Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities, purchase new equipment, and upgrade current parks and playgrounds. Among the grants announced by Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday are three LaSalle County projects. Marilla Park in Streator is set to undergo enhancements for fishing and ice skating, as it secured $219,900 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. La Salle has secured a $300,000 state grant for various recreational enhancements, including an outdoor fitness station, pickleball courts, a sledding hill, and improvements at Rotary Park. Peru is set to enhance the Washington Park ice rink with a $600,000 state grant.
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The Peru City Council, in a 5-3 vote, rejected a special use permit on Monday for a proposed tattoo shop at 1830 Fourth St. downtown, aligning with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Aldermen Bob Tieman, Jason Edgcomb, and Jeff Ballard opposed the denial, preferring to table the discussion for further consideration. Alderman Mike Sapienza expressed concern that a tattoo business contradicts the envisioned purpose for the building, purchased after foreclosure and successfully renovated. Sapienza, hoping for a restaurant or retail space to enhance the downtown area, emphasized the need to avoid an excess of non-attractive businesses. The proposed tattoo business owner, Gloria Galindo, highlighted plans to relocate from Mendota, offering body piercing, a service she claims is lacking in the Illinois Valley. Despite suggestions to delay the decision, the council supported Sapienza’s request.
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Former President Trump will stay on Illinois’ presidential primary ballot. The State Board of Elections voted to dismiss another challenge to Trump’s eligibility over his alleged actions during the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021. The bipartisan board voted unanimously against the lawsuit brought by a group of voters represented by the watchdog group Free Speech for the People and state elections lawyers. It said it lacked the authority to decide on the challenge. In related news, no word has been given yet on the petition to seek Joe Biden’s removal from the Democratic primary ballot. Due to the campaign’s usage of a Notary Public in the District of Columbia, instead of the State of Illinois which violates Illinois Election Law.
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Starved Rock Hikers will present their original documentary, “Ice Climbers of Starved Rock,” with screenings at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, at Roxy Cinema in Ottawa. In this 29-minute film, viewers will delve into the captivating journey of a diverse community of ice climbers conquering frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. Sponsored by the Illinois Office of Tourism, Starved Rock Hikers, and Heritage Corridor Destinations, the documentary, directed and edited by Kyle Petersen, highlights the shared passion for ice climbing that brings people from various backgrounds together. Featuring breathtaking footage and interviews, admission is free with required tickets available with a link at the bottom of this story on the 1430 wcmy website and Facebook page. The first 50 attendees at each screening will receive a limited-edition poster. www.starvedrockhikers.com/ice-climbers
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Senator Sue Rezin of Morris State has initiated the “Safe Screens, Healthy Minds” campaign by launching an interactive online survey, now accessible to the public. The survey’s primary objective is to collect valuable data on the influence of social media on the well-being of young individuals. Senator Rezin has scheduled multiple roundtable discussions to delve deeper into this issue, and the online survey serves as an inclusive platform for statewide participation, enabling individuals who are unable to attend the roundtables to provide their feedback. Senator Rezin aims to formulate a comprehensive set of bills dedicated to safeguarding minors on digital platforms, contending that social media companies are targeting youth, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health. Access to the survey can be found on the 1430 wcmy website and Facebook page: https://il-38-senate.web.fireside21.app/forms/form/?ID=9
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A La Salle business proprietor, 30-year-old Erick Rosales, is facing charges of felony theft and felony tax evasion, as indicted by a La Salle County Grand Jury on Tuesday. The charges involve dollar amounts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, according to court records. Rosales, who was the owner of Blaze Smoke Shop on St. Vincent Avenue in La Salle at the time of the alleged thefts, is presently out of custody and is scheduled for a court appearance on February 5th in Ottawa. The La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
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On Tuesday, the Illinois State Police revealed the apprehension of Dawson Michael, a 23-year-old individual facing charges of three counts of distributing child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography. Michael is currently incarcerated in the Bureau County Jail. The arrest stems from a search warrant executed by state troopers in October at a residence located in the 600 block of Hidden Lake Drive in Princeton, where investigators uncovered evidence of child pornography. Following the approval of charges late last week, Michael was placed under custody on Monday.
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A Streator man awaiting trial in LaSalle County on charges of distributing explicit images is dead. 44-year-old Ryan P. Cook’s recent death was presented in court by Prosecutor Jeremiah Adams without revealing details of the cause and manner of death. The case on two counts of disseminating child pornography was dismissed.
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Two Streator women face charges after a Tuesday evening traffic stop at Bloomington and First Streets. 37-year-old Jennifer Milton was cited for no valid registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle and arrested for possession of methamphetamine of 5 or more grams. A passenger, 31-year-old Linda Robertson was also arrested for possession of methamphetamine of 5 or more grams. Both were released with court dates.
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39-year-old Jeffrey Delagarza, Junior, of rural Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Monday at 209 East Norris Drive on a domestic battery charge. He was released with a notice to appear in court.
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Hundreds of nurses at a southwest suburban Joliet hospital could be staging another walkout next week. The 500 union nurses at Ascension St. Joseph notified the hospital yesterday and mentioned that they plan to walk off the job on February 8th and 9th. The same nurses went on strike twice last year during a contract standoff with management. The union’s sticking point is that Ascension has failed to deal with its staffing concerns.
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A grand jury in La Salle County assembled on Tuesday and issued the following indictments:
1. Erick Rosales, 30, from La Salle, was charged with theft and sales tax evasion.
2. Terrell Harris, 22, from Pontiac, facing two counts of aggravated battery.
3. Joshua Muntean, 48, from Sterling, was accused of aggravated DUI and operating a commercial motor vehicle under the influence.
4. Roger Carter, 54, from Portage, Indiana, was charged with three counts of deceptive practice.
5. Hernan Luna, 29, from La Salle, facing four counts of aggravated DUI.
6. Michael Smith, 45, from Streator, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
7. Misty Smith, 38, from Streator, was accused of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
8. Frederick Dutton, 39, from Tonica, was charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
9. Mike A. Green, 62, from Peru, facing aggravated DUI charges.
10. Jason Mantzke, 28, from Ottawa, was charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding.
11. Miguel Morales, 41, from La Salle, was accused of aggravated battery and criminal property damage.
12. Mauricio Carreon, 22, from Spring Valley, facing two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.
13. Larry Kelly, 29, from La Salle, was charged with residential burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
14. Anthony Cuevas, 21, from DePue, was accused of driving while revoked and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
15. Glen Johnson, 38, from Ottawa, facing three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, driving while revoked, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
16. Nestor Diaz, 42, from Joliet, was charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
17. Christina Toner, 35, from Peru, is accused of two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
18. Carlee Schaefer, 39, from Ottawa, facing two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
19. Jacqueline Rizzo, 56, from La Salle, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
20. Anthony C. Blameuser, 30, from Streator, facing two counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
21. Michael Shaw, 49, from Peru, was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low of around 35. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Janet C. Combs, 83, of Marseilles, passed peacefully on Monday, January 29th, at Aperion Care Marseilles. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, February 2nd at the Marseilles Church of the Nazarene. Funeral services will follow at noon at the church. Inurnment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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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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Nancy Faye (Zeber) Knoll “Oma”, 77, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, January 28th, at her home surrounded by her family. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 4th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from noon until the service at the funeral home.
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William “Bill” Ganiere, 70, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, January 26th, at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7th, at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be a celebration of life at Splash & Go at a date to be announced.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Marquette 57, Woodland 51: The Marquette Academy boys basketball team held just a two-point lead over Woodland with three minutes to play in Tuesday’s Tri-County Conference contest at a rocking and loud Warrior Dome. Crusaders are unbeaten in league play this year.
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Earlville 60, Newark 45: At the 105th Little Ten Conference Tournament held at Somonauk, the second-seeded Red Raiders (22-1) earned a date with Hinckley-Big Rock in Thursday’s 7 p.m. semifinal
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Hinckley-Big Rock 68, IMSA 52: At the 105th Little Ten Conference Tournament held at Somonauk, the third-seeded Royals advanced to face Earlville in Thursday’s semifinals.
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Streator 65, Peotone 27: At Pops Dale Gymnasium, the host Bulldogs secured their 20th win of the season – the earliest a Streator team has reached 20 since the mid-1960s
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Beecher 67, Seneca 43: At the Den in Beecher, the Fighting Irish fell to the 24-0, undefeated Bobcats.
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La Salle-Peru 60, Morris 45: the Cavaliers to an Interstate 8 Conference victory Tuesday in La Salle.
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Kewanee 62, Hall 52: The Red Devils dropped a Three Rivers Conference East Division game in Spring Valley.
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Newman 66, Mendota 60: the Trojans lost a Three Rivers Conference East Division game in Mendota.
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Girls basketball
La Salle-Peru 41, Geneseo 39: the Cavaliers edged the Maple Leafs in a nonconference game in Geneseo.
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Galesburg 63, Serena 38: At Serena on Tuesday, the Huskers suffered just their second loss of the season against the powerhouse Silver Streaks.
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Morris 46, Ottawa 44: At Morris in a game where both teams were missing regular starters, the visiting Pirates suffered the close Interstate 8 Conference defeat to fall to 13-11 overall, and 4-4 in the I-8.
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Boys swimming
Morris 98, La Salle-Peru co-op 76: At Morris,
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Girls bowling
Streator 1,945, Lisle 1,713: At Lisle, the visiting Bowlin’ Bulldogs secured the win.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is supporting a new stadium for the White Sox in Chicago’s South Loop. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that the top executive of baseball says the move would be a game changer because of the new site’s location in the downtown area. Manfred also told the publication that he believes a new ballpark could be financed without new taxes. The Sox have played at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood since 1991, but their lease expires after the 2029 season.
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The Bulls collapsed in the second half of their 118-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors at United Center. The Bulls visit the Hornets tonight. In other team news, Patrick Williams will miss at least two weeks with a foot injury.
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The number-14 Illinois Fighting Illini are on a two-game winning streak following an 87-75 win over Ohio State at Value City Arena. The Illini host Nebraska on Sunday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats look to knock off number-two Purdue for the second time this season when the two teams meet tonight. Northwestern is 15-and-5 overall and 6-and-3 in the Big Ten.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish aim to avoid a fifth-straight loss when they visit Virginia tonight. The Irish are 7-and-13 overall and 2-and-7 in the ACC.
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Kishwaukee 78, IVCC 71: The Eagles trimmed a 17-point deficit down to three with less than two minutes remaining but couldn’t complete the comeback in an Arrowhead Conference loss in Malta.