VOLUME 147, NUMBER 29 WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
Midwest Disposal is the new garbage collector for Mendota beginning in August
q Recycling won’t be picked up July 21-25; new garbage & recycling bins will be issued
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – Beginning in August, garbage and recycling in Mendota will be collected by a different company.
Midwest Disposal, of Dixon, has signed a fiveyear contract with the City of Mendota. This new deal comes after the past five-year agreement with Republic Services expires in July.
One popular question was if the change of companies was because Republic is going through a strike.
“Mendota going to a new garbage service has nothing at all to do with the strike their going through,” Mendota City Clerk Emily McConville said. “The contract between the City of Mendota and Republic Services expires at the end of July. We went up for bid a few months ago.
“Republic was quite a bit higher than Midwest Disposal. The new company is going to allow us to not have to raise the
pricing to the consumer for approximately three years or more. It’s a bad coincidence for Republic, but our decision had nothing to do with their strike.”
Not only did the City of Mendota receive bids from Midwest Disposal and Republic, but also LRS and Northern Illinois Disposal.
Midwest Disposal’s bid was a $1.76 per month for each household cheaper than the second-lowest bid.
With the deal, garbage rates for Mendota residents will stay at $17.15 per month instead of increasing if another bid was accepted.
On the current schedule, recycling was supposed to be picked up the week of July 21-25. Garbage will be collected this week, but there will not be recycling pick up.
During the week of July 28, both your recycling and garbage can need to be curbside so Republic can pick them up.
Midwest Disposal will then sweep through Mendota, the same week, delivering the new cans residents will be using for at least the next five years.
In August, Midwest Disposal will shift
Mendota’s collection services from a fourday to a two-day service as Tuesday’s will be for residents north of Washington Street and north of the railroad tracks along U.S. 34 and Thursday’s will be for residents south of Washington Street and south of the railroad tracks along U.S. 34.
“The new company is going to allow us to not have to raise the pricing to the consumer for approximately three years or more. It’s a bad coincidence for Republic, but our decision had nothing to do with their strike.”
–Emily McConville Mendota City Clerk
the Compton Community Fire Protection District and H&H Builders broke ground on July 8 for a new fire station for the Compton Volunteer Fire Department. (Photo contributed)
Ground broken for new fire station in Compton
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
COMPTON – The fire station in Compton was constructed in 1952.
As time has gone by, the size of equipment and vehicles has increased but the size of the station has not. The Compton Community Fire Protection District knew this was an issue and pushed for a new station.
On July 8, members of the fire district and H&H Builders of Mendota broke ground on a new fire station for the Compton Volunteer Fire Department.
“A new fire station will give us a little more room.
In the station we’re in now, we’re limited for vehicle size and size of doors,” said Chuck Montavon, who has served 40 years with the district, a retired Compton fire chief who is still an active volunteer firefighter and EMT. “The new building is basically so we can get better equipment and bigger equipment in the station.
“It’s going to be a sigh of relief to be able to get vehicles in the station and move around them. We’ll have some room. We’ll have an extra bay, so we can get
Preparations underway for 2025 Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant
q 10 contestants to compete for the crown on August 8
MENDOTA – Selecting the Queen to reign over the festivities of Mendota’s 78th Annual Sweet Corn Festival will not be an easy task. There are 10 young ladies to choose from in this year’s pageant.
The girls have been selected by Mendota not-for-profit organizations to represent them in this year’s event. The pageant will be held Friday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. on the First State Bank stage on Washington Street in downtown Mendota.
Preparations for the event are underway, as the candidates have recently had their publicity photos taken. Each of the Sweet Corn Queen hopefuls will be very busy during the next few weeks, rehearsing stage presence and getting ready for their interviews with the judges.
Here are four candidates vying for the title of Sweet Corn Festival Queen.
Rosa Gonzalez has been chosen to represent Mendota BPW in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Rosa Villa and Raul Gonzalez. She is five feet, one inch tall, with black hair and brown eyes.
Gonzalez graduated from Mendota High School in 2025. During her time at MHS, she was a member of the Spanish Club all four years.
This summer, Gonzalez was in Mexico getting her bachelor’s degree in Mexican regional dancing. In her free time Rosa enjoys dancing, going to the gym, painting, learning new makeup technics and helping teach dance class.
This fall she plans to attend The
Educators of Beauty then attend IVCC to study education and transfer to get her teaching degree.
The Mendota YMCA’s representative in this year’s pageant is Crystal Garcia. She is the daughter of Angelica Garcia and Rafael Garcia. Standing five feet, four inches tall, she has black hair and brown eyes.
A 2025 graduate of Mendota High School, Garcia was very active in sports during her years at MHS. She was involved in basketball and soccer all four years and boys’ soccer manager for three years. She was on the regional winning team in soccer and was awarded the girls’ soccer player of the year. Her academics were just as important to her as her sports. She was on the honor roll all eight semesters and was the Vice President of the National Honor Society and President of the Spanish National Honor Society. She earned the seal of biliteracy in Spanish. She was also Senior class president, and in the Interact Club.
This summer you can find Garcia training for the upcoming soccer season. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on walks, shopping and making Starbucks runs.
Garcia plans on attending Rock Valley College in Rockford this fall to become a CRNA while playing soccer as a Golden Eagle.
Four contestants in this year’s Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant, left to right, are Rosa Gonzalez, Crystal Garcia, Kennedy Knaff and Ava Eddy. (Photo contributed)
Members of
LOCAL AND AREA
Week 2 of Graves-Hume summer reading includes...
MENDOTA – The Graves-Hume Public Library has a fun, exciting Week 2 of summer reading planned. Week 2 is running July 14-18.
Wednesday, July 16 is Family Day with puzzles, crafts and open play from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. There will also be “Get Active” during Shake, Rattle & Read (birth-2 years, older siblings welcome) at 11 a.m. and the Small Fries (Pre-kindergarten-kindergar-
ten) will “Get Active” as well at 4 p.m.
Game Show Gurus: Survey Says will put team vs. team for a Family Feud-like game show on Friday, July 18. Players participate in two teams and because questions are subjective, answers are usually hilarious to keep the audience engaged.
The event is inside the library from 6-7:30 p.m.
Genealogy summer workshop taking place July 19
OTTAWA – Join the LaSalle County Genealogy Guild for its summer workshop at 1 p.m. July 19.
The new version of the Family Tree Maker has been released and the guild will help navigate you through the new version of the genealogy software.
Family Tree Maker offers enhanced features and is more user-friendly for building and managing family trees. If this is something you would like to learn, please plan to attend. Beginners are also welcome.
The public is invited to attend and refreshments will be served, however, research will not be allowed during the program.
Welcome to the Mendota Area Chamber
Hampton Auto Detailing recently became a member of the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce. Owner Damien Hampton, fourth from left, makes it official with, left to right, MACC Ambassadors Christin Atherton, Pete Ceresa, Lee Stocking, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, Dessa Collings and Kim Bima. (Photo contributed)
LOCAL AND AREA
American Heritage Girls are coming to Mendota
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – A couple of years ago, Elizabeth Blazier first volunteered and then became a member of American Heritage Girls.
Although living in Mendota, the closest troop Hernandez found was in Rochelle.
Now, Blazier is bringing American Heritage Girls Troop IL0828 to Mendota, starting with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Victory Baptist Church, located at 505 W. 7th Ave. in Mendota.
“We started in Rochelle. The charter organization decided they no longer wanted to have a troop in Rochelle,” said Blazier, troop coordinator and unit leader, who is originally from Princeton, graduated from Bureau Valley High School in 2004 and currently lives in Mendota.
“American Heritage Girls is a faith-based scouting opportunity for girls to grow their faith with Christ and to be encouraged by one another. The program is set up where younger girls are mentored by older girls. It gives the younger girls the ability to grow their faith with leaders and with their peers. It gives the older girls the opportunity to learn how to mentor younger girls.
“As they grow up, it’s about lifting up women in general and helping them to find their strengths and serving with their community and their faith. The great thing is it’s not just their faith or just mentoring girls, but it encompasses life as they earn different badges for different
“We needed to find another charter organization, ministry, Victory Baptist Church in Mendota, Pastor Steve Breedlove and Pastor Jay Miller, said they would be the organization.
life skills.”
Troop IL0828 will meet from 3-5 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month starting in August at Victory Baptist Church.
Shannon Doyle is the assistant troop coordinator, Connie Blazier is the treasurer, Pastor Jay Miller is the charter organization representative and Jolene Bresson is the troop shepherd.
Founded in 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio, American Heritage Girls has grown from 10 troops and 100 members to more than 50,000 members across all 50 states and 15 countries.
Elizabeth Blazier and her team are more than happy to expand the reach of AHG.
“There is a lot of support for the girls in many different aspects. If there is a be-
havioral issue, they won’t get kicked out of the troop, we work with them to figure out the issues, show support, and help move forward,” Blazier said. “Sometimes the girls need someone to talk to who isn’t mom or dad to get some of their emotions out. The American Heritage Girls leaders are able to be mentors and love on them a little bit extra.”
At press time, Troop IL0828 has four leaders and
four members. Skills and life lessons woven into scripture and faith-based lessons, will be awarded through badges for numerous fields such as interviewing and cooking.
The troop is currently planning community service work through the City of Mendota and has a wildlife/ nature badge activity of assisting the cleanup of Lake Mendota in the near future.
“I’ve been involved since 2023. The first year, 202223, I just helped with the troop in Rochelle. In 202324, I was the troop coordinator,” Blazier said. “I got involved because I wanted to find an alternative to Girl Scouts. I went on a Google search and found the American Heritage Girls troop in Rochelle, which was the closest to Mendota.
“I checked it out and I really liked it. When I saw how much effort they put into the safety training and the rules to truly making it safe, I knew I wanted to be part of
the organization. All leaders are background checked and AHG uses two-deep training where there is always at least two leaders with the troop at all times.
“I got to get know the girls. Seeing the changes in them from the start to the end of the year was beautiful. I wanted to continue on with American Heritage Girls and I’m glad I have the opportunity to do so in Mendota.”
American Heritage Girls registration can be completed at https://americanheritagegirls.org/. There is a $20 due fee for the year and a $50 sister cap. AHG does require uniforms, which the troop is coordinating a fundraiser to help the girls receive the uniforms. Troop IL0208 is looking for leaders and volunteers. Contact Blazier at Billieagh2023@gmail.com or contact Victory Baptist Church in-person, 505 W. 7th Ave. in Mendota, or at 815-539-9081.
Jerry’s Bar & Gaming Cafe hosting outdoor venue grand opening July 27
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
COMPTON – When you’re driving on Rt. 251 north of Mendota or south of Rochelle, there isn’t many businesses or anything happening outside of farm work.
Until you get to Compton.
Jerry’s Bar and Gaming Café has had a full parking lot most nights since Eddie Diaz, Johnny Arteaga and Kyle Rex purchased the once abandoned establishment.
Now the three co-owners are expanding the fun with an outdoor venue in Jerry’s backyard. The first time to see it in full use is the grand opening on Saturday, July 27.
“When we originally bought the place, we saw the amount of property it actually is. This is a huge piece of property with a lot of outdoor room,” Diaz said. “Off the bat, we knew we could turn Jerry’s into an outdoor venue. There is a lot of traffic on Rt. 251 and we’re surrounded by Paw Paw, West Brooklyn and Mendota.
“I think with our location and the amount of traffic that comes through, we’re going to do very well as an outdoor venue.”
The grand opening will feature the band, Radium City Rebels, playing from 4-7 p.m.
The Rebels will play on the new concrete slab in the south-
west corner of the newly fenced in back yard, the outdoor venue, of Jerry’s. The old gas station building north of where the band will play is going to be used as a bar area and to hold coolers and grand opening accessories so people enjoying the music don’t have to go inside.
With the new wood fence, lights were added around parts of the fence and the pavilion-like covering the concrete and the former gas station building, which Diaz found receipts inside dating back to the 1930s.
Porta potties will be in the outdoor venue as well.
Although there are more plans to expand the experience, Diaz, Arteaga and Rex are thrilled to be as far as they are with expanding Jerry’s from being only an indoor establishment to having an outdoor aspect as well.
“Jerry’s has done really well. I think the people who came here back in the day love the fact we kept it Jerry’s,” Diaz said. “I think that is a big, big thing for Compton residents. Now, they still have their bar from before, but it’s updated with new bathrooms, new paint, renovated. And we can add an outdoor aspect to it as well, which the area is lacking.”
Although the grand opening on July 27 is going to be the first scheduled event, it may get some use July 19 as Jerry’s hopes to help keep Compton’s 150th anniversary/birthday celebrations going after events at Compton Park are finished.
More summer reading fun to be had
MENDOTA – Week
3 of the Graves-Hume Public Library Summer Reading Club is jam packed full of fun from Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25.
On Monday, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” will be showing inside at 3 p.m. The 2018 PG-rated animated film is 112 minutes in length as Ralph almost, possibly, could have broken the internet. Come watch the movie to see if he does.
At 6 p.m. Monday, a program called “Life Cycle of Clothing” will
inform and entertain as Americans have invested a tremendous amount of labor into making and maintaining their wardrobes during the 19th century.
Historian Erika Holst invites you to explore the life cycle of clothing during the 1800s as she answers questions of how clothing was created, mended, remade, washed and recycled. Family Day featuring puzzles, crafts and play is from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday. From 6-7:30 p.m. Friday is the showdown
of all showdowns with “Game Show Gurus: Versus”. There will be minute to win-it types of games. Versus is an exciting and high energy game show involving all or most of the people in the audience.
Left vs. Right, Red vs. Blue, Team 1 vs. Team 2. All programs are family focused. Feel free to join any or all events. No separate registration is required. If a program is outside, please provide any seating for yourself. If rain is expected, the program will be moved indoors.
July 27. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
awarded Reader’s Choice Grant
MENDOTA – The Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota has been awarded a Readers’ Choice Grant from the Association of Illinois School Library Educators/LBSS Endowment Fund.
This competitive, annual, state-wide grant is available to school and public libraries that have registered for the Monarch (Pre-K-2), Bluestem (3-5), Caudill (6-8) or Lincoln (9-12) reading programs. A total of 59 libraries around the state were awarded this grant.
This grant is designed to encourage students/patrons to read books on this year’s Readers’ Choice lists and generate excitement for library programs. Graves-Hume received a full set of the Lincoln Award books for our students to read and enjoy! As an added bonus, Mendota students will vote for their favorite book from the set and results will be submitted for the state-wide award winner.
Jen Bresley, from Graves-Hume Public Library applied for this grant to bring
new resource s and opportunities to the high schoolers in the Mendota Community.
“I am very excited to have won the Readers’ Choice Grant for the local teenagers in our community. This grant allows us to have full access to the Lincoln Award Nominees allowing for more resources at the Graves-Hume Public Library for our high school patrons,” Bresley stated. “We are excited for the opportunity to use this grant as an avenue for building up more community relationships and strengthening our current relationship with those who attend MHS. A special thanks to Mendota Township High School Media Center for working with us on this development and aiding in educating others about this specific award and the literature involved with it.”
For more information about this grant and the LBSS End owment Fund, visit http://lbssfund.org.
Elizabeth Blazier, American Heritage Girls Troop IL0828 coordinator and unit leader.
Jerry’s Bar & Gaming Cafe co-owner Eddie Diaz, partners with Johnny Arteaga and Kyle Rex, awaits the grand opening of the Compton establishment’s outdoor venue grand opening on
Graves-Hume
OBITUARIES/LOCAL NEWS
Joyce D. Hoobler
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Joyce D. Hoobler, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and formerly of Rockford, died Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Woodlands at Methwick Community in Cedar Rapids.
The family will greet friends from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Cornerstone Church, 925 Blairs Ferry Road, Marion, Iowa, with funeral services at 11 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the services. Graveside services and burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at New Michigan Cemetery in Ancona, Ill. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion, Iowa, is assisting Joyce’s family.
Please share a memory of Joyce at www. murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Albert L. Schrader Sr.
MENDOTA – Albert Lee
Schrader Sr., 79, of Mendota, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Goldwater Care of Spring Valley.
Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, Mendota, with Pastor Elise Rothfusz officiating. Additional visitation was from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment followed at Lutheran Cemetery in Mendota.
He was born April 7, 1946, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Herman and Gladys (Baker) Schrader. He married Patricia Klein on June 25, 1982.
Albert is survived by two sons, Leroy Schrader and Albert Lee Schrader Jr.; and a step-grandson, Dylan Given.
In addition to his parents, Albert is preceded in death by his wife, Pat, and a daughter, Nancy Schrader.
Albert worked for Del Monte in Mendota for many years. He was a member of the Mendota Moose Lodge and St. John Lutheran Church. Albert loved horses and loved to help take care of them. He enjoyed being outside, mowing yards, raking leaves, and helping take down trees. He was a giving man who would help in any way he could.
Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.
CHOOSING A MEMORIAL IS NO TIME TO SETTLE FOR IMPERFECTION
Lois L. Carr
MENDOTA – Lois L. Carr, 93, of Mendota, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, with Rev. Michael Shaver officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Wisner Cemetery in rural Mendota.
She was born April 4, 1932, in Mendota, the daughter of Glenn and Clara (Baughman) Shaver. She married Robert Carr on August 20, 1950, in Mendota.
Lois is survived by four children, Dave (Donna) Carr, Chris (Rich) Goodbred, Dan (Dorothy) Carr, and Darrel (Tina) Carr; nine grandchildren, Duane (Amanda) Carr, Daren (Julie) Carr, Dennis (Denise) Carr, Kelly Sheaves, Matthew (Gina) Goodbred, Michael (Becky) Goodbred, Kim (Adam) Wolgast; Brittany (Eric) Ohlendorf, and Justin Carr; and numerous great-grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; a son, Donald Dennis Carr; and two brothers, Harold Shaver and Glenn Shaver Jr.
Lois was a hardworking farm wife. She loved dogs and raised registered Pomeranians. She was baptized in the Triumph Methodist Church and was a lifelong member. Lois was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her.
Contributions in Lois’ memory may be directed to Wisner Cemetery. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.
The Mendota Reporter will print DEATH NOTICES (approximately 50 words including name, age, date of death, time/date of services) free of charge. OBITUARIES will be printed at a cost of $100 to be billed to the arranging funeral home or prepaid with cash, check or credit card. Please submit obituaries or death notices to editor@mendotareporter.com.
Nancy A. Doughty
MENDOTA – Nancy A. Doughty, 80, of Mendota passed away July 10, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, with her sons by her side, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Rev. Greg Nelson officiating. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Visitation was Monday July 14 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with rosary at 3:30 p.m. and visitation from 4-7 p.m. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.
Nancy was born Jan. 27, 1945, in Mendota to Clarence and Mary Catherine (Happ) Sondgeroth. She graduated Mendota High School in 1962. Nancy married the love of her life, Wes Doughty on Feb. 9, 1963.
She will be missed by her sons, Jeff (Sherry) Doughty of Mendota, Brian (Molly) Doughty of Utica, Barry (Dixie) Doughty of Sublette; eight grandchildren, Erin (Aaron) Sester, Patrick Doughty, Conner (Abby) Doughty, Donovan (Brenna Boyer) Doughty, Shea Doughty, Evan Doughty, Sarah Doughty, Tyler (Allie Craig) Doughty; three great grandchildren with 2 additions on the way’ eight siblings, Jim (Lynn) Sondgeroth of Peru, Donna Loomis of Mendota, Dale (Karen) Sondgeroth of Columbia, Ill., Jean (Roger) Simkins of Mendota, Tom (Sandy) Sondgeroth of Mendota, Roger (Teri) Sondgeroth of Mendota, Judy (Doug) Happ of Coralville, Iowa, and Connie McCully of Mendota.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wes, and infant son Gregory.
Along with her husband, Nancy owned and operated Doughty Custom Spread and Spray Service. She was an equipment operator and “jack of all trades” until Wes passed in 2007, she then took over the books and accounting.
Nancy was a devoted member of Holy Cross Church belonging to the Parents Club when her boys were in school, and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society for many years. Nancy loved flowers and gardening and could be found canning her harvest every fall. She liked to travel, but spending time with her family and friends was what she most enjoyed doing.
Memorials may be directed to FFA Alumni, or St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society. Condolences can be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.
Local
Bloodmobile
nets 55 good units
The Mendota Reporter (339-100) is published weekly at 703 Illinois Ave., Mendota, IL 61342.
Subscription rates are $69 per year in advance in LaSalle, Lee and Bureau counties and $89 per year in advance in the United States outside those three counties. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Mendota Reporter, P.O. Box 300, Mendota, IL 61342. Phone (815) 539-9396.
County
MENDOTA – The American Red Cross held a blood drive on July 8 at the Mendota Moose Family Center. There were 55 good units collected. There were 45 whole blood donations and 10 power red donations. Multi-gallon donors were Tammy Guerrero-two gallons, Barbara Mastersonfour gallons, Barbara Cantlin-six gallons, Jeffrey Brunoehler and Jack Schlesinger-11 gallons each, and Howard Schammel-24 gallons. Congratulations on these milestones. There were also three first-time donors –Tammy Buckley, Hector Gonzalez-Santiago and James Younger.
Volunteers for the day were Ruth Wixom, Sandy Schroeder, Kathi Stamberger, Margy Frey, Dawn Mathesius, Lori Schlesinger, Leesa Fitch and Lori Simonton. Black Brothers Co. sponsored the egg salad sandwiches, BBQ, and chips for the drive. Desserts were provided by Marlene Simonton, Margy Frey, Kathi Stamberger, Leann O’Brien and Lori Simonton. The next bloodmobile will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Mendota Moose. Please note, this is a nine-week gap, instead of the typical eight weeks. If you would like to make an appointment or have questions, please call Lori at 815-866-3582.
Pageant
Continued from Page A1
Kennedy Knaff has been selected to represent the Mendota Quarterback Club in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Kyle and Kelly Knaff. She is five feet, six inches tall and has brown hair and blue eyes.
Knaff graduated from Mendota High School in 2025. During her time at MHS, she participated in volleyball and basketball all four years, track for two years and softball for one year. She was very active in many clubs and committees such as student council all four years serving as vice president her senior year, and she was in Interact Club all four years. She was also a helper at the MHS kids’ volleyball and basketball camps.
This summer you will find Knaff working at Ziggie’s waitressing and bussing tables. Her hobbies include shopping, hanging out with friends and family, going on walks and playing pickleball.
She has enjoyed a little time off from high school this summer but will be ready to start at Illinois Valley Community College this summer to pursue a degree in radiology. She is hoping to find a job at a hospital to gain experience in the medical field while going to school.
The Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS) has selected Ava Eddy as its contestant in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Aaron and Lana Eddy. She has brown hair and brown eyes, and stands five feet, two inches tall.
Eddy is a 2025 graduate of Mendota High School, where she was very active in clubs and sports. She was a three-sport athlete all four years in volleyball, basketball and softball. She was on the honor roll all eight semesters and was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She was in student council, Spanish Club and Interact Club all four years also, plus earned the commendation of biliteracy in Spanish.
This summer Eddy will be working at the Mendota Swimming Pool and Purpose Nutrition. She is the head guard at the pool and her duties consist of adding and maintaining the chemical that goes into the pool, incident reporting, answering the phone and overseeing the other guards. At Purpose Nutrition she takes order and makes drinks.
Some of her hobbies include going on walks, reading, playing pickleball, shopping, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She loves playing any type of sports just to keep her busy. This summer she just wants to enjoy time with her family and friends before heading to school.
LOCAL AND AREA
Acing college: IVCC program teaches critical skills before classes start
OGLESBY – Kyle Nehring entered a new world when he started classes at Illinois Valley Community College last fall, but IVCC’s bridge-tocollege transition program Get Set showed him how to cope with college-level challenges.
The college-readiness program offers critical college skills like taking notes, prepping for tests, and managing time and tasks, but Nehring and other graduates also walked away with confidence, knowing they could navigate their new academic and social environment.
More than 70 students have graduated from the program in the four years since it began. Seats are still available for the 2025 class, which takes place July 28 to Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – just before Fall classes begin. Information and an application form are available through ivcc.edu/ readysetgo/.
Get Set students become familiar with the campus environment, learn how to locate resources and support or interpret textbooks and schedule formats, and develop diverse learning strategies. Program graduates also delight in logging in and using campus technology platforms before most of their peers do.
Building confidence and connection before school starts “really helps students on Day One of classes. They have practiced technology skills, they know who their helpers are, and they know a few strategies for attacking school tasks,” said Tina Hardy, who coordinates the program.
“I was not sure how things worked in college. I just knew it was different from high school,” Nehring remembers. “Get Set showed me all the resources the College had and how to be effective using certain important skills.” He was able to boost his note-taking skills, which helped a lot in class. Now, the Ottawa native looks forward to starting his sophomore year.
Kara Staley, who graduated from the program in 2023, absorbed the time-management and testtaking strategies. “There were guest speakers who presented some of the notetaking apps they used, and now I use them!”
Staley, who is from Hennepin, said Get Set helped her feel more prepared and provided her with valuable ways to stay organized.
Remembering one exercise, Nehring said: “We plotted how much time we had in a week. It showed me that I just barely had enough time to devote to college, but it was great because I knew then how hard I would have to work in my classes.”
Hardy said time management and organization are not subjects taught in school, so “students sometimes need explicit instruction in how to think about their time, how to visualize it and then how to create routines that support using time effectively. That is what Get Set tries to do.”
College structure can be a striking change from high school, Hardy said. “We know many of the common barriers students might have
PUBLIC AUCTION
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as they approach college. We try to be proactive and build skills so students do not have to work on all the readiness while they are trying to learn course content.”
Adults entering or returning to college as well as students transitioning from high school can benefit. “Adult students often have lots of facets of life they are trying to manage, with school being just one component. Some people have not been in school for a while and may not have accounted for how much time and effort learning, or re-learning, can take,” Hardy said.
Beyond technique, students forge connections on campus and with peers. After the course is over, Get Set students are paired with staff mentors for their first semester.
“Connection matters. I have seen how the connections that start in Get Set lead to leadership roles
in college, new friendships, and collaborations between staff and students. That connection can be life changing!” Hardy said.
Staley said her mentor was available to assist her through any struggles and helped her find resources. Nehring said meeting with his mentor kept him on track in his classes. “I loved talking with my mentor!” he added.
Ashley Carls is Hardy’s co-collaborator and coinstructor. The Ottawa Township High School special education teacher “knows the issues that students face as they move from one education system to another and has built curriculum and events at her school that help students,” Hardy said.
Get Set is free. In-person attendance is expected. Snacks and some school supplies are provided, and students receive a binder filled with resources and access to online content.
Continued from Page A1
a grass truck (brush truck). It’s going to be a good improvement.”
The new fire station will be 70x120. H&H Builders will begin construction the week of July 14 and plan to have the station up and operational by the end of January 2026.
The Compton Volunteer Fire Protection District began putting together the blueprint for the new station 1 ½ years ago.
However, the idea originally came about a year and a half before the proposed station became a reality.
“We bought the land recently. That was the hold up of trying to get a new fire station,” Montavon said. “The working of the land has been going for about three years. We had to make sure we owned the land, so then we could build a new fire station.”
Get Set Coordinator Tina Hardy, right, leads the 2024 class in exercises and discussion.
Opinions expressed on this page are those of the writer or artist. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Reporter management or staff.
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Public Servants
UNITED STATES SENATORS
Tammy Duckworth (D), Washington, D.C. office: G12 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, telephone (202) 224-2854, fax (202) 228-4611; Chicago office: P.O. Box 10793, Chicago, IL 60610, telephone (847) 794-8977.
Dick Durbin (D), Washington, D.C. office: 711 Hart Senate Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510, telephone (202) 224-2152, fax (202) 228-0400; Chicago office: 230 S. Dearborn, Suite 3892, Chicago, IL 60604, telephone (312) 353-4952, fax (312) 353-0150; Springfield office: 525 S. Eighth St., Springfield, IL 62703, telephone (217) 492-4062, fax (217) 492-4382.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Lauren Underwood (D), 14th District; Washington, D.C. office: 1410 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515, telephone (202) 225-2976; Sandwich office: 207 E. Church St., Unit F, Sandwich, IL 60548, telephone (630) 549-2190.
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR
JB Pritzker (D), Springfield office: Office of the Governor, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-0244; Chicago office: Office of the Governor, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, 16-100, Chicago, IL 60601, telephone (312) 814-2121; e-mail GovernorsOffice@ illinois.gov.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Juliana Stratton (D), Springfield office: 214 State House, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 558-3085, fax (217) 558-3094; Chicago office: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 15-200, Chicago, IL 60601, telephone (312) 814-5240; fax (312) 814-5228; e-mail LtGovernorsOffice@illinois.gov.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Alexi Giannoulias (D), 213 State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62756, telephone toll free in Illinois (800) 252-8980. ATTORNEY GENERAL
Kwame Raoul (D), Springfield main office: 500 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701, telephone (217) 782-1090, TTY (877) 844-5461; Chicago office: 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601, telephone (312) 814-3000, TTY (800) 964-3013; Northern Illinois Regional Office, Zeke Giorgi Center, 2005 S. Wyman St., Suite 307, Rockford, IL 61101, telephone (815) 967-3883, TTY (815) 967-3891. COMPTROLLER
Susana A. Mendoza (D), Office of the Comptroller –Springfield Executive Office, 325 W. Adams, Springfield, IL 62704, telephone (217) 782-6000; Records Center (800) 877-8078.
TREASURER
Michael W. Frerichs (D), Springfield Capitol Building, 219 State House, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-2211; fax (217) 782-2777.
ILLINOIS SENATORS
Sue Rezin (R), 38th District; Peru office: 350 Fifth St., Suite 254, Peru, IL 61354, telephone (815) 220-8720, fax (815) 220-8721; State Capitol office: 309J Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-3840, fax (217) 782-7818.
Li Arellano (R), 37th District; Dixon office: 86 S. Galena Ave., Suite 2, Dixon, IL 61021; Geneseo office: 115 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, IL 61254, telephone (309) 9443737; State Capitol office: Stratton Office Building, A Section, Office C, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-1942.
ILLINOIS REPRESENTATIVES
Bradley Fritts (R), 74th District; District office: 101 W. First St., Suite 501, Dixon, IL 61021, telephone (815) 5613690; Springfield office: 221-N Stratton, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-0535; website www.repfritts. com
Ryan Spain (R), 73rd District; District office: 5407 N. University St., Arbor Hall, Suite B, Peoria, IL 61614, telephone (309) 690-7373; Springfield office: 314 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706, telephone (217) 782-8108. Amy Briel (D), 76th District; District office: PO Box 774, Ottawa, IL 61350, Springfield telephone (217) 782-4141.
OPINION
Opening of the Time Was Museum – 1970 Backtracks
(The following is from Jessica Nashold’s Backtracks & Sidetracks column reprinted from July 19, 1995.)
By Jessica Nashold
It was 25 years ago that Time Was Museum opened its doors on July 30, 1970.
Kenneth B. Butler, developer, has spent over 20 years acquiring the thousands of items on display.
There were seven buildings in the complex including a fire house, circus building, carriage house and Blacksmith & Carriage Repair Shop in addition to the main structure. Within the main building were a barber shop, clock shop, China shop, bookstore, cobbler shop and harness maker’s shop.
Rooms as they might have appeared in “olden days” were featured including a kitchen, bedroom, parlor, washhouse and attic.
At first glance the cobwebbed attic may appear to be just a room full of junk, but it is typical of those found in homes at the turn of the century.
Near the entrance a wishing well accepted coins that were to be turned over to a different charity each year.
Museum hours were from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
***
A color portrait of Monsignor Leo J. Wissing was hung in the lobby of the Activity Center named for him. This was done on his 80th birthday, July 14, 1970.
A commemorative plaque included the fact that Monsignor was pastor of Holy Cross Church for 36 years.
***
Mendota Bible Church members voted to build on a 4.5-acre plot west of US 51 south of Mendota. Although this plot had been planted to corn, welldrilling was started in mid-July 1970 by Glenn Schrock, a member of the congregation.
The proposed building was to be a frame structure in Early American style. It had a tri-level floor plan with seating for 250 in the sanctuary and for 300 in the educational department. Building was to be financed by gifts and mortgages.
The Mendota Bible Church had been organized in 1964 by the Rev. Charles Svoboda and its first pastor was the Rev. William Steward. Pastor in 1970 was the Rev. Ernest Slater.
***
A telegram was received from
& Sidetracks
Congresswoman Charlotte T. Reid indicating that a site bordering Route 34 and facing Meadowview Drive had been approved for a senior citizen hirise in Mendota.
The director of the LaSalle County Housing Authority said the proposed site could be purchased for $25,000, “considerably less than other sites that would qualify.
***
“I Am Corny” buttons went on sale to help cover the cost of the annual Sweet Corn Festival. Permission was granted to conduct the queen contest and some other activities in Library Park.
Gerald Meznarich, principal at Northbrook School, agreed to emcee the contest.
For the first time, a mini-queen would also be crowned. She would be selected by the Sweet Corn Queen and her court.
***
Eugene Williams was appointed administrator of Mendota Community Hospital, to assume the position on Aug. 15, 1970. His predecessor, Mrs. Ruth Humphrey, would be director of nursing services.
Williams had been in charge of several hospitals and had also spent four years in the US Air Force Supply Service before coming to Mendota.
***
The Harry Roland family was selected to host German student Michael A. Meert, 16, while he attended MTHS under the American Field Service program. Michael hoped to follow a literacy profession.
The William Prescotts, traveling in Germany, reported an enjoyable visit with Michael’s family.
In 1970, Harry Roland was field superintendent at Del Monte. Mrs. Roland was secretary in the high school office. Their three children were Judy, 16, Randy, 14, and Polly, 12.
***
A three-month strike at Motor Wheel, which had started on April 2, was ended. Work resumed July 14, 1970.
***
National Food Store gained a new manager, Myron Wruck. He replaced Jerry Gassman, who had been transferred to the Quad Cities.
***
Buildings at the southwest corner of Main and Jefferson received a new exterior.
The new look includes walnut colored aluminum siding with white trim. The lower portion of the north wall is of aluminized pressed wood in Tampa Sand.
Owners were Edward Bieser and Lawrence W. Smith. They had purchased the property from Leo and Frances Hochstatter. Earlier owners had included William Rokey and Mrs. W.C. Pinner. Mrs. Pinner was a descendant of the Meisenbachs, the original builders.
In 1970, Morris Drug occupied the corner with Bonnell’s Barber Shop in the basement. Schuetz Grocery was in the adjoining building to the south.
***
Stan Gehler was promoted to major in a ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky. Gehler was assigned to the U.S. Armor & Engineer Board as a test project officer.
***
Mendota police reported that 1,010 bicycles had been registered. Additional license tags were being ordered.
***
Ace Hardware had an unusual promotion on Sunday in July 1970. From 2 to 6 in the afternoon, a hair stylist was on hand and wigs could be purchased at $13.95 or $21. There would be an extra charge “if haircutting is needed.”
***
At the Lutheran Home, July birthdays were celebrated by Gus Truckenbrod, Mrs. Katherine Engelhardt, Mrs. H. William Bieser and Ted Lathrop.
***
Mendota High announced dress standards for the 1970-71 school year. Girls were to wear dresses “of modest length,” Bermuda length shorts in warm weather and slacks in cold weather. Blouses and shirts were to be worn “as intended.” Boys were also to wear their shirts “according to the intended design” and were permitted to wear Bermuda length shorts in warm weather.
No beards, mustaches, goatees or exceptionally long or poorly trimmed hair allowed.
Kip Cheek, Managing Editor Brandon LaChance, News Reporter Jennifer Robinson, Office Manager
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sondgeroth
Sondgeroths to celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
MENDOTA – Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sondgeroth (Sandy Jacobs) will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married July 19, 1975, at Holy Cross Church in Mendota.
They are blessed to be the parents of Jessica Sondgeroth of Bloomington, Chad Sondgeroth (deceased), Janelle Spiegelhalter of Dubuque, Iowa, and Joshua Sondgeroth of Mendota. They are the proud grandparents of Clara Spiegelhalter, Ellie Spiegelhalter and Bodhi Tillman.
The couple will be celebrating their special day at Ishnala and Lake Lawn Lodge in Wisconsin with their family.
Class of ‘75 sets reunion
MENDOTA – The Mendota High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50-year reunion to be held Aug. 8-10 during Sweet Corn Festival weekend.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, Aug. 8 with a Meet and Greet at Craig Pohl’s Bar & Grill. On Saturday morning, classmates will meet at the high school to dedicate a maple tree planted to commemorate the occasion followed by a tour of the new Mendota High School. Golfers’ tee times start at noon. Saturday evening’s reunion dinner and festivities will be at the Mendota Golf Club. The class has extended an invitation to its former MHS teachers to join the Saturday evening events. On Sunday, the class float will be in the Sweet Corn Festival Parade.
For more information, follow on Facebook @ Mendota High School Class of 1975 Mendota, IL or text Kim (Gehant) Pohl at 815-830-0007 or Cherie (Spilman) Chandler at 815-910-5900.
IVCC to hold open house July 22
OGLESBY – Prospective students can Explore IVCC at a summer open house on Tuesday, July 22, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre.
The event will be held from 2-3:30 p.m., beginning with a panel of students sharing their experiences with academics and campus life and providing advice for success. “You will see our campus from a student’s perspective,” said Tom Quigley, Director of Enrollment Services.
After the student panel session, an information fair will feature program coordinators, faculty, and student services representatives answering questions about majors and resources. There will also be campus tours, a station to fill out a college application, T-shirt giveaways, and a snack station.
To register for the open house, visit ivcc.edu/ explore. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 18.
99th birthday card shower planned for Myrtle Hitchins
PERU – Myrtle Hitchins of Peru, formerly of rural Mendota, will be celebrating her 99th birthday on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Myrtle Harriett Setchell was born July 30, 1926, in Mendota to her parents, Clifford and Ethel Setchell. She married Joseph Wayne Hitchins of Mendota on April 2, 1949. They raised four children, Nancy Luke of Hoopeston; Stanley (Leslie) Hitchins of Bloomington; Joseph
(Debbie) Hitchins of Eureka; and Gary (Cathy) Hitchins of Peru. Myrtle has 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. It would be fabulous for any friend or relative in the area to choose to share a birthday greeting with our Mom, Grandma, and GreatGrandma Myrtle Hitchins. Her postal mailing address is: Myrtle Hitchins, Manor Court #105, 3230 Becker Drive, Peru, IL 61354-1419.
Myrtle Hitchins
IVCC tuition deadline set for July 30
OGLESBY – A
key first deadline is approaching for Illinois Valley Community College students.
Tuition for fall classes is due July 30, and students must pay in full, arrange a payment plan or notify the college they will be using financial aid to prevent being dropped from the roster and having to reenroll. A delay could cost students their preferred schedule if class seats are filled, forcing them to choose another class section or wait longer to take the course.
Most enrollees who miss the tuition deadline and are dropped are quickly reinstated when they respond to a notification. This year students will be receiving a combination of mailings, emails, texts and phone calls before the deadline approaches, and IVCC Bursar Miguel Hermosillo urges students to take prompt action if they receive the notifications.
Timing is also key in establishing payment plans, which – if done early – can result in smaller installments.
“Students appreciate that payment plans give them time to pay,” Hermosillo said.
Payment plans, payments, and class schedules are easy to arrange using the IVCC Self-Service portal at https://ivcc-ss.colleague. elluciancloud.com/ Student/Student/Courses.
Financial aid does not automatically kick in at enrollment, so students must verify with the College to ensure their financial aid is released for payments. Nearly half of enrollees receive some sort of financial aid.
Important dates to remember include:
• July 30 – payment deadline
• Aug. 7 – deadline to pay and be reinstated
• Aug. 14 – final drop for non-payment
• Aug. 18 – classes begin
For more information, contact the IVCC cashier’s office at 815224-0213.
It’s Garage Sale time. Advertise yours in The Reporter!
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
Rodrigo Lopez Hernandez, 33, of Joliet, was charged with driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at 13th Avenue and Third Street at 3:51 p.m. July 10. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED
William W. Rickel, 46, of 809 Sixth St., Mendota, was charged with driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Main and Monroe streets at 11:00 p.m. July 14. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.
Mendota City Ordinance
MENDOTA – The city of Mendota reminds you that it is unlawful under city ordinance 42.34 to hang, lean, or place any advertising materials on any street lamp, post, telephone or electric light pole within the city limits of Mendota. This includes garage sale notices.
This statute was designed to keep our neighborhoods clean and free of trash and debris. The city of Mendota officials ask for your cooperation in this matter.
Week 1 Fortune Phrase winner picked
MENDOTA – This year’s Mendota Reporter Fortune Phrase game is off to a great start as nearly everyone that turned in an entry got the phrase right. After placing all of the correct entries into a box, the one submitted by Elsie Fritz of Mendota was drawn out. She won a $25 gift card to Sullivan’s Foods in Mendota.
The correct phrase was: July Is Here And So Is
The Mendota Reporter’s Fortune Phrase Game. The words were hidden in the following ads: July – Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce (Sweet Corn Festival); Is – El Torito; Here – T2 Enterprises; And – El Zarape Mexican Restaurant; So – Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce (50/50 raffle); Is – Mendota Farmers Market; The – ARS Auto Repair; Mendota –Sullivan’s Foods; Reporter’s
– RP Lumber; Fortune – The Mendota Reporter (eEdition); Phrase – Davis Family Health; Game – The Mendota Reporter (garage sales).
Check out this week’s Reporter for Week 2 of the Fortune Phrase game.
IT’S EASY: All you have to do is read every ad on this page carefully. When you come to a word that is obviously out of place in an ad, write it down so you’ll remember it. After you have read all the ads, you should have a list of words that can be arranged to fill out the mystery phrase. Completely write the phrase out on a piece of paper, along with your name, address and phone number and mail it to: THE MENDOTA REPORTER, P.O. BOX 300, MENDOTA, IL 61342 or drop it off at the Mendota Reporter office at 703 Illinois Avenue. Don’t delay, though, because this week’s answer must be received no later than 12:00 Noon on Monday, July 21, 2025. Answer and name of winner will appear in July 23rd edition of The Mendota Reporter. In the event that more than one correct answer is received, we will have a drawing to determine the winner. The winner will be notified and will receive this week’s give-away. All employees of The Mendota Reporter and their
are ineligible to participate.
arsautomendota@gmail.com arsautorepairmendota.com
The jobs created allow spending in the local economy and help create more jobs.
They support local charities, schools and community events which financially impacts our community.
Travel expenses and personal time make the overall cost of items more.
Without the support in the local community, restaurants, shops and services are forced to close.
at affordable prices and cater to the needs and wants of the community.
SLocal businesses respond quicker to the needs of the customers and stock products to meet the core communityʼs needs.
By choosing to do business locally you help maintain Mendotaʼs diversity, charm and appeal; which in turn, attracts new community members.
Your dollars spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact on your community as dollars spent outside of Mendota. When shopping locally, you create funds for more city and county services through sales tax. In turn, these funds are invested in neighborhood services including police, fire and ambulance as well as park and library improvements.
Local businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
By Tony Rizzo
HOLLYWOOD -Brandon Flynn will play James Dean in director Guy Guido’s upcoming film “Willie and Jimmy Dean,” which is based on William Bast’s memoir “Surviving James Dean.” In the memoir, Bast claimed to be Dean’s lover.
Flynn played Ryan Peters in HBO’s “True Detective” (2019) and Justin Foley in the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” (2017-2020). He had a recurring role in the “Ratched” series, as well as the lead role in Apple TV+’s historical Abraham Lincoln miniseries “Manhunt.” He was also second-billed in the Max film “The Parenting,” with Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow, Brian Cox and Edie Falco.
Miami native Flynn is wed to Canadian writer/director Jordan Tannahill. But what does he know about James Dean, who died before he was born? Flynn explained, “His short life left behind just three films, a mountain of photographs, and a cultural mythology we keep trying to decode. This script is a beautiful attempt at truthfully understanding who he really was -- not just the icon but the man.” According to Flynn, the script humanizes Dean rather than taking a sensational approach.
Flynn continued, “It highlights how Hollywood
ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity Extra
By Dana Jackson
Q: Why did Kelly Clarkson cancel her Las Vegas concert? I would be very upset if I had bought tickets and traveled there.
-- D.D.
A: Kelly Clarkson had to cancel the first two shows of her new Las Vegas residency due to issues with her voice. She stated that she needed to protect her voice from further damage after rehearsals had taken their toll. Caesars Palace, the venue where her concerts will be held, has given ticket buyers a choice of a full refund or waiting for the rescheduled dates.
There have also been rumors that she wants to leave her daytime talk show, but this hasn’t been confirmed. She took a leave of absence this past spring to be with her children while her ex-husband was being treated for an undisclosed illness.
***
Q: Is “Murder in a Small Town” coming back for another season? There have been so many cancellations lately; I’m worried this is one of them. -- K.I.
A: Fortunately the Fox drama “Murder in a Small Town” has avoided getting the ax after its freshman
Hollywood
has historically forced LGBTQ people into performance, even in their personal lives.” It covers Dean’s meeting with his future male lover, Bast, to Dean’s death in 1955. (Bast died in 2015 at 84.) Bast met Dean at the UCLA Theater when he was 19, and they became roommates, friends and lovers.
Allegedly, Dean had affairs with Marlon Brando, Paul Newman and others. Dean acted in many live television dramas, including “Hallmark Hall of Fame,” “Kraft Television Theatre,” “You Are There,” “Omnibus,” and “General Electric Theater.” But he only made three films: “East of Eden” (1955), “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955), and “Giant” (1956), for which he was posthumously Oscar-nominated.
Russell Crowe will instruct Henry Cavill in the ways of immortals in the “Highlander” remake.
Crowe’s completed his role as Hermann Goring, Adolf Hitler’s and Luftwaffe’s commanderin-chief, in “Nuremberg,” opposite Oscar winner Rami Malek and Michael Shannon (due Nov. 7). He’s also in Netflix’s “UNBAOM” (about Unabomber Ted Kaczynski), “Bear Country” with Aaron Paul and Luke Evans, and the sports drama “The Beast in Me” with Luke Hemsworth. Meanwhile, Cavill’s upcoming in Guy Ritchie’s “In the Grey” with Jake Gyllenhaal, “Voltron” with Sterling K. Brown, and “Enola Holmes 3” with Millie Bobby Brown. The former “Man of Steel” had a child in January with his girlfriend, Natalie Viscuso, but they’re mum on the child’s name and gender.
***
Aaron Sorkin won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of “The Social Network” (2010) and is now writing and directing a follow-up to the original, which made movie stars of Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake and Armie Hammer. With the current state of the internet, maybe he should call it “The Antisocial Network!”
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
season and will live to tell the tale of more mysteries this fall. The show is based on a series of novels by L.R. Wright and stars Rossif Sutherland (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) as Detective Karl Alberg, who relocates to a picturesque town after growing weary of big-city life.
The series earned its renewal by becoming “Fox’s fifth most-watched nonsports program of the fall,” according to TVLine. While this might not appear very impressive, it performed strongly enough against so much competition (not only on network and cable television but also streaming) to survive and hopefully build a bigger audience its second time around.
Four-time Emmy nominee Marcia Gay Harden (“So Help Me Todd”) joins the series this fall as Mayor Christie Holman. The show will air on Fox on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
***
Q: What ever happened to the actor who starred opposite Julian McMahon in the series “Nip/Tuck”? I haven’t seen him in anything for quite a while. I was very sad to learn of McMahon’s recent passing. -- G.H.
A: Dylan Walsh starred as plastic surgeon Dr. Sean McNamara in creator Ryan Murphy’s (“American Horror Story”) first hit series, which ran from 20032010 on FX. It also made stars out of Walsh and Julian McMahon.
Walsh is still very much actively employed as an actor. His most recent recurring role was playing Mayor Peter Chase on the CBS hit series “Blue Bloods,” and before this, it was General Sam Lane on “Superman & Lois.” He has several upcoming projects, including two films that are deemed thrillers -- “The Man Across the Street” with Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”), as well as “The Highest Stakes” with Seth Green (“Family Guy”) and Charlie Weber (“How to Get Away with Murder”). Sadly, we recently lost McMahon after his private battle with cancer. He left the CBS hit series “FBI: Most Wanted” back in 2022 and was replaced with Dylan McDermott. McMahon most recently appeared in six episodes of “The Residence” on Netflix.
STRANGE BUT TRUE
By Lucie Winborne
* The word “cereal” comes from “Ceres,” the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture.
* A UC Berkeley study found that people who drove luxury cars, in particular BMWs and Mercedes, were much more likely to cut off other drivers at intersections than folks driving non-luxury cars.
* Popes can’t be organ donors, since their bodies belong to the Vatican when they die.
* Ranch dressing, America’s best-selling salad dressing since 1992, was created by an Alaskan plumber in the 1950s.
* It would take 19 minutes to fall to the center of the earth.
* Kim Kardashian has a “glam clause” in her will stipulating that if she’s ever in a position where she can’t get herself ready, is unable to communicate or is unconscious, someone will ensure that her hair, makeup and nails are still perfect.
* Venus is the only planet to spin clockwise.
* Bamboo is the fastest-
growing woody plant in the world, with an ability to sprout up to 35 inches in a single day.
* The world’s largest bowling alley is in Japan, with a whopping 116 lanes.
* A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
* Need a natural remedy for a blocked nose? Try an onion. Its sulfur content is thought to draw mucus from the body.
* A dog that is a cross between a Chihuahua and a miniature dachshund is known as a chiweenie.
* The word “mortgage” comes from a French word meaning “death contract.”
* According to the Guinness World Records, the world’s hottest chili pepper is the Pepper X, rating at an average of 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units.
* Panda bears have been known to eat for 12 hours straight. ***
Thought for the Day: “One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” -- Golda Meir
Brought to you each week by
Brandon Flynn
Discovering the key to self-acceptance
Over the years, I have met countless people who believe God is angry with them because they hadn’t “arrived” at the place of perfection. As a result, they live in a state of perpetual frustration— continually rejecting themselves and feeling bad every time they make a mistake.
There’s one thing for sure—Jesus didn’t give His life for us to walk around feeling guilty and condemned. He wants us to feel good about ourselves and our relationship with Him. And it all starts with discovering our true identity in Christ.
For many years, I tried to please God with my works. It seemed as if I was living on a performance treadmill— always trying to do something to feel good about myself and feel
like I was in right standing with Him. In the process, I became weary, worn-out, and unhappy. I would think, Something is just not working.
I was right. No matter how much we love God and choose to do what’s right, we will always be frustrated if we don’t learn this one valuable lesson:
Ephesians 2:8 (AMPC) says, “For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving]….”
There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation or right standing with God…we have been made right
with Him through our faith in Jesus Christ. A believer who is lacking this understanding is like a jumbo jet on the runway with no gasoline—it has all the equipment but it’s going nowhere!
In His mercy, God allowed me to see that there was absolutely nothing I could do to make Him love me any more or less than He already did. All He wanted was for me to believe in Jesus, the One Whom He sent (John 6:29), and receive the righteousness He provided.
In order for us to experience true freedom and grow in our relationship with God, we need to learn to accept ourselves right where we are and see ourselves the way God sees us. As we do, we will begin to understand that becoming like Christ is a process
that takes time—and that God will be faithful to finish the good work He began.
Second Corinthians 5:21 (AMPC) says, “For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become…the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].”
This is the basis of selfacceptance—knowing that God accepts us through Jesus and sees us as totally righteous. This does not mean that we don’t sin anymore or that we can dismiss it like it’s no big deal. It simply means that God loves us even while we are on our way—while we are in the process of becoming like Christ—before we have “arrived.”
For example, as a 2-year-old, one of our granddaughters used to throw fits when she
didn’t get her way. She tossed herself on the ground and screamed uncontrollably. Now, even though I disliked her behavior, I still loved her tremendously. I don’t stop loving my grandchildren or kick them out of the family because they do wrong things. I love them and work with them to develop the good character I know they need to succeed in life.
The same is true with God, our heavenly Father. He doesn’t love our wrong behavior, but He certainly loves us.
Romans 5:8 says that He proved His love for us by sending His Son “while we were still sinners.”
In other words, He didn’t wait until we were righteous to send Jesus— He sent Jesus because we would never be righteous without Him!
Isaiah 61:10 (AMPC) says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of
salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness….” What does this mean for us? It means when we make mistakes, God literally has us “covered” with His robe of righteousness. So, when the enemy comes against us with thoughts of guilt or condemnation, we can stand firm against his accusations. We can stand on God’s Word and say…
“I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am clothed in His righteousness—not mine. The Bible says that if I confess my sin, God is faithful to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I am loved!” (1 John 1:9).
God is on your side, and He wants you to feel good about yourself and the progress you are making. So don’t spend your time frustrated because you haven’t “arrived.” God is not mad at you because you are not perfect—He is only disappointed if you quit running the race!
***
For more on this topic, order Joyce’s fourpart teaching resource I’m Okay and I’m on My Way. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 7279673 or visiting www. joycemeyer.org
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 150 books, including BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND and OVERCOMING EVERY PROBLEM (FaithWords). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life program, which is broadcast to millions in over 110 languages. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer. org.
MARKETPLACE
NOTICE
Public Notice is hereby given that on June 10, 2025 a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of LaSalle County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as Loyalty Insurance located at 661 Crosat Street LaSalle, IL. 61301.
Dated: June 10, 2025. Taylor Hansen Applicant. No. 0607
(June 25, July 2 and 9, 2025) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY J. PHALEN, Deceased.
Case No.: 25 PR 114
CLAIMS NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of BETTY J. PHALEN, of Mendota, Illinois.
Letters of Office were issued on June 25, 2025 to HARRY TODD PHALEN, 9 N. 4179th Rd., Mendota, IL 61342, and whose attorney is David M. Kaleel, 806 Jefferson Street, Mendota, Illinois 61342. Claims against the estate may be e-filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the Independent representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of the first publication of this Notice, or if mailing or delivery of a Claim Notice from the Independent Executor is required, the date stated in that Notice. Any claim not filed on or before the above stated dates is barred. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts. gov/serviceproviders. htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http:// www.illinoiscourts.gov/ FAZ/gethelp.asp.
Copies of a claim e-filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Executor and to the Attorney within ten (10) days after it has been e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
Dated this 25th day of June, 2025. Greg Vaccaro Circuit Clerk-LaSalle County Courthouse 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, IL 61350
David M. Kaleel
Attorney for Executor
806 Jefferson St Mendota, IL 61342
815-539-5616
kaleel5@frontier.com
No. 0701
(July 2, 9 and 16, 2025)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Availability of Analysis of
Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives and Community Relations Plan, 30-Day Public Comment Period
This provides the public notice of the availability of the Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) and Community Relations Plan (CRP) for environmental cleanup to be carried out at the former Campbell Cleaners and auto part store sites, located at 805 and 807 Illinois Avenue in Mendota, Illinois (herein referenced as the “Site”). The ABCA and CRP are available for review and comments at the Mendota City Hall, located at 800 Washington Street, Mendota, Illinois 61342, from July 16, 2025, through August 15, 2025
The ABCA has been prepared as a requirement of the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants to be provided by the City of Mendota for the cleanup of the Site.
The ABCA and CRP, along with the information repository, which includes previous environmental site assessments, are available for public review at the following location: • City Clerk, 800 Washington Street, Mendota, Illinois 61342 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
A digital copy of the ABCA and CRP can be reviewed on the City of Mendota’s Website: • htps://www.mendota. il.us
Please direct questions and comments to the City Clerk, Emily McConville, at 815.539.7459 or by email at EMcConville@mendotacity. com. A Public Meeting concerning the Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives and Community Relations Plan will be held on July 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, located at 607 8th Avenue, Mendota, Illinois 61342. Public comments on the ABCA and CRP will be accepted at the meeting. The Alternatives identified for cleanup activities recommended in the ABCA/CRP include the following:
1. Building Demolition: The building on the 807 Illinois Avenue portion of the Site will need to be demolished in order to safely address subsurface contamination and remove the UST.
2. UST Removal: The UST on the Site was discovered during the removal of the building materials at the 805 Illinois Avenue portion of the Site. Based on the historical use of the Site, it is highly likely that the UST contains or has contaminated chemicals of concern related to former dry cleaning operations. The UST will need to be removed from the Site under oversight from the State of Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
3. Excavation, Disposal, and Backfill:
Elevated levels of PCE, PNAs, and metals were found in shallow soils across the entire site. Excavation of the top three feet of soil across the site will remove the majority of the contention. Clean backfill will be added to the site once all remediation activities are complete.
4. In Situ Remediation: Deeper hot spots of elevated concentrations of PCE were found at 805 Illinois Avenue and the southern portion of 807 Illinois Avenue. A bench study will be conducted to determine appropriate dosages to address PCE contamination at depth. The contaminated soil and groundwater will be blended in situ with a remediation implement to approximately 10 feet below ground surface. The remedial work will be verified through the collection of confirmation samples and laboratory analysis. No. 0702 (July 16, 2025)
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION No: 2023-JA-45
TO: Amber Flack, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern: Take notice that on the 10th day of July, 2025, a petition to terminate your parental rights was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by David A. Greer, in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County entitled ‘In the interest of Andrew Taliani, a minor’, and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 210 at Ottawa on the 15th day of October, 2025, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, a Termination Hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared a ward of the court under that Act. The Court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor, to terminate your parental rights and to appoint a guardian with power to consent to adoption. You may lose all parental rights to your child. If the petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child.
You are entitled to have an attorney represent you at all stages of these proceedings. If you are financially unable to afford a private attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.
Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and an order or judgement entered.
Dated July 10, 2025
Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0704
(July 16, 23 and 30, 2025) NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION No: 2023-JA-45
TO: John Taliani, Unknown Fathers, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern:
Take notice that on the 10th day of July, 2025, a petition to terminate your parental rights was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by David A. Greer, in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County entitled ‘In the interest of Andrew Taliani, a minor’, and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 210 at Ottawa on the 15th day of October, 2025, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, a Termination Hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared a ward of the court under that Act. The Court has authority in this proceeding to take
from you the custody and guardianship of the minor, to terminate your parental rights and to appoint a guardian with power to consent to adoption. You may lose all parental rights to your child. If the petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child.
You are entitled to have an attorney represent you at all stages of these proceedings. If you are financially unable to afford a private attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for you.
Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights. Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the
200 N Main St., Van Orin 815-638-2111 Member FDIC
Malden Banking Center 302 N Main St. 815-643-2121 Member FDIC
NuMark Credit Union Earlville • Paw Paw • Sublette NUMARKCU.ORG Member NCUA-ESI
Maze Lumber Water Street • Peru 815-223-1742 FITNESS Mendota YMCA 1811 S. 13th Ave. 815-538-2900 Ivymca.org/Mendota-ymca/
Floralcrest Florist & Greenhouse 1207 22nd St. 815-539-9306 FOOD TRUCK
Tacos Guzman 815-503-0839 Follow us on Facebook
Wasmer Funeral Home 2112 W. Main St. 815-539-8500
GROCERY STORES
De La O Grocery • Deli • Meats • Catering 710 Jefferson St. 815-539-6871
Sullivan’s Foods 1102 Meriden St. 815-539-9341
HEALTH CARE CLINIC
Davis Family Health, LLC 1201 Meriden St. 815-538-1800
HEATING & COOLING CONTRACTORS
Malley Plumbing & Heating 123 South Ottawa Street, Earlville 815-246-6011 IL License #055-009898
TOWING
VAPE/SMOKE SHOP
Smooth
VETERINARIANS
Ancare
Meyers Furniture & Carpet & Mattress 1901 S. 13th Ave. 815-539-6263
de Wyngaerde 700 14th Ave. 815-539-6291
PET GROOMING
Dirty Dawgs 1111 Main St. 815-538-2550
PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
Malley Plumbing & Heating 123 South Ottawa Street, Earlville 815-246-6011 IL License #055-009898
Correa Heating and Air Conditioning 815-910-9876
Triple Service Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric 801 Monroe St. 815-539-3828 IL Lic. #055-041123
In-Home Care Connection Hospice Services 680 W. Peru St., Princeton 815-872-7447 www.ihcccare.com
N.L. Morton Buildings, Ltd. 203 N. 4099th Road 815-539-9325
New construction & repair
REALTORS
Erbes Realty, LLC 1922 Tower Road • Sublette 815-535-6295 • Lorierbes@gmail.com
Homestead Realty 1316 Lakewood Plaza, #5 815-539-3811
McConville Realty & Auctioneering 612 Main St. 815-539-5673
RESTAURANTS
Cindy’s on 34 1300 Raymond Drive 815-539-9000 El Ray Del Taco Mexican Restaurant 701 Main St. 815-539-7100
Ziggie’s Family Restaurant 1212 First Ave. 815-539-5060 Ziggiesrestaurant.com SEAMLESS ROOFING
DuroLast Roofing 705 Illinois Ave. 815-539-5142 License #104005528
SOCIAL CLUB
Mendota Elks Lodge #1212 707 Indiana Ave. 815-538-3557 TAX PREPARATION
H&R Block 1313 Meriden St. 815-539-7610 hrblock.com
Setchell Agency, Ltd. 618 Sixth
