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Blackstone School first graders make Valentine's Day cards. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)

Blackstone first graders send kindness in Valentine's Day cards

MENDOTA – There is one word and sentiment first graders at Blackstone School will not forget during the school year – kindness.
More local news
Discover the vibrant world of bird-watching Feb. 22 in Ottawa
OGLESBY – Nell’s Woodland and the University of Illinois Extension invites the community to attend a Winter Birding event on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland in Ottawa (2000 Alexis Ave.).
IDOA launches "Illinois Grown" to boost statewide agriculture producers
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Grown, a new program from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), will make it easier to support local farmers and businesses.
Conozca Sus Derechos - Know your rights
MENDOTA – Mendota 289’s BPAC in partnership with Mendota High School’s BPAC is hosting a presentation by Sara Dady, a regional immigration attorney.
IVCC scholarship application window open until March 6
OGLESBY – Current and incoming IVCC students can apply for nearly $300,000 worth of scholarships now until March 6.
Submarine down the Illinois River program planned by Mendota Historical Society
MENDOTA – For its first program of 2025, The Mendota Historical Society is thrilled to welcome historian and Navy veteran Joe Tokarz to give a presentation on a unique slice of World War II history. The presentation is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 22.
MASS saves clients big money during 2024 Med D enrollment
MENDOTA – It’s well-known Mendota Area Senior Services assists Mendota and the surrounding area in many different ways.
Sports
Angil Serrano advanced out of the IHSA Class 1A St. Bede Regional with a second-place finish. A semifinal pinfall victory at 2:58 over St. Bede's Grady Gillan propelled the 285-pound senior Trojan into the first-place match. (Reporter photo by Brandon LaChance)
Trojans qualify four wrestlers for Oregon Sectional
PERU – For the first time in some time, the Mendota wrestling team is sending four wrestlers to the sectional after advancing out of the IHSA Class 1A St. Bede Regional on Feb. 8.
Mendota’s Johan Cortez drives to the basket between Princeton defenders Jackson Mason, left, and Noah LaPorte during a Three Rivers Conference game on Feb. 7 at the MHS gym. (Reporter photo)
Trojans rally past Hall; Princeton hands MHS first conference loss
Beating a team three times in a season is a difficult proposition. It’s even more of a challenge when the twice-beaten squad has its best player on the floor.
Season ends for MHS girls' bowlers
DIXON- The Mendota girls’ bowling team had its season come to a close after competing in the Dixon Regional on Feb. 7 at the Plum Hollow Family Center in Dixon.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Betty Dufour
MENDOTA – Betty Dufour, 84, of Mendota, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Joanne M. Politsch
MENDOTA – Joanne M. (Haub) Politsch, 94, of Mendota, passed away Feb. 11, 2025, at Stonecroft Village with her loving family by her side.
Timothy M. Kromm
MENDOTA – Timothy Michael Kromm, 70, of Mendota, formerly of West Brooklyn, passed away on Jan. 29, 2025, in Mendota.
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