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Introducing a saint for our times
SPIRIT MATTERS
Jerrilyn Zavada Novak
“When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.”
Jan. 24 has been a meaningful day in my life for many years.
It is the day the church recognizes St. Francis de Sales, a French bishop and doctor of the church who lived from 1567 to 1622.
I first met de Sales in 1995, when I purchased his classic work, “Introduction to the Devout Life.” In a time when spiritual devotion was seen primarily as limited to those betrothed to the religious life, de Sales taught that, in fact, the experience and love of God is available to everyone, regardless of their position or status in life. This book taught me an entirely new way of approaching the divine from the one I was taught as a child.
It was only after I bought and read “Introduction to the Devout Life” that I found out St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers and journalists. Since first reading his book all those years ago, he and I have become spiritual friends. I often have asked him for prayers and intercession in
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Stage 212 holds auditions for “The Play That Goes Wrong”
Stage 212 will hold auditions for “The Play That Goes Wrong” on Friday and Saturday in La Salle.
Auditions are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday at the theater, located at 700 First St., according to director Deb Lenhausen.
The production follows the chaotic opening night of a murder mystery as props malfunction, cues are missed and the set sabotages the performance. The show
my aspirations to become a writer, and looking back over the years, I am convinced that whatever success or positive effect I have had is largely thanks to him and his prayers and guidance.
Another reason I have been drawn to de Sales is his gentle nature. Known as “the gentleman saint,” de Sales internally struggled with a quick temper and impatient spirit. But those around him were never aware of that struggle, as his desire to live with a meek and humble heart, like Christ, was stronger than his imperfections. He actively counseled many people about their daily lives and offered a receptive heart to those in need of spiritual consolation.
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.”
De Sales’ theology was steeped in that of the sacred heart of Jesus, which was another strong draw for me to his writings. In all he taught, he encouraged people to lean into the gentle strength and strong gentleness that is the personhood of Christ and to embody it in their daily lives.
De Sales knew well from his own struggles with anger and impatience how challenging it can be to choose gentleness and kindness when faced with conflict and division.
And yet, he offers us a countercultural balm to the distinctly broad and pervasive difficulties we find our -
selves living with in these times.
To de Sales, excessive hostility and bullying were not signs of strength; this kind of behavior betrays a small and insecure spirit.
Genuine strength of spirit is characterized by a gentleness of being – in words, thoughts and actions. It means putting to death our lesser instincts of control and domination and living with a servant heart, steeped in the way of Christ.
These teachings of St. Francis de Sales are timeless. They do not and will never go out of style because they are the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And although we will each fall short of our aspirations to live the heart of Christ in all situations, if we keep this desire always in mind, it will be easier to overcome our weaknesses.
St. Francis de Sales is indeed a saint for these times. I encourage you to explore his teachings and get to know him as the gentle man he is. And if you feel so moved, call upon him to help you in your efforts to live and be gentle in spirit and heart.
Tell him Jerrilyn sent you.
• Spirit Matters is a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo.com.
features fast-paced physical comedy and escalating mayhem.
Lenhausen is casting 11 to 13 people of various ages and genders for lead and supporting roles, many of which are physically demanding. Auditions will consist of script readings.
Scripts may be checked out through the Stage 212 box office during operational hours: Mondays 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.
No preparation is needed, and familiarity with the script is not required.
All participants must fill out an online registration form at stage212.org. Character descriptions and other information are available on the website.
All are encouraged to audition, regardless of prior theatrical experience.
“The Play That Goes Wrong” will be presented April 17-26.
For more information, contact producer Natalie Smigel at producer@stage212.org with “The Play That Goes Wrong” in the subject line.
– Shaw Local News Network
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Members of the Mendota football team huddle during a joint practice on July 31, 2025. A new policy will allow student-athletes to participate in two sports in a season.
Scott Andersonfile photov ON THE COVER
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MHS adopting dual-sport athlete policy
Policy adopted on trial basis through end of 2026-27 school year
By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com
The Mendota Township High School Athletic Department is creating a pathway for student-athletes with a new dual-sport athlete policy.
The proposal is set for the rest of the 2025-26 school year and the 2026-27 school year on a trial basis. Prior to the new policy, students were only allowed to participate in one sport per season.
“At the end of the day, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to give it a go and see how it goes,” MHS Principal Joe Masini said. “You can’t foresee everything that’s going to come up. There’s always going to be a conflict that you didn’t think of, so that’s where it falls on a consistent application of the policy.”
In a meeting last summer, there was close to a 50/50 split on support for adopting a dual-sport athlete policy among parents.
In a survey of coaches at MHS, 36.4% were in favor of adopting a dual-sport policy, 45.5% were opposed, and 18.2% said their vote would depend on the specific parameters of the policy.
Guidelines for becoming a dual-sport athlete include a scheduled conference between both sports’ coaches, the athletic director and the student-athlete, where the student-athlete will declare which sport is their primary sport and which is their secondary sport.
Practice and game requirements will be established by the coaches of both sports before the start of their respective seasons.
To consecrate the agreement on a student-athlete’s eligibility to become a two-sport athlete, it must be signed off on by the student-athlete, both coaches, the athletic director and a parent. Once the student has been deemed a dualsport athlete, they must adhere to a set of rules.
Games of a student’s primary sport always take precedence over those of the secondary sport, but games for their secondary sport supersede practices of the primary sport.
During the season, a student may not change their primary or secondary sport.
The student must attend practices with both sports when possible, but how often and how much time should be devoted to it will be decided upon by both coaches
Approval may be denied because of academic concerns at any time during the season. The student will then participate only in the primary sport as long as all of their academic concerns are addressed.
“It is a lot for a kid to do, but with the right kid in the right mindset, I think it’s plausible,” athletic director Chance Blumhorst said.
If the student is disciplined in the primary or secondary sport for code of conduct or rules violations, the same consequence will be enforced in the other sport for eligibility purposes.
A conflict or disagreement between a dual-sport athlete and a coach that
results in a team violation for one sport that denies the athlete’s ability to participate will be evaluated by the athletic director if that athlete’s eligibility to participate for the other sport on a caseby-case basis.
If the student-athlete quits one or both teams, they will not have the option to participate in any dual sports for the remainder of the school year.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Mendota’s Isaac Diaz (7) celebrates a first-half goal against Genoa-Kingston during the Class 1A Indian Creek Sectional Semifinal in Waterman Oct. 29, 2025.
Members of the Mendota girls softball team walk off the field after the Class 1A Regional quarterfinal game on May 19, 2025 at Somonauk High School.
Scott Anderson file photo
ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATES LIST, FALL 2025 SEMESTER
A total of 174 students earned 187 degrees and certificates last fall from Illinois Valley Community College. Graduates and their degrees or certificates are listed by hometown. The students are eligible to participate in the college’s spring commencement.
Cedar Point
Jacob Kasperski, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Ariana Margis, CNA; Katelin Moon, truck driver training
Cherry
Zac Koesler, EMT; Victoria Snyder, CNA
Compton
Christina Van Sickle, associate of applied science in marketing
Dalzell
Alejandro Maldonade-Guzman, truck driver training advanced proficiency
DePue
Estefania Lopez, CNA; Julisa Perez, phlebotomy; Jessica Peterson, medical assistant
Earlville
Lidia Hernandez, CNA; Morgan Myre, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Tai Sheehan, associate of applied science in early childhood education; Isabella Valdez, CNA
Franklin Grove
Ian Untz, truck driver training
Grand Ridge
Brian Gutierrez, associate in science; Rosa Gutierrez, CNA; Mason Jaegle, EMT
Granville
Michelle Baker, phlebotomy
Hennepin
Tyler Bienemann, associate in arts; Toby Marciniak, truck driver training; Raymond Terando, truck driver training advanced efficiency
Key West, Fla.
Maria Perez, associate in arts
La Moille
Teagan Hewit, phlebotomy; Matthew
Johnson, CNA
La Salle
Heather Benson, EMT; Grace Duttlinger, CNA; Yarely Garcia, associate in science; Kamya Green, CNA; Kristine Hafley, associate of applied science in paramedic; Jennifer Harju, CNA; Katelyn Kiska, associate in arts; Michael Peters, associate in arts; Stefanie Raffety, business management; Jela Santos, CNA; McKennah Steele, CNA; Alex Washkowiak, truck driver training; Joshua Washkowiak, associate of applied science in computer aided engineering and design; Olivia Wyzgowski, associate in science
Ladd
Alexandria Kunkel, truck driver training; Zachary Kunkel, truck driver training; Ava Lattin, CNA; Angelica Marlett, CNA; Paige Worden, associate in general studies
Lostant
Brooklyn Brester, EMT; Sydney Samek, CNA
Malden
Grace Glancy, associate in science
Mark
Molly Miller, agricultural studies, associate of applied science in agronomy, associate of applied science in agricultural business management
Kamdyn Becket, criminal justice, associate of applied science in criminal justice; Janae Burns, CNA; Itzel Cervantes, associate in arts; Bradyn Chandler, associate in general studies; Estefania Coronel, CNA; Angelica Godina, associate in srts; Ruben Gonzalez, production welding; Charles Heiting, associate in arts, associate in general studies; Jose Hernandez, CNA; Janet Varela, associate in general studies, associate in arts
Murphysboro
Efrain Lemus, associate of applied science in criminal justice, criminal justice, criminology
Oglesby
Maxwell Brager, truck driver training; Amy Luaisa, associate in arts; Gabriel Sandoval, GTA welding; Gwendolin Tomsha, associate in arts; Brianna Vela, associate in science
Ottawa
Jenna Andersen, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Robert Anderson, truck driver training; Sienna Banushi, CNA; Matthew Bernabei, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Emily Brandis, associate in arts; Payton Bruck, CNA; Abigail Burlingame, CNA; Sebastian Cabrera, associate of applied science in agronomy, advance cannabis production, cannabis production; Brandon Carr, truck driver training; Jacob Ewers, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Bhawna, associate in science; Kenneth Harsted, associate of applied science in computer aided engineering and design; Jany’a Hawkins, CNA; Matthew Hutchisson, associate in science; William Jones, truck driver training; Michelle Lenac, CNA; Lauren Moreno, associate in science; Keely Nelson, CNA; Emma Pawelczyk, CNA; Diego Rockford, associate of applied science in automotive technology; Paul Rogalla, EMT; Jordan Schiltz, EMT; Emmalea Snyder, CNA; Madeline Stiegler, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Charles Whitney, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Matthew Wiggins, associate of applied science in computer networking administration, computer networking; Cassie Williams, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Shaun Wilson, truck driver training
Paw Paw
Brian Linsner, truck driver training
Peru
Hayden Arkins, associate in science; Christopher Beyer, industrial maintenance I; Jessica Enright, CNA; Laila Esguerra, CNA; Hunter Foster, EMT; Zachary Frank, truck driver training
advanced proficiency; Erik Garcia, associate in arts; Caden Lamps, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Katlynn Monaghan, associate in science; Rebecca Peura, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Antonio Phlippeau, CNA; Isis Roberson, CNA; Ashley Rossman, associate in arts, associate in science; Grace Scolari, phlebotomy
Princeton
Carson Etheridge, associate in arts; Jayden Fulkerson, truck driver training; Ethan Janssen, GTA welding; Brady Kinzer, EMT; Michael McClain, truck driving training advanced proficiency; Tomas Morales, truck driver training; Kaylee Otley, infant/toddler Gateways Credential 3, ECE Gateways Credential 2, infant/toddler Gateways Credential 2, ECE Gateways Credential 3, associate of applied science in early childhood education; Rachael Woolley, associate in science
Putnam
Thomas Downey, truck driver training
Rutland
Danielle Densing, associate of applied science in nursing
Seneca
Timothy Hawley, associate of applied science in engineering technology
Sheffield
Stacey Headley, phlebotomy
Sheridan
Lauren Ernat, CNA; Sam Sweeten, associate in science
South Wilmington
Ryan Lenzie, truck driver training
Spring Valley
Clayton Burrell, truck driver training; Kaden Crowther, cannabis production, advanced cannabis production; Carys Finklea, associate in arts; Addie Lopez, phlebotomy; Uriah Pearson, CNA; Sasha Piotrowski, CNA; Logan Potthoff, advanced SMA welding, basic SMA welding, intermediate SMA welding;
Illinois Valley students shine at 9th annual NCI
Artworks Mad Hatter Ball
By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
High school seniors received public honors Jan. 16, during the ninth annual NCI Artworks Mad Hatter Ball at Peru’s Westclox Building. They are La Salle-Peru Township High School’s Claire Boudreau, Putnam County High School’s Jackson Delhotal, Men -
dota High School’s Spencer Kain, La Salle-Peru Township High School’s Christian Limberg, Ottawa Township High School’s Zulee Moreland, La Salle-Peru High School’s Lydia Steinbach and St. Bede Academy’s Yijing (Larissa) Zhang.
Photos by Scott Anderson
TOP LEFT: Visitors watch the crowning of the “Queen of the Arts” on Jan. 16 during the ninth annual NCI Artworks Mad Hatter Ball at the Westclox Event Center in Peru. TOP RIGHT: NCI Artworks Executive Director Julia Messina sits in the royalty chair after being crowned “Queen of the Arts.” ABOVE: La Salle-Peru High School senior Lydia Steinbach dances for the crowd Jan. 16 during the Mad Hatter Ball. Steinbach is involved in dance, softball and student leadership groups at LPHS. She plans to study at Illinois Valley Community College in the fall and pursue a career as an orthodontist. LEFT: Ottawa Township High School senior Zulee Moreland plays the saxophone Jan. 16 at the Mad Hatter Ball. Moreland performs with school, municipal and summer jazz bands. She said she is interested in pursuing music education later in life.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
IVCC Facilities Committee will review construction projects
The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees’ Facilities Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to review current and upcoming construction projects.
The committee will receive updates on the college’s 2025 campus renovation progress and projected 2026 renovations, according to IVCC.
The agenda also includes updates on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center, a capital development board parking lot project and an emergency management strategic plan. Recommendations from the committee will be presented for action at an upcoming Board of Trustees meeting.
The full agenda, board materials and a link to access the meeting are available at ivcc.edu/board.
– Shaw Local News Network
Princeton unveils plans for new fieldhouse facility
Princeton High School sports teams could be playing future games in a fieldhouse. In December, the Princeton City Council amended its zoning ordinances to accommodate a proposed fieldhouse for the Princeton School District. The project is in the beginning stages. The school district is considering buying 15 acres north of Liberty Village for a 50,000- to 80,000-square-foot indoor sports complex. The facility also would include parking. The fieldhouse concept would serve both youth and high school teams. The site is located behind the Princeton High School softball field, known as Little Siberia.
Bearish report highlights need for biofuel certainty
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
The surprising 1.3 million harvested corn acre jump from the November to the Jan. 12 U.S. Department of Agriculture crop production reports, combined with record quarterly stock inventories, drew more questions than answers.
The shocker also did a number on the market, with corn futures falling from $4.46 per bushel at close Friday, Jan. 9, down to the $4.20 range following the report’s record production estimate of 17.021 billion bushels, up 14% from 2024.
The surplus supply promises to keep corn prices low as farmers struggle to pay high input costs, according to the National Corn Growers Association.
“We need long-term market solutions, and we need them quickly, or this is going to deepen the economic crisis in the countryside,” said Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer and president of NCGA.
“The urgency for Congress and the president to open new markets abroad and expand consumer access to ethanol just increased exponentially.”
Bower noted that an immediate boost to demand would be the passage of legislation authorizing year-round consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends.
He added that his solution comes at no cost to consumers, requires no additional infrastructure developments and could use 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn annually at full implementation, according to NCGA estimates.
“NCGA continues to push the administration to quickly broker additional high-volume deals with other countries and finalize details on deals already announced,” Bower said.
Corn growers have noted that India, Vietnam and Kenya are all strategically important markets to them.
As he took in the news, Bower said that this is only the latest in a series of problems for growers.
“We expect the economic and financial challenges growers are already facing will only worsen with excess supply,” he said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in mid-December
plans to finalize biofuel rules governing the Renewable Fuel Standard program for 2026 and beyond in the first quarter of 2026.
The upcoming rules are critical for providing long-term certainty for agricultural markets and the energy industry, and follows a period of legal uncertainty and annual delays that have plagued the RFS.
The Renewable Fuels Association said the latest USDA report underscores the pressing need to eliminate regulatory obstacles that are suppressing demand and limiting market opportunities for both corn and ethanol.
“The surprise USDA report serves as a sobering wake-up call about the state of farm economy and underscores
Cooper added that expanding access to higher ethanol blends represents the most effective path to creating longterm stability in the corn market.
“Allowing E15 to be sold year-round nationwide could, over time, create new demand for more than 2 billion bushels of corn and sorghum,” he said. “Unlocking that opportunity now would deliver much-needed economic relief to farming communities across the heartland, while also saving consumers an estimated 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump.”
Arlan Suderman, StoneX chief commodities economist, said in his market outlook that the EPA’s upcoming final guidelines “is going to be the single biggest factor for the biofuel program.”
Ethanol blending in the nation’s gasoline supplies reached its highest ever –topping 11% – last month, largely due to an increase in E15 sales.
“E85 is staying at a pretty flat rate, but E15 sales are increasing,” Suderman said. “When I see a station that’s got E15, because it’ll have a cheaper price to it, I buy, and I get very similar gas mileage with E15 as I do with E10. Apparently there’s enough other drivers out there who are doing that as well, and that’s why we’re seeing this blending go higher.
the need for lawmakers to take immediate action to expand markets for America’s corn growers,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “The fastest and easiest way to shore up the growing supply-demand imbalance in the corn market is to permanently remove the summertime barrier on E15 sales and eliminate obsolete fuel retail infrastructure rules. These decades-old regulatory barriers are literally choking off demand and shortchanging America’s farmers.”
“That kind of puts a myth of a blending wall to rest as we look at the data. Our major ethanol export customers are Canada,[the] Netherlands, [the] United Kingdom, India [and] Columbia. Exports to Canada and [the] Netherlands are trending higher. Total exports are continuing to trend higher as well.”
One reason for strong ethanol export demand is Brazil building its own ethanol program.
“Brazil now has a mandated 30% ethanol blend in its gasoline. It still uses sugar cane for the bulk of its ethanol production, but increasingly, it is rapidly building corn-based ethanol plants to meet the demand in Brazil,” Suderman said. “So, as Brazil increases corn production each year by expanding its acreage, that’s not resulting in a direct one-to-one increase in exportable corn supplies because the ethanol biofuel program is absorbing more of that increased production.”
AP file photo
An auger transfers corn to a grain truck in an undated photo in the Midwest U.S.
Jed Bower
Geoff Cooper
Arlan Suderman
Donkey basketball returning to Seneca High School
Local firefighters, teachers, FFA and church members to face off in tournament
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
For the first time since the 1990s, donkey basketball will return to Seneca.
The game doubles as a fundraiser for Seneca FFA. It will tip off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Seneca High School’s west campus, also known as the old high school.
Unsure what this basketball game will look like?
Unlike a traditional basketball game, players ride donkeys while trying to score.
“The donkeys can be pretty stubborn, so it’s not going to be as fast-paced as a normal basketball game,” said Cally Hatton, a Seneca FFA member helping to orga-
nize the event. “But that’s what makes it funny and fun to watch.”
Four teams will compete in a tournament Saturday night.
One team is made up of current FFA officers and alumni, while another features a combined squad from the Seneca and Mazon fire departments. Teachers from local Seneca schools will join forces to form a third team. Rounding out the competition are members of Village Church in Seneca.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the FFA will open a food stand ahead of the game featuring its popular pork chops, giving families a chance to grab dinner and secure a good seat before the action begins.
All proceeds will go to the FFA and its events and projects. For more information, visit the FFA’s Facebook page.
Advance tickets are for sale online and cost $10 or $15 at the door. Admission is free for children 5 and younger.
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Shaw Local News Network file photo
Jenna Weets, celebrity for the Morrison School Faculty team, puts up a shot while riding her donkey during the Donkey Basketball Game on March 2, 2024.
LA SALLE-PERU HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL, FALL SEMESTER
La Salle-Peru Township High School has announced its fall 2025-26 semester honor roll.
High Scholarship Seniors
Erik Acosta, Isaac Adams, Ransom Akin, Keean Atkins, Marlee Bankson, Mariska Beck, Brady Beckcom, Britney Blair, Ryia Boaz, Alyssa Bokus, Braylin Bond, Claire Boudreau, Lyla Brady, Logan Brown, Gabriella Bulak, Liliana Cabrera, Victoria Campbell, Yoselin Carlos, Clarissa Casas, Emily Castaneda, Addyson Champlin, Sophia Chiu, Isabella Cimei, Angel Clausen, Drew Depenbrock, Armando Dimas, Mary Diss, Reece Doerr, Regan Doerr, Kiely Domyancich, Lillian Dowding, Daniel Duncan, Addison Dziarnowski, Marisa Eggersdorfer, Ava Engels, Marly Escatel, Peyton Evans, Morgan Ficek, Kelsey Frederick, Joseph Gallicchio, KJ Gallik, Alyssa Garcia, Enrike Garcia, Wesley Gardner, Adrian Gonzalez, Giavanna Grebner, Dagny Greer, Cayla Grieve, Nicholas Hachenberger, Sophia Hammerich, Griffin Hammers, Serenity Hannen, Cameron Harper, Jameson Hill, Mazalyn Jackson, Jayden Jeffries, Emma Jereb, Madelaine Johns, Collin Kalsto, Garrett Keith, Isabella Kennett, Saida Khouaja, Sadie Kiersnowski, Cade Kilmartin, Jordin Kinsella, Conner Kolowski, Christian Konczak, Agustin Konieczki, Seth Korte, Keya Kowalski, McKenzie Krzyaniak, Alayna Lair, Coleman Lambert, Giovani Legrenzi, Christian Limberg, Jessica Liu, Hunter Loebach, Aniya Lumpkins, Leo Maier, Alec Mandujano, Max Marx, Griffin May, Jalene McConnell, Ever McCormick, Reason McCormick, Mackenzie McCoy, Gracie Miller, Logan Miller, Adan Molina, Diego Mondragon, Molly Mudge, Sofia Nanez, David Nave, Benjamin Nicholson, Michael Niemiec, Emily Nieto, Brionna Noble, Alia Nowakowski, Nolan O’Brien, Scarlett O’Connell, Joseph Patyk, Evelina Pelka, Callie Perra, Karmen Piano, Lanie Ploch, Hayden Pode, Gracie Politsch, Meredith Politsch, Sophia Pyszka, Sebastian Quercia, Iyad Rahman, Cameron Rankin, Johnathan Ricci, Anna Riva, Brianna Ruppert, Rylynd Rynkewicz, Miley Sadnick, Lilliana Salcido, Nathaniel Salinas, Lucila Sandoval, Quinn Sherman, Ian Shevlin, Abby Smudzinski, Erick Sotelo, Lydia Steinbach, Manuel Tejada, Vicky Tejada, Darlyn Tejada-Guardado, Radia Thompson, Kenny Tran, Sergio Valle, Clara Vaske, Emerson Vasquez, Taylor Vescogni, Evan Wallace, Bolander Weitl,
Dane Wicinski, Devin Windsor Juniors
Parker Abens, Evan Allen, Angelli Alvarado, Carlos Arce, Geno Argubright, Peyton Arthur, Jose Ayala, Gianni Baracani, Kaden Bertuli, Michael Booker, Margaret Boudreau, Ryne Bubela, Georgianette Buffo, Camryn Burrell, Cayden Busche, Emilie Castaneda, Eliana Cervantes, Makenzie Chamberlain, Sophia Chiero, Charley Clifford, Alexander Crane, Alex Crooks, Adelyn Dawson, Jareliz De Jesus, Sydney Delphi, Dominic DiLuciano, Serenity Dobrydnia, Mianna Durando, Aubrey Duttlinger, Leah Dzik, Daniel Edwall, Greyson Ernat, Noah Escobedo, Reese Fenza, Frances Frick, Jeniah Gaitan, Julia Garcia, Arthur Giese, Camden Greathouse, Madelyn Gross, Logan Grzywa, Charlotte Guttilla, Matthew Haeffner, Jacob Hall, Damon Hash, Carson Herman, Ryker Hernandez, Jett Hill, Alexus Hines, Hayden Hubinsky, Jackson Hungerford, Levi Johnson, Marissa Jones, Allison Kiska, Kyle Kmetz, Morgan Knowles, Dylan Kofoid, Emma Kolczaski, Brandon Lamps, Adelyn Leone, Carson Lewis, Joel Lightle, Sarah Lowery, Christopher Mackrow, Drake Margis, Audra Marincic, Jocelyn
Martinez, Paityn Maurice, Ella McCauley, Ismael Mejia, Annabella Messina, Madess Mitchell, Jaron Morscheiser, Mason Morscheiser, Jackson Myers, Tai Nguyen, Tam Nguyen, Desmond O’Dell, Zayden
O’Dell, Connor O’Flanagan, Audrey Olson, Cody Orabutt, Anthony Padilla, Cashius
Pappas, Prit Patel, April Pescetto, Zachary Pescetto, Paige Picco, Addison Piecha, Henry Pinter, Joslynn Piscia, Lyla Ploch, Landon Puetz, Dorina Purelku, Keira Ratajczak, Gertrude Rathbun, Leah Ricci, Demetrio Salazar, Addison Schweickert, Endrew Sell, Jaelyn Sell, Olivia Sereno, Cole Setchell, Paisleigh Shonk, Emma Short, Cameron Shutt, Michaela Smith, Ethan Sondgeroth, Gavin Sondgeroth, Adrian Soto, Gage Southall, John Sowers, Kyle Spelich, Breckin Spence, Caleb Strand, Benjamin Swanson, Briannah Tarkowski-Doubet, Jakob Terzick, Alexandra Trinidad, Shayla Turczyn, Mallorey Van Duzer, Ingris Vazquez, Gianni Verucchi, Riley Videgar, Mason Walsh, Anna Weitl, Clara Weitl, Rhyan Westerman, Aubrey
Streator man enters blind plea deal to drug charges
A Streator man is headed to prison for up to 30 years after pleading guilty Thursday to possessing cocaine – and to jumping out of a squad car after police picked him up.
However, attorneys advised Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni that they reached an agreed-upon sentence, which will be revealed at an April 9 hearing.
Hornick will have an opportunity to address the judge during the hearing.
Illinois
Derek Hornick, 47, appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court and entered a blind plea deal in connection with the unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony carrying six to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of escape.
• IVCC FALL GRADUATES
Continued from page 4
Isabella Templeton, CNA; Dani Zeglis, CNA
Standard
Jason Sartin, truck driver training
Streator
Tessa Armstrong, CNA; Ronald Bapp, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Kaitlyn Carvish, CNA; Oriona Deshane, CNA; Anthony Dominic, associate in arts; Claire Durdan, associate in science; Timothy Huey, EMT; Ana Jones, CNA; Kami Kelsey, CNA; Kaylee Martin, associate of applied science in dental hygiene; Eugenio Mascote, associate of applied science in engineering technology; Ariana Mcintyre, CNA; Addison Mumm, CNA; Sidney Osland, CNA; Mauricio Pena, criminal justice, associate of applied science in
His legal troubles began when police seized at least 15 grams of cocaine Aug. 27.
He was granted pretrial release and later placed on GPS monitoring.
After a pair of GPS violations in October and November, a warrant was issued for Hornick’s arrest.
He was picked up Nov. 9, and then he incurred the escape charge for jumping out of a moving squad car. Ottawa police ordered him to stop before shooting him with a stun gun.
– Tom Collins
criminal justice; Michael Rodriguez, truck driver training advanced proficiency; Nashyla Teamer, associate of applied science in early childhood education, ECE Gateways Credential 3; Madison Thompson, CNA; Margaret Wakeman, CNA; Timothy West, truck driver training
Tiskilwa
Jacob Roth, truck driver training; Linda Wheeler, criminal justice
Tonica
Beyonce Aldana, CNA; Gavin Jacobs, associate in arts
Utica
Eden Galvan, CNA
Walnut
Roy Goetsch, truck driver training
Wenona
Elijah Peterson, truck driver training; Paige Sons, associate of applied science in dental hygiene
Derek R. Hornick
One dead, one injured in grain bin incident near Granville
Second victim airlifted to hospital
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com and SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com
One person is dead and another seriously injured after they became trapped in a grain bin late Monday afternoon near Granville, Granville-Hennepin Fire District Chief Neil Buffington said.
No more information, including the cause and the victim’s identity, was available as of 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Fire and police units from multiple local communities were called around 2:30 p.m. to a farm off County Road 1300 East in Granville following a report of a grain bin collapse with one person trapped inside. Buffington later confirmed there were two victims: One person died at the scene, and the second individual was rescued and transported by LifeFlight helicopter to a hospital. Two medical helicopters landed near the farm.
Photos by Scott Anderson
Granville and Hennepin firefighters team up with OSF Lifeflight crew at the scene of a grain bin rescue Monday in the 13000 block of North 950th Avenue just south of Granville. Two people fell into the bin, prompting a response from OSF HealthCare Lifeflight helicopters and local emergency crews. One victim was flown from the scene.
SV Ford to merge with Peru, Mendota dealerships
EYES ON ENTERPRISE
Stephanie Jaquin
After almost 17 years of operation at Spring Valley Ford, owner and President Jeff Schimmer announced his decision to consolidate the Spring Valley dealership, 2 Joseph Ruva Drive, with Schimmer Ford in Peru and Mendota Ford.
“This consolidation will be happening soon and will allow us to continue providing our customers with strong inventory, outstanding service, and long-term stability across our dealerships,” Schimmer said in a statement posted to the dealership’s social media.
Customers may continue to receive full Ford sales and service support at either location. Non-warranty repair and maintenance work is available at Schimmer Chevrolet in Mendota, which celebrates 81 years of operation serving the Mendota community.
“We would like to sincerely thank our Spring Valley customers for their years of trust, loyalty and support,” Schimmer said. “It has been an honor serving this community, and we look forward to continuing to take care of your automotive needs at our Peru and Mendota locations.”
Schimmer Ford can be contacted at 815-224-4500 and Mendota Ford can be contacted at 815-539-9314.
Ottawa boutique to close
Iconic Boutique owner Michelle Battistelli announced Sunday that the downtown Ottawa shop will be closing.
“I feel lucky knowing my love for fashion became the shop those loved in return. It was a dream of mine to see 10 years, and I feel blessed I was able to give Iconic 11 good years. I had loyal customers become friends and employees become family and all of that is worth celebrating,” the statement posted to the shop’s social media said Sunday.
Battistelli said the decision was made to give her more time with her family and to give more attention to her next venture.
Iconic’s last day will be Saturday, March 21. The store will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until it closes.
The shop’s charm bar will remain
open and will move to a new location after Iconic closes.
Princeton resale, consignment shop on the move
Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is moving to a new location in March.
The shop currently at 225 Backbone Road, #5, is moving to 902 N. Main St., the former home of Sean Philip Bridals, which closed in March.
The current location will remain open until mid-February, when staff will begin the moving process.
According to the social media post, the move allows more space for merchandise.
New salon with familiar faces opens in La Salle
The salon is new, but the faces aren’t.
Gloss Society recently opened at 2320 Saint Vincent’s Ave., La Salle, with four stylists from the shuttered Jean Arthur Salon in Peru.
“We’re so excited to bring our passion, experience, and creativity into
this new space,” said a post on the salon’s social media. “This new space will provide the excellent service, attention to detail, and care you know and love – just with a fresh new vibe!”
Gloss Society can be reached by phone or text at 815-663-9579. Online booking is available by visiting its Facebook page.
Fire damage interrupts Westclox businesses
Star Union Spirits tasting room is temporarily closed as owners assess their space following a Jan. 20 fire in the Westclox building.
In a social media post, Star Union owners said a fire in a storage space at the neighboring Fire on Fifth affected its air quality. The next day, it was announced it would be closed until further notice.
Spirits are available at Hy-Vee, Peru Liquors, Thyme Craft Kitchen; Peru; Rudy’s Liquors, Haze Smokehouse, The Study Supper Club, Sanctuary, Ninth Street Pub, La Salle; Valentino’s, Ottawa; Skoog’s Pub, Utica; Camp Aramoni, Tonica; Barrel Soci-
ety, Princeton; Sullivan’s Foods in Princeton and Mendota; and Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ, Holloway.
Bottles also can be bought at starunionspirits.com.
Fire on Fifth was closed last week to complete cleanup and prepare to reopen. A date has not yet been announced.
Streator Dairy Queen to reopen for new season
Dairy Queen, 2320 N. Bloomington St., Streator, reopens for its new season Tuesday.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The ice cream shop closed for the season Nov. 23.
The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
Stephanie Jaquins
Iconic Boutique owner Michelle Battistelli announced Sunday that the downtown Ottawa shop will be closing.
STATE
Study urges lawmakers to address clean energy
Union
of Concerned Scientists recommend requiring data centers pay full cost of their effect on electrical grid
By ERIC PETERSON epeterson@dailyherald.com
Citing risks of increased pollution and higher electricity costs for all consumers, a science-based nonprofit is calling on Illinois lawmakers to strengthen regulations amid the ongoing data center boom.
But not all stakeholders believe more government intervention is the answer.
Data center development is ongoing in suburbs including Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Mount Prospect, but more recent proposals in towns such as Naperville and Lisle have been met with pushback from neighbors, mirroring a national trend.
The Union of Concerned Scientists released a report Wednesday recommending new Illinois legislation this spring to encourage the development of more clean energy sources to keep up with the growing electricity demand from data centers.
The report also recommends requiring data centers pay the full cost of their effect on the electrical grid, shielding other customers from sharing the burden.
James Gignac, Midwest policy director for UCS, said energy consumption tops the list of concerns about data center growth in Illinois.
“Our analysis is really a call to action for state policymakers and the Illinois Commerce Commission,” Gignac added.
The recommendations were made with the full awareness of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act Gov. JB Pritzker signed this month, he said.
The passage of that law addresses many transmission and grid issues, but even stronger commitment to clean energy is sought, said Hannah Flath, director of communications for the Illinois Environmental Council.
The IEC and other members of an Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition are working with UCS to encourage recommended legislation, Flath said.
The report has already reached Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
“The Speaker has a small working group working on this issue,” spokesperson Delores Walton said. “They are hoping to have something resolved by the end of this spring session.”
Critics of clean energy often question its ability to provide the strength and reli-
ability of fossil fuels. Gignac said clean energy has the potential to power data centers’ growth, especially with further development of battery storage technology.
The federal government’s stance on clean energy under the Trump administration is very different from Illinois’, Gignac noted. While a change in the federal position would help Illinois, there’s no reason to wait for it, he added.
The report indicates data centers will account for up to 64% of electricity demand growth in Illinois by 2030.
Without policy changes, such growth would increase pollution and expand reliance on out-of-state electricity, it adds.
Plus, minus better protections for other consumers, the next 25 years could put Illinois residents at risk of an additional $24 billion in energy costs, the study claims.
Gignac said nuclear power isn’t recommended because its expense didn’t meet the cost-benefit thresholds of any of the models.
ComEd is an electricity provider, not a producer, but its Director of Economic Development Max Leichtman said the company is already taking steps that
could make legislation unnecessary regarding the financial aspect of the UCS proposal.
The utility has introduced “Transmission Security Agreements” for large electricity users like data centers to protect other customers and ensure fairness.
These would provide more financial security, such as a letter of credit, if a developer didn’t follow through after expensive electricity infrastructure is built.
“We want to make sure there’s an insurance policy in place,” Leichtman said.
ComEd also filed a future grid plan this month to ensure the system can accommodate demand from larger users.
Leichtman said ComEd’s record demand for electricity is 24,000 megawatts. But there are currently more than 100 applications for projects that together call for more than another 30,000 megawatts.
Like ComEd, the data center industry’s response to any new legislation will likely depend on its details, Data Center Coalition Director of State Policy Brad Tietz said.
He felt a mandate could diminish the
benefits flexibility has brought developers in providing their own clean energy.
Many suburbs initially welcomed data center developments because of the property tax benefits, but the promise of increased tax revenue hasn’t been enough to push recent proposals over the finish line in some suburbs. Naperville’s City Council recently rejected one such proposal last week.
Data center proponents warn that Illinois could lose developments to neighboring states.
The UCS proposal could make Illinois mandates for clean energy the strongest nationwide and further affect developers’ perception of their flexibility here, Tietz said.
“You don’t want to make yourself an outlier,” he added. “There is recognition that Illinois is starting to lose its position in the top five, and we don’t want that.”
But Tietz believes leaders in Springfield have a good grasp of the balance needed to make data center growth an overall win for the state.
“There are a lot of legislators who understand economic development,” he said. “You can walk and chew gum at the same time.”
Paul Valade – pvalade@dailyherald.com
Crews work in the substation area of the new Compass Datacenters development on the former Sears headquarters site in Hoffman Estates.
Two charged in Bureau County after seizure of guns, cocaine, cash
By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com
Two men await detention hearings after traffic stop in Peru yielded more than 2 ounces of cocaine and a pair of search warrants yielded guns and another 4-plus pounds of cocaine.
Police halted Naichiem Saepharn at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 21, at Peoria and 15th streets in Peru. There, agents with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, assisted by La Salle County investigators and a K-9 unit, searched the vehicle and found 68.3 grams of purported cocaine.
Saepharn was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony. Sentencing ranges are weight-based, and his potential prison time has yet to be disclosed in open court.
After the arrest, TRIDENT said in a Thursday news release, two search warrants were executed in DePue in the 1300 block of St. Paul Street and the 100 block of Mason Street.
A search of the St. Paul Street residence resulted in the seizure of
2,046 grams of purported cocaine, about 250 grams of cannabis, three firearms and a “substantial amount” of U.S. currency.
The recovery of these items resulted in Saepharn being charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (more than 900 grams) and possession of a weapon by a felon, TRIDENT said. Formal charges for the cocaine possession will come at a later date, pending laboratory results. Saepharn is being held in the Bureau County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.
A search warrant of the Mason Street property yielded about 99 grams (3.5 ounces) of purported cocaine, and two firearms were recovered.
As a result of the search and seizure, Heber Moreno faces a preliminary charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of a weapon without a valid firearm owner’s identification card.
Formal charges for the cocaine possession also will come at a later date, pending laboratory results, police said. Moreno was taken to the Bureau County Jail.
Photo provided by TRIDENT
Two men await detention hearings after a Wednesday traffic stop in Peru yielded more than 2 ounces of cocaine – and after a pair of search warrants yielded guns and another 4-plus pounds of cocaine.
Office vacancies, tax payment delays and the Kenosha Bears?
It’s hardly the biggest crisis facing Illinois – or anywhere else, for that matter – but in terms of issues state lawmakers can effectively address, it might be time to start getting concerned about the continually escalating vacancy rate of office space statewide.
Again, setting aside the obvious reality, this isn’t a human rights concern. A Friday report in Crain’s Chicago Business, quoting the Jones Lang LaSalle real estate firm, said the suburban office vacancy rate is 32.9%, another record high, just like each quarterly report of the last five years. The pre-COVID rate was 22.1%.
While this remains primarily a private sector problem, it doesn’t feel far away from plummeting property values that will definitely affect local government tax revenue. There’s also the matter of what to do with these giant buildings unwanted for their intended
EYE ON ILLINOIS
Scott T. Holland
purpose. Updating zoning is one thing, physically adapting or removing structures is another. And then it becomes time to revisit infrastructure like transportation and public services.
When vacancies begin to tank city and school budgets, Springfield will need to be involved in solutions.
TAXES TOO: The Jan. 20 column (“Clerks encouraging absentee voters to advance mail-in timelines”) drew a helpful response from Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy:
“Another coming headache for taxpayers and county treasurers will be caused by the USPS change in how/
when they apply the postmark. The back of the Will County property tax bills will include a warning to get ‘same day’ or ‘manual’ postmarks if sending payments on or near the due dates. I’m predicting more than usual payments considered ‘late’ due to the change.”
The message grows clearer: if you’re relying on a postmark to verify anything, don’t leave anything to chance.
WHY NOT? While catching up on CapitolFax.com blog posts last week, I encountered a comment from “47th Ward,” who suggested Wisconsin lawmakers might get in on the bidding frenzy for a new Chicago Bears stadium, noting “The Foxconn site near Kenosha is only 20 minutes from Halas Hall in Lake Forest.”
I’m quite familiar with the roads around Halas Hall and the trip to Kenosha – it’s a much better drive
than from there to a stadium in Gary, Indiana. Not only that, but Kenosha is almost exactly as far away from Green Bay’s Lambeau Field as Gary is from Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium – about 153 miles and a 195-minute drive in ideal traffic conditions. There aren’t nearly enough people asking how Colts management feels about Indiana lawmakers opening the piggy bank for an interloping franchise, so surely Packers fans would welcome a second team north of the Cheddar Curtain, right?
(Required reading, from September 2023: “After initial fanfare, Foxconn deal a giant loser for Wisconsin” at tinyurl.com/FoxconnLoser.)
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia. com.
Lawmakers not ruling out game plan to keep Bears in Illinois
Illinois House Democrats were told recently that a state capital projects plan designed to assist Arlington Height’s bid to lure the Chicago Bears away from their Indiana stadium gambit would cost up to $895 million.
None of the money would be used to directly build the new Bears stadium or the surrounding commercial district envisioned by the team’s ownership. Gov. JB Pritzker insisted to reporters earlier this month that the projects would be done to help enhance the area. Capital assistance has been on the table since the Soldier Field tear-down proposal, but now we have an idea how much the team wants for this project.
A portion of the capital funding would be used for things like moving water mains to allow for the stadium’s construction. Other improvements, including a major tollway project, would benefit the surrounding area, but, like the water lines, also probably wouldn’t be done without the new stadium.
Politically, it’s imperative that the state not be seen as giving the billionaire Bears ownership a taxpayer-funded stadium. If they can give themselves enough cover, then maybe (maybe) they might possibly find enough votes for this. But it’s still a straight uphill climb even after Indiana has begun putting its cards on the table.
Lots of meetings have been held at the legislative and executive levels with the team and local government officials. Whether this is motion or actual movement remains to be seen. But some previously recalcitrant Chicago legislators do appear to be considering an Arlington Heights plan to prevent the team from crossing the border.
You’ve probably already seen that an Indiana Senate committee unanimously approved a bill to attract the Bears across state lines last week.
Before they passed the bill, the committee stripped out minority and women contract goals and protections, which is not a good look for the Bears here.
According to the bill, the stadium’s construction funding includes “proceeds of local excise taxes” and “applicable proceeds of food and beverage tax and innkeepers [hotel] tax.” Those local sales taxes would pay the lease, which would in turn pay off the bonds for building a new stadium.
Right now, there’s no state limit on the amount of bonding authority to finance the complex, which will defi-
nitely run into the billions of dollars.
The size of the taxing district or whether tax increases or even new taxes would have to be imposed are not specified in the bill, either.
Lots of local governments over a wide swath of Indiana could be frozen out of receiving increased sales tax collections, and/or taxpayers could feasibly be hit with new taxes or higher rates.
The legislative calendars in each state may give Indiana an advantage. Indiana state law requires adjournment by March 14, but Hoosier legislative leaders have said they want to adjourn by Feb. 27.
Indiana’s House Speaker said last week that he won’t run a bill unless the Bears commit to moving to his state. If he sticks to his guns, he could force the team to pick a state well ahead of the Feb. 27 deadline.
The Illinois Legislature doesn’t usually do much until after the March primary, so getting something done or on the table this month would be way out of character.
And some Illinois legislative higher-ups want to wait and to see what Indiana does before moving forward.
Indiana’s governor has engaged in open warfare with key Republican state senators including its top leader after the chamber rejected his proposal to
redraw congressional boundaries to help Republicans. It’s also doubtful that Indianapolis will welcome competition from another domed stadium for major sports and concert events, and the House Speaker represents some Indianapolis suburbs.
The Bears also want a Payment in Lieu of Taxes bill from Illinois. The legislation would let them lock in annual payments to local governments for decades, rather than be subjected to the ever-increasing payments under the property tax system. From what I’m hearing, however, quite a large number of legislators don’t yet have a decent understanding about what that PILOT bill would do. But the bill is seen as attractive to state leaders because it puts the onus on local governments and doesn’t cost the state a dime.
The bottom line is that the Bears’ Indiana gambit has managed to change the public tone of leaders like Gov. JB Pritzker, who is no longer openly hostile to the idea. House Speaker Chris Welch recently posted photos of himself hanging out in the Bears owner’s skybox.
For both states, motion is one thing, actual movement is another.
• Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Rich Miller VIEWS
Mendota High School Board of Education approves calendar
By MATHIAS WOERNER mwoerner@shawmedia.com
The Mendota High School board approved a tentative schedule for the 2026-27 school year.
The calendar accounts for nine holidays, four teacher institute days and two days of parent-teacher conferences that will substitute for student attendance.
There is a built-in accommodation for five emergency days, which are to be used in the case of inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances.
The first day of attendance for students is slated for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. The tentative last day of attendance for students is Friday, May 21, 2027.
The first two teacher institute days are set for the two days prior to the first day of student attendance, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12-13, 2026.
The other two teacher institute days during the year are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, and Monday, Jan. 4, 2027.
Winter break and spring break are both scheduled to last 11 days.
Winter break will go from Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, to Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Students will not return until Jan. 5 due to New Year’s Day, the weekend and the
teacher institute day scheduled for Jan 4.
Spring break will go from Friday, March 19, 2027, to Monday, March 29, 2027. Students will not be in attendance the week of March 22, 2027.
Thanksgiving break will run from Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026 to Friday, Nov. 27, 2026.
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. There will be a half day with an 11:30 a.m. dismissal.
There is a proposal on behalf of the School Board to host the community Veterans Day ceremony during the school day, but nothing is official as of yet.
There will be no school on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, and Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, due to parent-teacher conferences. Parent-teacher conferences also will run from 4 to 7 p.m. on two days earlier in these weeks, but students will be in attendance on those days.
Prior to the dedicated PTC day of Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, parent-teacher conference slots will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19 and Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Prior to the dedicated PTC day of Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, parent-teacher conference slots will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and Thursday, Feb. 18.
Shaw Local News Network file photo Mendota Township High School recently approved the calendar for the 2026-27 school year.
Princeton Closet gives back $200K to Bureau County nonprofits
Resale shop has given $2.3M in total to local organizations
By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com
The Princeton Closet resale shop distributed $200,000 to local nonprofits Jan. 20 during its annual Lending a Hand ceremony, with more than 60 representatives from local organizations attending the event to celebrate.
Checks were awarded to 44 nonprofit organizations serving Bureau County, continuing a tradition that has become the resale shop’s most anticipated event of the year.
“This is the night that we work toward all year long so we can give back to the area,” board President Dianne Van Drew said, speaking to attendees gathered inside the shop. “In the last 16 years, we’ve been able to give back $2.3 million to this great community. Think of all the lives that might have been touched because of that.”
Van Drew made sure to give credit to community donations, shoppers,
staff, volunteers and board members for making the funding possible, noting that donated items are resold in the store, and proceeds are returned to the community through grants.
Funds distributed through the program support a range of local needs, including social services, youth programs, education, health-related initiatives and community organizations in the area.
Now in its 57th year, the annual ceremony saw one of its largest crowds, staff at the resale shop said.
Store manager Amy Murphy said the growing crowd each year shows continued community support and the overall reach of the program after all these years.
“To see all of you here just adds another level of accomplishment for everything that we do and the support that we give to the community,” Murphy told the crowd. “This isn’t about making money. It’s about lifting up and highlighting the organizations that we help and support.”
Murphy also encouraged organizations to work with Princeton Closet throughout the year to help share what
they do and how the funding helps the community. She said the shop plans to highlight local nonprofits through social media and various in-store events to raise awareness.
At the end of the ceremony, representatives from each organization were invited forward to receive their checks.
Local nonprofits benefiting from the program
Princeton Club 56, Second Story Teen Center, Arukah Institute of Healing, Princeton Community Band, Bureau County Food Pantry of TriCounty Opportunities, Princeton Ministerial Association Assistance Fund, Barker Farm Outreach, Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, Western Bureau County Food Pantry, Playground Project at New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bureau County Senior Citizens Association, Cornerstone Community Wellness, Making It Program and Practical Christian Life Ministry at Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Bureau Valley Buddy Bags, Wyanet United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Club VIP Ministry of Evangeli-
cal Covenant Church, Festival 56’s Shakespeare in the Park, Happy Hands Preschool at Evangelical Covenant Church, Helping Hands at New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Kids’ Klubs, Magi Baby Chest at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton Buddy Bags, Princeton Christian Academy, Princeton High School Music Boosters, University of Illinois Bureau County Extension, Walnut Historical Society, Gateway Services, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 125, Camp 56 and Learning Stage of the Princeton Theater Group, Bureau County Historical Society, First Lutheran Church mobile food distribution, American Legion Post 125, Bureau County Christmas for Kids, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living Community Grant, Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Prairie Arts Council, MomCo of Bureau County, A Night to Remember, Flags of Freedom I-80, Ladd After School Program and Perfectly Flawed Foundation.
Scott Anderson
More than 40 organizations across Bureau County pose for a group photo Jan. 20, during a distribution of checks totaling $200,000 at the Closet in Princeton. The Closet has donated $2.3 million to area organizations in the past 16 years.
Which expensive homes sold the week of Jan. 12 in La Salle County?
By UNITED ROBOTS contact@shawmedia.com
A single-family home in Ottawa that sold for $608,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County in the past week.
In total, 19 residential real estate sales were recorded in the county during the past week, with an average price of $204,632, or $147 per square foot.
The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Jan. 12, even if the property sold earlier.
1
$608,000, single-family home at 215 Leeward Way: A 2,400-square-foot single-family residence at 215 Leeward Way in Ottawa has been sold.
The total purchase price was $608,000, $253 per square foot. The house was built in 2021.
The home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The deal was closed on Dec. 26, 2025.
OBITUARIES
CAROL SCHINZER
Born: February 6, 1937 in Peru, IL
Died: January 23, 2026 in Rochelle, IL
Carol Phyllis Schinzer, 88, of West Brooklyn, passed away surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren on January 23, 2026. Carol was born to William and Myrtle (Kessler) Theisinger on February 6, 1937, in Peru, Illinois. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Gene Schinzer, and spent 70 loving years together. Carol was a woman with many interests; she was active in her church choir singing, she was the bookkeeper for the family business, she served on the election board in West Brooklyn, and she sometimes wrote for her local West Brooklyn section of the Mendota newspaper. She loved to golf when the weather was warm and spent winters in Tucson, Arizona. Carol was a social butterfly within her community and had a deep passion for putting others
2
$479,000, residential home at 13 Starboard Street: A 1,539-square-foot residential property at 13 Starboard St. in Ottawa has been sold. The total sale price was $479,000, $311 per square foot. The house was built in 2025 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The deal was finalized Dec. 22, 2025.
3
$370,000, single-family home at 2556 East 269th Road: The single-family residence at 2556 E. 269th Road in Peru has new owners. The price was $370,000. The home was built in 1969 and has a living area of 1,812 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $204. The transaction was completed on Dec. 24, 2025.
4
$350,000, single-family home at 4470 East 1369th Road: The sale of the single-family residence at 4470 E. 1369th Road in Earlville has been finalized. The price was $350,000. The house was built in 2005 and has a living area of 1,968 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $178. The deal was closed on Dec. 26, 2025.
5
$236,000, single-family home at 764 Fillebrowne Street: A sale has been finalized for the single-family residence at 764 Fillebrowne St. in Marseilles. The price was $236,000. The house was built in 1937 and the living area totals 1,033 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $228. The deal was finalized on Dec. 26, 2025.
6
$229,000, residential home at 407 4th Avenue: A 1,996-square-foot residential property at 407 Fourth Ave. in Ottawa has been sold. The total purchase price was $229,000, $115 per square foot. The house was built in 1928. The transaction was completed on Dec. 22, 2025.
7
$225,000, single-family home at 1314B Sycamore Street: The single-family residence at 1314B Sycamore St. in Peru has new owners. The price was $225,000. The home was built in 2001 and has a living area of 1,160 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $194. The deal was closed on Dec. 22, 2025.
• LA SALLE-PERU HONOR ROLL
Continued from page 9
before herself.
Carol is survived by her loving husband Gene, her sister Marilyn Freedy, and five adoring children: Barb (Mike) Savitch, Sandy (Bill) Grzeskiewcz, Mark (Deb) Schinzer, Sue (Neil) Smith, and Stacy (Chris) Fowler. Her ten cherished grandchildren: Eric, Luke, Zach, Angela, Gabe, Samantha, Hayden, Jake, Rowan, and Grady. And three great-grandchildren, Bennett, Leighton, and Riplee.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle, her grandparents, her brother Donald, and her sister Joyce. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Beverage- Lyons Family Funeral Home, 601 Richardson Avenue, Ashton, IL 61006. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, 803 Paddock Avenue, Ashton, IL, 61006. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 A.M. with a graveside service to follow at Ashton Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com
Neena Baker, Dulce Bermudez, Briggs Brown, Amelia Buckley, Anna Bufmack, Sam Bustos, Krillin Calkins, Alma CarpioSola, Brittany Clifton, Damian Cortes, Alexis
8
$196,000, single-family home at 1331 West Washington Street: The sale of the single-family residence at 1331 W. Washington St. in Ottawa has been finalized. The price was $196,000. The house was built in 1966 and has a living area of 1,576 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $124. The transaction was completed on Dec. 22, 2025.
9
$188,000, single-family home at 1822 Fulton Street: A 1,404-square-foot single-family residence at 1822 Fulton St. in Peru has been sold. The total purchase price was $188,000, $134 per square foot. The home was built in 1939. The deal was finalized on Dec. 26, 2025.
10
$148,000, single-family home at 424 East 1st Street: A sale has been finalized for the single-family residence at 424 E. First St. in Oglesby. The price was $148,000. The house was built in 1900 and the living area totals 976 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $152. The deal was closed on Dec. 29, 2025.
Crockett, Ava Cumming, Lyric Davis, Makyha Davis, Zariah Delgado, Bayah Devera, Jax Does, Jayde Drummond, Susana Enrique, Jacob Gaddis, Isabella Gadison, Diana Gonzalez, Annabelle Haradon, Gabriel Hedgepeth, Lilyana Hernandez, Clayton Herz, Landyn Jordan, Liam Knoblauch, Giavanna Manzella, Madelynn Marliere, Alejandro Mason, Terrence Mayers, Jaedyn McNutt, Adelene Medina, David Niemiec, Rylee Peterson, Alexander Rax, Imani Robinson, Sarah Shukri, Kye Smith, Lyndin Spayer, Madilyn Thacker, Casey Walter, Kevin Word, Lidia Wozniak, Chayce Young Freshmen
Connor Allen, Damian Arevalo, Alexis Baker, Ella Begly, Rylan Bernardoni, Brady Calhoun, Gabriella Castaneda, Caden Currie, Bentley DiLuciano, Eve Engels, Kali Ernat, Lilith Frey, Eion Grotti, Caroline Grubar, Colt Hancock, Miles Hawthorne, Joshua Jones, Bridgette Larson, Zaraiy Magana, Giovanni Maggio, McKaiden Martin, Yaseen Mejri, Noah Murillo, Hayden Obermiller, Brodie Perez, Saija Pinnegar, Zachary Piscia, Liam Repsel, Christopher Scoma-Welk, Erin Shetterly, Lily Siekierka, Logan Sines, Logan Tipton, Deanna Torres, Miles Ummel, Natillie Wozniak, Carter Wright
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Racket sport pros
4. Make tea
8. City South of Moscow
10. Spanish bullfighting term
11. Egg-shaped
12. Could not remember
13. French modernist painter
15. Persons
16. Painful intestinal obstruction
17. Professions
18. Is up to the task
21. Wood or metal bolt
22. Tax collector
23. A way to save for the future
24. Georgia rockers
25. Midway between north and northeast
26. High schoolers’ test
27. Does not accept responsibility
34. One who prepares
35. Gout-indicative deposits
36. Place to play games
37. Book of Genesis character
38. Cleans oneself
39. Unloaded for money
40. Genus of flowering plants
41. Take a puff
42. Congressmen
43. God of battle in Scandinavian mythology
DOWN
1. Type of bomb
2. South Pacific islands
3. Celestial body
4. Negotiates
5. Consider in a specified way
6. Type of group in organic chemistry
7. Buddhist monasteries
9. Inhabitant of Bering Sea island
10. Body part
12. Milestone birthday
14. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
15. More (Spanish)
17. Chicago ballplayer
19. Leaves a place 20. Cannot be found
23. One’s internal body parts 24. Tell on 25. North American peoples of southwest
26. Soviet Socialist Republic
27. Extract used for jams and jellies
28. Greek goddess of the dawn
29. Old English letter
30. A way to exaggerate 31. Get up and leave 32.
“Boardwalk Empire” character 33. More generous 34. Hanging cloth used as a blind
Ancient Greek sophist
A CLOSER LOOK Stored crop amounts are up from 2025
By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com
WASHINGTON – The amount of corn, soybeans and wheat remaining in bins increased year-over-year in the first quarter of the new marketing year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly grain stocks report reflects grain supplies stored both on-farm and off-farm on Dec. 1, 2025, the end of the first quarter.
Corn stored in all positions on Dec. 1, 2025, totaled 13.282 billion bushels, up from 12.075 billion bushels Dec. 1, 2024.
Of the total U.S. corn stocks, 8.70 billion bushels are stored on farms, 14% higher than a year earlier.
Off-farm stocks, at 4.58 billion bushels, are up 4% from a year ago.
The September-November 2025 indicated disappearance is 5.29 billion bushels, compared with 4.58 billion bushels during the same period last year.
Soybeans
Soybeans stored in all positions on Dec. 1, 2025, totaled 3.29 billion bushels, up 6% from the 3.1 billion stored Dec. 1, 2024.
Domestic soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 1.58 billion bushels, 2% higher than a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 1.71 billion bushels, are up 10% from last December.
Indicated disappearance for September-November 2025 totaled 1.30 billion bushels, down 20% from the same period a year earlier.
All wheat
USDA reported all wheat stored in all positions on Dec. 1, 2025, totaled 1.675 billion bushels, up 7% from a year ago’s 1.572 billion.
On-farm wheat stocks are estimated at 446 million bushels, down 4% from last December. Off-farm stocks, at 1.23 billion bushels, are up 11% from a year ago.
The September-November 2025 indicated disappearance is 459 million bushels, 9% above the same period a year earlier.
On-Farm capacity
The nation’s on-farm storage capacity totaled 13.6 billion bushels on Dec. 1, 2025, up less than 1% from the estimate
Corn stocks by position Dec. 1, 2024 and 2025 (1,000 bushels)
Illinois
On-farm 2024: 1,130,000
Off-farm 2024: 892,953
On-farm 2025: 1,150,000
Off-farm 2025: 890,505
Indiana
On-farm 2024: 650,000
Off-farm 2024: 239,014
On-farm 2025: 670,000
Off-farm 2025: 233,626
Iowa
On-farm 2024: 1,350,000
Off-farm 2024: 828,696
On-farm 2025: 1,450,000
Off-farm 2025: 827,129
year ago.
Iowa continues to lead all states with 2.05 billion bushels of on-farm storage capacity, followed by Minnesota with 1.55 billion bushels.
Other major states include Illinois with 1.50 billion bushels of on-farm storage, Nebraska with 1.18 billion bushels, North Dakota with 930 million
Soybean stocks by position Sept. 1, 2024 and 2025 (1,000 bushels)
Illinois
On-farm 2024: 255,000
Off-farm 2024: 289,216
On-farm 2025: 260,000
Off-farm 2025: 312,189
Indiana
On-farm 2024: 165,000
Off-farm 2024: 97,784
On-farm 2025: 150,000
Off-farm 2025: 108,563
Iowa
On-farm 2024: 220,000
Off-farm 2024: 286,550
On-farm 2025: 215,000
Off-farm 2025: 307,086
bushels and Indiana with 860 million bushels of on-farm storage capacity. These six states account for 59% of the nation’s on-farm storage capacity.
On-farm grain storage capacity includes all bins, cribs, sheds and other structures located on farms that are normally used to store whole grains, oilseeds or pulse crops.
Off-farm capacity
Capacity of off-farm commercial grain storage in the United States totaled 11.9 billion bushels on Dec. 1, 2025, up less than 1% from Dec. 1, 2024.
The largest increase occurred in Illinois where an additional 20 million bushels of capacity were added since Dec. 1, 2024. Other notable increases were shown in Iowa, where capacity increased by 10 million bushes, and South Dakota, where capacity increased by 5 million bushels.
Illinois and Iowa remained the two largest off-farm storage capacity states during 2025 with 1.67 billion and 1.54 billion bushels, respectively. Kansas was the third largest, followed by Nebraska and Minnesota. These five states accounted for 53% of the nation’s offfarm storage capacity on Dec. 1, 2025.
Off-farm storage facilities totaled 7,844 on Dec. 1, 2025, 1% below the Dec. 1, 2024, estimate.
States with the largest number of facilities include Iowa with 820, Illinois with 790, Kansas with 685, Minnesota with 480, and Nebraska with 470.
Survey procedures
USDA’s grain stocks estimates in this report are based on surveys conducted during the month of December. Separate surveys are conducted to obtain the on-farm and off-farm estimates.
The on-farm stocks survey is a probability survey that includes a sample of approximately 73,100 farm operators selected from a list of producers that ensures all operations in the United States have a chance to be selected.
These producers are asked to provide the total quantities of grain stored on their operations as of Dec. 1, 2025. This includes all whole grains and oilseeds stored whether for feed, seed, or sale, as well as any stored under a government program.
The off-farm stocks survey is an enumeration of all known commercial grain storage facilities. This includes approximately 7,800 facilities with 11.9 billion bushels of storage capacity. An effort is made to obtain a report from all facilities.
Reports of stock holdings are normally received from operations covering about 90% of the capacity. Estimates are made for missing facilities to make the survey complete.
AP photo
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly grain stocks report reflects grain supplies stored both on-farm and off-farm on Dec. 1, 2025, the end of the first quarter.
Bureau County coaches having trouble with expansion proposal
By KEVIN HIERONYMUS khieronymus@shawmedia.com
Expansion is coming for this year’s state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason, thanks to a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252.
But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.
The IHSA Sports Medicine Committee has suggested to move up the start of football practices this fall from Aug. 10 to Aug. 5, reinstating that all football players in the state should participate in 12 official practices prior to being eligible to participate in an IHSA football contest.
The IHSA’s Legislative Commission will convene Tuesday to consider this recommendation. If approved, IHSA member schools will have the opportunity to vote on a new proposal beginning Thursday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 12. If the proposal receives majority support it will go into affect in time for the 2026 football season.
Unlike the district proposal in 2023, that initially passed but later rescinded by a second vote, the IHSA said expansion will be implemented this fall regardless of the outcome of its Legislative Commission’s actions and subsequent vote.
Two Bureau County football coaches, Pat Elder of Bureau Valley and Ryan Pearson of Princeton, say the possibility of moving up the first practice by five days should have been included in the initial proposal calling for expansion.
Elder doesn’t believe the proposal for expansion would have passed had schools known there could be an amendment to it.
“I don’t agree with the way that this has played out,” Elder said. “I’m a firm believer this would not have passed had you’d told us they were going to be moving up the season.”
“Wasn’t in favor of expansion to start with,” he added. “It was passed on the premise practice would not be moved up. That was a big component going into it.
MENDOTA SPORTS ROUNDUP
Scott Anderson
Elder doesn’t believe the proposal for expansion would have passed had schools known there could be an amendment to it.
That’s why this proposal was favored over the Roxanna proposal with the districts because it didn’t move practices. To turn around now and say there’s a possibility practice is going to get moved up I believe it circumvented the process of getting somebody what they wanted.
“I think at this point in time we oughta deal with what’s passed. You change it now you’ve got not just schools, but families with lot of planning, a lot of adjusting. Frankly, I hope the principals vote to keep it Aug. 10.”
Regardless of what comes out of the latest proposition, the Storm coach said it won’t impact his summer plans.
“We’ve taken the week of the 4th [July] off for 20 years. We’re still going to honor the first week of August, get our summer stuff done in July. We felt that we needed that for prep for the season,” Elder said. “It’s always nice to have a little freshness going into August.”
Pearson said the latest proposition is frustrating for coaches across the state of Illinois.
“When you go to make a big decision like that to expand things, I think you
really have to take into account all avenues,” he said. “And I don’t think they truly thought about all the factors that go into it. I think it was just a knee jerk reaction.”
The uncertainty and potential change of first practices creates chaos, Pearson said, causing coaches and families to rewrite their summer calendar, again.
“We put a calendar out as soon as the IHSA made their decision they’re going to move the season up a full week,” Pearson said. “We adjusted our entire summer calendar and our in-season calendar and got all that out to our players and families. I know my family is included in this. We had a vacation planned because we thought the dead week was going to be that first week in August. But now they’re talking about moving practices up to that Wednesday and now all of us who have scheduled family vacations at that time are trying to scramble to redo those things.
“It’s frustrating to me,” he added. “We always get the information out to our families very quick so they can plan their family time and we’ve had to change it
three times now. I think this could have been all avoided had they truly thought about all avenues before making this decision.”
The Tigers coach points out that these are not a summer workout that a player could miss, but rather IHSA mandatory practices.
“If they don’t show, they’re not going to be eligible to play in the first game because you have to have a certain number of practices in before you play in a game,” he said.
Normally, Pearson gives his team a full two weeks off before the start of the first practice, because “I think it’s important to give families their time and for the kids and coaches to come in fresh.”
He’s not sure how that will play out now.
“I’m kind of in limbo until I know if they are going to move the season up,” he said. “I’m almost sitting on my hands waiting for them to finally tell us this is when practice is going to start and then we have to get the information out.”
As the result of moving their football schedule up week, schools have had to do remakes for homecoming and senior nights. Princeton’s Homecoming will not be until Week 8 now against Hall. Pearson said the only home date in the middle of the season was during the Homestead Festival and they wanted to avoid that.
“Really kind of stinks because Week 8 is going to be homecoming and Week 9 is going to be senior night,” Pearson said.
Bureau Valley’s original homecoming week was scheduled for Oct. 5 - 10, with the game on the 9th and the dance on the 10th. BV had already booked a DJ, but he was able to accommodate the change. Its new homecoming date will now be the week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 3, with the game on Oct. 2 and the dance on Oct. 3.
“We had originally tried to avoid the Oct. 3rd weekend because of Walnut’s Fall Fest, but the IHSA’s schedule adjustment left us with limited options,” BV Athletic Director Philip Przybyla said.
Mendota Trojans top DeKalb in overtime in nonconference win
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Boys basketball
Mendota 61, DeKalb 57 (OT): The Trojans outscored the Barbs 8-4 in overtime to pull out a nonconference victory in Mendota.
Girls basketball
Oliver Munoz led Mendota (18-5) with 17 points, while Drew Becker scored 15 points, and Cole Tillman added 14.
Newman Central Catholic 56, Mendota 24: At Mendota, Eva Beetz had six points, six rebounds and three steals as the Trojans fell to the Comets in a Three Rivers Conference contest.
Bureau Valley 53, Mendota 35: Libby Endress scored 18 points as the Storm earned a nonconference victory in Manlius. Brynley Doty had 12 points for BV (15-7), while Kadyn Haage contributed 10 points.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS
HISTORY
2017: Australian Open Women’s Tennis: Serena Williams defeats older sister Venus Williams 6–4, 6–4 for her seventh Australian title and record 23rd Grand Slam event singles victory.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
‘LIMITED OPTIONS’
Moving start of practice now would cause coaches, families to scramble with summer plans / 23
Princeton Head Coach Ryan Pearson talks with team after win on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Richard Nesti Stadium in Spring Valley.
