La Salle County Health Department to offer flu vaccines
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Shots available for all ages; COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only
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The La Salle County Health Department is now offering flu vaccines from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Seasonal influenza and high-dose influenza high dose vaccines are available for residents ages 65 and older. VFC (Vaccine for Children) flu vaccine will also be available. The Vaccine for Children is intended for children ages six months through 18 without insurance or who have Medicaid.
The La Salle County Health Depart -
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
IVCC to host presentation on Hegeler-Carus Mansion history Tuesday
Illinois Valley Community College will explore the history of the Hegeler-Carus Mansion at noon on Tuesday, according to an IVCC news release.
Anne Pesola, education and outreach coordinator, will give the presentation at Jacobs Library on campus. It will take place
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ment influenza vaccines are preservative-free. The seasonal flu shot fee is $25. The influenza high dose costs $70. Participants must bring an insurance card and photo ID. Doctor’s orders will not be required. Children must be accompanied by a parent of guardian.
Residents will also be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the same time as the flu vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations must be scheduled. To schedule an appointment, call 815-433-3366.
The Health Department strongly encourages everyone who is eligible to receive their flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine to ensure everyone is protected as they possibly can be as we head into cold and flu season.
To lessen their chances of developing the flu, adults and children need to practice good hygiene measures. Teach the
importance of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and educate children about hand-to-mucous membrane transmission. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your children is through frequent and thorough hand washing. People who are exhibiting “flu-like” symptoms should stay home from work, out of childcare and school to minimize transmission.
Remember the three C’s: clean, cover, and contain:
• Clean: Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water.
• Cover: Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Contain: Contain germs by staying home if sick.
The La Salle County Health Department is located at 717 Etna Road in Ottawa.
For more information, call 815-433-3366 or visit lasallecounty.org.
in the C-201 Active Learning Space.
According to the news release, the La Salle mansion was designed by architect W.W. Boyington. Built in 1876, the mansion is renowned for its architectural beauty and for the influential families who lived there over generations. Featuring seven levels and 57 rooms, the building was a site for historic accomplishments in industry, philosophy, publishing, and religion.
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson (center), holds a Mendota sign on Oct. 18, 1985. The headline reads I-39 North: Bold, Beautiful! The ceremony commemorated the opening of Interstate I-39 between Mendota and Rochelle. La Salle NewsTribune File Photo ON THE COVER
Next door in the library, visitors can also view a Hegeler Carus Mansion display with related books from the library’s collections. The presentation is open to IVCC students and community members. Visit the library’s website, libguides.ivcc.edu/ library, for more information about upcoming events and displays.
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How I‑39 shaped Mendota and the Illinois Valley
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
About 40 years ago, Interstate 39 opened, connecting Mendota and Rockford.
On Friday, Oct. 18, 1985, Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson stepped out from a stagecoach and was escorted about 100 yards to speak to a crowd of more than 500. Thompson was the honored guest at the Appreciation Breakfast held before the ceremony at the former Del Monte warehouse in Mendota. Mayor James Troupis served as the emcee for the breakfast.
Mendota was flourishing with industry and was excited about the future possibilities the interstate could bring.
Thompson’s famous remarks from that day were “Let’s go south.”
“It was the people of Mendota and Illinois Valley in particular, who are responsible for the completion of the Rockford to Mendota section,” Thompson said.
“I-39 is a corridor of opportunity,” Thompson said. “We must
invest in ourselves. Illinois is the transportation capital of the world, and the economic possibilities are incredible.”
The festive spirit was further carried out by the Mendota High School marching band, color guards and two F-16s flying overhead. Nearly everyone in the crowd wore complimentary red, white and blue hats bearing replicas of I-39 and Route 51 road signs.
Following the ceremony, CB radios carried conversations between truck drivers who spoke about the time and money that they will save now that the road is completed.
“Now all we need is some truck stops,” drawled a northbound driver. “This is really a longawaited day.”
Two years later, the interstate would stretch even farther south to Bloomington-Normal, solidifying its role as a vital artery between the Illinois Valley and beyond.
La Salle NewsTribune file Photos
TOP LEFT: The Mendota Boy Scouts Troop 102 salutes the American Flag during a ceremony of the opening of Interstate 39 on Oct. 18, 1985, in Mendota. TOP RIGHT: A view of the front page of the La Salle NewsTribune on Oct. 18, 1985. The headline reads I-39 North: Bold, Beautiful! Former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson attended the ceremony commemorating the opening of Interstate I-39 between Mendota and Rochelle. ABOVE: An aerial view of the Mendota water tower at the intersection of Interstate 39 and U.S. Route 34 on Oct. 8, 2025, in Mendota. Interstate 39 created this growth of Mendota in the last four decades.
SRCCF honors key supporters at annual event
Jay McCracken honored with lifetime award at SRCCF annual event
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recognized its leading supporters Tuesday, Oct. 7, during its second annual SRCCF Honors event.
Jay McCracken of Ottawa, the foundation’s first board chair, received the Beckett Lifetime Achievement Award from SRCCF co-founder Pamela Beckett.
Beckett praised McCracken’s dedication, saying, “He didn’t just lend his name – he lent his heart, his wisdom, and his belief in what we could build together. I am forever grateful for that belief and the added blessing of a cherished friendship as well.”
She added, “It is my great honor to present Jay McCracken with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service, his devotion to education, his stewardship of history, and his unwavering belief in the power of community.”
McCracken was accompanied by his
“Organization, hard work, discipline and above all, great leadership has led to their success,” Brolley said. “Thank you to Flags representatives for all you’ve accomplished – not for yourselves – but to honor the sacrifices of veterans and demonstrate Princeton’s pride in our nation.”
Flags of Freedom was represented by Tom and Darlene Root, Rodney and Terry Johnson, Ann and Victor Register, and Brad Oeder.
Karen and Nelson Nussbaum made one of the largest donations in SRCCF history this year. Their donor-advised fund supports several nonprofits, including the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation, Illinois State University’s agriculture program, St. Columba, Camp Tuckabatchee, and SRCCF.
wife, Kim, and daughter, Megan Rolfs.
Other honorees included Jay LeSeure for media excellence; Flags of Freedom in Princeton as Fund of the Year; and Karen and Nelson Nussbaum of Ottawa as Benefactors of the Year.
LeSeure, who began his radio career at age 15, will mark 41 years at WCMY in Ottawa this November. He worked in West Virginia, Missouri and Pennsylvania before returning to Ottawa in 1985.
Since 2015, he has produced more than 130 programs about the foundation.
SRCCF President Fran Brolley thanked LeSeure, saying, “Your contributions to local news, the community and our foundation are vast.”
Flags of Freedom was honored for raising more than $500,000 since 2017 to maintain four giant flags at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Route 26 in Princeton.
“Karen and Nelson provide critically important donations to their favorite organizations – and instead of waiting for their estates to award gifts, they’re experiencing the joy of giving now. We are honored they chose SRCCF to fulfill their philanthropic objectives,” Brolley said.”
For more information about the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, contact Fran Brolley at fran@srccf.org or 815-252-2906, or visit the office at 116 W. Lafayette St., Suite 2, Ottawa.
LA SALLE COUNTY GRAND JURY: TUESDAY, OCT. 7
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday, Oct. 7, and returned the following indictments:
Dantwaine Jones, 38, of Peru, unlawful restraint.
Skylar G. Young, 39, of Seneca, unlawful possession of cannabis.
Jacob M. Mattes, 20, of Marseilles, two counts of unlawful violation of a protection order. He received a 30-day sanction.
Jamie L. Rhodes, 30, of Marseilles, aggravated and domestic battery charges.
Corey W. Delahaba, 35, of Naplate, retail theft.
Franley Quintero Mendoza, 28, of Peru, retail theft charges.
Lenee K. Thumm, 41, of Streator, retail theft.
Preston R. Dunning, 25, of Ottawa, unlawful possession of a controlled substance. His pretrial release was revoked.
Shawn P. Kennedy, 47, of Ottawa, unlawful possession of methamphetamine charges. Pretrial release revoked.
Bobby C. Richardson, 25, of Stre -
ator, aggravated fleeing and eluding.
Gina F. Gengler, 36, of Kangley, aggravated battery.
Antonio R. Patterson Jr., 22, of Streator, aggravated battery charges.
Malik A. Curington, 20, of Streator, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Shakyia D. Winfert, 27, of Streator, disorderly conduct.
Gerald Pajak, 60, of Streator, threatening a public official.
Shaquille O. Jones, 32, of Chicago, aggravated domestic battery. Pre -
trial release was denied.
Dylan M. Davidson, 22, of Mendota, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Pretrial release denied.
Aaron E. Braden, 35, of Freeport, driving while revoked.
Kayden J. Danley, 18, of Mendota, two counts of home invasion and criminal trespass to a residence.
Jason M. Hembree, 33, of Mendota, aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery. Pretrial release denied.
Photo provided by Sally Van Cura
Beckett Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jay McCracken with daughter Megan (left), wife Kim and SRCCF co-founder Pamela Beckett.
Illinois Valley
Photos of the Week for Oct. 5-11
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Take a look at some of the week’s best photos, captured by Illinois Valley photographers from Sunday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Oct. 11.
Photos by Kyle Russell
TOP LEFT: Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Max Daniels raises his top hat to his soldiers after the battle at The Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment at City County Park on Oct. 10 in Princeton. TOP RIGHT: A Union Artillery unit fires a canon on the battlefield against Confederate troops during The Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment at City County Park on Oct. 10 in Princeton. ABOVE: Colten Angeloff (70) of Seneca celebrates 48-16 win against St. Bede on Oct. 10 at Seneca High School in Seneca. LEFT: The Jesse White Tumblers stop and perform on LaSalle St in Ottawa Sunday during the Fall Fest Parade.
Will Illinois’ ‘mega project’ proposal mean mega tax break for the Bears in the suburbs?
By CLAIRE O’BRIEN cobrien@shawmedia.com
The Chicago Bears are poised to move to the suburbs. But are Illinois lawmakers – and local taxpayers – going to help them do it?
As legislators head back to Springfield Tuesday for the fall veto session, they could soon confront the question of providing property tax incentives – like assessment freezes or negotiated tax bills – to the team and other so-called “mega project” developments.
And then there are those who don’t think an NFL franchise worth billions doesn’t need such tax breaks and contend they can hurt existing taxpayers.
But in a rarity in today’s hyper-polarized politics, viewpoints don’t appear to fall on partisan lines, with Republicans and Democrats both in favor and wary of the proposals on the table.
Among them is a bill proposed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat from Arlington Heights, the northwest suburb to which the Bears are looking increasingly likely to relocate.
Canty’s bill would allow mega projects – defined as those in which $500 million is invested within seven to 10 years – to freeze their property tax assessments and make annual special payments to the community, negotiated through a local review board that would include representatives from municipalities and other local taxing bodies.
Such incentive arrangements could last up to 40 years.
Though Canty’s proposal doesn’t expressly mention the Bears – and she says it wasn’t prompted by the Bears –team officials have indicated they’re looking for that type of incentive package, along with public funding of $855 million for infrastructure costs, the Daily Herald reported.
Canty’s legislation would give taxing bodies like school, park and library districts weighted votes on the local review board, in proportion to their piece of the property tax levy. She said that ensures everyone has a “real and meaningful seat” at the table. She also said the bill is “doing right” by local taxpayers.
Bears ‘can well afford’ to pay tax bill
But protecting the taxpayers is a big concern among detractors, too.
when you know those costs are going to be passed on to the local taxpayers?”
Yet many of his GOP colleagues look favorably on the proposal.
State Sen. Don DeWitte, a St. Charles Republican, said he’s “generally supportive” of giving mega project developers protection against property tax spikes or uncertainty.
“I believe this is the type of project that could generationally transform the suburbs from the Tri-State Tollway to Route 47, from Crystal Lake all the way to Joliet,” DeWitte said. “I think they deserve to know what their taxes are going to be.”
State Rep. Steve Reick, a Woodstock Republican, said his “initial response” is that any tax break for the Bears to move to Arlington Heights “is a de facto subsidy” to a company “that can well
afford to pay the property taxes.”
“I’m not in favor of greasing the wheels for any company worth $9 billion more than me,” Reick said. “Why should the Bears be getting any exemptions
Rockford-area Republican state Sen. Dave Syverson said details of any final legislation will need to be considered, but he supports the concept of the Bears and state teaming up to get a facility in Arlington Heights.
“If done responsibly, this project could have a major economic impact on
Rendering provided by the Chicago Bears Manica Architecture’s conceptual rendering of the Bears’ stadium-anchored redevelopment in Arlington Heights was released in September 2025.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
A digital billboard that sits next to the former Arlington Park practice track shows Chicago Bears advertising for drivers along Route 53 in Arlington Heights.
both the region and the state, creating thousands of construction jobs and positioning Illinois to host a Super Bowl, as well as major concerts and conventions we currently cannot accommodate,” Syverson said in a statement.
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat, also said she supports the mega development legislation as an economic development tool for projects that will create jobs. She likes that tax negotiations would be handled at the local level.
‘All Illinoisans need tax relief’
Skeptics on both sides of the aisle aren’t convinced that a tax break for a mega project wouldn’t shift the burden onto homeowners.
State Sen. Andrew Chesney, a Freeport Republican, said he was “not in favor of crony capitalism. I support broad-based tax relief that doesn’t choose winners and losers. These kinds of tax incentives tend to shift the tax load so that others are carrying a heavier burden. All Illinoisans are in need of tax relief. It should not just be available to those with political clout.”
before an
between the
from their longtime home, Soldier Field in Chicago.
State Rep. Jed Davis, a Kendall County Republican, agreed.
“Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem – it has a spending and fairness problem. We shouldn’t be freezing taxes for half-billion-dollar corporations while letting homeowners and small businesses shoulder the increases. If the state wants to attract investment, it should do so through lower regulations and a predictable tax climate for everyone, not hand-picked winners. Families deserve the same stability the big guys are getting,” Davis said in a statement.
Democratic state Rep. Anne Stava of Naperville cited similar reasons for her opposition to Canty’s bill in its current form.
“Property taxes are already a huge burden for too many families, so giving special property tax breaks to billionaires and developers is tone deaf. ... If local governments want to give tax breaks, they should go ahead. But they should bear the cost, not shift it to others,” Stava said.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, a Savanna Republican, said
tax incentives can attract investment and boost economic growth. But the major concern about Canty’s bill is “the potential shift of the tax burden onto Illinois families, which would be unacceptable.”
‘Someone needs to call a penalty here’
State Rep. Republican Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills said he’s strongly against “corporate welfare” and that “someone needs to throw
Fans wait
NFL football game
Chicago Bears and New York Jets in 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Chicago Bears announced the signing Sept. 29, 2021, of an agreement to purchase Arlington Park racetrack in Arlington Heights, the latest step toward a move
a flag and call a penalty here.”
He pointed to remaining debt payments on Soldier Field – reportedly hundreds of millions of dollars still left to pay off renovations done more than 20 years ago.
“This is especially troubling given the state’s pressing needs in education, housing, healthcare and support for vulnerable populations,” McLaughlin said. “Taxpayer dollars would be far better invested in these critical areas rather than subsidizing a private sports team. ... The never-ending belief that Illinois taxpayers must be fleeced for this project to succeed is absurd.”
State Sen. Rachel Ventura, a Joliet Democrat, said she would be a “hard no” on any bill that puts a burden on taxpayers as it relates to the Bears.
“My goal is to shrink the wealth gap,” Ventura said.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, a Geneva Republican, also said that if incentives are given, they should be broader-based tax breaks instead of prioritizing one business over another.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, a Morris Republican, said lawmakers are still reviewing the mega project legislation. One concern she’s heard from local economic development directors is the proposed 23-year minimum length for incentive agreements. Rezin said local officials in her area have found the most success with shorter terms.
She also noted Illinois has proven, flexible economic development tools already, including enterprise zones and tax-increment finance districts, or TIFs.
While some lawmakers had concerns or were supportive of it, others were not as clear-cut.
State Sen. Craig Wilcox, a McHenry Republican, likes certain elements of Canty’s bill, like the local board of review concept, but also has questions and concerns, and is hoping to see examples of similar efforts that have worked elsewhere.
He said he has learned governments at any level don’t usually do well against big corporations in negotiations, and government and taxpayers often end up on the wrong end of them.
He also hopes no bill will be rammed through.
“This is a pretty detailed discussion,” Wilcox said.
State Rep. Suzanne Ness, a Crystal Lake Democrat, said she sees upsides and downsides to the bill.
The weighted vote on the local tax review board could force people to collaborate in new ways, but it could slow things down. The plan could also help local school districts avoid the delayed tax benefit that occurs with TIFs, she
said. Ness is against using taxpayer dollars for stadiums.
Rep. Kam Buckner, a Chicago Democrat whose district includes Soldier Field, said he prides himself on “being pro-people and pro-business.”
Buckner said there were good things in both Canty’s and a related proposal, but that he didn’t think they should be applied to a sports stadium. He also pointed out that negotiated special payments could be below the normal tax rates.
One area where there’s more common ground is on providing public money to offset infrastructure costs for things like roads and public transit. The Bears’ move would necessitate such improvements, but the public would also benefit.
Reick is “not dead-set” against that kind of public funding, saying it’s the government’s job to provide such services and the cost shouldn’t fall to other local taxpayers.
Residents speak out at U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood’s immigration policy forum
By CLAIRE O’BRIEN cobrien@shawmedia.com
At a forum Friday evening in Aurora, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, said she was “horrified” by the actions of federal law enforcement agents in the area.
The forum was the same day Aurora Mayor John Laesch said the city had been informed of a “number of ICE sightings” in town Thursday.
Laesch said he marched with residents from downtown Aurora “to the site of one of the ICE snatchings to show my support for those whose lives have tragically been affected by these raids.”
Federal officials launched an immigration operation in Chicago last month, and officials said the operation was in honor of Katie Abraham, one of two women killed in a hit-and-run crash in January in Urbana. A grand jury indicted a 29-year-old man, a Guatemalan national who also faces federal false identification charges, the Associated Press reported.
Many at the forum appeared to align with Underwood and Laesch. Most of the speakers discussed how current immigration events have affected them, and every speaker was met with applause.
Underwood also had a closed session where people could talk away from the news media.
Luz Aranda, who said she is a community organizer with Spanish Community Center in Joliet and a proud Mexican, woman, mother, wife, daughter, sister and tia (aunt), said she has been directly affected by the “undeserved pain and violence that continues to devastate our communities.”
She said she has been proud of who she is and where she comes from her whole life.
“Most of us are here, not to harm, not to take, but to contribute, to thrive, to dream,” Aranda said, adding those are the people being attacked, not criminals.
She said she spoke to a woman Thursday whose daughter had been taken on the way to work. The woman was trying to provide for her family, including a 2-year-old daughter.
“Now that grandmother is left to explain the unexplainable, why her granddaughter’s mother isn’t home,” Aranda said.
The woman didn’t have a criminal
record, and countless people are scared to go to the store, church or drop their kids off at school or exist “in the open,” Aranda said.
“This is not the America my father
brought me to. And yet here we are, still standing, more united than ever.
“We are not the enemy. We are the very fabric of what makes this country stronger, more vibrant and more just. We are the American Dream in motion,’ Aranda said.
Aranda asked those at the forum “not to give up on us. Don’t look away, don’t grow weary, because we are worth fighting for.”
Karina Garcia, who said she was the president of the Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said she was there on behalf of local businesses and community members “who are deeply hurting at all levels.
“What we are witnessing in our neighborhood is heartbreaking. Families living in fear, hardworking peoples being targeted” and a sense of uncertainty, Garcia said.
She said “we need leadership” and
page 11
Audience members clap on Friday during an immigration forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood.
Claire O’Brien
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (center) speaks on Friday during an immigration forum in Aurora.
action to ensure people are not targeted based on the color of their skin or their background.
Garcia said her parents brought her to the U.S. when she was 9 to pursue the American Dream. “That dream has become a nightmare now.”
She said her mother is seeking a flight back to Mexico, and local businesspeople are afraid that federal officials will come in and take staff based on the color of their skin.
Attendee Edith Calderon said she is a co-lead on the Aurora Rapid Response team. The team began in 2018 and educates, advocates and investigates for immigrants and refugees in Aurora and surrounding areas, Calderon said.
Calderon said her team confirmed six ICE sightings in Aurora Thursday and detailed harassment that team members faced.
“Yesterday was very crazy for the whole community,” Calderon said Friday, thanking community members for coming out and helping the team.
Underwood said she is “horrified” by recent actions of federal agents in the community.
“Their conduct is making our community less safe,” Underwood said.
She said a constituent had been pepper sprayed Thursday in Aurora “without any apparent justification.”
“Our communities are being terrorized, brutalized and illegally occupied by a president who wants to be a king,” Underwood said.
Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and is the top Democrat on the Homeland Security appropriations subcommittee, which oversees the department’s funding.
“The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with protecting the American people, but that mission must always be carried out responsibly, with the utmost respect for civil rights and the rule of law,” Underwood said.
Laesch spoke briefly at the forum Friday, nodding to the “enormous level of anxiety” for the undocumented and for residents who have their papers.
“The temperature is certainly heating up,” Laesch said, adding it was “important” the community demonstrate peacefully and “let everybody know that we do not tolerate and accept” what’s going on in Illinois and Aurora.
Laesch said federal law enforcement is not operating with warrants, but patrols neighborhoods “looking for targets of opportunity, so we must all remain vigilant.”
Laesch told attendees to help neighbors who don’t feel safe by getting them groceries, mowing their lawns and shoveling their sidewalks in the winter.
Laesch also said in part in a statement: “This unconstitutional deployment of federal officers resulted in multiple snatchings of community members, targeting, specifically, our city’s strong and diverse Hispanic population. As mayor, I am committed to fighting for our residents against racism and fascism. ... This overarching power grab by the presidential administration is one that is rooted in intimidation and racial profiling, and I vigorously oppose this in our community.”
He said the city previously didn’t put out a statement on immigration enforcement “to protect our most vulnerable residents from being targeted. The large presence of ICE officials and deputized bounty hunters in our community, though, has demanded a public response.”
Laesch also said the Aurora Police Department hasn’t cooperated or coordinated with immigration officials, in accordance with the Illinois TRUST Act. He said claims that Aurora police assisted ICE with detaining a resident Thursday were not true, and body camera shows the opposite of the claims.
The TRUST Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, was signed into law in 2017 by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. The Illinois Way Forward Act, signed into law in 2021 by Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, also limits sheriffs’ ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Capitol News Illinois reported.
A judge blocked deployment of the national guard to Illinois for two weeks Thursday, saying there wasn’t substantial evidence that there was a “danger of rebellion” brewing, the Associated Press reported. Underwood nodded to that ruling in her remarks Friday, but an appeals court ruled Saturday the troops can stay in the state but can’t be deployed, the AP reported.
Claire O’Brien
Audience members listen on Friday during an immigration forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood in Aurora.
Cattle grazing enhanced by virtual fencing system
By MARTHA BLUM mblum@shawmedia.com
Greg Thoren is using a virtual fencing system to graze cattle in various areas of his farm as part of his regenerative agriculture plan for his operation.
The Jo Daviess County farmer has been using the GPS-enabled neckbands for almost a year.
“I have about 200 neckbands on now,” Thoren said of the neckbands, which are put on cows, as well as fall calves.
The virtual fence provides opportunities for grazing different areas of the farm beyond pastures, including ditches along the road.
“When the cattle hit the boundary, there’s a tone and then it will shock them,” Thoren said. “If they are out of the boundary, the collar will shut off and won’t keep shocking them because the cattle won’t know where to go.”
“The neat part about the neckbands is when the cattle are in a group and one of them beeps, all the cattle turn around because they don’t know if it is theirs or not,” he said during a Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, organized by the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau.
In addition to the grazing benefits, the virtual fencing system is also impacting the health of the cattle herd.
“Greg moves the cows routinely, so we can do a good parasite control program in the adult animals without using a dewormer,” said Bob Melcher, a retired veterinarian.
“We monitor fecal samples every year to get counts of how many worm eggs are excreted by the adult cows,” he said. “The parasite population is low enough in those cows that it does not justify economically to deworm the cows.”
Thoren is deworming the first calf heifers, the second calf cows and all the calves.
“We still have a parasite load and it will affect the youngest animals the most,” Melcher said.
“This lets us get away from one investment and we still have very healthy cattle,” he said.
“One thing that has grown over the last two years is a coccidiosis problem and we’ve seen some clinical cases and we’re starting to see an increase in the fecal samples,” he added. “It has been a minimal problem, but it has gotten a little worse this year compared to last year.”
The veterinarian expects this is related to the water.
“I think this is building up because they are contaminating their own water supply and reinfecting themselves,” he said.
So, instead of always using the creek, Thoren installed a watering system that is catching spring water to supply water to drinkers.
“I have nine of these waters on this farm and another set of four on a different farm,” he said. “I probably won’t have cattle on more than one, maybe two drinkers at any one time.”
These systems require little maintenance and they have been installed on farms that Thoren rents.
“We’ve taken care of this land like it is our own,” he said. “And we’re doing this for the next generation — getting it set up for them.”
Without using insecticides, Melcher said, it is almost impossible to get complete fly control.
“Greg is using fly predators, but I don’t think they work as well when we’re doing rotational grazing,” he said. “If you’re going to use fly predators, you need to get them out there early before the fly population builds, so you can keep the fly populations suppressed.”
It is important for cattlemen to
observe their cattle to determine the kind of flies that are causing problems.
“Horn flies are on the top of the body of the animals and they live on the cow their whole life,” Melcher said. “They will suck 20 to 30 blood meals per day.”
Stable flies are found on cows’ legs.
“They bite and suck a blood meal, but they do not live on the cows,” Melcher said.
“You have to be careful about using larvicides because they will affect dung beetles,” he said. “Dung beetles are a part of Greg’s fertility program because they are taking manure down into the ground and making available to plants.”
Melcher discussed epigenetics, which is how genes of animals are stimulated or suppressed based on the environment where they live.
“In this situation where cattle don’t go inside and they spend all their time in the pasture, you’ll see the cattle adapt to the environment,” he said.
“It does not change the genetic makeup of the animal, but it changes the expression of those genes and everything you do has a tradeoff, so if you do something long enough, the animals will adapt to that environment,” he added.
“It’s a total program, so we are trying to get the body size down a little bit, so
the maintenance expense is less.”
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have a number of field plots that are evaluating regenerative practices.
“We have rotationally grazed pastures and sites that are regenerative where we’re not using tillage and we’re using cover crops and manure for the fertilizer source,” said Dennis Busch, research manager at Pioneer Farm at UW-Platteville.
“We also have business as usual sites where manure is injected, there are no cover crops, in the spring we use urea for additional fertilizer and they get a couple of tillage passes.”
These trials are showing, Busch said, the amount of erosion and phosphorus losses in the conventional plots are higher than in the regenerative plots.
“That is what we would expect, but the soil health system is not significantly different than our pasture system,” he said. “So, the advanced soil health is giving us water quality outcomes similar to the pasture.”
Busch will be doing data collection this fall on plots that are currently growing on Thoren’s farm.
“It looks like the regenerative systems that we are utilizing can produce some really significant outcomes in regard to water quality,” he said.
AgriNews photo/Martha Blum
Greg Thoren (far right) shows those attending the Nutrient Stewardship Field Day the characteristics of the soil where he is growing cover crops on his Jo Daviess County farm in northwestern Illinois.
Ottawa attempted murderer challenges conviction
not adequately represented at trial and wants new proceedings.
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
An Ottawa man convicted of attempted murder will not stand for sentencing Oct. 15. Anthony Brito has a new lawyer and will argue that he didn’t get a fair trial.
Brito, 32, of Ottawa, faces up to 50 years in prison after an August jury trial ended in four felony convictions led by attempted murder. A jury convicted him of trying to kill Larry Burns in a 2023 shooting near La Salle County’s downtown Ottawa courthouse.
Since then, however, Brito had a disagreement with Chicago defense attorney Charles Snowden, who was permitted to withdraw from the case. Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. then approved Brito’s request for the services of a public defender.
New motions are pending in La Salle County Circuit Court, but in a handwritten filing, Brito said he was
The judge agreed Thursday to allow Brito’s new counsel to review the trial transcripts. Ryan canceled the Oct. 15 sentencing hearing and set the matter over for status Dec. 11.
Assuming Brito’s conviction stands, he won’t be sentenced until early next year.
At trial, Brito argued that none of the eyewitnesses got a good look at the shooter who fired Sept. 12, 2023, in downtown Ottawa. A jury rejected that and concluded that it was Brito who aimed at Burns and, after a pair of misfires, squeezed off multiple rounds.
Police seized a 9-mm pistol at the Ottawa residence where Brito was taken into custody. A forensic analyst testified that the pistol matched shell casings recovered at the scene. Another analyst testified that the DNA found on the pistol was most likely Brito’s.
Prosecutors had said that Brito was trying to silence Burns, who was cooperating in a separate investigation against Brito.
Scott Anderson file photo
Anthony Brito of Ottawa, seen here entering a La Salle County courtroom ahead of his August trial for attempted murder, parted company with his lawyer and said he didn’t get a fair trial. Brito’s sentencing range, which tops out at 50 years, was postponed while he seeks a new trial.
La Salle County boosts election judge pay 62%
New contract with Laborers Union sails through
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
La Salle County needs more election judges, so compensation will be boosted by 62%.
Thursday, a divided La Salle County Board approved an increase in pay for election judges from $185 per day to $300 per day, subject to reimbursement of $65 per judge.
The vote was 16-11. Those voting no questioned the size of the jump.
“This is quite the increase, quite honestly,” said member Ray Gatza (R-Dimmick), one of the no votes. “If we need it, we need it, but there’s no stairstep.”
Board member Doug Trager (D-Ottawa) said the committee predicated the $300 on a base rate of $20 an hour, which was deemed “very fair” in light of the 15-hour day judges typically log.
“We all want to make sure the elections are run correctly,” Trager said.
County Clerk Jennifer Ebner said she is “about halfway” toward retaining a sufficient number of judges for the March 2026 primary election. Nevertheless, La Salle County has never hit the stated goal of 595 judges for the county’s 119 precincts; no nearby
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Stage 212 announces auditions for ‘Little Women’ production
Stage 212 in La Salle will hold auditions for its Winter 2026 production of the musical “Little Women” on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at the theater, 700 First St. Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26, pending availability.
Director Karen Lesman said participants must be at least 17 years old. Auditioners should prepare a memorized song cut no longer than one minute from a musical, but not from “Little Women.” A backing track will be provided, and a speaker will be available.
Auditions include a short dance combination, so closed-toe shoes that can be laced or strapped securely are
county has hit its maximum, Ebner said
Finally, the county board unanimously approved a labor contract with the Laborers International Union of the North America Local Union 393. The three-year deal, retroactive to last
December, is for a 5% wage increase in the first year, a 4.5% increase in the second year and a 4% increase in the third.
In other matters, the board:
• Purchased new squad car cameras for the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office. The five-year contract was awarded to
Axon, Inc. for five years $104,302.80
• Conferred the Student Excellence awards on Owen Supan of Tonica Grade School and Serenity Guzman of Marquette Academy
• Reconvenes at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
required. Acting auditions will consist of script cuts, which do not need to be memorized. Audition materials are available at stage212.org.
Video auditions are accepted until 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. Submissions must include the auditioner’s name, age, character(s) auditioning for, song title and show.
Videos should be emailed to karenlesman57@gmail.com with the auditioner’s full name in the subject line.
All auditioners must complete an online form at stage212.org before attending.
“Little Women” will be performed Feb. 6-15, 2026.
For questions, contact director Karen Lesman at karenlesman57@gmail.com.
– Shaw Local News Network
Aria Nouveau to perform in Ottawa concert series
Aria Nouveau, featuring soprano Laura Auer and tenor John Riesen, will perform Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. at Central Intermediate School as part of the Ottawa Concert Association’s series. The duo will present a mix of classical crossover, Broadway hits, opera favorites and popular music. Auer has appeared on VH1/Lifestyle Network and with multiple symphonies. Riesen is a finalist from “America’s Got Talent,” a Lincoln Center soloist, and has more than 4 million Spotify streams. Tickets are $25 at the door, but a yearly membership for all four shows is available for $60.
For tickets, call Beth at 815-228-6474.
Scott Anderson
Election judges such as Bobby Bradish, a first-timer when this photo was taken April 1 at the Utica Village Hall, are getting harder to find. The La Salle County Board responded to the shortage Oct. 9 by boosting pay from $185 to $300 per day.
– Kevin Solari
Photo provided by Dale Wolf
Aria Nouveau will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 30, at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa, in the next concert of the Ottawa Concert Association’s concert series.
Utica’s beloved Burgoo festival turns 55
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
The 55th annual Burgoo Festival was held this weekend downtown Utica.
This year’s Burgoo brought in more than 400 vendors. Burgoo is a hearty dish of smoked meat and vegetables cooked over an open fire.
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Melissa Herron of Peru stirs a large kettle of stew Sunday during the 55th annual Burgoo Festival in Utica. TOP RIGHT: Some Burgoo stew bubbles and boils Sunday during the 55th annual Burgoo Festival in Utica. ABOVE: A crowd walks down Mill Street during the 55th annual Burgoo Festival on Sunday in Utica.
LEFT: Koverick Hughes of Peru makes tools Sunday inside the Blacksmith Shop during the 55th annual Burgoo Festival in Utica. The Blacksmith Shop is part of the La Salle County Historical Society campus.
Sue HeiderSpencer LueckeMark WitekSteve WitekKristy PytelAmy Noy
What is your deepest wound?
I am talking soul wounds – those we don’t want to talk or think about. The wound some will do anything to ignore because it goes so deep and follows us wherever we go throughout life.
When left unacknowledged, our soul wound causes us to point the finger at our life circumstances and the people around us as the reason for our difficulties. It prevents us from seeing clearly and allows us to align ourselves with people and patterns of destructive tendencies that do not have our best interests at heart.
This wound keeps us from contributing to the world in the unique way for which we were designed. It prevents us from feeling fully alive and entangles us in a mental and emotional struggle to get through our days.
Untended soul wounds keep us stuck in patterns of discord. Collectively, our untended soul wounds are what keep us in interior and exterior disarray, such as what we are experiencing on a global level these days.
We all have them. Although each of our soul wounds is unique, they often
SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
form somewhere in our early years, and they will continue to act out at various times in our lives until we finally listen and encounter them.
These wounds can be our friends – if we let them – because buried inside your deepest soul wound is the gift you are here to give to the world.
The late Dutch priest Henri Nouwen often wrote of the “wounded healer” archetype. Nouwen, himself a highly regarded theologian and prolific spiritual writer, struggled throughout life with feeling as if he wasn’t “enough,” or at other times “too much,” for others to deal with emotionally. He used the pain of his own wounds to understand and heal others.
In his later years, Nouwen abandoned his esteemed academic status at Yale and Harvard to live in the L’arche community at Daybreak and care for those with
intellectual disabilities. Through his experiences, particularly with a young man named Adam, Nouwen learned spiritual truths that cannot be found in academia.
Nouwen learned that acknowledging the deep pain of his own soul wound gave him the insight to encounter the wounds in others with sensitivity and grace.
One of his last books was called “The Inner Voice of Love.” It is a collection of words that he had written to himself during a deeply dark time in his life. The words he wrote were intended to remind him of his inherent value as a beloved child of God when all he felt inside were the dark waves of depression beating against him. He never intended these short, very private and personal missives to be published, but after being encouraged by friends of their importance for others, he yielded.
This book was deeply valuable to me during my forays into the darkness of depression. Nouwen’s gentle heart and simple writing style were the spiritual medicine I needed to encounter the darkness I was experiencing within. By writing about his deepest wounds, Nouwen’s
experience was a gift that, in turn, helped me know myself as a beloved child of God, something no one and nothing could ever take from me.
And so it is with each of us.
Our deepest wounds will differ, but they all hold the potential to bear spiritual fruit. The trick is to be brave enough to recognize the misery these wounds cause in our own lives, and in the lives of others, when left unacknowledged and untended. We must have the courage to face and feel our pain in the all-encompassing presence of the holy one, who will guide us through to the other side.
Our deepest wounds can be alchemized into spiritual medicine for the benefit of others.
It is up to each of us whether we are going to cling to our wounds as a way to avoid taking responsibility for ourselves or offer them to the spirit of the living God for the sake of helping to heal our fragile, broken world.
•SpiritMattersisaweeklycolumnby JerrilynZavadaNovakthatexamines experiencescommontothehumanspirit. Contactheratjzblue33@yahoo.com.
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SHANNON “SPARKY” MICHAEL HARTLEY
Born: January 8, 1982 in Mendota, IL
Died: September 29, 2025 in Peoria, IL
Shannon Michael Hartley, 43, of Mendota, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Born on January 8, 1982, in Mendota IL, he was the beloved son of Mick and Barbara (Shannon) Hartley. Known to many as “Sparky,” he carried his nickname as a reflection of his light, energy, and the warmth he brought to those around him.
Sparky will be remembered as a loving brother, son, uncle, friend, and as a kind soul whose warmth and humor touched everyone he met. He graduated from Illinois State University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and throughout his life he remained dedicated to his community as a long-time member of both the Mendota Moose Lodge and the Mendota VFW. Sparky cherished
VIRGINIA “GINNY” SCHMIDT
Born: February 23, 1935 in Mendota, IL
Died: October 2, 2025 in Rockford, IL
Virginia “Ginny” (Smith) Schmidt, 90, born on February 23, 1935, in Mendota, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Rockford, IL. A visitation for Ginny with take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Peter from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A graveside ceremony will occur at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota, IL, on October 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. after which Ginny and her husband Howard Schmidt will be laid to rest. For more information, please visit www. fitzgeraldfh.com.
the time he spent with his friends and family, creating memories filled with joy, laughter, and love that will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He enjoyed watching sports, playing poker, and shooting pool, and as a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox, he cheered his teams with unwavering passion and loyalty. Above all, he will be remembered for the love he shared and the light he brought into the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his loving parents, Mick and Barb Hartley of Mendota, IL; his brother, Jesse (Cynthia) Hartley, and their children, Justin, Aiden, and Karina of Montclair, CA; and his sister, Heather (Gregg) Mumm, and their children, Travis and Makenzie of Troy Grove, IL. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Public visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, with Deacon Ray Fischer officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Memorial contributions may be made in Sparky’s memory to the Mendota Moose Lodge. For the online guestbook and video tribute, please visit www.horner-merritt.com.
MYRNA A. KNAPP
Born: October 27, 1938 in Duluth, Minnesota
Died: September 30, 2025 in Mendota, Illinois
Myrna A. (Jones) Knapp, 86, of Mendota, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Stonecroft Village in Mendota. Visitation was held at the Zion United Methodist Church, Mendota, on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.
Funeral services were Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 AM at Zion United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jeff Brace officiating. Burial followed at Restland Cemetery. Arrangements are through The Fiocchi Funeral Homes, private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Myrna was born on October 27, 1938, in Duluth, MN, to Bob and Lois (Johnson) Jones. She married William Knapp on June 22, 1961, in Las Vegas, NV.
She is survived by her son, Tracy (Laura) Knapp; her daughters, Stacy (Bill) Piller and Teri (Mark) Wenzel, all of Mendota; four grandchildren, Bill (Liz) Knapp, Kurtis (Morgan)
DEBRA “DEBBIE” SHERIDAN
Born: August 20, 1959 in Mendota, IL
Died: October 8, 2025 in Mendota, IL
Virginia “Ginny” Lee (Smith) Schmidt, born on February 23, 1935, passed away October 2, 2025 and Howard LeRoy Schmidt, born on March 6, 1934, previously passed away February 1, 2022. The family of Howard and Ginny Schmidt invite you to a graveside ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota, IL, on October 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. to honor this couple as we lay them to rest. A luncheon will follow. Ginny’s funeral mass will be held two days earlier on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, IL, at 11:00 am with a visitation beginning at 10:00. For more information, please visit www. fitzgeraldfh.com.
Debra “Debbie” Lynn Sheridan, 66 of Mendota, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Allure of Mendota. She was born Aug. 20, 1959 in Mendota, the daughter of Manford and Rose (Fitzgerald) Sheridan.
Debbie was a graduate of Mendota High School, class of 1977. Over the years Debbie worked as a teachers aid for LaSalle-Peru Elementary Schools. She loved growing up on the farm with her brother and sister where she
DEATH NOTICE
ADAM SANDEN
Adam S Sanden, 33, of Manlius, IL, passed on 09/25/25.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, IL. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
Knapp, Isaac (Hannah) Piller, and Madeline Piller; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband William, her parents; her sister, Chris; and her brother, Dale.
Myrna attended Starkweather High School in Starkweather, ND. She attended Minot State Teachers College in Minot, ND and graduated on June 3, 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education.
Together with her husband, she was a partner in Reliable Excavating Inc. and Knapp Farms, Inc. She was also a dedicated member of the Mendota Business and Professional Women’s Club and Zion United Methodist Church.
A gifted musician, Myrna taught piano for more than 60 years, played the organ, and sang in many choirs throughout her life. She loved her family and friends fiercely and will be remembered most for her kindness.
Memorials may be directed to Mendota Christian Food Pantry or Mendota Area Senior Services.
was always surrounded by the many animals and kittens that she loved.
Debbie is survived by her 2 siblings: Bonnie (Lynn) Brewbaker of St. Louis, MO and Bob (Kathi) Sheridan of Mendota and; 2 nephews: Scott (Heidi) Sheridan and Kevin (Jean) Sheridan; 3 great nieces and nephews: Thomas, Nick and Clara Sheridan.
Public visitation will be 9:30 - 11:00 AM, Sat. October 11, 2025 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota. Funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM at the church. Private, family only burial after the funeral mass. Pallbearers will be Bob Sheridan, Lynn Brewbaker, Scott Sheridan, Kevin Sheridan, Thomas Sheridan and Nick Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit www. horner-merritt.com for online guest book.
VIRGINIA “GINNY” & HOWARD SCHMIDT
ELWOOD FRANK KIDD
Born: February 2, 1939
Died: September 30, 2025
Elwood Frank Kidd, 86, of Earlville, IL, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, while doing what he loved the most, farming his land.
Elwood was born Feb. 2, 1939, the son of Frank and Margaret (Foulk) Kidd, on the family farm in Triumph, IL. Elwood married JoAnn Ruth Rosette on Dec 6th, 1958. Elwood was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Elwood Kidd Jr.; and sister, Elaine Swope.
Elwood was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He operated Penrose Elevator in Welland for many years and was a lifelong farmer.
Elwood is survived by his wife JoAnn Kidd of Earlville, IL; two sons, James (Nancy) Kidd of Earlville, IL and David (Laura Hale) Kidd of Paw Paw, IL; one daughter, Beth (David) Hubbard of Earlville, IL; eight grandchildren, Brandon Kidd, Brittany (Tyler) Klein, Katelynn (Drew) Hartman, Kersten (Jaime) Walter, Jason (Nicole) Kidd, Jessica Kidd, Trevor Buffington and Austin (Graciela Michel) Buffington; 6 great-grandchildren, Oliver, Claire, Jameson, Madelyn, Isabelle and Kylie; and one great-granddaughter on the way.
Public visitation was Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota IL. Funeral service was Saturday, October 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota with Pastor Elise Rothfusz officiating. Burial followed at Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit www.horner-merritt. com for online guestbook.
PATRICIA JOAN GRAESSLE
Born: November 10, 1936 in Noble IL
Died: July 29, 2025 in Concord CA
Patricia Joan (Kleckner) Graessle, age 88, of Brentwood, CA, departed this life on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 to be with our Heavenly Father. Joan was born in Noble, IL, to Harry E. and Ethel G. (Smith) Kleckner on November 10, 1936. She was raised in Mendota, IL. Joan met the love of her life, Fred Graessle from Germany. Fred was a nephew to the Holdenrids in Mendota. Joan and Fred were married September 23 1955 in Mendota. They moved to Pontiac, and later moved to California. Joan is survived by her husband, Fred Graessle of Brentwood, CA; her two loving children, Debra (Mike) Meredith of Concord,
CA and Jeffrey (Stacy) Graessle of Antioch CA. She left behind three wonderful grandchildren, Amie (Randy) Kline of San Diego, CA, Jason (Heather) Meredith of Santa Fe NM and Greg Graessle and his two children (Joan’s great grandchildren) Thomas and Colin Graessle. She also left her younger sister, Beverly (Bob) Burnette of Ashton, IL; two nephews, Rod (Lynn) Burnette of Ashton, IL and Doug (Susie) Burnette of Rochelle, IL; two nieces Cindy (John) Markich of Skokie, IL and Christy Edgcomb of Mendota and many more nieces and great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Joan, was predeceased by her sister, Betty Edgcomb of Mendota, who passed away March 1, 2023. A celebration of life will be held November 10, 2025
Each time we’d say “I love you,” her response always was “I love you more.”
Joan was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.
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.
New budget report may have lawmakers pinching pennies during veto session
There’s an awful lot going on in Illinois these days. The General Assembly convenes today about 200 miles southwest of the news epicenter, and while that might mean escaping the nonstop attention focused on Chicago, lawmakers won’t be able to sidestep the harsh reality of a quickly darkening fiscal forecast.
The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.released its annual report Thursday (tinyurl.com/ GOMB26) showing a projected $267 million deficit for fiscal 2026 and a possible $2.2 billion shortfall when fiscal 2027 begins July 1.
“This year’s report shows lower-than-expected corporate tax revenue, federal tax law changes and economic volatility are driving” the current deficit, according to Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois. “Overall revenue is projected to decrease $449 million from the amount antici-
ANOTHER VIEW
EYE ON ILLINOIS
Scott T. Holland
pated last May, to a total of $54.8 billion. Lawmakers originally expected $55.3 billion in revenue while they appropriated $55.1 billion in spending.”
Everyone is free to infer their own takeaways from GOMB’s reports, but I see little value in looking as far ahead as five years. Many of the factors driving current concerns – tariffs unmoored from established economic policy and yet to be validated as legal, an attendant drop in consumer spending likely to worsen during months that typically deliver increases and a rash of corporate tax breaks Congress approved this summer – might’ve
been foreseen 12 months ago but certainly weren’t predictable at a degree that could’ve reliably informed projections.
Were I the governor (I’m more likely to be crowned prince of Liechtenstein), I’d do more than just issue an executive order directing agencies to reserve 4% of appropriations, as Gov. JB Pritzker dictated last month. That’s not a bad idea given the current climate, but it’s also not so much a solution as an attempt to hold course until one storm blows over.
Reading through either the GOMB report or the CNI analysis makes abundantly clear that Illinois, like pretty much every state, is hamstrung in its ability to pursue fiscal stability because such a large percentage of funding for essential programs and services comes from the federal government.
In much the same way local gov-
ernments (especially schools) must dance with the state as its dominant yet clumsy partner, Springfield’s steps are too often intertwined with those from Washington, D.C. And it’s far from the fault of one person or party, but a fact of how The Government has evolved over roughly a century.
For the short term, the GOMB forecast should incentivize lawmakers to be tight-fisted this veto session, whether regarding public transportation, energy reform, the Chicago Bears or any other sector seeking a cash infusion.
If Illinois is to become more self reliant, there’s even less tolerance for throwing good money after bad ideas.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
New Bears stadium could be a win for suburbs – if the deal protects taxpayers
The Chicago Bears’ possible move to Arlington Heights has stirred plenty of debate. For years, talk of a new stadium has come with one big question: Who’s going to pay for it?
A new proposal in Springfield may finally point toward a better answer. Legislation spearheaded by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty of Arlington Heights would create a framework for “mega projects” –developments involving at least $500 million in investment – to negotiate their own property tax agreements. Local taxing bodies, including school, park, and library districts, would get a weighted vote in those negotiations based on how much of the property tax levy they receive.
In other words, the people most affected would have a say. Canty said the bill ensures everyone has a “real and meaningful seat” at the table, and that’s a good start. It’s a rare example of Springfield setting rules that keep power close to home.
The idea deserves serious discussion. Illinois has a long history of taxpayer-funded stadium deals that promised more than they delivered.
This plan, if it works as designed, could bring a new stadium and its economic benefits without shifting the burden onto homeowners.
That doesn’t mean the state should sign off without scrutiny. The details here matter. Negotiations between billion-dollar franchises and local governments must be transparent, equitable, and accountable. No deal should saddle taxpayers with costs decades later, as stadium deals nationwide – and Soldier Field’s renovation over 20 years ago – have shown.
The Bears’ move could be transformational for the northwest suburbs, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and drawing visitors from across the region. But that promise only holds if local governments and taxpayers get a fair shake.
The Bears can afford to build their own home. Canty’s plan offers a framework that lets communities decide how, and whether, to help. If lawmakers get it right, Illinois might finally have a way to welcome big projects without asking taxpayers to foot the bill.
AP file photo
A Chicago Bears logo is seen at a restaurant near Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights on Oct. 14, 2022. With the horses long gone, the Chicago Bears see 326 acres of opportunity at the site.
FREDERICK I. BELL
Born: July 21, 1938 in Oswegatchie, New York
Died: September 28, 2025 in Mendota
Frederick I. Bell, 87 of Mendota, surrounded by his daughters, left this world and arrived in the presence of His Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 28th, 2025.
Visitation will be held at Wasmer Funeral Home in Mendota on Saturday, October 11 th , from 11-2 followed by a service celebrating the life of Fred to be officiated by Reverend Rick Wulf.
Fred was born in Oswegatchie, New York to Irving and Ella (Winifred) Bell.
During his childhood he lived in several towns in NY including Oneida, Carthage, and eventually graduated from high school in the City of Cortland, NY, in 1956. He served in the United States Air Force from September 1956 to December 1959. Eventually, with his family, he moved from Cortland, NY, to Mendota, Il, in 1964. He was employed at Sears in Mendota
for many years while also working at Wayside Press, Del Monte, painting homes, laying carpeting and tile, and other side jobs until he opened Bell’s Carpeting in the oldest brick structure in town, the ICRR Freight House. In 1985 he received an associate’s in liberal studies from Illinois Valley Community College. His last employment until retirement was as a custodian at Mendota High School, where he also subbed in History and Art.
From a young child, baseball was an integral part of Fred’s life. He was a long time third baseman for Mendota men’s softball leagues, a Little League coach and umpire. After retirement, he coached girls’ softball for the Mendota and LaMoille High Schools. He was an avid Yankees fan, and a huge sports fan in general. His constants in life were watching Jeopardy, telling jokes, giving gifts, and eating at Sip-NSnack most weekends. He was a member of the Elks, Moose, VFW, Mendota Golf Course, and Mendota Community Theatre.
During his many years with MCT, he performed, directed, and built sets for countless productions. His artistic expertise helped the club win many trophies on MCT floats in the Sweet Corn Festival parades. With friends, Fred would compete in trivia contests in Chicago and other cities.
Fred wrote several books about trivia, children’s books, and plays. Being an avid Anne Frank and WWIl history buff, he wrote a
play titled “Jugend Morgen” a Play in 2 Acts, which is proudly displayed in the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. Another favorite was his weekly comic strip entitled “ Dusty Mopp” which was based on his experiences as a high school custodian.
Something Fred will always be known for is his artwork. He drew, sculpted, painted, sketched and designed signs using all types of medium. One of his greatest joys was to gift the high school athletes, cheerleaders, and students with beautiful portraits of themselves, usually with their favorite cartoon characters, pets, or anything they wanted in the picture. We lost count of how many he did, but it was in the hundreds for sure. Most of our families’ walls are adorned with Freddy Bell originals too.
Fred’s two most favorite times of the year were the June Wisconsin Dells family trips, (yearly since 2008), and Christmas, as he loved nothing more than giving and being “all together.”
Although Fred was a collector of baseball cards, coins, old bills, stamps, post cards, movies, movie posters, signed autographs, books, WWII memorabilia, and pretty much everything, his greatest and most valuable collection in life was his family and friends. A quote from Fred found among his belongings was “My daughters are my treasures, my grandchildren are precious, my relatives are
all closer than ever to me. I have many close friends, and I am losing them faster and faster as I grow older. I have collected and saved many things which I thought would be worth money someday, but now I realize that more than anything, my girls’ love means more to me than all I’ve saved.”
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, siblings Ralph Leeder, Herbert Bell, Judith Coombs, and Delbert Bell. Memorials may be directed to Abigail Women’s Clinic in Mendota, Il.
Condolences may be sent to wasmerfuneralhome.com
He is survived by one sister, Sandra (Robert) Brown, daughters, Dawn Andresen, Shelly Bell, Joni (Brian) Zinke, Julie (Brian) McConville, grandchildren, Aimee Rock (Rick Hanson), Ashlee (Jon) Nygren, Aubree (Matt) Jenkins, Alxee DeMars (Jordan Dahlback), Derek Stockon, Kaitlyn Stockon, Brannon (Alana) Zinke, Kyrsten Zinke (Brandon Blake), Kelci (Tommy) Feathers, Madison (Kirby) Sudaj, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
STATE
Veto session preview: Federal issues top of mind
By BEN SZALINSKI bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Violent protests, legally questionable immigration raids, and the deployment of National Guard troops without the governor’s approval will be at the forefront of state lawmakers’ minds when they return to Springfield on Tuesday.
“Lawyers in my office are researching other things that we can do” about the federal government’s aggressive tactics, House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, said in an interview with Capitol News Illinois. “We are going to be having some conversations here in the next couple of days to see if there are some things in the veto session that we can get done.”
The General Assembly convenes for the annual fall veto session for three days this week followed by another three days on Oct. 28-30. Lawmakers’ to-do list was already hefty with several issues, including public transportation and energy reform, which were left unresolved in the spring.
But Welch said lawmakers can’t ignore what’s happening at the federal level in Chicago.
His near-west suburban district includes Broadview, where an immigration processing center has become a flash point for clashes between federal agents and protesters.
While he said lawyers are exploring options, leaders acknowledged the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution limits a state’s ability to regulate the federal government’s actions.
“There are limitations on what we can do, which is frustrating, especially when it feels like the federal government is attacking Illinois,” Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, told Capitol News Illinois.
Big Beautiful Bill Act
President Donald Trump also signed a domestic policy plan over the summer with wide-ranging implications on the state budget and social service programs in Illinois.
While programs like Medicaid face cuts in the coming years, the state could see decreased revenue returns because parts of the state’s tax code are tied to the federal code.
However, the leaders tamped down expectations that this month will yield
from a $771 million shortfall that lawmakers were projecting during the spring.
require huge amounts of electricity 24/7.
several big policy initiatives.
“I often remind people that the veto session is six days, not six months, and people who go in with an exaggerated sense of what we can do are most often disappointed,” Harmon said.
Here are some of the issues lawmakers will be grappling with this month:
Transit reform
Saving the Chicago-area transit agencies from having to enact massive service cuts is a top priority for lawmakers this month – though Welch and Harmon both left room for the possibility that it gets pushed to the spring.
“I’m hopeful that we’re going to get something done in the veto session that will address this issue,” Welch said. “If not in veto session, then the regular session.”
Harmon indicated the path forward requires the House to accept or counter a plan passed by the Senate in May. That plan passed just before midnight on the final session day, leaving the House almost no time to consider the measure that contained a controversial $1.50 per-package statewide delivery fee.
“If the House is ready to have that conversation in the fall, we’d happily engage,” Harmon said. “If the House would like to wait until the new year, we’ll roll with the punches.”
The issue lost some urgency when the Regional Transportation Authority released new estimates on Oct. 3 that the Chicago Transit Authority won’t face a funding shortfall until the middle of 2026. Per the new estimate, the four Chicago-area transit agencies – CTA, RTA, Pace and Metra – collectively will be short $202 million next year. That’s down
Because of that, lawmakers theoretically don’t have to pass a reform plan this fall, though the transit agencies approve their budgets in December. That means they will have to plan for the shortfalls in short order, such as by approving cuts or fare hikes, if lawmakers don’t approve new funding.
Lawmakers are still working to reach an agreement about how to fund public transportation and what new sources of revenue – likely tax increases – can receive enough votes.
‘Da Bears’ stadium
The Chicago Bears are committed to building a stadium in Arlington Heights, but the organization says a “megaproject” bill in Springfield is necessary to close the deal. The bill would allow large developments, like what the Bears are proposing, to have property tax assessments frozen so that construction costs don’t raise the property’s value for several years.
Asked about the prospects of the bill passing during the two-week-long veto session, Harmon said the Bears should consider it a “bye week.”
“I am most concerned about the health and ability of their offensive tackles,” Harmon said.
Many Chicago lawmakers, which make up a sizable portion of legislative Democrats, are opposed to the Bears leaving the city. Gov. JB Pritzker also wants the Bears to pay off the remaining $534 million debt from 2003 renovations at Soldier Field that’s held by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.
“We need to make sure that the taxpayers are not burdened by the debt that was put on in the building of the stadium if we’re then going to go on and support more funding for anything to do with the next stadium,” Pritzker said last month.
Energy reform
Customers of Ameren and Commonwealth Edison, the state’s largest electric utilities, saw unusually high prices on their monthly bills throughout the summer. Electric markets around the country have been responding to the first major increase in electric demand in a generation, largely thanks to data centers – large computing facilities that
Since late 2024, state lawmakers have been debating how the state should respond to the increased demand and prices. Lawmakers who are part of the negotiations have signaled for weeks that they are nearing a deal for veto session, though things can change quickly in Springfield.
The bill will likely include expanded incentives for battery storage technology – a major priority for the solar industry – as well as tighter rules around energy efficiency programs at electric utilities and new regulations on how utilities incorporate distributed resources like rooftop solar projects onto the grid.
Welch said he is “hopeful” that lawmakers can reach an agreement. Harmon said he is concerned that incentive programs and other parts of the bill may increase customer costs in the short term, even if there are long-term savings.
The biggest unknown for the bill is whether it will include direct regulations on data centers’ use of electricity, something Welch said is possible.
Hemp regulation
Legislation to regulate hemp sales has stalled in Springfield for several consecutive sessions.
The state’s hemp growers and legal marijuana industry have been at odds, while Pritzker has warned that an existing “gray market” allows unregulated and potentially dangerous hemp-derived THC products to flood the market.
It’s unclear whether lawmakers can pass regulations this fall. But Pritzker has become frustrated by the legislature’s inaction.
“It is a shame on legislators and on this state that we are not already doing something about it,” Pritzker said in September. “We need help from the legislature to make it happen and if not, we may need to impose executive authority to try to shut those sales of intoxicating hemp down.”
Andrew Adams contributed to this report.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
AP file photo
State representatives debate end of the year legislation on the House floor during veto session Dec. 2, 2014, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Martial arts in China
6. The butt of jokes
12. Nevertheless
16. Sportscaster Michaels
17. A firm believer
18. Atomic #18
19. One’s bestie
20. Of I
21. Hamburger accessory
22. Thus
23. Partner to Pa
24. Scottish tax
26. Cuts away
28. Require
30. Government lawyer
31. Own (Scottish)
32. Body cavity
34. Brew
35. Young woman (French)
37. Platforms
39. Pair of points in mathematics
40. Attack suddenly
41. Aviators
43. Make perfect
44. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
45. Neither
47. The center of a city
48. Sacrifice hit in baseball
50. Singer Redding
52. Dragged forcibly
54. Puncture with a knife
56. Belonging to me
57. Expresses surprise
59. Haul
60. The Golden State
61. Biblical Sumerian city
62. Integrated circuit
63. Opposed to certain principles
66. Sodium
67. Qualities
70. Walk
71. It awaits us all
DOWN
1. Ate quickly
2. Peyton Manning’s alma mater
3. Moves through water
4. Run away from
5. Utah resident
6. Natural objects
7. Children’s game
8. Obligation to prove
9. Ancient Greek building for performances
10. Soldier
11. Decorated
12. Catches
13. Russell __, author 14. Speak indistinctly 15. Students get them 25. Japanese warrior 26. Dessert
27. Doleful
29. Most cushy
31. Moon crater
33. Small evergreen Arabian tree
36. Something fugitives are “on”
38. 007’s creator
39. Paintings on hinged panels
41. Type of bomb
42. Japanese classical theater
43. U.S. gov’t department
46. Flightless bird
47. One who cuts wood or stone
49. Buttock and thigh together
51. A way to gather
53. Body part
54. Argentinian city
55. Undergarments
58. Jai __, sport
60. Container for shipping
64. Type of screen
65. Get free of
68. Indicates position
69. Business department
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION School Business Services 217-785-8779
ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS FISCAL YEAR ENDING June 30, 2025
SCHOOL DISTRICT/JOINT AGREEMENT NAME: La Moille CUSD 303 DISTRICT TYPE RCDT NUMBER: 28-006-3030-26 Elementary
ADDRESS: 801 S Main St La Moille IL 61330 High School COUNTY: Bureau Unit X
NAME OF NEWSPAPER WHERE PUBLISHED: Mendota Reporter Joint Agreement
ASSURANCE
The Annual Statement of Affairs has been posted on the district's website and published in accordance with Section 10-17 of the School Code no later than December 1. (Put “X” in blue box if yes.) Yes X
SIZE OF DISTRICT IN SQUARE MILES 88 NUMBER OF ATTENDANCE
The ASA must be posted on the school district’s website and published in a newspaper of general circulation no later than December 1, 2025. Refer to Section 10-17 and Section 1020.44 of the School Code.
Data previously included in the Annual Statement of Affairs can be found at:
Payments to certified personnel Posted on district website per 105 ILCS 5/10-20.47
Student Counts
Financial Data
Included in district’s report card
Illinois Report Card
Included in district’s Annual Financial Report posted on ISBE’s Cerberus Server How to access Cerberus Server
SALARY SCHEDULE OF GROSS PAYMENTS FOR NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Salary Range: Less Than $39.999; Beattie, Linda S; Becker, Dennis K; Becker, Janice K; Bickett, Blair M; Blumhorst, Harvey C; Boege, Richard; Bonnell, Victoria M; Boyles, Dennis; Brandau, James R; Burke, Carly J; Byers, Maci; Cain, Morgan; Cromwell, Troy J; Davis, Ronald E; Deery, Linsey J; DeLong, Steven B; Dinges, Melinda; Drummer, Bella; Dunseth, Melissa; Eden, Melinda; Felton, Stephanie M; Flanagan, Joseph; Gallardo, Gonzalo; Gallardo, Rosalie D; Geiger, Cassidy; Geuther, Janice M; Goy, Evan; Griffin, Cathy S; Hoffman, Susan; King, Cynthia Colleen; Kleckner, Erika; Klein, Janice M; Klein, Barbara A; Leffelman, Gavin; Leffelman, Megan M; Longbein, Monica F; Lovgren, Erin; Lovgren, Brooke; Martin, Alyssa C; Miller, Lori A; Moore, Britta L; Popp, Hayley; Sadnick, Tori M; Sellers, Sara J; Sellers, Darrell L; Shrimplin, Staci R; Smith, Cecelia A; Smith, Emily C; Smith, Christina M; Sondgeroth, Erin; Sprung, Lori B; Stocking, Chastidy; Struna, Jeanne A Salary Range: $40,000 - $54,999; Lopez, Alan; Martin, Cynthia A; Tuntland, Douglas P Salary Range: $55,000 - $74,999; Countryman, Sherri; Shrimplin, Kenneth M;
PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OVER $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES
A.F.T. Local #4347 17,190.60; Amazon Capital Services 14,427.68; Ameren Illinois 2,715.16; American Express 4,777.31; American Funds Service Co 27,260.00; AMG Technology LLC 3,600.00; Barbeck Communications 7,410.20; Barkman Concrete Construction Inc 13,258.36; BC Tech Group 8,215.83; Behavior Disorder Program Coop 7,700.00; BMP Special Ed Co-op 118,378.04; BOK Financial, NA 106,367.71; Central States Bus Sales, Inc 8,936.77; Chris Eller - The Retirement Specialists 3,325.00; Common Goal Systems, Inc. 9,052.63; Comtech Holdings, Inc. 12,801.44; Connecting Point Computer Center 92,013.73; Constellation NewEnergy 23,843.34; Curriculum Associates LLC 7,462.40; Dearborn Life Insurance Company 8,101.63; Department of the Treasury 320,704.29; Diligent Corporation 2,650.00; Elmore Electric 9,852.06; Engie Resources 25,268.66; Especially School Books 20,000.00; ExploreLearning 6,322.86; First State Bank 45,176.15; Fisch Motors, Inc. 3,205.30; Garaventa USA, Inc. 57,416.00; Gifford, Lisa A 89,500.00; Gorenz Counseling and Consulting 16,312.50; Gorenz, Shelley 5,676.77; Hewlett-Packard Financial Services 27,665.34; Hopkins & Associates 12,700.00; I.D.E.S. 10,664.13; IB Source 4,440.52; Illinois Association of School Boards 10,667.00; Illinois Department of Revenue 109,274.96; Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 60,540.49; Illinois School District Agency 80,111.00; ISCorp 6,195.00; IXL Learning 27,695.00; Kaeb Sanitary Supply 9,694.22; Kohl Wholesale 31,210.94; KS State Bank 15,093.85; La Moille CUSD 303 8,350.00; La Moille Revolving Fund 9,676.02; LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center 33,000.00; LaSalle-Peru High School #120 23,572.74; Lighted Way Association 180,117.40; Lindenmier, Elecia 3,190.79; Malden C.C.S.D. #84 11,568.00; Marco, Inc. 11,682.25; Midwest Bus Leasing, Inc. 43,105.00;
Midwest Bus Sales 90,121.04; N2Y, LLC 8,840.94; Northern Partners Coop 28,733.37; Origo Education 4,040.00; Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. 11,891.93; Princeton Automotive 14,070.70; Regional Office of Education #47 22,632.75; School Excess 3,802.00; Skyward 9,294.57; Special Educ Services-Lasalle 45,669.40; Special Educ Services-Tech 21,416.44; Specialty Floors 2,910.00; Staples Credit Plan 4,552.96; Sun Life Financial 3,107.68; TCI 5,723.60; Teachers’ Health Insurance 24,017.13; Teachers’ Retirement System 151,803.89; Teachers Synergy, LLC 5,250.00; Technology Made Easy 20,042.68; Top Youth Speakers 5,490.00; Vaessen Bros. Chevrolet 3,028.69; Village of La Moille 4,975.74; VIRCO INC 3,073.20; Wilkin, Richard 13,050.00; Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Trust 40,763.00; Youth Service Bureau 5,495.68; Zukowski Law Offices 40,360.75; BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois 527,046.35;
PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OF $1,000 TO $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES
Active Internet Technologies 1,340.00; AED Essentials 1,143.00; BR Bleachers 2,218.00; Carquest of Mendota 1,336.00; COR Consulting INC 1,250.00; Dever, Melissa S 1,810.01; Employee Benefits Corp. 1,888.50; FIRM Systems 1,480.00; Follett School Solutions, LLC 1,795.44; Frontier 1,401.29; Hall High School 1,557.24; HOH Water Technology 1,635.69; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1,371.17; Imagine Learning LLC 1,750.00; John’s Service and Sales 1,349.50; Johnson, Anne M 1,155.98; Johnson, Lydia 1,539.25; JourneyEd.com, Inc. 1,055.60; Kone, Inc. 2,058.24; La Moille Auto Care Center 1,408.22; Leffelman, Emily J 2,450.85; Little Ten Conference 1,200.00; LKCS, Inc 1,921.00; Locker Room 1,413.90; McGraw-Hill School Education 1,860.14; Menards 1,690.78; Mendota Reporter 1,153.43; Miller, Lori A 1,203.46; Mystery Science 2,125.00; Orkin Pest Control 2,065.90; OSF Occupational Health 2,078.00; Otterbach Demolition & Concrete Recycling 1,920.00; PublicSchoolWorks 1,995.00; Ramer, Carol 1,063.69; Raptor Technologies LLC 1,995.00; Regional Office of Education #28 2,225.00; Scholastic 2,350.78; School Nurse Supply, Inc. 1,002.41; Starlight Safety & Alarm 1,808.00; Studies Weekly 2,251.99; Sullivan’s Foods 1,147.12; Traffic Logix Corporation 1,800.00
REPORT ON CONTRACTS EXCEEDING $25,000 AWARDED DURING FY2025
In conformity with sub-section (c) of Section 10-20.44 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.44], the following information is required to be submitted in conjunction with publication of the Annual Statement of Affairs [105 ILCS 5/10-17].
INSTRUCTIONS: Double click attached document "Contracts Exceeding $25,000 Guidance" (pdf) below for additional guidance and definitions. The schedule below (Items 1-4) must be completed for contracts exceeding $25,000. If school district/joint agreement does not have any contracts exceeding $25,000, please add zeros (0) to cells "D24"-"D29".
ITEM 1. – Count only contracts where the consideration exceeds $25,000 over the life of the contract and that were awarded during FY2025 and record the number below in the space provided. Do not include: (1) multi-year contracts awarded prior to FY2025; (2) collective bargaining agreements with district employee groups; and (3) personal services contracts with individual district employees.
ITEM 2. – Aggregate the value of consideration of all contracts included in Item 1 and record the dollar amount below in the space provided.
ITEM 3. – Count only contracts where the consideration exceeds $25,000 over the life of the contract that were awarded during FY2025 to minority, female, disabled or local contractors and record the number below in the space provided. Do not include: (1) multi-year contracts awarded prior to FY2025; (2) collective bargaining agreements with district employee groups; and (3) personal services contracts with individual district employees.
3.
4.
*If there are no contracts of this nature, please enter “0” in box to the right.
(October 15, 2025)
Better Shelves. Custom Solutions.
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 ESTAT E OF JOSEP H J. SASO, deceased Case No. 2025PR00010 6 Pu bli ca ti on Notice a nd/or Claims No tice
Notice is given of the d eat h of Joseph J. Saso, whose address was 219 Meadowlark, Sandwich, IL 60548 Lett ers of Of fice were issued on July 24, 2025, to Nora Hurley Marsh, whose address is 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 as I ndependent Administrator, whose at torney is Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd. , 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Notice is given to Jay Saso Print i, and unknown heir s, who are heirs in this cause. The estate will be administered wit hout Court Supervision, unless under Sect ion 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 pet ition to terminat e to the Circuit Court Clerk
Claims against the estate may be filed in the o ffice of Greg Vaccaro, LaSalle County Circuit Clerk, 119 W. Madison Str eet , 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 dat e of mailing or deliver y, whichever is later). Any claim not filed within t hat 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 af ter it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Name: Nora Hurley Marsh
Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd. Atty No.: 3124735
At torney for: Nora Hurley Marsh
Address: 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Phone: 630-325-7 600 10615-956532 (Published Mendot a Reporter Oct. 1, 8, 15, 2025) 956532
Newman picks up the pace late to top Mendota
Comets rally in the 2nd set after strong start to TRAC East match
By TY REYNOLDS
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A fast start gave way to some slower play for Newman in its Three Rivers East match against Mendota.
But the Comets sped up their pace down the stretch to rally for a 25-18, 25-19 win over the Trojans on Tuesday night in Sterling.
After jumping out to a 23-8 lead in the opening set, Newman (10-15, 4-3 TRAC East) struggled to maintain its rhythm for the rest of the first set and most of the second. Trailing 18-14 in the second after a kill by Mendota’s Laylie Denault and a block by Mariyah Elam, Newman coach Debbi Kelly called a timeout to regroup.
Her message to the Comets: Speed things up and get back to playing their game.
“Coach just said, ‘Come on guys, get the energy up,’ and we listened very well,” libero Amaya Gomez said. “We got the energy up right away and came back. I was so proud of us that we could keep going with it and not stop. I’m so proud of the team tonight.”
A hitting error by Mendota (4-19, 0-7) put Newman’s Gisselle Martin back on the service line, and she reeled off back-to-back aces before a Bella Lanning kill tied the score at 18. Two kills by Ruby Burger and a dump for a kill by setter Brooklyn Smith were part of Martin’s eight-point service run as the Comets took control 23-18.
“My only goal was just to get the serves over, honestly. All that mattered was I got my serves in, and they didn’t really receive it well, so I think I did a pretty good job,” Martin said. “We’ve been working on aggressive serves, short serves, deep serves, just all types of serves. It was pretty good tonight.”
It was only fitting that Lanning’s ace finished off the win, because that serving set the tone from the start.
Lucy Oetting had a pair of aces after kills by Martin and Lanning to open the match, then Gomez went on a nine-point service run to give the
Comets a 19-5 lead. Oetting, Smith and Kennedi Shippert had kills in that stretch and Lauren McClain added a kill and a block. A block by Shippert, a kill by Lanning and two more points by Oetting stretched the margin to 23-8.
“Honestly, me personally, I’ve been working on my serves,” Oetting said. “Last Thursday I missed two serves, Monday I missed two serves, so I’ve just been working on my serve a lot, trying to make it better and better for each match.”
Newman’s runs coincided with some solid passing. When the Comets were connected back to front, things ran more smoothly for the offense.
“I was very proud of our passing tonight,” Gomez said. “We had our angles down, and we were just com -
municating very well whose ball it was, being able to stay out of the way for the person to pass it.”
“We struggled a little bit here and there, but usually our passing was pretty good,” Oetting said. “We usually work a lot on serve-receive every single day, and that’s the key for us doing it in the match.”
The Trojans took advantage of Newman shuffling the lineup with the big lead to claw their way back. Elaina Koch had a block and Eva Beetz served an ace before Elam’s block ignited a Koch service run as Mendota got within 24-18 on a Denault kill.
Lanning spiked a kill to close out the first set, then the teams went back and forth in the second before Newman’s final surge down the stretch.
Lanning had nine kills, Burger and
McClain both had four kills and a block, and Shippert had a pair of kills and a block for Newman. Smith dished 18 assists, Martin added 10 points, two aces, two kills and a block, Oetting finished with eight digs, six points, two aces and a kill, and Gomez chipped in 11 points and five digs.
“Our key tonight was sticking together,” Martin said. “We all know that we have each other’s backs no matter what happens at the end of the day, so we stuck together and believed in one another and our ability to play, and that led to some good teamwork.”
Denault led Mendota with seven kills, Koch added 10 points, five kills and a block, and Elam had two kills and a block. Beetz finished with seven assists, five points and two aces, and Kate Strouss dished four assists.
Alex T. Paschal file photo
Newman’s Brooklyn Smith makes a pass against Dixon earlier in the season.
Princeton shows up in 2nd half to beat Mendota
Tigers outscore Trojans
34-0 after leading just 14-10 at halftime
By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com
One play was all it took to set the Princeton Tigers in motion Friday night at Bryant Field.
Casey Etheridge scored on the first play of the second half, racing 65 yards to paydirt to give the Tigers an 11-point lead.
The Tigers went on to outscore the Trojans by 34 in the second half with two TDs apiece by Etheridge and quarterback Gavin Lanham to win going away for a 48-10 Three Rivers Mississippi victory over Mendota.
That was the Tiger’s team Princeton coach Ryan Pearson said he was looking for.
“We challenged them at halftime,” Pearson said. “I didn’t think our execution was very good in the first half. We had some missed assignments. But I was very, very happy with how they responded. In the second half, I thought our offense, defense and special teams all played extremely well, and that’s the team I knew we could have.
“You saw what we could be, and that is encouraging to me as a coach, but we have to put two halves together.”
Princeton senior Eli Berlin said the Tigers took Pearson’s halftime challenge to heart.
“He told us, this isn’t the team we know that we are and didn’t play the way we wanted to play,“ he said. “First half, we came out a little rough. Felt like we were asleep a little bit. Second half, we came out ready to go. We had it all drawn out on the board downstairs, and we had to lock in.
Lanham followed Etheridge’s TD with scores of 3 and 63 yards to make it 34-10 at the end of three quarters.
Etheridge, who rushed for 224 yards on just 13 carries, scored his fourth touchdown of the night on a 19-yard run and freshman Reece Pearson added a 42-yard dash as the Tigers improved to 4-3 overall, 4-1 in conference.
“All of our kids, no matter what the role they were playing, knew we had to
execute better. And I really thought they did that in the second half,” Pearson said. “We really didn’t have a ton of adjustments. We knew exactly what they were going to be in and how to attack them. We just had to execute better.”
A determined Mendota team came to play to start the game, using a 10-play 46-yard scoring drive, taking a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard TD by Jayden Lesley at the 5:47 mark of the first quarter.
Etheridge got the Tigers on the board 2:17 with a 10-yard pass and added a 28-yard TD to put the Tigers up 14-7 early in the second quarter.
Mendota coach Jim Eustice opted to go for the field goal, and Ethan Escatel
made good on a 32-yard kick with 1:25 left in the first half to make it 14-10.
Eustice said the Trojans gave it their best shot, but just couldn’t sustain it in the second half.
“We played hard the first half. We were in it and ultimately over 48 minutes, Princeton was stronger and quicker than us,” he said. “It’s a good lesson for our kids. We need to get our weight program in the offseason like Princeton has been for years. It was evident that as the game wore on that we physically weren’t going to be able to keep up with that for 48 minutes.
“The first play of the second half, the kid broke that one, and you could see the look in our eyes. I was disap -
pointed how it seemed we quit after that. It really took the sail out of our kids, and it just snowballed after that. You have to credit Princeton. They do what they do. They’re stronger than us, and they executed well, and they did everything they needed to do to beat us.
The Tigers have two more important games to play, next week at Aledo Mercer County and then back home vs. Erie-Prophetstown, looking to run the table to finish 6-3 and enhance their playoff seed.
To get there, Berlin said, “We have to come out and play like we did in the second half. We have to play with heart and as a team that we know that we are.”
Scott Anderson
Princeton’s Gavin Lanham sprints to the end zone to score a touchdown against Mendota on Friday at Bryant Field in Princeton.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1917: Chicago White Sox beat New York Giants 4-2 at Brush Stadium to clinch second World Series.
1989: Wayne Gretzky passes Gordie Howe as NHL’s all time top scorer.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
CHALLENGE AT HALFTIME
Tigers outscore Trojans 34-0 in the second half / 31
Princeton’s Casey Etheridge (top) swats the ball, intended for Mendota’s Keegan Beetz (middle) with help from teammate Gavin Lanham (bottom) on Friday, Oct. 10, at Bryant Field in Princeton.
Photo by Scott Anderson