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77 to lose jobs after Starved Rock Wood Products announces closure

MENDOTA – Starved Rock Wood Products (SRWP) officials have regretfully announced the upcoming closure of its wood products manufacturing facilities in Mendota.
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Giannoulias
SOS Giannoulias lays out the facts about REAL ID
SPRINGFIELD – With the REAL ID May 7 enforcement date approaching, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs as many scramble to get one.
Measure threatens to dissolve Illinois' rural townships, sparking opposition
SPRINGFIELD – Opponents say Senate Bill 2217 will be detrimental to rural Illinoisans by dissolving townships that have population sizes less than 5,000.
Reimagine Mendota starts fundraising for pavilion
MENDOTA – When Black Brothers announced they were presenting Reimagine Mendota with a match donation of up to $100,000 in February 2024, the civic group knew it had to think of ways to raise money.
Samantha Whiteaker
Nursing instructor recognized for teaching excellence at IVCC
OGLESBY – Nursing instructor Samantha Whiteaker of Arlington received IVCC’s 2025 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.
Made in Plano, the pump was recently used to fight wildfires in California.
Firefighter helicopter refill pump made in Plano awarded "Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" for 2025
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker announced the sixth annual winner of the “Makers Madness” contest recently in Springfield.
As spring sets in, IDNR issues reminder to avoid handling wild animals and birds
SPRINGFIELD – As spring sets in and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding everyone to leave baby birds and young animals alone when they encounter them in the wild.
Sports
Mendota’s Sebastian Carlos leaves the rest of the field in the dust on his way to a first-place finish in the 400-meter dash in the Don Gooden Invitational on April 12 at Mendota. (Reporter photo)
El Paso-Gridley dominates Gooden Invitational
MENDOTA – El Paso-Gridley dominated on both the boys’ and girls’ sides as each of the Titan teams took first place in the Don Gooden Track & Field Invitational on April 12 at the Prusator Sports Complex.
Lady Trojans claim four firsts in Seneca meet
SENECA – The Mendota girls’ track team went up against four other schools in the Fighting Irish meet at Seneca on April 10.
Girls' soccer improves season record to 10-3-1
The Mendota girls’ soccer team blanked Sterling, 3-0, on April 9 at the MHS field.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Matthew J. Gambrel
MENDOTA – Matthew J. Gambrel, 54, of Mendota, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2025, at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, his loving wife by his side.
John M. Littlewood
La MOILLE – Burial of John M. Littlewood's ashes will take place at Greenfield Cemetery in La Moille at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, followed by a fellowship luncheon and sharing of remembrances at the Community United Methodist Church in La Moille.
Michael S. Kelly
EARLVILLE – Michael S. Kelly, 67, of Earlville, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, with his loving family by his side.
Social scene

‘It’ll be a memory forever’

MENDOTA – Throughout the year there are many national holidays focused on veterans thanking them for their service in the United States military.

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9 lives and more? 60 years of groundbreaking medical advancements have improved cat health and longevity.

Meowtel explored advancements in feline medicine, nutrition, and care that are helping the more than 350 million domestic cats worldwide live longer.

How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains

There is currently no bird flu vaccine for people.

Avian influenza infections in the US have been rising over the past year, but there’s no evidence so far that people can infect each other with this strain of the virus.

How do hurricanes affect baby names?

Spokeo compared data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Social Security Administration to see how storm names impact baby names.

A Springtime Twist on Classic Chicken Soup

(Family Features) This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup calls to mind those classic brothy soups from when you were a kid but with a flavorful spring twist. Serve with fresh cucumber sandwiches for a veggie-forward meal.

Classic Tales Make Great Easter Gifts For Little Ones

(NAPSI)—This Easter parents, grandparents and friends can hop to it and give kids great books about bunnies, such as these sweet stories.   Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak This magical …

Petals of possibility: 5 fantastic ways to use fresh flowers

(BPT) - Whether you've always had a green thumb or you're new to gardening, dreams of beautiful flowers spring to life this time of year. For inspiration, trusted seed packet company Ferry-Morse …