You may have received a letter from Welltok that informs you about a security incident involving the data of OSF HealthCare patients. The breach, affecting Welltok’s MoveIt file transfer service back on May 30-31, potentially exposed personal details such as names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Medicaid ID numbers, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, and health insurance information. Despite the breach, Welltok claims there is “no evidence” of any misuse of the compromised information. To ascertain whether you are affected, you can contact Welltok’s service line at 1-800-628-2141 and, as outlined in the letter, you can sign up for a complimentary one-year credit monitoring service from Experian ID Works to look for suspicious activity.
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The Community Food Basket of Ottawa, known for its years of tireless assistance to those in need throughout the year, is set to continue its impactful work in 2024, albeit from a different location. Thanks to a generous $500,000 grant from La Salle County through the American Rescue Plan Act, the non-profit organization is poised to move to a new facility in central Ottawa. Having outgrown its current 8,800 square feet facility in Ottawa. Where it has operated for 24 years, the Food Basket faces the necessity of relocating by April 2024. The financial boost comes at an opportune time, enabling the organization to search for or acquire a space of at least 9,000 to ideally 11,000 square feet. Vicich emphasized the need for more space, additional freezers and refrigeration units, and considerations for power requirements and parking. Despite the urgency, the organization aims to maintain accessibility for clients, with the move anticipated in the spring of the upcoming year.
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In Ottawa, a novel fundraising walk has emerged to shed light on homelessness. On the 24th of February, Illinois Valley PADS is participating in the nationwide event titled “Coldest Night of the Year.” The one-mile walk is set to commence and conclude at Ottawa’s Jordan Block. Organizers envision that through this walk, participants will gain a glimpse of the adversities faced by individuals dealing with homelessness and hopelessness, particularly during the winter months. Through fundraising efforts, participants will play a direct role in providing crucial funds to support the escalating homeless population in the Illinois Valley. The objective of the event is to raise $20,000.
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The Illinois EPA is collaborating with La Salle City during the Water Treatment Plant’s filter upgrade, as confirmed by Kim Biggs, the Illinois EPA Public Information Officer. The city recently informed residents about potential water discoloration in certain neighborhoods over the next few weeks due to ongoing maintenance. A filter undergoing maintenance has increased water flow through the plant’s alternate filter, resulting in discoloration due to higher iron and manganese levels, although within EPA limits. Continuous monitoring includes daily manganese samples from the distribution system and chlorine concentration tests at three sites. The anticipated upgrade will take four to five weeks.
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The City of Marseilles has purchased 25 wreaths to go up this Saturday throughout the City. The Nationwide Wreaths Across America Ceremony will be held at 11.00 am. at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial on December 16th. A wreath will be placed at every panel, there are over 8,000 names listed of our Fallen Heroes from 1967 to present. The public is invited to attend.
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The City of LaSalle wants to remind you if you are traveling to the downtown area today. The 100 block of Wright Street will be closed to northbound traffic from 1 to 5 p.m. for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry’s Christmas drop-off program.
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Gerald “Jerry” Scott, the former mayor of Oglesby, passed away at the age of 87 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for his dynamic leadership, Scott oversaw significant residential growth, reduced electric rates, and attracted job opportunities during his tenure. Under his administration, Oglesby’s tax base experienced a remarkable $5 million increase in just one year. Remembered as both a kindly and approachable figure, Scott’s political legacy includes accomplishments such as the establishment of a medical clinic, the development of the Heritage Fields subdivision, and the construction of Wire Mesh Co.
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Last week, LaSalle County Health Department Environmental Health staff was notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that a Lone Star tick was collected during a tick drag conducted earlier this year. All ticks are submitted to the University of Illinois – Illinois Tick Surveillance Program for identification and disease surveillance data collection. The tick, which was collected in May, is the first Lone Star tick to be identified in LaSalle County. You can read the full press release on our website.
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Tonya Murphy, aged 46, found herself incarcerated on Monday at the La Salle County Jail. Subsequently, on Tuesday morning, she appeared before a judge and faced arraignment on three counts related to the distribution of cocaine. The charges stem from purported transactions in June and July of the previous year. As part of a pretrial release agreement, Murphy is currently free from custody. Her jury trial is scheduled for late February.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident with no injuries in the area of N 20th RD & E 4th RD. (Eden TWP) John Bruch (38) of Oglesby was driving west on N 20th RD when he conducted a U-turn at the intersection of E 4th RD. He lost control of his vehicle and entered the south ditch causing front-end damage. John was cited for failure to reduce speed and arrested for DUI. He was transported to LASCO Jail and later released with a Notice To Appear.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 41. Calm wind becoming west-southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Clear, with a low of around 27. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Arthur J. Preci, 68, of Ottawa, passed away December 6th, at OSF St. Elizabeth with his wife by his side. Funeral services will be on December 15th, at 6 p.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Father Nicolas Wilson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service.
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Georgiann Kobiella, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, December 9th, at her home with her family by her side. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 18th, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
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Jean M. Myer, 86, of Marseilles, passed away on December 10th, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. Funeral services will be on Saturday, December 16th, at 11 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Reverend Eugene E. Owsley, 94, of Ottawa passed away on December 10th, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 15th at noon. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon on Friday. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park with military honors presented by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Plano 48, Ottawa 45: Plano’s Davione Stamps was fouled trying a game-winning 3 in the closing seconds of overtime and calmly drained all three free throws for a 48-45 overtime victory at Ottawa.
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Mendota 52, Hall 49: Izaiah Nanez scored 15 points Tuesday to lead the Trojans to a Three Rivers Conference East Division victory in Mendota.
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Kaneland58, LPHS 52: The Kaneland boys basketball team trailed at halftime and after three quarters in an Interstate 8 Conference game Tuesday at La Salle-Peru. Kaneland won 58-52 to stay undefeated in the conference.
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Earlville 53, IMSA 32: At Aurora, the visiting Red Raiders notched the road Little Ten Conference triumph to improve to 9-0 overall and 3-0 on the LTC loop.
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Streator 55, Peotone 20: At Peotone on Tuesday, the Bulldogs ran their winning streak to five games with the Illinois Central Eight Conference victory, improving to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the ICE heading into Friday’s visit to Manteno.
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Bureau Valley 60, Amboy 33: At Manlius, the Storm established a 33-22 halftime lead en route to a 27-point victory over the Clippers.
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Girls basketball
Earlville 41, IMSA 40: At Aurora, the visiting Red Raiders earned the one-point Little Ten Conference victory led by Madyson Olson (25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals), Addie Scherer (eight points) and Natalie Hall (six points).
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Sandwich 42, Richmond-Burton 37: In Kishwaukee River Conference play, the Indians triumphed paced by Hannah Treptow’s 17 points and Ivye Isenogle’s 15.
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Indian Creek 57, Marquette 53: At Shabbona, the visiting Crusaders fell in nonconference action to slip to 3-3 on the season.
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Girls bowling
Ottawa 2,796, Sycamore 2,405: At Sycamore, the visiting Pirates were led to victory by high rollers Dawn Hudkins with a 535 series (203 high games) and Ana Zeglis with her 509 (174).
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St. Bede 2,684, Streator 1,911: Aubree Acuncius rolled a 631 series to lead the Bruins to a victory at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru.
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Boys bowling
Kaneland 3,018, Ottawa 2,724: In Interstate 8 Conference play, the visiting Pirates were defeated despite Wil Znaniecki’s 532 series (222 high game).
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Boys swimming
La Salle-Peru co-op 64, Morris 29: The Cavaliers won all 11 events in a dual victory in La Salle.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Blackhawks gave up four unanswered goals during a 4-1 loss to the Oilers in Edmonton. Connor Bedard scored in the fourth minute of the game to give Chicago a brief 1-0 lead, but the Oilers began to pour it on six minutes later. The Hawks gave up two goals in the first period and a goal apiece in the second and third periods. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 19 points and a 9-18-and-1 record. The Blackhawks visit the Kraken tomorrow night.
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The Bulls are on a two-game losing streak following a 114-106 setback to the Denver Nuggets at United Center. The Bulls had a brief lead in the first quarter, but they trailed the rest of the way. Denver led by as many as 16 points in the third. Coby White led Chicago with 27 points in the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds. The Bulls remain in 12th place in the Eastern Conference at 9-and-16. They visit Miami tomorrow night.
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The Bulls are inducting 13 people into their new Ring of Honor. Michael Jordan headlines the inaugural class of former Bulls that was announced yesterday, while Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Jerry Krause, and Tex Winter will join their colleague. The 13 former players and staff and the 1995-96 team that won 72 games and an NBA Championship will all be honored in various events next month. Chicago will have new inductees into its Ring of Honor every two years.
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The Bears will go for their third straight win when they take on the Cleveland Browns in a road game on Sunday. Chicago will begin practicing for their Week 15 match-up today. Chicago is coming off a 28-13 win over the Detroit Lions last weekend, and they’ve won three of their last four games. However, they’re still in last place in the NFC North at 5-and-8. Sunday’s game begins at noon.
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Rookie safety Jaquan Brisker is in the Bear’s record books. He registered 17 tackles during Sunday’s victory over the Lions at Soldier Field. It was the most by a Bear defensive back since 1970. The team also had their fewest penalty flags on Sunday, with four, since Week 5 of the season.
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The Northwestern Wildcats seek their fourth consecutive win when they host Chicago State at Welsh-Ryan Arena tonight. The Wildcats beat Detroit Mercy 91-59 on Sunday. They’re 7-and-1 overall and 1-and-0 in Big Ten play. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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Illinois’ Keith Randolph is declaring for the NFL Draft. The defensive lineman announced the decision on social media. Randolph finished his Illinois career with 159 total tackles, 10 sacks, and two interceptions.