La Salle County’s resolution on handling potential migrant drop-offs is returning to the Committee on Appointment, Legislation, and Rules. The Insurance Trust Committee, after discussing it, received assurance from county insurance consultants that the resolution has no red flags. The consultants highlighted potential liability, suggesting that explicitly expressing a humanitarian intent could reduce liability for the county. Attorney Jim McPhedran emphasized the importance of taking humane action in emergencies, and while the consultants agreed, they acknowledged that liability can come from various sources. The resolution, initially sent to the County Board, will undergo further review before returning for a full board decision. The context involves the recent trend of migrants arriving in northern Illinois due to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s transportation policies. Meanwhile, Chicago has imposed penalties on unscheduled bus drop-offs, prompting some buses to redirect migrants to suburban areas. Despite being connected to Chicago, La Salle County has yet to experience such drop-offs.
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The scheduled book reading by former President Donald Trump’s national security adviser Michael Flynn at the Somonauk Public Library on Jan. 26th will be rescheduled, according to officials. Approximately 75 people attended the recent board meeting to express dissatisfaction with the library’s initial decision to cancel Flynn’s event. The library cited concerns and received complaints, leading to the cancellation. However, library officials announced at the meeting that they have decided to reschedule the event for Jan. 26th, receiving applause from the attendees. Flynn, who was pardoned by Trump in November 2020, was originally set to read from his children’s book, “The Night the Snow Monster Attacked.” Library staff expressed concerns about the potential for protests at a children’s event. Despite the change, there are worries about exceeding the meeting room capacity, prompting consideration of a different location for the rescheduled reading. Board President Roberta Mickelson reassured that the board is committed to making the event happen.
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The University of Illinois System is freezing tuition rates for the 2024-25 school year. That is the seventh tuition freeze in the past ten years. The UI Board of Trustees voted to freeze undergraduate tuition for resident undergraduate students at the three system universities. The board also approved a zero increase in total fees at all three universities for the first time in more than 25 years.
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A reminder to prospective Ottawa high school students and families. The 8th Grade Open House has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 7th, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. This was due to the bad weather from last week. The night begins with a presentation in the auditorium. After that, you may tour the school and meet the faculty. Counselors will be available as well.
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An Illinois man is suing more than two dozen people, on Facebook and other social media platforms for things women have said about him in private groups. Nikko D’Ambrosio of Chicago is suing 27 women and one man for what he says are “false and defamatory” statements shared about him in a group called “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” It’s a group where women share stories about the people they’ve dated to help others look out for any potential red flags. In the group, D’Ambrosio has been described as unremarkable, clingy, and psycho. He wants 75 thousand dollars and for the women to stop posting in the group.
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On Thursday, twenty-five-year-old Alex Brown appeared in LaSalle County Circuit Court, expressing his desire to act as his attorney in the legal battle against a felony charge of aggravated battery involving a firearm. Scheduled to return to court next month, Brown will engage in discussions regarding pretrial motions. His initial incarceration in April followed a shooting incident in the 600 block of East Kent Street, where Streator police reported a 27-year-old man sustaining a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim, subsequently treated at OSF in Peoria, has cooperated with investigators, leading to charges against Brown and 32-year-old Niesha Rodriguez. Rodriguez faces a class 4 felony charge of obstructing justice, and her trial is still pending.
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A man who pleaded guilty to a mass shooting last March near Western Illinois University in Macomb is going to prison. Demond Wilson, Junior was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in a McDonough County courtroom. He previously entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm in October. One person was killed and ten people were wounded after shots were fired at an off-campus house party on March 27th.
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Two southern Illinois men face felony and misdemeanor charges in the January 6th U.S. Capitol riot in 2021. Justin LaGesse and Theodore Middendorf of McLeansboro were arrested this week by the FBI in Illinois. Prosecutors say both illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building through a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door. After leaving the Capitol, LaGesse and Middendorf berated police officers before using a flagpole to break a large window of the Capitol.
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Last Thursday, Mendota police apprehended 27-year-old Dane Towne in the 1500 block of 1st Avenue. Towne was arrested on a warrant from DeKalb County for failing to appear in court regarding allegations of driving on a suspended license. Additionally, on Wednesday, Ethan Brown, 27, of Mendota, was arrested by Mendota police for domestic battery. The arrest occurred after 6 p.m., following an earlier 9-1-1 call and subsequent investigation. Brown was subsequently transported to the La Salle County Jail.
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No one was hurt after an Illinois State Trooper’s vehicle was hit by a driver in Will County. Authorities say the trooper’s vehicle was stopped early yesterday on the southbound I-55 ramp to I-80 eastbound when a silver Lincoln failed to move over and hit the rear of the squad car. The driver of the Lincoln was charged with Failure to Yield to a Stationary Emergency Vehicle.
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Looking for something to do this Saturday, how about a fun trivia night at the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa? on Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and teams of up to 10 people can participate for $10 per person. Hosted by Steve Novario, the event aims to support the maintenance and restoration of the Reddick Mansion. Win a $100 prize for first place! Beverages and treats will be available for purchase, and feel free to bring your adult beverages. Reservations are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact 815-433-6100 The mansion is located at 100 W. Lafayette St.
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Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry hails The Closet as a community success story. The non-profit resale shop, fueled by donations and volunteers, recently marked another triumph by distributing $217,000 to 36 local organizations during a Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event. Board President Joanne Kloepping emphasized the annual effort, sharing, “In December, we assess our funds and joyfully contribute to the community, making a positive impact.” Originating over five decades ago when teachers traced migrant children’s feet for shoes, The Closet, now at 2026 N. Main St., offers affordable items and channels a significant portion of its profits back into the community through grants. Manager Jennifer Conwell noted, “56 years later, we’re still giving back,” reflecting the shop’s enduring commitment. Mayor Mabry commended The Closet as a unique attraction, drawing visitors from various communities whose purchases directly support local initiatives, making it a true win-win for Princeton.
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WEATHER:
WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM SATURDAY…
* WHAT…For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 25 below expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central, and Northeast Illinois.
* WHEN…For the Wind Chill Advisory, from midnight tonight to 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
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Friday
Patchy blowing snow before 3 pm. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 8. Wind chill values as low as -15. Blustery, with a northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around -5. Wind chill values as low as -19. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Mark Joseph Novakovich, 64, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 12th, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20th, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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Jacob Faltin-Medina of Ottawa, passed away at the age of 29 on Sunday, January 14th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A Celebration of Life is scheduled to take place from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 20th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, where friends and family will gather to honor and remember Jacob’s beautiful journey.
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William F. (Bill) Kasten, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri born in Ottawa. Passed away on Friday, December 22nd, at St. Anthony’s Senior Living in Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 27th at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls basketball
Midland 52, Marquette Academy 39: At Henry, the Crusaders fell in the third-place game of the Tri-County Conference Tournament to the Timberwolves.
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Seneca 45, Dwight 36: At Henry, the Fighting Irish captured the consolation championship of the Tri-County Conference Tournament.
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Serena 58, Somonauk-Leland 13: the top-seeded Huskers advanced to the championship game for the third straight season with the semifinal triumph over the No. 4-seeded Bobcats
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Newark 44, Hinckley-Big Rock 29: At Shabbona, the No. 2-seeded Norsemen advanced past the No. 3 Royals and into the Little Ten Conference Tournament championship game for the second straight year against Serena.
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Reed-Custer 48, Streator 42 (OT): At Braidwood, the Bulldogs fall to the Comets in the OT.
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Wrestling
Streator 54, Lisle 30: At Pops Dale Gymnasium, the Bulldogs picked up the Illinois Central Eight Conference win over the Lions on a senior night.
Sycamore 66, La Salle-Peru 12: The Cavaliers dropped an Interstate 8 Conference dual in Sycamore.
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Girls bowling
Streator 1,234, Mendota 1,108: At the Streator Elks Club, the Bulldogs swept all three games to grab the win over the Trojans.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls have won two out of three after taking down the Raptors 116-110 in Toronto. Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan tied for a team-high in scoring with 24 points apiece. Vucevic recorded a double-double after grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds. He also led all players with seven assists. Coby White chipped in with 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 20-and-23. The Bulls host Memphis tomorrow night.
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The Blackhawks couldn’t get the puck past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen during a 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Chicago managed just 19 shots during the losing effort, while Arvid Soderblom made 28 saves. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 28 points and a 13-30-and-2 record. The Hawks host the Islanders tonight.
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A former NFL head coach could be coming back to the league as an offensive coordinator. ESPN reports that former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury is set to interview for the Bears’ vacant OC position. Kingsbury currently works as an offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at USC. The Bears hold the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and former Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is a strong candidate to be the first player taken. Chicago is on the search for a new offensive play-caller after firing former OC Luke Getsy and four other members of the offensive coaching staff earlier this month.
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The number-14 Illinois Fighting Illini pulled away in the second half of their 88-73 win over the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. The Illini led by one at halftime before outscoring the Wolverines 51-37 the rest of the way. Coleman Hawkins scored 21 points in the victory, while Quincy Guerrier finished with 16 points and 14 boards. Illinois improved to 4-and-2 in the Big Ten and 13-and-4 overall. The Illini host Rutgers on Sunday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats will try to get a winning streak going when they visit Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena tomorrow. The Wildcats are coming off a 72-69 win over Maryland on Wednesday. Northwestern is 13-and-4 overall and 4-and-2 in the Big Ten. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 1:15 PM.
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IVCC 87, Black Hawk 73: Qu’amar Hobbs scored 21 points to lead the Eagles to an Arrowhead Conference victory in Oglesby.