LaSALLE – Through the generosity of several caring donors, over $45,000 in scholarships is available in 2025 from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, including two new awards.

CHICAGO – Older drivers in Illinois could face fewer barriers to renew their driver’s licenses next year as part of a bill that would raise the age for the state-mandated annual driver’s test from 79 to 87.

MENDOTA - Several mayoral appointments and the passing of ordinances highlighted the Jan. 20 regular meeting of the Mendota City Council.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Secretary of State‘s office is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced.

MENDOTA – After 34 years in the private school sector at Marquette and St. Bede, Jim Eustice is turning a new leaf as he has been hired to be a public-school math teacher and head football coach at Mendota High School beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

A third-quarter blitz lifted Mendota to a 64-42 victory over Sterling Newman in a Three Rivers Conference varsity boys’ basketball game on Jan. 14 at the MHS gym.