An early Saturday fire devastated a Streator residence and its ongoing renovations. Firefighter Bryan Park reported that emergency units reached the scene at Pine Tree Road around 3:30 am, west of Illinois 23 near the Cinema complex. The single-story brick house had sections of the roof collapsing. Streator firefighters had the fire under control after about 30 minutes. The unoccupied dwelling is now deemed a complete loss. While the cause remains unknown, it is not considered suspicious.
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The Illinois Commerce Commission has decreased the anticipated increases in electric rates for major utility companies Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois. Although rates are set to rise, the ICC has turned down the companies’ plans, which included spending proposals and initiatives aimed at achieving state climate objectives. Governor JB Pritzker emphasizes the need for utilities to collaborate with the state to meet goals while ensuring consumer protection. The decision has garnered support from consumer and environmental advocates, marking a long-awaited stride towards more rigorous utility supervision. In a rare occurrence, commission member and former AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan dissented, suggesting that the board could have adjusted the requests to align with state law.
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The U.S. Geological Survey is confirming that an earthquake hit southern Illinois Sunday. The shaker was located near Waltonville in Jefferson County. It was a magnitude three-point-two quake. There are no reports of any injuries or damage. The area south of Mt. Vernon has a large area of abandoned coal mine tunnels.
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Sunrise Rotarians recognized 3 seniors for their outstanding accomplishments. The Marquette Academy students were Peter McGrath and Mary Lechtenberg along with Isabelle Liebhart from Ottawa Township High School. All three seniors plan on furthering their education at a four-year university. McGrath will major in business, Lechtenberg will study architecture, and Liebhart plans to be an orthodontist.
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44-year-old Renee Taylor and 52-year-old Robert Sims ended up at the La Salle County Jail following a routine stop by the Trident task force Wednesday. During a search, law enforcement discovered 13 grams of crack cocaine. Sims has a history of drug charges in La Salle County, including a 10-year sentence for a 2018 cocaine case. Taylor has no prior criminal record in La Salle County. Taylor and Sims have notices to appear in court.
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Following a Wednesday afternoon vehicle-pedestrian accident at the intersection of Shooting Park Road and Plum Street, Peru Police charged 47-year-old David McGunnigal with two counts of DUI, failure to decrease speed to prevent an accident, and illegal transportation of alcohol. The unidentified pedestrian was airlifted to OSF in Peoria. McGunnigal was released with a notice to appear in court.
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Despite the persistent rainfall, the first Christmas in the Park event at City Park in Streator on Saturday proved to be a damp but festive affair. Light Up Streator orchestrated the event, offering attractions such as horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa appearance, and Cruisin’ Concessions. Otter Creek Carriages generously donated proceeds from the carriage rides to support Light Up Streator, a non-profit organization driven by volunteers, dedicated to adorning City Park, downtown, and local police and fire stations with annual Christmas lights.
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Discover a unique Christmas narrative in “La Pastorela,” a Mexican rendition of the Nativity tale, where the devil endeavors to thwart the shepherds on their journey to Bethlehem. Don’t miss the free performance on Saturday, December 23rd, at 7 p.m. in the Trinity Catholic Academy gymnasium in La Salle. Arrive at 6 p.m. for pre-show prayers, and enjoy food and children’s activities following the program.
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43-year-old J.J. Turano of Ottawa was arrested early Monday at 1805 Seneca Drive on a charge of criminal trespass to state-supported property.
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LaSalle County Deputies stopped 31-year-old Stephanie Smith of Streator just before 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon at the junction of Illinois 251 and 18 in Hope Township. Smith was arrested for driving on a suspended license, was taken to the LaSalle County Jail, and released with a notice to appear in court.
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A 37-year-old Streator man faces charges of shoplifting and failure to appear after an arrest at the Streator Wal-Mart late Friday afternoon. Daniel J. Kelly was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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29-year-old Donavon Lanehart-Weston of Streator was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies early Friday morning near Illinois 23 and North 18th Road in Bruce Township. He was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and arrested for driving on a suspended license. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and released with a notice to appear.
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A 48-year-old LaSalle man has charges of battery and criminal damage to property from Peru Police after an incident early Thursday at Vinnie’s Tap on Peoria Street. Matthew A. Schneider was released with a court date.
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WEATHER:
Monday
A slight chance of flurries before noon. Mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 26 by 4 pm. Blustery, with a northwest wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Birdie Caroline (Reynolds) Goodchild, 81, of rural Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, December 10th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Porntip Sadkowski, 80, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on December 13th, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Ottawa. The funeral service will be today at 6:00 PM at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM at Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Ottawa 55, Rochelle 47: At Kingman Gymnasium, the Pirates outscored the Hubs 17-6 in the second quarter in the Interstate 8 Conference win on Friday.
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Streator 51, Manteno 43: At Manteno, the Bulldogs get the defeat of the Panthers in the Illinois Central Eight Conference contest.
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Serena 78, Leland 35: At Leland, the Huskers improved to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in Little Ten Conference play with the win over the Panthers
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Marquette 61 Roanoke-Benson 42: 61-42 victory over the Rockets in Bader Gymnasium.
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Woodland 62, St. Bede 48: The Bruins lost on the road in Tri-County Conference play in Streator.
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Lowpoint-Washburn 64, Putnam County 55: The Panthers fell at home in Tri-County Conference play.
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Girls basketball
Dixon 67, St. Bede 37: the Bruins Friday at the Academy suffer the loss.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bears gave up 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter of their 20-17 loss against the Cleveland Browns yesterday. The Bears gave up a game-tying touchdown with just over three minutes left in regulation before punting it back to Cleveland. The Browns knocked in the game-winning field goal with 32 seconds left, and Justin Fields threw an interception on a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the game. Fields passed for 166 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The Bears remain in last place in the NFC North at 5-and-9. Chicago hosts Arizona on Christmas Eve.
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The Bulls got bested by their former superstar during a 118-116 loss to the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Saturday. One-time Bull Jimmy Butler knocked in the game-winning shot as time expired to give Miami the win. DeMar DeRozan poured in 27 points in the losing effort, while Patrick Williams finished with 25. Chicago is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference at 10-and-17. The Bulls visit the 76ers tonight.
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The Blackhawks allowed three goals in the second period of their 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at United Center. Nick Foligno gave Chicago a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the frame before Vancouver scored three to go up by two. Cole Guttman made it a one-goal game in the middle of the third, but Chicago wasn’t able to find the equalizer. Foligno had two goals in the losing effort. The Hawks remain in last place in the Central Division with 19 points and a 9-20-and-1 record. Chicago hosts Colorado tomorrow night.
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The number-16 Illinois Fighting Illini got off to a hot start during a 74-57 win over Colgate at State Farm Center. The Illini had a 44-27 lead at halftime and were able to coast the rest of the way for the win. Coleman Hawkins led the way with 16 points, while Quincy Guerrier and Marcus Domask each finished with 15 points. The 8-and-2 Illini take on Missouri in St. Louis on Friday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats were in complete control on defense during a 56-46 win over DePaul at Wintrust Arena on Saturday. The game was tied at halftime, but the Wildcats held DePaul to just 21 second-half points to earn the win. Nick Martinelli had 16 points off the bench in the win. The 8-and-2 Wildcats take on Arizona State on Wednesday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on a two-game losing streak following a 72-68 overtime loss to Georgetown at Joyce Center on Saturday. The Irish were outscored 10-6 in the extra period. Markus Burton had 17 points in the losing effort. Notre Dame dropped to 4-and-6 with the loss. The Irish host Citadel tomorrow night.
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In other college basketball action Tonight, Northern Illinois hosts Calumet.