OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center says the first birth of 2024 at the hospital is Layla S. Madrigal who arrived on January 1st. Her parents are Yuridia Rivera and Miguel Madrigal Jr. of Depue. Layla came into the world at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured a length of 20 inches. You can see the happy family on the 1430 WCMY website or Facebook page.
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The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement across the state for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign from December 15th through January 2nd. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office added additional units to increase its enforcement efforts during the period. During the campaign, the county sheriff’s office issued 18 seat belt citations, 21 speeding citations, and five for distracted driving, 10 for insurance, and 24 other traffic citations.
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The Oglesby City Council unanimously voted to file petitions for the annexation and rezoning of the land designated for Illinois Valley Community College’s upcoming agricultural education center. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the petitions before Christmas. IVCC president Tracy Morris expressed optimism about completing phase 2 of the project, aiming to have the building operational by fall 2025. The council’s final decision is pending the preparation of an annexation agreement. Last year, IVCC secured a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration for the construction. In other matters, the council extended maternity benefits to the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office confirmed no violation of the state Open Meetings Act in a previous directive to outside counsel. During a closed session, lasting 2½ hours, the council consulted with Brad Cole, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League, without taking any action.
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The Spring Valley City Council recently finalized an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller, aiming to enhance debt collection efforts. Economic Development Director Debb Ladgenski discovered the Local Debt Recovery Program within the comptroller’s office, providing a centralized system for government agencies to recover substantial amounts owed to them. City Attorney Colin Barry explained that in cases of significant fines related to property or homeowners, the city could utilize the program while simultaneously attempting to resolve the matter amicably. If successful, the claim could be retracted; however, if resolution fails, the city would authorize the state program for recovery. Barry emphasized the need for data synchronization between databases. The council, led by Mayor Pro Tem Alderman Mike Hermann, unanimously approved the agreement.
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An Oglesby man was charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, for allegedly striking a man with a miniature sledgehammer. Thirty-year-old Darnell C. Williams appeared in LaSalle County Circuit Court on Tuesday where he was charged with a felony and Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. approved an agreement that allows Williams out of LaSalle County Jail with a no-contact order with the victim. According to prosecutor, Greg Sticka, LaSalle police responded to a fight at 8:34 a.m. Monday in the 800 block of Bucklin St. in LaSalle. During the fight, a 33-year-old Ottawa man sustained a blow to the left side of his head with a mini sledgehammer. The victim was then taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria to be treated for a brain bleed. Williams will appear in court again on Jan. 26 before Ryan.
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On Tuesday, the La Salle County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Jeffrey Fitzgerald, a 65-year-old Mendota man, charging him with two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. According to court records, Fitzgerald was apprehended on December 20 in connection with these charges. The alleged incidents of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault date back to 1998, while the Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse incident reportedly occurred in June 2008, involving a victim under the age of 13 at that time. Fitzgerald is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.
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The La Salle County Grand Jury indicted 21-year-old Alejandro Guajardo-Perez of La Salle on five counts of burglary. The charges stem from an incident on November 4, where a patrolman reportedly witnessed Guajardo-Perez burglarizing a car in the 100 block of 6th Street in LaSalle. Upon investigation, police found him in possession of several items believed to be unlawfully obtained from various vehicles and a building at Carus Chemical on 8th Street in La Salle. Guajardo-Perez now faces three counts of Class-2 Felony Burglary and two counts of Class-3 Felony Burglary. Currently, out of custody, he is scheduled to appear in Judge H. Chris Ryan’s courtroom on January 9
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La Salle County grand jury returned several indictments against these individuals as well during Tuesday’s session:
Aggravated battery for 41-year-old Javier Vasquez from Aurora.
Aggravated battery for 36-year-old Derek McDonald from Streator.
Four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for 41-year-old Robert Thomas from Ottawa.
Unlawful delivery of a controlled substance for 23-year-old Zachary Bigott from Earlville.
Unlawful delivery of a controlled substance for 28-year-old Alexandria Alleman from Seneca.
And two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance for 36-year-old Christopher Cali from Mendota.
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29-year-old Donald Hicks of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Monday at 1522 Pine Street on a charge of failure to register as a sex offender.
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An Ottawa man has a charge of driving with no valid driver’s license. 26-year-old Jose Montesinos was stopped by Ottawa Police at 1st Avenue and Erickson Street Monday.
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A two-year-old child and two adults are safe after they were rescued from a vehicle that crashed into a pond in suburban Naperville. Police say officers found a white SUV partially submerged in the retention pond near the Naperville Public Library yesterday. Three officers jumped into the water and were able to break the vehicle’s windows to pull the child and two adults to safety. Investigators believe the accident happened when the person driving the SUV mistook the gas for the brake pedal and drove into the water.
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An Illinois lawmaker wants to ban a portrait of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan from being hung in the state Capitol. There are paintings of the six past speakers hanging in the Illinois House.
With Madigan set to go on trial in April on a federal racketeering indictment, a resolution sponsored by Republican State Representative Ryan Spain of Peoria would ban any painting of Madigan from being hung in the statehouse and adjoining Capitol complex in Springfield.
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The City of Mendota will be picking up Christmas trees from January 3rd, through January 31st. For clarification, this is for fresh-cut, formerly live Christmas trees ONLY. Please have all trees curbside for collection.
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La Salle County, alarmed by the potential sudden arrival of a busload of migrants, contemplated the prospect of implementing an emergency declaration to prohibit migrant transportation. Despite discussions, no immediate action was taken, but the authority lies with La Salle County Board Chairman Don Jensen, who hinted at addressing immigration control in the upcoming County Board meeting. Jensen acknowledged recent talks about issuing a “declaration of disaster” granting the county the power to refuse migrants. The matter is expected to be on the agenda for the Jan. 11 meeting, possibly involving a resolution similar to neighboring Grundy County’s “non-sanctuary” stance. Democrats, including Joseph Oscepinski and Brian Dose, expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis but emphasized the need for lawful approaches to immigration, with Dose calling for proper debate and planning. La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro confirmed Jensen’s executive authority but raised questions about potential legal liabilities associated with a disaster declaration lacking sufficient factual basis.
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$45.6 million worth of construction projects will occur in Bureau County in 2024. The largest of these projects is $14 million to repave 5.26 miles of Interstate 80 stretching from one mile west of Route 89 to 0.7 miles west of Route 251. Most of the other infrastructure projects are 11 bridge replacements throughout the county.
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Peru thrift store, Second Time Around, is moving to online sales. The 1610 36th St., Peru location is closing permanently but the store will continue to sell its wares online. No closing date for Second Time Around was provided.
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Utica’s Nonie’s Bakery & Café is pausing operation for the beginning of the year. The 522 Clark St., Utica café closed on Dec. 23 and will remain closed until Friday, Feb. 8.
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Video gambling machines are becoming a ubiquitous presence at truck stops and restaurants, with ongoing installations not only in Peru but also in various locations. During a recent address to the Peru Rotary, Mayor Ken Kolowski conveyed a sense of reaching a saturation point with slot machines, stating that he is done with them and expressing the belief that when these machines inevitably falter, the associated buildings will be reclaimed. Over the past year, there has been a surge in the establishment of new gaming venues in downtown Peru, occupying various storefronts. Mayor Kolowski informed Rotary members that under his leadership, no additional standalone gambling licenses would be issued.
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The Engle Lane Theatre in Streator announced its 2024 production lineup. The Community Players of Streator, Inc. 2024 season will open in May with the musical comedy “Grumpy Old Men,” which is based on the 1993 film. The season lineup also includes “Matilda Jr.,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Newsies,” “Four Old Broads,” and “Young Frankenstein.” Season ticket packages are available for $70 which includes passes for all six productions. To reserve tickets call the box office at 815-672-3584 and for more information visit englelane.org or follow their Facebook page at “Engle Lane Theatre.”
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OSF HealthCare is hosting two blood drives in January with Impact Life. The Impact Life Donor Bus will be in the OSF Medical Group parking lot at 1650 Midtown Road, Peru, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Jan. 16. OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota will host a second drive on Friday, Jan. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. in conference room C. Individuals ages 17 and older who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in good health can donate blood.
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Start the New Year with a bison and eagle trolley trip through Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center. Visit Buffalo Rock State Park to witness majestic bison. Journey to the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to catch a glimpse of bald eagles nesting above the lock and dam. The trolley will also pass by various other popular eagle-perching spots. Make reservations by calling 815-220-7386, the trolley trip departs from the front of Starved Rock Lodge every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Patchy drizzle or freezing drizzle before 1 pm, then scattered flurries between 1 pm and 4 pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 4 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 35. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night
Isolated snow showers before 7 pm, then scattered flurries between 7 pm and 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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OBITUARIES:
Patricia “Momma D” (Redman) Dillard, 61, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 30th at Allure of Mendota Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post #33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service at the funeral home. A celebration of life will be held following the burial.
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Andrew “Jay” Ruger, 55, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, December 30th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a 5-year battle with cancer. Visitation will be Friday, January 5th, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 5:00 pm. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.
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James Paul “Murph” Murphy, Sr., 79, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, December 20th, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 6th, from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Margaret Gaffney, 97, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, December 24th, at The Pavilion of Ottawa. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 13th, 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 be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Mark James Krueger, 64, of LaSalle, passed away Saturday, December 23rd at his home. A private family service and celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2024. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home in LaSalle.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Tonight WCMY brings you Ottawa Pirates boys basketball as they take on Morris at Kingman Gym. 7 pm tip-off with Bryer Lehr and David Bergeson on the call and Tony B back at the WCMY studios.
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In Girls varsity basketball tonight:
Ottawa takes on Oak Forest, Earlville is at Streator, and the LP Lady Cavs are at Rochelle for a visit with the lady Hubs.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bears begin their final week of practice today. Chicago will spend the week preparing for their Sunday road game against the Green Bay Packers. The 7-and-9 Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention, but they can knock out their old rivals with a win. Chicago is in last place in the NFC North.
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The Blackhawks are on a three-game losing streak following a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Chicago surrendered a power-play goal in the sixth minute of regulation, and the penalty kill unit let another puck find the back of the net late in the third. Nashville tacked on an empty-netter in the final minute of regulation to seal the deal. Chicago managed just 21 shots in the losing effort. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 24 points and an 11-24-and-2 record. The Hawks visit the Rangers tomorrow night.
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The Bulls had to settle with a home-and-home split against the Philadelphia 76ers following a 110-97 loss at Wells Fargo Center last night. The Bulls never led in the game, and they trailed by as many as 31 points in the final frame before rallying back in garbage time to make the score look prettier. DeMar DeRozan paced Chicago with 16 points in the losing effort. The Bulls are still in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 15-and-20. Chicago visits New York tonight.
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The Bulls could be getting Zach LaVine back shortly. Chicago head coach Billy Donovan said yesterday that the guard could return from a sore right foot within the next week. LaVine has been sidelined since November 28th after dealing with right foot inflammation. The 28-year-old played 25 minutes in a loss to the Boston Celtics and has yet to return from the injury. LaVine is averaging 21 points per game this season.
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The Chicago Cubs have added some depth to their bullpen. The club signed reliever Colten Brewer to a contract for the 2024 season yesterday. The 31-year-old appeared in three games for the Yankees in 2023. He had a 4.32 ERA in eight-and-a-third innings.
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The number-eight Illinois Fighting Illini embarrassed the Northwestern Wildcats with a 96-66 win at State Farm Center yesterday. The Illini had a 17-point lead at halftime and outscored the Wildcats by 13 points the rest of the way. Marcus Domask poured in 32 points in the victory. The Illini improved to 11-and-2 overall and 2-and-0 in Big Ten play. They visit number-one Purdue on Friday night. Boo, Buie had 20 points in the losing effort. The Wildcats fell to 10-and-3 overall and 1-and-1 in conference play. Northwestern welcomes Michigan State on Sunday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish look for their third win in a row when they host NC State at Joyce Center tonight. The Irish are coming off a 76-54 rout over Virginia last Saturday. Notre Dame is 6-and-7 overall and 1-and-1 in the ACC this season. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:00 PM Central Time.
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In other college basketball action yesterday, DePaul was crushed by number-four UConn 85-56, Chicago State was up-ended by Kansas State 62-55, Illinois State suffered an 88-71 loss against Drake, Northern Illinois was blown out by Akron 73-51, and UIC fell to Murray State 85-73. Tonight, Valparaiso hosts Bradley, Chicago State is at Oklahoma State, and Loyola visits Saint Louis.