MER_080625_Mendota Reporter by Shaw Media

Thursday, Aug. 7

3-5 p.m. – A sensory friendly afternoon. The Carnival Midway will be open for a private armband for anyone with special needs and their immediate family. Registration required.

6-8 p.m. – The Acoustix performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

6 p.m. – Carnival Midway opens to general public. Discount armbands from 6-10 p.m. Food & merchandise booths open.

7 p.m. – Silverstone Junction performing on First State Bank stage.

Friday, Aug. 8

Noon – Food & merchandise booths open.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Charles Van Horn karaoke entertainment in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

1 p.m. – Carnival Midway opens. Discount armbands from noon-4 p.m.

2-6 p.m. – The Acoustix performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

6:45 p.m. – Pre-pageant entertainment by Andrew Bloomquist on First State Bank stage.

7:30 p.m. – Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant on First State Bank stage.

7:30-Midnight – Beer garden opens featuring entertainment by Los Ahijados del Barranco and Banda Nuestra Tierra.

Saturday, Aug. 9

All day – Magic Matt performing his strolling magic & balloon artistry.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Crafters Market Place & Flea Market. Lots of vendors in two locations. Veteran’s Park on U.S. 34 in downtown Mendota and the Elks Club parking lot on Indiana Ave. & Jefferson St. just ½ block north of Veteran’s Park.

9 a.m. – Pickleball Tournament at Lake Mendota courts.

10 a.m. – Mini Royalty Pageant on First State Bank stage. Young girls and boys competing to wear the crown of Mini King and Mini Queen.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Nicodemus performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

Noon - Food & merchandise booths open.

1 p.m. – Carnival Midway opens.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Steve Cerqua acoustic guitar performing on First State Bank stage.

Noon-3 p.m. – Free face painting near corner of Washington St. & Indiana Ave.

2 p.m. – Sweet Corn Festival Food Contest at Mendota Elks Lodge.

2-4 p.m. – DJ FAMOUS performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

3-5 p.m. – Mid Lyfe Krysys performing on the First State Bank stage.

5-7 p.m. – The Phenom performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

7:30 p.m.-Midnight – Beer garden opens featuring entertainment by Abbynormal.

Sunday, Aug. 10

All day – Magic Matt performing his strolling magic & balloon artistry.

See Calendar, Page A5

Hometown supporter Brewer to lead Sweet Corn Parade as Grand Marshal

Former

teacher playing a big part in revitalization effort of Mendota

By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer

MENDOTA – This year, the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Parade on Sunday, Aug. 10 will be grand marshaled by Amy Brewer, who has been part of the community in many ways over the years.

Brewer, a retired grade school teacher who is now part of Reimagine Mendota and advocates for revitalizing her hometown, is excited and humbled to be the grand marshal.

“I’m honored to be the grand marshal this year. Growing up in Mendota, raising our family here, teaching here for my whole career and working with so many great volunteers these last few years, I feel a strong connection to this place and the people,” said Brewer. “And how lucky am I to now volunteer with so many people I once taught. It’s so rewarding to see past students making a difference as adults.

“I especially love the Sweet Corn Festival and how it is such a homecoming time for families and friends. It’s not just about corn, it’s our time to enjoy community connection and celebrating our town.”

Brewer

Brewer moved to Mendota when she was 8 years old and graduated from Mendota High School in 1983. In 1982, she was in the parade as a drum major, and in 1983, she was a Sweet Corn Queen Pageant contestant and rode in the parade.

She’ll never forget the sweet corn-shaped submarine float built by the Mendota Rotary Club. The float played “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles on repeat.

While attending Illinois State University, Brewer met her husband, Dave

Brewer. Both obtained teaching degrees and accepted jobs in Mendota where they raised their son, Alex. Amy taught for Mendota School District #289 for 33 years.

In retirement, Brewer remains involved in the community. In 2023, she co-wrote a Community Heart and Soul Seed Grant and co-directed the program with volunteers as it merged it with Reimagine Mendota.

Brewer has been a part of more grants and is currently working on the community pavilion project. In the last two years, she assisted with four grants, including Safe Routes to School Grant, Illinois Humanities Grant, Community Heart and Soul and National Endowment for the Arts Grant.

“I hope people are starting to notice good changes happening in Mendota through the efforts of so many dedicated workers and volunteers,”

Illinois Central Railroad centennial marker finds new home in Mendota

By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer

MENDOTA – In 1951, the Illinois Central Railroad created 150 centennial markers to honor 100 years of the “Mainline of MidAmerica.”

Growing up in LaSalle, a few blocks away from the Illinois Central station, Mendota Historical Society President Bryon Walters, not only became a railroad fan, but learned the importance of the bronze medallions that were distributed and displayed throughout 14 states.

When he saw centennial milestone appear on a Facebook group he follows, Walters was instantly interested and quickly reached out to try to acquire the treasure.

“A man bought a house in the Springfield area previously owned by a physician who passed away,” Walters said. “Cleaning up brush, he found the stone and took it to a hobby shop to find out what it was. Once he found out it had monetary value, he wanted a rather high price, starting at $5,000. I told him I couldn’t go that high. I made him aware

it would be for a museum and I am a volunteer. We worked out some trades. He really wanted to have it displayed at a museum and liked the cash offer I made.

We struck a deal and I drove to Springfield to pick it up.

“He had an endloader to put it in my truck. While I was driving back to

Mendota, I thought, ‘How am I going to get this rascal out of my truck and put it alongside the track because it weighs 1,500 pounds. I thought monuments, who does monuments. Mendota Monument clicked, so I stopped by.

Brewer said. “Mendota is full of people who quietly show up, pitch in, and make a difference whether it’s organizing events, supporting neighbors or working to make things better downtown.

“Volunteering is a way to help others and to feel connected to your community. After the two fires in town (2022), I was really feeling bad. But they say if you’re sad, you should go help someone else. Working on community projects has given me hope and energy. It’s an honor to work alongside people who believe in building a stronger, more connected community.”

Brewer obtained a Master Gardener certification through University of Illinois Extension, volunteers at Nachusa Grasslands, and she helped start Friends of Lake Kakusha and Dementia Family Mendota.

By KIP CHEEK Staff writer

MENDOTA - The Mendota City Council purchased downtown property and issued a loan to help with the restoration of a downtown building at its Aug. 4 regular meeting.

During Alderman John Holland’s report, the council approved an ordinance to purchase the property at 803 Illinois Ave. from Israel and Maria Garcia in the amount of $30,000. Also from Holland, the council agreed to issue a Mendota Historic Restoration & Preservation loan of up to $7,500 to the property owners of 718 Main St. to be repaid in installments of $200 over 36 months.

Alderman Jay Miller presented two items for the council’s consideration. Council members agreed to an ordinance raising the City council buys property, issues loan

Sweet Corn Festival Calendar

Evan McPheeters, left, and Mike Jones of Mendota Monument lower a Illinois Central Railroad centennial stone marker to a concrete slab alongside the original Illinois Central track in Mendota. (Photo contributed)

LOCAL AND AREA

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival sponsors

Advantage Auto Sales

The car dealership, located at 4405 Frontage Rd. in Peru, is a major sponsor for the 78th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival as it is co-sponsoring the Friday night beer garden entertainment. Advantage Auto Sales’ Amanda Somes honored the sponsorship. (Photo contributed)

Mendota Mutual Insurance

Mendota Mutual Insurance is celebrating 150 years in service. The insurance company is located at 903 Main St. in Mendota and is co-sponsoring the entertainment on the beer garden stage Friday, Aug. 8 including Los Ahijados del Barrranco, Banda Nuestra Tierra and the sound services of Ruben Perales Jr. from Total Rentals Inc. Celebrating the sponsorship are, left to right, Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce member Kelly Becker, Mendota Mutual’s Kimberly Cedillo, Lucia Chavez, Sonia Botello, Christina Sanchez and Chris Fandl, and MACC Board member Jessica Newcomer. (Photo contributed)

Mendota Little League competes at the state tournament

The Mendota 9- and 10-year olds played in the 8-9-10 Little League State Tournament July 26-28 in LaGrange. The young Mendota ballplayers, who were the District 20 victors to earn a state tournament bid, won their first three games to go undefeated in pool play and earn the No. 1 seed in bracket play. In a close, tough quarterfinal, Mendota’s summer ended with a 9-8 loss to River Forest, representing District 10. Coach Chad Hochstatter, who coached the team to second in state last year, had a great summer with a great group of players and kids. “This team is full of ballers. These kids have heart and drive. They are an absolute fun group to watch,” Hochstatter said. “They’ve been playing for a long time, already. The determination to get back to state again and put Mendota in the state books again was fantastic.” (Photo contributed)

Beach Club will get you tan without humidity

By BRANDON LaCHANCE Staff writer

MENDOTA – June, July and the beginni ng of August has been humid. Typical summer weather in Illinois.

However, there has been a business in Mendota this summer, which wasn't here before, to make the summer a tad bit better, The Beach Club Tanning & More.

Instead of having to sit outside, in the humidity where you're sweating when you're sitting, the tanning salon offers comfort and rays.

“I went out on a whim. My cousin Jackie (Fitzgerald) and I talked about it several different times as different business buildings were available,” said The Beach Club's owner Becky Nickel. “We would

talk about it for a little bit and then it would fall by the wayside. She opened Jacquesi2.0 (at 903 Main Street) and let me know there was an opening two doors down (911 Main Street).

“I ran with it and started throwing around ideas. A tanning salon became the best idea and the one I pushed.”

Nickel, who is a first-

time business owner, had a soft opening on March 24 and a grand opening on March 28.

The Beach Club offers tanning, a sauna and other businesses, services such as Lash & Beauty Bar (Kailey Nelson), Rooted to Wellness (Marcy Cline) and Starved Rock Candle Works (Vicki Strait).

Nickel is proud of her company's success and is

happy to help others.

“It's been extremely busy. We're learning right along with the public,” said Nickel, who is still a full-time employee at Triple Service, Inc. while running The Beach Club. “We have new software that launched the exact same day we opened. We're still learning every day, but it's been great. The public has been great.

“In less than a month, we had 986 tans at The Beach Club. It's amazing. I figured it would do well since it's been so long since Mendota and the surrounding area has had a tanning salon. I wasn't expecting it to be this busy right away.

“I went to go tan once and I couldn't because we were booked. It's a go od pro blem to have.”

Nightengales Thrift Shop

Nightengales volunteers, left to right, Nancy Champlin, Kim Abel, Gary Buffington, Patty Moyer, Mary McConville and Maria Valle celebrate their major sponsorship of the 78th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. (Photo contributed)

LOCAL AND AREA

Cast announced for Stage 212 Children’s Theater Production

LaSALLE – Summer continues at Stage 212 with the Children’s Theater production of “Beetlejuice, Jr.” a delightfully spooky musical comedy adapted from Tim Burton’s film and the Broadway sensation. Lydia Deetz, a unique and imaginative teenager grappling with the loss of her mother, moves into a new home with her father, and discovers it’s haunted by a recently deceased couple seeking to reclaim their home with the help of the mischievous Beetlejuice—a demon with a flair for the dramatic.

Appearing in the cast are Brynlen Bock as Lydia Deetz, Landon Balestri as Beetlejuice, Jackson Layhew as Adam Maitland, Nina Leffers as Barbara Maitland, Nathan Leffers as Charles Deetz, Julia Smith as Delia Schlimmer, Maddux Bell as Maxie Dean, Zendaya Kennedy as Maxine Dean, Elena Villalobos as

Sky, Rylee Oakman as Otho, Cici Verucchi as Miss Argentina and Georgia Grosenbach as Juno.

Featured in the ensemble are Adrian Hermosillo, Ariana Lesman, Bradley Betz, Karsyn Stewart, Louisa Jeppson, Mary Craven, Sadie Brzozowski, Adyssen Boaz, Aubrie Emmerling, Imani Robinson, Keegan Boyt, Nia Jarosz, Rylee Savery, Sophia Picco, Carson Testa, Zendaya Kennedy, Rylee Oakman, Cici Verucchi and Georgia Grosenbach.

Production staff includes director Frederick Davis, producer Vicky Bickel, music director Olivia Bergfeld, choreographer Taylor Dennis, production assistant Ella Johns, and mentors Reid Tomasson, Serena Rogers, Ashley Hurst and Kevin Alleman.

“Beetlejuice Jr.” will be presented Thursday and Friday, August 7 and

8 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, August 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Tickets go on public sale Monday, July 21 for $10 each, and may be purchased by visiting the box office Monday 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or by calling 815-2243025 during the same hours. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.stage212.org.

Funding for stipends for production staff of “Beetlejuice Jr.” was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.

“Beetlejuice Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www MTIShows.com.

Discover Kish for Kish College 2025 freshmen

MALTA – Kishwaukee College will host Discover Kish from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the College. Discover Kish helps new students and their families explore and learn about Kishwaukee College before the start of the semester.

The event includes:

• Guided tours at 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12 pm and 12:45 p.m.

• Student ID photos

• Textbook and course material pickup

• Kish swag

• Resource Fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

“Discover Kish offers new students a valuable opportunity to begin their college journey with confidence. It allows them to explore campus, connect with supportive staff and take care of important steps before the start of classes. Our goal is to ensure students feel well-prepared, informed and welcomed into the Kishwaukee College community,” said Sandy Castillo Guzman, Coordinator of Outreach & Enrollment.

Blood drive in Sublette

SUBLETTE – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sublette is hosting a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the parish hall, located at 202 South Locust St. The parish and American Red Cross is asking you to keep the blood supply afloat. Donators can save up to 15 minutes by using Rapid Pass. Visit redcrossblood. org/rapidpass for more information. For an appointment, which are preferred, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

LOCAL AND AREA

‘Anticipation’

“Music on Main” concert set for Aug. 9 in Sublette

SUBLETTE - The village of Sublette’s “Music on Main” concerts will begin on Saturday, Aug. 9 featuring the singing group, ‘Anticipation.’ The concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the empty lot between LaFiesta Restaurant and Leffelman Insurance in downtown Sublette.

The group’s singers are Chris and Erica Himmel and their young sons, Graham and Samuel, from Hannibal, Mo. They are not new to the area as they have performed in several locations including Mendota Hills Campground.

‘Anticipation’ sings with harmony, sincerity and a message. They travel across the Midwest spreading good news one song at a time. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of songs. There is no charge, but a freewill offering will be accepted.

“Music on Main” is sponsored by local businesses.

Grow gardening knowledge at home with Master Gardener online training options

URBANA — Whether sowing seeds in the garden or answering calls at a local help desk, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have dedicated the past 50 years to transforming communities one garden, one answer, and one volunteer hour at a time.

Across small-town landscapes to suburban yards and into the heart of urban cities, Illinois Master Gardener volunteers are passionate about the program’s mission of helping others learn to grow. In 2024, more than 2,200 volunteers dedicated 120,000 hours to sharing gardening knowledge, produce donations, and enriching the community and the environment through garden projects. This fall, cultivate your passion for gardening by joining in on the Master Gardener mission.

Participants can choose between two online training options: self-paced or hybrid with live sessions.

“Our online training is a great opportunity for people who need more flexibility to participate,” said State Master Gardener Specialist, Candice Anderson. “Both options have self-paced components that can be great for busy schedules.”

Dig into in-depth horticulture content from the comfort of home using a desktop, laptop, or tablet.

Both options include 13 modules covering vegetable gardening, soils and fertilizers, annuals and perennials, plant diseases, integrated pest management, and more. Enjoy adaptive learning styles such as videos, reading materials, and interactive real-world applications. Take quizzes on the information and use the training manual to support learning and information sharing.

Upon completion, participants can apply to be a Master Gardener volunteer or opt-out and receive an Illinois Gardener certificate to apply the learned skills in a home garden or for career growth. Volunteers can participate in educational programming and projects in their communities including speaking engagements at gardening clubs, schools, and civic groups or answering calls or emails at the local county help desk. Project options also include hands-on demonstrations and setting up community gardens that provide fresh produce for food-insecure neighbors or native plant educational sites that provide habitat for pollinators.

The online course starts Sept. 15, 2025, and can be completed in 14 weeks with approximately four to six hours of weekly work. The course costs $300, and registration is open through Aug. 18.

Otis Dungan presents IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris with a check to establish a nursing scholarship in memory of his wife, Kathy. Kathy Dungan, a native of Mendota, credited IVCC with launching her successful 30-year career in healthcare. (Photo contributed)

Family establishes K. Dungan nursing scholarship at IVCC

OGLESBY – Friends and family of Kathy Dungan recently donated more than $20,000 to endow a scholarship in her memory.

Dungan, a native of Mendota, earned her associate degree in nursing in 1978 at IVCC before becoming a dedicated nurse at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital for more than 30 years.

Dungan lived in Elmhurst for 40 years but maintained a strong connection to her roots and to the college that helped launch her career in healthcare. She died in December 2024.

The Kathy Dungan Memorial Nursing Scholarship is intended to honor Dungan, who made a lasting impact in her field and in the lives of those she served, as well as to inspire and support future nursing students.

“When she was 15,

Kathy rode her bike to a local nursing home and asked for a job because she wanted to be a nurse,” said her husband, Otis. “My wife was born to care for others and spent her life doing just that. She was an incredible nurse, friend, mother, wife and grandmother. We hope this scholarship will help a student currently working in the medical field who wants to attend IVCC to further their career. Kathy would have loved knowing that she would be helping so many students follow her path.” For information about IVCC’s array of scholarship opportunities and creating new scholarships or contributing to existing ones like this, please visit the IVCC Foundation webpage at https://www.ivcc.edu/ givetoivcc/ or call Tracy Beattie, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 815224-0550.

Auction to be Live and Online

Live at Ellice Dinges Center 202 S. West St., Sublette, IL Online at equipmentfacts.com and search mcconville

Tract 1- 38.6 acres MOL unimproved farmland located in the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of section 4 Sublette Twp., Lee County IL. CPI of 138.2 PIN # 19-22-04-300-003

Tract 2- 96.25 acres MOL unimproved farmland located in the W ½ of the NE ¼ and part of the N part of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ all in section 9 Sublette Twp., IL. CPI of 140.1 PIN # 19-22-09-200-005 & 19-22-09-401-001

For additional information contact the auctioneers or visit www.mcconvillerealty.com or equipmentfax.com

Sellers: Double L Farm Trust (aka known as Lois Zeilmann Farm) Sellers Attorney: Guilfoyle Stevenson Law 1316 Meriden St., Mendota IL

Auctioneers

Joe McConville 815-910-5673

Marty McConville 815-200-2233

McConville Realty & Auctioneering 612 S. Main St., Mendota IL | mcrlty62@gmail.com

present Sublette concert Aug. 9.

LOCAL AND AREA

Learn how to slow down and observe nature at Nature Journaling Workshops with Illinois Master Naturalists

OGLESBY – Discover how to slow down, look closely, and connect more deeply with the natural world through the practice of nature journaling.

Nature journaling is an engaging practice that combines art, science, and personal reflection.

During these hands-on workshops, participants will learn how to observe their surroundings, ask thoughtful questions, and

document what they see using words and sketches. No prior artistic experience is necessary, just a curiosity about nature and a willingness to explore. Participants ages 12 and up of all skill levels are welcome! Please bring a blanket or chair to sit on, a favorite journal, and a writing utensil. Assorted art supplies will be available to use during the workshop. Space is limited and pre-

registration is required for all workshops. o learn more or to register visit go.illinois. edu/BLMPJournaling

Nature Journaling Workshops will be offered at the following locations:

• Sandy Ford Land & Water Reserve, StreatorSaturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.noon

• Hennepin Canal (Lock 11) - Saturday, Aug. 23, 9-11 a.m.

• Nell’s Woodland,

Ottawa - Saturday, Sept. 6, 3-5 p.m.

• Hennepin Canal (Lock 11) - Saturday, Sept. 27, 9-11 a.m.

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.

OSF HealthCare expands its orthopedic services in the I-80 region

PERU – OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the addition of a new OrthoIllinois provider, Paul Perona, MD, to its OSF Medical Group – Orthopedics department, enhancing services for the I-80 region and surrounding communities.

Dr. Perona is a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in total joint replacement and total joint revision. With more than 20 years of experience, he specializes in

hip and knee replacements. He earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center.

OSF HealthCare is committed to making top-tier orthopedic care accessible to all of its communities. As part of this commitment, OrthoIllinois, a division of OrthoMidwest, will bring expert orthopedic surgeons to local care

settings. This collaboration ensures that patients receive skilled, compassionate care close to home, reflecting the high standards OrthoIllinois has upheld since 1967.

Beginning Aug. 4, Dr. Perona will join the I-80 orthopedic team, which includes: Connor Kasik, DO; Kenneth Korcek, MD; Robert Mitchell, DO; Tiger Onsen, MD; Pam Hanson, PA; Shannon Hillyer, APRN; Kate Jaegle, APRN; Carrie Lopez, PA;

Debra Pyszka, PA; and Candace Ramirez, APRN. This diverse team offers a wide range of expertise to meet the needs of patients throughout the region.

OSF Medical Group – Orthopedics has offices in Ottawa, Peru, Mendota, Princeton, and Streator. To schedule an appointment in Peru with Dr. Perona or another member of the orthopedic care team, please call OSF Medical Group – Orthopedics at (815) 431-5746.

Two winners picked for final week of Fortune Phrase game

MENDOTA - There were many correct guesses with this week’s Fortune Phrase, and with no winner last week, two entries were drawn this week.

Deb Merriman of Mendota won a $25 gift card to Sullivan’s Foods and Dixie Doughty of

Continued from Page A1

age for the sale of tobacco and tobacco products from 18 years old to 21 years old.

The other item was the approval to issue a liquor license for a beer garden at the Tri-County Fair from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.

Alderman Mark Peasley opened discussion for the subject of golf carts and side-by-side vehicles being allowed to operate on city streets. All agreed that more information needs to be gathered and questions answered before the city

Sublette claimed the $25 gift certificate to El Zarape Mexican Restaurant. The correct phrase was: Mark Your Calendar And Attend This Year’s Sweet Corn Festival In Mendota. The words were hidden in the following ads: Mark - ARS Auto Repair; Your - The Mendota Reporter (garage sales); Calendar - El Torito; And - Sullivan’s Foods; Attend - The Mendota Reporter (e-Edition); This - Davis Family Health; Year’sMendota Area Chamber of Commerce (Sweet Corn Festival); Sweet - Mendota

Area Chamber of Commerce (50/50); Corn - Mendota Farmers Market; Festival - R.P. Lumber; In - T2 Enterprises; Mendota - El Zarape Mexican Restaurant. Thanks to everyone that played the game this year and a big thanks to the sponsors.

Marker

Continued from Page A1

“They had a concrete slab they use for tombstones, which was perfect for the centennial marker stone to sit on. They let me have it. They met me with their truck and equipment, and helped me set the stone.”

The marker features two 11-inch bronze medallions attached to a 1,500-pound granite stone. The medallion’s design was sculpted by Julio Kilenyi, who has his work showcased in many museums throughout the world.

The front of the medallion has the Illinois Central Railroad trademark logo. The back side has a map of the railroad’s route, which went through 14 states from gulf coast states to Minnesota.

Thanks to Mendota Monument and the Schmitt family, the granite stone sits alongside the original Illinois Central track and next to the mail car outside of the Union Depot Railroad Museum.

“It’s awesome we have the centennial marker stone back in Mendota to signify the Illinois Central Railroad’s long existence in town,” said Walters, who also noted Illinois Central Railroad created threeinch medallions given to governors, customers and important individuals, and half dollar-sized medallions

for all railroad employees in 1951.

“The railroad is what built Mendota. This is great we can pay homage to a great railroad. That’s why the markers were created. They were made and given to predominant towns along the route to signify how important they were and to give back to the community.

“We’re glad to have it. It’s another asset we have for our society and our Union Depot Railroad Museum.”

According to Walters, Mike Gleason (Mendota resident, historian and former railroad employee) says Mendota used to have the centennial marker in front of the freight house, now El Rey Del Taco. It’s believed when Illinois Central left Mendota in 1985, it could have taken the stone.

Centennial medallions do exist in Tonica and Amboy.

The medallions Mendota now has thanks to Walters have sat outside for the last 74 years. There is now a green patina over the bronze. Walters was going to restore the artifact until he was told, by Ron Schmitt and many Facebook commenters, the patina protects the metal and would last.

With that said, Mendota has the bronze centennial markers in the granite stone, forever.

council can act on the matter.

Mayor David Boelk said this is the first week for Midwest Disposal to collect garbage within the city. Collection days are Tuesday and Thursday. The first week for recycle collection is the week of Aug. 11. He also said the old garbage containers from Republic Services should be placed at the curb for pickup.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Continued from Page A1 Mendota Elks Lodge.

Noon - Food & merchandise booths open.

Noon-2 p.m. – The Acoustix performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

Noon-2 p.m. – Ms. Twisty Pants balloon artistry at intersection of Washington St. & Eighth Ave.

Noon – The Illinois Valley Tumblers high-flying performance in front of

1 p.m. - Carnival Midway opens.

1 p.m. – Sweet Corn Festival Grand Parade, featuring floats, bands, antique & classic vehicles, Shriners and more.

2 p.m. – Free sweet corn served at intersection of Illinois Ave. & Jefferson St.

2-4 p.m. – The Acoustix performing in First State Bank Hospitality Tent.

Garage Sale time is here!

For best results, advertise your sale in The Reporter.

Council

OPINION

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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.

Kilanowski will never be forgotten

In this line of work, it’s hard to keep track of all the people you’re engaged with in a given day.

Never the Last Chance

By Brandon LaChance

Some you remember well where you can picture them in a lineup (don’t get in trouble) and you can relay their name as soon as you see them. Others you can remember their face but can’t remember their name. And unfortunately, not on purpose, there are some where there is zero information in the data banks. Kevin Kilanowski was definitely the first option. Once anyone met him, he wasn’t going to be forgotten because of his sense of humor, sarcasm, kindness and honesty. It didn’t take long in a conversation to see he had all of these qualities.

I first met “Killer” when during my time at the NewsTribune in LaSalle. I’d see him walk through the office to start his work. My cubicle in the sports department was only a few feet from the entrance door so I saw him every day I worked.

After the first few months of me just being a new guy, we eventually spoke and built a rapport. I’ll never forget his ear-to-ear smile when he saw my reaction after I noticed he was missing a few digits when I shook his hand. He told me the story, I shook my head and said, ‘Wow,’ and we proceeded.

I got to know him and his wife Sue Becker even more during Little League tournaments. The power couple worked hand-in-hand to make sure the games were played and everything ran smoothly.

Before some of the ins and outs of the summer activity were explained to me by Killer, who was the Little League president for 23 years, and Sue, I really wasn’t well versed. Although my umpiring career only lasted three summers, I wouldn’t have even started if it wasn’t for them. I felt putting on the gear was a way for me to give back.

It was hard not to want to help after talking to Killer and Sue because their passion was obvious.

When I started at The Mendota Reporter 3 ½ years ago, Kevin made sure he waved when he saw me and if he had time, we’d catch up. One conversation we had on Illinois Avenue wasn’t as uplifting as most as he told me about his health issues. Afterward, I saw him less and less, and I noticed he wasn’t out and about as much as he once was.

When I saw his obituary almost two weeks ago, I gasped. In a year, especially the last couple weeks to a month, where it seems death has been knocking on many doors whether famous or local individuals, I still wasn’t ready to see his life’s story come through.

Although I was sad to see a friend go and I instantly thought of Sue and their family, I mustered a smile knowing Kevin is in Heaven, in no more pain, and can watch a baseball game anytime he wants.

Just like he was a hard person to forget upon meeting, he’ll always be remembered going forward because of those same qualities he always had.

And of course, the ear-to-ear smile.

Rest in peace, Kevin.

Don’t miss an issue. Subscribe today. Call 815-539-9396 or stop by our office in Mendota to sign up today.

Fixing the swimming pool – 1990

(The following is from Jessica Nashold’s Backtracks & Sidetracks column reprinted from Aug. 2, 1990.)

By Jessica Nashold

Five years ago, an unusual situation arose when only one firm submitted a bid on renovation of the Mendota swimming pool. Chester Pool Systems of Indiana quoted a price of $381,000 that did not include electrical and plumbing work, a deck or bath house.

The project was advertised again with a new deadline of Aug. 20, 1990. The Chester bid was still under consideration, but if accepted, other bids would have to be secured on the work not included.

***

A four-apartment building owned by Muse, Faik and Ilsa Zendeli was moved from a lot behind Ziggie’s restaurant to a site in the 400 block of First Avenue. It was moved in two sections and at the new location would consist of two separate buildings, each with two apartments.

***

Lightning struck the post office chimney, causing some bricks to fall. The same bolt knocked out telephone service in the post office.

***

A plaque to record Victory Tournament winners at the Mendota Golf Club was donated by Sport-NStuff. First names to be inscribed were Virginia Classon, tournament champion in bridge, and Lois Anderson, tournament champion in golf.

***

Dolores Jones and Connie Volkert at the National Bank of Mendota received a certificate of appreciation, presented by Police Chief Dennis Franklin. They had become suspicious when a large amount of collectible coins and old currency were brought to the bank by two young men to be “cashed in.” Mendota police were notified and held the money until ownership could be verified. About two hours later, Bureau County law enforcement officials reported a burglary of coins

Backtracks & Sidetracks

in Seatonville. One of the young men was arrested and charged with theft, the other had “charges pending.”

***

The Ellice Dinges School in Sublette were re-dedicated as a Community Center. Husband Raymond Dinges and son Don Dinges presided at the ribboncutting. About 100 Sublette residents were present for the ceremony.

Ellice Dinges, the former Ellice Setchell of Mendota, had taught many years in Sublette and the building was named in her memory. After consolidation, it ceased to function as a school.

***

Co-marshals for the 1990 Sweet Corn Festival were Edouard Jund, mayor of Baerenthal in Alsace area of France, and Catherine M. Dickson of Ontario, attached to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Technology in Chicago. Mayor Jund was on a visit to the Raymond Ladenburger family. His grandmother was a sister of Ladenburger’s grandfather.

Mrs. Dickson had toured the HHC plant in Mendota, which exported goods to Ontario.

***

Junior Woman’s Club sponsored a VIP Auction during the Sweet Corn Festival. Bidders could win dinners with VIPs Verona Whitmore, Gaylon Ehlers, Tom Merwin and others.

***

Mendota Area VietNow chapter asked all Vietnam era veterans to join them as they marched in the festival parade. They also manned a booth where T-shirts and POW-MIA bracelets were sold.

***

Mendota Community Theatre provided entertainment as the four lead characters of their presentation of

“Wizard of Oz” as well as the cast of “Annie” took to the stage.

***

Cindy Beetz, owner and director of Clown’s Corner Preschool, announced a new location – 101 Fourth St. There were 103 students, ages 3 and 4, enrolled. Barbara Anderson was lead teacher, assisted by Lisa Menzel.

***

Paul Salander continued his campaign for the office of Illinois State Treasurer as a write-in candidate. He had been running on the Libertarian ticket and still adhered to his beliefs.

The majority of people are perfectly capable of conducting their lives without government assistance.

At the time of this campaign, he was serving as supervisor of Ophir Township.

***

Illinois Gubernatorial candidate Jim Edgar, with about 50 supporters, marched in the 1990 Sweet Corn parade, carrying an umbrella.

***

Aldermen decided not to subsidize G & W Recycling for taking part in the community recycling program. The vote, taken on Aug. 6, 1990, was 7-1. A spokesman for G & W said they would be losing money by accepting large amounts of paper collected in recycling drives.

The council’s main contention is that there are too many loopholes in the recycling committee’s recommendation to subsidize G & W.

***

A team of cyclists on their way to the Illinois State Fair stopped at the Mendota Country Companies office on Aug. 6, 1990. Their 250-mile ride was designed to promote fitness and to publicize use of Illinois park and recreation areas where they stopped during their trek.

*** August birthdays were celebrated by Hi-Rise residents Queenie Bankes, Theresa Zolper, Gladys Harper, Betty Teauseau and Alice Vesel.

Kip Cheek, Managing Editor Brandon LaChance, News Reporter Jennifer Robinson, Office Manager

By Tony Rizzo HOLLYWOOD

ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrity Extra

By Dana Jackson

Q: When is “Landman” coming back? At least I assume it is. It’s a great show, and I love anything Billy Bob Thornton does. -A.M.

A: “Landman” is a Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) creation, and he’s on a hot streak! It was easily renewed by Paramount+ for a second season and is currently shooting in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. According to Entertainment Weekly, the series’ pilot “has seen a whopping 35 million global streaming viewers since its debut in November 2024.”

Demi Moore (“The Substance”) is also returning and should have a bigger role after Thornton’s character appointed her to the board of his oil company. Ali Larter (“The Rookie”) is also returning as Thornton’s ex-wife, despite the show being accused of sexism for how her character was written. Larter disagrees, stating she loves that “Taylor writes for older women -- women in their prime [who] were still allowed to be alive!”

Hollywood

When I shot the photos of Christopher Reeve that got him a second screen test for “Superman” in 1976, I never would have guessed that his “Man of Steel” would gross a whopping $300 million. But the box office kept sinking after the first film. “Superman II” (1980) grossed $216.3 million, “Superman III” (1983) grossed $80.2 million, and “Superman IV” only grossed $36.7 million.

Once again, “Superman” (2025) started big with $220 million during its first weekend. But can this be sustained for sequels? Is it the superhero himself or the new embodiment of David Corenswet? Like Reeve, he’s a relatively unknown, and his biggest role to date had him 13thbilled in “Twisters” (2024). This year, Corenswet started filming “Mr. Irrelevant” with Michael Shannon, but the film hasn’t found a distributor yet. However, with the success of “Superman,” it’s sure to be a done deal. He has been married to actress Julia Best Warner since 2023, and they had a daughter in 2024 before moving their family to Pennsylvania.

***

What’s become of “Star Trek’s” Captain James T.

Joining the cast is Sam Elliott, who appeared in Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” spin-off “1883.” Andy Garcia (“Expend4bles”), who debuted as a cartel boss on the season finale, will return to continue his story in season two.

***

Q: I just read that Holly Hunter is hearing-impaired. I never knew this about her. Was she born with the impairment? -- Y.C.

A: You might have noticed that AcademyAward-winning actress Holly Hunter (“The Piano”) tends to speak more out of the right side of her mouth, and this is because she lost her hearing in her left ear after contracting mumps as a child. In fact, the animators at Pixar made her character, Elastigirl, in “The Incredibles” and its sequel have the same way of speaking, drawing her mouth more to the side of her hearing ear when she speaks. Hunter’s next big role is a starring one in “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” which is currently in production and will air on Paramount+ in early 2026. The series will also feature another

fabulous actor -- Paul Giamatti (“Billions”) -- and the chameleon-like actress Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”).

***

Q: I was watching the animated “Predator” series on Hulu recently. When was the last “Predator” movie, and will there be any more? -- B.E.

A: The original scary scifi movie “Predator” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (“The Terminator”) debuted in theaters in 1987 with its sequel, “Predator 2,” releasing three years later. “Predators” came along in 2010 and starred Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), and it was followed up by “The Predator” with Boyd Holbrook (“The Sandman”) in 2018. We also shouldn’t overlook “Alien vs. Predator” from 2004, which starred Sanaa Lathan (“Succession”). Clearly it’s a popular franchise, and there’s more on the horizon. Coming to theaters this November is “Predator: Badlands,” starring Elle Fanning (“A Complete Unknown”).

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Lucie Winborne

* A whale shark’s spot pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.

customers breastfeed anywhere in the store.

Pascal

Kirk? Chris Pine, the last Kirk, hasn’t been waiting around for Paramount Pictures to get their act together. He’ll star with Cate Blanchett and Dave Bautista in the alieninvasion comedy “Alpha Gang,” which is currently shooting in Slovenia. Maybe the First Lady’s family will be extras ... (Now that’s funny!)

Pine hasn’t been romantically linked to anyone since he and Brit actress Annabelle Wallis parted in 2022. “Very interesting!”

***

When they announced that “Ted Lasso” was ending after three seasons, we all laughed. Sixty-one Emmy nominations and 13 Emmy wins told us that this wouldn’t last. Well, sure enough ... “Ted Lasso” is coming back for season four on Apple TV+ with Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and the rest of the gang before you could say “season five!”

***

Another cash cow they can’t let go of is Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” franchise. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and

Kathy Najimy will be back for “Hocus Pocus 3.” I don’t know if they’ll make it by this Halloween, though. The ladies keep bugging Disney to make a move sooner rather than later and, as Midler put it, “while [they’re] still breathing!

***

Pedro Pascal, at 50, has become the face of a superhero. It all started with his role in “The Last of Us.” (His heroic character recently met his untimely end.) On July 21, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” opened with co-stars Vanessa Kirby and Julia Garner. Next, he has “The Mandalorian and Grogu” with Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, which will hit big screens on May 22, 2026. Then he’ll play Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic again in “Avengers Doomsday,” releasing on Dec. 17, 2026. In real life, Pascal is an agnostic, a progressive, and an LGBTQ+ advocate since his sister, Lux, came out as transgender. His own preference is still a question mark since, at 50, he’s never been married or linked to anyone. Maybe this is just a “Fantastic” way to titillate everyone’s fantasies!

* While working as a weatherman in Indianapolis, late-night talk show host David Letterman once congratulated a tropical storm for being upgraded to a hurricane.

* The estimated temperature at the sun’s core is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.

* The cash register, invented in 1870 by James Ritty, was originally dubbed “Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier” and was designed to keep the employees of his saloon from stealing from him.

* Kids and adults with autism are immune to the effect of observing someone else yawn.

* Since a Krispy Kreme donut contains 350 calories, and a 150-pound man can burn around 380 calories in 30 minutes, said fellow could burn off that quickie breakfast with a quarteracre lawn mow -- unless he simply preferred going to the gym.

* Target will let

* Besides being the final resting place for many Hollywood celebrities, Forest Lawn in Southern California features a museum with rotating exhibits and special art, music and educational events.

* It is possible to make actual cheese with bacteria from foot sweat.

* And speaking of cheese, it’s the most stolen food in the world.

* The previous record for the world’s longest train was broken by the BHP Iron Ore

in 2001. Measuring 4.5 miles in length, it was made up of 682 wagons and required eight engines to run.

* Research has shown that throughout a sofa’s life, it will host roughly 782 visitors.

* Actress Megan Mullally was fired from her role in “Finding Nemo” for refusing to reprise her highpitched Karen Walker voice from the TV series “Will and Grace.”

* Seventy percent of the dirt on your clothes is invisible.

LOCAL AND AREA

IVCC to welcome new students with Eagles Launch on Aug. 15

OGLESBY – Illinois Valley Community College’s convocation event has a new look, a new name, and a sharper focus.

The kickoff event that traditionally welcomes new students to campus is now Eagles Launch and is designed to acclimate registered students to campus. The event is scheduled from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, on the Oglesby campus.

Eagles Launch will begin in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre and be followed by breakout sessions on several topics, including textbooks, financial aid, support resources, online security, study abroad programs, study skills, personal organization, effective communication with

instructors, college culture and making connections to peers and others on campus. Students also will get answers to their campus technology questions and log-in help.

The agenda was developed with input from employees and students. Additionally, it was modeled after events adopted by other community colleges, explained Crystal Credi, Dean of Student Success.

“We were looking for options to be sure students have the tools to be successful in their first semester at IVCC,” she said. “We developed some interesting ways for students to engage and get information in a fun manner.”

Associate Director of Retention Ashlee Fitzpatrick said the activity is loosely

structured but still delivers important information.

“Students do not necessarily have to attend every session. They can drop in to whatever fits their needs.”

Lawn games, snacks and a scavenger hunt continue throughout the afternoon. The scavenger hunt introduces students to campus and each participant will receive a coupon for a free pretzel. Didoughs will be serving on site, and Sno Cones also will be available.

Student Government members will be on hand to distribute student planners and promote campus activities such as Spirit Day.

“Eagles Launch is all about getting students prepared for the fun that is IVCC. The College is more than just classes; it is a community!” Credi said.

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.

Rep. Fritts to seek 3rd term

DIXON – State Representative Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon) announced that he will seek a third term in the Illinois House of Representatives, pledging to continue his fight for fiscal sanity, responsible government, and commonsense policies for the people of the 74th District.

“Serving the people of this district has been the honor of a lifetime,” Rep. Fritts said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s more work to do. I’m running for reelection to make sure Springfield stops ignoring rural Illinois and starts focusing on real solutions for the people of our state.”

First elected in 2022 as the youngest legislator ever elected to the Illinois General Assembly, Fritts has built a record focused on fiscal responsibility, supporting law enforcement, protecting family farms, and expanding opportunities for working families. In Springfield, he has advocated for balanced budgets without new taxes, meaningful ethics reforms, and policies to create jobs. Fritts continued, “Being your State Representative is about serving our community and ensuring our values are being heard in Springfield. I’m running for reelection because I believe we deserve honest leadership, real accountability, and someone who will fight every day to make Illinois a better place for everyone.”

Janko Realty & Development

IVCC mascot Spirit is all aflutter as he gets ready to welcome incoming students at Eagles Launch, which takes place on Aug. 15 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Besides breakout info sessions about all things IVCC, there will be lawn games like chess and bags, and refreshments, too. Spirit and political science major and Student Ambassador Allyson Bohms recently broke out the lawn chess board for a test match. (Photo contributed)

3-5

6-8

Mendota’s 78th Annual SWEET CORN FESTIVAL

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Robert A. Bugiyne, 62, of 114 S. Third Ave., Mendota, was charged with disorderly conduct after police officers were called to the 100 block of South Third Avenue for the report of a disturbance on July 29. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.

WARRANT ARREST

John J. Jolly, 42, of 402 Sixth St., Mendota, was arrested at 10:54 p.m. July 29 on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear/aggravated battery to a police officer. The subject was transported to the LaSalle County jail to appear before a judge.

POLICE BLOTTER

CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO REAL PROPERTY

Gary L. Pouk, 69, no address, was charged with criminal trespass to real property after police officers were called to the 700 block of Meadowview Drive for the report of a person trespassing at 10:11 p.m. July 30. The subject was released.

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED

Francisco J. Vazquez Romero, 35, of 905 ½ Illinois Ave., Mendota, was charged with driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at 13th Avenue and Burlington Street at 7:42 p.m. Aug. 1. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED

Edward L. Hernandez, 40, of 907 Illinois Ave., Mendota, was charged with driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Chicago Street at 8:42 p.m. Aug. 2. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.

WARRANT ARREST

Clifford W. Giberson, 58, of 205 Sandra Ave., Mendota, was arrested at 3:09 a.m. Aug. 3 on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear/driving while license revoked. The subject was transported to the LaSalle County jail to appear before a judge.

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED

Beatriz Garibay De Cuevas, 55, of 406 First Ave., Mendota, was charged with driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at First Avenue and Fifth Street at 12:06 a.m. Aug. 4. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED

John Jolly, 42, of 402 Sixth St., Mendota, was charged with driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at U.S. 34 and I-39 at 5:06 a.m. Aug. 4. The subject was released with a LaSalle County court date.

Planning a Garage Sale? Advertise in The Reporter!

Community Calendar

THRU SEPT. 30, 2025

ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE FUNDRAISER

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

Feik Senior Parlor –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

Our goal for Fiscal Year 2025 is $1000. Please help us reach our goal. Drop off cans at the northeast back door of the Civic Center.

AUGUST 2025

WAFFLE WEDNESDAY Sponsored by M.A.S.S. TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

LUNCH IN THE PARK 11 AM - 1:30 PM VETERAN’S PARK Sponsored by Mendota Rotary Club

Lunches include sandwich, chips, drink and desert treat. Ala Carte menu available. Proceeds benefit local youth.

AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

BINGOCIZE

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

10 AM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673 Open to anyone in the community.

AUGUST 1 COMMUNITY BINGO

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

1 PM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

Anyone 18 and older welcome to join the fun!

AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

BINGO

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

1 PM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

AUGUST 2025

SENIOR LUNCHES

Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 11:30 AM Monday - Friday Feik Senior Parlor –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673 Meal Cost - $4.00

Monthly menus are available on our website & Facebook page. Lunches are from OSF St. Paul Medical Center. Must register 24 hours in advance.

AUGUST 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28

EXERCISE CLASS Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 8 AM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

Exercise at your own pace with an exercise video.

AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25 TOPS CLUB Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 10 AM Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673 Anyone welcome.

AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25 DOMINOES Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 1 PM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

All are welcome to join in the fun.

AUGUST 5, 12, 19 & 26

Wii BOWLING Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 10:30 AM Feik Senior Parlor –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700

All welcome to come and enjoy the fun!

AUGUST 2025

AUGUST 5 & 19

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD GLUCOSE CHECK

M.A.S.S. 11AM-12PM

Feik Senior ParlorMendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 FREE

AUGUST 5, 12, 19 & 26 EUCHRE

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

1 PM- 2 PM

Feik Senior Parlor –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

New class being offered. Barbie Crochet will be here to teach crochet from beginners to advanced. Bring your own crochet hooks and yarn.

AUGUST 7, 14, 21 & 28 POKENO Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 12 PM (Noon)

Feik Senior Parlor –

Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

This game is a conbination of Bingo & Poker. Pennies are used, so bring your penny jar. Call M.A.S.S. for more information

@815-539-7700

AUGUST 7, 14, 21 & 28

NEEDLE CRAFT CLUB

Sponsored by M.A.S.S. 1 PM Feik Lounge –Mendota Civic Center For more info call (815) 539-7700 or 539-9673

Bring your needlework or crafts to work on or just come for the friendship.

AUGUST 7 & 21

HEARING SCREENINGS

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

1PM-1:30PM

Feik Parlor - Mendota Civic Center

Come in and have a Lemonade Shake-Up

AUGUST 15

AFTERNOON ICE CREAM

Sponsored by M.A.S.S.

2PM

Feik Parlor - Mendota Civic Center

Come beat the summer heat and enjoy an ice cream sundae with us. Ice cream and toppings provided.

AUGUST 15

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

The best things happen to those who decide to try

By Joyce Meyer

So many people, including myself, regularly come to places in our lives where we haven’t been before. And when you’re inexperienced in an area, your natural tendency is to move back into the familiar.

Fear always comes against us when we face new things. But if you think about it, everything you’re doing right now is something that at one time you had never done before.

I often think of Joshua, a man who was given a huge task by God—one I’m sure he didn’t feel ready for. Can you imagine how he felt when Moses died, and God told him that he was going to take over and lead Israel into the Promised Land?

Fortunately, God knew Joshua was up to the task.

In Joshua 1:6, the Lord commanded him: “Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.”

That day, Joshua had a choice. He could step out in faith and watch the Lord do the impossible through him…or he could stay in his “safety zone” and never find out.

Instead of being afraid of new things, you and I ought to be excited about the new challenges and opportunities that God brings into our lives. Even when everybody else tells us it’s impossible, if we will step out in faith like Joshua and follow God, He will give us the grace to go forward.

I’ll never forget the day (in the late 1970s) when God first showed me His plans for my future as a teacher of the Word. I was making my bed when He spoke to my heart and said, “Joyce, you are going to preach my Word all around the world and have a large teaching ministry.”

Now, at the time, this seemed impossible to me. I was a housewife from Fenton, Missouri, who wasn’t teaching anybody. I decided to share what God spoke to me with some of my friends. To put it mildly, they were not very encouraging. One friend even told me, “Joyce, we’ve been thinking about what you said, and we just don’t think that’s possible with your personality.”

However, over the years, God continued to lead me, step by step. For five years I taught a weekly Bible study at my home. Then the Lord directed me to quit my full-time job and devote myself completely to studying His Word and preparing for ministry.

After going through a season when I felt like God wasn’t doing anything at all, I was asked to be an associate pastor at our church. This is where my weekly women’s meetings began. Then, five years later, in 1985, the Lord called my husband, Dave, and me to begin our own ministry.

All along the way, I faced many obstacles. I battled the fear of failure, the fear of not having enough money, and the fear of what others thought. But it always came down to the same question: Am I going to do what God has put in my heart to do?

I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes over the years. But through all of this, I learned a valuable lesson: When we step out in obedience to God while we feel afraid, then that releases the grace (or power) of God to do what needs to be done.

It is unbelievable what God can do if you’ll fight your way through all the opposition that comes against you and say, “If God says I can, I can.” It’s important to remember that when the Lord calls us to do something, He also gives us the motivation and energy to press on through each challenge that comes.

Maybe you’re thinking, Yeah, I’ve missed a lot in my life because I was afraid to step out or fearful of what others might think. You know what? I believe God has you reading this for a reason! You can’t change the past, but you can begin today to follow your heart and step into the things God has for your life. Sure, there will be obstacles, and sometimes you will make mistakes. But you must be true to what God’s calling you to do if you want to be happy.

Friend, I encourage you to find God’s destiny for your life. Find what’s going to fulfill you and all you’re meant to be. Then choose to be bold enough to step out into an amazing, memorable, life-changing journey.

When you step out into the unknown to do what you believe is God’s will, He may not give you an exact blueprint to work with, but He will guide you stepby-step all along the way. ***

For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-part teaching resource Unleashing God’s Wisdom. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 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

Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

MENDOTA

ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS

Rev. Greg Nelson, Pastor Fr. Joseph Domfe, Parochial Vicar Ray Fischer, Jose Lopez, and Hector Diaz, Deacons

HOLY CROSS, MENDOTA

Weekday Mass

M - 6 p.m., Tu - 8 a.m., W - 8:10 a.m., Th - 8 a.m., F - 7 a.m. Weekend Mass

Sat - 8 a.m. (1st Saturday only), 4 p.m.; Sun6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish) Confession

STS. PETER AND PAUL, PETERSTOWN Weekend Mass Sun - 9 a.m. Confession

ST. THERESA, EARLVILLE Weekday Mass

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

100 E. Sixth St. (815) 538-5587

Rev. Mary Bohall, Pastor

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

9 a.m. Sunday School

9:30 a.m. Worship

In-person & on Facebook at:

Mendota First United Methodist Church Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. Stonecroft worship

ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 808 Jefferson St. Pastor Jeff Brace jbrace8459@gmail.com

Church office (815) 538-2186

Facebook: Mendota Zion United Methodist Church

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School for Preschool - 6th grade in fellowship hall during worship service (Parking lot worship available on 90.9 FM during Sunday services)

TUESDAY - Prayer group 7 p.m.

If I Can

By William Arthur Ward

If I can write one verse of truth today Or give my fellow man a song to sing; If I can push one needless cloud away And help men live as children of the King:

If I can lend someone a helping hand Or warm a place where friendship needs to be; If I can build a bridge where fences stand And light a lamp that other men might see; If I can open doors of hope this day By letting someone know that others care;

If I can speak in words that seem to say: I know the heavy burdens that you bear.

If I can guide a pilgrim on his way Or pause to bid him stay for food and rest;

If I can do these, Father, this I pray: “O let me do them with my very best.”

The Merchants on this page urge you to attend a house of worship this week.

UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

4401 State Route 251 (815) 538-3444

Rev. Charles Yeakel, Pastor E-mail: mendotaupc@yahoo.com www.mendotaupc.org

SUNDAY: Christian Education-10 a.m. Worship - 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Midweek Bible Study - 7 p.m.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1003 5th St. (815) 538-5603

Website: fpcmendota.com Accessible

Pastor Laurie Walker Fellowship 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School following children’s message Worship 10:30 a.m.

LA MOILLE

ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

LaMoille (Clarion) 4 miles west of Mendota on Rt. 34

Pastor Sarah (Churness) Floyd (815) 539-7820

Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Accessible

VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Faithful & Effective” 505 W. 7th Ave. (815) 539-9081

COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH La Moille (815) 638-2348

Available on Facebook Live Facebook page www.facebook.com/fpcmendota Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. “Fill My Cup” Aug. 10 - 9:30 a.m. Worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church Aug. 12 - 7 p.m. Session

Pastor David Jungnickel

E-mail: lamoillecumc@gmail.com

SUNDAY

Pastor Steve Breedlove SUNDAY Sunday school Worship

WEDNESDAY Prayer Service

NEW COVENANT ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Rt. 251 at Lake Mendota P.O. Box 54

Phone (815) 539-7107 (church) (815) 871-5702 (pastor)

Larry Sheaves, Pastor www.newcovenantmendota.org www.facebook.com/NCAOG

“Preaching the blood, book and blessed hope.”

Sunday School Worship

MENDOTA BIBLE CHURCH

Rt. 251, 1/2 mile south of Mendota (815) 538-6876

Brian Kelly, Pastor www.mendotabiblechurch.org

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Sunday School Worship Evening Service

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

607 Tenth Ave. (815) 539-5626

Pastor Elise Rothfusz

E-mail: office@stjohnsmendota.org

Website: www.stjohnsmendota.org

Schedule:

9 a.m. Sunday Worship in person and online via YouTube Find us on Facebook

NOTE: Please contact your individual church regarding online services or for other church-related information.

CHRIST’S CHURCH

“He is the Head of the Body, the Church . . . That in everything He might have the supremacy.” Col. 1:18 1107 Main St. (815) 993-2462

Dave Manion Jim McDowell Wayne Shuman Please join us for . . . Sunday Bible Study (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Church Builders 12:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 6 p.m. Men’s Ministry Ladies & Mens Bible Study Thursday 6 p.m.

Non-denominational

Please call for more information

COMPTON

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

398 Church Road, Compton

Pastor Jeffrey Schlesinger (815) 539-6567

Wheelchair accessible Website: www.ilccompton.org E-mail: immanuellutheran compton@live.com

“Living in God’s Grace as a Neighbor to the World”

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:30 a.m. Worship at Immanuel 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship at First Aug. 10 - 9:30 a.m. Sweet Corn Festival Worship. Everyone welcome.

Online “devotional service” videos continue every Sunday at facebook.com/ilccompton and YouTube. Check our website and Facebook page for more information.

TROY GROVE

1. Is the book of Ecclesiastes (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?

2. From Luke 17, when Jesus healed 10 lepers, how many came back to thank Him? 1, 2, 5, All 10

3. Who had seven sons who always celebrated their birthdays with a feast? Eli, Job, John, David 4. From Genesis 32, whose thigh went out of joint while wrestling with an angel? Adam, Moses, Jacob, Lot

5. The pool of Bethesda is/was near which gate to the city of Jerusalem? Sheep, Camel, Horse, People

6. Who was Caiaphas’ fatherin-law? Annanias, Annas, Pilate, Nicodemus

ANSWERS: 1) Old, 2) 1, 3) Job, 4) Jacob, 5) Sheep, 6) Annas

MARKETPLACE

Classified FREE!

BUY OR SELL

MENDOTA

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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.

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)

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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.

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 va-

cant 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.

Emily McConville Mendota City Clerk No. 0709 (July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)

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. 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. No.: N/A

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 IMMEDIATELY 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 (July 23, 30 and Aug. 6, 2025)

NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

City of Mendota, a municipal corporation, Plaintiff, v. North Illinois Investments, LLC, and 1095 Investments, LLC, Defendants No. 2024 GC 000001 Public Notice

Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 28, 2025 in the above entitled cause, that the property described herein shall be sold to the highest bidder.

The name and contact information regarding the sale is Emily McConville, 800 Washington Street, Mendota, Illinois, telephone number 815-539-7459. The common address is 1205 Jefferson Street, Mendota, Illinois 61342

The legal description is LOT 5 IN BLOCK SEVEN IN WEST’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF MENDOTA, LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Permanent Index Number: 01-33-130-008. The real estate if vacant land and subject to visual inspection. The time and place of sale are: September 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office/Lobby, 707 E. Etna Road, Ottawa, Illinois 61350.

The terms of the sale are 10% down to be paid in certified funds on the date of sale; the balance, in certified funds is due within twenty-four (24) hours of sale.

The Sale is subject to confirmation by the Court. If the sale is set aside for any reason, Purchaser shall be entitled only to the return of the monies paid and shall have no recourse against City of Mendota or its attorney. Property is sold “AS IS”. Title will be conveyed subject to all real estate taxes which are a lien on the premises and easements and restrictions of record. Greg Vaccaro, Clerk of the Circuit Court of LaSalle County Michael S. Guilfoyle, Guilfoyle & Stevenson LLP, 1316 Meriden St. Mendota, Illinois 61342. Telephone 815-5396711. No. 0711 (July 30, Aug. 6 and 13, 2025)

NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on July 23, 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 The Painting Authority located at 815 Sycamore Street Ottawa, IL. 61350.

Dated: July 23, 2025. Nicholas Majchrzak Applicant. No. 0712 (July 30, Aug. 6 and 13, 2025)

NOTICE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS-COUNTY OF LASALLE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN RE THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. SASO, deceased Case No. 2025PR000106 Publication Notice and/ or Claims Notice Notice is given of the death of Joseph J. Saso, whose address was 219 Meadowlark, Sandwich, IL 60548. Letters of Office were issued on July 24, 2025, to Nora Hurley Marsh, whose address is 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd., 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. Notice is given to Jay Saso Printi, and unknown heirs, who are heirs in this cause. The estate will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of Greg Vaccaro, LaSalle County Circuit Clerk, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before February 6, 2026, (date shall not be less than 6 months from the date of the first publication or 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later). Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.

Name: Nora Hurley Marsh

Nora Hurley Marsh, Ltd.

Atty No.: 3124735

Attorney for: Nora Hurley Marsh

Address: 200 S. Frontage Rd., Suite 322 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

Phone: 630-325-7600

No. 0801

(Aug. 6, 13 and 20, 2025)

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION No: 2025-JA-31

TO: Tyler Irvin, Unknown Fathers, other interested parties, and to All Whom It May Concern: Take notice that on the 30th 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 Rigdyn Irvin, a minor’, and that in the Criminal Justice Center Courtroom 210 at Ottawa on the 3rd day of September, 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.

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 paternal 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 August 1, 2025

Greg Vaccaro, Clerk No. 0802 (Aug. 6, 2025)

101

LEGAL NOTICE

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.

105 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

“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.”

113 FINANCIAL

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.

119 ANNOUNCEMENTS

“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.”

201 DOMESTIC/CHILD CARE

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.

203 HELP WANTED

Looking for Class A CDL FULLTIME and PARTTIME TRUCK DRIVER to haul farm commodities. Call Roger Jameson at 815-252-8576. 04222020

MARKETPLACE

Classified FREE!

Maze Lumber Water Street • Peru 815-223-1742

Mendota YMCA 1811 S. 13th Ave. 815-538-2900 Ivymca.org/Mendota-ymca/

Floralcrest Florist & Greenhouse 1207 22nd St. 815-539-9306

TRUCK

Tacos Guzman 815-503-0839 Follow us on Facebook

HOMES

Wasmer Funeral Home 2112 W. Main St. 815-539-8500

FURNITURE

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

In-Home Care Connection

Hospice Services 680 W. Peru St., Princeton 815-872-7447 www.ihcccare.com

CLEANING

Illinois Valley Clean Team 815-228-5273

CREAM

Triple Service Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric 801 Monroe St. 815-539-3828 IL Lic. #055-041123

Meyers Furniture & Carpet & Mattress 1901 S. 13th Ave. 815-539-6263

Correa Heating and Air Conditioning 815-910-9876

TOWING

Ramer Automotive & Towing Paul, Matt & Brendan Ramer 4266 E. 4th Road 815-539-5321

VAPE/SMOKE SHOP

Smooth Smokes and Vapor 1001 Main St. 815-539-3499

VETERINARIANS

Ancare Veterinary Clinic

Stephen J. Dullard, DVM ABVP 1205 6th Ave. 815-539-3844 www.ancarevet.com

Malley Plumbing & Heating 123 South Ottawa Street, Earlville 815-246-6011 IL License #055-009898

Triple Service Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric 801 Monroe St. 815-539-3828 IL Lic. #055-041123

POST FRAME BUILDERS

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 Rey Del Taco Mexican Restaurant 701 Main St. 815-539-7100

Ziggie’s Family Restaurant 1212 First Ave. 815-539-5060 Ziggiesrestaurant.com

SEAMLESS ROOFING

Northern Illinois Seamless 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

Mendota Companion Animal Centre Cathy J. Wolf, DVM Rt. 251 N. 815-539-6601 www.mendotavet.com

WINDOWS & DECKING

Maze Lumber Water Street • Peru 815-223-1742