Farmers squeezed by high costs, global competition
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Included in every subscription
Activate your digital subscription today.
Email: digitalactivation@shawmedia.com
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 2025
Farmers in the Illinois Valley seem to agree: There’s a big corn and bean crop coming this fall – not as big as the past two years, though.
Will it be a profitable one? That’s another story.
Ken Beck farms in Troy Grove Township and plans on harvesting the last week of September or early October. He’s betting that the yield will be lower than in recent years, which admittedly were huge, thanks to erratic summer weather.
This year, however, it isn’t merely the size of the yield that keeps farmers up at night. Global economics are “going to be huge this year,” Beck said, and are likely to diminish the profitability of this year’s harvest.
“If we don’t get the yield they’re talking about, or even if we do, we’re going to be upside-down,” Beck said. “There’s a very small margin in this business.”
The issue freshest in most farmers’ minds is Mother Nature.
Steve Michelini farms across four counties, including fields in Peru and Dimmick Township. He said summer rains were scattered and wildly divergent, with the result that some farmers were begging for sun and others pleading for rain.
“We’re going to have really good crops, but there are pockets that never got as much rain,” Michelini said. “There were times when we were getting an inch and I had a buddy who got a half an inch.”
And while the mercury never reached 100 degrees this summer, Michelini said, the nights weren’t terribly cool, either. Crops didn’t get much overnight reprieve from the heat and humidity, which could keep the Illinois Valley harvest out of record territory.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a record crop,” he said, “but it’ll be a good one.”
Lucas Hill farms southeast and north of Ottawa, as well as in rural Streator and Marseilles. He said his fields got plenty of
will be in full operation.
rain, but not evenly and certainly not when needed.
There were weeks when Hill’s fields were deluged. Parched stretches followed the soakers where the ground was sucked dry. The extremes, he said, introduced “pretty aggressive” disease that will cut into the yield.
If that weren’t enough, smoke from the Canadian wildfires compromised the sunlight at a key growth period.
“I think we’re probably going to be a tick off from last year’s yield,” Hill said. “I don’t think it’s going to be anything massive, but I don’t think we’re going to see the record yields we had the past two years.”
Even a small reduction in yield will be noticeable, as planting corn and beans is costly. Seed prices went up, fertilizer prices went up and Hill puts the increases squarely on tariffs.
“It’s definitely a tariff market,” Hill said. “Things not only started tight but it’s looking even tighter, which puts us on pins and needles.”
Beck agreed that tariffs are a big part of the picture, but he pointed out U.S. farmers
ON THE COVER
also are grappling with competition from foreign growers led by South Americans.
Thanks to global forces that were decades in the making, South America as a whole is producing more corn and beans and Brazil is leading the charge. Brazil still needs better roads and ports to make it a world heavyweight but with millions of acres available for cultivation, it’s fast moving to the top of the heap.
“America no longer feeds the world, it’s now Brazil,” Beck said. “It’s phenomenal what’s going on down there.”
David Isermann, president of the La Salle County Farm Bureau, said other global issues have come into play, as well.
Inputs were high partly because a key source of nitrogen is the Middle East, where violence has kept away traders and kept prices high.
Trade disputes and tariffs have limited exports to neighbors in the Americas. That problem is compounded by a parasite that’s affected livestock in Mexico, which has disrupted the exchange of livestock and grain.
“So there’s a whole lot of stuff going on,” Isermann said.
The crops around the Illinois Valley will be ready for harvest very soon. Corn drydown begins in a cornfield on Monday near Troy Grove. Drydown is a natural process when water evaporates from corn cob and kernels after it reaches maturity.
Photo by Scott Anderson
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Mendota Reporter. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815431-4073 or email at ksolari@shawmedia.com.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Scott Anderson
An aerial view of Earlville Farmers’ Co-op Elevator Co. Inc. on Monday in Earlville. The crops around the Illinois Valley will be ready for harvest very soon and elevators
Community gathers for ‘Where Our Paths
Meet’ film screening in Mendota
By MAKADE RIOS
PHOTOS, page 4
Dancers showcase “Costa” at Mendota’s “Where Our Paths Meet” event on Sunday. Check out these photos by MaKade Rios.
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Media
TOP LEFT: Dancers perform “Costa” dance at the “Where Our Paths Meet” screening event on Sunday at Diaz Banquet Center in Mendota. TOP RIGHT: Andrea Griswold applauds dancers after their performance.
ABOVE: Arianna Quintana performs dance at the “Where Our Paths Meet” screening event. LEFT: Arianna Quintana whispers to Clarissa Bugarin at the “Where Our Paths Meet” screening event.
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Media
TOP LEFT: Emiliana Casas (left) and Emiliano Casas perform a dance at the “Where Our Paths Meet” screening event on Sunday at Diaz Banquet Center in Mendota. TOP RIGHT: Inocencia Madrigal (left) and Evelin Hernandez perform a dance. ABOVE: Rosa Gonzalez performs a dance. LEFT: Dancers watch on as partners perform a dance.
18 new Master Naturalists join local conservation effort
Volunteers from 4 counties to support conservation, education efforts
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
The Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam County Master Naturalists welcomed 18 new volunteers to their ranks on Aug. 1, according to an Illinois Extension news release.
The Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program is designed for adults who want to have a positive impact on their community by serving as environmental stewards and naturalists.
Helen Mlynarski, Ellen Evancheck, Pete Johnston, Coleen Piggott, Jillian Pender, Hannah Safiran, Cheryl Heitz, Patricia Meagher, Faye Barakat, David Dahlbach, Caitlin Smith, Hope Wollerman, Christine Bennett-Weber, Joe Weber, Vince Brolley, Tess Heidenreich, Tad Danko and Belinda Brown completed seven weeks of training covering a wide range of topics, including local ecosystems, botany, ornithology, habi -
“We are thrilled to welcome this passionate group of new Master Naturalists,” Emily Hansen, Illinois Extension agriculture educator, said in a statement. “Their commitment to learning and serving our local environment is inspiring. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our natural areas and in educating the public about the importance of conservation.”
Master Naturalist volunteers dedicate their time to a variety of activities, such as restoring natural habitats, participating in citizen science projects, assisting with research projects, leading educational programs and maintaining local natural areas, according to the release.
Now that they have completed their training, the new volunteers will work toward completing 60 hours of service over the next two years with partner sites such as Starved Rock State Park, Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Amboy Marsh and Dixon Waterfowl Refuge.
tat restoration, water quality and environmental education techniques.
The program combines expert-led instruction with hands-on field experi-
ences, preparing volunteers to engage in meaningful conservation projects and share their knowledge with the community, according to the release.
To learn more about the Master Naturalist program or if you’re interested in signing up for the next training, visit go.illinois.edu/BLMPMN.
Photo provided by Emily Hansen.
The Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam County Master Naturalists welcomed 18 new volunteers to their ranks on Aug. 1 at Nells Woodland.
State makes continuing education credits for pesticide license renewal
In Illinois, the current process involves passing an IDOA pesticide general standards competency exam. To maintain pesticide certification and licensing, applicators are required to retake the exam once every three years.
the IDOA to implement the program.
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
Legislation establishing continuing education credits for pesticide license renewals was recently signed into law.
Senate Bill 783 adopts a continuing education credits program, allowing current valid pesticide license holders to renew their licenses through CECs.
The bill requires the Illinois Department of Agriculture to create a CEC program, providing an option where a licensed applicator completes a certain number of hours or credits per year for three-year recertification.
Those wanting to receive a pesticide license for the first time are still required to take the general test for initial certification. At the present time, commercial and private applicators are required to meet certification and licensing standards in order to legally handle and supervise the use of pesticides.
The Illinois House passed SB783 on a 116-0 vote. Chief House sponsor was state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Walsh, D-Hillside. It passed 50-4 in the Senate, led by chief sponsor state Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria.
IFCA advocacy
The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association has been a longtime advocate that the state should utilize continuing education as an option to maintain an individual’s pesticide license.
Continual training provides current information sharing and increased knowledge and awareness pertaining to pesticide application.
This program is consistent with what most other Midwestern states are successfully using in providing ongoing continuous education when handling and applying pesticides.
SB783 will slightly increase the pesticide applicator license fee in order for
“IFCA expects the CEC program to begin in the fall of 2027. We are excited for this new opportunity for members to recertify, but want to stress that there are many moving parts behind the scenes in the creation of this new program and that it will take some time to get off the ground,” IFCA President Kevin Johnson said. “There are some details that are going to be worked out through the rules process, but right now, it looks like if you take five hours a year of approved IDOA credits, you will be able to keep up your license long term. That is just for general standards.
“We are going to work into the future – as I tell people, we’ve got to walk before we run – but long term, we would also like to do category testing. A lot of our ag retailers would take the general standards test, but then also like a field crops or drone or some category test like that, but right now, it will be for general standards.”
Johnson said that although the law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker states it begins Jan. 1, it will take time to develop the rules for the process and IDOA to buy a new computer to implement it.
“I would love to tell people it’s going to start Jan. 1, 2026. It isn’t, but we’re hoping it’s by the summer of 2027 or fall of 2027. It’s been a long process. A lot of the committee groups helped us work on it, but it’s been a process – it’s just more working through the details,” he said.
Training expectations
Johnson said that most of the CEC training will likely be in-person.
“There could be some online opportunities, but what I tell people is to pass U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mustard, what we did during COVID is when you took your test online testing at home, it was proctored,” he said.
“There’s a camera. They see you, and you have to show the room around you. I do think if there is online approval for a class, it’s going to be proctored. It’s not just hit play and walk away. We get questions whether it is going to be online. I think there will be some classes, but just be very well aware that it will be a proctored class.
“We will continue to inform membership of the timeline of when continuous education credits will be rolled out as we move forward.”
TOP LEFT: Actor Robert Petkoff lies next to his star during the “Walk of Fame” dedication Thursday at the Apollo Theater in Princeton. Petkoff was born in Sacramento, California, before moving to Princeton. There, he was involved in Princeton High School theater. TOP RIGHT: Crews with Scholles Body Shop use tow trucks to lift a cement truck out of a sinkhole Sept. 2 at the intersection of Pulaski Street and 6th Streets in Peru. ABOVE: Laylie Denault dives for the ball Sept. 2 in attempt to save the point against Hall High School at Mendota High School. LEFT: Veteran Lawerance “Mick” Kunkel reacts with a big smile Sept. 2 after getting into a 1942 Boeing Stearman A-75 Primary Trainer during a Veteran Dream Flight at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru.
Kyle Russell
Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Mendota seeking design submissions for future pavilion
Got an idea on what Mendota’s forthcoming pavilion should look like? Reimagine Mendota is accepting proposals until Sept. 8.
On Monday, the Mendota City Council announced that design ideas can be emailed or dropped off at City Hall.
Alderwoman Vicki Johnson encouraged residents to visit the city’s website and learn more about the project.
“We’re getting some really good feedback and comments on our Facebook page,” Johnson said.
As previously reported, Mendota acquired $1.3 million in federal help to clean up the blighted two-parcel site that included a dry-cleaning business and farm implement/auto parts retailer.
In its place will go a community gathering space and bandstand called the Pavilion on Main, which will beautify downtown and potentially spur downtown growth.
But Mendota residents won’t see the pavilion constructed anytime soon.
“The most optimistic timeline is 2026, but I’m going to say 2027,” Mayor David
Boelk said. “There are lots of pieces of the puzzle to be moved around before we
break ground.”
– Tom Collins
Diabetes support group to meet Sept. 11 in Mendota
The next Diabetes Support Group meeting will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center, Conference Room C, 1401 E. 12th St., Mendota.
This month’s guest speaker is Rachel A. Gonzalez, an OSF clinical staff pharmacist who will offer practical advice on managing diabetes with prescription medications.
The group also features guidance from University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator Susan Glassman and OSF clinical dietitian Jennifer Scully. Participants are encouraged to register at go.illinois.edu/diabetessupport or by calling 815-224-0894.
For accommodation requests, contact Glassman at susang@illinois.edu or 815-224-0889.
– Shaw Local News Network
Tom Collins file photo
Mendota Project Director Annie Short presides over a news conference on June 12, 2024, across from the Amtrak station in Mendota, where a blighted property is scheduled to be cleaned up before housing a pavilion. Mendota now is looking for design submissions for the upcoming structure.
More photos of the week from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
a
several times Sept. 5
loudly protesting corrections officers placing
in manacles after two
on
a third time after a judge found
of
TOP LEFT: St. Bede players Nelle Potthoff (from left), Lila Koehler, Kijah Lucas and Kate Duncan celebrate Sept. 4 after scoring a point against Marquette at Bader Gym. TOP RIGHT: Serena’s Nolan Muffler and Earlville’s Jeff Peterson collide in the air for
header near the goal Sept. 3 as Serena’s Payton Twait and Earlville’s Rob Tinson watch from behind at Serena High School. ABOVE: Logan Petre of Marseilles was removed
from a La Salle County courtroom. Petre first was removed after
him
assaults
jail staff. He was removed
him guilty
murdering his father, Leo Petre. LEFT: Ottawa quarterback Mark Munson stiff-arms Streator defender TJ Horton on Sept. 5 at King Field.
Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson
Katy Arnold
La Salle County Sheriff’s Office makes arrests in Labor Day safety campaign
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office concluded its Labor Day weekend impaired driving enforcement campaign with three arrests, officials announced in a news release.
In addition to the arrests, deputies issued 23 seat belt citations, including two during nighttime patrols.
Other enforcement actions included 13 speeding tickets, 12 citations for no insurance and multiple violations related to vehicle registration and licensing.
Deputies also made arrests in connection with fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of adult-use cannabis and possession of controlled substances.
“Through the Labor Day safety campaign, we helped to make our roads safer and spread the word about the risks of impaired driving – ‘It’s Not a Game,’” Sheriff Adam Diss said in the release.
The campaign was part of a broader statewide effort involving multiple law
enforcement agencies and highway safety partners. It supported the Illinois Department of Transportation’s federally funded initiatives: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket.”
The coordinated efforts aimed to reduce impaired driving and increase seat belt use across Illinois during highrisk holiday periods.
Enforcement summary
DUI arrests: 3
Seat belt citations: 23 (2 at night)
Speeding citations: 13
No insurance citations: 12
Driving while license suspended: 2
Expired registration: 6
No valid registration: 3
Suspended registration: 3
Fleeing/attempt to elude police: 1
Driver possession of adult-use cannabis: 1
Possession of controlled substance: 1
Other traffic violations: 8
Diss urged residents to stay vigilant and responsible on the roads, emphasizing that impaired driving remains a serious threat to public safety.
Howlongcouldyouhangon?
Whatwouldyougiveuptokeepyourgrip?
Clothes?Medicine?Food?Thesearethekind oftoughchoices37millionAmericanslivingin povertywillbemakingtoday.Findoutwhat youcandotohelp.Jointhenumberswhocare. Gotowww.povertyusa.organdgetinvolved.
CatholicCampaign forHumanDevelopment
For a two person household, the poverty line is $12,755.
Even more photos of the week from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
TOP LEFT: Boys cross country teams leave the starting line during the Ottawa Nautical Mile Relay on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 at Catlin Park in Ottawa. TOP RIGHT: Hall football players storm through banner to start off their home opening game against Erie-Prophetstown on Friday, Sept 5, 2025 at Richard Nesti Stadium in Spring Valley. ABOVE: Corbin Ferar’s teammates Cam Wasmer (13) and Gavin Evans (9) celebrate Ferar’s touchdown against Newman Central Catholic High School during the game at The Jeff Prusator Athletic Complex on September 5, 2025 at Mendota High School. LEFT: The Marquette Crusaders take to the field Friday night during their home opener against Madison.
Kyle Russell
Scott Anderson MaKade Rios
Tom Sistak
Mendota native sworn in as La Salle firefighter
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Tyler Preston of Mendota, said he has always had a passion for helping others, originally centering his interest on becoming a teacher. But life had other plans.
“I had an accident happen to somebody,” he said. “I happened to be there and it kind of sparked my interest in the field.”
A few years shy of graduation, he shifted gears and obtained his EMT license. Preston, 22, was hired as a parttime EMT with the La Salle Fire Department about a year ago. On Friday, Aug. 29, he was sworn in as a full-time firefighter and EMT for the La Salle Fire Department.
Fire Chief Jerry Janick said Preston’s experience with the department aided in the hiring process, alongside passing all the written test, background, medical and physical exams with “flying colors.”
“We knew his work ethic, we knew him as a person and we knew he was very interested in continuing his career,” he said.
Preston will begin the eight-week firefighter academy on Monday and return on Oct. 31.
“I’m looking forward to learning all the skills that I don’t even know I need to know yet,” he said. “Learning everything. … I have a little experience on the medical side.”
Upon his return, Preston is anticipating cultivating trust within the community.
“I feel like I have a very big heart,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the smallest call for somebody or the biggest one. I’ve come ready and happy to help.”
Mendota, Live Well Mendota schedules Family Safe Night Out on Sept. 19 at Civic Center
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The city of Mendota and Live Well Mendota will host Family Safe Night Out on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Mendota Civic Center, 1901 Tom Merwin Drive.
The event is free and open to all ages.
The evening runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with a special sensory hour offered from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for those who may benefit from a quieter environment.
Family Safe Night Out is designed to promote community connection, safety awareness and family fun. Youth who participate in event activities can earn a free meal deal valued at $5, which includes a hot dog or hamburger, chips and water.
Event highlights include: fire trucks and police vehicles; safety
demonstrations; bounce houses; face-painting; table and yard games; kickball games at 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. (sign up 15 minutes before).
Giveaways include: free frisbees for the first 100 youth (age 16 and younger); child ID safety kits for the first 200 youth (age 16 and younger).
Adults also can explore the “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailer, an educational exhibit that helps parents identify signs of youth drug use.
“Family Safe Night Out is about bringing the community together, strengthening connections, and highlighting community partners and resources,” project director Annie Short said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together.”
For information, contact Maria at 815-539-7459 or marteaga@mendotacity.com.
Tyler Preston
Spirit soars at 54th annual Homestead Festival parade
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
The 54th annual Homestead Festival parade made its way down Main Street on Saturday in downtown Princeton. This year’s Homestead Festival theme is “We Got Spirit.”
See PARADE, page 20
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Teens with the Second Story Teen Center perform a dragon dance Saturday in front of the new Second Story Teen Center during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade in Princeton. TOP RIGHT: The Princeton High School poms and marching band walk down South Main Street during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade Saturday in Princeton. ABOVE: Thor God of Thunder and Lady Thor ride on a float during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade Saturday in Princeton. LEFT: Princeton veterans march during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade Saturday in Princeton.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Earlville twins win silver for ‘Most Alike’ at Twins Days Festival
Earlville’s Jack Anderson and his twin brother, John of Las Vegas, earned the silver medal for Most Alike in their age group at the annual Twins Days Festival from Aug. 1 to 3 in Twinsburg, Ohio. They have won the gold medal eight times and numerous other silver and bronze medals, according to a news release.
The festival drew about 2,500 sets of twins this year, according to the release. Started in 1976 with 36 sets of twins, the Twins Days Festival has grown steadily. As of last year, a total of 88,426 sets of twins and multiples have attended over its five-decade history.
Mendota asks seniors for input on future needs
The city of Mendota is inviting senior residents to help shape the future of
local housing, transportation and services by attending a community input session Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Mendota Civic Center, 1901 Tom Merwin Drive.
Two sessions will be held for convenience: one from 9 to 10 a.m. and another from 6 to 7 p.m. Snacks will be provided at both.
“These conversations are essential to shaping Mendota’s future,” project director Annie Short said. “By hearing directly from our seniors, we can make informed decisions about planning, investments and resources to support quality of life in our community.”
Feedback gathered will help guide long-term strategies and may be shared with potential investors interested in supporting Mendota’s senior population.
For information, call Short at 815-5397459.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Jack Anderson
Jack Anderson, of Earlville, and his twin brother John, of Las Vegas, Nevada, attended the 50th annual Twins Days Festival on Aug. 1 through 3 in Twinsburg, Ohio.
La
County voters will notice new electronic poll books the next time they report the polls. These devices will facilitate voter registration and replace the aged devices including the one seen in this demonstration photo on Monday with Clerk
La Salle County to purchase
Clerk said equipment will increase Election Day efficiency
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
La Salle County voters will have new election equipment ready for the spring 2026 primary.
These devices offer a range of features, including facilitating voter registration and enabling election judges to redirect voters who report to the incorrect precinct.
“The ones that we currently have are about 11 years old and they’re just not doing what they need to do,” La Salle County Clerk Jennifer Ebner said. “IT said that it is time to upgrade.”
Ebner said the new products will include enhanced features such as alerts that notify the clerk’s office of any problems.
Monday, the La Salle County Board approved the purchase of electronic poll books from KNOWiNK for $393,300, a figure that includes multiyear software updates.
Tom Collins
Salle
Jennifer Ebner.
1Monster
Truck Bash & Rough Truck Challenge (La Salle): An adrenaline-packed show featuring pro monster trucks, rides, games and photo ops at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Click here for more information.
2
BBQ-n-Blues & Jazz’N the Street Festival (Downtown La Salle): On Friday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., enjoy mouthwatering BBQ and a rib cook-off paired with regional blues acts. On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., jazz takes over with live performances and fireworks to cap the night.
3
Scott Anderson
Paint the Town En Plein Air Festival (Ottawa): The city of Ottawa will turn into a canvas during the En Plein Air Festival, which runs Sept. 12-14. Visit the City of Ottawa Arts Committee’s Facebook page for a com-
plete schedule of weekend events.
4
Farmers & Makers Market (Ottawa): Visit downtown Ottawa Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for this outdoor market, which runs Saturdays through Oct. 18. Visit ottawachamberillinois.com/farmers-market for more information.
5
Autumn Harvest at Rusty Halo (Ottawa): Visit Rusty Halo, a unique shopping destination set in a model 1920s town, for Autumn Harvest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14. The Autumn Harvest Show will offer antiques and primitives, homemade goodies, jewelry, artwork, custom-made items, soaps, home decor, candles and more. Food will be available from Cruisin Concessions and more. Enjoy live music from Tailgate Confessions on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit Rusty Halo’s Facebook page for more information.
Renaee French of Peru, takes her rack of ribs off of the grill during the BBQ and Blues festival on Sept. 13, 2024, in downtown La Salle.
Continued from page 14
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: The Illinois State University Gamma Phi Circus performs during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade on Saturday in Princeton. TOP RIGHT: Kids ride colorful barrels. ABOVE: The Princeton youth football team rides on a float. LEFT: A sign reads “In loving memory of Ted Johnson” on the back of colorful barrels. Ted Johnson, who drove the wagons for a number of years, passed away ealier this year.
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.
WEDNESDAY: Midweek Bible Study - 7 p.m.
Your Guide to Local Houses of Worship
NEW COVENANT ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Rt. 251 at Lake Mendota P.O. Box 54
Phone (815) 539-7107 (church) (815) 871-5702 (pastor)
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Larry Sheaves, Pastor www.newcovenantmendota.org www.facebook.com/NCAOG
“Preaching the blood, book and blessed hope.” Sunday School Worship
MENDOTA BIBLE CHURCH
Rt. 251, 1/2 mile south of Mendota (815) 538-6876
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brian Kelly, Pastor www.mendotabiblechurch.org
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Sunday School Worship Evening Service
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
607 Tenth Ave. • (815) 539-5626
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Pastor Elise Rothfusz
E-mail: office@stjohnsmendota.org Website: www.stjohnsmendota.org
Schedule:
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.
Starved Rock Foundation marks 10
Poco a Poco’s weeklong summer music festival in Streator; and Princeton’s Summer Concert Series featuring Brushville and others in 2023.
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Starved Rock Country Community Foundation is
SRCCF has continued to create opportunities for artists and arts organizations across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. SRCCF’s component fund, the Arts of Starved Rock Country, is the primary driver of this, according to a SRCCF news release.
ASRC, funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, awards grants twice a year to local theater groups, symphony orchestras, museums, libraries and schools. The fund, administered by René Parks Wendinger, has awarded more than $96,000 since its founding in 2018, according to the release.
Projects supported by ASRC include a program to expose children to orchestral music; support for local productions of “Chicago,” “Newsies,” “Falsettos” and “Something Rotten,” among others; financial assistance for
SRCCF and ASRC organized the grassroots, three-day art, music and film “Festival of the Arts” in downtown Ottawa, featuring a juried art show, a juried film festival and musical acts in the early 2020s.
ASRC and SRCCF also sponsored OmniHonors to celebrate leading local artists and organizations.
“The grants and events we’ve hosted reflect our devotion to the local arts community,” SRCCF President Fran Brolley said in the release.
SRCCF has created charitable funds for downtown mural projects, the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Ottawa Center for the Arts and other arts-related organizations.
SRCCF has distributed more than $3 million in grants, scholarships and disaster relief; manages more than $3 million in assets; and has established 130 funds.
Along with its work in the arts, it supports local food pantries, senior services, mental health initiatives, schools and economic development.
For information or to contribute to SRCCF’s 10th anniversary “Decade of Giving,” visit srccf.org/anniversary-appeal.
Photo provided by SRCCF
Bob Philip, left, Forrest Boes, Cheyanne Kreush and Monica Archie from the October 2023 production of The Ark at Streator’s Engle Lane Theatre.
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP: The Living Faith Church float rides during the 54th annual Homestead Festival parade on Saturday in Princeton. BOTTOM LEFT: The Central Bank Float passes down South Main Street.
Elections board refuses to give DOJ voter data
entire voter registration databases, including sensitive personal information such as dates of birth, driver’s license or state ID numbers and partial Social Security numbers.
By PETER HANCOCK phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Elections said this week it will not hand over to the Trump administration a copy of the state’s complete, unredacted voter registration database, citing state laws that require the agency to protect voters’ sensitive personal information.
In a letter Sept. 2 to the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, ISBE general counsel Marni Malowitz said releasing the data would expose Illinois voters to unnecessary risks.
Illinois is reportedly one of several states that DOJ has asked to turn over
DOJ has said it wants the information in order to enforce federal requirements that states maintain accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists. But state elections officials have said they are precluded under state law from releasing sensitive information contained in the registration files.
In August, state officials sent DOJ a copy of the same type of data file it shares with political committees and other government agencies. That file includes voters’ names, addresses and their age at the time they registered, but not their date of birth, driver’s license, state ID or Social Security number.
But DOJ wrote back Aug. 14 saying that was not good enough. It demanded the state turn over its entire database, with “all fields, including the regis -
trant’s full name, date of birth, residential address, his or her state driver’s license number or the last four digits of the registrant’s social security number as required under the Help America Vote Act to register individuals for federal elections.”
As of Sept. 3, the elections board had not indicated whether it had received a response from the Justice Department to its latest letter.
DOJ has said it wants the information to determine whether Illinois is complying with requirements under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act and the 2003 Help America Vote Act to keep the voter registration lists accurate and up to date. That includes occasionally purging from the voter rolls the names of people who have died or moved.
But DOJ also has asked Illinois to identify the number of registered voters who have been removed from the rolls for other reasons, such as not being U.S. citizens, being adjudicated
incompetent or for felony convictions.
David Becker, a former DOJ attorney in the voting section of the Civil Rights Division who now directs the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research, said during a media briefing Wednesday that the federal agency has only limited authority to enforce the list maintenance requirements of those laws.
He also said the department has no legal authority to demand voters’ sensitive personal information and it would have little use for the information even if it could have access to it.
“The DOJ could not possibly, even if they had it, conduct better list maintenance than the states are currently doing,” he said. “The most valuable asset that [states] have is their DMV database, which the federal government does not have access to. So even if they had a legal authority to gain this data, it wouldn’t do them any good, and they don’t have the legal authority to get this data.”
Illinois’ tourism push includes millions for NASCAR events
By BEN SZALINSKI bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
NASCAR will not be returning to Chicago streets next summer as the racing series takes its road act to likely sunnier weather in San Diego following two rainplagued races out of its three years in Chicago.
But while the race leaves town for at least one year, the state’s fiscal 2026 budget still contains several millions of dollars for NASCAR. State records obtained by Capitol News Illinois show the state has spent almost $7 million hosting or sponsoring the sport since 2022.
That includes sponsorship of the Enjoy Illinois 300 that was scheduled for Sept. 7 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison just across the river from St. Louis. The state-sponsored race is the second playoff race on the Cup Series schedule. It’s one of four NASCAR races scheduled to take place in Illinois this year.
Enjoy Illinois, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s tourism marketing campaign, has been the title sponsor of the race since NASCAR returned to the Metro East track in 2022.
State records show NASCAR received a $2 million grant from DCEO in 2023 to build and tear down the track and another $2.5 million for the 2024 race.
The Chicago Street Race marked the first time NASCAR built a track through city streets, which is a more common form of racing for Formula 1 and IndyCar. Grant performance records show NASCAR used the funding to pay a variety of companies, including union laborers, to build and tear down the track and move equipment to and from Grant Park. The reports show the work was completed on time and met the state’s standards for NASCAR to receive funding.
“The event generates significant economic impact through attendee spending on hotels, restaurants, retail, and at other local businesses,” DCEO spokesperson Jordan Troy said in an email. “With the
Colder weather
race now part of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, the national exposure has grown even more in turn amplifying our brand visibility to attract new and returning visitors to explore all that Illinois has to offer.”
The state’s sponsorship of this weekend’s race is not its largest NASCAR line item, however.
By the numbers
Enjoy Illinois’ marketing efforts extend beyond the state, with TV ads and billboards promoting Illinois tourism across the nation and world. The state previously launched a $30 million post-pandemic advertising campaign with actress Jane Lynch proclaiming the state as the “middle of everything.”
Enjoy Illinois has a $44 million marketing budget in fiscal 2026.
The department also has directed $15 million over recent years to broaden the types of events Illinois holds, pointing to Rockford becoming the host city of an IRONMAN triathlon and the 2026 American Hockey League all-star game.
The state has spent about $2.2 million since 2022 to sponsor the Metro East NASCAR race, including $795,000 for this year’s race, according to state records obtained through an open records request.
State lawmakers separately allocate funding for grants administered by DCEO from various state funds. That’s how funding was provided for the Chicago Street Race, which was in Grant Park for three years beginning in 2023.
“While the scope and use of those funds were determined by the legislature and the grantee, the state’s involvement provided a valuable opportunity to integrate the Enjoy Illinois brand throughout the race venue, creating national visibility for our tourism campaign,” Troy said, adding the grant funding helped make the race possible given the size of its footprint in Grant Park.
NASCAR did not receive any state funding for the 2025 race, according to DCEO.
The state’s fiscal 2026 budget reappropriates $7 million in grant funding that went unspent in a previous fiscal year and gives DCEO authority to grant another $5 million to NASCAR for “operating expenses.” The funds will not be released by the state until NASCAR provides a budget for the grant with details on how the money will be used.
NASCAR will be back to the Metro East area in 2026 and DCEO’s contract with World Wide Technology Raceway shows Enjoy Illinois has the option to extend its sponsorship to next year’s race.
NASCAR also will be returning to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next July for the first time since 2019. A DCEO spokesperson said the department was not involved in any conversations about the sport returning to Joliet. Enjoy Illinois was the title sponsor of the NASCAR Truck Series’ 2013 race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Economic impact
DCEO says its marketing efforts are paying off, and the overarching tourism campaign has directly attracted 2 million additional visitors to the state. The department announced 113 million people visited Illinois in 2024 and spent a record $48.5 billion – $1.3 billion more than in 2023 with 500,000 more people visiting the state. Chicago saw a 7.7% increase in overnight visitors.
Ben Szalinski – Capitol News Illinois
Grant Park in Chicago hosted three NASCAR Cup Series races that were partially funded by grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
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.
Sangamon County courts toss bill-reading suit
I’m coming a bit late to this (national current events having overtaken everything), but a lawsuit filed by House and Senate Republicans was recently tossed out by Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Jack Davis II. The suit sought to strike down a new law backed by trial lawyers (Senate Bill 328). The Republicans say they will appeal.
The Republican lawsuit claimed that the majority Democrats had violated the Illinois Constitution’s “three readings rule.” The titles of bills are required to be read aloud on three separate session days in each chamber. In the state’s early days, the entire bills had to be read aloud apparently because so many legislators were illiterate.
Often, however, bills that have already passed one chamber are gutted and replaced with amendments by different legislation, usually after the bills have been moved in the second chamber to Third Reading. The final bills can then be passed by both chambers in a single day without committee hearings because their titles had already been read three times in each body. And as long as both legislative leaders certify that the bills complied with procedural requirements, known as the “Enrolled Bill Doctrine,” the legislation is considered constitutionally passed.
“This special interest proposal was passed by the Democratic Majority using a shady process that clearly violates the substance and spirit of the Illinois Constitution,” Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran said when he and others filed the suit in June.
The Republicans noted in their lawsuit that even though the Illinois Supreme Court had shot down other lawsuits attempting to kill legislation based on alleged violations of the Enrolled Bill Doctrine, justices on the state’s top court had sternly warned the legislature in 1992 that their judicial patience was wearing thin: “[T]he General Assembly has shown remarkably poor self-discipline in policing itself,” the court said at the time. “Indeed, both parties agree that ignoring the three-readings requirement has become a procedural regularity.”
But Judge Davis countered that the Supreme Court has since addressed three readings challenges “on several occasions and has, without exception, followed the enrolled bill rule.” All appel-
late courts have also done the same, he wrote. Davis said he was therefore bound by precedent.
The judge also ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because the legislation, allowing out of state businesses to now be sued for “exposure to a substance defined as toxic,” can “never affect plaintiffs.”
Earlier last month, Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Adam Giganti used the exact same enrolled bill doctrine history cited by Judge Davis to throw out a lawsuit filed by several members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus against the new state budget.
Judge Giganti also ruled that because people involved in actually implementing the budget were not included as defendants in the lawsuit – including the governor, the comptroller, the treasurer and the Illinois Department of Revenue Director – then that required dismissal as well under Section 2-615 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Aside from the obvious press pops that the lawsuits have already attracted and will continue to receive, the object here is to eventually get these lawsuits in front of the Illinois Supreme Court to see if they can persuade the justices to finally follow through on their 33-year-old warning.
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling refer-
enced its own 1992 “remarkably poor self-discipline in policing itself” comment in a new case involving a similar constitutional challenge. However, the top court noted that the record of alleged violations had not been “sufficiently developed to support or contradict this claim” of a violation.
“Nevertheless,” the opinion continued, “because this court is ever mindful of its duty to enforce the constitution of this state, we take the opportunity to urge the legislature to follow the three-readings rule. While separation of powers concerns militate in favor of the enrolled-bill doctrine, our responsibility to ensure obedience to the constitution remains an equally important concern.”
So, as I told my blog readers when the Republican lawsuit was filed, “the Republicans are likely hoping that if they keep bringing these cases to the court’s attention, the Supremes will eventually decide that the record has been ‘sufficiently developed’ to support their claim.”
But it’s highly doubtful, to say the least, that the 5-2 Democratic majority will accede to the Republicans’ wishes even then.
•RichMilleralsopublishesCapitol Fax,adailypoliticalnewsletter,andCapitolFax.com.
Headline numbers an invitation to explore methodology and spin
Numbers tell a story, but rarely without help.
The latest eye-catching figure was $1.6 million per day – the estimated cost to taxpayers for a National Guard deployment in Chicago.
Perhaps you first encountered that number on social media, stated as fact, or balanced against how else such a sum could be spent to improve the city. Maybe you moved along – that’s mostly what I do – but this data point provided an excellent opportunity to dig past what friends posted in search of source material.
Enter the Chicago Sun-Times, which headlined that number in a Friday report, but began to introduce useful context: The dollar amount is an estimate, based on expenses from past actual deployments as well as on a guess of 3,000 troops, another guess.
The source is the National Priorities Project, which the paper identified first as a nonpartisan federal budget research organization. I’m often guilty of seeing the word “federal” and making that a synonym for “government,” but in this case, it just describes the scope of NPP’s work, so it was helpful to see it also identified as falling under the “progressive” Institute for Policy Studies, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization.
And to the credit of both the Project and the newspaper, there’s no obfuscation: In addition to guessing at the deploy-
ment size, the $530 per diem expense also is an estimate. That’s the rate the Project used when trying to calculate the cost of a 2020 deployment in Washington, D.C. So, on top of inflation, it’s also important to factor in the pay rate of the actual members clued into duty and if the feds pay for their housing during deployment.
It takes an awful lot of screen taps to get to that information from your average Instagram story slide, and that’s only if there’s a link in the first place. (And, not for nothing, at least in my feeds, it’s fewer clicks to find someone appalled by the baseline number as well as someone else asserting “this is exactly what I voted for in November.”)
Of more concern than the potential expense is the likelihood that if such a deployment occurs, we’ll probably never have a good handle on the actual cost,
which severely limits an assessment of potential benefits.
And it’s not just hot-button political issues that raise questions: Capitol News Illinois recently analyzed Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity numbers showing the NASCAR “Chicago Street Race had a $128 million economic impact in 2024, according to state contracts,” which is the kind of story that helps persuade lawmakers to keep allocating tourism dollars, but also requires educated guesswork.
Research always bests reactivity: You’ll never go wrong moving past spin to track down original information.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state governmentissuesforShawLocalNews Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Rich Miller VIEWS
Scott T. Holland
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Utilitarian fashion accessory
4. Engine additive
7. Macaws
8. Listens to
10. Self-righteously moralistic person
12. Made of wood
13. Chinese lute
14. Beginning military rank
16. Indicates near 17. Ties the score
19. Chum
20. Long ago 21. Localities
25. Midway between northeast and east
26. Make fun of 27. Tennis great Arthur
29. Construction location
30. Cow’s noise
31. Blue
32. One of the Fab Four
39. Formula 1 team
41. Dash
42. Lifting device
43. Basics
44. Keyboard key
45. Old Irish alphabet
46. Shaking of the Earth’s surface
48. Covered stadium
49. Sword handles
50. Longing or yearning
51. Creators’ social network
52. Boxing’s GOAT DOWN
1. Occur
2. Show up 3. Capital of Taiwan 4. Ocean
5. Givers and ___ 6. Gets ready 8. Ad __ 9. Fit of irritation
11. Criminal organization 14. Exclamation that denotes disgust
American state
Sensor hub
Before
The boundary of a surface
Witnesses
Singular
Type of meal
Music awards show
Former French coin of low value
A bag-like structure in an animal
Schenectady County Airport
down
Stepped on
Type of coating
A citizen of Yemen
Popular breakfast item corned
On a line at right angles to a ship’s length
First responders
Short-term memory
SPORTS
PREP FOOTBALL: NEWMAN 35, MENDOTA 18
Mendota starts fast, but falls to Newman
By BRAD MARTIN
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
After a hot start on both sides of the ball for Mendota, a few mistakes turned the momentum and the game around as Newman came away with a 35-18 victory Friday in a Three Rivers Conference crossover in Mendota.
The Trojans came out on fire and took it right to the No. 4-ranked team in Class 1A as they pushed the high-powered Comets offense back on their first drive to force a punt.
The Trojans then ran right down the heart of the Comets’ defense with a 16-yard run from Corbin Furar.
On third-and-8, Aden Tillman found William Musanovic for 16 yards and another first down.
Tillman then ran for five and nine yards before finding Keegan Beetz on a fade pass for a 20-yard touchdown and a 6-0 lead.
The Mendota defense continued to shine as it pushed the Comets back further and further before forcing a punt.
The Mendota offense went right back to work as Tillman found Musanovic for 11 yards to start the drive. On third-and-11, Tillman found Furar for 10 yards, setting up a fourth-and-short.
After two penalties pushed the Trojans to fourth-and-long, Tillman found Jayden Lesley for a 15-yard gain to keep the drive alive.
The Tillman-to-Beetz connection hooked up again for 19 yards to set up first-and-goal, but on second down, Tillman fumbled the snap and Newman recovered on the 1-yard line.
The Comets moved quickly as Matthew Blackert had runs of four and eight yards before busting outside for 41 yards to set up a 24-yard touchdown run from George Jungerman. The Comets took a 7-6 lead after the PAT.
“That was a big play going in for a two-score lead and fumble the snap,” Mendota coach Jim Eustice said. “We are trying to change the culture here and I think we’re getting there, but like last week we made some mistakes at critical times and I think once we stop
doing that we are going to win some games.”
Despite a big kickoff return from Gavin Evans, the Trojans would end up punting the ball and once again, the high-powered offense of Newman went to work quickly before the end of the first half.
On third-and-1, Jungerman ran for 8 yards to keep the drive going and then quarterback Evan Bushman threw off his back foot for a 28-yard pass to Blackert.
Joe Stewart came up with a sack for Mendota, but Newman responded with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Asher Ernst to put the Comets ahead 14-6 at the break.
After Mendota punted the opening possession of the second half, the Trojans forced a Jungerman fumble and recovered deep in Newman territory.
On the first play, Furar took advantage of the opportunity. After being
stuffed at the line, he bounced outside and rumbled 19 yards for a score to cut the deficit to 14-12.
After the teams traded punts, Newman took over in the fourth quarter and on fourth-and-12, Bushman faked a handoff to Rylan Alvarado and found Parker Strommen for an 11-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-12.
Mendota began to drive the ball on its next possession, but eventually was stopped on fourth down.
Bushman found Strommen again for an 11-yard touchdown that put the Comets ahead 28-12.
“Give Mendota credit tonight,” Newman coach Mike LeMay said. “We did some nice things, but I feel there are a lot of things we can still work on. I think we have a good thing going here, but there are things we need to correct going forward. But I was happy with how well we were balanced on offense.”
The Trojans would not go quietly,
although when Tillman broke free for an 18-yard run and then once again hooked up with Beetz for a 14-yard touchdown pass that made it 28-18 after the failed 2-point conversion.
“Tillman and Beetz had a nice night tonight,” Eustice said. “Beetz missed most of last year with an injury and he is starting to show that he can be a force out there.”
But the nail in the coffin came on the onside kick attempt when Blackert recovered and turned on the jets for the 46-yard touchdown for the 35-18 lead.
For the Trojans, Furar led with 55 yards rushing while Tillman was 12 of 18 for 156 yards passing and two touchdowns. Beetz had 99 yards receiving and two scores as well.
Newman was led by Blackert with 71 yards rushing, but it was the passing game that shone most with Bushman going 13 of 17 for 157 yards and three touchdowns.
Kyle Russell
Corbin Ferar’s teammates Cam Wasmer (13) and Gavin Evans (9) celebrate Ferar’s touchdown against Newman Central Catholic High School during the game at The Jeff Prusator Athletic Complex on Friday at Mendota High School.
Hall rallies in 1st set, wins back-and-forth 2nd to sweep Mendota
By BRAD MARTIN
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
In a Three Rivers Conference East Division battle, Hall used a big run in the first set against host Mendota and then came through in a back-and-forth second set to come away with a 25-20, 25-20 victory Tuesday in Mendota.
Mendota started the night serving well, which set up a nicely played first half of the opening set. Addi Jones served up an ace and gave the Spikers an early 2-0 edge.
After a kill from Caroline Morris pulled the Red Devils within a point at 4-3, the Spikers went on a 10-2 run that opened the game up.
Mariyah Elam’s shot trickled over the net, and Laylie Denault served another Mendota ace. Hall then sent a couple of shots into the net, and Zariah Escatel delivered another ace as the Spikers’ lead grew to 14-5.
Hall got a stuff at the net from Natalia Zamora and an ace of their own from Emma McCook, followed by a kill down the middle of the Mendota defense to make it 14-9.
Mendota’s service game began to dish up service errors that helped Hall get back into the game.
Kaityln Coutts picked up a kill, and then Morris and Coutts combined for a block and an 8-2 run that cut the deficit for Hall to 19-17.
“I love what I saw from the girls tonight,” Mendota coach Demi Salazar said. “We are still pretty young, and I think in tight games you lose a little bit of focus, like in communication, but those are things that are going to come as we get more experience. We will learn how to finish games.”
With the set tied at 20, Charlie Pellegrini got a block and then a touch shot from Coutts, who then served up backto-back aces to give Hall the 25-20 first set victory.
“We have really been working on resetting when we need to,” Hall coach Carolyn Foster said. “Believe in yourself and make plays, and toward the end of the first set, I think we really started to do that. We are always going to mess up, but it’s how you respond that matters and I was very happy with how we responded.”
The second set was nearly point-forpoint through most of the set.
Early on, Evelyn Bryant served up an ace for the Red Devils, and then Haven
Rossi got a block for the 3-1 advantage.
Elam got a kill for the Spikers, and then two points later, Mendota got a shot to fall into the middle of the Hall defense as Mendota trailed 7-5.
On back-to-back plays, Hall hit a shot into the net after a long rally and then again on the next play as the game was tied at seven.
Amanda Manzanares served up the ace, but then a service error as the game remained tied, this time at 10.
A few points later, with the game tied at 14, Mendota sent a shot long and then
Morris got an ace followed by a kill from Pellegrini and a miss hit from the Spikers as Hall led 18-14.
After a Mendota timeout, Elam blasted a monster hit to get the crowd going and end the 4-0 Hall run and make it 18-15.
“Mariyah (Elam) has only been playing two months,” Salazar said. “You see the ability, and once she really gets some time under her belt, I think she can be a ton out there for us.”
On the next play, Pellegrini was able to settle the crowd and her teammates
back down as she found a hole in the Spikers’ defense.
“I thought that was big on our girls’ part,” Foster said. “This sport is a game of runs, and after that big hit, I thought we did a great job of forgetting it and playing the next point.”
After Mendota made it a one-point game at 20-19, the Spikers were unable to get the ball over in three tries, and then Coutts hit a big cross-court shot that made it 22-19 Hall.
Three straight miss hits by Mendota then ended the match.
Kyle Russell
Mariyah Elam sends a shot through the hands of a Hall High School defender at the net during the match on Sept. 2 at Mendota High School.
Diaz’s third hat trick of the week surges Mendota
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
BOYS SOCCER
Mendota 4, Quincy Notre Dame 0: Isaac Diaz scored three goals to record his third hat trick of the week to lead the Trojans to a nonconference victory over the Raiders on Sept. 6 in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Diaz also had an assist. Johan Cortez had a goal and an assist and Cesar Casas recorded two assists for Mendota (9-1).
Mendota 10, Earlville 1: Casas had a hat trick and an assist as the Trojans rolled to a nonconference victory on Sept. 5 in Earlville.
Cortez and Diaz each scored two goals, with Diaz also adding an assist, while Ramiro Palacious, Aaden Castle and Hugo Falcon each scored a goal.
Mendota 9, Orion-Sherrard 0: Cortez scored three goals and had an assist to lead the Trojans to a Three Rivers Conference victory on Sept. 4 in Mendota.
Casas had two goals and an assist, Danny Garcia scored a goal and had
two assists, Isaac Diaz contributed a goal and an assist and Omar Nanez and Ramiro Palacios each added a goal for Mendota (7-1).
Mendota 8, Rochelle 1: Isaac Diaz notched a hat trick and had an assist to lead the Trojans to a nonconference victory on Sept. 3 in Rochelle.
Cortez scored two goals and tallied three assists for Mendota (6-1), while Casas and Garcia each had a goal and an assist. Alex Beetz also scored a goal.
Mendota 9, Riverdale 0: At Port Byron, Isaac Diaz scored four times and Johan Cortez added a pair as the Trojans cruised past the Rams in a Three Rivers Conference contest on Sept. 2.
Palacios, Casas and Castle also scored for Mendota (5-1, 1-0).
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Newman 2, Mendota 0: The Spikers lost 25-11, 25-21 in a Three Rivers Conference East Division match on Sept. 4 in Sterling.
CROSS COUNTRY
At Oregon: Mendota’s Carlos Toribio finished 44th in 18:15.2 on Sept. 6 at the
Oregon Invitational.
BOYS GOLF
At Deer Grove: Dane Doyle carded a 40 to share medalist honors as Mendota came up a stroke short in a triangular on Sept. 4 at Deer Valley Golf Course.
Rockford Lutheran won with a 168, followed by the Trojans (169) and Rock Falls (194).
Grady Jones and Tayven Orozco each shot a 42, while Ashtyn Stamberger added a 45.
At Spring Creek: Brody Hartt shot a 40 to earn medalist honors as Mendota won a Three Rivers Conference triangular on Sept. 3 at Mendota Golf Club in Mendota.
The Trojans carded a 166 to edge Hall (167) and Rockridge (175).
Grady Jones and Tayven Orozco each had a 41 for Mendota, while Ashtyn Stamberger added a 44.
Erie-Prophetstown 168, Mendota 169: At Prophetstown, Hartt, Jonas Fitzgerald and Orozco each carded a 42 as the Trojans came up just short in a Three Rivers Conference match on Sept. 2. Grady Jones added a 43.
Scott Anderson
Mendota’s Beret Imeri, runs during the Ottawa Nautical Mile Relay on Sept. 2 at Catlin Park in Ottawa.
ESTATE AT 12:00 NOON PERSONAL PR OPERTY TO SELL BEFORE REAL ESTATE PICT URES ON AUCTIONZIP.com PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON A CORNER LOT IN THE VILLAGE OF LA MOILLE. ONE STORY HOME WITH TWO CAR GARAGE AND FULL BASEMENT THERE IS A LARGE STORAGE SHED ON BACK SIDE OF PROPERTY CONTACT AUCTIONEER TO VIEW THE PROPERTY.
