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SERVING NORTHERN ILLINOIS SINCE 1851 • ShawLocal.com

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LOCAL NEWS

‘Crumbs for a Cause’ IVCC baker uses bread to help fight food insecurity / 17

TODAY’S EDITION: 24 pages • Vol. 147, Issue 50

DEFENSE DELIVERS

Mendota rallies past Hall for second Colmone crown / 23

Be the change we wish to see in the world

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

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At some point in each of our lives, we have likely heard the words popularly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Whether Gandhi ever spoke those actual words or not, he is clearly onto something. After all, the golden rule, in many ways, speaks of the same concept: “Do unto others, as you would have done unto you.”

Jesus’ teachings are challenging across the board. He said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

That’s why there are so many people who are Christian in name only. It is a lot easier to let Jesus’ death and resurrection erase all of our responsibility for the sins we have committed than it is for us to actually live Christlike lives rooted in his teachings in the gospel.

But this blanket pardon for our sins is not what Jesus taught. He expects us to change our lives to be aligned with his. In Matthew 25:31-46, we are reminded that at the final judgment, Jesus will separate his followers, the “sheep” from the “goats,” according to how well they lived the gospel.

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison and you did not care for me.’

“Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison and not minister to your needs?’

“He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’

“And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Some media outlets and their viewers dehumanize immigrants by calling them “illegals.” I have seen this term used in my Facebook feed by others,

SPIRIT MATTERS Jerrilyn Zavada Novak and it breaks my heart.

Referring to people who live among us as “illegals” strips them of the dignity that is their birthright as sons and daughters of God. If someone has a criminal record and continues to engage in such behavior, then they should be dealt with through proper legal channels.

But the majority of the people Immigration and Customs Enforcement has targeted are not “illegal” at all and have no criminal record whatsoever.

They are people who work hard, contribute to the economy and have applied for citizenship through the proper channels.

If you need a biblical passage to see what Jesus thinks about all of this, look no further than the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10: 29-37: “But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

“Jesus replied, ‘A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off, leaving him half-dead.

“A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.

“He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.

“The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him.

If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ “‘Which of these three, in your opin-

Referring to people who live among us as “illegals” strips them of the dignity that is their birthright as sons and daughters of God. If someone has a criminal record and continues to engage in such behavior, then they should be dealt with through proper legal channels. ion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?’

“He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

The way the Samaritan treated the man on the side of the road is the way Jesus expects us to treat each other in thought, word and deed. The highly questionable and cruel tactics ICE is using would not fall under the category of “treating them with mercy.”

If we are to call ourselves Christian – followers of Christ – then we must be transformed from the inside out. There is no room in God’s kingdom for selfishness, greed, lust or any kind of corruption whatsoever. And if we aren’t able to recognize corruption when it is staring us in the face, then maybe we need to go back to the gospels and immerse ourselves in them until we are able to recognize it and thoroughly reject it.

Or maybe we just need to honestly ask ourselves what the golden rule means to us personally. What would you have done unto you? If you aren’t OK with being treated with violence and contempt, and not given due process, then it is a safe bet that it is not what Jesus would do or have you do either.

• Spirit Matters is a weekly column

by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@ Scan here yahoo.com. to get

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Hall’s Greyson Bickett (0) drives the ball in the lane as Mendota’s Aden Tillman (11) defends on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Hall High School in Spring Valley.

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Green Christmas? Forecast calls for Yuletide in the 50s

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. It looks as if Santa and his reindeer won’t be landing on any snow-covered rooftops in the Illinois Valley.

The 10-day forecast now extends to the most wonderful time of year, and children who asked for a new sled might have to wait a few days before using it.

There’s no snow in the forecast, and what’s on the ground now will be gone by the holiday.

“I’d say the odds lean against a white Christmas,” said Ricky Castro, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, “but never say never with the 10-day forecast.”

Forecasts are fluid, but so far, the outlook suggests most of us will be huddling under blankets watching the Packers-Bears game on Saturday night, followed by a chilly Sunday with a daytime high of 33 degrees.

Then, the mercury will gradually climb into the 50s as we leave cookies and milk for Old St. Nick. On Christmas Day, we could hit a daytime high of 55 degrees, according to forecasts updated Wednesday.

Not everyone is unhappy with the possibility of a Christmas without snow, however.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows the vast majority of the Illinois Valley

mired in “moderate drought” – Putnam County is “severe” – and farmers are among those who’d welcome a steady melt to replenish the water table.

“The ground is not frozen hard under the snow,” observed David Isermann, president of the La Salle County Farm Bureau. “The melting snow and any rain we get will help with the drought conditions and should go into the soil.”

Retailers aren’t exactly pleading for more bitter cold, either.

Becca Barto, owner of Sasso Jewelry and Gifts in La Salle, said winter weather hasn’t been an impediment to holiday shopping – “Our customers still found a way to get here on Small Business Saturday” – but she said she isn’t opposed to balmier conditions during the remaining shopping days before Christmas.

“We see a little mad rush at the last minute,” Barto said.

And plow drivers wouldn’t mind a break from the snow.

Ottawa Mayor Robert Hasty applauded his city’s street department – “They’ve done a remarkable job keeping streets safe and passable” – but expressed his hope that city workers might enjoy downtime with their families rather than spend Christmas driving a plow.

“The first few weeks of this winter have already brought more snow than we saw in any of my previous winters as mayor,” Hasty said. “Our public works crews have been out for long hours, often late into the night and in bitterly cold conditions.

“While we all enjoy the idea of a white Christmas, Mother Nature always has her own plans.”

MER

National Weather Service predicts snow melted by Dec. 25

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Photo Illustration by Scott Anderson

Christmas in Utica will look a bit more like the right-side photo. Despite our early blast from Old Man Winter, forecasters say the snow pack will have melted by Yuletide. Temperatures updated Wednesday, Dec. 17, suggest a daytime high of 55 degrees on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

4

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

Photo provided by the City of Mendota

Mendota plans to use the funds it received from a Rebuild Illinois grant to help build a bike path and promote tourism to the city.

Mendota awards contract to design bicycle path City council trims property tax rate (a little)

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com Mendota awarded a contract Monday to an engineering firm to design a walking-cycling path using $3 million in funding the city received this spring.

The Mendota City Council awarded the engineering contract to the W.T. Group for a maximum $220,000. The project will create a walking and biking path connecting the Amtrak train depot to the Lake Mendota sports fields and Lake Kakusha pier.

Annie Short, project director, said she’s excited but cautioned there are multiple boxes to check before any asphalt is laid.

“We won’t construct anything until spring of 2027,” Short said.

Separately, the city council adopted a tax levy that could translate into modest relief when the property tax bills arrive next spring.

As previously reported, the city’s tax

base grew nearly 10%, resulting in what Alderman John Holland III termed “a slight decrease” in taxes.

Mayor David Boelk last year paid the city $1,767 on a total tax bill of nearly $7,900. If his home value stays the same, Boelk could pay an even $1,700 next year.

Finally, the council awarded an engineering contract to Fehr Graham for the next phase of the wastewater treatment plant for $6 million. Boelk said the city, as with many municipalities, is required by federal authorities to make upgrades at a backbreaking cost to the city – and it will take at least 10 more years.

“I might be dead and gone,” Boelk said, “but it’s going to cost in excess of $40 million.”

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LOTS OF JOY AT CHRISTMAS

Other matters:

-Residents are reminded to move vehicles off city streets after 2 or more inches of snow have fallen. Tickets can be issued, and vehicles towed, for non-compliance -Awarded the artist contract to Justin Suarez, pending approval by the city attorney -Wished residents a happy holiday season

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Our Favorite Time of All!

Wishing you good times this holiday season

from the Peru’s City Clerk’s Office

Have A Merry Christmas!

Jamey Mertel, City Clerk

Trina Stevens, Deputy Clerk

Stephanie Piscia, Deputy Clerk

Susan Data Mary Kramer

Bill Freskos

Several former Bill Walsh auto dealerships in Ottawa have changed ownership following their acquisition by Home Run Auto Group, a Midwest-based automotive retailer out of Wisconsin.

Bill Walsh dealerships in Ottawa under new ownership

By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com Several Bill Walsh auto dealerships in Ottawa are under new ownership following their acquisition by Mid west-based automotive retailer Home Run Auto Group.

The transaction officially closed this week and includes Bill Walsh Ford/Kia, Bill Walsh Honda and Bill Walsh Toyota which have been rebranded as Ottawa Ford/Kia, Ottawa Honda and Ottawa Toyota.

Home Run Auto Group said the acquisition strengthens its presence in Illinois and brings its total to nine dealership locations. The company employs about 400 people across its network.

Home Run Auto Group confirmed it plans to expand staffing and invest in operations and customer experience initiatives across the Starved Rock Country market and said the transition is expected to bring investment and additional hiring to the Ottawa area “Community commitment and exceptional customer experience are at the core of everything we do,” owner Jim

Bozich said, adding that the company views Ottawa as a strong, values-driven community.

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay McCracken said the chamber is ready to welcome Home Run and is grateful for the Bill Walsh Automotive Group’s service to the community.

“Our Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce expresses our profound gratitude to the Bill Walsh Automotive Group for its decades of service and community support in Ottawa and the surrounding communities,” McCracken said in a statement. “We welcome the new owners and are ready to provide our assistance during the transition process. We look forward to their success in our wonderful community.”

Bill Walsh Jr., whose family has operated dealerships in La Salle County for four generations, said the community has always been central to the business.

“La Salle County has been home to my family for four generations, and the families and communities we have served have always been our heart and soul,” Walsh said. “I’m confident the new ownership will continue the Bill Walsh legacy with integrity and a strong commitment to both customers and employees.”

MER

Change brings rebranding, and plans for expansion

Office will be Closed December 24th and 25th and January 1st.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Christmas

Serving the Illinois Valley for over 50 years Everyone we serve is someone special

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NORTHERN ILLINOIS

ComEd, Ameren rate hike requests cut by millions

By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday struck millions from utility rate hike requests by ComEd and Ameren in a decision officials said is meant to balance utility spending with electric grid use under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. In two separate decisions, the ICC struck $25.4 million from ComEd’s $268.5 million 2024 rate request and $11.2 million from Ameren Illinois’ $59.6 million multi-year rate request, according to a news release.

The decision is the first in a new performance-based evaluation process designed to reconcile actual utility spending with approved investments outlined in the utility’s multi-year grid and rate plans.

“The ICC’s responsibility is to balance the interests of Illinois’ utilities and their consumers, and our new grid planning process is designed to hold the state’s largest electric utilities account-

ComEd provides service for 4 million electric customers in northern Illinois.

ComEd customers can expect these costs to be offset by a $803 million rebate approved earlier this month under CEJA’s carbon mitigation credit.

Ameren Illinois serves 1.2 million electric customers in central and southern Illinois.

Thursday’s decision after an 8-month legal review struck the bulk of overrun costs related to ComEd’s customer care and billing rollout last year, according to the ICC. The decision also requires ComEd Shaw Local News Network file photo and Ameren to provide affordability data updates and cost benefit analyses of The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday struck millions from utility rate hike requests related grid plan projects in future rate

by ComEd and Ameren in a decision officials said is meant to balance utility spending with reconciliation dockets so that plans can eletric grid use. be evaluated in real time. able for their performance,” ICC Chair- responsibility to prove that any adjustIn 2024, the ICC approved both utility man Doug Scott said in a news release. ments made are reasonable and prudent companies’ revised grid plan to “The ICC’s decision today reiterates for maintaining our power system.” strengthen power grid reliability, supthat unsupported departures from The impact of the decision on individ- port progress toward Illinois’ clean ComEd’s approved grid plan are incon- ual customers will vary based on service energy goals and hold the companies sistent with the goals of the grid plan- class and energy usage, according to the accountable for meeting the perforning process, and it is the utility’s state agency. mance metrics set by the ICC.

You are who we are!

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

6

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Seventh- and eighth-grade students at Northbrook Middle School in Mendota raised $850 for the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry through a donation campaign before Thanksgiving.

The fundraiser was part of the 4-H Food Action Academy, a curriculum designed to help students understand how food access impacts communities and develop leadership skills.

Students learned that many children in La Salle County face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from and often rely on schools for daily meals.

In response, students organized a schoolwide donation drive, collecting 25-cent donations in exchange for paper leaves that donors could decoPhoto provided by Karina Delgado rate and display. Each quarter, the Brandon Scheppers, Sarah Henkel and Shasta Hladovcak present an $850 donation to the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry. pantry helped purchase $1 worth of groceries through its buying program.

Shasta Hladovcak, 4-H & Youth Scheppers to guide the project. skills while addressing community opportunities, call University of IlliDevelopment educator, worked with The 4-H Food Action Academy needs. nois Extension at 217-244-5812 or email teachers Sarah Henkel and Brandon helps students develop leadership For more information about 4-H Hladovcak at shlad@illinois.edu.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Mendota students raise $850 for food pantry

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MER

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Michelle Rich, center, CEO of Horizon House, accepts a $2,482.55 donation from Granville Knights of Columbus co-chairmen Doug Ossola, left, and Chuck Loebach. The funds were raised through the organization’s Tootsie Roll fundraiser.

Granville Knights of Columbus donates $2,482 to Horizon House Tootsie Roll fundraiser benefits 157 people with disabilities

its Tootsie Roll fundraiser.

The funds will benefit 157 individuals with intellectual disabilities served by Horizon House.

Michelle Rich, CEO of Horizon House, accepted the donation from

By MARIBETH M. WILSON co-chairmen Doug Ossola and Chuck mwilson@shawmedia.com Loebach.

Horizon House in Peru provides serThe Granville Knights of Columbus vices to people with disabilities in the donated $2482.55 to Horizon House from Illinois Valley.

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 MER

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2 Streator teens charged with weapons violations

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Two Streator teens were charged with weapons violations after a burglary investigation, Streator police said in a Thursday news release.

On Dec. 18, Streator police conducted a joint investigation with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office into reports of a threat with a firearm and a burglary.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block of South

Park Street. The Streator Police Department, along with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team and the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Sterling and Hickory streets in reference to the reports.

A rifle and ammunition were recovered as a result of the joint investigation.

Two juveniles, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested, and each was charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Additional charges are being reviewed by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Both were taken to the La Salle County Detention Home.

“The Streator Police Department would like to thank all those who assisted in this investigation,” police said in the release.

With 2025 quickly coming to a close, Leffelman & Associates would like to thank you for your continued support and dedication. We would not have been able to get through this year without each and every one of you! Your understanding throughout this year of our scheduling and staffing changes is very much appreciated.

Our team grew in 2025 with the addition of Katie Leffelman as a new agent in February and Riley’s twin boys entering the world much earlier than expected in April, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the Leffelman & Associates family!

Being a family business means relationships come first. Our customers aren’t just clients; they are family. Our work family truly enjoys working together, and that carries through in the way we care for and support our customers.

The insurance world has experienced its share of ups and downs over the past few years – unfortunately, more downs than ups. Despite this, we at Leffelman & Associates have persevered, staying focused on stability, service, and protecting what matters most to our customers.

Our product is financial security, and we are here to protect yours. So, this Christmas card goes out to you with a heartfelt prayer from all of us, that you and your families will have a warm and wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with health and happiness.

May the Christmas Spirit be with you & your family today & throughout the New Year!

May the Christmas Spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the New Year!

LA SALLE COUNTY GRAND JURY (unlawful possession of methamphetamine) • Kevin C. Billups, 38, of Peru (two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance) • Parker C. Enlow, 42, of Ottawa (unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver) • Timothy J. Przybylsi, 35, of Ottawa (unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • Christopher J. Sexton, 33, of Ottawa (unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • William Kalmuk, 75, of Warrenville (driving on a revoked license) • Deandre J. Williams, 28, of Chicago (unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstruction) • Mallory M. Myers, 37, of Streator (unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • Joseph J. Sheridan, 60, of Cornell (unlawful possession of a controlled substance, driving on a revoked license) – Tom Collins

MER

A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments: • Tyler R. Sell, 34, of Oglesby (unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • Regan M. Humble, 34, of La Salle (driving on a revoked license) • Richard K. Basques, 28, of Ottawa (domestic battery) • Michael J. Gray, 30, of Streator (unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • Jeffery R. Gura, 43, of La Salle (unlawful possession of a controlled substance) • Michelle N. Morrow, 38, of Marseilles (unlawful possession of methamphetamine) • Jamie M. Schuning, 34, of Ottawa (unlawful possession of methamphetamine) • Edward W. Pickford, 28, homeless (two counts of indecent solicitation of a child, violation of the sex offender registry) • Rodrigo Lopez Hernandez, 34, of Joliet (unlawful possession of methamphetamine, driving on a revoked license) • Louden A. Herbsled, 37, of Leland

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Police recover rifle, ammunition during joint investigation

9

Janko Realty & Development Janko Realty currently has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom and studio units available for rent in Mendota.

To check on unit availability or to request an application, please email adam@jankorealty.com or call 815-830-4422.

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

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SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Illinois Valley Community College student newspaper earned top honors at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association annual conference in November.

The IV Leader was named Best Student Media and received firstplace recognition for general excellence during the conference.

Individual staff members also won

awards, including Sonja Penney and Abigail Beckcom for news story; Ashton Watkins and Makade Rios for news and sports photography; Sam Bima for sports coverage and columns; and Emma Coss for page design and editorial writing. The staff received numerous second- and thirdplace awards and honorable mentions.

The IVCC Board of Trustees recognized the achievements during its December meeting.

In her report to the board, President Tracy Morris recognized students in Professor Nora Villarreal’s English class who volunteered or raised funds to support community organizations, including the campus food pantry, a local homeless shelter, an animal shelter and a church program. The class involves students in service-learning opportunities.

Morris also reported that IVCC collected more than 2,600 food and basic needs items during the statewide

community college Feed the Need drive, which ended Dec. 1.

In other business

• The board adopted the 2025 tax levy, approved the purchase of updated faculty laptops for $93,000 and approved the purchase of a Transfr Trek career exploration system for the Workforce Development Division for $98,000 over five years.

• The board appointed Juhelia Thompson as psychology instructor.

Diabetes support group meets Jan. 8 in Mendota Support Group” will be led by Susan Glassman, University of Illinois Extencontact@shawmedia.com sion food and nutrition educator, and Jennifer Scully, clinical dietitian with A diabetes support group will meet OSF HealthCare. from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at January’s topic is “Powering Up with OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Men- Legumes,” focusing on how beans and dota. lentils can be part of a diabetes-friendly The “Get Back on Track Diabetes meal plan.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

The session will include recipe tasting and diabetes-friendly snacks.

The group provides support for people working to prevent diabetes, manage the condition or care for someone with diabetes in a supportive environment.

The meeting will be held in Conference Room C at 1401 E. 12th St. in Men-

dota.

Registration is available online at go.illinois.edu/diabetessupport or by calling University of Illinois Extension at 815-224-0894.

For accommodations, contact Glassman at susang@illinois.edu or 815-2240889.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

IVVC student newspaper wins state award

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IVCC dental clinic taking appointments for January Low-cost care available through May 5 at student health clinic

By MARIBETH M. WILSON mwilson@shawmedia.com Illinois Valley Community College has begun accepting appointments for its low-cost dental clinic, which operates Jan. 15 through May 5.

The dental health program provides free and low-cost dental care to the public, and appointments are available for a clinic that operates from Jan. 15 to May 5, according to a news release from IVCC. Morning appointments are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

According to the release, IVCC dental assisting and dental hygiene students provide dental exams, regular cleanings, deep cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments and sealants. They are supervised by volunteer dentists and licensed dental hygienists who perform

some procedures.

The clinic does not provide restorative, surgical or prosthetic procedures, but refers those procedures to area dentists with the completed treatment plan and diagnostic materials provided by the clinic at no additional cost.

The public pays $30 for cleanings (cash or check only). Exams, X-rays and sealants are free. IVCC students and employees receive all services at no cost.

The clinic does not accept any form of insurance for payment, but the $30 fee will be waived for patients who show proof that they qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.

Visits may last up to two hours, depending on the services required, according to the release. Visits can be scheduled by calling the clinic at 815224-0227 or emailing DentalHealthCenter@ivcc.edu.

During the time the college is closed Photo provided by IVCC for winter break from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1, potential patients should email Illinois Valley Community College is again offering a free/low cost dental clinic in 2026. The the Dental Health Center to prevent a clinic is a training setting for dental health students under the supervision of instructors and professionals and expands dental care availability in the Illinois Valley. delay in scheduling.

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Extension offers conservation farming series Topics include soil structure, ferFive sessions focus on soil Office. tility and resilience strategies.

Feb. 3: “Farming with Wildlife,” 10 to health, wildlife, profits 11 a.m., Marshall-Putnam County

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com University of Illinois Extension will host a five-part educational series on conservation practices for farmers and landowners beginning Jan. 22.

The series focuses on conservation practices that improve soil health, support wildlife and enhance farm profitability across four area extension offices.

“Farmers are looking for ways to balance productivity with stewardship,” said Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator. “This series provides research-based solutions that can make conservation work for both the land and the bottom line.”

The schedule includes:

Jan. 22: “Farming for Soil Health,” 10 to 11 a.m., La Salle County Extension

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

14

Extension Office. Focus on bird habitat, deer and pollinator considerations.

Feb. 19: “Edge of Field Practices,” 10 to 11 a.m., Bureau County Extension Office. Topics include saturated buffers, bioreactors, constructed wetlands and prairie strips to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality.

March 5: “Conservation Practices for Profitable Farms,” 10 to 11 a.m., Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office.

Focus on strategies that protect resources while enhancing profitability.

March 20: “Conservation Conversations,” 10 to 11 a.m., La Salle County Extension Office. Communication techniques for discussing conservation practices between farmers and landowners.

Programs are free, but advance registration is encouraged at go.illinois.edu/ SustainableFarms.

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Residents using trap-and-release tactics to curb local homeless cat numbers

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

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The ordinance stands: Feed a feral cat in unincorporated La Salle County, and you could be fined $75.

But there have been behind-thescenes discussions between county authorities and the Safe House Animal Rescue League, which opposes the ban on feeding feral cats. Although the two sides have not yet reached an agreement, they’re working on one.

Sandy Knott of Safe House Animal Rescue League said she and her advocates have a meeting set in mid-January with the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

She’s hoping to come out with a way to protect feral cats without punishing those who feed them.

“Long term, the ordinance [and $75 fine] would need to be rescinded,” Knott said, “and a proper ordinance put in place to protect the feral cats.”

One of the board members engaged in the discussions to date, Brian Dose, D-Ottawa, said he, too, hopes to reach a compromise. That said, the $75 fee isn’t simply coming off the books, and he’s mindful of residents who’ve been clear: They don’t want those animals fed.

Dose said the ordinance and fine are not being actively enforced – “No one’s out headhunting” – and that the board will consider any agreement worked out between the sheriff’s office and Safe House. Discussions will resume in 2026, but he doesn’t foresee the ordinance simply being rescinded.

“Having nothing on the books is not an option,” Dose said. “Hopefully, we can find a middle ground.”

Meanwhile, Knott provided Shaw Local with two La Salle County residents who’d been feeding feral cats and, to hear them tell it, successfully engaged in trap-and-release practices to prevent reproduction while treating the animals humanely.

Shaw Local agreed to grant anonymity to those who feed feral cats. One of the concerns raised was the possibility of incurring the $75 fine, but the primary concern was revealing the location of feral cat colonies, which could jeopardize the animals’ safety.

A Peru woman granted anonymity said that earlier this year, she had noticed a half-dozen feral cats along with a pregnant female cat. Concerned

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

La Salle County working on feral cat compromise 15

Photo provided by Sandy Knott

Trap-Neuter-Return is a program used to manage outdoor cat colonies by trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, then returning them to their territory, where they can live out their lives without contributing to pet overpopulation. the population could explode and spawn problems – “This could really spiral out of control real fast,” she remembered thinking – she did online research and then contacted Knott.

Once armed with traps and with a local veterinarian willing to spay and neuter the feral cats, she was able to return the males to the wild in little more than a day. The after-care for the pregnant female took longer, although it, too, was released.

“So, I was able to get a colony of nine fully fixed,” the Peru woman said.

“There were three females, so there won’t be any more babies, and the males won’t be running around. It was a lot of hard work, and it was stressful, but it was really worth it.”

The animals are significantly more tame since being spayed and neutered.

“My neighbors might have regarded

them as a nuisance, but now the cats don’t wander, they don’t fight, they don’t spray,” she said. “They’ve calmed down and become really docile. They just come to my house and eat.”

A rural Peru woman reported similar experiences. She, too, spotted feral cats and worried that the population would explode. After some investigation, she trapped and released 11 feral cats (including two females) and six kittens.

“My neighbors told me, ‘We are totally behind you. Do what you have to do,’” she said.

The rural Peru woman also observed the feral cats living “more harmoniously” with one another since being spaying and neutered, “where before they were fixed there was fighting, and they showed up with wounds.”

“The more I do, the more I learn, and the more I believe this is needed,” she

said. “I can’t afford fines. I don’t want the pets to get into the hands of the wrong people. I don’t want them to be trapped and euthanized. I would miss them. I would be heartbroken.”

Although the Peru woman was not out any out-of-pocket costs for veterinary care, she emphasized that trapand-release requires patience and perseverance. Cats cannot be counted on to arrive at a particular time, even when accustomed to regular feedings, and it’s important to build trust with the animal before conducting trap-and-release practices.

In that context, the Peru woman said La Salle County’s prohibition on feeding feral cats is unproductive and shortsighted.

“To say you can’t feed them at all?

That’s just a big mistake,” she said.

“It’s a big disservice to everyone.”

MER

Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

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Farmers diversify operations with social media

By MARTHA BLUM mblum@shawmedia.com Developing a YouTube channel and the “Barn Talk” podcast has contributed to the viability of This’ll Do Farm in southeast Iowa.

“I always wanted to farm, and when I graduated from high school in 2018, entrepreneurship and social media really spoke to me,” said Sawyer Whisler, who farms with his dad, Tork Whisler.

“I decided to go right into the farming operation and started choring dad’s barns, but I wanted to bring my own value to the farm, and social media was that way,” Sawyer said during the GrainVantage 2025 webcast hosted by Compeer Financial.

The following year, Sawyer bought his first camera and started documenting what the farmers did every day on their hog operation.

“That was our niche with the ag creators, showing the modern-day hog farmer,” said Sawyer, a sixth-generation farmer.

Tork was raised on this family farm that included a 160-sow farrow-to-finish operation.

“I was my dad’s shadow, and I was the youngest of three boys,” he said. “I thought I would keep doing what my dad did because it seemed to work really well.”

After Tork graduated from high school, the family had the opportunity to purchase an operation close to them that had 120 sows.

“We put the two together, and my dad and I had a 400-sow farrow-to-finish operation,” he said. “In 1992, I thought I had the world by the tail.”

Then, Tork learned a really hard lesson in economics.

“By 1998, I realized I wasn’t going to be a hog farmer, and everything changed,” he said. “I exited the farm in 2000 and spent 20 years working in the construction business.”

Tork’s dad continued to grain farm.

“As the hole got closed in from my experience farrowing, I got to the point where I started thinking about if my kids were going to have a chance to farm,” Tork said.

“I credit one of my mentors for showing me what was possible as far as contract finishing,” he said. “At that time, building prices were low, interest rates were moving lower, and the cash flow worked, so I built my first finisher in

Provided photo

Father-son duo Tork and Sawyer Whisler promote agriculture in a positive light by recording their day-to-day life on the family’s sixth-generation farm in southeast Iowa.

2010, and by 2016, I had three 2,400-head finishers.”

In 2020, Sawyer built his first 2,400head finisher.

“In 2021, we started the podcast ‘Barn Talk’ to share our thoughts on agriculture,” he said. “It was one of the best decisions I made, because without doing that and thinking outside the box, I don’t know how viable we would be for the future.”

It is important for any farm family operation, Sawyer said, for the family to work together as a team.

“When Dad saw what I was trying to do with social media, I wouldn’t necessarily say he was on board from the get-go, but he did not shoot me down,” he said. “That was so important because I felt like I had a seat at the table, and he allowed me to get my ideas out.”

“There is something funny that when you reach a certain age, people start to look at you like you are supposed to have wisdom,” Tork said. “When Sawyer picked up that camera, I believed it would run its course. But then it bit, and he asked me to be a part of it.”

Income from their social media work, Tork said, has helped to diversify the farm’s income.

“But the people we have met and the things that we have learned because of it are more valuable than any monetary

aspect,” Tork added.

“One of the problems that we have when we get older is that wisdom comes from failure as much as from success.

You learn what works and what doesn’t work, and that shapes your world view of what ideas you are going to let in and explore.”

However, Tork said, when working with the next generation, their worldview has no frame.

“They have a larger view of what is possible, and part of that is because they haven’t failed very much,” he said.

Therefore, it’s important to be open and let young farmers explore so they can form their own worldview, Tork said.

“And you may end up having an opportunity you would never have found on your own,” he said. “[With] the reality of where agriculture is, you get big or die, you create your own market, or you do a little bit of both,” Sawyer said. “We have conversations all the time about the family office, and working together to create a bigger pie for our family and not just being tied to commodity farming. We want to grow our farming operation but also create our own markets so we don’t have to rely on the commodity board for every dollar we make.”

“Probably the greatest strength of

what we’ve learned from the podcast is that we can all learn more,” Tork said.

“We have found that the more people we talk to and the more groups we get involved in, we’re all just trying to figure it out.”

It starts with having honest conversations, Tork said.

“You must have brutally honest finances within the family office,” he said. “If I could recommend one thing, it would be to get your financial numbers in order, and don’t let your banker do your balance sheet – be able to do your balance sheet yourself.”

In addition, Tork encouraged all farmers to be their own advocate and find their own truth about finances, inputs, soil fertility and so on.

“There are a lot of people that are really good within all these industries,” he said. “But to say they all have your best interest in mind, I think you are asking too much because at the end of the day, they are selling a service.”

“We are in an age where there is so much information available and so many ways to learn,” he added. “You don’t have to be an expert about any of these things, but you need to know enough that you can filter what is being told to you by people that are trying to sell you things.”

Tork recently returned from a trip to Nashville, Tennessee.

“It was great, but you can’t get anywhere very quickly, and there are lots of things to do, but a lot of people to do them with,” he said. “When I got back to the farm, I thanked the good Lord I have the opportunity to do what I do.”

“With all the doom and gloom about where the economy is, I think it is really important to know what game you are playing and what your field looks like,” Sawyer said.

“I think this is the greatest opportunity in our history – with the internet, social media and artificial intelligence – to learn,” he said. “For all that we do, I didn’t go to college for it. I learned it through self-teaching, YouTube, Google and trial-and-error.”

It has never been easier to start a business or go after an idea than right now, Sawyer said.

“There’s a lot of things that scare us about AI, but it also makes building a business easier and more automated,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be a farmer and to be in America. There’s so much opportunity; you just have to go and seize it.”

IVCC worker helps feed campus pantry

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Patricia Glade turns leftover bread into donations for Illinois Valley Community College’s food pantry through her program “Crumbs for a Cause,” according to an IVCC news release.

Glade, an administrative assistant in IVCC’s Workforce Development Division, started donating unsold sourdough bread from her market sales to homeless shelters and the campus food pantry, Eagles Peak.

“You might not sell out at the market, and I did not want the bread to go to waste,” she said in the release. Her family “gets breaded out unless I am trying a new recipe.”

This fall, Glade used fresh loaves as incentives to encourage donations to the campus food pantry.

“It was good to know it had an impact!” Glade said.

Glade learned to bake growing up on a farm, starting with her mother when she was 8 or 9 years old.

“I started baking with my mom when I was 8 or 9 years old, and by 10 or 11, I was doing it myself,” she said. “Eventually, it became my job to bake on the weekends.”

She said the bread-making process is

meditative.

“Everything in your head just goes away, and there is no one in the kitchen, just me,” she said. “I mix and match flavors constantly. There is a nutritional aspect as well as the artistic aspect in how you score and shape the bread.”

Glade creates unique flavors using seasonings, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. Her Italian herb-and-cheese and chocolate-covered strawberry sourdoughs are popular, while skeptics are often surprised by her taco-flavored variety.

“Bread is about life and love and caring,” she said. “Every generation and nationality has had some sort of bread attached to it.”

Sourdough is a three-day process, and a lot of things can go wrong in that time, but a lot can go right, and you end Photo provided by Peggy Schneider up with a fantastic product, Glade said. Patricia Glade has perfected her culinary talents through a lifetime of baking, and she recently “When you smell bread, the brain found ways to share her baked goods with people in need in the community and at IVCC, where recognizes it is something good,” she she works. said.

During the holidays, Glade expands beyond bread to make decorated sugar cookies and traditional German lebkuchen using a generations-old family recipe.

“I am known for my lebkuchen!” she said.

Each generation adds to the baking tradition. One year, a granddaughter used Halloween ghost cookie cutters to make Christmas “Spirits” and invented stories to accompany them.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Patricia Glade donates leftover sourdough bread

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Is 2.2 million the ‘new normal’ at Starved Rock?

Matthiessen State Park to finish 2025 with near-record attendance despite weather conditions more manageable crowds – and for Matthiessen State Park to continue siphoning off visitors to ease the strain on Starved Rock.

Here’s a snapshot of trends observed in 2025:

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com Starved Rock State Park hasn’t broken a monthly attendance record in more than three years. The park will finish this year with “only” 2.2 million visitors – nowhere close to the attendance record – when the final tally is in.

And that’s just fine with Pam Grivetti.

Grivetti is the outgoing president of Starved Rock Foundation, and she’s pleased Starved Rock is no longer busting attendance marks. There was an eight-year span when the park was averaging 2.5 million yearly visitors, peaking at 2.8 million in 2017, and the foot traffic damaged the trails.

“That would be good if this (the projected 2.2 million) was the new normal because SR does get too many visitors,” she said. “The folks who have been there have literally trampled down our trails.”

Some relief is on the way. Beginning in spring, and extending in 2027, Starved Rock will undergo an $18 million project

A down year for Starved Rock?

Starved Rock was projected to finish the year with 2,212,970 visitors, the lowest total in 12 years. Consider, however, that recent yearly totals were record-breaking.

Weather had a big impact on the slower-than-normal attendance. A cold winter and stifling summer held the park to below-average totals in every season except spring, though a mild fall boosted November attendance by 10%.

Scott Anderson file photo Monty Bernardoni, site superintendent, confirmed that December totals to Asadae Dean of Peru plays among the sunflowers July 21, marveling at the flora that helped push Matthiessen State Park’s yearly visitor count past 500,000 in 2025 for the sixth time in park history. date are weak – Thanksgiving weekend snow and bitter cold have suppressed to restore and/or improve access to Pon- slow the wear-and-tear on other sections visits – ensure a below-average year. tiac, Tonti and French canyons. That of the park.

See STATE PARK ATTENDANCE, page 19 will disperse some of the crowds and Until then, Grivetti is hoping for Rates are accurate as of 12/11/2025 and are subject to change at any time. Loans and Lines of Credit are subject to credit approval.

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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• STATE PARK ATTENDANCE To a degree, Bernardoni and his staff welcome any lull. More visitors mean more wear-and-tear not only on the trails, but also on the wastewater treatment system. Attendance lulls give them a chance to do maintenance.

“Obviously, it’s better for us to be able to catch up on things during the slower times,” Bernardoni said.

Matthew Kosch, executive vice president of the Sonnenschein Groupe, which owns Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, was by no means displeased with the 2025 figures. He reported “very strong demand and growth” throughout spring and summer this year, which has been consistent with each year since the pandemic.

Grand Bear did see a “softening in demand” during fall, however.

“We don’t necessarily attribute that to local conditions, but rather to broader national trends we’re seeing across the hospitality industry over the past several weeks,” Kosch said. “That said, we still expect to close out 2025 as another great year with modest but substantial growth in both occupancy and overall attendance at Grand Bear.

“The strength of Starved Rock and

Matthiessen keeps booming

Matthiessen State Park won’t set a new attendance record. This year’s projected total of 516,000 will be well short of last year’s 545,525 visitors, the all-time mark.

Nevertheless, 2025 will be the sixth year with half a million visitors or more at Matthiessen.

Matthiessen has surged recently thanks to the sunflower bloom and to the growing number of visitors who’ve “discovered” Matthiessen after the parking lots are full at Starved Rock.

“The Dells area at Matthiessen feature some of the most diverse hiking trails in the Midwest, and people are taking notice,” said Matthew Klein, president-elect of the Starved Rock Foundation. “While Starved Rock is nationally known, Matthiessen is a smaller park that still feels undiscovered. Park visitors love exploring the sunflower field and canyons, then sharing their experiences with others.”

As recently as 2013, visitors flocked to Starved Rock over Matthiessen by a

May the blessings of Christmas bring peace and happiness. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year.

More trails, please

Starved Rock’s trail problems aren’t only because there are more visitors.

There are, historically, fewer trails.

Grivetti pointed out there were nearly 50 miles of trails designed and developed in the 1930s and ’40s. Most of those trails were truncated or discontinued due to safety concerns.

Today, the bulk of visitors tread 13 miles of trails and the most-used trail is a 2-mile loop anchored by the lodge and visitors center. That’s a lot of punishment on a limited circuit.

Trail erosion would have been worse this year, Grivetti said, except that wilting summer heat suppressed park attendance. Average July attendance was down a whopping 33% and June

and August drew lower-than-expected crowds.

“It was a humid summer,” Grivetti said. “You didn’t have to do much to work up a sweat.”

Summer was safer

Summer attracts big crowds, which can make life busy for Conservation police and first responders.

But Conservation Sgt. Phil Wire said 2025 was, overall, a pretty safe year. He could not immediately recall a significant injury to a visitor – his team gets plenty of twisted ankles, however – and the crowds were largely well-behaved.

“It was a lower-volume year in terms of tickets and warnings,” Wire said.

Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown agreed the EMS call volume was comparatively low in 2025, which he credited to humid conditions that limited the duration and distance of summer hikes.

“The heat really kept a lot of people from doing long trail hikes,” Brown said.

One past headache was ticketing motorists who parked on Route 178 because the parking lots were overflowing. That wasn’t a problem this year.

“We didn’t have to do traffic control at Starved Rock this summer at all,” Wire said. “The overflow parking lot has worked very well.”

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nearly 10-to-1 ratio. No more. Matthiessen visits surged over the next three years and broke through the half-million barrier in 2016, when the nation celebrated the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service and spurred interest in state parks.

Today, the Starved Rock to Matthiessen ratio is down to four-to-one. Matthiessen has welcomed half a million or more visitors in six of the past 10 years.

Monthly attendance marks fell in May and June of this year.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Continued from page 18

Matthiessen State Parks, along with the continued development of the Village of Utica, remains a key driver for our destination, and we’re encouraged by the long-term interest in the area.”

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Mike Vaughn for Shaw Local News Network

Princeton’s Deacon Gutshall boxes out Mendota’s Drew Becker in Friday’s Three Rivers East game in Mendota. The Trojans won 73-51.

Mendota takes out frustration on Princeton “We don’t have a lot of good recent history against them. Good rivalry.

(Tiger coach) Jason (Smith) has an unbelievably good program. So, it’s nice to get a good win and start out 1-0 in

By KEVIN HIERONYMUS conference.” khieronymus@shawmedia.com Smith doesn’t think the Trojans need to play angry to be good.

The Mendota Trojans played a bit “At the end of the day, they want to angry Friday night. play with as much intensity as we do.

They lost their last two games ear- So you can use that as motivation ... lier this week, falling to Rock Falls by Honestly, I think our kids competed and two points and Sycamore by 13. the effort was great,” Smith said. “It’s They turned that anger into a 73-51 more what we do than what they do. So, win over rival Princeton in the Three we’ve got to take care of the ball better Rivers East opener for both teams. and make better decisions and I think “We had a couple tough losses this we’re right there.” week and I thought our guys were The Tiger coach said the Trojans just angry about it. Which is good. It was proved to be too strong a challenge on good we were able to get back to it so this night. quickly,” Mendota coach Steve Wasmer “They’re more athletic at the said. moment. Their cohesiveness is better

Trojans lost to Rock Falls, Sycamore earlier in week

than us at the moment. They get up and down the floor real well. They’re going to be reckoned with in the postseason.

Yeah, they’re a good ball team,” he said.

Mendota led by nine (17-8) at the end of the first quarter and 16 (39-23) at the half. The Trojans led by as much as 23 points (55-32) in the third quarter before freshman Julian Mucha hit a 3-pointer for the Tigers.

Wasmer was happy to play the Tigers at the start of the conference slate.

“They’re good year in and year out.

They’re going and I also know they’re going to be better later in the year.

Because that’s what they do,” he said.

“Jason and Tim (Smith) will get them going and it will be a different game next time we play them there.”

While Mendota beat Princeton twice last year, Wasmer was quick to note both came when they caught the Tigers

without injured all-stater Noah LaPorte, the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Cole Tillman led the Trojans (6-3, 1-0) with 17 points with Drew Becker at 14 and Aiden Tillman and Oliver Muñoz adding 11 each.

Senior guard Gavin Lanham led the Tigers (1-8, 1-0) with 16 points, sophomore Jack Oester had nine and Mucha chipped in eight.

The Trojans head back to Spring Valley for the makeup date of the Colmone Classic championship against host Hall (6-1) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

There will be a sophomore prelim starting at noon.

Princeton takes a break for Christmas, returning to the court for the Mike Hutchins Classic at Sherrard against Peoria Notre Dame (2-4) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.

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BOYS BASKETBALL: COLMONE CLASSIC

Trojans win first title since 2012

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

MaKade Rios for Shaw Local

Mendota’s Drew Becker (2) blocks the shot of Hall’s Greyson Bickett (0) on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Hall High School in Spring Valley. really picked it up,” Tillman said. “We just really had to get the gears turning and get everything going before we went into the quarter break because we can’t have a stoppage of play while feeling bad about ourselves. We really wanted some momentum going before the second quarter.”

Oliver Munoz drained a 3-pointer on Mendota’s second possession of the second quarter to start a barrage of treys by

the Trojans.

Mendota knocked down six 3s in the second as the Trojans outscored Hall 26-7 to take a 40-22 halftime lead.

“Shooting’s contagious a lot of times,” Wasmer said. “We got good shots. We moved the ball really well, which helps.”

Hall coach Mike Filippini said the long-range shooting in the first half was the difference.

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The Mendota boys basketball team came out slow Saturday in the rescheduled Colmone Classic championship game against host Hall.

The Trojans were held scoreless for the first 3:02 and did not hit a field goal through the first 4:20 as they fell behind by seven points.

Then Mendota stepped up on defense.

Mendota held the Red Devils scoreless for more than three minutes as the Trojans rallied to take a one-point lead and trailed by a point going to the second quarter.

The Trojans took control in the second quarter, scoring 26 points in the period to win 67-48.

“We’ve had a lot of those games where we start slow on offense,” Mendota coach Steve Wasmer said. “I have to figure out a way for that not to happen. Part of it was their defense, too.

They were flying around. They had a lot of intensity coming out. But for us, it has to be stops defensively to get in the transition game. I thought that was the difference.”

The win gave Mendota its second-ever Colmone championship.

“It’s kind of a surreal moment,” Mendota senior Aden Tillman said. “We’ve been striving to do this for a little while.

To finally get it done means a lot.”

The Trojans’ other title came in 2012.

“It feels good,” Wasmer said. “This is my favorite tournament, so it means a lot. There’s a lot of area teams and a lot of teams we don’t play often. It means a lot to the guys and that’s an important thing. I think it will give us some confidence moving forward.”

The Red Devils took a 9-2 lead after Noah Plym hit all of his free throws after being fouled on a 3-pointer.

But Tillman hit three of his own and then drove for a bucket to start a 12-2 run for Mendota.

“To close out that first quarter, we

“We were 1 for 7 from the 3-point line, and they were 7 for 12,” Filippini said.

“That’s the story of the game. They had 21 points off 3s (in the first half), and we had three, so that put us down, and we never got it closer.

“We keep telling them, we’re 6-3, but we have to learn that when things don’t go our way, to keep fighting and not get down on ourselves.”

Mendota also locked down on defense. After giving up 15 points in the first quarter, the Trojans held the Red Devils to 12 over the second and third quarters.

“Defensively, it was the best four quarters consecutively that we’ve played by far,” Wasmer said. “We were talking. We had a ton of effort. We took a couple charges. That’s all stuff that could make us a really, really good team if we continue it.”

Chace Sterling had a big first quarter for Hall with eight of his team-high 12 points, but the Red Devils had a hard time putting the ball in the basket after the opening eight minutes. Braden Curran finished with 10 points for Hall.

“We got Chace going and Braden had a couple baskets,” Filippini said about the first quarter. “We just looked like we had more confidence. The second quarter we kind of lost it. We have to keep finding a way to score points when our shots aren’t falling.”

Aden Tillman scored a game-high 18 points for Mendota (7-3), while Cole Tillman finished with 13 points.

Cole Tillman was named tournament MVP. Munoz joined his teammate on the all-tournament team, while the Red Devils were represented by Sterling and Curran.

Fieldcrest’s Kash Klendworth and Layten Gerdes, St. Bede’s Gino Ferrari, IVC’s Brady Ward, Eureka’s Jack Blunier and Kewanee’s Chris Crowe rounded out the all-tournament team.

Mendota next plays in the Plano Christmas Classic. The No. 7-seeded Trojans open against Hinckley-Big Rock at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26. The Red Devils head to the Seneca Shipyard Showdown as the No. 2 seed, where they open against DePue at noon Dec. 23.

MENDOTA REPORTER Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Mendota takes control in second quarter to beat Hall for Colmone Classic title

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1921: Ottawa’s Harry Broadbent scores in 10-0 Senators blowout of the Montreal Canadiens; first in 16-game NHL record goal-scoring streak; Charlie Simmer’s 13 game streak (1979) is considered modern-day record

Oliver Munoz (13) of Mendota laughs with Athletic Director Chance Blumhorst after winning the championship game of the Colmone Classic on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Hall High School in Spring Valley.

Photo by MaKade Rios for Shaw Local

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Mendtoa Reporter / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

MENDOTA REPORTER

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TOURNEY CHAMPS Mendota takes home the Colmone Classic title / 23

Wednesday, December 24, 2025