.S. House districts.
Starting with the 1980 Census, the Bureau, a nonpartisan redistricting service, develops up to three plans and submits them for legislative approval. The plans use the following criteria, in order of importance: population quality, contiguous borders, unity of counties and cities (which also keeps state House districts within state Senate districts and the state Senate districts within the Congressional districts) and compactness. The only demographic information
allowed in the equation is population. No voting records, no registered party data, nothing.
In 1991, a Democrat-controlled assembly adopted a plan favoring Republicans, who eventually wrested control of both chambers. The 2001 plan referenced earlier forced incumbent Republicans to move to new districts to avoid competition for congressional seats.
If you saved a quarter every time one of my subsequent columns used the word “gerrymandering,” you could buy gumballs for an entire grade school. So it’s unsurprising when readers email about Illinois’ deeply flawed process, or to see Friday’s Capitol News Illinois story about former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and ex-Commerce Secretary Bill Daley leading a bipartisan group reanimating a 2016 constitutional amendment creating an independent mapping commission for our General Assembly districts.
As I’ve told readers suggesting examination of the push, of more value would be a nationwide solution dictating congressional district boundaries because it has become untenable that so many states operate under different conditions. This is a complex stance given concerns about federal meddling in state issues, but the composition of Congress is crucial as federal offices affect everyone in increasingly outsized ways.
That’s also the logic behind repeated calls to revisit the size of Congress, unchanged for 100 years despite a population explosion and huge shifts in where Americans live.
Hopefully, I’m still writing for another 25 years … ideally with some material changes on this subject.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state governmentissuesforShawLocalNews Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Business leaders show up to take stand with Pritzker
The breadth of invited attendees at the event organized last week by Gov. JB Pritzker really stood out for me.
The event along the Chicago River was designed to publicly warn President Donald Trump not to send National Guard or regular military troops into the city. The usual collection of Democratic politicians, union leaders and several anti-violence and progressive activists were on hand and several spoke.
But what made this rally seem different was the presence of people who aren’t usually at these things.
On the list of attendees were six university and college presidents or chancellors, including University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and Illinois Institute of Technology President Raj Echambadi.
Several business types also showed up.
Derek Douglas, president of the Civic Committee and the Commercial Club of Chicago, called the possible deployment “unprecedented and unwarranted” during his speech.
“Deploying federal troops or federalizing the National Guard without engaging state and local government, business, philanthropic and community
leaders – the ones who understand Chicago’s needs and are on the ground working daily to make our city safer – is unprecedented and unwarranted,” Douglas said.
The Commercial Club of Chicago is not a bunch of lefties. It was founded in 1877 by many of the city’s wealthiest people. Fifteen years ago, the Civic Committee was best known for demanding that public employee pensions be reduced.
Billionaire philanthropist James Crown formed a public safety task force in 2022 within the Civic Committee. Crown’s task force set a goal of reducing the number of murders from 805 the year before to below 400 by 2029. That looked impossible at the time, and when Crown died the following year, hopes sank.
But Crown’s original goal appears to be easily within reach this year, four years ahead of schedule. The murder rate has been declining both in the city
and around the country for the past couple of years, at least partly because of a big surge in federal funding of the sort of anti-violence programs advocated by Crown. That federal funding has now been cut off.
Douglas admitted during his speech last week that even with the progress, Chicago still “has a ways to go” on violent crime. He also said, “there is a critical role for federal support that could benefit our city,” but that what they need is “aligned action.”
“What we don’t need,” Douglas said, “are disruptions to our economy and our businesses. Active-duty military patrolling the streets of our city sends the wrong message and risks slowing our economy and disrupting the progress we’ve made together. It will impact businesses’ bottom lines and ability to operate efficiently. It will impact tourism and employees getting to their jobs. It will impact morale.”
Douglas concluded his speech by saying: “The kind of sweeping, uncoordinated, indiscriminate action being threatened sets a dangerous precedent, and we stand with our city and all Chicagoans to encourage the administration to productively engage with us, to help
us continue to make progress on this critical issue.”
Others in the business community attended and contributed written statements.
“We have seen how the sudden deployment of federal troops in other cities can needlessly disrupt communities and businesses, hurt local economies, and deter tourism,” Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin said. “The best path forward is partnership and collaboration. If the federal government wants to work constructively with local leaders and community partners, we welcome that engagement to keep making progress toward a safer, stronger city.”
Like Douglas, Lavin said he would welcome “constructive engagement” from the federal government.
Civic Federation of Chicago President Joe Ferguson claimed sending in the troops is not “legally justified,” adding, “investment and partnership is what is needed to move this City and State to a better future.”
• Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Rich Miller
VIEWS
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Racer Austin Hanabarger (right) races neck and neck with Garrett Ward (center) to the holeshot marker at Megacross at the Tri County Fair on Aug. 30 in Mendota. TOP RIGHT: Dust fills the air as a motocross racer jumps into the sunset. ABOVE: A motocross racer dodges airborne debris known as roost during Megacross at the Tri County Fair on Aug. 30 in Mendota.
Bipartisan effort seeks end to partisan gerrymandering in General Assembly
By PETER HANCOCK phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Two veteran federal officials from Illinois are relaunching an effort to amend the Illinois Constitution and end partisan gerrymandering in state legislative districts.
Bill Daley, a Democrat from Chicago who served as secretary of commerce under President Bill Clinton, and Ray LaHood, a former Republican member of Congress from Peoria who served as transportation secretary under President Barack Obama, hope they can succeed where a similar effort in 2016 failed.
The two spoke with Capitol News Illinois for an episode of the Capitol Cast podcast. The interview also is available on CNI’s YouTube channel.
“We had a very, rather complicated, process that we put forward to the voters, if it had gotten on the ballot,” Daley said of the 2016 campaign, which he actively supported. “What we learned from that, and looking at the Supreme Court decision and looking at prior cases, [was] that we should simplify and not be as complicated as we became in 2016. We have a plan that’s simple. We feel very confident that the courts will approve this.”
The 2016 effort
In 2016, supporters of the “Fair Maps” initiative gathered enough signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to establish an 11-member commission to redraw legislative maps after each decennial census. Seven of those members would have been chosen by a panel appointed by the auditor general, while the other four would have been appointed by legislative leaders.
But before the proposal got on the ballot, opponents of the measure – including allies of then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan – filed a court challenge and the Illinois Supreme Court struck it down on technical grounds.
The court ruled that under the Illinois Constitution, citizen-initiated amendments must be limited to dealing with “structural and procedural subjects con-
Andrew Adams – aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley on the latest episode of the Capitol Cast podcast to discuss their renewed “fair maps” push.
tained in Article IV” of the constitution, which deals with the legislature. By assigning new duties to the auditor general, the court said, the proposed amendment went beyond what is allowed in a citizen-initiated amendment and, therefore, was unconstitutional.
That case was filed by a group called People’s Map whose chairman, John Hooker, was an executive at the utility giant Commonwealth Edison. In July, Hooker was sentenced to 1½ years in prison and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine after being convicted as part of the “ComEd Four” for his role in bribing Madigan with jobs and contracts for his political allies in exchange for legislation favorable to the utility.
‘Picking
your voters’
Daley and LaHood said the problem that existed in 2016 still exists today. That is, legislative maps are drawn in a way that protects the majority party.
Currently, that’s the Democratic Party, which holds 61% of the seats in the Illinois House and 68% of the seats in the state Senate, despite the fact that Democrats, on average, have won only about 55% of the vote in recent statewide elections.
“When the Republicans had the majority, they did the same thing that Democrats did,” Daley said. “Whether they did it as well or not, that can be debated. But this idea of picking your voters to maintain control, whichever party it is.”
The new proposal calls for establishing a 12-member “Legislative Redistricting Commission,” whose members would be appointed by the top Democrat and Republican in each legislative chamber. Each leader would appoint one member of the General Assembly and two members who are not lawmakers.
The commission would be barred from using voters’ party registration or voting history data when drawing maps. Districts also would be required to be compact, contiguous and drawn along existing county and municipal lines where possible.
Congress not affected
The proposal would not, however, change the method of drawing congressional district maps, a topic that has made national news in recent weeks when the Texas Legislature held a special session to redraw that state’s congressional maps to create five more
Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Daley and LaHood said the proposal is limited to state legislative redistricting because citizen-initiated amendments are limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in Article IV of the state constitution. Congressional redistricting is a power conferred on state legislatures from the U.S. Constitution.
Neither Daley nor LaHood would predict whether changing the mapmaking process would alter the makeup of the General Assembly significantly or change the kinds of legislation that passes through it. But LaHood – pointing to states like Iowa and California, which have adopted independent mapmaking commissions – said drawing fair maps is important for individuals and communities.
“They’re not splitting up neighborhoods, they’re not splitting up communities, they’re not splitting up counties,” he said. “These maps are reflective of where people live and having their friends and neighbors as their representatives … and so I think in states where they have citizens drawing the maps and keeping friends and neighbors together, the voters are pretty happy.”
Elizabeth Griffin file photo
(From left) Chauntel Hauter, BJ Rissi, Rhonda Bezely, Jeanie Pelka, Michelle Duttlinger, E.J. Flanagan, Mark Schram, Amber Leibov, Dani Holland, and Dave Conterio pose for a photo during the Hometown National Bank “Hometown Hero” sweepstakes on Aug. 23, 2025 at Hy-Vee in Peru.
Cook County assault weapons ban challenged
By PETER HANCOCK phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
Two national gun rights organizations are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Cook County’s ban on assault-style weapons in hopes that such a decision would overturn similar bans nationally, including the statewide ban Illinois lawmakers enacted in 2023.
The Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation filed a petition with the court Wednesday, asking it to reverse the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In June, the 7th Circuit said plaintiffs in the case had shown no reason for the court to reverse its own precedents that have upheld assault weapons bans, including a 2019 decision upholding the Cook County law.
The petition was filed on the same day two children were killed and 17 other individuals were injured in a mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis. As of Thursday, authorities had not yet publicly identified the specific weapons used in that shooting, only to say one of them was a rifle.
It also came as the 7th Circuit is still weighing arguments in a challenge to Illinois’ statewide assault weapons ban, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office filed its final brief in that appeal Aug. 14. The court has not yet set a date for oral arguments.
“The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America, owned by millions of peaceable people for lawful purposes every day,” Coalition President Brandon Combs said in a statement. “The Bill of Rights is not a suggestion, and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right.”
Cook County’s Ban
Cook County first adopted a local assault weapons ban in 1993, and it has been updated at least twice since then. It now is officially known as the Blair Holt Assault Weapons Ban, named after a Chicago teen who was killed in a 2007 shooting while protecting a high school classmate.
The law prohibits the possession, acquisition and transfer of a variety of firearms, including semiautomatic rifles that can accept large-capacity magazines. It specifically names 125 prohibited rifles, including the AR-15.
In 2018, a federal judge in Chicago upheld the law, citing a 7th Circuit decision from three years earlier upholding
Challenges to Illinois’ assault-style weapons ban continue to make their way through federal courts.
a nearly identical city ordinance in Highland Park. The case was appealed and in 2019, and the 7th Circuit reaffirmed its position that “bans on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines do not contravene the Second Amendment.”
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of that decision.
The current challenge was filed in 2021, when the two gun rights organizations went back to court seeking to have both the Highland Park and Cook County decisions reversed. The plaintiffs include two Cook County residents, Cutberto Viramontes and Christopher Khaya.
Recent decisions
While that case was proceeding through court, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark gun rights decision in 2022, New York State Rifle and Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen. That ruling held that to pass constitutional muster, gun control laws must be “consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of
firearm regulation.”
Also while the case was pending, the Illinois General Assembly passed a statewide assault weapons ban, officially known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
In November 2023, the 7th Circuit issued a ruling in a consolidated appeal involving the statewide ban as well as local bans in Chicago, Naperville and Cook County. In that ruling, the court refused to issue preliminary injunctions to block enforcement of any of those laws, saying its original ruling upholding the Highland Park ordinance still stood.
As a result, in March 2024, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer granted Cook County’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs appealed that ruling to the 7th Circuit, hoping for a reversal of the appellate court’s earlier decisions. But in a simple three-page opinion June 2, a three-judge panel said the plaintiffs had provided no compelling reason for
the court to reconsider its earlier decisions.
Now, the plaintiffs are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the 7th Circuit. But in recent months, the nation’s high court has been reluctant to take up the question of assault weapon bans.
In July 2024, the court declined to hear an appeal of the 7th Circuit’s decision not to issue preliminary injunctions on the state and local assault weapons bans. And in June, the court also declined to hear appeals involving Maryland’s assault weapons ban as well as Rhode Island’s ban on large-capacity magazines.
In denying to hear the Maryland and Rhode Island appeals, however, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a statement that he felt the issue of assault weapons was not yet ripe for review, but that the court probably would address it “in the next Term or two.” He also specifically cited the Cook County case as one of several that the court might decide to review.
Gregory Shaver file photo
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Fairly large
6. Barrels per day (abbr.)
9. Cover the entirety of
13. Leafy appetizer
14. Showy ornament
15. Norse personification of old age
16. Athletes
17. Closes tightly
18. Attack via hurling items
19. Where the reserves stand
21. Sword
22. Begat
23. Damage another’s reputation
24. Northeast
25. Turf
28. For each
29. Hours (Spanish)
31. Western state
33. One who offers help
36. Flanks
38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
39. Free from drink or drugs
41. Tunnels
44. Mature
45. More dried-up
46. News organization
48. Steal something
49. Forms one’s public persona(abbr.)
51. Female fish eggs
52. Small petrel of southern seas
54. Edible starches
56. Historical
60. In a place to sleep
61. Horse grooms
62. Off-Broadway theater award
63. Chinese dynasty
64. Resembling a wing
65. Small projection on a bird’s wing
66. Of the Isle of Man
67. Derived unit of force (abbr.)
68. Plate for Eucharist
DOWN
1. Vipers
2. Ancient city in Syria
3. Slog
4. Emits coherent radiation
5. “Pollock” actor Harris
6. Bleated
7. Monetary units of Afghanistan
8. Tooth doctor
9. One who takes apart
10. Commoner
11. Beat poet Ginsberg
12. Cave deposit material
14. Home energy backup
17. Begets
20. Face part
21. Frocks
23. Hill or rocky peak
25. Giving the impression of dishonesty
26. About ear
27. Male parents
29. Popular grilled food
30. Vaccine developer
32. Not conforming
34. Polite address for women
35. 1970 U.S. environmental law
37. Astronomical period of 18 years
40. One who fights the government
42. Center for Excellence in Education
43. Watches discreetly
47. An electrically charged atom
49. Hymn
50. Arabic given name
52. Popular pie nut
53. City in Zambia
55. Species of cherry
56. John __, British writer
57. Be next to
58. Make angry
59. Give birth to a lamb or kid
61. Unhappy
SPORTS
BOYS SOCCER: STREATOR BOYS SOCCER INVITATIONAL
Mendota wins 3 at Streator soccer tournament
Young Bulldogs go 0-3, but gain experience
By BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com
Mendota senior forward Johan Cortez said the team learned a lot from watching film of the Trojans’ loss to Moline on Tuesday.
“We watched the film the next day and saw a lot of flaws in how we played,” Cortez said. “We weren’t shifting or moving as a team and left too much open space in the middle of the field.”
On Saturday during the 30th Streator Boys Soccer Invitational, Cortez and his teammates made the needed adjustments.
Mendota (4-1) opened the event with an 8-1 win over the host Bulldogs. The Trojans then slipped past Bartonville Limestone 3-2 before completing the undefeated day with a 3-0 shutout against Bloomington High School.
“Coming into today the focus for us was to clean that up and I feel like we did,” said Cortez, who finished the tournament with four goals and five assists. “I also think we did a better job of playing the ball out wide on offense and then working toward the middle or making passes to guys running down the middle.”
On the day, Mendota enjoyed contributions from Cesar Casas (four goals, two assists), Isaac Diaz (three goals, two assists), Ramiro Palacios (two goals), Sebastian Carlos (one goal, one assist), Cole Kleckner (one assist) and Alex Beetz (one assist).
Goalkeeper Mateo Goy played all three games, earning a shutout against Bloomington.
“We bunched up way too much against Moline and the last three days of practice was focused on having better spacing,” Mendota coach Nick Myers said. “We did a much better job with that today.
“We also basically have new guys in our back line, so that’s something we’ve
been trying to sort out, but I thought as the day went along, we played better back there.
“That last game we had tired legs, but the guys fought through it.”
After the loss to Mendota, in which Evan Graff scored off an assist from Mason Decker, Streator (0-5) fell to both Limestone and Bloomington by 2-0 scores.
“This is a tournament, no matter what year, we host to gain experience,” Streator coach J.T. Huey said. “These three games back-to-back-to-back give
us a great opportunity to see what our strengths are and the aspects we need to improve on.
“It may have seemed like a tough day from the kid’s perspective, but as a coach, I saw a lot of things moving forward that we can work on to be better. When you lose 10 of 11 starters from a previous season there is going to be struggles for the newer guys, but I feel today really helped a lot of our less experienced guys understand a little bit better what it takes at the varsity level. Today is going to pay off for us
down the road.
“We had positives today. We played a very tough Mendota team to a onegoal game at halftime, actually scored on them for the first time in forever, and the other two games we had chances but just didn’t convert.”
Both squads will be back in action and open their respective conference schedules on Tuesday. Mendota will be at Riverdale for a Three Rivers Conference match, while Streator travels to take on Reed-Custer in an Illinois Central Eight Conference contest.
MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
Johan Cortez (10) of Mendota happily runs back to sideline after scoring against Streator on Saturday at the James Street Recreation Area in Streator.
Mendota girls tennis wins Newman Invite championship MENDOTA AREA ROUNDUP
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
GIRLS TENNIS
At Sterling: Ella Lewis won the No. 1 singles bracket to lead Mendota to the championship at the Newman Invite on No. 30.
Also for the Trojans, Emily Sondgeroth took third in No. 2 singles.
In doubles, Mendota’s Kylie Goldblatt and Leah Stamberger finished second in their bracket and Mackenzie Mumm and Karla Ascensio finished fourth in their bracket.
FOOTBALL
Riverdale 20, Mendota 0: The Trojans were shut out in a Three Rivers Conference crossover on Sept. 29 in Port Byron
in Jim Eustice’s debut as Mendota coach.
The Trojans ran for 77 yards on 26 attempts. Wyatt Ossman had 27 yards on three carries and Ryan Furar gained 27 yards on 13 rushes.
Aden Tillman completed 3-of-11 passes for 25 yards.
Mendota turned the ball over three times with two lost fumbles and an interception.
The Rams scored a touchdown in each the first, second and third quarters.
The game was delayed for an hour and 23 minutes due to inclement weather.
Mendota will play Newman (1-0) in the Trojans’ home opener on Friday.
VOLLEYBALL
Mendota 2, Amboy 1: The Spikers picked
up their first win of the season on Sept. 28 with a 25-14, 23-25, 25-17 victory over Amboy in a nonconference match in Mendota.
Laylie Denault slammed down 20 kills for Mendota, while Eva Beetz had 19 assists and Zariah Escatel contributed 11 digs.
Putnam County 2, Mendota 0: At Granville, 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 in a nonconference match on Aug. 26.
Britney Trinidad had 11 points, three aces, seven assists and two kills for PC (1-1), while Sarah Wiesbrock contributed 13 digs.
Laylie Denault had nine kills for the Spikers, while Zariah Escatel had 11 digs.
BOYS GOLF
Rochelle 147, Mendota 166: Grady Jones carded a 40 as the Trojans lost a nonconference match on Aug. 27 at Fairways Golf Course in Rochelle.
Dane Doyle (41), Jonas Fitzgerald (42) and Tayven Orozco rounded out the scores for Mendota.
BOYS SOCCER
Moline 4, Mendota 2: At Mendota, Johan Cortez scored twice as the Trojans (1-1) fell to the Maroons in a nonconference contest on Aug. 26.
Mendota 9, DePue-Hall 0: Johan Cortez and Cesar Casas scored two goals each as the Trojans rolled to a victory in their season opener on Aug. 25 in Mendota.
Alex Beetz, Hugo Falcon and Aaron Venagas each had a goal for Mendota.
Photo provided by Chance Blum
The Mendota girls tennis team won the Newman Invite on Saturday, Aug. 30, in Sterling.
SPORTS BRIEFS
Northbrook soccer off to 5-0 start
The Mendota Northbrook soccer team is off to a 5-0 start.
The Spartans defeated Coal City 8-2 on Aug. 21, won a pair of games over DeKalb Huntley (5-0) and La Salle Lincoln (7-1) on Aug. 23, topped Ransom 4-1 on Aug. 26 and beat Ottawa Wallace 3-2 on Aug. 28.
In B games, Northbrook has defeated Coal City 3-2, Ransom 2-1 and Ottawa Wallace 1-0.
Northbrook cross country runners place at Logan Invite
Mendota Northbrook runner Graci Bloomfield placed second at the Princeton Logan Invitational on Aug. 21 at Zearing Park in Princeton.
Bloomfield ran the 1.7-mile course
in 11:25.6.
Also for the Spartans, London Jones finished 11th in 12:33.1, Aliya Eames was
32nd in 13:59.7 and Ava Schnaiter was 34th in 14:04.4. Northbrook placed sixth as a team.
In the boys race, Northbrook’s Bentley Bejster placed 24th in 12:09.7. – Shaw Local
News Network
Photos provided
The Northbrook soccer team has started the season 5-0 with wins over Coal City, DeKalb Huntley, La Salle Lincoln, Ransome and Ottawa Wallace. Northbrook also is 4-0 in B games.
The Northbrook cross country team competed in the Princeton Logan Invitational. The girls team placed sixth.
Graci Bloomfield placed second and London Jones finished 11th.
CLASSIFIED
Wedn esday, October 15th, 2025 @ 5:30PM
Locat ion: 623 W. Chest nut St., Compton IL 613 18 Auction Held On Site - Live Only
Ve ry reliab le Grea t refe rences Call 81 5- 830 -3866
PRINCETON
-
, Se ptember 5th 9a-4 p and Saturday , September 6th 9a-5p
5 Doze n for pri ce of 4 Call 815-442-3661
ZINGER MOTORI ZE D WHEE LCHAIR
5 year s old, rare ly used $500 o bo. Call 8 15- 780 -8234
of to ys, Fu ll size coin operated slot machine, dishes, some antique s, Some new items still in the box, Ma ssage table, something for everyone Stop by an d che ck it out at: 29202 US High way 6, Prin ceto n (first house SW of Tonys Butt Shack in Ho llow ayville).
To settle the estate of the late James “Howard” McInnis, we will of fer the following describe d commer cial prop erty at public auction. The building will be open at 3PM day of the auction for view ing or by appointment with the Auction Co.) Descriptio n: This commercial building was formerly used as a machine shop, consisting of approx 7000 sq ft of heated space. Ther e is also a 25' x 50' Out door loading apron at the south end that is 6" thick concrete reinforced to 8" clos est to the alley to accommodate truc k loading/unloading. Features 240 Volt 3 Phase electric, exhaust fan, office area, and bathroom This cement block and steel siding building has had an update on the roof from Bowstring rafters to a Pitched roof in 1979, and in 2019, 90 percent was coat ed with White Elastomer. There are 3 gas heaters in the shop area and 1 gas heater in the office /bat h area The ceilings are 9ft, with a single 14x9ft overhead d oor . The offi ce area is approxima tely 57ft x 15ft. - Cinder block walls rest on a 4" thick concrete slab The bui lding sits on 2 lots with an overa ll dimension of 100ft x 140ft. - If you are looking for a great spot to st art your own machine shop as a business or hobby, or perhaps you are looking for that special spot to store collector cars, boats, etc. Look no more, this is a very solid building. The address of this property is 623 W Chestnut Street, Compton, IL 61318 - The pr operty will be offered in its as-is c ondition without any contingencies
TERMS: $5000.00 down the day of the auction, with the balance due on or before November 14th, 2025. There is a 2 Percent buyer's premium added to the final sale price. For more information, contact Auctioneer John Bearrows at 815-739-9150
