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A 2024 downturn in corn & soybeans is expected

According to the current projected prices for corn and soybeans next fall, both corn and soybeans in Illinois look to lose money this year, with soybeans losing far less than corn.
SPRINGFIELD – After the three most profitable years in history, Illinois corn and soybean farmers are bracing for a slowdown.
More local news
MHS District 280 to address health life safety repairs
MENDOTA – The Mendota High School District 280 Board of Education addressed building repair items and handled numerous personnel matters at its March 18 regular meeting.
Lawmakers discuss audit of LaSalle Veterans Home outbreak that killed 36 of its residents
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ veterans affairs director told a legislative panel that while state-run veterans’ homes have better policies in place following a COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 residents at the LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020, understaffing remains a challenge.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library gives families access to free children's books
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families with infants and toddlers now have access to free children’s books that can be sent directly to their home, regardless of their income.
Preschool screenings set for April 9 in Mendota
MENDOTA – L.E.A.S.E. will be holding free preschool screenings on Tuesday, April 9 at First United Methodist Church, 100 E. Sixth St., Mendota. The screenings are for children who are 3 or 4 years old.
MHS to do required building maintenance
MENDOTA – As part of the Illinois State Board of Education’s requirement, Mendota High School is required to have its building inspected by an architect every 10 years.
Holy Cross School names honor roll and B.U.G. roll students
MENDOTA – Holy Cross School in Mendota has named its third quarter honor roll and B.U.G. roll students.
Sports
Mendota's Carlos, Elam compete in Illinois Top Times championships
BLOOMINGTON – Two Mendota High School track athletes competed in the Illinois Top Times Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 22-23 at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center in Bloomington.
Illinois trout fishing opens April 6
SPRINGFIELD – The 2024 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 6 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.
MHS girls get 2 soccer wins
The Mendota girls’ soccer team notched its first win of the season with a 2-0 shutout over Rochelle on March 19 at the MHS field.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Randy J. Morris
MENDOTA – Randy J. Morris, 67, of Mendota, passed away March 22, 2024, at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center.
Philip D. Wood
SANDWICH – Philip Dean Wood, 77, of Sandwich, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2024, at the Pavilion on Main in Sandwich.
Elizabeth J. Sondgeroth
AUSTIN, Texas – Elizabeth Jane Wagner Sondgeroth passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Social scene

Local DAR chapter hears of area Good Citizen winners; winter travel tips

MENDOTA – The Fort du Rocher Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Dec. 9 at the First Presbyterian Church.

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