Six months in, Pope Leo is a stabilizing force
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SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
He is certainly the most well-known and respected American currently on the world stage.
He is Pope Leo XIV, and he recently marked his first six months in the role he was elected to in May after the death of Pope Francis.
It seemed the entire world was watching when Leo was elected by the College of Cardinals shortly after Francis died. The joy and the hope on display in St. Peter’s Square when Leo first emerged was palpable.
Camillo Barone recently did a twopart series for National Catholic Reporter on the conclave that elected Pope Leo. Various cardinals involved with the conclave spoke to NCR about the process, which many of them described as calm and “spiritual.”
“This is how I define that period of time: a light but powerful blast of the Holy Spirit, which filled us with joy and freshness, enlarged our hearts and expanded our horizons,” said Cardinal Oscar Cantoni of Como, Italy.
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected on the fourth vote.
“Thunderous applause filled the Sistine Chapel as all the cardinals gave a standing ovation,” Barone wrote. “Some of them were in tears.”
Cardinal Joseph Tobin said he remembers it clearly, even if he could barely see Prevost’s face: “I do remember being so impressed by his voice, when he responded to the question, ‘Do you accept?’ ”
Prevost’s response to the fateful question was unwavering. “Accipio,” he said, which means “I accept” in Latin.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who was sitting right next to Prevost, said,
“He remained serene, simple and calm the whole time. He showed no emotion on his face, and even when he was elected, he remained so serene. I didn’t observe anything extraordinary, as if he had been born pope. When he said, ‘I accept,’ in a strong voice, it meant that he was aware of the heavy responsibility that awaited him.”
“I just can’t attribute it to any other factor other than his deep spiritual life, really as part of God’s plan for him and for the church,” Tobin said.
Pope Leo’s election was immediately met with off-the-charts pride from the United States, particularly Chicago and its South Side, where he was born and raised.
After his election, everyone, everywhere, it seemed, was trying to find a way to make a personal connection to Leo. His brothers were barraged with requests for interviews from the news media.
His brother John, who lives in New Lenox, with whom Leo remains in close contact, was engaged in an interview with The Associated Press when Leo called him for the first time after his election. When he found out John was being filmed at that moment, Leo understandably got quiet, and they continued their conversation off camera.
John Prevost has said in a subsequent interview with NBC 5 News in Chicago that he and his brother still talk on the phone and play Wordle every day.
Most Catholics are used to popes being from other countries, and that has made the role of pontiff a bit of a mystery, removed from our everyday understanding.
As Christopher Lamb wrote on CNN. com in reviewing Leo’s first six months as pope:
“Leo is a big supporter of the Chicago White Sox and on Oct. 15, days after the rival Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the playoffs, the pope was out greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
Mary Jo Credi, executive director at the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, fills boxes of food with Trinity Roark on Oct. 28 at the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru. Scott Anderson ON THE COVER
“ ‘Go Cubs!’ someone shouted out. ‘They lost!’ Leo shouted back, smiling from the popemobile.”
I grew up in a Cubs home, where any mention of the White Sox was considered blasphemous, so Leo’s playful banter is endearing to me. If Pope Leo can build a bridge between Cubs and Sox fans, I suspect there is nothing he can’t do.
Leo speaks our language and feels like one of us. This, I believe, can only make the faith more accessible to Americans in crisis and in desperate need of a stabilizing force that reaffirms hope and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives, even while our political world is in shambles.
So far, Leo’s steady demeanor and keen intellect have allowed him to speak challenging truths with gentleness and resolve. All reports indicate he has no intention of backing down from proclaiming the truth of the gospel, even while it is being twisted by others to serve their ulterior motives.
I don’t believe Pope Leo’s election was some cosmic coincidence. I believe Pope Leo was elected because his experience, intellect and demeanor are what the universal church needs at this moment in time. And I firmly believe he was elected under the genuine inspiration of the Holy Spirit moving in the hearts and minds of the cardinals tasked with picking the next leader of the church during these tumultuous times.
I pray for Pope Leo and his ministry every night. I hope you will, too.
No one in the world can understand the spiritual weight on his shoulders, that he has so far carried with such affability and grace, no doubt because he is embodying these words:
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13
• Spirit Matters is a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo.com.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Streator author unveils children’s book
Julie Stroebel Barichello’s ‘Mountain of Dempsey Molehill’ is for young readers
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Kids cause mischief. It’s what they do. Julie Stroebel Barichello took this truism and turned it into a book about five kids who are trying – well, maybe not that hard – to stay out of trouble.
Barichello unveiled “The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill,” Saturday at the Streator Public Library, where a dozen readers and fans gathered for face time and autographed copies.
Barichello’s book follows the story of 12-year-old Dempsey Molehill and his siblings as their father runs for mayor of fictional Pickettstown and pledges to be on their best behavior while dad stumps for votes. The comedic and endearing tale received favorable notices from Kirkus Reviews and was named an Editor’s Pick by BookLife Reviews through Publishers Weekly.
The Streator resident took some time to answer questions about their career and passion for writing, with her catalog also includes “Sarah & Katy and the Imagination Blankets” and “Sarah & Katy and the Book of Blank.”
How excited are you to be signing and meeting readers? Is this a dream come true?
Barichello: It is. I wrote the book specifically for fifth or eighth graders, so I’m going to be really excited if we get some students in here.
I originally started writing children’s books when my nieces were in kindergarten and second grade – now they’re a sophomore in college and a senior in high school – and I started writing for children then because I really wanted to inspire them to read and get them excited to read.
Which authors influenced you?
Barichello: Richard Peck was a huge influence. My Aunt Robin was a librarian, and so when I was a kid, she bought Richard Peck’s book, “A Long Way from Chicago” for me and my family. We passed that around – the whole family. Gary Paulsen is another author that Robin gave to the family.
Here’s a fun note about Richard
Peck: We actually have a plaque hanging in our house that says Richard Peck slept here. The previous owners hosted Richard Peck when he came to visit Streator Public Library.
If we went back in time and met young Julie Stroebel in grade school, how would you have reacted if told you would write a children’s books?
Barichello: I probably would have been cocky and said, “Well, of course I did.”
Because from the time I was in kindergarten, I knew I wanted to write. That’s kind of how I ended up going into journalism.
Once I hit high school, it was, “What career makes sense as a writer?”
Because, realistically, most people don’t make a career as a novelist. But from kindergarten on, I wanted to write stories. I wanted to tell stories. I wrote my first novella in the summer between fifth and sixth grade.
Then, I wrote my first novel
between seventh and eighth grade. I still have them. They will need a lot of work to be published.
Do you have any advice to an aspiring writer?
Barichello: One piece of advice is that it’s OK that you’re going to rewrite it. I know some writers who get really stuck on the first one or two chapters, trying to make it perfect.
Tom Sistak
Author Julie Barichello hands her new book “The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill” to a reader Saturday at the Streator Public Library after signing their copy. That’s where a book launch party took place with Barichello answered questions about her publication.
Shutdown is over, but food pantries still are hurting
Aid givers warn big Christmas need is looming
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Mary Jo Credi’s first two words were, “Thank you.” When the Illinois Valley Food Pantry appealed for help during the government shutdown, local donors answered.
Credi, executive director of the pantry in Peru, said donations poured in and one standout donation will feed the hungry at Thanksgiving. Peru Federal Savings Bank donated 100 turkeys at a time when regional food banks don’t have much meat –indeed, not much of anything – to give to local food pantries.
But then Credi took a deep breath Monday and renewed her appeal for food and cash.
“It’s just amazing: When we send out that cry for help, everybody digs deep to help us,” Credi said. “But we still have a long road ahead of us because we’re jumping into Christmas and we’re still helping people with normal food assistance.”
Local food pantries sounded the alarm recently when the government shutdown squeezed regional food banks and, for a time, threw the SNAP program into disarray. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries and the funding shortfall sent families scrambling to food pantries for help.
Today, the shutdown is over and SNAP funding, while delayed, is slowly being distributed, but the problems bedeviling local food pantries aren’t over. Not by a sight.
The shutdown stretched pantries’ resources and tapped their reserves –“It’s going to take months for us to recuperate from this situation,” Credi said – and the agreement that ended the shutdown is scheduled to lapse at the end of January. Food pantries could be back to square one by the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, Thanksgiving meals may be ready for distribution, but the demand for Christmas assistance is already mounting.
Jan Martin, executive director of the Hall Township Food Pantry in Spring Valley, said she was moved by all the longtime supporters and first-
time donors – “I’ve heard from people I’ve never heard from before” – but she has a personal record 487 households to feed this holiday season.
“I still need help with Thanksgiving,” Martin said. “We still have chal -
lenges. Our lines have been a lot longer. I’ve never had this many people sign up for help.
“Somehow, we have to figure this out.”
Martin said she’s confident donors
will come through in the next few months and has asked for help to keep her clients fed through the holidays. She’s asking donors for Christmas
Photo provided by Scott Anderson
Pallets of cereal and can goods fill the floor Oct. 28 at the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru. Food assistance used by more than 40 million Americans will not be distributed from November due to the ongoing US government shutdown. Food shortage will worsen local food pantries due to the the shutdown.
• DEMPSEY MOLEHILL
Continued from page 3
Don’t get stuck on the early chapters, because when you finish a first draft, there’s a chance you’re going to go back and rewrite it.
Just keep plowing through. Get those first two chapters out. Keep going. Write a full first draft, because there’s plenty of time to go back and edit and rewrite and tweak later.
How many hours a week do you spend writing?
Barichello: I am a sporadic writer. I know that Stephen King, when he wrote “On Writing,” advised that everybody should write every single day. I’m not that kind of writer.
I’m the type of person who has these bursts on a project with a two- or three-month span where I’m working on it one or two hours every single day and then on weekends.
I’ll tell (my husband) Derek, “Go watch the football game. Get out of the house.” Then, all of a sudden, I’ll get
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into these pockets where I’ll write a sentence a week.
Even though I go in waves, I would probably touch the project in some way about 20 hours a month. There’s gonna be weeks that I do nothing, and there’s gonna be weeks that I have 10,000 words.
Fill in the blank. Today’s event will be a success if ___
Barichello: If there’s one person who is excited about the story or who’s excited to read the book.
A lot of today’s program is about introducing people to the book because it is brand new. It’s really about the launch of the book and just making people aware of it.
And even if somebody doesn’t pick up and buy a copy today, that’s not that big of a deal.
If they hear about the book and they’re excited about this, then they can check it out from the library later or introduce it to a person who’ll connect with the story. It’s really just about connecting the right story to the right reader.
8 1 5 - 5 3 9 - 5 1 4 2
Where: Hume-Carnegie Museum
Tom Sistak
Julie Barichello’s new book is titled “The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill.”
Farm progress show: New seed treatment awaits approval
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
DECATUR, Ill. – A new soybean seed treatment aimed at protecting the crop from its top nemeses waits registration.
Syngenta’s new TYMIRIUM technology, marketed as Victrato, is undergoing regulatory review at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“TYMIRIUM is a new molecule we’re bringing to both soybeans and cotton for the 2026 planting season. We’re waiting on registration. It should be this fall,” said Katie Jaeger, Syngenta product marketing lead for U.S. soybean seed care portfolio.
“The main three targets that we’re going after are nematodes, sudden death syndrome and an emerging disease, red crown rot.”
Jaeger gave further details of Syngenta’s new seed treatment product during the Farm Progress Show.
Overall, what are the advantages of using Victrato?
Jaeger: It provides enhanced protection where it matters most.
If you think about the top five issues based on the Crop Production Network, No. 1 is soybean cyst nematode with over $1.2 billion in revenue loss annually.
We’ve got to address that. We need
Katie Jaeger
additional solutions to address that. We’re happy to bring new technology to address that exact issue.
The No. 2 issue is sudden death syndrome. So, again, even with more treatment going out and more awareness of the disease, given the environmental conditions, we’re still seeing it pretty prevalent in certain areas of the U.S where we need better protection because what we currently have on the market today isn’t what is expected or needed from the customer base.
Third is with red crown rot and recent developments with its spread throughout the Midwest. Ohio was recently added as were two additional Missouri counties. With growing awareness of the disease, there’s a growing need to address it.
Soybeans are being planted earlier each year. What are the benefits of this seed treatment in terms of the trend toward earlier planting?
Jaeger: The early stages are the most vulnerable time. And with the planting date, pushing closer and closer to the
beginning of April as the average, the beans are more susceptible, especially with all the wet weather that we’ve seen over the last three years. That’s why you need a comprehensive package.
So, even with the launch of the new technology I would recommend to pair it with a base fungicide and insecticide like CruiserMaxx APX to protect against some of those first early-season diseases like pythium, for example, that is most prevalent in those wetter conditions.
We’ve had a lot of heat this summer, and even with the rain, we’re seeing more phytophthora than we have in the last two years prior.
So again, with a comprehensive package, you don’t have to worry over which disease comes. You’re protected across the board.
What kind of residual protection does Victrato have?
Jaeger: Our focus with seed treatment is going to be the first four weeks. This is consistent with the other seed treatments that we’ve provided.
The difference with the new technology is the level of efficacy that we’re getting over that 30-day span. So, really, the increased potency of the molecule itself is why you’re seeing a difference in performance out in
the field.
Resistance is going to develop, which make it all the more important to develop new products, right?
Jaeger: I would recommend that you use the seed treatment, especially when we think about an issue like nematodes. It’s got to be part of an integrated solution to help combat that resistance.
So, any opportunity to rotate, any opportunity to select for certain varieties and then also pair it with the seed treatment when available.
How does Syngenta continue to invest in its research pipeline to stay ahead of any crop production problems farmers may face?
Jaeger: If if you look over the last 15 years, this is the fourth iteration of a nematode treatment.
We started with Avicta. Then we had Clariva.
We launched Saltro five years ago, and then Victrato will be the latest innovation. Continuing along that line, we have additional products going forward to continue to invest into the industry.
They’re not just seed treatments, but I think there are over 16 products that are in the pipeline to bring to the market as a whole from the company. So, we see a huge driver to continue to invest in innovation going forward.
Stage 212 hosts holiday fundraiser performance from Dec. 5-7
Local performers celebrate auditorium renovation with festive revue
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Stage 212 in La Salle will present “Joy to the World: A Holiday Revue to Benefit the Auditorium” from Dec. 5 to 7 at its theater, 700 First St.
The show is a fundraiser supporting the recent renovation of the auditorium.
It will feature local performers singing and dancing to a variety of holiday favorites.
Performers include Aliha Diaz, Arlo Christopherson, Aubree Lamps, Becky Christopherson, Bob Tieman, Brooklyn Lanham, Deb Torri, Doug Bartelt, Emma Stone, Fred Davis, Georgia
Grosenbach, Jennifer Rexius, Jordan Zeitz, Keegan Boyt, Kevin J. Alleman, Kristen Bee, Larry Kelsey, Lexanne Jarosz, Lori Brodzik, Lucy Christopherson, Lydia Clift, Maggie Weigman, Megan Zomboracz, Nia Jarosz, Patricia Hoelle, Rylee Oakman, Sadie Brzozowski, Salem Showen, Serena Rogers, Sherri Countryman, Sophia Picco and Tracy Daugherty.
The production team includes director Jessica Kreiser, producer Reid Tomasson, music director Sarah Breyne and choreographer Emma Woulfe.
Performances start at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets cost $20 and can be bought at the box office from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
They also can be bought, by phone at 815-224-3025 during those hours, or can be bought online at stage212.org.
Stage 212 in La Salle will present “Joy to the World: A Holiday Revue to Benefit the Auditorium” Dec. 5–7 at its theater, 700 First St.
Scott Anderson
Illinois Valley Photos of the
TOP LEFT: Riley Waynick writes a letter on Nov. 15 to Santa at the annual Christmas in the Valley in Spring Valley’s Tee Box. TOP RIGHT: Alex Ortiz of Dwight hugs his brother Filemon Ortiz after their playoff loss Nov. 15 to Stockton at John O’ Boyle Field in Stockton. ABOVE: An aerial view shows Pontiac Canyon on Friday over Starved Rock State Park. Pontiac Canyon is one of the six regions of the park slated to receive an upgrade. Starved Rock State Park is set to receive a total of $37 million to go toward trail improvements, projects expected to begin this winter and continue through 2026.
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The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) dazzles over a barn near the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and 34th Road between Peru and Mendota Nov. 11. Two coronal mass ejections created sparking geomagnetic storm conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Space weather forecasters anticipate that geomagnetic activity may intensify to strong (G3) conditions overnight.
Scott Anderson
More photos of The Aurora Borealis
Photos by Scott Anderson
Starved Rock State Park upgrades Projects
funded with $37M from Illinois
Capital Development Board
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Starved Rock State Park will begin an $18 million trail upgrade this winter, including renovating the Tonti Canyon, which will allow it to open after being closed for more than a decade. The project is expected to run through 2026.
The project will allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to reopen several closed trails and expand hiking and recreational opportunities. The park, lodge and other amenities will remain open throughout construction.
The planned work includes renovat-
ing or replacing 10 trail bridges, installing three new timber stairways and adding timber boardwalks with fencing in the Tonti Canyon and La Salle Canyon trail systems.
It also will replace three existing trail bridges, several timber stairways and expand the boardwalk from the bridge to the existing stairway on Jacob’s Ladder in the Lower French Canyon River
Trail Bridge and Jacob’s Ladder area. Additional work will take place on the Pontiac Canyon, River Trail, Campunula Trail and from the Lodge Bridge to St. Louis Canyon.
Michael Bauling, Region 1 Engineer for IDNR, said the department has not yet decided which project will get tackled first.
A meeting next week will provide updates and be posted on IDNR’s website. It won’t give a schedule, but Bauling said it will tell visitors which trails will be closed.
See STARVED ROCK UPGRADES, page 11
Scott Anderson
An aerial view shows Pontiac Canyon on Friday over Starved Rock State Park. Pontiac Canyon is one of the six regions slated to receive an upgrade. Starved Rock State Park is set to receive $37 million to go toward trail improvements, projects expected to run from winter through 2026.
Abby Farrell Kate Gillmann Todd Strole Sue Rezin
IVCC’s prior learning credit program cuts degree time, boosts careers
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Illinois Valley Community College’s credit for prior learning program turns work and academic experience into college credit, helping students finish degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner, IVCC said in a news release.
Michael Mills, a paramedic instructor who serves as Ottawa’s deputy fire chief, said he used the program to earn a third college degree. He applied for a prior learning assessment that considered his previous IVCC associate degree, a bachelor’s degree in education and his work experience to award him an associate degree in paramedicine.
“Having a degree in paramedicine opens all kinds of doors,” Mills said in the release. “You can advance your career by getting further formal education.”
Crystal Credi, IVCC’s dean of student success, said that the college evaluates transcripts, professional certificates, licensures and other documentation to determine what credit can be awarded.
• STARVED ROCK UPGRADES
Continued from page 10
IDNR Assistant Director Todd Strole said Starved Rock is the most visited park in the IDNR system, attracting 2.4 million visitors in 2024 and making it an economic driver for the region.
“With that much foot traffic, a lot of deterioration occurs to the trails, paths, bridges, stairways and retaining walls – all critical to the trail system,” Strole said.
He added that wear and tear have forced some trail closures, which may have caused visitors to stray off designated paths, risking their safety.
Beyond improving safety, the project will help IDNR control erosion and protect plants and wildlife from excessive foot traffic.
Visitors may notice work beginning as soon as this month, starting with tree removal. Some hiking activities could be temporarily disrupted at times.
Most visible construction, which may include transporting materials by barge and helicopter to remote park areas, will occur in 2026. Construction will be staggered to minimize trail closures at any one time, IDNR said.
helping students finish degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner, IVCC said in a news release.
Awarding credit for prior experience helps make college more affordable by allowing students to complete
programs with fewer classes, according to the release. Some courses may require proficiency tests to measure
skill levels.
“There is no charge to upload materials, but those awarded prior learning credit pay a per-credit-hour processing fee that is still lower than full tuition,” Credi said.
Credi cited a 2022 study showing that 70% of people older than 25 in the district lack certificates or degrees and have little or no college education. She noted that employers are eager to hire credentialed, skilled workers.
Heather Seghi, dean of health professions, said that anyone can qualify for prior learning credit, including current or prospective students, military veterans and adult learners. Applicants must have earned at least 15 credit hours at IVCC.
Seghi said the program has boosted enrollment overall.
“We are giving students the credit they deserve, and they will come back to IVCC to succeed in another area or elevate their education,” she said. “Prospective students are making more connections with us, and they tell their friends about IVCC.”
To apply for an assessment or to learn more, visit ivcc.edu/priorlearning.
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) is managing the project as part of a $37.2 million state investment in Starved Rock. This also includes building a sanitary wastewater system, upgrading the water filtration system and replacing vault toilets.
“This project will enhance pedestrian trail accessibility and refurbish the iron filtration system at Starved Rock,” CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards said. “We are proud to partner with IDNR to improve this key recreational destination while minimizing disruptions for visitors.”
State Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris said she has worked for years with IDNR to secure funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements and is pleased to see this commitment.
“These upgrades will make the park safer, more accessible and ensure Starved Rock remains a world-class outdoor destination,” she said.
State Rep. Amy Briel of Ottawa said she and her predecessor, Lance Yednock, have long advocated for these improvements.
Visitors planning trips should check the park’s website and Facebook page for trail availability updates. Trails west of the lodge and east of Parkman’s Plain will not be affected.
Illinois Valley Community College’s Prior Learning Credit program turns work and academic experience into college credit,
La Salle man charged with illicit digital images
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
A La Salle man was picked up Saturday, Nov. 15, on a warrant charging him with three counts of disseminating child sexual abuse images, each carrying up to 30 years.
Joseph W. Cartwright, 49, was charged Friday, Nov. 14 in La Salle County Circuit Court with three counts of reproducing child sexual abuse images of a victim younger than 13. Each count is a Class X felony carrying a six-year minimum with no possibility of probation.
Details still are emerging, but court records filed Friday allege that the reproductions were downloaded or transferred in May and June.
Cartwright was picked up by La Salle police officers and booked into
Joseph W. Cartwright
La Salle County Jail at 6:37 a.m. Saturday. In a press release, La Salle police said the charges were the result of a threemonth investigation into the alleged possession and dissemination of illicit images.
The La Salle Police Department has a detective assigned to the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which provided vital resources in the investigation, police said.
La Salle police were assisted in the investigation by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.
No trial in 2025 for murder suspect
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
There was only an outside chance Ronald Martin Jr. would stand trial for murder in 2025. Friday, the question was put to rest: attorneys moved his case into the new year.
Martin, 45, of Sheridan appeared Friday, Nov. 15 in La Salle County Circuit Court and entered not-guilty pleas to new charges, including armed robbery, residential arson and possession of a weapon.
Typically, trial dates are set during arraignment, but attorneys Friday signaled they are not ready to proceed on the superseding counts of first-degree murder for the July 17 shooting deaths of Sidney Schiltz and Melissa Vissman.
Martin’s lawyer, Chicago defense attorney William Wolf, acknowledged in open court the receipt of electronic records he must sift through, “and it’s my understanding there’s a lot more to come.”
Wolf and La Salle County prosecutors agreed to a status hearing 60 days out. Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni agreed and set a new hearing for Friday, Jan. 23.
Rarely, however, do murder cases proceed to trial in the first year and double murder cases are even more complex and time-consuming. Details still are emerging. It is known that first-responders raced on July 17 to a residential fire in rural Sheridan, where two bodies were found shot to death. According to court records, eyewitnesses said Martin entered the rural Sheridan residence and fired a 9-mm pistol at both victims. Prosecutors have suggested a drug deal gone bad.
On Nov. 4, a La Salle County grand jury indicted Martin on new charges alleging he set the fire and made off with a safe from the residence.
The arson and robbery charges are Class X felonies carrying up to 30 years, but two murder convictions would send him to prison for the rest of his life. Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011, but killing two or more people is punishable by automatic natural life.
Ronald Martin Jr.
Former journalist creates $500 IVCC scholarship
By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com
Alexandria Braboy, a La Salle County Board member, has established “The Pen is Mightier Journalism Scholarship,” a $500 award for Illinois Valley Community College students studying journalism.
Braboy said in a statement she believes the way to meaningful and transformational change is through sharing our struggles through writing and IVCC had a great influence on her life.
“IVCC positively changed my life forever, and I am forever grateful,” she said.
Braboy represents the cities of La Salle and Peru on the County Board
and is an Illinois Valley native and graduate of IVCC and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
She worked as a journalist for the La Salle News-Tribune before beginning a career in grant writing, economic development, community planning, and workforce development.
“There is nothing more powerful than the written word.
“This is the time to offer opportunities to students who want to pursue journalism and protect the First Amendment,” Bradboy said in a statement.
“Each and every dream for the greater good is possible, but we need timely, unbiased and accurate news shared to all.”
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cookies and coffee for next month’s Volunteers in Streator will be able giving, but recipients might not enjoy a traditional holiday feast. Tony
atorland Community Food Pantry, said the pantry still needs turkeys along with traditional holiday side
Streator’s bigger problem is a 40% increase in families seeking food
urday food drive yielded a welcome 700 pounds, Streator needs both direct food donations and monetary
“Cash is king: We can use the cash to fill our immediate needs,” Bitto said, “but any nonperishable food Community Food Basket in Ottawa will have its Thanksgiving food drive Saturday and executive director Marissa Vicich is grateful for the wide support that made it possible for them to provide 700 meal boxes for needy families.
As for Christmas, Vicich hopes for a strong turnout for Freezin’ for a Reason, the fundraiser that begins
the first week of December. She hopes donors will be generous because Ottawa, too, felt a crush of new supplicants during the government shutdown.
“For sure the shutdown hurt,” Vicich said, recalling when 100 families showed up in a single day. “We’ve slowed down a little bit – we’re not quite as crushed – but our numbers are still up.”
The numbers are high at the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry, too.
Tracy Cooper, executive director, has 180 holiday meal kits ready for Thanksgiving and she hopes it will be sufficient, as new signups keep coming.
“I had 100 people in two days and that’s normally what I have in half a month,” she said. “It has slowed down a little, but I’m still seeing new clients and we’re hurting for food. I just put in an order for food and it’s four times higher than what I normally buy.”
As for Christmas, Cooper wants to get through Turkey Day before she contemplates how to address Yuletide.
For now, she’s simply encouraging donors to be as generous in December as they’ve been in November.
“The community has been wonderful,” Cooper said.
“Everyone has really stepped up, but we need them to continue that.”
Photo provided by Scott Anderson
Boxes of food fill the floor Oct. 28 at the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru. Food assistance used by more than 40 million Americans will not be distributed from November due to the ongoing US government shutdown. Food shortage will worsen local food pantries due to the the shutdown.
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.
Park gets cash infusion; sports bets down and up
My mind recently is like November weather: all over the place. Here are some quick hits.
GOOD DAY FOR STARVED ROCK: Shaw Local’s Maribeth Wilson reported Friday on the start of an $18 million trail upgrade program at Starved Rock, the crown jewel of the state park system. Another $19.2 million will be spent on infrastructure like replacing vault toilets, upgrading water filtration and building a sanitary wastewater system. The projects might’ve cost less if started earlier – Tonti Canyon has been closed for a decade plus – but the Department of Natural Resources budget was shuffled down the priority list during years when even social service agencies weren’t close to adequately funded.
I’ve been railing for years about bringing our DNR facilities in line with neighboring states by charging
EYE ON ILLINOIS
Scott T. Holland
modest parking or admission fees. A few legislative attempts to do weren’t crafted wisely and unsurprisingly stalled. This is good news for one great park, but the entire system would benefit from a cash infusion.
WHICH NUMBER MATTERS? According to the Illinois Gaming Board’s monthly reports, the state’s online and in-person sports books took 5,418,323 fewer bets in September 2025 (30,472,931) compared with September 2024 (35,891,254). Industry analysts have been waiting for these figures because it’s the first full month with a new tax on legal books, which now
have to pay 25 cents for each online bet. Once a book collects more than 20 million wagers, the hit goes up to 50 cents.
The handle, however, increased $115,042,152.96 – from $1,299,709,519.75 last year to $1,414,751,672.71 this year. That’s a spike of more than $10 per bet. For those whose only interest in this conversation is how legal sports betting affects tax revenues, the handle is a much more relevant data point than the number of wagers. But it’s understandable to point to a steep drop in overall activity as a concern.
Absent the ability to enact a law limiting gambling to only the money any individual bettor can actually afford to lose – about as tough to enforce as reserving alcohol purchases to casual drinkers – any hope the betting taxes are entirely progressive is just conjecture. Still, it’ll be
important for state budget planners to look closely at whether any given year’s income is a sustainable baseline.
ON THIS DAY: On Nov, 18, 1883, every railroad clock was reset to reflect the synchronization of the four primary North American time zones (there had been 27 local times in Illinois alone). For those with inquisitive sixth-graders at home, or just the generally curious, one fine resource is “The Day of Two Noons,” a 1952 book by Carlton Corliss for the Association of American Railroads. The University of Illinois’ digital library makes it available at tinyurl.com/DayOfTwoNoons.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Chuy Garcia chats about dropping reelection bid, career
You likely already know that U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Chicago, dropped out of his reelection race in a way that essentially handed his seat to his top aide.
García said his doctor advised him not to run again because of his heart condition, as did his spouse, who has multiple sclerosis that didn’t respond to her most recent treatment. And he and his wife had just adopted a grandchild after the death of his daughter. Amid all that, García said he decided the Friday before the Monday petition filing deadline to drop out. And he decided the same day to back his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, to replace him on the ballot.
The literally last-minute petition filing meant that people who would’ve run if García had announced his intent earlier were shut out of the race.
Some people don’t buy Garcia’s story, saying they heard the day he announced that rumors were circulating a few weeks before about how García might not run again. But those rumors, mostly secondhand, have circulated quite often since his 2023 mayoral loss.
When I told García that some felt cheated by his decision, the incumbent said that while he respects their views, he followed all the rules. And he did do that.
VIEWS
Rich Miller
I was also interested in knowing how he managed to keep this handoff a secret.
García said his organization collected 2,500 signatures for Patty García (no relation) over the weekend, so he said he was also surprised that nobody figured it out before he dropped the bombshell late Monday afternoon.
“I kept looking at my phone every little while [during the weekend], because I expected calls from mayors, trustees, political operatives, or just some of our super voters to see if everything was OK, or if Patty García had gone rogue or something, or we had had a falling-out.”
But he said, “Not one call.”
Chuy is one of the longest-serving politicians in Chicago (he was first elected to the City Council in 1986), but word didn’t get out. That’s quite something.
García and I also talked about the history of Latino political success on the Southwest Side and in the suburbs and his role in it. He said he recognized early on that the demographics were starting
to change in that part of the city many years ago.
“We were following that, we were waiting for the ripening of the conditions,” he said.
García said they would constantly probe the machine over the years for possible openings, and analyzed “the old organizations and how they work,” including then-Speaker Michael Madigan’s operation. But, he said, it was crucial to watch not only demographics, but “especially understanding citizen voting age population and when it was a time to make the move.”
Huge numbers of Latinos were not old enough to vote back in the day, but time eventually solved that impediment. Hence, “the ripening.”
Years ago, I wrote that Madigan had essentially thrown in the towel to Garcia, agreeing to drop his support for white incumbents in city and suburban Latino areas against Garcia’s progressive candidates as long as his own direct sphere of influence, mainly his 13th Ward and the 23rd Ward, were left alone.
“We were able to deal from a position of strength,” García said, “because it was becoming more evident what was happening.”
It wasn’t a one-way street by any
means. No progressive House Latinos joined the 19 House Democrats who successfully called for Madigan’s ouster, for example.
I’ve known García since he was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1992. Back then, so few Latinos were in the Senate that they joined the Black Caucus, which Chuy eventually chaired. He lost a primary in 1998 to a machinebacked candidate and was eventually elected to the Cook County Board and then Congress.
One of the things he said he’s most proud of is bringing younger Latinos into politics, and, in the last several years, helping women get elected.
“We’ve, over the past 10 years, redeemed ourselves by empowering more women, because that was one of the biggest shortcomings. That’s the case for women generally, but certainly we’ve tried to intentionally correct that, and I feel really good about that,” García said.
And the latest recruit is his chief of staff, Patty García, whether some people like it or not. Chuy studied the machine well.
•RichMilleralsopublishesCapitol Fax,adailypoliticalnewsletter,and CapitolFax.com.
Spring Valley celebrates Christmas in the Valley
By MAKADE RIOS
Visitors got a jump-start to their holiday season Nov. 15 with a visit to Spring Valley’s annual
Christmas in the Valley celebration. Check out these photos by MaKade Rios.
Photos by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: (from left) Santa, Josie Lopez and mother Alicia pose for photo at the annual Christmas in the Valley Nov. 15 at the Cosgrove Distributors in Spring Valley. TOP RIGHT: Levi Pyszka marks “Nice” on letter to Santa at the annual Christmas in the Valley Nov. 15 at the Tee Box in Spring Valley. ABOVE: (from left) Jaxson Puga shoots basketball as Vinny Puga and Benny Puga watch on at the annual Christmas in the Valley Nov. 15 at the Locker Room in Spring Valley. LEFT: Hot Chocolate is served at the annual Christmas in the Valley Nov. 15 at the Locker Room in Spring Valley.
LEFT: Levi Pyszka poses for photo with one of Santa’s elves Saturday at the annual Christmas in the Valley in Spring Valley’s Tee Box. ABOVE: Colette Carls deposits her letter to Santa at a mailbox next to one of his elves Saturday at the annual Christmas in the Valley in Spring Valley’s Tee Box.
Photos by MaKade Rios
STATE
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Chicago and Portland are being sent home
By JULIE WATSON
The Associated Press
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, are being sent home, and those who will remain will continue to stay off the streets amid court battles over their domestic mission by the Trump administration, a defense official said Monday.
The withdrawal of soldiers – sent from California and Texas – is part of a larger change to troop deployments after President Donald Trump began his immigration crackdown in various cities with Democratic leadership. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the issue and requested anonymity.
U.S. Northern Command said in a statement Sunday that it was “shifting and/or rightsizing” units in Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago, although it said there would be a “constant, enduring, and long-term presence in each city.”
In the coming days, 200 California National Guard troops currently deployed to Oregon will be sent home, and about 100 will remain in the Portland area doing training, the official said. The military also plans to cut the number of Oregon National Guard troops on deployment there from 200 soldiers to 100, the official said.
About 200 Texas National Guard troops in Chicago also are being sent home and about 200 soldiers will be on standby at Fort Bliss, an Army base that stretches across parts of Texas and New Mexico, the official said.
About 300 Illinois National Guard troops will remain in the Chicago area, also doing training, but they currently are not legally allowed to conduct operations with the Department of Homeland Security, the official said.
The official said the upcoming holiday season may have played a role in the change in deployments.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, said Trump “never should have illegally deployed our troops in the first place.”
“We’re glad they’re finally coming home,” she wrote in an email. “It’s long overdue!”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office did not return calls for comment. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the Trump administration doesn’t communicate its plans with state leaders and was still threatening to federalize more troops.
“This confirms what we have always known: This is about normalizing military forces in American cities,” Pritzker spokesman Matt Hill said in a statement Saturday.
Hill didn’t immediately return a message left Monday.
Democratic cities targeted by Trump for military involvement – including Chicago, which filed a separate lawsuit on the issue currently before the U.S. Supreme Court – have been pushing back. They argue the president has not satisfied the legal threshold for deploying troops and that doing so would vio -
late states’ sovereignty.
U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut in Portland this month issued a permanent injunction blocking Trump from deploying troops in the city, saying he had failed to establish that he was legally entitled to do so. On Sunday, the administration filed an emergency motion seeking to put the ruling on hold while it appeals.
Separately, the Trump administration has stepped up immigration enforcement in Charlotte, North Carolina, expanding an aggressive campaign that’s been spearheaded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
National Guard deployments have been one of the most controversial initiatives of Trump’s second term, demonstrating an expanded willingness to use the military to accomplish
domestic goals.
Troops, including active-duty Marines, were deployed to Los Angeles during immigration protests earlier this year.
The National Guard was also sent to Washington, D.C., where they were part of a broader federal intervention that Trump claimed was necessary because of crime problems.
The deployments later expanded to Portland and Chicago.
Although they don’t play a law enforcement role, members of the National Guard have been tasked with protecting federal facilities, particularly those run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
About 100 troops who have been in Los Angeles will remain on deployment, the defense official said.
Laurie Fanelli file photo Soldiers participate in what seems to be a training exercise Oct. 8 at the Joliet Local Training Area site for the Illinois National Guard at 20612 Arsenal Road in Elwood.
OBITUARIES
ELIZABETH “BETH” EMILY (EKSTROM) TRUCKENBROD
Born: April 24, 1941
Died: November 3, 2025
Elizabeth “Beth” Emily (Ekstrom) Truckenbrod, 84, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and formerly of Mendota, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025. A memorial service will be held at the Mendota Bible Church in Mendota, Illinois, on Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Brian Kelly officiating.
Beth was born on April 24, 1941, in Mendota, Illinois, to Carl and Bette (Baker) Ekstrom. She graduated from Mendota High School in 1959,
ELAINE PHALEN
Born: December 31, 1935
Died: November 12, 2025
ELAINE H. PHALEN
Born December 31, 1935, in Amboy, Illinois to Richard E. and Florence M. (Girard) Phalen, Elaine passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at age 89 at Manor Court Nursing Home, in Peru, IL. Elaine graduated from Holy Cross Grade School in Mendota, IL and Mt. St. Claire Academy in Clinton, Iowa. She continued her education at Mt. St. Claire Jr. College, where she obtained an Associate of Commerce degree. Elaine served as the Vice-President of Mt. St. Claire Alumnae Association and was a member of Ph Theta Kappa Honor Society. She had a lifelong career at Phalen Steel Construction Company in Mendota, IL, and retired in 1988 from her position as Corporate Secretary-Treasurer. Additionally, she was a Shareholder and served on the Board of Directors.
Elaine was an avid bowler. She served as
where she enjoyed participating in theatre, debate, speech contest, choir and played clarinet in the concert band. Beth’s first job was scooping ice cream at Purity Ice Cream in Mendota which was owned for many years by her parents and is fondly remembered by many of those who grew up in Mendota during the 1950s and 1960s as the place to go after school for a chocolate malt, a root beer float or a five cent cola. Beth lovingly raised six children, always supporting their endeavors and instilling in them a sense of genuine kindness and a love for curiosity. She was the steady force behind the family business and farms, and later fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own children’s clothing store in Mendota. Beth was rarely without a book in her hand and a smile on her face.
An accomplished oil painter, Beth created numerous works reflecting nature, farm life,
Secretary of Illinois Valley Women’s Bowling Association from 1962-1965 and founded and served as Secretary of the Mendota Women’s Bowling Association in 1966. She was awarded a lifetime membership in that association, and the 600 Women’s Bowling Club in 1973. In addition, she often talked about the many happy times she spent with her friends at Verucchi’s Ristorante in Spring Valley. Her memberships included Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish in Spring Valley, IL, Lifetime Membership of the Mendota VFW Auxiliary Post #4079, and Mendota Women of the Moose Chapter 1567.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William, James, and Richard, and her infant sisters Helen and Carole. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and many of her dearly cherished “adopted” families/ friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley, IL. A private burial will be held at a later time, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota, IL. Memorials may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared by visiting bartofh.com.
and faith. Her mural, The Road to Emmaus, has been displayed at the Mendota Bible Church for more than 50 years. A devoted member of the church, she offered her time and talents to support many ministries.
In the early 1990s, she moved to Grand Rapids. She found joy in spending time with her 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A master at knitting and sewing, she lovingly crafted countless blankets and clothing items for her family and passed these skills to her children and grandchildren. Her kind and gentle spirit, her culinary talents, and her sharp wit will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Beth is survived by her children, Deborah (Cyrano) Williams of Grand Rapids, MI, Trent Truckenbrod of Orlando, FL, Pamela (Dennis) Spangler of Sevierville, TN, Mark (Ilona) Truckenbrod of Aurora, IL, Nathan (Wendy)
MARGARET LAWRENCE
Born: November 13, 1937 in Dixon, IL
Died: November 12, 2025 in Champaign, IL
Margaret L. Lawrence, 87 of 705 Pecan Tree Street, Urbana, IL 61802 died on November 12, 2025 in Champaign, IL. Visitation will be on Friday November 21, 2025 from 10am to 11am at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, IL. Funeral services will follow at 11am. Internment will be at Wisner Cemetery in Ophir Township.
Mrs. Lawrence was born November 13, 1937 in Dixon, IL to Fredrick and Ruth (Raffenberger)
Truckenbrod of Williamsburg, VA, Kimberly (Boris) Jukic of Potsdam, NY and her grandchildren, Jolie, Victoria, Simeon, and Levi (Morgan) Williams, Benjamin and Leah Truckenbrod, Olivia (Trevor) Bullock and Savannah Spangler, Hannah and Jacob (Natalia) Truckenbrod, Abbey and Sophia Truckenbrod, Ivana, Marko, Ana, and Drago Jukic, and her great-grandchildren, Roman, Vincent, and Nico Williams. She is also survived by her siblings Karla Barman of Woodhull, IL, Carl “Ponch” (Brenda) Ekstrom of Pueblo, CO and Marthann (Roger) Schmidt of Harris, MN, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Beth was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Mendota Bible Church 4131 N. State Highway 251 Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 538-6876
Rammelt. She married Raymond L. Lawrence on November 1, 1969 in Mendota, IL. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mendota where she served as a Deacon, past president of King’s Daughters and was a member of Presbyterian Women. She was also a former member of the Mendota Unit of HCE Home Extension.
Survivors include four children: Philip (Sarah) Clark of Norfolk, VA, Diane (David) Eddy of Sherrill, IA, Luann (John Gallagher) Clark of Huntington Beach, CA, John (Claudia) Lawrence of Champaign, IL; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one step great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
BRUCE CHRISTMANN
Send obituary information to lasalleobits@shawlocal.com. Obituaries also appear online at legacy.com/ obituaries/newstrib, where you may sign the guest book.
Bruce A. Christmann, 82, of Mendota, passed on 11/15/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Wasmer Funeral Home, Mendota.
Elks presented a $6,000 check to Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru. Pictured from left are Elk members Tim Watkins and Junior Metcalf, food pantry executive director Mary Jo Credi, Elks Lee Thompson, Ken Ficek, Sarah Metcalf and Gary Ferrari.
Oglesby Elks donate $6,000 to Illinois Valley Food Pantry
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Oglesby Elks Lodge #2360 members, after taking a tour of the new Illinois Valley Food Pantry facility in Peru, presented a check for $6,000 to Executive Director Mary Jo Credi. The donation was made possible
through the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight Grants.
Members also help with food parcel packing for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Food Pantry has seen a sharp increase in the number of clients and can use all the donations they can get to satisfy the need. This is one way the Elks help their community.
Photo provided by Ken Ficek
Oglesby
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Popular broadcast network
4. Train line
10. Go quickly
11. Straightforward
12. Canadian province
14. Swiss river
15. It can be straight or curved
16. Edit
18. Utter repeatedly
22. Gotten up
23. Sea vessel
24. Agents of one’s demise
26. Not out
27. Something to scratch
28. A round water pot
30. Slang for cylindrical green fruit
31. Promotions
34. Masses of matter
36. Soviet Socialist Republic
37. Nightstand item
39. The content of cognition
40. Arab ruler
41. Northern U.S. state
42. Chewed in small bites
48. Hawaiian island
50. More thin
51. Of one
52. Rigid bracelet or anklet
53. Barbary sheep
54. Not even
55. Atomic #106
56. Haggle
58. Boxing’s GOAT
59. Division of a group into opposing factions
60. Vietnamese offensive
DOWN
1. Horse-drawn carriage
2. Prejudices
3. Peacefully
4. University athletic official
5. Soldiers
6. Large mollusk 7. Take out again 8. Sour or bitter in taste
9. Songwriter Tunstall 12. Husk of wheat
13. Flexible covering in some birds
17. Energy
19. Night monkey genus 20. Small nails 21. Colorless volatile liquid 25. In a way, changes integrity 29. Mark Wahlberg’s stuffed animal 31. Remember it 32. “Good Will Hunting” lead
and
man 33. Pleasant facial expression
Sea vessel
Lacking poetic beauty 41. Tall, swift
slender dog
43. Sports personality Michelle
44. Robber
45. Liquefied natural gas
46. Snakelike fish
47. Sediment at bottom of a liquid
49. Crimean seaport
56. Bad grades
57. Popular S. Korean rapper
Mendota looking to make deep postseason run
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
With six players returning from last year’s Three Rivers Conference East Division championship team that went 22-9, the Mendota boys basketball team has high expectations for the 2025-26 season.
“It was nice to get a conference championship last year, but we would like to be able to put a date on those banners we have hanging in the gym for regional champion and sectional champion,” Mendota coach Steve Wasmer said. “I think we have the talent to do that.”
Leading the way for the Trojans is 6-foot-5 sophomore Cole Tillman, a unanimous all-conference and NewsTribune All-Area first-team pick last season after averaging 18 points, six rebounds and four assists per game.
Also back are seniors Aden Tillman (13 ppg, 85 3-pointers made), Dane Doyle (9 ppg, 5 apg), Alex Beetz (6 ppg), Johann Cortez (5 ppg) and junior Drew Becker (7 ppg, 5 rpg).
Wasmer said Becker and Cortez are “ultra quick guards who can create havoc defensively” and will have larger roles this season, while Wasmer expects big things from Becker.
Senior Oliver Munoz, a transfer from West Chicago, and juniors Cam Wasmer, Carter Wujek, Cayden Taliani, Javi Hernandez and Cesar Casas are newcomers who could make an impact.
“We return six guys who played a lot of minutes last year and have played together for a long time,” Steve Wasmer said. “We have a couple of underclassmen who are extremely talented, but we also have veteran guys who know what our expectations are and will be great leaders.”
Offensively, the Tillman brothers will lead the way. Steve Wasmer said both Tillmans could eclipse 1,000 points this season.
Steve Wasmer expects Cole Tillman to average 20 points per game with several other players who could be in the 10-14 point range, including Becker, Aden Tillman, Munoz, Doyle, Beetz and Cortez.
“We are going to be able to score in a lot of different ways,” Steve Wasmer said. “We have a very good shooting team that also has size to create mismatches in the post. Everybody on the
Mendota’s Cole Tillman drives to the basketba against Hall during a game last season at Mendota High School.
floor will be able to handle the ball and shoot. We are going to play faster and faster. Doyle is probably the best passer I’ve ever coached and gets us so many easy baskets because of it. He could average seven or eight assists per game with our tempo.”
Steve Wasmer isn’t sure what to expect from the defense.
“That’s the biggest question mark
with this group is can we defend?” Wasmer said. “We have the physical attributes to be able to defend at a high level, but we need everybody to buy into that end of the floor. I think we will be able to score with everyone, but being able to beat good teams when our shots aren’t falling is the biggest focus. Defense is about effort and communication, and hopefully our guys will do
those things consistently.”
Because the Trojans have high expectations, Wasmer said they beefed up the schedule with nonconference games against La Salle-Peru, Ottawa, Kaneland, Sycamore, Rock Falls, Sterling and Byron.
“Our hope is that those are games that will prepare us for what we will see in the postseason,” Wasmer said.
Kyle Russell file photo
‘They’ve
had a huge impact’: Mendota seniors lead soccer program to new heights
By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com
Mendota senior Mateo Goy remembers sitting in the stands as an eighth grader when the Trojans lost in penalty kicks to Bloomington Central Catholic in the supersectional, ending a 23-1 season.
He knew he wanted to be in that position someday.
“We went to the game and Luis Ramirez and I were talking and said, ‘We’re going to get here one day,’” Goy said. “And then we got all the way to the state championship. We had a bittersweet ending (with a 3-1 loss to Columbia in the state title game), but we still got there.”
Mendota senior Johan Cortez said he and his classmates were motivated by watching the 2021 supersectional team and others before them.
“I think we were all pretty excited to finally be part of the team,” Cortez said. “Growing up, we all watched the high school soccer. Watching that amazing year they had when we were in eighth grade made us more excited. When we came in, a lot of the older groups we knew since we were little as well. It was easy to fit in with them and they guided us in the right direction.”
Goy, Ramirez, Cortez and the rest of the Class of 2026, which includes Angel Orozco, Mauricio Salinas, Ramiro Palacious, Sebastian Carlos, Osvaldo Arteaga, Aaden Castle and Alex Beetz, continued to take the program in the right direction, helping Mendota reach new heights.
The Class of 2026 led the Trojans to four regional titles – extending Mendota’s streak to seven – two sectional championships, the program’s first two state appearances, a third-place finish in 2024 and a runner-up finish this season.
“It means a lot, especially to the seniors because a lot of the older guys [from past teams] are our older brothers or cousins, so it means a lot to be able to do it and get that far not only for us, but for them too, for all the past generations that weren’t able to do it, but were so close,” Cortez said. “I think it’s just really cool to experience all that and they were happy for us too, which was
really cool to see.”
The 10 seniors have played together since the Mendota Area Youth Soccer League and continued through indoor soccer in DeKalb and club soccer.
“We’re like a family,” Goy said. “I’ve spent almost every single day with these guys since we were like 3. There’s no words to explain our connection. I love these guys.”
The connection from youth soccer translated to early success in high school as several members of the Class of 2026 were key contributors as freshmen.
“We lost a big group of seniors [from the supersectional team], but they right away as freshman kept us competitive,” Mendota coach Nick Myers said. “We went to the sectional final [their freshman year]. We relied on a few of them to get us there. To get 10 kids like that who most can help you right away is great for your program. Then they just continued
to work hard. They continued to improve. They’re a group that loves the sport and they play all the time. Having a group like that, having chemistry like that, having kids who will work hard, having kids who will not just show up but listen to you and want to be coached and want to get better is just awesome.
“Obviously, they’ve had a huge impact on our program. They’re the main reason we have two state trophies in the trophy case now at the high school.”
After leading the Trojans to unprecedented success, the Class of 2026 will take their own paths next year.
“It’s going to be tough to move on from this part of our lives, but it is part of life,’ Cortez said. “Everyone goes on to do their own thing. I’m sure we’ll stay connected. We’ll see each other here and there and we’ll try to get together as a group every once in a while. It’s going to
be sad to see everyone go, but I’m just happy I was able to share all these memories with them. I’m just proud of everything we were able to accomplish.”
And the seniors hope the program continues to succeed once they’re gone.
“We changed soccer [at Mendota] forever,” Goy said. “I’m so happy for the community and for Mendota to see that and hopefully it’ll keep growing.”
Cortez sees plenty of potential in the classes coming up behind them.
“I think next year a lot of people might think that since we lose 10 seniors they’re going to have a downfall, but I don’t see the program dropping that much,” Cortez said. “They have a lot of skilled, smart players. I think if they just stay motivated, keep the hard work going and keep doing their thing, they’ll be able to make it back to regional, sectional and possibly even state again if they really want it.”
Scott Anderson file photo
Mendota’s Johan Cortez poses with the Class 1A State runner-up trophy Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
2019: LeBron James records 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the LA Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 to become the first player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double against all 30 franchises
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
SO CLOSE
Mendota boys soccer end their season with hope for next year / 23
Mendota’s Luis Ramirez keeps the ball in bounce during the Class 1A State title game on Nov. 8 at Hoffman Estates High School.
Photo by Scott Anderson