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Election judge pay raise back on the table
County board rejects chairman’s decision, forces new vote
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
A pay raise for election judges in La Salle County may be back on the table –and could be revisited on Thanksgiving Eve.
Monday, the La Salle County Board effectively vetoed a decision by Chairman Don Jensen (R-Deer Park). Jensen, as previously reported, announced he wouldn’t sign an ordinance increasing election judge compensation pay to $300.
Jensen’s decision might not be the last word on the subject. On Nov. 3, the board voted 14 to 11 that Jensen inadvertently broke board rules and that, in turn, voided his decision.
For now, the board’s previous vote – to boost election judge pay to $300 per day – is back in force; but the board could still revisit it and take further action at any time.
What did Jensen do wrong? To hear board member Doug Trager (D-Ottawa) tell it, the rules require the chairman to spell out his objections within 10 days and to do it in writing. Only Jensen sent an
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Walnut resident named international legal association president-elect GROWMARK Inc. senior associate general counsel Mark D. Hansen of Walnut recently was elected president of the International Association of Defense Counsel for 2025-26.
The election was announced during the International Association of Defense Counsel’s 2025 annual meeting in Quebec City, Canada. Hansen received a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and juris doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law.
email, and not every board member has access to email.
“So, therefore, I know for a fact that some of them did not get that notification,” Trager said.
Not every board member was so convinced, but Monday’s three-vote majority means the board will discuss it anew before carving their holiday turkey. The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26.
As previously reported, the La Salle County Board approved on Oct. 9 an increase in pay for election judges from $185 per day to $300 per day, subject to reimbursement of $65 per judge.
The vote then was 16-11. Trager 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.
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 stair-step.”
Jensen went a step further and balked at the 62.2% increase. Despite a narrow majority to boost pay, Jensen cited board
I believe the pay increase is not appropriate, it being a 62.2% increase and by the information given by the County Clerk ... The goal of having adequate numbers of election judges to run the polls to ensure fair, well-run elections should also be considered along with the cost to the taxpayers.”
He worked as a shareholder and director at Heyl, Royster, Voelker and Allen.
He completed a three-year term as corporate vice president and served as a board liaison to various advisory boards and key committees. Hansen also is a member of Litigation Counsel of America and the Society of Trial Lawyers, and he serves on the DRI –The Voice of the Defense Bar board of directors.
BVHS senior named Mendota Elks’Male Teen of the Month
Andrew Roth, a senior at Bureau Valley High School, was named Mendota Elks’ Male Teen of the Month for September 2025. He is the son of April and Keegan Roth. – Shaw Local News Network
Don Jensen wasn’t surprised to learn the La Salle County Board largely flunked a test of which board members answer their county-issue emails. Scott Anderson ON THE COVER
rules that give him the authority not to sign the ordinance.
“I believe the pay increase is not appropriate, it being a 62.2% increase and by the information given by the County Clerk that level of pay is not necessary to attract people to fill the spots,” Jensen told board members via email.
“The goal of having adequate numbers of election judges to run the polls to ensure fair, well-run elections should also be considered along with the cost to the taxpayers.”
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Mark D. Hansen
Scott Anderson Andrew Roth
Don Jensen, La Salle County Board Chairman
One-third of La Salle Co. board answered email
Shaw Local News
Network survey yields less than 40% email response from county board
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
The debate over how much to pay La Salle County election judges took a turn recently when Ottawa’s on Democrat Doug Trager argued Chairman Don Jensen didn’t properly notify the board of his reversal.
Why didn’t Jensen’s action count?
Trager said Jensen needed to notify board members in writing. Jensen used email instead.
“All the board members do not have email,” Trager said.
An analysis by Shaw Media suggests Trager was correct about some board members being offline and unavailable via email. To test Trager’s observation and to quantify responses, each board member was sent a test email on Wednesday, Nov.5. Only 10 members responded over the following five days.
Three members were exempted from the analysis because of medical issues. Even without those carve-outs, however, sixteen members failed to answer. That puts the overall response rate at just 39%.
Trager said he wasn’t surprised. Over time, he had noted which members use computers and email and which do not. Consequently, he expected a low response rate.
“I know at least five, maybe six members who have turned back in their county computers – they don’t use them, they don’t want them,” Trager said. “I know of others who have no personal email, either, so there’s no way to email them at all.”
Jensen said he, too, was generally aware of members who are inactive or not tech-savvy.
“I wasn’t really aware of the extent of it,” Jensen said. “I haven’t really looked at how many actually do look up their emails and respond. We’ll have to take a look at that and see.”
Each board member was contacted using the email addresses listed on the county’s home page, all ending in a “lasallecountyil.gov” domain. Each was asked to reply with updated con -
tact information and was not given a deadline or a requested response time.
Several members responded right away. Ali Braboy, Matt Slager, Tom Miller and Arratta Znaniecki all responded in an hour or less. Trager, Stephen Aubry and Joey Oscepinski replied by noon Wednesday.
“I was elected to serve District 24 and I pride myself on being responsive to my constituents,” Znaniecki said. “I think we should all do the same.”
Several others respond over the next few days and over the weekend.
The issue is whether board mem -
bers responded to the county-issued email addresses listed on the county’s website, which would be the first resource to constituents trying to get in touch with their representatives.
Survey results do not reflect an officeholder’s overall accessibility, either. Tom Templeton, for example, has been prompt in responding to past media queries, but he acknowledged Monday he had not recently checked his county-issued account and missed the Nov. 5 query.
Similarly, Ray Gatza said he is vigilant about checking email but in recent days he’s been bedeviled with a
still-unresolved (as of Monday) password issue – “This is a one-time occurrence,” he insisted – and has pressed for expanded use of email.
Braboy noted the response rate needed to be considered in light of those grappling with personal illness, but she nonetheless urged all members to consider an open discussion about outreach.
“Our constituents deserve to be heard and they deserve a response from us,” Braboy said. “Constituents have busy lives so an email may be the only time or way to send their concerns. We have to be available.”
Scott Anderson file ph
Do La Salle County Board members check their county-email issues? Doug Trager does. The Ottawa Democrat raised the issue recently and said some of his colleagues don’t. A Shaw Media survey showed only a third of Trager’s peers answered their emails in a timely fashion.
Photos from Class 1A State title game
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Mendota’s Johan Cortez reacts with teammate Abel Nanez after loosing to the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School. TOP RIGHT: Mendota keeper Mateo Goy reacts after loosing the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School. ABOVE: Mendota’s Isaac Diaz kicks the ball up the field against Columbia during the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High Shool. LEFT: Mendota fans cheer on the Trojans during the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School.
St. Bede teams up with Red Cross to host community blood drive
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Yannis Yong has his blood drawn Nov. 4 during the St. Bede Community Blood Drive in the Perino Science Center at St. Bede Academy. TOP RIGHT: Gavin Gillan has his blood drawn Nov. 4 during the St. Bede Community Blood Drive in the Perino Science Center at St. Bede Academy. The school’s goal was to collect 100 pints this school year. ABOVE: William Sramek has his blood drawn Nov. 4 during the St. Bede Community Blood Drive in the Perino Science Center at St. Bede Academy. If the school reaches its goal, the Red Cross will award a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior. LEFT: Chris Gedraitis gives blood Nov. 4 with the help of American Red Cross’ Katie Scheid during the St. Bede Community Blood Drive in the Perino Science Center at St. Bede Academy.
Photos by Scott Anderson
L-P student turns volunteer project into learning hub
Illinois
Valley Learning Hub provides free academic help
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
Across the Illinois Valley, students are getting free, one-on-one help from someone who knows what it’s like to be in their shoes.
La Salle-Peru Township High School junior Ryne Bubela, 16, runs the Illinois Valley Learning Hub, a volunteer tutoring program that offers free academic help to elementary and middle school students.
What began a couple of years ago as a way to earn volunteer hours toward L-P’s gold cord program eventually
became something more meaningful.
“After I started tutoring, I realized I was making an impact and actually having an effect on my community,” Bubela said.
Since then, he’s tutored about 20 students from local schools, including Waltham Elementary School in Utica, Lincoln Junior High School in La Salle, Parkside Middle School in Peru and the Academy of St. Carlos Acutis.
Most of his students are in elementary school, but he’s also helped several middle school students, including one eighth grader who needed to pass his U.S. Constitution test to graduate.
“Ryne got my son through his Constitution test with ease,” said Gina Aleksy of Peru, whose son Logan was among Bubela’s students. “He was friendly, kind and easy to contact. I can’t say enough about him as a tutor.”
Bubela meets students mainly at the
Peru Public Library or the Illinois Valley YMCA, working one-on-one in hourlong sessions on math, reading and other subjects.
The sessions are completely free –something Bubela said was important to him from the start.
Born in Alabama and raised in Missouri before moving to the Illinois Valley in second grade, Bubela said he’s grateful for the support of his teachers and parents, and he wants to give that same encouragement to others.
“When I was younger, I had a teacher who stayed after class to help me out with multiplication,” he said. “That always stuck with me. So now I just want to do the same for other kids.”
The project adds to an alreadypacked schedule for Bubela, who is involved in Science Club, student council, Mock Trial, varsity soccer and tennis. He’s also a three-time state cham-
pion in 4-H robotics, president of his 4-H Club, a YMCA lifeguard, and he spent last summer as a paralegal intern at a local law office.
However, he said, the time he spends tutoring is worth it, no matter how packed his schedule can get.
“It’s definitely a time commitment,” Bubela said. “But I don’t view it as work. It adds to who I am in our community, and I honestly enjoy the process.”
Looking ahead, Bubela hopes to expand the Illinois Valley Learning Hub by recruiting more tutors and reaching more students.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in some way,” he said. “If I can help even one kid feel more confident in school, that’s what it’s all about for me.”
For more information, visit the Learning Hub’s website or email freetutoringkids@gmail.com.
Scott Anderson
Ryne Bubela, a junior at La Salle-Peru Township High School, tutors Joel Berrum Jr., Jesus Garcia and Elvira Berrum on Nov. 4, at the Peru Public Library. Bubela started the Illinois Valley Learning Hub, a volunteer tutoring program that offers free academic help to elementary and middle school students.
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments:
• Erick E. Green, 58, of Marseilles (two counts of aggravated driving under the influence)
• Miguel S. Castellanos, 49, of Ottawa (driving on a revoked license)
• Cody W. Swanson, 34, of rural Earlville (two counts of disorderly conduct, two counts of obstructing justice)
• Tiffany R. Daniels, 44, of Streator (unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver)
• Jonathan Aguilar, 27, of Springdale (unlawful possession of a controlled substance)
• Denzel D. Marsh, 33, of Chicago (aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon)
• Javier S. Frausto, 44, of La Salle
(driving on a revoked license)
• Matthew T. Robbers, 30, of La Salle (criminal damage to property, criminal defacement of property)
• Melissa A. Ferraro, 55, of Peru (four counts of aggravated DUI)
• Joseph D. Bryant, 59, of Plano (retail theft)
• Cody C. Hoedemaker, 33, of Ladd (aggravated DUI, driving on a revoked license)
• Amor Hleli, 40, of Chicago (retail theft)
• Darius M. Carroll, 19, homeless (burglary)
• Hakeem F. Olateju, 61, of Sauk Village (driving on a revoked license)
• Edwardo Almanza, 59, of Aurora (driving on a revoked license)
• Trevis U. Logan, 42, of Ottawa (driving on a revoked license)
–Tom Collins
LA SALLE COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES
Here is list of couples who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from Oct. 16 through 31:
• Coltyn Reed Lazzarotto of Ottawa and Lauren Marie Walker of Ottawa
• John William Chastek Jr. of Kenosha, Wis. and Inaara A. Babwani of Kenosha, Wis.
• Ryan Anthony Weber of Crest Hill and Kevin Martin Lelko of Crest Hill
• Jared Craig Anderson of Earlville and Ashley Marie Boudreau of Earlville
• Mathieu Dominic Aspel of Oglesby and Mackenzie Leigh Tillman of Oglesby
• Taylor Marie Knight of Streator and Marissa Christine Bryant of Streator
• Wilmer Obeniel Vasquez Diaz of Streator and Bexa Darisel Arita Burgos of Streator
• Jose Alejandro Arteaga of Mendota and Katiria Marie Rodriguez of Mendota
• Kole Jonathan Chiado of Granville and Morgan Caroline Fanning of Peru
• Connor Patrick Soenksen of Ottawa and Maleah Lynn Greene of Ottawa
• John Paul Hladovcak of Ransom and Christine Buckley of Ransom
• Oliver Jun Mendoza of Chicago and Veronica Jasmine Joaquin of Chicago
• Edward Paul Mayerchin of La Salle and Klarissa Alexizandria Perdew of La Salle
• Kevin Kitlas of Kenosha, Wis. and Catherine Helen Gregoles of Kenosha, Wis.
• Marco Antonio Amezquita Aguilar of Ottawa and Elaina Marissa Richey of Ottawa
• Dexter Eugene Brooker of Oglesby and
Amy Louise Klieber of Oglesby
• Daniel Eric Frackowiak of Streator and Marlene Louise Reizner of Streator
• Daniel Ramirez of Oglesby and Lucia Carreon of Oglesby
• Richard Edward Marko of Ottawa and Kristin Taylor Lindeman of Ottawa
• Ryan Philip Lavezzi Benson of Hammond, Ind. and Alyssa Lynn Galway of Hammond, Ind.
• Grant Thomas Hackler of Ottawa and Caitlyn Marie Rasmussen of Ottawa
• Brent William Goss of La Salle and Samantha Lee Maggio of La Salle
• Andrew Hunter Camis of Plano and Hailey
Johann Ruhl of Plano
• Donald Joseph Shilney Jr. of Oglesby and Roberta Lee Dennis of Oglesby
• Andrew Steven Herrera of Ottawa and Emilie Anne Logan of Ottawa
• Jason Lee Dawson of Streator and Britney
Kathryn Stevens of Streator
• Joseph David Haddox of Chicago and Claire Therese Goodrich of Chicago
• Nathan Michael Diaz of Spring Valley and Madeline Michelle Vanko of Spring Valley
• Jacob Benjamin Seven of Geneva and Hailey Noel Konrad of Yankton, S.D.
• Francesco Ryan Messina of Spring Valley and Halle Brianne Fransen of Spring Valley
• Haydon Lee Schmidt of Mendota and Rylee Paige Faber of Mendota
• Brian Scott Engels of Peru and Emily Elizabeth Andreina of Peru
State Rep. Briel shares food resources amid SNAP halt
About 18,200 Bureau, DeKalb and La Salle county residents impacted
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel (D-Ottawa) is working to connect residents with food resources following the halt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.
About 18,200 residents across Bureau, La Salle and DeKalb counties stopped receiving benefits Nov. 1, leaving many without access to essential food assistance.
Briel encouraged residents to visit a shared document for a list of food pantries serving the 76th District.
She also urged residents to use 211, a 24/7 referral service that connects people to food, housing, utility, healthcare and mental health resources. The service is free, confidential and staffed by trained professionals.
and DeKalb counties with food resources following the suspension of SNAP benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.
Residents can call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898211 for help.
For additional assistance, Briel’s dis-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Ottawa medical center to host community blood drive Nov. 18 OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center will partner with ImpactLife to host a community blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the medical center’s meeting room 1, 1100 E. Norris Drive, Ottawa.
Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds. Participants who are 16 can donate with parental permission. Permission forms are available online at bloodcenter.org. A photo ID is required to donate. Donors who gave blood before or on Tuesday, Sept. 23, are eligible to donate.
Appointments are required. To donate, call 800-747-5401 or visit bloodcenter.org and use code 3562.
trict office can be reached by email at contact@staterepbriel.com or by phone or text at 815-587-7912.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization that provides blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information, visit bloodcenter. org or ImpactLife’s social media pages. –ShawLocalNewsNetwork
Mark Busch
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is helping connect residents in Bureau, La Salle
Tom Collins
It’s done: the old Phalen Steel building is now annexed into Mendota’s city limits. The Mendota City Council voted unanimously Nov. 3 to annex the adjacent parcels.
Mendota annexes
Phalen Steel building
City lifts overnight parking restrictions
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
It’s done: the old Phalen Steel building is now annexed into Mendota’s city limits.
Monday, the Mendota City Council held a hearing at city hall to give opponents a chance to speak against the projects. There were none. The council then voted 7-0 (Alderman Leo Hochstatter was absent) to annex the parcels adjacent to the structure.
The vote effectively completes a process begun in August when the city acquired the building for $1.15 million, including contents. The city will use at least some of the building for office space, but Mayor David Boelk had said it would be “late spring at the mini -
mum” before any department or city employee is moved inside.
Separately, the city is repealing two longstanding parking restrictions.
First, the city repealed a city-wide prohibition on overnight parking (2-6 a.m.) and also lifting the overnight prohibition (3-7 a.m.) for the downtown area.
“They are outdated,” explained Justin Boelk, building, property and safety director. “They don’t really align with what the city is doing.”
Finally, the city placed on file a memorandum of understanding with Mendota High School, which now can use the Mendota Civic Center to move students off-site in case of a disaster or large-scale emergency.
“If they needed to evacuate the school,” Alderman Kyle Kim explained, “we would permit them to deliver the students to the civic center for parent-guardian pickup.
“We hope it never has to happen.”
Stage 212 in La Salle unveils refurbished theater with ‘Puffs’
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Audiences will notice some real magic inside Stage 212 now that the La Salle theater has undergone major improvements. And what better way to showcase the overhaul than with a little on-stage magic?
Stage 212 will unveil “Puffs” starting Nov. 14. This adults-only show is a spoof of a certain series about a boy wizard (Stage 212 can’t name it). It’s an uproarious comedy that will appeal both to fans and non-fans of the boy wizard thanks to some well-cast stars.
“Puffs” tells the story about the other wizards – the ones who aren’t tasked with saving the world – and the hilarious misadventures they go through.
Producer Mary Mauck said the show is fast-paced and entertaining, but it also features adult themes and language. This play, she emphasized, is not for families with small children.
“We do want to make sure that parents or patrons know that it’s got some language and I don’t recommend it to anyone under the age of 18,” Mauck said.
“Puffs” features a large ensemble but focuses on three wannabe wizards who’d been languishing in the shadows while their more-celebrated peers get the glory.
Griffin Tabor stars Wayne Hopkins, a gifted magician who nonetheless plays second fiddle at his school of magic. Tabor said “Puffs” will appeal even to those who haven’t gobbled up the books and movies.
“The humor is definitely there,” he said. “Even if you’re not a fanatic, I think you would find it very funny.”
The real star of this show, however, is the refurbished auditorium. Stage 212 completed a summer-long renovation of the nearly 30-year-old theater and audiences will enjoy more comfortable seating as well as audio improvements that will make the sound sparkle.
Manning the updated sound booth is assistant director Fredrick Davis, who said audiences will feel the pops and bangs from the wands of the young wizards, though not at an ear-splitting level.
“It’ll be no louder than any other show that I’ve done audio for,” Davis said. “It shouldn’t hurt your ears to listen to.”
The new sound system might have needed a little fine-tuning but there was no difficulty in finding a cast. Mauck and director Megan Zomboracz had no trouble finding eager fans of the book and films series and no shortage of performers who, like her, saw and enjoyed “Puffs.”
“I just fell in love with it from the first
moment I saw it,” Zomboracz said. “There are a lot of really important themes of friendship, of supporting each other in times of hardships and in times of, you know, bad things that are happening in their world, becoming a better person.”
And Zomboracz has a message for audiences: stick around for the ending. Even people familiar with the original series may be surprised by the finale.
Joining Tabor in the cast are Cole Enervold as Oliver Rivers, Chloe Clayton as Megan Jones, Jada Krueger as the Narrator, Austin Allbert as Cedric/Mr. Voldy, Isaac Alvarado as Ernie Mac, Kevin J. Alleman as J. Finch Fletchley, Kenzie Reinhold as Susie Bones, Elizabeth Raiter as Leanne, Andrea Moell as Hannah, Hayley Hansen as Sally Perks, Dylan Kofoid as Uncle Dave, Doug Alleman as Second Headmaster, Nicholas Adams as Blondo Malfoy and Ivy Soens as Dragon.
Production staff includes assistant director Ella Johns, stage manager Forrest Boes, stagehands Rhyan Westerman, Landon Balestri and Lainey Johns, props coordinator Perla Escatel, lighting
Reid Tomasson, spotlight operators Ariana Lesman and Haevin Britt, set construction team Fredrick Davis, Tanner Englehaupt and Ella Johns, dialect coach Rachael Mellen, wig coordinator Eric Masini, costume assistant Liz Kutz and light operator Robert Malerk.
“Puffs” will be presented Nov. 14-16 and 21-23 at Stage 212, 700 First St., La
Salle. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $17 each and may be purchased by visiting the box office 4-6 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday or by calling 815-224-3025 during those hours. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting stage212.org.
designer
Photos provided by Kyle Russell
Puffs cast members prepare to defend themselves from impending danger during a rehearsal for Puffs at Stage 212 on November 4 in Lasalle.
Isaac Alvarado makes a grand entrance during the during a rehearsal for “Puffs” at Stage 212 on Nov. 4 in Lasalle.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College recently received a donation from W.H. Maze Co. to fund a campus soil lab.
The soil lab will be located in the college’s future Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center. The education center is expected to be completed in 2027.
“Maze is honored to support IVCC in the development of this new facility,” company President Roelif Loveland said in a news release. “We believe investing in cutting-edge educational infrastructure is essential to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and
innovators. Together, we are helping to build a foundation for progress and sustainability in agriculture.”
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Maze Co. and the family for their generous and impactful contribution to this building campaign at IVCC,” Illinois Valley Community College President Tracy Morris said in the release. “Their commitment plays a pivotal role in advancing our efforts to provide stateof-the-art facilities that will enrich the educational experience of students for years to come and create an innovative soil lab for our students.”
For information, visit ivcc.edu/foundation/agforward or email tracy_beattie@ivcc.edu.
Photo provided by Peggy Schneider
W.H. Maze Company owners Peter, Jim and Roelif Loveland
La Salle County recorder honored at Oct. 23 conference
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Karen Miller, recorder of La Salle County, has been recognized with the IACCR – Zone IV County Clerk/ Recorder of the year 2024 Award, and the Commitment to Service Award for outstanding dedication and commitment to public service.
The awards were presented Oct. 23 during a ceremony in Rockford, presided over by Zone President Tina Dolder, Putnam County Clerk & Recorder and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Donna Honzel.
The IACCR – Zone IV County Clerk/ Recorder of the year 2024 Award recognizes leadership and honors the dedication and service. The Commitment to Service Award honors Clerks and Recorders who exemplify integrity, leadership, and dedication in serving their constituents. All clerks and recorders in attendance were recognized for their commitment to Service.
Eighteen recipients were recognized not only for the essential duties of record keeping and elections adminis-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
St. Bede Academy accepting poinsettia sale orders
The St. Bede Academy prom committee is accepting orders for its poinsettia sale to raise funds for its 2026 prom expenses.
The poinsettias will be available in white or red. A 6-inch pot costs $20 and a 7-inch pot costs $30. Accepted forms of payment include cash or check made payable to St. Bede Academy with “prom” in the memo.
The order deadline is Monday, Dec. 1. The poinsettias can be picked up from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the academy’s Perino Science Center, 24 W. Route 6, St. Bede Lane, Peru. To order a poinsettia, email anambo@st-bede.com or visit st-bede.com.
“We wanted to offer something that brings joy to families during the Christmas season while supporting our prom fundraising efforts,” St. Bede Academy prom committee chair Abby Nambo said in a news release. “The poinsettias are gorgeous, and every purchase helps make our prom dreams possible.”
tration, but also for their commitment to safeguarding democracy and strengthening public trust.
County’s recorder since 2016.
The recognition/awards took place
on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Rockford before colleagues, community leaders, and fellow honorees.
OSF HealthCare to Host Free Community Health Event Nov. 21
OSF HealthCare will hold a free community health event Friday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W, Princeton.
The event offers free health screenings aboard the OSF OnCall King Care-A-Van, including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks. Attendees also can access virtual visits with OSF OnCall providers for common ailments like sore throat and viral illnesses. On-site COVID-19, flu and strep tests will be available without appointments.
Kandi Burlingame, OSF’s diabetes resource educator, will provide diabetes education, covering symptoms and management tips. The University of Illinois Extension will offer healthy eating samples, recipes and nutrition advice focused on heart health.
The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Samantha Rux at (815) 876-2390.
– Shaw Local News Network
Karen Miller has served as La Salle
Photo provided by Karen Miller
La Salle County Recorder Karen Miller (center) poses for a photo Oct. 23 after being honored at a ceremony in Rockford by Zone President Tina Dolder (right) and Judge Donna Honzel.
Mueller Funeral Home to hold veterans, troops Christmas stockings program
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Mueller Funeral Home is inviting community members to pick up free Christmas stockings to decorate for veterans and soldiers as part of its annual Christmas Stockings for Soldiers and Veterans program.
Participants will receive a stocking and a list of recommended items to fill it with. Attendees can take home, decorate and stuff the stockings. The funeral home will ship or deliver the stockings to veterans and soldiers
abroad. The stockings can be picked up at the funeral home from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Monday, Dec. 1.
“Providing our heroes with some good tidings and holiday cheer is a great way for us to show our support and appreciation for the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe and secure,” Mueller Funeral Home Director and President Greg Mueller said in a news release.
Mueller Funeral Home is located at 800 First Ave. in Ottawa and 909 Pike St. in Peru.
Leffelman & Associates Says...
This Veterans Day, please join us in honoring all of our veterans for their military service — and thank them for the freedom we enjoy today. Trust in Tomorrow.®
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Christmas Stocking for Soldiers and Veterans at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Back row from left Jackson, Georgia, Makenzie, Hadley, C.J. and in front Kennedy.
Larry Leffelman
Photo Credit: Kimberly Wattley, taken at the 2016 Memorial Day Service at Woodhaven Lakes
STATE
Key Illinois Dems at odds with Durbin over shutdown vote
By BEN SZALINSKI bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is once again at odds with other prominent Illinois Democrats over a vote that set in motion a plan to end the record-long federal government shutdown.
Durbin, who is not seeking reelection in 2026, was one of eight members in the Senate Democratic caucus to join Republicans in supporting a procedural vote to begin the process of passing legislation to fund the government, which entered its 41st day without a budget on Monday. But that package will not include health care subsidies that Democrats had demanded be included in a bill to reopen the government.
“Republicans finally woke up and realized their Groundhog Day needed to end,” Durbin said in a statement Sunday night. “This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their shutdown’s hurt. Not only would it fully fund SNAP for the year ahead, but it would reverse the mass firings the Trump Administration ordered throughout the shutdown.”
Senate Democrats believe they secured a promise from Senate Republican leaders to hold a Senate vote on the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The tax credits expire at the end of the year, setting the stage for health care premiums to skyrocket. Congressional Democrats have refused for more than a month to vote for any bill that did not include new health care tax credits to rein in costs.
But many of Illinois’ top Democrats are opposed to the Durbin-backed funding plan. It also marks the second time this year Durbin has found himself at odds with Gov. JB Pritzker over a Senate vote to fund the government.
Pritzker, who is widely discussed as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, said he favors continuing to fight President Donald Trump with a government shutdown, which many Democrats believe gives their party leverage to force Republicans to support funding the ACA subsidies.
“This is not a deal – it’s an empty promise,” Gov. JB Pritzker said on social media. “Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families. Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare.”
Durbin also sided with Republicans in
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, listens to U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, speak Oct. 7 at an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington.
March and voted for the spending plan that kept the government open through September. That triggered outrage from many Democrats who favored shutting down the government at the time to make it harder for Trump to implement his agenda.
Pritzker said in March that Durbin’s decision was a “huge mistake,” and he was “dead wrong.”
Congressional Dems doubt leverage
The Senate’s vote on Sunday sets the stage for the chamber to pass substantive legislation to fund the government through Jan. 30, but it will require the House’s approval and Trump’s signature first. That timeline remains unclear.
CNN reported the plan would fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September and reverses Trump’s firing of federal workers during the shutdown.
Durbin said Republicans own the blame for the shutdown, adding he believes Democrats can claim victory with the vote.
“Now that Democrats secured these wins, it’s time for Leader [John] Thune to keep his promise to schedule a vote on the ACA tax credits in December, and we will see to it that he makes good on his word for the millions of Americans worried they won’t be able to afford health care in January,” Durbin said.
Many, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, want congressional Democrats to continue holding out for ACA tax credits.
“I simply cannot, and I will not, vote to do nothing to help protect them [families] from Trump’s vindictive and malicious efforts in exchange for a vague promise from the least trustworthy Republican party in our nation’s history,” Duckworth said in a statement after voting against the procedural vote on Sunday.
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, a Democrat from Downers Grove, ripped Durbin and the seven other Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans. He said on social media that Democrats “trusting” Republicans on an ACA vote is like “a liar convincing a sucker.”
“A sucker for believing the lie, and for believing [House Speaker Mike] Johnson will ever bring it up in the House,” he wrote.
Candidates disagree with Durbin
The three leading Democrats running to replace Durbin are all opposed to the plan to reopen the government.
“The Republican shutdown has caused immense suffering for Illinois families, and that pain will be compounded exponentially because Democrats let the GOP off the hook,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a statement. “While we all want to see food assistance
fully funded and federal workers paid and protected, healthcare for millions of Americans cannot be the tradeoff. An empty promise is not enough.”
Stratton also publicly criticized Durbin’s vote in March.
U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly of Lynwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg said they will vote against the funding plan whenever it arrives in the House.
“We will not cave to broken promises from Trump and the GOP who have sold the American people a bill of goods on so many things, but especially their access to quality healthcare,” Kelly said in a statement.
Krishnamoorthi said his red line will continue to be whether ACA credits are preserved.
“I lived through more than 50 attempts by Donald Trump in his first term to repeal Obamacare and continued statements that he’s going to gut the Affordable Care Act now,” Krishnamoorthi said in a video statement on Monday. “So I cannot in good conscious believe that all of the sudden he’s going to take actions right now to strengthen Obamacare.”
Bill signals end to flight delays, SNAP woes
Illinois has seen escalating impacts from the record government shutdown.
About 2 million people have been stuck in limbo this month over whether they will receive federal food benefits from SNAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states last month that they would not distribute November SNAP benefits as the shutdown continued.
Whether USDA must use contingency funds to pay full benefits has been an ongoing legal battle in the federal court system since Nov. 1.
Travelers through Chicago’s airports also could see some relief when the government reopens. A growing number of air traffic controllers have called out of work after not getting paid for the last month, leading the Federal Aviation Administration last week to require airlines to cancel flights at 40 airports, including O’Hare and Midway, because of staffing shortages that cause delays to stack up.
O’Hare was one of the worst airports for delays on Sunday, according to FlightAware, with 16% of departures canceled and 53% delayed.
La Salle’s first Frosty on First warms hearts over the weekend
TOP LEFT: Cady Larson of Harmonix belts out some beats during the band’s performance Friday at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street. TOP RIGHT: A youth dunks a of fluffy mock snowballs onto a referee at the annual Ax Church Ultimate Snowball Fight on Saturday at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street.
ABOVE: An aerial view Friday shows the lights and visitors gathering for Frosty on First Street in downtown La Salle. LEFT: Oliver Hoffman jams out to the tunes of Harmonix’s performance Friday at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street.
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios Scott Anderson
More
photos from the weekend’s Frosty on First party in La Salle
TOP LEFT: Sophie and Jordan Christopherson dance Friday near the stage while Harmonix performs at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street. TOP RIGHT: A particularly cautious youth hides behind a mock ice pillar to throw fluffy mock snowballs at opponents Saturday during the Ax Church Ultimate Snowball Fight at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street. ABOVE: Amanda Miller takes a photo of her Trenton while he munches on a s’more Saturday at Frosty on First along La Salle’s First Street. LEFT: An aerial view shows the length of lights and attractions open to visitors Friday at Frosty on First in downtown La Salle.
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
MaKade Rios
Scott Anderson
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.
Updating your home address? Expect lots of snail mail
A few weeks ago I wrote an entire column about the inefficiency of changing an address with the Secretary of State, including the mail intentionally sent to the old house (in case we still lived there).
At the end, I wrote “here’s betting my little story is nothing compared to readers’ experiences,” a wager won by a woman who got a legendary runaround in pursuit of a Real ID, including multiple government offices demanding her late husband sign a marriage license from before the Bears won the Super Bowl.
In the interest of fairness, it’s worth noting I experienced a similar circumstance when changing addresses with our hometown bank. After visiting a teller in person and signing off on several forms, we got seven letters confirming the change – one for each checking and savings account affected
EYE ON ILLINOIS
Scott T. Holland
– then two days later seven more initially sent to the old house and rerouted to the current address.
As with the state, the bank knows my other contact information. We receive paperless statements, making this persistent commitment to outdated (and more costly) communication all the more confounding.
TAX AMNESTY: If you owe back taxes to the state, this week is the time to clear the record.
Through Nov. 17, the Department of Revenue is waiving penalties and interest on any outstanding bill paid in full for amounts incurred from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2023. The window for
payment opened Oct. 1, similar to amnesty periods in 2003, 2010 and 2019, the latter of which brought in $360 million to state and local bodies. For more information, visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty.
FOOD AID PERIL: Shaw Media’s Bill Freskos reported this week on a potential shutdown of a University of Illinois Extension outreach program called Hunters Feeding Illinois (tinyurl.com/ HuntersFeed). Extension started the outreach in 2022, organizing collaboration between hunters, meat lockers and food banks, which can only accept donated protein from licensed processors.
Extension staff raised money or secured grants to pay for processing, Freskos wrote, clarifying “Federal funds don’t go toward the meat but toward the people and planning that kept the program running smoothly.”
With that money in jeopardy, the downstream effects cause concern a successful venture is sidelined at a critical venture. Hunters who contributed in the past might consider checking in advance to see if any extra steps – or money – are needed to keep donations flowing this season
HAVE YOUR SAY: The DOR, along with Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, are studying the state’s property tax system and collecting public comments for a report due next summer. The deadline is Dec. 1. Anyone can email a PDF to Rev. PTAXStudy@illinois.gov, but remarks about an individual assessment or billing process won’t be accepted.
•Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Sources always ready to spill about closed-door caucus meetings
House Democratic legislators received a stern lecture during the second week of veto session about leaks from their private party caucus meetings.
During the first week of veto session in October, I posted a photo on my blog of a caucus PowerPoint presentation showing the range of revenue ideas under consideration in the House to fund mass transit … while the caucus still was meeting. That apparently caused quite a stir.
Then, at the beginning of the veto session’s second week, I posted a narrative from the caucus meeting about the House Democratic revenue plan for mass transit…again, while the caucus still was meeting. That turned out to be the final straw.
Leadership quickly clamped down. Staff members were disbursed throughout Statehouse Hearing Room 114 (where the majority party caucus meetings have traditionally been held) during a subsequent caucus meeting to keep an eye on members’ cellphone usage. Members were told that leakers would be “invited to not caucus with us anymore,” according to a participant.
And if the leaks continued and the culprits weren’t caught, duly elected House members were warned they’d be
VIEWS
required to check their cellphones at the door.
I’ve dealt with this sort of thing for as long as I’ve been writing about the legislature, but it hasn’t made me stop.
I realized long ago that much of the “real” business of the state legislature was conducted, or at least openly discussed, behind closed doors during party caucus meetings. If you wanted to know what was happening or what was about to happen, it seemed obvious to me that a good way of doing that was to find out what was happening at those meetings.
Almost nobody liked that idea, except for my readers. Caucus meetings are supposedly a place where legislators can express thoughts that they can’t or won’t say in public. I get that. But it’s not my problem. Plus, I admit, the cloak-anddagger tactics I sometimes have to use to obtain this information can often be fun.
House Speaker Michael Madigan’s people were furious whenever I wrote about what went on behind closed doors
in the 1990s.
I was having dinner with my parents at a Springfield restaurant when a person close to then-Senate President Phil Rock angrily berated me for writing about the “sacred” caucus meetings (we’ve long since made up).
Senate President Pate Philip threatened to eject members from the GOP caucus for leaking to me (which I, of course, wrote about the next day). Pate was convinced that then-state Sen. Judy Baar Topinka was my source, but little did he know that one of his favorites was my main backup (that person is still alive, so I won’t mention his name).
Senate President Emil Jones not only threatened to kick members out of his caucus for leaking to me, but he also threatened members of his own leadership team with ejection for talking to me about their high-level, high-stakes meetings about Madigan’s feud with Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Eventually, things mostly chilled out. Madigan stopped holding regular caucus meetings for a time, but he eventually grew to at least grudgingly accept the leaks. Both Senate Presidents John Cullerton and Don Harmon decided not to make a big deal about it.
I kinda chuckled when I heard about
the recent attempt at intimidating elected Illinois Representatives because those two veto session House Democratic caucus leaks didn’t come to me directly from members. House members were texting lobbyists, who, as loyal subscribers, forwarded those texts to me. I confirmed their authenticity and published them.
It’s been my experience that human beings love sharing information, even (and often especially) when they’re told not to.
And it’s not like these are nuclear weapons secrets or something. It’s state government, not the CIA.
Also, the contents of that photo of House revenue options ended up in legislative constituent surveys not long after the caucus meeting. The Illinois Policy Institute published screenshots of one of those surveys the same day I posted the photo. And the revenue list I posted during the second week was made public just hours later when the House unveiled its doomed mass transit bill.
As Elvis Costello once sang: “I used to be disgusted, and now I try to be amused.”
17. Drop down 22. English dialect 23. Predatory seabirds 24. Imams’ deputies 25. Fertility god 26. Fence material
28. Parks and DeLauro are two
29. Distinctive smell (Brit.)
32. Protein-rich liquids
Boat race 43. Police actions 44. Chinese river 45. Waterfall (Scottish)
46. Walk ostentatiously 51. Type of carpet
36. Touch lightly 38. Season for Catholics
54. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano 55. Sea eagles
58. An increase in price or value
59. The highest point of something
Government lawyers 62. Larry and Curly’s pal
7. Snakelike fish
56. An enclosure for confining livestock
57. Dry
Online Only Auction
November 20, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. Offered in 2 Tracts
± total tax acres of Lee & Bureau Co., IL Farmland
Tract 1: 132.30± total tax ac. in part of Sec. 25, WyomingTwp., Lee Co., IL
Tract 2: 76.47± total tax ac. in part of Sec. 17, Hall Twp. Bureau Co., IL
Seller: Illinois Valley YMCA, Not for Profit Corporation
Timothy A. Harris, IL Licensed Auctioneer, Designated Managing Broker 815-875-7418 timothy.a.harris@pgim.com
IL Lic. Auctioneer #441.001976 22263 1365 N. Ave., Princeton, IL 61356 Details on Auction & Services at www.capitalag.com
ons
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Aucti ons
Aucti ons
Aucti ons
Aucti ons
The farm is located 3 miles east of McNabb, IL or 12 miles southwest of Peru, IL. The land is further described as being located in Section 6, T31N-R1E, Hope Township, LaSalle County, Illinois.
This investment grade farm contains 100% Class A
Representing Attorney: Cote J. Klinefelter Herbolsheimer, Duncan & Klinefelter, P.C. 654 1st St, La Salle, IL 61301 | (815) 223-0111 Auction Manager: Kevin Haas (309) 264-7767
Mendota cruises into Class 1A state title match
Trojans pulled away to top Coal City in 1A state semifinal, reaching state title game for first time
By ADAM TUMINO atumino@shawmedia.com
A season ago, Mendota reached the Class 1A State Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history, ultimately finishing third.
The Trojans found themselves back in the state semis on Thursday, this time beating Coal City 3-0 to advance to state title game for the first time.
They will play Columbia Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in a rematch of last season’s third-place game, which Mendota won in a penalty kick shootout.
Isaac Diaz put the Trojans up 1-0 just over eight minutes into the game, with the final 32 minutes of the first half and first 27 of the second half going by with neither defense budging.
With 13:09 to go in the game, Johan Cortez gave Mendota some muchneeded breathing room and made the Trojans just the second team to score multiple goals on the Coalers all season. Just over two minutes later, Danny Garcia added another insurance tally that all but sealed the Trojans’ spot in the 1A season’s final game.
Cortez, who earlier this week became the first Mendota player to earn an AllState selection, said the opportunity to play for a state championship is even sweeter after missing out a season ago.
“It means a lot to us, especially because last year we came and unfortunately lost in the semifinal,” he said. “Winning the third-place game, that was exciting. But being able to come back and win the semifinal, being able to play for a championship, makes everything so much better.”
Coal City (23-4) was in the same position Thursday that Mendota was a year ago: playing in its first-ever state semifinal.
The Coaler defense has been stellar all season long, recording 15 shutout wins so far, including in Monday’s super-sectionals, and surrendered multiple goals just one time to Herscher in the regional semifinals, a 7-2 Coaler win.
But Mendota came into the day with 145 goals on the season, giving the Coalers a test they had not really seen yet this year.
“Coming into today, they only allowed 10 goals all year,” Mendota head coach Nick Myers said. “We were confident they hadn’t seen an attack like we have. Getting the first one early was a big confidence boost for us, and obviously getting that second one [was big].
“That’s what we talked about at halftime. There’s going to be another goal in this game, and we want the next one, not them.”
The Trojans boast three 30-goal scorers this season, with Cortez leading the way with his 39th goal Thursday and Diaz tying Cesar Casas for second on the team with his 36th.
Having so many options is obviously a luxury for the Trojans, as is having seven starters back from last season’s third-place squad.
“Everybody except our three freshmen were on this team last year,” Myers said. “This group’s got experience, and they don’t crack under pressure. We told them we’re just treating these like regular-season games, and [Cortez’s] leadership and his ability to start us off on the attack is just phenomenal.”
Cortez agreed that last season’s postseason experience has proven valuable so far this year.
“Last year, I feel like we were just happy to be here,” he said. “We were so excited finally making state, and that was a lifetime goal for us. But this year we’ve come in a lot more focused and thinking a lot more about the games,
rather than the other things besides the games.
“We’re hungry for that state title.”
Coal City is also aiming to finish off the longest season in program history with a win on Friday. The Coalers will play Chicago Academy (17-5-3) at 11:30 a.m. in the third-place game.
Head coach Steve McCleary said he expects his experienced group, led by a 12-player senior class, to come out strong despite the quick turnaround.
“I know the boys are a little disappointed and mad, but they’re also ready to go,” he said. “They’re ready to get a good night’s sleep and try to come out and finish on a positive note to end the season, and at least try to see if we can come away with third place.
“I know they’ll play hard and be ready to go.”
Mark Busch
Mendota’s Isaac Diaz celebrates after scoring a goal as Coal City’s Carter Nicholson looks away during the Class 1A State Tournament semifinal match Thursday at Hoffman Estates High School.
– CLASS 1A STATE FINAL: COLUMBIA 3, MENDOTA 1
Mendota rallies, but comes up short in championship game BOYS SOCCER
By CHRIS WALKER contact@shawmedia.com
Mendota received a gift late in the first half of Saturday’s Class 1A state final game against Columbia, but regifted it in the second half – and it cost the Trojans dearly.
A year after beating the Eagles in a PK shootout to take third place in the state, the Trojans couldn’t beat them again on Saturday, rallying to tie the game but falling 3-1.
Regardless, Mendota (25-5) had the best season in program history.
“It was a big game of ups and downs, and both teams played evenly until they got their first goal and then they struck first on us, 1-0,” Mendota coach Nick Myers. “And then they got the red for taunting. It obviously gave us some momentum, and I thought we came out in the second half with a little more fire and energy than what they had. And then us getting the tying goal I felt really good after that.
“But then us getting the red card with Isaac [Diaz] I think swung the momentum of the game, and they were able to get a couple goals on their throwins which were pretty dangerous all season for them.”
Columbia (24-5-3) was making its third straight appearance at state but its first in the state championship game since winning it all in 2014.
“We have two starters from last year,” Columbia coach Jamey Bridges said. “Who does that, and then comes back and then is even better? That’s the crazy thing. This team is not just a good team, it’s one of the best and they’ve been wanting to prove that all year.”
The Eagles struck first with 7:55 left in the first half when Elliot Nelson punished the Trojans with a long throw-in. Luke Klein was able to get on the other end of the deep toss in the box with multiple bodies pursuing possession.
While disappointed to suddenly be down, Mendota soon learned that it would have a numerical advantage the rest of the way after Columbia’s Max Anderson was sent off the field with a red card while celebrating with his teammates following the goal.
Playing a man up, the Trojans tied the game at 1-1 with 28:56 left to play after senior all-state Johan Cortez got fouled and buried the ensuing PK.
But less than a minute later and the Trojans lost that advantage when Diaz
received a red card after charging into Columbia junior goalkeeper Eli Thebau.
And just like that the advantage was gone. And then, just 52 seconds after that, Nelson found Owen Worcester for the go-ahead goal, on another throw-in with Worcester flicking it just behind him where Luke Dewilde was charging hard toward the front of the net and headed it in.
Any hopes Mendota had for rallying from another single-goal deficit dissipated with 20:55 left when the Trojans were victimized by another restart when Chanse Frierdich headed in a corner kick from Wyatt Etherton.
“We played a great game defensively, and really up until those throw-ins I think our marking was fine, but it just wasn’t enough,” Mendota senior defender Alex Beetz said. “And they are tall and athletic players who go for the ball and sometimes that’s just the reality, and it’s tough sometimes to win all those. And you know soccer is a game where something is going your favor or something isn’t going your favor.”
Photos by Scott Anderson
Mendota’s Johan Cortez poses with the Class 1A State runner-up trophy on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hoffman Estates High School.
Mendota’s Cesar Casas kicks the ball down the field during the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8, at Hoffman Estates High School.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1972: 22nd NASCAR Sprint Cup: Richard Petty wins his fourth Cup.
1975: NY Mets Tom Seaver wins his 3rd Cy Young Award.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
MENDOTA FALLS
Columbia defeats Mendota in Class 1A State Final / 23
Mendota keeper Mateo Goy reaches up as the ball sails over his head during the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School.
