ExpandMendota's Crystal Garcia looks to head the ball in a game during the 2024 season. Garcia and the Trojans are 14-5-1 and earned the No. 1 seed in sub-sectional A of the Class 1A Alleman Sectional. Mendota will host a regional that includes No. 4 Princeton, No. 5 Oregon and No. 8 DePue-Hall. (Scott Anderson) The seniors on the Mendota girls soccer team have led a turnaround for the program. Three years later, Mendota is having a record-setting season and has earned the No. 1 seed in subsectional A of the Class 1A Alleman Sectional. The Trojans are 14-5-1 entering Monday’s game to match the program record for wins in a season set in 2012, which also is the last time the Trojans won a regional title. Mendota also has broken the school record for shutouts in a season. Mendota ends the regular season May 12 at Dixon. The Trojans open the regional at 4:30 p.m. May 16 against No. 8 DePue-Hall (0-10-1). The other semifinal between No. 4 Princeton (11-10) and No. 5 Oregon (9-5-1) is at 6:30 p.m. May 16. Mendota has beaten every other team in the regional, defeating Princeton 2-1 on April 3, DePue-Hall 8-0 on April 10 and Oregon 2-0 on April 26. “It’s great to be hosting regionals,” Myers said. “Not having to travel is always nice. It gives our student body and community a better chance to get out and support our team. They certainly deserve it with the season they are having.” In Class 2A, La Salle-Peru (0-14) is the No. 9 seed in subsectional B of the La Salle-Peru Sectional. The Cavaliers play at No. 7 Streator (4-15) in a Metamora Regional quarterfinal at 5 p.m. May 16 in Streator. L-P lost to Streator 4-3 on March 28. Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network ExpandThe Diabetes Support Group Meeting is scheduled 9:30 to 11 a.m in Conference Room C at OSF Health Care St The Diabetes Support Group Meeting is scheduled 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, in Conference Room C at OSF Health Care St. Paul Medical Center, 1401 E. 12th St., Mendota Learn diabetes prevention and management skills from University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman CHES and OSF HealthCare Clinical Dietitian Jennifer Scully Meet with peers and share practical tips and advice with others who are living with diabetes This month’s theme is “Blood Sugar Levels and Key Points for Diabetes Management.” Register at go.illinois.edu/diabetessupport or call 815-224-0894. If you need an accommodation to participate, contact Susan Glassman at susang@illinois.edu or 815-224-0889. Early requests are encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs. The Coffee Barn is officially open in Mendota as the coffee shop located at 701 Illinois Avenue is having a soft open Thursday When majority owners and Mendota High School graduates Sean Arteaga (MHS 2007) and Humberto Garcia (MHS 2004) took a look at the building which was formerly Jerry's Flower Barn they thought a coffee shop would be a great idea who is a big coffee fan and will be the Coffee Barn's general manager the wheels started moving to serve the hot or cold beverage After months of remodeling the building and perfecting the coffee and food – which will be donuts and pastries in the beginning with plans to extend the breakfast and lunch menu in the future – everything has finally come together Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: The state of Wisconsin has a new record yellow bass angler Vairin Meesouk caught an absolute toilet lid casting from the shore of Lake Mendota the northernmost and largest of the four lakes in Madison Emma Macek, a public information officer with the state Department of Natural Resources told Wired2Fish that Meesouk’s fish has been confirmed as the new state hook-and-line record yellow bass with a weight of 2 pounds 13.8 ounces and a length of 16.5 inches.    While the record is still technically pending 12-ounce fish caught through the ice from Lake Waubesa on Feb While Meesouk hasn’t spoken or posted about the catch, a friend of his blew up his spot on reddit, posting as u/tacophagist on r/fishing: “My buddy just caught the state record yellow bass He got it all verified with the DNR yesterday What a beast!” and included the photo above Tim Parks, a senior biologist with the DNR, told Outdoor Life that he met Meesouk and examined his catch after he contacted the agency’s local office The angler had already caught a smaller white bass and could readily see the much larger fish was different so he weighed it on a certified scale at a meat market and realized it might be a record Parks confirmed it was indeed a yellow bass and certified the weight He added that it was caught in an area known for white bass The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record yellow bass was caught on the Morse Reservoir in Indiana in 2023 5 ounces — it beat out a 2000 record fish from the same lake that weighted 2.95 pounds The IGFA record hybrid yellow bass (crossed with white bass) is 4 pounds even and was caught from the Lake Fork Reservoir in Texas in 2023 Yellow bass are primarily found in clear waters of the Mississippi River, from Minnesota down to Louisiana — they’re also found in the Trinity River, the Tennessee River, and in lakes surrounding those rivers.  Parks told OL that Meesouk is avoiding attention over the catch and that he didn’t know if he filleted the bass or if he’ll have a mount made. The best online fishing resource to learn and stay current on the latest fishing gear, news, techniques, trends and more.  Mendota 2, Winnebago 0: Crystal Garcia scored a goal as the Trojans earned a victory in Mendota. Mendota’s second goal was an own goal by the Indians. IVC 2, Hall 1 (11 inn.): The Red Devils allowed a walkoff single in the bottom of the 11th inning in a nonconference loss in Chillicothe. Jack Jablonski had two of Hall’s three hits, while Greyson Bickett scored the only run for the Red Devils (12-9). Jablonski started and got a no decision as he gave up one run on two hits with six strikeouts and two walks in five innings. Braden Curran was the losing pitcher as he threw the remainder of the game, allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts and one walk. Eureka 18, Fieldcrest 2 (4 inn.): The Knights allowed 13 runs in the third inning of the Heart of Illinois Conference loss in Minonk. TeriLynn Timmerman was 2 for 2 with a home run, triple, two runs and an RBI for Fieldcrest (0-12, 0-8 HOIC), while Khloe Barisch took the loss in the circle. IVCC 2-11, Waubonsee 4-4: The Eagles split a nonconference doubleheader in Peru, losing the first game 4-2 and winning the second 11-4. Nolan Hunter went 2 for 3 and drove in a run in the opener, while Ashton Pecher took the loss in relief. In the second game, Casey Clennon went 3 for 5 with a home run, six RBIs and a run, Aiden Cheek was 2 for 4 with two RBIs and a run and Jaydon Riggs went 2 for 5 with two runs and an RBI. Payton Dye threw a complete game, allowing four runs (two earned) on nine hits while striking out four and walking one for IVCC (10-33). ExpandLive Well Mendota is hosting a free event to celebrate National Prevention Week on Tuesday Live Well Mendota is hosting a free event to celebrate National Prevention Week on Tuesday The day will include a Prescription Take-Back Event from 4–6 p.m., held in conjunction with state Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon. Community members can drive through the Civic Center’s parking lot to drop off any expired or unused medications. No questions will be asked, and the service is free. A “Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit will also take place from 4 to 6 p.m., offering adults the opportunity to walk through a mock teenager’s bedroom and learn how to identify signs of potential youth drug use. This event is limited to adults aged 21 and older. To further support youth safety, adults are invited to attend a special presentation from 6 to 8 p.m. From 6 to 7 p.m., Special Agent Greg Czaczkowski will speak about current drug-use trends among youth and how drugs are being sold. From 7 to 8 p.m., BeSure Consulting will present how parents can monitor, manage and keep children safe online and on mobile devices. For questions, call 815-539-7459 or email marteaga@mendotacity.com. Live Well Mendota is a substance-prevention group. Funding for this event is made possible by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Partnerships for Success Grant Program. Princeton 17, Mendota 5: Ellie Harp and Avah Oertel each had two hits, including home runs, to power the Tigresses to a conference win at Little Siberia Field Oertel went 2 for 2 with two RBIs and Harp was 2 for 3 with a RBI Senior Neveah Briddick had a three-run double Kelsea Klingenberg went 1 for 4 with three RBIs and Kiyrra Morris was 1 for 4 with two RBIs allowing four earned runs with six strikeouts Stark County 2, Bureau Valley 1 (8 inn.): Jacey Endress brought home the winning run for the Rebels in the bottom of the eighth inning on a comebacker to pitcher Carly Reglin for a Lincoln Trail Conference win over the Storm Sadie Bailey had two hits for the Storm and Emily Wright drove in their only run with a RBI hit St. Bede 14, Henry-Senachwine 4: The Bruins scored 14 runs on 13 hits for a Tri-County Conference victory at Henry Geno Dinges and Ranbir Saini (two RBIs) led the Bruins’ hit parade with three hits each Alan Spencer and Stuart McGunnigal each had two hits and three RBIs with Gino Ferrari also added two hits and Carson Riva drove in two runs on one hit Saini pitched two scoreless innings for the save Bureau Valley 11, Stark County 1 (5 inn.): The Storm scored in every trip to the plate on the way to a Lincoln Trail Conference win on the road Tuesday, including four runs in the first and fourth innings. Bryce Helms had two hits and Blake Foster two RBIs for the Storm. Brock Rediger had a RBI double. Helms started and pitched two innings for the win, followed by Drake Taylor and Rediger, allowing only three total hits. Princeton 5, HBR 0: The Tigresses got goals from five different players, Bella Clevenger, Keeley Cardosi, Maddie Gibson, Chloe Ostrowski and Olivia Sandoval, to score a road victory at Hinckley Tuesday. Ruby Acker had two assists and Alice Scruggs had one. Senior keeper Maddie Oertel pitched a shutout on goal. Mendota 2, Oregon 0: Crystal Garcia and Zariah Escatel each scored a goal Saturday to lead the Trojans to victory in Mendota. Kamilah Preciado had an assist for Mendota (13-4-1). The Trojans recorded their 10th shutout of the season to break the school record of nine set in 2012. Mendota is one win from tying the school record for wins in a season,also set in 2012. At Byron: Princeton placed third in the Byron Tournament. The Tigresses beat Rockford Jefferson 3-0 to open the tournament then lost 3-1 to Harlem in the semifinals before bouncing back to defeat Belvidere 3-1 in the third-place game. At Princeton: Princeton scored 10 points to win its own Princeton Invitational. Pontiac (9) placed second, Streator (4) was third and Mendota (1) was fourth. Landon Davis won the No. 2 singles bracket for the Tigers, while Asa Gartin and Jackson Mason won the No. 1 doubles bracket. Chase Sims finished second at No. 1 singles, and Jack Orwig and Levi Boggs were second at No. 2 doubles. St. Bede 3, Rockridge 1: Alan Spencer gave up one unearned run on six hits while striking out 12 batters and walking none in 6 2/3 innings to help the Bruins to Three Rivers Conference crossover victory in Taylor Ridge. Gus Burr went 2 for 4 with a double and a run for St. Bede (15-4), while Maks Baker was 2 for 4 and drove in a run. Hall 5, Sherrard 1: Greyson Bickett went 2 for 4, scored three runs and drove in a run as the Red Devils won a Three Rivers Conference crossover game in Sherrard. Geno Ferrari doubled, drove in two runs and scored a run for Hall (11-8). Izzaq Zrust was the winning pitcher, allowing one run on five hits with nine strikeouts and two walks in five innings. Princeton 13, Mendota 1 (5 inn.): Will Lott went 2 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored as the Tigers won a Three Rivers Conference East Division game in Mendota. Nolan Kloepping was 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a run for Princeton (8-4-1, 4-1 TRC East), while Jace Stuckey and Noah LaPorte each had two hits, two runs and an RBI. Luke Smith threw a complete game, allowing one run on one hit with four strikeouts and one walk. Dane Doyle was 1 for 2 and scored the lone run for Mendota (7-9-1, 1-4), while Evan McPheeters took the loss. Roanoke-Benson/Lowpoint-Washburn 4, Fieldcrest 3: Eli Gerdes was 3 for 4 and scored a run as the Knights lost a nonconference game in Roanoke. Drew Overocker doubled and drove in a run for Fieldcrest (9-9). Lucas Anson took the loss. At Seneca: Princeton went 1-1 and Fieldcrest was 0-2 at a triangular. The Tigresses lost 4-0 to the host Fighting Irish in their first game. Ellie Harp had two of Princeton’s three hits, including a double, while Reese Reviglio was the losing pitcher. In Princeton’s 15-0, four-inning win over Fieldcrest, Izzy Gibson hit a two-run home run, Caroloe Keutzer tripled and scored three runs and Kiyrra Morris was 2 for 2 with two runs and an RBI. Piper Hansen threw a no-hitter for Princeton (7-8) striking out seven and walking one. The Knights also lost 15-0 in four innings to Seneca. TeriLynn Timmerman had Fieldcrest’s lone hit. Khloe Barisch was the losing pitcher for Fieldcrest (0-10) in both games. Sherrard 14, Hall 4 (5 inn.): Kennedy Wozniak and Brynn Blair each went 2 for 3 with an RBI as the Red Devils lost a Three Rivers Conference crossover in Sherrard. Charlie Pellegrini took the loss for Hall (4-13). At Rockford: Mendota’s Mariyah Elam won three events and was runner-up in a fourth at the Rockford Christian Invitational. Elam won the 400 meters (1:01.96), 100 hurdles (16.37 seconds) and the long jump (4.68 meters) and finished second in the high jump (1.63). The Trojans finished fifth among nine teams. In the boys meet, Mendota’s Sebastian Carlos won the 400 (50.8) and was second in the 200 (22.89). ExpandStarved Rock Wood Products announced the upcoming closure of its wood products manufacturing facilities in Mendota Starved Rock Wood Products announced the upcoming closure of its wood products manufacturing facilities in Mendota. The decision to exit the wood products business and close the company comes after months of a thorough financial review by industry consultants to determine if the company could continue to operate given the challenging market in which it was competing, said Michelle Christ, president of Starved Rock Wood Products. The announcement will affect 77 workers at the Mendota locations including remote staff. Christ said the final day of business is set for some time in June 2025. “(Tuesday) morning, company leaders met with employees to share this difficult news,” Christ said in a news release. “We thanked them for doing their best to help SRWP succeed and asked them to stay with us during the wind down process as we fulfill our remaining orders. “We were all very proud of the quality wood products employees created here, but, like many USA companies in recent years we have been facing tough headwinds: increasing pressure from lower-cost competition, reduced construction volume, higher interest rates and increased imports from Asia.” Starved Rock Wood Products was founded in 1994. It has been an employer in Mendota all of those years, Christ said. “We sincerely thank the people of Mendota for all their support over the years,” Christ said. “The community has been an integral part of our journey, and we are grateful for the partnerships and friendships we have built along the way.” Calif (FOX26) — The Fresno County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office is searching for the next of kin after they say a man's body was found dead in the Fresno-Mendota Slough the man's body was found in the slough just east of Mendota They say his death appears to be accidental as there were no obvious injuries Detectives have not been able to identify the man using fingerprints 190 lbs and had a dark-colored mustache and goatee Photos were not released by FCSO due to the condition of his body The Coroner’s Office says the man was found wearing blue jeans and a belt If you have any information you are asked to call the Coroner’s Unit at (559) 600-3400 Expandthe Mendota City Council voted unanimously to install Jason Martin as head of the police department who was tabbed in June as a fill-in after the retirement of longtime chief Greg Kellen Mendota has a new police chief Monday, the Mendota City Council voted unanimously to install Jason Martin as head of the police department “He will be a very good chief,” Mayor David Boelk said adding that he’s glad to “bring back home” a Mendota native He will be sworn in at the next council meeting on Monday, April 21. Martin and his two brothers all forged careers in law enforcement. His elder brother, La Salle County Circuit Judge Todd L. Martin, was a longtime prosecutor and former state’s attorney. Younger brother Brad Martin presently serves with the Mendota Police Department. ExpandThe City of Mendota is being awarded a $1,988,625 grant to develop a multi-purpose building The city of Mendota is being awarded a $1,988,625 grant to develop a multi-purpose building – owned and managed by the city – that was devastated in a 2022 fire The “Rise From the Ashes Revitalization Project” will rehabilitate the building at 704 Illinois Ave to boost downtown economic investment by serving multiple purposes JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing grants totaling $30 million through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recover programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas Mendota is a recipient of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets grant from DCEO “Of course we are all very excited about that grant,” Mayor David Boelk said “It’s going to redo the block that was damaged by fire.” Boelk praised city staff for “the tremendous job” they did in procuring grants the past 12 months and said will be available for businesses and organizations to sell products host events and support community enrichment activities This will be beneficial for businesses that have downsized or transitioned to online operations because of pandemic restrictions and are looking to establish or re-establish a physical presence it will provide a venue for nonprofit and corporate organizations to host events The upper floor will feature a co-working space with internet access human interaction and a professional setting for individuals working from home attending virtual classes or facing limited internet access for essential virtual connections such as classes The city aims to make the 704 Illinois Ave building the premier setting for the block’s redevelopment and a catalyst for revitalizing the entire downtown is an integral part of the overall “Work Well Mendota” initiative The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets grant Capital Program provides grants for construction repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for communities that have experienced historic disinvestment The goal of this program is to drive investment in infrastructure and public amenities that will invite more people back into Main Street districts and local city centers in communities of all sizes These Main Street districts are economic and cultural engines for small towns across the state The second round of RDMS funding builds upon $106 million in RDMS grants provided in 2022 The “Rise From the Ashes Revitalization Project,” funded with a nearly $2 million grant announced Tuesday, April 22, 2025, will rehabilitate the city-owned building at 704 Illinois Avenue. (Photo provided by Ali Braboy) ExpandMendota Police Chief Jason Martin (left) takes the oath of office at the Mendota City Council meeting on Monday Administering the oath of office is Martin's elder brother Mendota’s new police chief is a city native who said he intends for the police department to be his last professional stop “It’s so to speak like coming home,” Martin said Martin is a 1993 graduate of Mendota High School who attended Illinois Valley Community College. He began his law enforcement career in Plano and, in 1998, joined the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office. Notably, the oath of office was administered by his elder brother, La Salle County Circuit Judge Todd L. Martin. Younger brother Brad Martin presently serves with the Mendota Police Department. Martin’s first official act was to welcome a new patrol officer. Deven Guelde, who was sworn in by fire and police commissioner Billy Kobilsek, joins the department following a long stint as a military police officer in the U.S. Army and leaves in May for the police academy. “My hope is to be behind the wheel by the end of this year,” he said, “I have a lot of unlearning to do from the military police world.” Deven New Mendota police officer Deven Guelde (left) shakes hands with fire and police commissioner Billy Kobilsek at the Mendota City Council meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025. Guelde, who served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, leaves for the police academy in May and hopes to be behind the wheel of a Mendota police cruiser by year's end. (Tom Collins) The Mendota Heights Police Department is warning residents of raccoons in the area that appear to be sick at an alarming rate the city is having a distemper problem with its area trash bandits with a reported 14 raccoons found to be sick Last year the police said they only had four cases of distemper Signs of distemper include raccoons appearing disoriented police say the only option they have left is to “help them shuffle off this mortal coil.” “Killing the raccoon helps stop the spread to other animals,” the police department explained Anyone who sees a garbage bandit displaying distemper symptoms is asked to call the police so they can put the animal down The police say they have alerted the DNR about what they are doing “It is always possible that it is rabies,” the department said The DNR has been notified so we will find out if they want us to collect one for testing.” Residents should ensure their pets are vaccinated and avoid all contact with raccoons Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555 The Madison Fire Department (MFD) rescued two individuals this week from Lakes Mendota and Monona after they fell through the ice.  Dispatchers responded to reports that someone fell through the ice on Lake Mendota by Picnic Point around 10:50 p.m The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department (UWPD) assisted MFD in the rescue and illuminated the area while rescuers pulled the individual from the water.  The individual reported walking on the ice before falling and was in the water for roughly 20 minutes. Paramedics transported the individual to a local hospital for treatment, according to the MFD. UWPD shared drone footage of the rescue with The Daily Cardinal On Monday, multiple 911 callers reported a woman falling through ice on Lake Monona just before 7:45 a.m MPD rescued her with a paddle board found on shore and she was not injured but transported to the hospital due to cold exposure concerns The woman had attempted to ice skate with her shoes before she fell in the ice The woman fell close to areas marked off with buoys to warn of warmer water temperatures Two other lake rescues occurred this month, one involving an all-terrain vehicle also on Lake Mendota near Picnic Point First responders rescued an individual Jan 16 after their ATV was unable to climb back onto surrounding ice which could not hold up the vehicle's weight.  Early this month, an ice skater fell into Lake Monona’s ice and was rescued northeast of Monona Terrace in an area first responders say appeared to be unstable due to pressure causing ice to crack and move.  MFD and UWPD advise the public that despite the recent cold weather no ice in Madison should be considered safe Anyone choosing to go on the lake ice should avoid areas that show signs of cracking and upheaval wear a personal flotation device and bring equipment such as ice picks to help you get out if you do fall in Ella Hanley is the college news editor for The Daily Cardinal and former associate news editor. She is a fourth-year journalism and criminal justice student and has written breaking, city, state and campus news. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley Calif (FOX26) — This month's Superintendent Superstar is Sandra Toledo Sandra's formal education in the United States started in the 3rd grade when she arrived from her native country of Guatemala She has maximized all the opportunities that Mendota High School offers to better herself and support the community Sandra’s academic accomplishments are second to none she has maximized her potential by taking Honors and AP classes and being part of the Ag Science and Technology Dual Credit pathway She was also selected to serve as the student representative for the Mendota Unified Board of Trustees where she advocates for the students at Mendota High School and reports to the Trustees about the events taking place Sandra is active in multiple clubs and organizations outside the academic realm Junior Statesmen of America and Fusion Club Her passion comes out when working with animals Sandra has been involved in FFA for all four years She raised a lamb and a rabbit for show at the fair and is part of the Spanish Creed Competitive Team Her crowning achievement for FFA was recently earning the highest FFA award for the State of California Sandra can be found working to support the less fortunate at the Fresno Rescue Mission selling papers for Kids Day or providing clothing through the Warm Hands Warm Hearts Club She shares her advice for other young students in school who may be going through tough times and need support "It's definitely hard to stay motivated when you have so many things going on at home but I think the biggest thing that made me complete so many things definitely have a support system even if it's just one friend that supports you An annual tradition for more than 80 years, the nonprofit Wisconsin Union’s winter-themed event series Winter Carnival returns Feb including bringing Lady Liberty to Lake Mendota and a freestyle skiing and snowboarding competition.  The 2025 Winter Carnival series currently includes: The Winter Carnival lineup celebrates all things Wisconsin winter with mostly free indoor and outdoor activities including numerous family-friendly events.  “Winter Carnival brings the community and visitors together each year for classic and new winter fun from candy-making in the snow to sledding,” Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer Shauna Breneman said.  The Wisconsin Union team has hosted Winter Carnival for 85 years The team works with UW–Madison student leaders and community partners such as University Recreation & Wellbeing and WAA to make Winter Carnival’s winter fun possible.  annual Winter Carnival tradition brings a touch of New York to Madison: Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota the Wisconsin Union team showcases an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head While attending Winter Carnival, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s heated nearby building Memorial Union, which offers indoor, year-round dining options. Purchases at Memorial Union and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit Wisconsin Union help make the Union’s low-cost and free events spaces and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities possible.  Winter Carnival patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date Carnival lineup The Wisconsin Union is a membership organization Join the ranks of over 110,000 alumni and friends who call the Union home Search autocomplete is currently not responding is a living space that is offered for rent to visiting guests for a short period of time Short Term Rental properties are usually furnished the City Council passed a year-long moratorium on short-term rentals (E.g This moratorium gives City Staff the opportunity to study and develop appropriate ordinance provisions for this type of use The goal of the City's research is to identify performance standards and regulations that Mendota Heights could implement that would balance the concerns of residents with those of short-term rental property owners while preserving neighborhood character.  2024 at their Regular Work Session to review a staff presentation on short term rental ordinance standards and potential policy objectives staff was directed to move forward with drafting an ordinance to regulate short term rentals through a Short Term Rental License 2024 Regular Work Sessions to provide feedback and suggestions to draft versions of a Short Term Rental Ordinance.  The final draft of the ordinance was prepared and discussed by the City Council at both Regular meetings and Work Sessions Following the City Council's discussion and consensus on the ordinance provisions the Short Term Rental ordinance and establishment of a Short Term Rental License process was formally adopted for implementation at the December 3 The adopted ordinance is in effect beginning on January 1 Short Term Rentals will require an annual license and be subject to performance standards The ordinance requires Mendota Heights residents who plan to own and operate a short term rental to apply for an annual license and to: •              Maintain primary residence at the property •              Limit short-term rentals to five bedrooms or less •              Limit occupancy to 12 people or less •              Require a two-night minimum stay The Short Term Rental License Application can be found here: Short Term Rental License Application Form Short Term Rental Ordinance Current Version: Short Term Rental Ordinance - Adopted City of Mendota Heights1101 Victoria CurveMendota Heights Staff Directory Public Works Building Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m ExpandMendota police and Illinois State Police are investigating the theft of two sports cars reported early Friday from Schimmer in Mendota Mendota police and Illinois State Police are investigating the theft of two sports cars reported Friday morning from Schimmer in Mendota. One of the cars was recovered. Mendota police said they were dispatched at 1:44 a.m. Friday to the dealership at 1501 S. 13th Ave. for an activated alarm. Upon arrival, officers found several broken windows to the building, which led to the showroom and office area. As a result of an initial investigation, it was found that two vehicles, a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette and 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, were stolen from the property. The Corvette was taken from the showroom and the Camaro from outside. At 4:57 a.m., the Chicago Police Department found the Corvette in its jurisdiction. The Corvette was towed and secured for evidence processing, police said. ExpandMendota Mayor David Boelk was well on his way Tuesday to retaining his role at City Hall Mendota voters swept Mayor David Boelk back into office Tuesday – and if Tuesday’s results hold, with no changes to the City Council. Boelk, who has served 24 years as mayor, defeated first-time challenger Shallen Gross by a tally of 647-238, according to unofficial results. The tabulation doesn’t become official until results are certified. “I would like to thank all of the voters in Mendota and my entire city staff that always give 110% to make Mendota the greatest place to live, raise a family and work,” Boelk said in a statement Wednesday. “Lastly, a big thank you to my friends and family that have always stood with me through it all because without their support and guidance, I would not be where I am today. “Thank you for all of your support throughout my campaign and a special congratulations to Mayor David Boelk for his win,” Gross said in a statement. “Happy days ahead to us all, and thank you again for everything.” Two aldermanic races were contested Tuesday. Vicki Johnson is a retired educator and administrator appointed to the 4th Ward in 2020 after Bill Hunt moved out of Mendota. She defeated challenger Matt Ramer, 181-104. “Congratulations to the incumbent,” Ramer said when reached for comment. “I would like to thank the voters of the 4th Ward that supported me,” Johnson said in a statement. “I’m honored and humbled to continue representing you as your 4th Ward alderwoman. Your support means the world to me. I am committed to serving the world’s greatest little city with dedication and passion. Mendota is and always will be very special to me.” In the 1st Ward, incumbent Jim Fitzpatrick is ahead in a nail-biter over challenger Joel Perez, 128-123. “I thank the voters of Ward 1 for another term,” Fitzpatrick said. “I would like to thank everyone for all the support,” Perez said. Asked if he would pursue a recount, he replied: “Probably not. I was brought up to be able handle a win and also a defeat.” Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Racing enthusiast building professional drag racing track on his own dime in Mendotaby Mayra Franco Calif (FOX26) — What used to be just a piece of land in Mendota is now growing into a professional drag racing track The man behind the vision is Ramon Gonzalez of Mendota A passion for racing is what is driving the Mendota man to build a professional drag racing track in his town for the racing community he says he's doing it all on his own dime and with the help of sponsored donations I've been liking it for a long time," he said He wants to create a space where people can come out to race Gonzales says he's had a passion for racing since he was just a boy and that passion grew even more when he took his son to his first race in Bakersfield nearly a decade ago Gonzales says he decided to make his vision a reality by building it from scratch He's been adding new things here and there to the racetrack since last August of 2023 he has had nine events and is hoping to grow even more in 2025 construction work was underway to make that happen he says he hopes to put Mendota on the map as a place where professional racers from around the world can come display their talent All while also trying to help grow his small town of Mendota Some people from Arizona coming here to the Mendota Raceway Park It's great for businesses," said Victor Martinez "there's nothing out here in the west side in our communities it brings everybody together and gives them an opportunity to come and have some good time." Both Martinez and Gonzales say it will also help curb illegal street racing Everyone is welcome to race and attend to watch the events racers do have to go through a safety inspection first “I want to invite everybody to come out here to the City of Mendota and come check out the Mendota Raceway Park," Martinez said For more information about upcoming races, prices, and how to sign up to race, you can check out the raceway's Facebook Page. Attendees at the 2025 Frozen Assets Festival skate at The Edgewater Hotel's ice skating rink overlooking Lake Mendota A view from the overview at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison of people walking on Lake Mendota for the Frozen Assets Festival The event is hosted by Clean Lakes Alliance an organization that aims to highlight lakes as “one of our community’s greatest assets.” Before runners started the Frozen Assets 5k “Have you ever been to Camp Randall?” Then he played (and invited people to dance to) “Jump Around” by House of Pain a song traditionally played at UW-Madison football games at the end of the third quarter Hundreds of people ran the Frozen Assets 5k The race route took runners past the Frozen Lady Liberty an inflatable replica of the top of the Statute of Liberty The inflatable is part of UW-Madison’s Winter Carnival — one runner decided to match the iconic monument an apparatus used in ice foiling or ice winging Tuthill is the number one-ranked women’s ice foiler Part of Frozen Assets was the 2025 World Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships conditions were a little up and down: Thursday was an exceptionally windy day but there was little movement in the air on Friday and Saturday That didn’t prevent people from trying to get out on the ice and wind surf Runners in the Frozen Assets 5k make steady progress on the ice on Lake Mendota passing the University of Wisconsin-Madison A team of kite flyers line up their kites in a neat row The group performed intricate sets of swoops and drives Snowkiters went out toward the middle of the lake for races Steven Pelissier shows people how to hold a wing The Mary B made its way to Frozen Assets on Friday. A crew hoisted the main sail on Saturday Lena (1 1/2) makes her way on the ice during the Frozen Assets Festival on Lake Mendota Mason Bowden looks at the sea of fish he and his family have erected said her family comes down every year from Stevens Point to put up their school of fish Lindsey Bowden said the fish display is a family affair: kids Mason and Marcus help put up the poles with fish while her husband flies the big fish kite in the background an ice boat brought to Lake Mendota for Frozen Assets The World Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships brought winter sport competitors from all across the world Here Söderlund is exchanging the blades of his board for sharper ones so he can go faster Evelina Nordstroem gets ready to race at the World Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships The wind wasn’t great on Friday or Saturday so many events were pushed around throughout the day A group of ice windsurfers get ready at the starting line for a friendly race The racers are getting ready to try out a slalom course where they have to go around a set of cones and make turns back and forth Windsurfers take off to do a friendly practice run on a slalom course Many of the races at the World Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships were recreational with folks of all ages and abilities racing each other for fun A wind surfer sails by a group of kites at the Frozen Assets Festival on Lake Mendota hosted family-friendly events and the 2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships Hundreds of Wisconsinites traded concrete and sidewalks for snowshoes and ice, sliding onto Lake Mendota at the 2025 Frozen Assets Festival this weekend the Madison-based environmental nonprofit Clean Lakes Alliance has put on Frozen Assets The event aims to raise “the profile of our lakes as one of our community’s greatest assets” during the cold winter months Part of the Frozen Assets Festival were the 2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships Winter athletes worldwide came to Madison to compete on Lake Mendota in three events: ice windsurfing spent the day “soaking up every moment out on the lake.” “Having the sunshine and seeing the Madison skyline has been really fun,” she said a sport that involves taking a hand glider-shaped sail to race across the ice Her parents brought her to Madison for the 1995 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships when she was 10 months old “I’ve been on the start line since I was 13,” she said noting that she sees few women participate She was excited to share start lines with young girls eager to learn the sport “It’s nice to see this new generation of sailors.” The ice and snow sailing community is small Folks like Kat Stillings-Barta and Kevin Barta who traveled from Minneapolis for the event say the camaraderie of winter sports draws them in people make many of the tools they need to compete Several attendees said that events like Frozen Assets offer something bright to look forward to during dark winter months “You have to find something to do outside in the winter.”  Ashley Rodriguez is a features reporter for the Cap Times. Ashley writes about food and culture in the Madison region. Email story ideas and tips to Ashley at arodriguez@captimes.com Sustaining local journalism in Madison depends on readers like you Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.