The Flood Warnings continue on the Illinois and Fox Rivers. Illinois at Ottawa Sunday night was 1.4 feet above flood stage and is expected to fall below flood stage by Tuesday evening. The reading at LaSalle Sunday night measured 5.9 feet above flood stage and is expected to continue a gradual fall for several days. Even though the Fox River at Dayton is 1.1 feet below flood stage, Emergency Management reported Sunday morning that an ice jam is still in place behind OSF St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with a small channel allowing water to flow. Flooding is expected to continue near and upstream of the ice jam while it remains in place.
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IDOT maintenance crews are repairing potholes on state highways and interstates across Illinois. Non-emergency patching operations usually take place during nonpeak travel periods and often require temporary lane closures. Recent heavy snow, rains, and freezing temperatures have caused an increase in potholes throughout the state. Drivers are required to slow down, use caution, and move over for workers.
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A year has passed since St. Margaret’s Health halted operations at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. The hospital, now under the ownership of OSF HealthCare, is gradually moving closer to reopening. It was revealed that there is still considerable work to be done before the facility can resume accepting patients. Dawn Trompeter, President of OSF St. Elizabeth and OSF St. Paul, explained that the coming months will involve thorough testing of existing equipment, cleaning and restocking, and the establishment of new medical records and billing systems to seamlessly integrate with the OSF network. The reopening will be executed in phases and is contingent on receiving government approval at various levels.
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75th District State Representative Jed Davis of Yorkville is a sponsor of House Bill 4178, aimed at assisting at-home caregivers. This proposed legislation seeks to permit qualified and licensed family members employed in the healthcare sector to receive reimbursement for transitioning to the role of at-home caregivers. Representative Davis emphasizes that this initiative aims to offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to provide care for their family members without having to seek external employment. The bill has been assigned to the Illinois House Rules Committee and is designed to address the shortage of home caregivers in the state.
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Announcing on their official Facebook page this Friday, Moore’s Tire revealed plans for the reconstruction of their flagship store in Rock Falls. The upcoming establishment will be situated on a spacious twenty-two-acre plot acquired from the Rock Falls Industrial Development Commission. Originating thirty-three years ago along Route 30, just east of the city, Moore’s has steadily expanded its footprint with additional stores in Macomb, Monmouth, and Mendota. Renowned for serving a diverse clientele, including both urban and rural customers across northern Illinois, the business faced a setback when its Route 30 facility was completely ravaged by the fire that occurred in the middle of January.
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Illinois Valley Community College presents an opportunity for dental assistants-in-training to enhance their skills while simultaneously offering the community accessible and affordable dental care. Operating from 8 a.m. to noon, starting on January 26 and concluding on May 3 (with occasional exceptions), the clinics, held in the college Dental Lab within the gym building, are open to employees, students, and the general public by appointment only. While students and employees receive complimentary services, the public can avail themselves of cleanings for a nominal fee of $30, with additional treatments provided at no cost. The range of services encompasses dental exams, fluoride treatments, cleanings, sealants, and X-rays, ensuring a comprehensive approach to dental health for all participants. Walk-ins are not accepted.
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The “Windy City” might be changing its name to “Bed Bug City.” Chicago tops Orkin’s Annual “Bed Bug” List for the fourth year in a row. The top six U.S. cities remain the same as last year’s list. New York City ranks second, followed by Philadelphia in third, Cleveland fourth, Los Angeles fifth, and Detroit sixth. The rankings are based on the number of residential and commercial treatments Orkin performed between December 1st, 2022, and November 30th, 2023.
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Early Saturday morning just before 4:00 a.m., LaSalle County Deputies charged 18-year-old Kaitlyn D. Carvish of Deer Creek with unsafe equipment, illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver, and possession of cannabis over 30 grams with intent to deliver. Carvish was stopped in Osage Township at Illinois 17 and East 6th Road. She was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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A Peru man has a charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle after a traffic stop just after Midnight Sunday. 30-year-old Barry Sullivan was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies in Utica Township at U.S. 6 and East 9th Road. He was released with a court date.
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19-year-old Sebastian Aguilera of Oglesby was arrested by LaSalle County Deputies at North Columbus Avenue and Walnut Street in LaSalle just after Midnight Saturday on a charge of driving on a suspended license. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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A Streator woman has a charge of driving without a valid license after a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m. Saturday in Bruce Township. 23-year-old Bryanna Stash was stopped at Illinois 23 and North 18th Road, taken to the LaSalle County Jail, and later released with a court date.
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A Rockford K-9 officer is dead following an officer-involved shooting. Police say officers were investigating a “domestic situation” in Rockford. Gunfire was exchanged between the K-9 handler and the suspect, and K-9 officer Nyx was shot and killed while tracking down the suspect. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Originating from Poland, Nyx was skilled in narcotics detection, evidence recovery, human tracking, and apprehension. State Representative John Cabello, a Rockford department member, released a statement on Sunday night, expressing profound sadness over Nyx’s sacrifice in the line of duty. Cabello emphasized the incident’s reminder of the daily dangers faced by law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners, urging the community to unite in support of those who bravely uphold public safety.
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When the police come to your door it might not be a bad thing. On Thursday, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office shared a Facebook video featuring Deputy Erik Milner delivering a bag of food on the evening of January 14th, stepping in after the original delivery driver was arrested. In the video, Milner informs the surprised recipient that the driver was apprehended for a misdemeanor traffic violation, ensuring that the food reached its destination despite the unexpected turn of events. Undersheriff Amy Johnson clarified that the arrest occurred during a traffic stop in Aurora, and though the driver was cited and released on-site, the vehicle was towed away from the scene.
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WEATHER:
…The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Illinois… Illinois River at La Salle affects La Salle, Putnam, and Bureau Counties.
* WHAT…Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE…Illinois River from Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa
downstream to Starved Rock Lock and Dam, including the Ottawa
gauge.
* WHEN…Until early Wednesday morning.
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Monday
Areas of fog before 10 am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
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Monday Night
A chance of rain after midnight, mixing with snow after 3 am. Increasing clouds, with a steady temperature around 37. South southwest wind around 10 mph becoming west-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
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OBITUARIES:
Emilio Gusman, 95, of Aurora, formerly of Ottawa, was called to be with the Lord on Monday, January 22nd, with his loving family by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Tuesday, January 30th, at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Burial with military honors by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will follow in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.
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Candy Dubach, 55, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, January 19th.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31st, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.
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Leslie Roberta Streadwick, 66, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, January 22nd, at The Pavilion of Ottawa. Private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory.
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Brendin H. Miskell, 39, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21st, A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the American Legion in Ottawa. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Seneca 68, Marquette 54: The top-seeded Seneca boys basketball team beat No. 2-seeded Marquette Academy 68-54 in the title game of the 97th Tri-County Conference Tournament on Saturday night at Putnam County High School’s R.M. Germano Gymnasium.
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Rochelle 80, Ottawa 70: At Rochelle, the host Hubs outscored the Pirates to claim the Interstate 8 Conference win.
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Washington 49, Streator 47: At Washington, the Bulldogs dropped to 19-5 on the season with a loss to the Panthers.
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Newark 56, Somonauk 24: At Newark, the visiting Bobcats couldn’t keep up with the Norsemen in the Little Ten Conference game.
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Earlville 59, LaMoille 28: At LaMoille, the visiting Red Raiders ran their season record to 21-1 and their Little Ten to 7-0.
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Girls basketball
Marquette 77, Alden-Hebron 42: At Bader Gymnasium, the Crusaders to victory over the Giants.
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Serena 52, IMSA 21: At Serena, the Huskers improved to 20-2 overall and 4-0 in the LTC with the win over the Titans.
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Earlville 44, South Beloit 38: On Friday, the Red Raiders prevailed in nonconference action.
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Ottawa 52, Sandwich 38: At Sandwich, the visiting Pirates scored the win over their former conference rivals to improve to 13-9.
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St.Bede 45, LPHS 40: the Bruins came away with a 45-40 victory in L-P’s A.J. Sellett Gymnasium.
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Girls bowling
At Rockford: La Salle-Peru took second in the Belvidere Invite.
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At Dixon: Mendota placed 12th among 20 teams at the Dixon Invitational.
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Streator at Dixon: The Lady Bulldogs place 12th at the Dixon Invitational at Plum Hollow Family Center.
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Girls wrestling
At the Minooka Regional held Friday and Saturday, Ottawa’s Juliana Thrush went a perfect 3-0, at the Minooka Regional on Saturday to advance to next week’s sectional at Geneseo.
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Boys wrestling
At Melrose Park: St. Bede, The Bruins placed 3rd out of eight teams at the 2024 Chicago Prairie Football League Team Dual.
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Competitive dance
Streatorettes, Pirate Poms miss cut: At the IHSA State Finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, both Streator’s and Ottawa’s competitive dance squads saw their IHSA postseasons end.
Shepherd Middle School: The 8th grade defeated Sandwich 38 to 34 in the first round of regionals. Leading the way for Shepherd: Blake Schiltz with 18 points, Nevan Holloway with 10 points, Amari Molina with 7 points, and Quinn Windy with 2 points. 8th grade is now 13-9. They will play top-seeded Yorkville on Tuesday in the regional semifinal at Shepherd.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls beat the Trail Blazers 104-96 in Portland. Chicago hosts Toronto tomorrow night.
The Blackhawks suffered a 1-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Chicago’s next game is on February 7th against the Wild.
Women’s Basketball
Akron 61, NIU 59: At DeKalb.
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Men’s Basketball
Ball State 81, NIU 71: At Muncie, the Huskies fell for the ninth straight time and 12th straight time against an NCAA Division I opponent.
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Wilbur Wright 75, IVCC 73: Wade Sims scored 35 points as the Eagles lost a nonconference game in Chicago.