Compton celebrated its 150th birthday Saturday, July 19 at the Compton Park. The event saw hundreds of residents and visitors enjoy Bingo, vendors, Mendota Lions Club corn dogs, a pork chop dinner, memories through photos and a 25-year time capsule at Compton United Methodist Church, cupcakes, naming the park “Doc” Swope Memorial Park after the late former mayor, and the band Free Beer & Chicken. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
q Night Market scheduled for July 28; tree planting workshop planned July 29
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – The City of Mendota and Reimagine Mendota have continuously made efforts to revitalize the city since the fires in 2022.
There are two events happening next week to further push for improvement in Mendota.
Mendota is hosting a Night Market from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 28 in the downtown area and a tree planting workshop from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 at Blackstone Park.
The Night Market has a couple initiatives.
“We’re hoping to get people to walk around Mendota and shop. I think a lot of people don’t realize there are new stores open downtown,” said Mendota Project Director Annie Short. “We really want residents to come check out
our Night Market and see what Mendota has to offer.
“The City of Mendota passed a city ordinance in December to address the vacant downtown buildings. For the last few months, we’ve diligently worked with the building owners to identify their plans. The ordinance is to move our businesses. We have retail buildings, they need to be retail stores.
“During the market, the owners will either have a soft open for their business, offer guests a glimpse of
what is going to be in their building or taking inquiries to rent or sell. It’s a great opportunity for guests to see there is progress being made in downtown Mendota.”
The Night Market is in collaboration with the City of Mendota, Reimagine Mendota and the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce as it will take place during Food Truck Mania, the popular game, the Human Slot Machine, will be played and there will be a table showcasing “Why I love Mendota” gear with the opportunity to purchase.
There will also be 2025 vendors and downtown businesses are staying open later than usual for you to visit.
Trees will be planted and adopted after the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival (Aug. 7-10). In preparation, the tree planting workshop will
get planters, adopters, water cans and smiles ready in anticipation.
“The City of Mendota was awarded a tree canopy grant. The grant is providing us with 40-50 trees. They’re designed to be planted in different locations in Mendota,” Short said. “We are looking for individuals, families and organizations to help initially plant the trees and to water them over the next year to make sure they establish correctly.
“In addition, we are partnering with University of Illinois Extension to host a tree planting workshop. We have the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, FFA and Interact Club coming to learn how to plant and maintain a tree. It’s open to everyone. For instance, I want to plant a tree in my backyard, so I’ll be at the workshop to learn how.”
By KIP CHEEK Staff writer
MENDOTA - A new officer will be joining the Mendota Police Department and improvements to downtown buildings will take place after action by the Mendota City Council at its regular meeting on July 21. ALDERMANIC REPORTS
Alderman Kyle Kim announced that the Police
and Fire Commission recommended hiring Sabrina Poole as a patrol officer with the Mendota Police Department. The recommendation was approved by the council. Poole is a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School and currently resides in Mendota. She is scheduled to begin at the police academy in August.
Alderman John Holland informed the
council that the Mendota Historic Restoration and Preservation Commission recommended awarding grants to the owners of several downtown buildings. The council approved $7,000 grants each to 705 Jefferson St. and 710 Main St., and a $4,294.50 grant to 728 Main St.
Also during Holland’s business, the council approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of
q Bloomquist to provide entertainment at SCF Queen Pageant on Aug. 8
MENDOTA – Ten young women are busily preparing for this year’s Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant, which will be held on Friday, Aug. 8 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The pageant will take place on the First State Bank stage on Washington Street in downtown Mendota.
Queen Pageant practices continue for the 10 candidates, getting everything and everyone relaxed and ready for the big night. Getting used to what it will be like on stage, being comfortable with those hosting, and taking cues will help things go smoothly that evening.
Singer-guitarist Andrew Bloomquist will provide pre-pageant entertainment beginning at 6:45 p.m. and will return to the stage while the judges are deciding who will wear the crown for 2025.
Let’s introduce four more contestants in this year’s pageant.
Claire Hanson has been selected to represent the Mendota Elks Lodge #1212 in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Jason and Maureen Hanson. Standing five feet, five inches tall, she has blond hair and blue eyes.
Hanson is a 2025 graduate of Mendota High School. During her time at MHS, she participated in basketball cheerleading for
four years and football cheerleading for two years. She played volleyball and softball for two years each. She was a UCA AllAmerican cheerleader in 2023 and helped with little girls’ cheer camp for all four years. She made honor roll for eight semesters, was in the National Honor Society for two years and participated in the Interact Club.
This summer you will find Hanson working at Woodhaven Lakes as a lifeguard where she is the second in command. She ensures that all swimmers are safe, deals with emergencies, pool chemicals and manages other lifeguards. Some hobbies and interests that Hanson has are swimming, exercising, reading, fashion, golf and hanging out with friends. She will continue to work and hopefully travel a little this summer while prioritizing her studies.
The Mendota Golf Club has selected Lauren Holland as its pageant candidate. Holland is the daughter of John and Jeni Holland. She has blond hair and blue eyes and stands five feet, four inches tall.
A 2025 graduate of Mendota High School, Holland was active in a variety of clubs, organizations, and sports, including the
See Pageant, Page A5
property at 205 and 205 1/2 Orchard Ave. Bids will be accepted through Aug. 29 and will be opened on Sept. 2 at the city council meeting.
Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick presented two requests for the council’s consideration, both of which were accepted. Veterans Way will be closed from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 25 for the First State Bank’s Lunch in the Park. Also,
the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry will hold a Tag Day on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the intersection of Main and Meriden streets.
Alderman John Hessenberger presented a zoning variance request from the property owners at 1712 Peri Drive to construct a fence around a swimming pool. Hessenberger said the fence would be on the easement and that no adjacent property owners
signed off on the request. The council agreed to table the matter.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor David Boelk said a Night Market is planned for Monday, July 28 from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Mendota. Stores will be open for business and there will be other activities, including the scheduled
Prescott Bros. returns as a major Mendota Sweet Corn Festival sponsor. The dealership played a key role in bringing the band, Los Ahijados del Barranco, to the beer garden stage on Friday, August 8. The band features five skilled musicians from Rochelle. Banda Nuestra Tierra, from Chicago, will showcase their regional Mexican sounds. Besides the bands, Prescott Bros. helped bring in the sound services of Ruben Perales Jr. from Total Rentals INC. In the photo are, left to right, Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce Board members Kelly Becker, Marion Quintana, Prescott co-owners Jason Leifheit and Jon Prescott, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, MACC Board members Brad Cox and Jessica Newcomer. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
Yessenia Torres DC, second from left, posed with Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s (left to right) Brad Cox, President/CEO Sam Setchell and Kelly Becker to honor sponsoring “Magic Matt” at the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. Matthew Scherer, magician and balloon artist, will have 10-15 mini shows throughout Saturday, August 9 in different locations in downtown Mendota. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
MENDOTA – During National Health Center Week, Community Health Partnership of Illinois is welcoming students to a back to school wellness event from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the CHP location, 1201 Main St. in Mendota.
The back to school wellness event has an open invitation to every student who may need a school physical, a sports physical, a referral for needed immunizations or school supplies. Every kid deserves a healthy start to the school year and CHP wants to help.
If you'd like to set up a specific appointment, rather than walking in, call 815-539-6124.
ADS is sponsoring the talented Wild Style Design Face Painters based out of Bloomington at the 78th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. They’ll be painting faces free of charge from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the corner of Indiana and Washington Streets. Members of ADS and the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce took a photo to celebrate the major sponsorship. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
Ziggie’s has been a major Mendota Sweet Corn Festival sponsor for many years as it stores the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival float. The float is used by festival royalty in area parades throughout the summer and of course at the SCF. Celebrating the sponsorship are, left to right, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, Ziggie’s Vjolca Zendeli and Ben Zendeli, MACC Board member Brad Cox, Ziggie’s Musa Zendeli and MACC Board member Kelly Becker. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
MENDOTA - For the second straight summer, the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry is hosting a car show.
The classic vehicles will highlight the food pantry event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Mendota Moose Lodge, located at 211 E. 12 St. in Mendota.
There is a $10 entry fee which includes a wrist band.
Along with the car show, AMC Sound DJ service will play tunes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The band, Side Hustle, will take the outdoor stage from 2-5 p.m.
Food stands will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and there will also be a silent auction inside the Moose Lodge from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Awards will be handed out at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, call 815-538-2211.
Members of the Nicor Gas and the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors united to celebrate Nicor being a major sponsor at the 78th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. Nicor is sponsoring the DJ enterinment at the First State Bank Stage on Saturday. DJ Famous will perform from 2-4 p.m. and The Phenom will be there from 5-7 p.m. (Photo contributed)
Heather Bomstad, left, is the new president at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota. She is proud OSF is once again sponsoring the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival ‘s second annual pickelball tournament, which kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. The tournament will have two divisions, 18U and open, in the rally point scoring format to 11 points. The winner must win by two. Joining Bomstad to honor the sponsorship are, left to right, MACC Board Member Brad Cox, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, and MACC Board member Marion Quintana. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
MENDOTA – The summer reading program at Graves-Hume Public Library is entering its final week of activities from July 28-August 1.
On Monday, July 28, it’s Video Game Night as “Carnival Games” will be played on PlayStation 4 by first-fourth graders from 6-8 p.m. “Mario Kart” will take to the Nintendo Switch tracks for fiftheighth graders from 6-8 p.m.
There will also be crafts on Monday. Family Day is from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, which features puzzles, crafts and open play. The last day of the summer reading program will host Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles. DiNaso will give attendees the chance to check out fossils and artifacts from reptiles and amphibians throughout the world. Bring a blanket for the outdoor event starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. All programs are family focused and all are invited. No separate registration is required. If a program is outside, please provide self seating. If rain is expected, outdoor events will be moved indoors.
R.H. Boelk Truck Lines
Mendota Mayor and co-owner of Boelk Trucking, David Boelk, center, is proud to be a major sponsor for the 78th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The trucking service transports and stores all of the barrels used for setting up the festival’s beer garden and corn serving on Sunday of the SCF. Boelk also houses hundreds of feet of fencing needed for both events. In the parade, Boelk Trucking sponsors Lee Vounty Voiture 409, known as the White Ghost. Joining Boelk are Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce Board members, left to right, Jessica Newcomer, President/CEO Sam Setchell, Kelly Becker and Marion Quintana. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
Johnson’s Oil/Mendota Shell
Shell is helping the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce welcome back the Jolly Giant Stilt Walkers to the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The walkers have been walking festivals and other events in the midwest for over 20 years. Celebrating the sponsorship are, left to right, MACC Board President Erica Henry, Shell’s Charlie Ward and Kate Walter, MACC Board members Marion Quintana, Kelly Becker and Jessica Newcomer. (Photo contributed)
Mendota City Clerk Emily McConnville, second from right holding Ruger, joins Mendota Mayor David Boelk in representing the City of Mendota as sponsors of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The city’s street, water, fire, and police department help the festival run smoothly and take care of any issues throughout the weekend. Joining the city reps are Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce members, left to right, Jessica Newcomer, President/CEO Sam Setchell, Marion Quintana and Kelly Becker. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
First State Bank sponsors entertainment throughout the weekend of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The bank with 19 locations in northern and central Illinois sponsors the First State Bank Stage, located at Veterans Park, which will feature Silver Tone Junction, Andrew Bloomquist, Steve Cerqua and Mid Lyfe Krysys. FSB also supplies the First State Bank Hospitality Tent in its parking lot on the corner of Main and Washington Street. This year, The Acoustix, Good Vybz Entertainment and Nicodemus will perform. In the photo are, left to right, Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Erica Henry, MACC Board member Jessica Newcomer, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, FSB President Kirk Ross, FSB Chief Marketing Officer Jan Phalen, MACC Board members Marion Quintana and Kelly Becker. (Photo contributed)
MALTA – Kishwaukee College held its Spring 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 17, in the gymnasium, with 206 students attending ceremonies to commemorate their achievements.
Kish held a 9 a.m. ceremony for 110 students graduating with Associate in Applied Science degrees, Certificates of Completion, Fast-Track Training credentials or Illinois High School Diploma credentials.
Kish’s 11 a.m. ceremony recognized 96 students graduating with Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in General Studies and Associate in
Science degrees. Overall, 400 students applied to graduate and were eligible to participate in the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies.
Aiyanna Washington, who served as Kish’s Student Trustee from 2024-2025 and graduated with an Associate in Arts degree, served as the Student Speaker for both ceremonies. Washington spoke of her experience as a first-generation college student and reminded her fellow graduates of the value of creating a supportive environment for others.
“Each of us here has the potential to be a leader and an inspiration.
Whether it is through our careers, communities, or families, we can all make a difference. By reaching out to others, offering a helping hand, and sharing our experiences, we can inspire and support those around us,” Washington said.
Along with Washington, graduates heard remarks from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Bob Johnson, Chair, Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees; and Kyra Rider, Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Rider, who provided the faculty address, acknowledged the graduates’ diverse educational paths and
Rick and Buddy Falcon, second and third from left, join the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce to solidify Falcon’s Landscape & Lawn Care as a sponsor of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The company is helping bring bands to the beer garden stage on Friday, August 8. Joining the Falcons are MACC Board members, left to right, Kelly Becker, Marion Quintana and President/CEO Sam Setchell. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
Returning as a major sponsor of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival is Triple Service Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. The company is bringing the band, Silverton Junction, to the the First State Bank Stage from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9. Silverton Junction began playing together in 2021 and cover songs of The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Brooks and Dunn, and more. In the photo are, left to right, MACC Board member Marion Quintana, Tripple Services’ Savannah Brown and Gabe and Michelle Wade, MACC President/CEO Sam Setchell, MACC Board members Jessica Newcomer and Kelly Becker. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
how Kishwaukee College works to help meet the needs of every student.
“Some of you here today have taken the step to change your careers. You left a job to return to school, or are still working and going to school. I love that you chose Kishwaukee College. I hope others will look to Kish if they need to make a change in the future. Our purpose at Kishwaukee College is to help you create the life you want,” Rider said.
The ceremonies were livestreamed on Kish’s social media channels and website. View the ceremonies at kish.edu/ commencement.
MENDOTA – Learn diabetes prevention and management skills from University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman, MS Ed, CHES and OSF HealthCare Clinical Dietitian Jennifer Scully, RD LDN CDCES.
The Diabetes Support Group Meeting is offered at OSF Health Care, Saint Paul Medical Center, Conference Room C, 1401 E. 12th St., Mendota, on Thursday,
Aug. 14, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Register required by Aug. 12. Register online at go.illinois.edu/ diabetessupport or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-2240894. If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Glassman at susang@illinois. edu or 815-224-0889. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Otto G. Stephenitch
CANTON – Otto George Stephenitch, 93, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Canton.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton with a visitation one hour prior at the church, with Monsignor Timothy Nolan officiating. A memorial mass will also be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Amboy with a visitation one hour prior at the church. A burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sublette.
Born in Sublette on Jan. 21, 1932, to Otto William and Susan (Kellen) Stephenitch, Otto lived a life marked by faith, service, and a deep commitment to his family and community. Otto married Lois Davis on Dec. 29, 1997.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; his sons, Daniel (Donna) of Sublette and David of Evanston; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) of Sublette, and Michel (Emily) of Clinton, Iowa; and his beloved four greatgrandchildren, (Mila, Isla, Violet, and Cael).
Otto was the youngest of seven children and was preceded in death by his five sisters, Catherine Long, Lucille Glaser, Dorothy, Koehler, Elaine Powers, and Marcella Stephenitch, and one brother, Harold (Doc) Stephenitch.
After graduating from Amboy High School in 1950, Otto served our country in the U.S. Army where he fought on the front line during the Korean War. After returning home from the war, Otto began his career in banking via the GI Bill. He worked his way up from a teller to executive vice president at the First National Bank of Amboy and graduated from the University of Wisconsin banking school.
In 1966, he moved his family to Canton when he accepted a position as executive vice president of the Canton State Bank. In 1972, he was promoted to president, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement in 1995. After the bank was destroyed in the 1975 tornado, Otto supervised the temporary relocation of operations to the first floor of the Elks building and the construction of the new building, which returned the bank to the Square in 1977.
Otto was, first and foremost, a proud family man. He married Betty (Michel) Stephenitch on Nov. 24, 1956, in their hometown of Amboy, and began a tradition of praying the rosary every day of their marriage. Together, they raised two sons, Dan and David, in a home filled with love, laughter, and religion. Otto was a great role model to his sons, teaching them the value of faith, hard work, and the importance of looking for the good in everyone. Betty preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 1993.
Otto was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton where he and Lois attended daily Mass. He was a former trustee and served on the Church’s Finance Committee, reflecting his commitment to stewardship and service. He was a C.C.D. teacher, eucharistic minister, and choir member and was proud of his over 50-year membership in the Knights of Columbus.
His community involvement extended beyond the church to Meals on Wheels, Canton’s Chamber of Commerce, Canton Community Concert Association, Elks Club, Fulton County Flying Club, YMCA, Lions Club, and the Spoon River College Foundation board of directors. In 1974, he was awarded Canton’s Citizen of the Year for his years of service to the community.
Otto was a life-long Notre Dame and Chicago White Sox fan. He organized annual family trips well into his late 80s to watch the Irish play football in South Bend. Otto fulfilled his dream of becoming a recreational pilot, and his family enjoyed many flights with him in his Cessna 172.
In retirement, Otto enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, playing golf, and took up painting - much to the delight of his family who have numerous pieces of his artwork hanging on the walls of their homes. He and Lois spent winters in Daytona Beach Shores where they were active in their local parish, attended daily mass, and enjoyed golf and walks on the beach.
Otto will be remembered for the way he touched the lives of those around him with his faith, guidance, and love. His family feels blessed for the wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that God gave them and for the many cherished memories they will hold close to their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Otto’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Canton or the American Cancer Society.
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.
A Charter Member of Mendota
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.
Nancy K. Esgar
ROCHELLE – Nancy Kay Esgar, 87, of Rochelle, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, July 18, 2025, and went to her heavenly home after a brief illness.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at UngerHorner Funeral Home in Rochelle.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25 at the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. A luncheon will be provided at Rochelle United Methodist Church Hicks Hall at noon.
She was born to Norman and Florence (Reeder) Willard on March 16, 1938, in Mendota. She married Ken Esgar on Dec. 28, 1960, and soon after started their family.
She is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Kenneth Esgar of Rochelle; sons, Kevin (Erran) Esgar of South Elgin, Scott Esgar of Loves Park, Timothy Esgar of Paonia, Colo., and Brian (Marci) Esgar of Rochelle; grandchildren, Haley Esgar, Kasey (Zack) Kramer, Dylan Esgar, Erin Esgar, Ashlyn Esgar, Heaven Esgar, Hayden Esgar, and Hunter Esgar; great-grandchildren, Elle, Brooklyn, and Arlo; brother, James Willard; and cousins, Gayle Kern and David Willard.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Nancy grew up on her family’s farm in Mendota, attending a rural one-room schoolhouse for her first eight years of school and then graduating from Mendota High School in 1956. Nancy received a scholarship to Illinois State University at Normal earning a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She met and fell in love with Ken Esgar while doing her student teaching at Mazon High School, and then she took a full-time position teaching Home Economics at Morris High School from 1960-61.
She was a member of the Rochelle Methodist Church and of the Women’s Guild Circle. Nancy volunteered at the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry for 15 years and along with Ken received the 2000 Rochelle Community Leader Award for all the volunteer work they did. Nancy lived a full and active life, raising four sons, attending all their sporting events and band concerts, continuing to substitute teach at many of the Rochelle elementary schools, finding time to hand sew beautiful quilts, maintaining a stunning floral garden and baking delicious desserts that everyone looked forward to. Her family especially enjoyed her rhubarb pie with flakey crust made from scratch. She also liked to play cards with her ladies card club, but most of all Nancy loved to travel with Ken and his sister and her husband traveling to almost all 50 states. They also traveled to Europe enjoying the sites of England, Ireland, Germany and Austria to name a few. She loved to visit her son Tim at his home in Colorado and going to the Amish areas, but the trips she enjoyed the most were the yearly fishing trips to Sioux Lookout, Canada, which they did for many years.
Nancy touched so many lives and all who knew her will miss her greatly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the David Crawford Foundation or the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com.
SUBLETTE – Phyllis L. Sporleder, 94, of Sublette, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Memorial visitation will be Friday, July 25, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of LaMoille. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. at the church following the visitation with Pastor Paul Butler officiating. Burial of cremated remains will follow at the Greenfield Cemetery in LaMoille. Born in LaMoille on Feb. 19, 1931, she was the beloved daughter of the late Walter Ansteth and Laura Bonnell. She married Elmer L. Sporleder on Sept. 16, 1951, in LaMoille.
Phyllis is survived by four children, Julie Biederstedt of Sublette, Lori (Dave) O’Brien of Texas, Kevin Sporleder of Sublette and Tony (Tina) Sporleder of Amboy; five grandchildren, Jeff Biederstedt, Joanie (Steve) Dinges, Scott O’Brien, Tim (Katy Miller) O’Brien and Kerri (Clay Pacatte) O’Brien; and one great-grandchild, Adelaide O’Brien. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; one son, Keith Sporleder; one son-in-law, Carl F. Biederstedt; and three siblings, Ted Ansteth, Jeane Kennedy and June Billings-Benjamin.
Phyllis worked as a cook for many years, serving the local schools and the Mendota Elks. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her.
Memorials can be directed to the First Congregational Church of LaMoille or OSF Hospice. Please visit www. horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.
MENDOTA – OSF
HealthCare will host two community blood drives in July with ImpactLife. OSF
Saint Paul Medical Center will host a blood drive on Friday, July 25, from noon to 5 p.m. in conference room
C. On Tuesday, July 29, the ImpactLife Donor Bus will be located in the OSF Medical Group parking lot, 1650 Midtown Road, Peru, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ImpactLife is the only provider of blood and blood components to OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center, OSF
Continued from Page A1
tennis, bowling and soccer teams. She was an honor roll student all four years and was a National Honor Society member. She was a member of the Spanish Club and Interact Club where she was the treasurer. She was a ICTM state qualifier for the calculator team, helped with the organization “Feed my Starving Children” and the OSF Healthcare golf outing and was also a MHS youth bowling camp instructor.
This summer, you can find Holland working at the Mendota swimming pool where she is a lifeguard and the Mendota Golf Club working in the club house selling merchandise, answering phones and assigning carts to customers for their outings. In her free time, she enjoys true crime documentaries, nature and weather. Some of her hobbies include reading, drawing and hanging out with friends and family.
Holland will be attending The University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in the fall to get her bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on accounting.
Makenzie Bean will represent the Reimagine Mendota group in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Jeff Bean and Amber French. She is five feet, four inches tall with
SANDWICH - A Midsummer Showdown Cruise Night is set for Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at the Sandwich Fairgrounds to benefit the Somonauk Education Foundation. All special interest cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles are welcome. There is a $5 entry fee. Dashplaques will be awarded.
Food, beer and live music will be available. A truck pull will be held at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Kevin Zollars at 815-712-8398.
HealthCare Saint Clare Medical Center, OSF Center for Health in Streator and OSF Saint Elizabeth - Peru.
To schedule an appointment for donation, call (800) 7475401 or schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org or via the Blood Center’s mobile app. Blood donations are often used to help treat patients with cancer, victims of trauma and patients undergoing major surgeries. All persons ages 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic
brown hair and brown eyes.
Bean is a 2025 graduate of Mendota High School, where she was cheerleading captain for four seasons in basketball and football. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Spanish Club and student council for four years. Bean was on the honor roll all eight semester and a UCA All-American for two years. She also helped with the organization “Feed My Starving Children” for three years and was a homecoming and prom attendant. She also loved helping out with the little kids’ football and basketball cheer camp all four years.
This summer Bean will be busy working at Sullivan’s Garden Center helping customers pick out the perfect flowers and plants. She will also spend time with her family, friends and boyfriend before starting school this summer. She enjoys hiking and art and hopes to travel a bit.
Bean will be attending Sauk Valley Community College this summer to get her associate in science and then diagnostic medical sonography.
Ella Coss has been chosen to represent the Mendota Lions Club in this year’s pageant. She is the daughter of Ryan and Sarah Coss. She has light brown hair and blue eyes and
eligibility requirements for blood donation. For more information, call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401, visit www.bloodcenter.org., or download the IMPACT mobile app at www. bloodcenter.org/app.
ImpactLife is a notfor-profit community organization providing blood services to 120 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, including 12 of 15 OSF HealthCare facilities. For more information, see www.bloodcenter.org and find them @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.
stands five feet, six inches tall.
A 2025 graduate of Mendota High School, Coss was involved in volleyball and basketball all four years, softball three years and soccer one year where they won a regional championship. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society and held the vice president position. Coss was on the honor roll all eight semesters and had the commendation of biliteracy in Spanish. She was also a member of the Interact Club and Spanish Club.
This summer you can find Coss working at Mendota swimming pool for a third year. Some of her job entails watching patrons to make sure they are safe and working at the concession stand. Some of her hobbies include walking, playing pickleball at the lake, especially at sunset, swimming and hanging out with her friends. She really enjoys any sports as long as she is active.
In the fall she plans on attending St Ambrose University to study biology with a degree in pre-med then continuing her medical degree and become an otolaryngologist (ear nose and throat doctor). She wants to help people regain and improve an important value of life.
Janko Realty currently has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom and studio units available for rent in Mendota. Please check out our available rentals and applications online at www.jankorealty.propertyware.com or call 815-830-4422.
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Food Truck Mania in the 800 block of Illinois Avenue.
Boelk also issued an apology for any inconvenience with the switch-over to a new garbage collector for Mendota. Everyone will be getting new garbage containers from Midwest Disposal. The current containers from Republic Service will be collected the week of July 28.
PUBLIC HEARING
Prior to the city council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the remediation of land at 805 and 807 Illinois Ave. as part of the city’s Brownfield grant. Demolition of the building and removal of an underground tank will take place first, then limited soil excavation and soil blending will be done after approval from the Illinois EPA. That will likely take place during the fourth quarter of this year, but could be pushed into next year depending on the weather and ground conditions. There was no public comment.
The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
MENDOTA—The public is invited to help make Mendota neighborhoods better at one of two trainings: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 and 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, both at 907 Washington St., Mendota.
There will be free sub sandwiches and water on July 23 and free donuts and coffee on July 26.
An Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) representative and City of Mendota officials will be present to talk about a data collection project to help the City of Mendota with future housing planning and grants. Residents of all ages are invited to attend the training about how to collect housing data.
This process may result in increased housing options by helping communities to minimize barriers of access to housing development
tools. This data could lead to future state and federal housing grants in Mendota. The event is hosted by the City of Mendota and IHDA.
Possible outcomes from this work include more affordable housing, more senior living options, more home and apartment options for residents and identifying Mendota’s housing needs and goals. Register to attend at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/Mendotahousing or by calling Mendota’s Grant Manager Ali Braboy at abraboy@mendotacity. com or call her at City Hall at 815-539-7459. For questions, call or email Braboy.
Learn more about the IHDA program by visiting https://www.ihda. org/developers/marketresearch/communityrevitalization/
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.
Letters to the editor should be typed or handprinted. They should also be brief. All letters must contain a name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.
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.
(The following is from Jessica Nashold’s Backtracks & Sidetracks column reprinted from July 23, 2003.)
By Jessica Nashold
buys in the Midwest.”
Twenty-five years ago, Mendota was becoming more aware of benefits derived from CETA, the Comprehensive Employment Training Act. CETA workers had built a picnic shelter at Puritan Park. Two workers had been employed as radio operators for the police department. Four CETA workers were assigned to the parks & recreation department. A few CETA workers were receiving job training in local factories, with the understanding they would be hired upon completion of the training period.
Bill Arbogast, a spokesman for CETA in the Ottawa office, gave some details. He said the total budget for CETA workers in LaSalle County was $2 million, with 83 employed. In the Mendota area, they had completed a project at Snyder’s Grove prior to construction of the shelter at Puritan Park.
To be eligible for a CETA job, a worker must have been unemployed for 15 of the preceding 20 weeks. Salaries were $3.50 per hour. Arbogast stressed the fact that many men had been laid off at age 45 or 50, and had been unable to find employment at that age. In addition to jobs on specific community projects –
Some workers are assigned to “roving crews” used where needed.
***
Representative Betty Hoxsey came to Mendota to view flood damaged bridges and roads. While here, she expressed disappointment that Mendotans had failed to make use of long-term, low interest loans available from the Small Business Administration.
Only eight applications had been requested, and none filed.
***
In an effort to determine the status of the Watershed Project in connection with flood control, co-chairman Ebe
Stamberger questioned Rep. Tom Corcoran. He said some funding had been approved and should be forthcoming from the Department of Agriculture.
***
Gene’s Disposal Service notified the city of Mendota that it would have to vacate the final two years of its fouryear contract because of the ill health of Gene Jaraczewski. Arrangements were made for Flint’s Disposal Service to take over.
A performance bond is being posted.
***
The Kanteen Board adopted a set of rules governing rental of the Kanteen building. Any organization or individual requesting use of the building would be required to make a $25 deposit and sign a building use permit. If anything was found out of order it should be reported to the custodian, Alberta Smith, or to a board member. Rental fee was $20 for organizations, $25 for individuals. The deposit would be returned if there was no breakage.
For adults, closing time would be 2 a.m. Smoking would be allowed in certain designated areas. Alcoholic beverages could be served subject to specific regulations. No alcohol can be sold.
***
It was announced in July 1978 that The Mendota Reporter was discontinuing its job printing shop. Mike O’Connor, editor and publisher, explained that to update equipment and hire additional skilled manpower, would entail a “substantial investment.” No new orders would be accepted after Aug. 9, 1978. The old equipment would be offered for sale to “interested
Staff will now be able to devote more time to The Mendota Reporter and Mendota Money Saver.
***
Carter Plumbing, Electrical & Heating Co. opened July 14, 1978, in a building just south of Carter Lumber Co. on US 51. Hours were 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Manager Marshall Crawford looked forward to serving do-ityourselfers.
***
Every July issue of The Mendota Reporter in 1978 carried additional details of the 100 + 25 celebration, which was being combined with the Sweet Corn Festival in August. Mrs. Suzanne Su, chairman of the parade committee, reported that 100 units had already been registered and 75 trophies were waiting to be claimed.
***
The time capsule labeled 1978 was to be exhumed and the contents placed on view at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. Another capsule, to be retrieved in 2003, was being prepared by co-chairmen Duane Miller and J.D. Clark. They were planning to include a copy of “Tracks of Time,” the 125-year history of Mendota, a picture of the 1978 National Sweet Corn Queen, a Conway Twitty album, current newspapers and business advertising, and possible a picture of a baby born that day.
***
H.E. Potter, service manager of GTE, gave advance notice that in August 1979, the telephone office at 903 Washington St. would be closed. Customers thereafter would pay their phone bills by mail or at Mendota banks. Potter would still be handling service from his Streator office. It was believed computers would lead to quicker service.
***
The Mendota Ag 4-H Club took part in a 20-mile bike-a-thon to benefit leukemia research.
In our social media, podcast and talk radio society where we need something to chat about every single second of the day, the greatest of all-time or GOAT conversations were developed.
It doesn’t matter what we are talking about, music, movies, actors, actresses, food, states, beverages (nonalcoholic or alcoholic), board games, sports, golf clubs, boats, dresses, purses, shoes, polo shirts, diets, headphones... you get the point.
By Brandon LaChance
Everyone has an opinion of what is the best for everything and we’ve been talking about these for as long as I can remember whether it’s simply questions such as “Who is your favorite singer?” or “Where is your favorite place to order a pizza?” to forming Mount Rushmores of your top four NBA players from the 1980s, rappers from Chicago or sandwich combos from Subway (yes, I’ve seen it on socials).
Well, what about the worst?
Also in our society, we’re about fairness and surrounding great and iconic. So, let’s be fair and share the not so great and maybe iconic, but on the other side of the scale, the worst of all-time or the WOAT.
I’ll start and you can email me at brandon. lachance@mendotareporter.com with your WOAT. I’ll discuss those entries in another column without using your name.
The idea of WOAT developed in my head thanks to Justin Bieber.
Ordinarily, this is going to sound weird, I like the Bieb’s music. The dude can sing, his production is some of the best out there, the lane he has found with pop/R&B vibes fits him securely and he has a mystique about him since he’s been in the public eye his entire life, is kind of a bad boy while keeping a good boy image and still creates solid music without exploding the star/outlaw Richter scale a Brittney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Shia LaBeouf and Kanye West shattered to a gazillion pieces.
So, I wanted to check out his new album “Swag” he dropped July 11. I was flipping through the songs until I saw Sexyy Red was on a song called “Sweet Spot.” With her on it, I knew it wasn’t going to be good because in my opinion she is the worst excuse for a rapper to ever be publicized.
This track is a perfect example of why I think so as she helped “Sweet Spot” become the worst song I’ve ever heard, the WOAT.
It replaces “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak in 1989, which has owned my WOAT title since I’ve been able to listen to music. Ugh, I can’t stand it. I hear the first chord and I change the radio station. Thankfully, it’s not played so much anymore because others have become aware of its WOATness.
As I was cringing to Bieber and Red, my mind quickly shifted to other WOATs.
Worst color of all-time: green
Worst pop (soda for all of you weirdos who call it soda) of all-time: Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Worst alcoholic beverage: White Claw, all of them
Worst Gatorade flavor: cucumber
Worst pizza topping by itself: mushrooms
Worst meat on a sandwich: chicken (Although I love every other kind of chicken, I’ll take a turkey, ham or roast beef sandwich over chicken every day of my life.)
Worst vegetable: green beans, blah
Worst fruit: raspberries
Worst football team: Green Bay Packers
Worst baseball team: Kansas City Royals
Worst basketball team: Phoenix Suns (the only team in the NBA I’ve never wanted to win a playoff series or NBA Finals. I hated Charles Barkley until he became a TV personality and I always picked the Tim Duncan-led San Antonio Spurs over the Steve Nash-led Suns.)
Worst hockey team: Las Vegas Golden Knights (Didn’t pay their dues. Expansion team that good, that quick, I smell conspiracy.)
Worst board game: Candy Land
Worst word to write: necessarily
Worst word to say: biological
Worst name to say: Antetokounmpo (although a friend who works in the Milwaukee Bucks sales department said I say his name pretty well, I don’t believe her.)
Worst city to spell: Cincinnati
Worst state to go to: Nebraska
Worst band: Cold Play
Worst solo musician: Taylor Swift, sorry Swifties
Worst actor: Chris Rock
Worst actress: Nicole Kidman
This brings me to my last WOAT of the first annual WOAT awards...worst movie.
A day after hearing “Sweet Spot” I viewed the movie “Substance” with Demi
Moore. I’m a huge fan of Demi Moore and I heard the movie had great direction and cinematography, so I chose it for a game designed to making movies easy to pick to avoid spending more time choosing a movie than watching a movie.
Quick digression, the game I’m talking about is, myself and another selected 50 actors/actresses and we both chose one movie we wanted to see from the actor or actress. All 100 movies were written on a piece of paper, cut, and put into an empty Cool Whip container. Anytime we want to watch a movie, we go to the Cool Whip. It’s an ingenious idea and it’s OK for you to copy, but you should do it before I order a copyright.
Back to the WOAT for worst movie of all time.
The winner is “Substance.”
What started off as a good movie with a solid societal message became a gag, cringe, turn the head away, closed eyes, what is going on, why are we watching this type of movie. When I say gag, I almost ralphed, which I never do, even if too many alcoholic beverages or one cucumber Gatorade are drank. It was awful. So awful, I will never recommend anyone to watch “Substance.” This is weird for me to say because I do have the lifelong view of everyone is different and we enjoy different things and we all have the right to find out what we like or don’t like. However, I uncheck this box for “Substance.”
It is the ultimate WOAT and will never be replaced like “Sweet Spot” did to “Wicked Game.”
See you at next year’s WOATs.
MENDOTA – The Mendota Trojans will appear four times on their home turf during the 2025 regular football season under the guidance of new head coach Jim Eustice.
The Trojans will kick off the new campaign with a trip to Port Byron to take on the Riverdale Rams on Friday, Aug. 29. Game time is 7 p.m.
Mendota will spend the next two weeks at home, facing Sterling Newman on Friday, Sept. 5 and battling the Hall Red Devils on Friday, Sept. 12. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. for both games.
The Trojans will head out on the road again for weeks four and five, first taking the long journey to Monmouth to meet Monmouth-Roseville for a 7 p.m. contest on Friday, Sept. 19 and then traveling to Sherrard for a 7 p.m. game on Friday, Sept. 26.
Mendota will return home to tangle with Kewanee at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, followed by two more away games to wrap up the road schedule - Friday, Oct. 10 at Princeton and Friday, Oct. 17 at Erie for 7 p.m. start times.
The Trojans will conclude the regular season when they host Aledo Mercer County on Friday, Oct. 24. Game time is 7 p.m.
Mendota Varsity Football 2025
Friday, Aug. 29 – at Port Byron Riverdale – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5 – Sterling Newman – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12 – Hall – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 19 – at Monmouth-Roseville – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26 – at Sherrard – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3 – Kewanee – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10 – at Princeton – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 – at Erie-Prophetstown – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 – Aledo Mercer County – 7 p.m.
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – The Mendota soccer program is going to have two more coaches on the sideline this upcoming year.
Volunteer assistant coaches Thomas Bender and Daniel “Chapo” Hernandez will join head coach Nick Myers and assistant coach Rey Arteaga during both the boys’ soccer season in the fall and the girls’ soccer season in the spring.
“For awhile, it was just me at practices when Rey was still the athletic director at Dimmick. There were times where it was me and 40 kids, which is very tough,” Myers said. “Even with both of us there all the time now, it can be tough. Having both Chapo and Thomas on board will be a big help.
“We can break practice down better and make
sure everyone is getting more one-on-one help if needed. With Tom, we have a coach designated to the goal keepers, so they’ll be working on things during every practice.”
All three assistant coaches played for Myers during his first tenure with Mendota as he coached the boys from 2008-11 and came back in 2019 leading the Trojans to a third-place finish in the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament last fall. Myers coached the girls’ soccer team from 201012 and also came back in 2019. He’s led the Lady Trojans to their only two regional titles in 2012 and 2025.
With three coaches helping him prepare both the boys and the girls, Myers knows the possibilities are endless in terms of how many successful seasons the MHS soccer program could have.
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – Chance Blumhorst knew he wanted to stay connected to sports as both a professional and as an adult.
takes over for Zinke, who moves on to principal at Henry
LaMoille boys’ varsity basketball coach for the last three seasons.
Last year, he was a sixth grade social studies teacher at Northbrook School.
While attending Mendota High School, he thought about aiming his attention to being the next Chicago Cubs broadcaster. After a sit down with then-boys’ basketball coach, Jan Thompson, and his father, Brian Blumhorst, he shifted his focus to teaching and coaching.
Since graduating from MHS in 2009, Blumhorst has been with different schools at different levels in different roles.
Now he returns home to take over as the next Trojans’ athletic director.
“It’s a big step up. I’m very excited to give my everything to the school that was my second home and I was kind of raised in. I’m excited to get back there to work,” Blumhorst said. “It’s
one of those opportunities, talking with my wife (Jessica Blumhorst), where was asked, ‘If not now, when?’ It couldn’t have been a better opportunity at a better time. The MHS athletic department is in a great spot. I always enjoyed my time as an athletic director when I was in the role. I saw a great chance to take it to the next level with the position at Mendota.
“The combination of taking the next step in my career and at the school I graduated from and has given so much to me and my family over the years is fantastic.”
Blumhorst’s resume includes student assistant for the IVCC women’s basketball team, which made it to the NJCAA Elite Eight, head manager for the NIU women’s basketball team while obtaining his teaching license, Earlvillle-Leland co-op athletic director and paraprofessional for two years, LaSalle Lincoln Junior High physical education and social studies teacher as well as athletic director for six years, St. Bede freshman boys’ basketball coach, and the
“Sports has been engrained in my family. I played a sport every year growing up,” Blumhorst said. “My brother Trae and my sister Brianne (DeBrock) played at the collegiate level. My dad has coached every sport under the sun. My mom, Patti, was our junior high basketball coach at Holy Cross and she ran NCAA Division I track at NIU.
“Teaching and coaching has been engrained in our family. It’s kind of who we are. I’m more than happy to bring my love for sports and education to MHS.”
Blumhorst added his responsibilities at Mendota could be more than just as an athletic director. There are ongoing conversations about him stepping into a classroom for a couple periods in the school day before tending to his AD duties.
He thinks it will happen, he just doesn’t know how many classes he’ll have.
Either way, he’s ready for the job.
Blumhorst takes over for Brock Zinke, who was the MHS athletic director for the last two school years. Zinke, a MHS Class of 2007 graduate, is the new principal at HenrySenachwine High School.
“After being an athletic director for the last two school years, I really found I enjoy the administrative side of things,” said Zinke. “It seemed to be the right time to take the next step in my professional career, which now lands me in Henry. If you asked me two years ago when I took the athletic director job at Mendota, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be a principal and at a different school.
“I’m excited to be where I’m at right now.”
The new Mallards’ principal plans to commute the 45-minute drive from Mendota to Henry for at least the first year. If the position at Henry is the right fit for Zinke and his family, there is a possibility of Zinke, his wife Liz Zinke, and their two children (6 and 9 years old) moving to Henry.
By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer
MENDOTA – Cars filled the Strouss Park parking lot and lined the street.
Tents were set up along the field fences.
Fans and parents came from cities throughout Illinois ready to watch Little League Softball tournaments in Mendota.
“It’s awesome Mendota got to host three tournaments this summer. We weren’t supposed to host the state tournament for the Major Division,” said Holly Christman, tournament director and District 20 assistant district administrator. “Another
team was supposed to but then they couldn’t anymore, so Mendota stepped in and did it. I have to thank LaSalle and Oglesby softball for helping us with the fields and Peru softball for the pitching lanes. Without their time and their tarps we wouldn’t have been able to play a few days because of the rain.
“We’ve had great crowds. People came to cheer on their teams. Plus, we had Taco Guzman, Flo’s on Pulaski, the ice cream truck, and Sullivan’s Foods had a cookout, which brought in people also.”
Mendota hosted three softball tournaments
Saturday July 26th 10am 6754 East Illinois Rte 64 Chana, IL
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Chana 64 Auction 815-830-3898
including the Major (10-12 year olds) State Tournament, the District 20 Major Tournament and the District 20 Minor Tournament.
For Christman and other Little League enthusiasts it was great to see the kids play and everyone have fun at the Mendota ball fields.
“It’s been nice to be a part of bringing people into Mendota for them to see our great little city,” said Christman, who enjoyed
working the tournaments with her daughter Kelly. “I’m hoping we’re able to host more end-of-theseason tournaments in future summers whether it’s softball or baseball.
“I’ve been involved with Little League Softball for 24 years. Kelly started playing when she was 6 and she just had a child. I want to keep Little League alive and make sure it’s here for future generations.”
OGLESBY – Sharpen your cover cropping skills and network with fellow growers at an informal roundtable discussion focused on cover crops.
This event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5-6 p.m. at the LaSalle County Farm Bureau, 1691 N. 31st St., Ottawa. Light refreshments will be provided. Visit go.illinois. edu/CCRoundTable25 to register.
Topics of discussion will be the previous season’s successes and failures and plans for the coming season. This event will be an opportunity for growers
to network, share ideas, and problem-solve about the challenges and benefits that come with using cover crops. This roundtable discussion will bring together both experienced growers and those who may be new to cover crops or looking to refine their practices.
If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Celia G. Haub
WEST BROOKLYN – Celia G.
“Sis” Haub, 90, of West Brooklyn, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on July 20,2025, at Serenity Home and Hospice in Oregon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Brooklyn. Rev. Joseph Domfe will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Brooklyn.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Wasmer Funeral Home, Mendota, and an hour before Mass in St. Mary’s Church.
Sis was born Aug. 27,1934, in Macomb, to Cecil and Geraldine (Warner) Hoover. She married the love of her life, Gilbert “Gib” Haub on March 29,1951, in West Brooklyn.
She will be forever missed by her two sons, Gary (Wanda) Haub of West Brooklyn and Mark (Alicia) Haub of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter, Jodi (Pete) Beck of Stillman Valley; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jay (Joy) Hoover of Haslet, Texas, and Larry (Mavis) Hoover of Kingston; and two sisters, Bonnie Hunt of Elmhurst and Pat Pfoutz of Sandy, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gib on Dec. 27, 2022; son, David; three brothers, Rodney Hoover, Gerald Hoover, Norman Hoover; and three sisters, Joanne Politsch, Emily Morris and Leona Baker.
Celia was an avid gardener and homemaker. According to Gib, she was the best cook in Northern Illinois and the joy of his life. She enjoyed spending time crocheting and sewing, preserving the harvest from her garden, and making the best grandma cookies. Her love of basketball could be seen through her attendance at the games of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout the years, and frequently watching college basketball. Celia enjoyed playing card games, solving puzzles, golfing, and bowling, especially when joined by family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Michael Ellison, Granville Hinton, Corey McLaughlin and Eric Nelson.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or lasallecountycasa.org. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.
MENDOTA – The City of Mendota reminds citizens that Chapter 41.49 of the Mendota Municipal Code in regard to Prohibited Parking reads as follows:
• Parking is prohibited along both sides of First Avenue for the entire length of the avenue.
• Parking is prohibited on the east side of Sixth Avenue from Second Street to Fifth Street.
• Parking is prohibited on the east side of Main Street from Sixth Street to Washington Street.
• Parking is prohibited on the south side of Washington Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Iowa Street.
• Parking is prohibited on both sides (north and south) of Washington Street from Iowa Street to U.S. Route 251.
Pastor Sarah grew up in Los Angeles during the Jesus Movement, which brought countless people back to church. She felt the Lord calling her to work in Christian ministry using the arts and social services as a vocation.
She graduated from Valparaiso University after studying Media Production, Social Services and Theology. She also earned a Master of Divinity and is ordained and certified with the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
Pastor Sarah and her husband, Mark Floyd, have been married for more than 30 years and are parents of two children, Laura, 24, an electrical engineer, and Matthew, 20, a computer engineering student at Valparaiso University. The online livestream is available at www. facebook.com/share/ g/1BFkEDpsLV/. Pastor Sarah can be reached via email at PastorSarahFloyd@ gmail.com.
It’s Garage Sale time. Advertise yours in The Reporter! Call or stop by!
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED
Cristian F. Duarte Herraz, 23, of LaSalle, was charged with driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Main and Springfield streets at 2:43 a.m. July 17. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding over $1 million in new grants to assist public libraries in underserved communities with needed technology enhancements, Secretary and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, 88 public libraries are receiving a grant – totaling an amount of either $27,500 or $12,500 – depending on the size of the population they serve.
Among the libraries receiving a grant are Pankhurst Memorial Library in Amboy and the Paw Paw Public Library District, both in the amount of $12,500.
“Libraries play a significant role in our communities, providing a place for every Illinoisan to
connect, learn and explore,” Giannoulias said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that all libraries, regardless of their community’s location or wealth, have the resources to meet the needs of residents and expand their offerings, particularly when it comes to technology.”
To qualify, the libraries must have a low tax base in relation to the population of their service area.
In applying for the grants, libraries were encouraged to consider the technology needs of constituents. They can use the grants to help fund things such as adding hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, increasing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, assuring ADA compliance for library websites and purchasing adaptive technologies that accommodate service needs
for persons with disabilities, and incorporating patron self-checkouts.
Because libraries receive most funding through property taxes, budgets are primarily determined by their local tax base. Property values vary widely around the state, leaving some local libraries without the funding needed to continue to provide essential services to their communities or to upgrade their technology infrastructure.
In 2024, the office awarded grants to 113 public libraries where this disparity between tax base and service population exists. The 88 libraries that will receive funding this year are the next group in line for grant eligibility, utilizing the same tax base data for all public libraries in the state.
Libraries will have two years to spend the grant money.
Fortune Phrase winner named for Week Two
MENDOTA – Week Two of The Mendota Reporter Fortune Phrase game proved to be a lot tougher than the first week as only a handful of players put the phrase together correctly. A drawing was held for those people that got the phrase right and the entry submitted by Zachary Hunt was picked for a $25 gift certificate from El Zarape Mexican Restaurant. The correct phrase was: Put The Phrase Together Because You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play. The words were hidden in the following ads: Put - ARS Auto Repair; The - El Torito; Phrase - The Mendota Reporter (eEdition); Together - The Mendota Reporter (garage sales); Because - Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce (50/50 raffle); You - Sullivan’s Foods; Can’t - Mendota Farmers Market; WinRP Lumber; If - Davis Family Health; YouMendota Area Chamber of Commerce (Sweet Corn Festival); Don’t - El Zarape Mexican Restaurant; Play - T2 Enterprises.
See this week’s Reporter for Week 3 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 28, 2025. Answer and name of winner will appear in July 30th 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 families are ineligible to participate.
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Ozzy Osbourne is dying? Is that why he had his farewell concert recently? -- C.M.
A:According to his daughter, Kelly Osbourne, her 76-year-old father is not dying. She also condemned a video circulating the internet in which it appears Ozzy is saying, “I don’t need a doctor to tell me that I’m going to die.” But it’s not his voice; it’s AI.
Ozzy revealed publicly in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While Kelly admits that his mobility is “completely different than it used to be,” Ozzy was able to perform with his band Black Sabbath in early July. ***
Q: I read that Tom Ellis’ new FBI show is undergoing changes and won’t be ready this fall. I hope it doesn’t get shelved for good. He’s my favorite actor since I saw him in “Lucifer.” -- Y.B.
A: Don’t worry, Tom Ellis’ upcoming series has been pushed back by CBS as a mid-season replacement instead of premiering this fall, but it’s not being scrapped. The series originally titled “FBI: CIA”
-- now simply titled “CIA” -is set to launch as the fourth series within the “FBI” franchise. But creative differences have emerged, and original showrunner David Hudgins has been replaced by Warren Leight (of the “Law & Order” universe).
According to Matt Webb Mitovich of TVLine, other than Tom Ellis, no other casting announcements have been made, and scripts are undergoing “further polishing.” A fan asked if any cast members from the canceled “FBI” franchises could land on “CIA,” but it’s doubtful now that “FBI” has been axed out of the title.
“Watson,” a medical drama starring Morris Chestnut, has now been moved up from mid-season to the fall by CBS. It will make its sophomore season debut on Oct. 13 at 10 p.m. ET, following the season eight premiere of “FBI.” ***
Q: What ever happened to Mary Louise Parker? I loved her in “Weeds,” but I haven’t seen her in anything since. -- W.U.
A: Mary Louise Parker’s career was at its peak in the early 2000s, but it’s far
from over. Now aged 60 and looking fabulous, she’s still building a long resume with one acting role after another, but no project was as impactful as Showtime’s “Weeds,” where she earned three Emmy nominations. You can currently see her in the limited series “The Institute” on MGM+, which is based on a novel by Stephen King. Over the years, she’s had recurring roles on shows like “The Blacklist,” “Billions” and “Elsbeth.”
Next up, she’ll be starring in “The Auction” with Audra McDonald (“The Gilded Age”) as well as her ex Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”). Their relationship was all over the tabloids when they split late during her pregnancy when he fell for actress Clare Danes, but they are now amicable.
She’ll also star in the upcoming political satire “Kissinger Takes Paris,” opposite Tim Roth (“The Hateful Eight”), in addition to the film adaptation of Justine Bateman’s book “Face” with CarrieAnn Moss (“The Matrix Resurrections”) about society’s reaction to women who age naturally.
By Lucie Winborne
* The sun emits sound through pressure waves, but their wavelength makes it impossible to be heard by humans.
*In 1989, PepsiCo introduced a breakfast drink called Pepsi A.M., with a caffeine content that was 25% higher than a cup of coffee. Unfortunately for the beverage maker, most Pepsi consumers didn’t really care for the idea of mixing soda with breakfast.
* A laser can get trapped in water.
* The 2007 film “Ratatouille,” about the alliance between a garbage boy and a rat, spurred an uptick in adoption of the rodents. As rat expert Steve Fairburn noted, the film helped to promote the fact that “contrary to popular opinion, rats are one of the cleanest and least smelly pets you can own.”
* The Hollywood sign used to say Hollywoodland.
* Want to be a little more creative? Try taking a hot shower. The warmth increases dopamine flow, which in turn helps increase creativity.
* There is no number before 1,000 that contains the letter “a.”
* Penicillin’s original name was “mold juice.” Yes, we think the revised moniker has a much nicer ring, too.
* The average person is made up of around 56% bacteria.
* In Japanese, the word “kuchisabishii” refers to eating not when you’re hungry, but when your mouth is lonely.
* It takes 90 days for one drop of water to travel the Mississippi River.
* In the village of Brockworth, England, folks gather on every spring bank holiday to chase wheels of Double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill. First one over the finish line wins. The tradition was first recorded in 1826 but may actually be around 600 years old and is world famous.
* Popsicles were originally marketed as a health food.
***
Thought for the Day: “Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore.” -Albert Einstein
By Tony Rizzo HOLLYWOOD
--
Could the London musical production of “The Devil Wears Prada,” starring Vanessa Williams, have fueled the planned sequel to the 2006 film, which cost about $40 million and grossed $326.7 million? Williams has been playing Miranda Priestly since Oct. 24, 2024, and will continue being devilish until Jan. 3, 2026. Meanwhile, the sequel will have Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci in the roles that made them famous.
Anna Wintour, editor-inchief of Vogue, who Miranda was modeled after, announced that she’s stepping down but not retiring. She will remain the global editorial director of Vogue and still oversee the annual Met Gala.
***
Vin Diesel revealed that the final “Fast & Furious” of the franchise will shoot in New York and open sometime in April 2027. He’s currently shooting “Riddick: Furya” in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Diesel just turned 57, so it’s time that he stop being so furious.
*** Christopher Nolan won two Oscars for “Oppenheimer” (Best Director and Best Picture). It took 57 days to shoot “Oppenheimer,” but his current film “The Odyssey” will have taken five months to film if it’s completed by its expected date of July 25.
His adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic poem began filming in IMAX in Morocco in February, then Sicily in March, Hollywood in May, Ireland in June, and Scotland in July. It will be completed in the U.K. and Ireland, where Oscar winner Charlize Theron is shooting
her entire role in just two weeks at the end of July.
But it’s more than a travelogue; with its $250 million budget and the complexity of Homer’s masterpiece, Nolan could be considered one of the greatest directors of our time for this film.
***
A conversation between Matt Damon and Cillian Murphy while filming “Oppenheimer” led to Damon producing the drama “Small Things like These,” starring Murphy and Emily Watson (which only grossed $14.3 million). Murphy then filmed “Steve,” with Tracey Ullman and Emily Watson. He also shot the apocalyptic horror film “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes. His next film is for Netflix, a crime drama called “The Immortal Man,” with Tim Roth and Rebecca Ferguson.
*** You knew it would eventually happen! A TV series of “Crazy Rich Asians” is in the works at HBO Max with the original cast.
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 judge-
ment 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 petition, the allegations of
the petition may stand admitted as against you and an order or judgment entered.
Dated July 10, 2025
Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0705
(July 16, 23 and 30, 2025)
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION No: 2025-JA-26
TO: Unknown Fathers, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern:
Take notice that on the 14th day of July, 2025 a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by Vicki L. Denny, in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County entitled ‘In the interest of Taylor Lyle, a minor’ , and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 223 at Ottawa on the 13th day of August, 2025, at the hour of 8:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an Adjudicatory 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 14, 2025 Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0706 (July 23, 2025)
No: 2022-JA-50
TO: Robert Kitterman, Unknown Fathers, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern: Take notice that on the 17th day of July, 2025, a petition to terminate your parental rights was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by Vicki L. Denny, in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County entitled ‘In the interest of Anya Pyles, a minor’, and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 223 at Ottawa on the 24th day of September, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.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 17, 2025 Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0707 (July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)
No: 2022-JA-50
TO: Brandi Pyles, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern: Take notice that on the 17th day of July, 2025, a petition to terminate your parental rights was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by Vicki L. Denny, in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County entitled ‘In the interest of Anya Pyles, a minor’, and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 223 at Ottawa on the 24th day of September, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.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 17, 2025 Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0708 (July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)
NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE of Property Owned by the City of Mendota and Invitation to Bid Thereon PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the City Council of the City of Mendota will receive sealed bids for the purchase, under the successful bid, of the fee simple interest in the following real property: LOT 3 IN THE REPLAT OF A PART OF BLOCK 80 AND A PART OF BLOCK 75 OF THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF MENDOTA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1 PAGE 87 IN LASALLE COUNTY ILLINOIS. which property is generally located at 205205 ½ Orchard Avenue, Mendota, IL and is currently devoted to a vacant residentially zoned lot.
Bids for the purchase of the aforesaid interest in the above-described property are hereby invited and will be received by the city clerk at 800 Washington Street, Mendota, IL 61342 between the hours of 7am until 4pm on August 29, 2025, the date for the opening of bids. Said proposals shall be addressed to: City Council of the City of Mendota c/o City Clerk 800 Washington Street Mendota, Illinois 61342 and shall bear the legend “PROPOSAL –SALE OF 205-205 ½ ORCHARD AVENUE” and the name, address and phone number of the bidder. All bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud at the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Mendota at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. A contract may be awarded to the highest bidder whose bid is found to be in the best interests of the City of Mendota. The City of Mendota reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bidding. The City of Mendota further reserves the right to review and study any and all bids and to make a contract award within 30 days after the bids have been opened and publicly read. Copies and bidding documents may be obtained at the office of the City Clerk.
No.: N/A
Emily McConville Mendota City Clerk No. 0709 (July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)
TAX DEED NO.
2025TX000045
FILED: May 22, 2025
TAKE NOTICE
County of LaSalle Date Premises Sold: November 15, 2022
Certificate No.: 202200007 Sold for General Taxes of (year): 2021 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number: N/A Warrant No.: N/A Inst.
NOTICE TO: Doroteo Rodriguez; Luis Rodriguez Flores; Emily McConville, as Clerk for the City of Mendota; Occupant at 1415 E. Main Street, Mendota, IL 61342; LaSalle County Treasurer, for LaSalle Co as Trustee; Illinois Department of Revenue, c/o Illinois Attorney General (Regarding Lien ID 11308423); Illinois Department of Revenue, c/o Director of Revenue (Regarding Lien ID 11308423); Illinois Attorney General (Regarding Lien ID 11308423); Illinois Department of Revenue, Lien Unit (Regarding Lien ID 11308423); Jennifer Ebner, County Clerk of LaSalle County; their spouses, heirs, devisees, successors or assigns, if any; persons in occupancy or actual possession and unknown owners or parties interested in the above described real estate.
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property located at: 14415 E. Main Street, Mendota, Illinois
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 0128-311-009
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on November 13, 2025.
The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem
the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.
This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before November 13, 2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in Ottawa, Illinois (119 W. Madison Street) on November 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 305. You may be present at this hearing but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time.
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATE-
LY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY
Redemption can be made at any time on or before November 13, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of LaSalle County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in LaSalle County, Illinois (707 East Etna Road, Ottawa, IL). For further information contact the County Clerk
ADDRESS: 707 East Etna Road, Ottawa, IL 61350-1047
TELEPHONE: (815)
434-8202
KZ&R Investments, LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
Dated: July 17, 2025
Zoom Information: https://lasallecounty. com/courtroom-livestream No. 0710
GARAGE / RUMMAGE SALES
RUMMAGE SALE - FRANKLIN GROVE Fri. Aug. 1 8a-4p Sat. Aug. 2 8a-1p
Presbyterian Church accessible basement
106 S Walnut Girls’ sizes 2T-5T, Boys’ sizes 3mo-5T, Men’s and Women’s, Clothing - most sizes, Lots of 3X Women’s, Name Brand Clothing, Suitcases, Books, Purses, Shoes, Yarn, AND MUCH MORE!
Sales all overHarvest Fest!
(July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)
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This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
“This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.”
NOTICE Advance Fee Loans or Credit Offers Companies that do business by phone can’t ask you to pay for credit before you get it. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-FTCHELP. A public service message from your hometown newspaper and the Federal Trade Commission.
NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service. A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Your Hometown Newspaper strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care.
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ANTIQUES WANTED: I pay cash for antiques; furniture, glassware, pottery & crocks, tin & iron toys, sterling silver, decoys. If it’s antique, I’m interested in looking! Call 815-562-2928 or email dickharms@ hotmail.com
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MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
BUNDLED Newspaper -$3 per Bundle.
“This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.”
Available Monday-
