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‘It’s all designed to trick the mind’
Insanity Haunted House brings thrills to Peru
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Insanity Haunted House in Peru has opened its doors for the Halloween season, promising chills and thrills across its sprawling 10,000-square-foot maze.
The award-winning attraction features over 40 actors and distinct themes in each room. Located at 3940 Route 251 inside the Peru Mall, the haunted house takes about 16 minutes to navigate. Each room offers unique aromas, lighting and sounds designed to immerse visitors in a fully detailed experience.
“It’s eye candy everywhere,” said owner Pete Pavia, who also is Rochelle’s police chief. “There’s something on every inch of every wall. It’s all designed to trick the mind. Each room is separate to give people a great time and a good scare. We want people to have fun.”
Pavia’s favorite visitors are those who get scared and then laugh.
“That’s what this is about – not terrifying people, but having fun and getting the heart rate up a little bit,” he said.
Insanity Haunted House has been voted Illinois’ top haunted house by HauntedIllinois.com for the past three years. Last year, it earned the Five Chainsaw Award from Horror Tours and was ranked among the state’s scariest by Illinois Top Five.
Pavia’s passion for haunted houses began in his childhood in Melrose Park, home to Amling’s Haunted House – the first walk-through attraction in the U.S., opened in 1950.
Haunted house-building became a family tradition, with Pavia’s mother keeping photos of him crafting spooky scenes in his bedroom. As an adult, Pavia started decorating his yard for Halloween, which grew into a garage haunted house for family and friends. He then bought remnants of a closed haunted house from Indiana via Craigslist and launched the original Insanity Haunted House in St. Charles,
Members of the Mendota High School football team ride down Indiana Avenue on Friday during Mendota’s homecoming parade.
Photo by Scott Anderson ON THE COVER
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Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Each room of Insanity Haunted House in Peru has its own theme and is meticulously decorated.
Insanity Haunted House in Peru opened for the Halloween season on Sept. 26.
Mendota celebrates 2025 homecoming with parade
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
Mendota High School held its annual homecoming parade on Friday in downtown Mendota.
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Members of the Mendota High School Band march down Indiana Avenue during the homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 3. TOP RIGHT: Mendota High School homecoming king Aden Tillman and queen Addy Aliensworth ride down Indiana Avenue during the homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 3. ABOVE: Members of the Mendota High School Band march down Washington Street during the homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 3. LEFT: Mendota Northbrook Jr. High School students ride down Indiana Avenue during the homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 3.
A CLOSER LOOK HOW DO WE CONTROL THE BURN?
Dry, warm weather lead to heightened fire risks across Illinois
By JESSIE MOLLOY jmolloy@shawmedia.com
The state of Illinois has been experiencing very dry conditions since August, and with temperatures expected to remain unseasonably warm through at least the first week of October, residents are reminded by fire and public safety officials to be cautious about fire safety.
The Illinois Farm Bureau said August was the driest for the corn belt since 2013, and the Illinois State Climatologist’s office noted that as of Sept. 11, more than 30% of the state was experiencing “abnormal dryness” to moderate drought conditions, with the situation worsening in the southern half of the state.
Since then, dry conditions have continued throughout the state with temperatures increasing well above the seasonal averages. An updated map on Sept. 25, showed that percentage had risen to nearly 97% of the state being at least “abnormally dry” with the only exception along the state’s northwest Iowa border, according to the state climatologist office.
While the National Weather Service notes the average late-September high temperatures in the Chicago area are usually in the high 60s to mid-70s, temperatures have reached over 80 degrees for 15 of the month’s last 20 days. Only four days saw light rain amounting to less than halfan-inch of precipitation.
This trend is expected to continue through early October, with the first chance of rain in the area not expected until sometime this week, according to Accuweather.
Burn bans and fire risks
Some communities have already introduced burn bans, including Princeton, out of an abundance of caution, but cities further north have so far just advised heightened caution.
Lee County officials made a few changes to a proposed ordinance that would regulate open burning in the county’s unincorporated areas.
The revisions would make the ordinance less restrictive, most notably by allowing open burning at any time of day or night, according to the ordinance.
Fire burns about 25 acres to 30 acres of a farm field March 12 near 270th and Lewis Avenue southwest
firefighters were dispatched to the scene to help bring the fire under control.
It’s been held over twice by the Lee County Board, at the August and September meetings, but is set to be up for approval at the Oct. 23 meeting.
What hasn’t changed is that, if approved, the ordinance would ban burning all materials, except landscape and agricultural waste, during “periods of elevated fire risk” such as during a red-flag warning, the ordinance says.
Lockport Township Fire Protection District in Will County “is closely monitoring the unseasonably hot and dry weather conditions we’ve been experiencing,” Fire Chief John O’Connor said.
“Extended periods of dryness increase the risk of brush fires, grass fires, and other outdoor fire hazards. We want to remind our community to exercise caution during this time, avoid opening burning, properly dispose of smoking materials, and be mindful when using equipment outdoors that may create sparks,” O’Connor said.
John Lukancic, director of Emergency and Disaster Management for the city of Joliet, continued: “The fire risk is above average for almost all of Illinois, which is a problem, especially for crops and farm fields. We’re asking people to be aware of
this increased fire risk and realize it can make things easier to spread.”
Lukancic asked people to be especially cautious when cooking or burning fires outside in dry conditions.
“If you’re burning anything, please be cautious and have water nearby or a hose and make sure you’re following all local ordinances,” he said. “Even embers can start a large fire, so be aware of the increased risk.”
O’Connor also said that the risks to individuals in the unseasonable weather
Photo provided by Fontanelle Fire and Rescue
of Greenfield. Fontanelle and Greenfield
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
More than 40 colleges and universities will take part in Illinois Valley Community College’s 52nd annual College and Career Night on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the IVCC Gymnasium and is open to high school and college students, parents and community members exploring college options.
Attendees can speak directly with representatives from a wide range of schools, including IVCC, about programs, transfer options, application and admissions requirements, tuition, scholarships, financial aid, student services and campus life.
“It is a great evening to discover what is possible and plan your future,” said Tom Quigley, IVCC’s director of enrollment services. “And regardless of where your educational pathway may take you, IVCC can always fit somewhere in your journey. You can start strong here – get a
See COLLEGE & CAREER NIGHT, page 8
Explore college options at IVCC’s annual College and Career Night, where representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities are assembled in one convenient location. Learn about academic majors, application and admissions requirements, scholarships, tuition cost, campus life and more. The event takes place on Oct. 8 in the IVCC Gymnasium.
Photo provided by IVCC
IVCC to host transfer days with more than 30 colleges in October
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College will hold two Transfer Day events in October featuring more than 30 public and private universities and colleges.
State University Transfer Day is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, followed by Private Illinois Colleges and Universities Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. Both events will take place in the Student Life Space on campus.
Students can meet representatives to learn about transfer procedures, costs, financial aid, housing, class sizes, student clubs and more.
State universities attending include Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Illinois
• COLLEGE & CAREER NIGHT
Continued from page 6
quality education and save money –and transfer seamlessly to a four-year school.”
Quigley also encouraged early planning, noting that registration for IVCC’s spring classes begins Oct. 28.
Participating institutions include Augustana College, Aurora University, Ball State University, Blackburn College, Bradley University, Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University, Eastern Illinois University, Eckerd College, Elmhurst University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Eureka College, Franklin University, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Knox College, Lakeview College of Nursing, Loras College, Loyola University Chicago, Luther College, Marian University of Wisconsin, Methodist College, Michi-
Chicago, University of Illinois Springfield, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Western Illinois University.
Private colleges and universities represented include American Islamic College, Augustana College, Aurora University, Blackburn College, Bradley University, Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University, Eureka College, Illinois College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Knox College, Lakeview College of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Methodist College/Carle Health, Millikin University, National Louis University, North Central College, North Park University, Olivet Nazarene University, Quincy University, Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing.
For information, visit ivcc.edu/ transfer or call the IVCC Counseling Center at 815-224-0360.
gan Technological University, Millikin University, North Central College, Northern Illinois University, Quincy University, Rockford University, St. Ambrose University, Saint Anthony College of Nursing, Saint Mary’s College, St. Norbert College, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Springfield, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maine, University of Northern Iowa, University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Upper Iowa University, Western Illinois University and Wheaton College.
IVCC representatives will also be on hand to discuss financial aid, counseling, admissions procedures, services and academic programs.
Registration is recommended. For information, visit ivcc.edu/admissions/collegeandcareernight.php or call 815-224-0439.
Mendota to annex old Phalen Steel building
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The old Phalen Steel building will be annexed into Mendota, though city officials still aren’t quite sure what the new space will be used for.
Monday, the Mendota City Council presented a petition to annex the property at 200 N. U.S. 52. As previously reported, the space-starved city snatched it up in August for $1.15 million, including contents.
Mayor David Boelk said Monday part of the Phalen property sat outside city limits, making it necessary to pull the entire parcel in before deciding what city offices or departments will be moved in.
“We’re not quite there yet,” Boelk said, anticipating a decision by year’s end. “We’ve got a lot of things to do.”
The Mendota City Council adopted Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, an ordinance authorizing the purchase of property at 200 N. U.S. 52 for $1.15 million with all contents. The city has long wrestled with a space crunch and decided the purchase was a more cost-effective option than new construction.
Boelk further said it would be “late spring at the minimum” before any department or city employee is moved inside.
In other matters, the council:
• Announced Amigo Fest will be 3-9 p.m. Saturday on Illinois Avenue
• Awarded the contract for the Main Street sidewalk project to Gillian Construction $153,920
• Announced that leaf pickup begins Oct. 20
Tolley takes oath as full-time firefighter and paramedic
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
A longtime first-responder in Mendota is now a full-time member of the Mendota Fire Department.
Monday, Nate Tolley was sworn in as a firefighter-paramedic, even though he’s not a newcomer to the city. Tolley has been a paid, on-call firefighter for 19 years.
During that time, he’s been certified as a firefighter and paramedic and has all his training for the technical rescue team and swift water rescue. He is also a fire apparatus engineer and certified instructor.
“He’s a very good firefighter and we’re looking forward to working with him on a full-time basis,” Chief Dennis Rutishauser said. “He’s a good fit for us.”
Tolley is 44 years of age. Firefighters typically are subject to an age limit of 35; but Rutishauser said under a new state statute, the age limit no longer
Nate Tolley as a full-time firefighter-paramedic to the Mendota City Council on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Tolley is not a newcomer to the city, having been a paid, on-call firefighter for 19 years.
applies to a longtime member such as Tolley. He further noted Tolley met all requirements, including passing the written exam and agility tests.
“I’m just excited to be part of the fire department full-time,” Tolley said.
Tom Collins
Tom Collins
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser (left) introduces
More photos from Mendota’s 2025 homecoming parade
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Members of the Mendota High School football team ride down Indiana Avenue on Friday during the homecoming parade. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Mendota High School Band march down Indiana Avenue. ABOVE: Mendota High School senior attendants Dane Doyle and Sydney Tolley ride down Indiana Avenue. LEFT: Members of the Mendota High School volleyball team ride down Indiana Avenue during the homecoming parade.
Even more photos from Mendota’s 2025 homecoming parade
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Members of the Mendota youth football team ride down Indiana Avenue on Friday during the homecoming parade. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Mendota High School girls tennis team ride down Indiana Avenue. ABOVE: Members of the Mendota High School football team ride down Indiana Avenue. LEFT: Mendota Holy Cross students ride down Indiana Avenue during the homecoming parade.
Mendota High Board approves 3-year contract with teachers’ union
recognizes their hard work while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.”
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Mendota Township High School District 280 Board of Education approved a new three-year contract with the Mendota Education Association (MEA) on Wednesday, Oct. 1, ending months of negotiations.
The MEA ratified the agreement earlier the same day. The two sides settled Sept. 23 after meeting with a federal mediator.
The final contract will be signed at the board’s regular meeting on Oct. 20 and posted on the school’s website.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to MHS students and teachers who serve them daily,” Board President Jim Lauer said. “It
MEA President Matthew Meyer called the agreement “fair and favorable” and said it highlights the importance of collaboration between teachers and the district.
The contract covers about 40 teachers and includes annual base salary increases of 6% in year one, 5% in year two, and 4% in year three. An additional step was added to all nine education lanes, resulting in total raises ranging from 17.36% to 28.72% over the contract’s duration.
The agreement also increases pay for additional duties such as event workers, internal substitutes, department chairs, and school improvement team members. Extra-curricular sponsors and coaches will receive higher stipends, with new positions added to the list.
Mendota Township High School District 280 serves roughly 505 students across Bureau, La Salle and Lee counties.
Scott Anderson
The Mendota Township High School District 280 Board of Education approved a new three-year contract with the Mendota Education Association (MEA) on Oct. 1, ending months of negotiations.
State Rep. Briel, ICIRR host presentation on immigration rights
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, hosted an immigration rights presentation from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights on Sept. 30.
The ICIRR is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Chicago that advocates for the interests of immigrant and refugee communities.
Xochitl Esparza, an ICIRR representative, spoke during the majority of the presentation, covering topics including federal and state laws, as well as recent matters related to immigration rights and raids by U.S. Immigration and Cus-
toms Enforcement.
Esparza started by explaining some important federal and state laws that people should be aware of. The Illinois Trust Act, a state provision that essentially leaves a gap between federal agents and local law enforcement, was the first mentioned.
Esparza also noted recent federal changes that currently allow ICE to raid what once were considered “sensitive” locations such as schools, medical facilities, courthouses and child care facilities.
Throughout the presentation, Esparza outlined steps that individuals should take if approached by immigration agents at home, in public or during
Graves-Hume Library launches fun October programs for tweens
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota is inviting local middle schoolers to join a lineup of engaging October activities designed just for “Tweens,” kids in fifth through eighth grades.
The library’s Tween Programs offer something for everyone – from a monthly book club to video game nights and creative workshops. This month’s schedule includes a Potion Making class, a screening of the popular “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie and more.
Here’s what’s happening this October at Graves-Hume Public Library, located at 1401 W. Main St.:
• Tweens Read Book Club : Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. Participants read and discuss the first chapter of an award-winning
chapter book, with activities and snacks included.
• Five Nights at Freddy’s Movie: Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. A fun movie screening for fans of the popular horror game series.
• Video Game Night : Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Open to both teens and tweens, featuring Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and NexPlayground games. Snacks provided.
• Potion Making Workshop : Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. A hands-on creative session where tweens can craft their own magical potions.
All events are free and open to the public; no library card is required. However, registration is necessary. Parents and guardians can sign up their children by calling 815-538-5142.
For more details, visit the library in person or check their Facebook page.
a traffic stop. She said agents cannot enter a home without a warrant signed by a judge, people have the right to remain silent, and no one should sign documents without first speaking to an attorney.
“Everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status,” Esparza said.
She encouraged people to document encounters with ICE, ask to see identification and seek legal advice when possible.
The presentation also highlighted resources for immigrant families, including ICIRR’s family support hotline at 855-435-7693, which provides legal referrals and information.
Esparza mentioned that the group
partners with over 100 community organizations across Illinois to provide legal resources, citizenship workshops, leadership training and policy advocacy.
After the presentation, Briel made sure to thank Esparza and explained that she partnered with the nonprofit to provide information to Illinois Valley residents and connect them with resources if needed.
“Thank you so much – from everyone in our district, we appreciate your help and guidance with these presentations,” Briel said.
Residents who have questions or need legal assistance were encouraged to contact ICIRR or the local family support hotline for guidance and resources.
Illinois farm income becoming a ‘real concern’
IFB focuses on ag issues
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
SPRINGFIELD – Farm income concerns along with state and federal issues continue to be a focus of the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Brian Duncan, a grain and livestock farmer near Polo in Ogle County who serves as IFB president, discussed the many issues facing agriculture during an interview at the Illinois State Fair’s
Ag Day.
What are the top concerns IFB is focusing on?
Duncan: I think the thing we talk about that kind of overarches everything right now is farm income. We’re very concerned as we continue to read the economic reports coming out of the University of Illinois.
Every farm’s got a little bit of a different economic story but – in general –this year, last year, next year, an awful lot of our members are going to be upside down.
We know the cattle industry is on a
roll, and good for them. They deserve it because they had a rough ride before this.
The hog industry, which I’m a part of, is seeing some daylight but has a big hole to backfill, and row crops, I’m hoping we can find a bottom pretty soon. But farm income is a real concern.
We are grateful for the passage of the ag provisions that were contained in the budget bill. Those have the potential to be beneficial. We’re grateful of the tax provisions. Those are beneficial. Is trade an ongoing concern?
Duncan: We are hoping for some sig -
nificant wins here, as trade has become cloudy. Our trade relationships are cloudy. We’re seeing a lot of frameworks announced, and that’s good. That provides a discussion for further deals. But I keep looking to read specific amounts of Illinois commodities or ethanol that are going to be moving into some of these countries, and it just appears we need to get some meat on the bones on some of these deals.
I try to look at things as challenges and opportunities, and a lot of
Corn is loaded onto a truck as harvest continues Sept. 11 on the Warpup Farms.
• FARM INCOME
Continued from page 12
challenges you can turn into an opportunity with the right work, the right connections and the right communication, and that’s what we’re trying to do as an organization.
There are also some trade wins. I met with the Office of Public Liaison at the White House. I talked about easy wins – low-hanging fruit – such as yearround E15 [and] whole milk back in public schools. There are things here.
The “Make America Healthy Again” report creates some interesting challenges and opportunities. [This includes] challenges to our science that we rely on. We want to make sure we’re using sound science, but maybe [it creates] opportunities for good farmraised protein to once again be talked about in a positive light.
Our pork or beef, our poultry prod-
ucts, our dairy products – [we’re] planning their place in schools and in people’s diets. So, again, [it’s about] rising up and meeting the significant needs of farm income.
On the state level, we’re still working hard with stakeholders on getting estate tax relief. That is a battle we are not going to give up on.
We know property taxes have become an increasing concern for our members, and we are not taking that issue lightly either.
Then, it’s always watching on both the state and the federal side burdensome regulations that directly impact farm income. It is a full plate.
Fortunately, we’ve got a great team at the Illinois Farm Bureau, and fortunately we’ve got great members who we rely on to help carry the message to the representatives, to their congressmen.
What are some of the things you’d like to see in the mini farm bill?
Duncan: Security for an interstate commerce. It goes beyond Proposition 12. If that is not fixed, it is a precedent that is dangerous for all of agriculture to allow one state to regulate how Illinois farmers grow their products. It’s a bad precedent.
I hope there’s an opportunity to perhaps discuss some of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program dollars – some of that funding that was maybe not appropriated that we had farmers counting on.
Again, anything that we can do to talk about incentivizing biofuels, the trade title, there’s a ton yet to discuss. Those are a few of the biggies.
Year after year, there’s talk on Capitol Hill about year-round E15, sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable fuel issues, but no concrete action is taken by Congress. So, what can be done?
Duncan: We went the tax credits to be right, and we think the extension of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit is a
good step.
And the next-generation biofuels, I think, has a positive story to tell. It takes time to build out infrastructure, and we want to make sure the demand is there.
I had U.K. Consul General Richard Hyde at my farm and asked him about the opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel for planes coming from Europe and from the U.K. He said, “We’re all in.”
So, they have to refuel somewhere, right? And we know there’s biofuel producers in this state who are making commitments to produce both renewable fuels from both corn and soybeans, and that’s a positive.
We want to make sure that the tax credits and the infrastructure remains something that we can rely on because something that’s here today and gone tomorrow makes people very hesitant to invest the kind of dollars that are needed.
Illinois Valley photos of the week from Sept.
28 to Oct. 4
TOP LEFT: Evan Sittler of Somonauk/Leland/Newark boys soccer races past Serena’s defense Sept. 29 at Serena High School. TOP RIGHT: Stuart McGunnigal of St. Bede misses a catch and falls over Tysen Walker of Dwight on Saturday at Captain Thomas J. Heitmann field in Peru. ABOVE: The Hocus Pocus Hags wave to the crowd Oct. 4 in the annual Princeton Halloween Parade along Main Street in Princeton. LEFT: La Salle-Peru’s Joel Lightle breaks a pass intended for Ottawa’s Dane Carretto on Oct. 3 at Howard Fellows Stadium.
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
Scott Anderson
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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Teen charged in Wednesday night shooting in Streator
A 17-year-old from South Streator has been charged after a shooting on Wednesday night, according to a Streator Police news release.
According to the release, at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, Streator Police responded to a call of gunshots in the 600 block of East Hickory Street. There, they found a vehicle that showed signs of having been damaged by gunfire.
At about the same time, a vehicle reported to the Streator Police Department, also showing similar damage, according to the release.
Following an investigation, police charged the 17-year-old male from South Streator with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to the release. The suspect was taken to the La Salle County Juvenile Detention Center, according to the release.
Livingston County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.
–KevinSolari
IVCC campuses closed Oct. 10
Illinois Valley Community College campuses will be closed on Friday, Oct. 10.
• HAUNTED HOUSE
Continued from page 2
inside the former Charlestowne Mall. After the mall closed three years later, he searched for a new home and found the Peru Mall.
“There were no other haunted houses in the area. The mall and city welcomed us with open arms. It’s been fantastic,” Pavia said. “The first house was 4,000 square feet. Now it’s 10,000, with much more detail. I take pride in it. I do everything myself, except for help from my wife and a few friends. This is my eighth season here.”
In the early years, actors were scarce, so Pavia and friends played multiple roles, changing costumes throughout the house.
“People would be amazed at how many actors there were, [even] when there were only eight of us,” Pavia recalled.
Today, the crew can number up to 50, with professional makeup artists enhancing the experience.
As Halloween nears, crowds grow
The college will be closed to allow employees to participate in professional development sessions. There will be no classes.
Classes will resume and student support services and offices at the Oglesby campus and Ottawa Center will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13.
IVCC sets registration session for Spring 2026 welding classes
Illinois Valley Community College will hold a registration session for its Spring 2026 welding courses on Dec. 2.
The session runs from 3 to 5 p.m. in room CTC 123. Prospective students must attend to register, but those unable to attend can still contact the college.
No prior welding experience is required.
Instructors tailor instruction to each student’s skill level in small classes using advanced equipment and a large fabrication lab.
Flexible schedules accommodate students with varying commitments.
To sign up, please contact Patricia Glade at 815-224-0233 or welding@ivcc.edu. For more information, visit www.ivcc.edu/ welding or contact program coordinator Theresa Molln at 815-224-0630.
–ShawLocalNewsNetwork
and actors refine their performances.
“I have customers who come every weekend. The show changes from week one to week five as actors learn their rooms and how to engage visitors,” Pavia said. “I want to entertain everyone. Anyone who comes here will be surprised.”
Insanity Haunted House recommends that visitors are 12 or older. A kids’ matinee runs from 3 to 5 p.m. on the last three Sundays in October, with no actors inside and families encouraged to bring flashlights. Many families return for the full experience later.
Outside of Halloween, the haunted house also hosts a one-night Christmas-themed show and an Easter egg hunt inside the attraction.
“After the season, I start tearing down parts of the house and rebuilding,” Pavia said. “It’s an all-year project. I’m here most weekends, changing things. Every year I try to introduce 25% to 30% new content. It’s a fresh experience every time.”
For hours and tickets, visit insanityhh.com.
Illinois Valley Community College will hold a registration session for its
courses on Dec. 2.
Brandon Clark
Spring 2026 welding
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
Parker, Bunting meet with trade groups
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
International trade, a national barrow competition and local 4-H and FFA activities have kept Dan Parker on the run since he met with AgriNews a month ago.
In his role as an Illinois Corn Growers Association board member, Parker, along with Art Bunting, of Dwight, a member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, was in Chicago on Sept. 24 to talk trade and other issues.
“We have a staff member who organized this meeting that started working for Illinois Corn in February. His previous role was with the U.S. Trade Representative in D.C. So, he has a lot of trade background, and then he relocated to Chicago. We also had another staff member whose focus is on trade and exports who came up, and two farmers, Art and myself, to provide our perspective,” Parker said.
Among the trade topics of the meeting was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
“We met with groups to talk about trade. They’re reviewing the USMCA. The comment period for the trade agreement is open right now. So, we met with the Canadian consulate and the Mexican consulate and just wanted to see where we could help each other. We’re all pretty much on the same page,” Parker said.
“We all wanted to continue and it’s been a really good thing for agriculture in all three countries. So, we hope that things are going to stay the same and we reiterated the importance of not only the grain, but also the biofuels as part of it. I think we had really good conversations.
“We also met with a food export individual for the Midwest who helps smaller companies, with under 500 employees, take their processed food product to export. They do advertising for them and connect them with buyers and other countries to expand their business. It really helps our export business that way, too.”
4-H, FFA
Dwight’s annual Harvest Days celebration was held Sept. 18-21 and 4-H and FFA members were busy.
The Parkers’ daughter, Sarah, is a Dwight Township High School senior, FFA chapter president and a 4-H member.
“We grow the Indian corn for the
With harvest just a few days away, Dan Parker was doing one last run-through on his truck and combine to make sure everything was good to go.
Harvest Days 4-H booth at our house and had all the kids come out. They helped pick it and shuck it back,” Parker said.
“Then we have a big meeting on the weekend before Harvest Days and they all come and tie all the Indian corn, we get the pumpkins, we get mums and we get all that stuff ready to haul in. The kids then sell that on Saturday and Sunday during Harvest Days.”
On the FFA side, the DTHS chapter hosted a tractor show for Harvest Days that included about 18 antique tractors.
Dwight’s FFA also recently hosted a Farm Safety Day at the chapter’s plot with grade school and high school students in attendance.
“They just showed them all the blind spots to be careful of on semis, auger carts and combines,” Parker said.
“They let them sit up in the combine and see for themselves. We parked the FFA adviser’s car behind the combine, and walking up to it, you could tell it was a little ways away, but when they sat in there, they couldn’t see it at all. I think it helped to teach the kids a lot about farm safety.” National Show
In early September, the family went to a national barrow show in Minnesota.
“We took seven pigs total up there. Sarah got to show her four pigs there and the Bunting kids showed three. They did really good. I think they placed from third down to seventh or so in their classes, and Sarah got top 10 in showmanship in her age group. She was pretty excited about that. It was a pretty good accomplishment up at a national show,” Parker said.
AgriNews photo/Tom C. Doran
Most of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions since August, according to the Illinois State Climatologist.
• CONTROLLING THE BURN
Continued from page 4
advising residents to “stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles in high heat.”
Risks to farm fields
The Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office noted burn bans are issued at the municipal or county level, but cautioned hot dry weather across the state increases fire risks.
“Dry vegetation in fields and wildland areas creates high fuel loads that can ignite quickly and spread rapidly, putting farmers, nearby homes, and surrounding property at risk,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said. “By following these important safety tips, we can reduce the risk of accidental fires while protecting our farmers, communities, and first responders.”
The Fire Marshal’s Public Information Officer JC Fultz noted some basic safety precautions residents should take as the dry weather continues include:
• Properly extinguish all cigarettes and cigars and properly dispose of them (never throwing them out of cars)
• Make sure chains and trailers are not dragging the ground beyond vehicles, which can throw sparks
• Do not use tools that throw sparks around dry vegetation
• Check local community outdoor burning guidelines
The Illinois Department of Agricul-
ture cautioned farmers, who are at an increased risk for brush fires in dry fields.
“During drought conditions, a single spark can quickly ignite a field,” Director Jerry Costello II said in a written statement. “We want to remind farmers to treat every dry field as a potential fire hazard and to take the necessary precautions to prioritize their own safety –as well as their neighbors and first responders – during this busy season.”
Farmers are asked to properly maintain equipment and practice safe harvesting practices in the coming weeks by:
• inspecting equipment daily and removing built up debris
• lubricate bearings and chains to prevent overheating and sparks
• Inspect all machinery’s wiring and electrical equipment
• Harvest during cooler, less windy periods
• Carry fire extinguishers with farm equipment
• Take regular breaks
• Keep a tractor with a disk in a safe location and prepared to help stop a fire from spreading, as plowing a wide trench in a field has been proven to stop the spread of farm fires.
“There’s always a concern about fires in our line of work, but our biggest message to the public is just to be smart,” said Morris Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Jeff Wilson. “If you’re a farmer, have someone watching your fields and equipment for a fire to start and be prepared in case of emergency.”
Shaw Local News reporter Payton Felix contributed to this story.
NO ONE GETS A DIPLOMA ALONE.
Every year, thousands of adults finish their high school diplomas, but they don’t do it alone. If you’re thinking of finishing your high school diploma, you have help. Find teachers and free adult education classes near you at FinishYourDiploma.org.
Judy Harvey file photo
Pork update: Data shows value of Illinois livestock industry
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
A new economic impact report shows there’s more to Illinois farms than just corn, soybeans and wheat along the highways.
The Dual Impact – Environmental Stewardship and Economic Value of the Illinois Livestock Industry report was released by the Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Beef Association.
“Agriculture is one of Illinois’ largest industries. Livestock farms have often been operating in Illinois for generations, with communities building around them,” the report said.
“Livestock adds value to existing agriculture in our local communities and provides significant income and jobs in Illinois. The livestock industry, which includes raising livestock, processing meat and dairy, and producing animal feed, is an economic engine in Illinois.
“In 2024, the state’s livestock industry accounted for $7.8 billion in value added, 69,826 jobs, $27 billion in total sales and $4.9 billion in labor income.”
The report also looked at sustainability in both pork and beef production.
“For hog production, an industry-funded life cycle analysis of pork pro-
duction between 1960 and 2015 demonstrated that pig farmers reduced their land, water and energy use by 75%, 25% and 7%, respectively, resulting in a nearly 8% smaller environmental footprint,” according to the report.
“Furthermore, data released by the EPA in April 2021 attributes only 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to agriculture, of which the pork industry is responsible for about 0.4%.
“For beef production, from 1961 to 2021, the U.S. beef industry reduced the carbon footprint of beef by 42.76%. EPA data from 2022 also notes that raising beef accounts for just 2.3% of all U.S. GHG emissions.”
“We did the impact report on what the livestock means to Illinois. It’s really a good report, and I’m glad we were able to team up with the beef producers to do that,” said Cheryl Walsh, of Princeville, IPPA’s immediate past president.
The economic impact report helped bring to light the data that those in urban areas may not be aware of.
“We’re able to produce more with using less resources every day on the beef and pork side of it,” said Walsh in an interview during the Illinois State Fair’s Ag Day.
Walsh, a fourth-generation producer, operates Cowser Inc., which includes a sow farm, hay and a cow-calf operation. All the weaned pigs from the farm are sold directly to customers.
She also operates a sister company, Cowser Field and Feedlot, which grows corn and soybeans and helps produce some of the products that are fed to the sows.
Pork Update
“It’s been a great year for us producers. Production’s up. Profitability is up a little bit more. Some of our input costs are down a little bit more, and that’s just helped all of us in general,” Walsh said.
“The prices are within the profit margins. It’s a lot better than it was a few years ago. We’re not bleeding red. To do this, you have to enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, there’s no way you can do it.”
From an IPPA policy standpoint, members hope for a new farm bill and strong exports and have continued concerns regarding Proposition 12, which forbids the sale of whole pork meat in California from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with that state’s law.
Walsh said there are efforts to address Prop 12 in the new farm bill.
“We’re still kind of in the back-andforth process of getting it written into the farm bill in different phases and things like that,” she said.
“U.S. Rep. GT Thompson serves as House Agriculture Committee chair. He is a huge advocate for the pork industry. He’s a very good advocate for us, and we have some other really good advocates that understand our reasoning behind why we need a fix on this, and then there’s some that are screaming ‘states’ rights’ and it’s OK. We just have to explain what’s going on to some of them and then they start to understand why we’re doing things the way we are and why things are the way they are.”
IPPA is also advocating for increased exports.
“Exports are extremely important to our industry and the cattle industry. A lot of the meat and other things that are exported to other countries are products that we wouldn’t use here,” Walsh said.
“One big thing for the pork industry is ham. A lot of hams get exported to Mexico. It is huge and there’s a huge potential there for us for even more, and it adds a lot of value to the animal with that export market.”
Cheryl Walsh
More Illinois Valley
photos of the week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4
TOP LEFT: An aerial view of Howard Fellows Stadium during homecoming night on Friday at Howard Fellows Stadium. TOP RIGHT: The Marquette Crusaders take to the field prior to the start of Friday night’s game against Seneca at Marquette. ABOVE: Princeton Head Coach Ryan Pearson awards game ball to player Casey Etheridge after he becomes the all-time leading rushing yards leader in Bureau County on Friday at Richard Nesti Stadium in Spring Valley. LEFT: Kinzleigh Blair poses with a funny face in front of one of the many scarecrows at Washington Square Saturday during the annual Scarecrow Festival in Ottawa.
MaKade Rios
Scott Anderson
Tom Sistak
Tom Sistak
Grant supports trumpet masterclasses, concerts by Stephen Hawk at IVCC
Grant from Starved Rock Country Community Foundation supports events
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
A grant from the Starved Rock
Country Community Foundation helped bring internationally renowned trumpet player Dr. Stephen Hawk to Illinois Valley Community College for masterclasses and concerts.
NCI ARTworks Executive Director Julia Messina presented the grant to IVCC Director of Jazz Studies Brandon Czubachowski and Jazz Wind Ensemble member Laurie Smudzinski, who coordinated the events.
The grant was sponsored in part by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Illinois Arts Council through NCI ARTworks.
An Ottawa native, Hawk has performed with major orchestras and jazz bands across the U.S. and abroad for more than 35 years. His credits include principal trumpet roles with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Orchestra
and the Pittsburgh Symphony Broadway Orchestra, as well as tours with national productions of “The Bodyguard,” “Kinky Boots,” “Aladdin,” and “Tootsie.”
Hawk has also played lead trumpet with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Arturo Sandoval, and performed with entertainers including Bob Hope, Ray Charles and Natalie Cole.
Photo provided by NCI ARTworks
A grant from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation helped bring internationally renowned trumpet player Dr. Stephen Hawk to Illinois Valley Community College for masterclasses and concerts.
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.
Economic woes for state’s farmers would be everyone’s problem
It’s not a problem until it affects me.
That may not be a conscious philosophy, but having observed politicians, voters and taxpayers for a few decades, it seems a large number of our fellow humans operate under some version of the sentiment.
The rest of the column could focus on human and civil rights abuses at home and abroad. And while I haven’t been able to focus on much else all weekend, the concept of “yeah, but that news is about other people” also echoed when reading an interview Tom C. Doran of AgriNews conducted with Brian Duncan, the Illinois Farm Bureau president.
Although the two chatted at the state fair’s Ag Day, Doran published their conversation Sunday afternoon. Things got concerning immediately with the answer to the first potentially benign question regarding IFB’s top concerns.
AFL-CIO’s
EYE ON ILLINOIS
Scott T. Holland
“I think the thing we talk about that kind of overarches everything right now is farm income,” said Duncan, who farms livestock and grain in Ogle County. “We’re very concerned as we continue to read the economic reports coming out of the University of Illinois. Every farm’s got a little bit of a different economic story but – in general – this year, last year, next year, an awful lot of our members are going to be upside down.”
Duncan said cattle farmers are in good shape after “a rough ride” while hold farming “has a big hole to backfill, and row crops, I’m hoping we can find a
bottom pretty soon.”
He continued to explain broader challenges, such as uncertainty about the viability of previously stable export markets and the potential effects of the federal government revisiting settled science that had provided a reliable consistency for year-over-year approaches to agriculture. He also noted uncertainty regarding “Environmental Quality Incentives Program dollars – some of that funding that was maybe not appropriated that we had farmers counting on.”
With regard to Springfield, there is never common ground on estate and property taxes. And although Duncan didn’t raise the topic, it’s hard not to think about “Paid to Stay,” last month’s in-depth report from Capitol News Illinois, ProPublica and the Saluki Local Reporting Lab regarding federal farm subsidies in areas forever transformed
through recent Mississippi River flooding (tinyurl.com/FederalFarmTrap).
Mix these concerns with the possibility of a $20 billion economic rescue package for Argentina, which state Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, flagged because that nation’s farmers historically undercut American soybean producers’ sales to China.
Much of this is unfortunately gibberish to my fellow suburbanites. But the Illinois ag sector is vital to the local, state and national economies. Even lawmakers whose districts somehow include no farmland can play a role in making sure constituents understand how challenges for agriculture affect us all.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state governmentissuesforShawLocal News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
pullout of ‘agreed bill’ process worries some; others say it won’t change much
The announcement last week that the Illinois AFL-CIO was withdrawing from the “agreed bill process” at least 40 years after its inception took almost everyone by surprise, but nobody was really shocked.For years, whenever the group engaged in carefully constructed negotiations with business interests on workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, labor leaders would grumble privately that most other states don’t have a similar process.
Unlike elsewhere, their hands were tied by a long-ago edict that the two sides would have to work out their differences and that the state’s executive branch would help referee the talks by providing research into the issues under discussion, and members from all four caucuses would participate. After that, the two parties in both legislative chambers would examine the final bills and agree to put votes on them.
The process hasn’t always worked well. But it has had some notable successes. For years, the state’s inordinately high workers’ compensation costs were the talk of the nation (almost like the pension issue eventually became). But everyone hunkered down, and now Illinois’ workers’ compensation costs are about in the middle of the state rankings.
The Illinois AFL-CIO leadership claimed in its letter to the governor, Dem-
ocratic leaders and negotiators that the agreed bill process has been honored except during the 89th General Assembly, when Republicans controlled the governor’s office and both legislative chambers. That GOP bill cut unemployment insurance taxes by $120 million. Not mentioned, however, was that labor had its payback after Rod Blagojevich was elected governor and both chambers were controlled by the Democratic Party and set aside the agreed bill process.
The AFL-CIO focused mainly on its frustration with Republican-controlled states and the Trump administration taking rights and benefits away from workers. As one top labor official told me: “At the national level, we’re seeing the national Republicans just roll over labor rights. I mean, [expletive deleted] Trump canceled 800,000 peoples’ collective bargaining rights, and nobody says a word. And I’m supposed to sit here and work with the same [expletive deleted] people who put Trump in? I can’t do that.”
The union official pointed to the House Republicans’ inability to put the
agreed number of votes on a bill last year to slightly raise workers’ compensation rates to make sure the Workers’ Compensation Commission could continue to operate. The bill passed overwhelmingly, but that’s not the point. An agreed bill is supposed to have a structured roll call to make sure vulnerable members can opt out. “So that’s kind of, you know, it’s like, what are we doing?”
Other Democrats and union officials I talked to said the labor organization’s withdrawal from the age-old process probably won’t change what happens at the statehouse.
“It’s kinda just semantics,” said one prominent Democratic legislator who also has worked in the agreed-upon bill process. “We can still put a table together and negotiate [stuff] with labor and business no matter what name we give the process.”Another union official said much the same: “I think it’s going to be an agreed bill process without being called the agreed bill process,” the union official said.
And Senate President Don Harmon’s official statement via his spokesperson seemed to agree with that sentiment: “The Senate Democrats will continue our ongoing commitment to look out for working families and their rights while also engaging the business community in an effort to bring prosperity to all.”
During a recent background conversation, business leaders pointed to what they said was the reason why the agreedupon bill process was created. A 1982 bill cut benefits and increased employer costs, which resulted in some legislative defeats. Legislators, particularly Democrats, were looking for some political cover, so the process was created.
“On workers’ comp, we went from third-highest in the country to 23rd-highest in the country,” a business group leader pointed out. But now they’re very worried that the unions will use their overwhelming pro-labor Democratic super-majorities to muscle through changes that could force Illinois back into the bad old days of high costs for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. And they’re frustrated that organized labor is using the national political climate to justify withdrawing from a process that has actually worked here.
The AFL-CIO has a proposal to maintain funding for workers’ compensation administration, and some say that an unemployment insurance package is on the horizon. So I guess we’ll see pretty soon how this all plays out.
Stratton aims to bring Pritzker policies to national stage
By BEN SZALINSKI bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is hoping to bring some of Gov. JB Pritzker’s legislative victories to the U.S. Senate as her top initiatives if she’s elected next year.
Stratton released her first policy platform this week. It details her positions on health care, cost of living, housing and economic issues. In a video statement explaining her vision, Stratton pointed to her record as lieutenant governor.
“Here in Illinois, we’ve raised the minimum wage, created thousands of new jobs, brought down the cost of prescription drugs and made child care more affordable,” Stratton said in the video. “And now I’m taking that blueprint to Washington, D.C.”
Her 29-point agenda includes several policies Pritzker’s administration has passed through the legislature since taking office in 2019. Stratton said her work in Pritzker’s administration demonstrates her ability to pass and implement policies that make life more affordable for Americans.
Like many Democrats, Stratton blamed President Donald Trump’s tariffs and economic policies for making life more expensive for people. But she also said the problem goes beyond the Trump administration: “Rising prices are just one symptom of a broken system. For too long, big corporations across every sector have operated virtually unchecked by Washington.”
Stratton pledged not to accept any campaign contributions from political action committees run by corporations.
However, a new political action committee with ties to Illinois’ billionaire governor launched on Tuesday to support Stratton’s campaign. The Illinois Future PAC is led by Quentin Fulks, a longtime political operative for Pritzker. It already raised $1 million, according to a news release, but because federal rules governing super PACs don’t require immediate disclosure of contributions, it’s not clear how much of the money – if any – came from Pritzker. The new PAC allows Pritzker – whose net worth is approaching $4 billion – to contribute more to Stratton’s campaign than federal individual contribution allow.
Other Democratic Senate candidates also have released policy plans. U.S.
and tax credits for child care.
Health care
Stratton also is seeking to bring several state health care initiatives to the federal level, including the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative that she helped oversee.
The Illinois law requires insurers that provide state-regulated health care plans to cover pregnancy and postpartum services, including midwives, doula visits and lactation consultants for up to 12 months after the end of a pregnancy.
Stratton also wants to codify abortion, in vitro fertilization, contraception and medication abortion as reproductive health services in federal law. Illinois lawmakers, in partnership with the Pritzker administration, have taken multiple steps in recent years to codify those practices in state law. Such a move at the federal level would restore nationwide access to abortion as state laws now vary widely since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi released his “Trump accountability” plan in August while U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly unveiled her own economic-focused priorities on Monday.
Economics and affordability
One of Stratton’s top economic priorities is raising the federal minimum wage to $15. Pritzker signed a bill about one month into his first term in 2019 to raise Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 over six years, checking off one of his top campaign promises. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009.
Stratton also called for expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit for lowand moderate-income workers. She did not specify what changes she would support.
More specifically, Stratton supports a plan to cap credit card interest rates, which she said lock people into a never-ending cycle of debt.
Stratton also proposes a tax increase on people earning $1 million or more each year, which she said would allow Congress to pass a corresponding tax cut for middle-income earners. Illinois voters rejected Pritzker’s proposal to abolish Illinois’ flat tax structure to raise taxes on high-income earners in 2020.
Other parts of Stratton’s plan to address cost-of-living problems focus on agriculture and food availability. She’d seek to create a permanent grant program that allows states to source food from local farmers to go to food banks. That would follow a similar model as the Illinois-EATS program, which fell victim to federal spending cuts earlier this year.
She also supports continuing funding for free or reduced-fare public transportation for seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-income workers. And Stratton broadly supports expanding the Child Tax Credit
Pritzker’s administration also has made health insurance regulation a top priority, which is reflected in Stratton’s agenda. She proposed expanding federal “parity laws” to cover more mental health treatments at the same level as physical health care treatments and requiring Medicare to cover long-term care home services, as well as vision and hearing services.
Stratton also supports universal Medicare for All.
Housing
On housing, Stratton proposed creating a tax incentive to encourage construction companies to build “starter homes” that must be priced below the median price of housing, which currently is $410,800 nationally and $319,300 in Illinois, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Conversely, she proposed that Congress create a penalty to reduce tax incentives for hedge funds that buy single-family homes. Revenue from that penalty could be used to fund a downpayment assistance program for firsttime home buyers, according to her plan.
Stratton also supports restricting landlords’ ability to use artificial intelligence to set rents and screen rental applications.
Bob Okon file photo
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton speaks Aug. 15 at a panel discussion held at the Will County Health Department building in Joliet.
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Comedic actor Rogen
5. Bits per inch
8. Tire pressure measurement
11. Angels great Mike
13. Own (Scottish)
14. Notable FI racing team
15. Upper bract of grass
16. Tax collector
17. Electronic counter-countermeasures
18. Informal loan clubs
20. Skeletal muscle
21. Popular fish type
22. Salts of acetic acid
25. Arriving early
30. Worded
31. Single Lens Reflex
32. Amphibians
33. Warm greeting
38. Belonging to a thing
41. Segmented worm
43. Concerns
45. Audacious
47. Wings
49. Type of drug
50. Wind chill formula scientist Charles
55. Island close to the U.S.
56. “To the __ degree”
57. Daniel __, French composer
59. A way to march
60. Where golfers begin
61. Spiritual leader
62. Of she
63. Mental disorder concerning body odor (abbr.)
64. Tall, slender-leaved plant
DOWN
1. Engine additive
2. Amounts of time
3. Fragrant brown balsam used in perfume
4. Color properties
5. One who hands over
6. Thieves of the sea
7. Put in
8. Nocturnal rodents
9. Pouches
10. Systems, doctrines, theories
12. Greek alphabet letter
14. Greek goddess of youth
19. Satisfy
23. Partly digested food
24. Dictator
25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)
26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
27. A major division of geological time
28. Angry
St. Francis of
Romanian monetary unit
Stale
Go quickly
Commercials
Canadian city
One who slices 41. Perform perfectly 42. Nest of pheasants 44. Tactile sensations
45. Sword
46. Climactic
47. Adrenocorticotrophin
48. Fisherman’s tool
51. Swiss river
52. Plant that makes gum
53. A French abbot
54. One point east of northeast
58. Get free of
29.
CLASSIFIED
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIST ANT / RECEPTIONIST
Dist rict 289 is hir ing for the ro le of Ad mi ni strati ve Assi stant / Recept io nis to the Superi ntende nt
This is a pa rt-t ime, yea r-ro und (12-month) po sition th at includes pa id holidays
Ke y responsibilities include gen er secretar ia l dut ie s, ma in ta in in g pe rsonn reco rds, ma na gi ng student in formatio syste ms, han dl in g teache r certif icatio do cumentation, an d ke ep ing employment reco rds up to date A high de gree of confidentiality is essential fo r this role
Work schedule: Mo nd ay th rough Friday
Bi li ng ua l candidates are prefer red.
St arting ho urly wage is $16.25 , with the po ssibility of a hi ghe r ra te based on experi en ce Pa rt-time, four hou rs/d ay with fl exib le summer work schedule
Int erested ca ndi da tes sh oul d apply o nli ne at: m289.org
In Print & Online
LARGE PUBLIC AUCTION
SATURDAY, OCTO BE R 11, 2025
HELD AT THE TRI COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS (FIRST AVENUE), MENDOTA, ILLINOIS 10:00 START
GO TO AUCTIONZIP.COM FOR PICTURES
ANTIQ UES, COLLECTIBLE S, PRIMITIV ES, FURNIT URE, TO OLS, YARD. JOHN D EERE E 120 MOWER
DUCK DECOYS, VINTAGE FISHING LURES, COINS, PROOF SETS, ADVERTISING, CLEAN LINE OF FURNITURE, TOOLS, SHOP ITEMS, SNOWBLOWER, TILLER, GENERATOR, MILITARY, INDIAN AXE HEADS, OIL CANS, CHERRY WOOD FURNITURE, CUSHMAN MAPLE, TELL CITY, YARD ITEMS AND MUCH MORE.
SELLERS: LAUER, RYGH, VOLANT ESTATE
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Aucti ons
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Legals
UNITE D ST ATES OF AMERICA
ST ATE OF ILLI NOIS-COUNT Y OF
LA SALL E IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF TH E THIRT EENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN RE THE ESTATE OF JOSEP H J. SA SO, deceased Case No. 202 5PR00010 6
Pu bli ca ti on Notice a nd/ or Claims No tice
Notice is given of the death of Joseph J. Saso, whose address was 219 Meadowlark, Sandwich, IL 60548 Letters of Office were issued on July 24, 2025, to Nora Hurley Marsh, whose address is 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd., 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Notice is given to Jay Saso Printi, and unknown heir s, who are heirs in this cause.
The estate will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under Section 284 of the Probate of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or deliver ing a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of Greg Vaccaro, LaSalle County Circuit Clerk, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before APRIL 1, 2026, (date shall not be less than 6 months from the date of the first publication or 3 months fr om the date of mailing or deliver y, whichever is later). Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Name: Nora Hurley Marsh
Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd. Atty No.: 3124735
Attorney for: Nora Hurley Marsh
Address: 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Phone: 630- 325-7 600 10615- 956532 (Published Mendota Reporter Oct. 1, 8, 15, 2025) 956532
FOOTBALL: MENDOTA 45, KEWANEE 13
Mendota wins back-to-back games for first time since 2021
Trojans outscore Kewanee 28-0 in second half
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
A fan shot off a cannon of purple confetti.
The Mendota band blared “On Mendota.”
After going through the handshake line, the Trojans waited on the field as the student section ran toward them, followed by leaping, hugging, high-fives, and dancing.
There was plenty to celebrate as the Trojans pulled away from Kewanee in the second half for a 45-13 win on homecoming in Mendota.
It was the Trojans’ first home win since 2023.
“It feels awesome,” Mendota senior Aden Tillman said. “Knowing they’re still behind us and have our backs every single time, even after a 16-game losing streak, that’s a really big driving factor in all our minds.”
After beating Sherrard 14-10 in Week 5, the Trojans’ win over Kewanee gave
them their first winning streak since wins over Hall and Sherrard on Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 2021.
“It’s a big thing,” Tillman said. “We’re building a lot of excitement and momentum in this program, and we need that right now. We need this kind of revival of the program.”
Consecutive wins have been rare for Mendota. The current two-game streak is only Mendota’s fourth set of back-toback wins since 2011, when John McKenzie stepped down as head coach.
“To have this experience tonight with the crowd and the way our student section came out, it might seem silly to the outside coming out on the field like that, but it’s important to these kids and this school and the community to do something like this tonight,” Mendota coach Jim Eustice said. “It’s just awesome to watch.
“It was a great team, program win. After last week breaking the streak, it was how were they going to respond? They practiced hard all week. They’re a little looser now, a little more confident, and I think it showed tonight in all phases. We really played well.”
Mendota grabbed the momentum just
before halftime.
After Kewanee scored with 25.2 seconds left in the half to pull to within 14-13, the Trojans took over at the Kewanee 43-yard line.
Mendota gained 16 yards, then set up for a 44-yard field goal with 3.8 seconds left. An encroachment penalty moved the ball five yards closer.
The Trojans capitalized when Ethan Escatel booted a 39-yard field goal that bounced off the crossbar and through the uprights as the horn sounded to give Mendota a 17-13 halftime lead.
“That was a lot of momentum,” Tillman said. “It’s a really big thing. It means so much in football, basketball, any sport. Momentum is one of the biggest drivers in a team’s victories.”
It was all Mendota from there.
The Trojans scored on the opening drive of the second half on a 10-yard run by Corbin Furar.
Kewanee responded by driving to the Mendota 3, but on fourth-and-3 from the 4, Tillman tackled Kewanee running back Ace LaFollette for a 2-yard loss.
“It’s just all instinct,” Tillman said. “I love making hits. I love making big plays. On that play, I just knew that toss was
coming. I saw the motion coming across, and I just jumped it and made a play.”
The Trojans then marched 94 yards on 14 plays – with 13 running plays – and scored when Jayden Lesley ran up the middle, spun out of a tackle and was pushed into the end zone by his blockers for a 10-yard TD run and a 31-13 lead with 4:37 left.
The Trojans ran for 286 yards, led by Furar with 118 yards and two TDs on 20 carries. He scored on a 7-yard run in the first half on the first play after a Kewanee fumble. Tillman also threw a 20-yard TD pass to Keegan Beetz in the first half.
“Recently, we’ve moved two non-linemen to the line in Joe Stewart and Wyatt Ossman,” Tillman said about how Mendota established the run. “They bring so much energy to that O-line. That’s a big driving factor. We have some guys who are confident in moving people. That’s what we did tonight. We moved people.”
The Trojans added two touchdowns in the final 2:25 when freshman Daniel Hoffman broke free for a 54-yard TD run and junior Gavin Stevenson intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a score.
Mendota (2-4, 2-2 TRC) travels to Princeton (3-3, 3-1) next week.
Kevin Chlum
Mendota football coach Jim Eustice talks to his team after the Trojans beat Kewanee 45-13 on Friday, Oct. 3, in Mendota.
Mendota wins inaugural Three Rivers tourney
Trojans have outscored league opponents 50-0 in regular season, tournament
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Mendota senior Johan Cortez said he felt the Trojans haven’t been playing to their potential the past few games.
But coming into Thursday’s Three Rivers Conference Tournament championship, the Trojans were motivated.
No. 1-seeded Mendota scored four goals in the first half and cruised to a 5-0 victory over No. 2 Kewanee to win the inaugural TRC tournament in Mendota.
“I think it means a lot, especially today since we were coming off two or three games where we didn’t play the best,” Cortez said. “We were playing kind of lazy and not giving 100% effort. But coming into today, we knew we had to give everything we had to win this.
“I think we played a lot better today. We communicated a lot better. Having the whole team into the game instead of just a few guys really helped us, because when we work together as a group, it’s so much easier to play.”
Mendota coach Nick Myer said the idea for the tournament came at the all-conference meeting last season.
“Everybody agreed it would be cool to have something midseason with the conference teams,” Myers said. “We got it rolling, drew it up, everybody agreed on it, and we just went from there.”
The Trojans put the finishing touches on a dominant conference season.
Mendota was not scored upon in five conference regular-season games and did not allow a goal in two tournament games. In all, the Trojans outscored league opponents 50-0.
“It’s very cool,” Myers said about winning the tournament. “We always like to get as many trophies as we can. Hopefully, this is something we can start a streak on and win multiple years in a row. We were able to get through the conference schedule and tournament without being scored on, so that’s always nice.”
The Trojans struck early Thursday when Danny Garcia lofted the ball into
the box, where Isaac Diaz chased it down and poked it over the goalkeeper’s head with 36:32 left in the first half.
Cesar Casas scored on a scramble off a corner kick with 29:04 left in the first half and scored his second goal with 8:53 left in the opening half.
Diaz scored again off a rebound with 2:37 left in the first half for a 4-0 lead at the break.
“I thought the first half we came out really well,” Myers said. “We’ve run into a lot of teams lately that packed the back on us. It’s expected. We know we’re going to see that quite a bit most games, so we’ve been working on that. We’ve been starting fairly slow, and I think a lot of it has to do with we get a little frustrated with how many defenders they have in the back.
“I thought tonight we came out with more energy and a lot more direct, forward passing, trying not to let them get set in the back. I was happy with the 4-0 lead at halftime.”
In the second half, Cortez headed in a corner kick from Alex Beetz with 8:20 left.
“I thought we played a little sluggish in the second half, a little too content with where the score was,” Myers said. “I would have liked to have seen us put the foot on the gas a little bit more in the second half, but overall we’ve done a great job getting up two or three goals and knowing how to hold the lead and not do anything silly to let the other team back in the game.”
The Mendota defense did not allow a shot on goal until the second half. The Boilermakers only managed two shots on frame.
“We’ve come a long way defensively,” Myers said. “We lost three out of four starters from last year, and our first three games this year the back was kind of a mess. But they’ve settled in.
“Alex Beetz and Luis Ramirez at centerback have done fantastic. They’ve made it really challenging for other
teams to even get a shot off. We got Angel Orozco back tonight, which helped. Hugo Falcon, Abel Nanez and Cole Kleckner have all stepped up and played really well. We have six or seven defenders we can rotate, which has really helped. Ramorio [Palacios] and Sebastian [Carlos] do a fantastic job at center defensive mid, sometimes not even letting them get to our back four.
“Their communication has gotten better every game, and they’re getting more confident.”
The Trojans have three regular-season games left before they begin the postseason with hopes of returning to the Class 1A state tournament.
Mendota is the No. 1 seed in sub-sectional A of the Indian Creek Sectional.
“I think we’ve definitely learned a lot since the beginning of the season,” Cortez said. “With only a few games left, I think we’re heading in the right direction. I think we have the potential to have a really good postseason.”
Scott Anderson
Mendota’s Johan Cortez gets in front of Kewanee’s Kingston Peterson during the Three Rivers Conference Tournament championship Thursday at Mendota High School.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1818: First use of padded gloves in a competitive boxing match in France. 2018: New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees becomes NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards with 363
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
STRIKING EARLY
Trojans outscore league opponents in regular season, tourney / 31
Mendota’s Alex Beetz kicks the ball up the field during the Three Rivers Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Mendota High School.
