A retraction on a police report from yesterday:
Media information from a member of the Streator police department over the weekend regarding a retail theft that occurred at the Streator Kroger was reported as an incorrect person. In the original information sent to media outlets, the Streator police officer gave incorrect information that Connie Callaway (Store Manager of Streator Kroger) was arrested for retail theft. This was not correct, as the arrestee in this incident was Carolyn Morgan. Deputy Chief Robert Wood apologizes on behalf of the Streator Police Department for the error. In addition, WCMY apologizes to Connie Callaway for airing the incorrect name in our newscast yesterday.
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Jonathan Findley, a second-grader at Marquette Academy and the son of La Salle County Board Member Beth Findley Smith, R-Somonauk, and Michael Findley, proudly led the “Pledge of Allegiance” at the inaugural Illinois Republican Party Bank Your Vote Gala in Rosemont, attended by over 750 Republican officials, members, and legislators. His demonstration of patriotism and leadership was highlighted at the event, which raised over $450,000 to bolster Illinois Republican voter turnout for the upcoming 2024 elections through the Bank Your Vote initiative, urging Republicans to vote early either in person or by mail. Spearheaded by Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, the gala marked the first state-specific celebration of the initiative, drawing praise from notable guests like U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana.
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The Peru Police Department has reported a successful outcome from its recent Super Bowl enforcement campaign, revealing a DUI arrest amidst the efforts. Alongside this arrest, officers issued 11 citations for various violations including DUI, driving while suspended, and speeding. Spanning from Friday through the early hours of Monday, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket initiative aimed to curb impaired driving and promote adherence to traffic safety laws, ensuring more individuals buckle up. This enforcement drive was made feasible through federal highway safety funds managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation, aligning with statewide campaigns for driving sober and using seat belts.
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The La Salle County Home and Community Education Association offers a scholarship to support a graduating high school senior, a previous graduate, or a GED recipient in La Salle County. The recipient must enroll in a junior college, university, or vocational school by the fall semester of this year. Leadership, scholarship, and commitment to the chosen career path are the criteria for selection, rather than financial need. Applications are available at La Salle County high school guidance offices or the La Salle County Extension Office in Ottawa. Completed forms must be returned by mail by April 1, with winners notified by May 1. Two $500 scholarships are available this year. Established in 1918, the La Salle County Association for Home and Community Education collaborates with the University of Illinois, aiming to promote health awareness, economic literacy, education, support for the 4-H program, cultural development, and membership growth. The scholarship is open to all La Salle County residents.
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La Salle Public Library, along with over 20 libraries throughout Illinois, is excited to host a special virtual event featuring former Illinois U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger discussing his bestselling memoir, “Renegade: Defending Democracy And Liberty In Our Divided Country.” The book offers a personal perspective on a pivotal period in recent history from Kinzinger’s time in Congress. Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29 via Zoom, the event provides a unique opportunity to engage with Kinzinger’s insights. Serving six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives until 2022, Kinzinger’s notable stand for democracy and justice following the events of Jan. 6, 2021, set him apart. In conversation with award-winning journalist Steve Edwards, former host of WBEZ’s “Eight Forty-Eight” and “The Afternoon Shift,” Kinzinger will delve into his experiences and perspectives. Such library-hosted events serve as invaluable platforms for author-reader interaction, especially with the reach of virtual formats, allowing diverse communities to participate. Presented in collaboration with 22 Illinois libraries, the event is free and open to the public, requiring registration via the La Salle Public Library Programming website.
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Utica Village Board President David Stewart has confirmed that there won’t be a Mardi Gras parade down Mill Street this year. Instead, the focus will be on consolidating efforts into one parade to encourage more participation. Amanda Carter, a member of the Utica Business Association, explained that the usual date for the parade coincides with their Winter Wine Walk, a highly successful fundraising event. Given the resource constraints, organizing both the wine walk and the parade on the same day would be challenging due to the need for volunteers. However, the village and the business association are gearing up to revive their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade next month.
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OSF and ImpactLife Blood Center will offer two blood drives, one at Ottawa Hospital on Tuesday, February 27th from 7:30 AM to 5 PM in Meeting Room 1, and the second at OSF Center for Health in Streator on Thursday, March 1st from 10 AM to 2:30 PM in the Community Education space. Your donation can support cancer patients, trauma victims, and surgical patients. ImpactLife supplies blood to various medical centers in the region. To schedule your donation appointment, call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
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Adam Thorson, Peru’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Special Events, alongside the Park Board, was honored with the 2023 IPRA Promotes Play Initiative award for enhancements made at Sunset Park. Mayor Ken Kolowski announced the accolade during Monday’s Peru City Council meeting. Thorson expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Director of Engineering/Zoning Eric Carls for their collaboration on the project. The recognition, he noted, was a significant honor for both the city and the Park Board, bestowed by a prestigious organization. This recognition followed the completion of Sunset Park improvements in October, funded in part by a $43,001 grant from GameTime, in partnership with the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, complementing $150,000 in upgrades, of which the city contributed $116,110. The enhancements featured new playground equipment, such as a rock climber and a tube, alongside engineered wood fiber safety surfacing.
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Sisler’s Ice in Ohio, a tradition in the local area has transferred its ice business operations to Home City Ice, while Sisler’s Ice Cream remains a thriving entity in Princeton. Operating since 1908, Sisler’s of Ohio has been a cornerstone in the local community, producing ice, ice cream, and butter. With the fourth generation, Tieg and Lucas Sisler, taking over the production and sale of Sisler’s ice cream in Princeton, the company ceased retail distribution of ice cream in January 2022. Citing supply chain challenges, government regulations, utility costs, and labor shortages, Sisler’s Ice announced the transition on its Facebook page. Home City Ice will now handle all ice deliveries, maintaining operations at the Ohio, Ill. location with existing phone contacts and several Sisler employees transitioning to Home City Ice. Meanwhile, Sisler’s Ice in DeKalb, operated by Bill’s brother Ed and his sons, will continue its operations independently.
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National gun rights organizations, including the National Association for Gun Rights and Firearms Policy Coalition, have formally petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Illinois’ gun ban, a move widely anticipated. The petitions challenge a decision by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, which declined to issue a temporary injunction against the ban, citing the non-absolute nature of Second Amendment rights. These organizations were key plaintiffs in federal lawsuits initiated shortly after the ban’s enactment in January 2023, prompted by a series of devastating mass shootings across the nation. The ban targeted high-power, rapid-fire rifles with large-capacity magazines, following incidents like the 2022 mass shooting in Highland Park. Multiple lawsuits, including those supported by the National Association for Gun Rights and Firearms Policy Coalition, contested the ban’s constitutionality, with mixed outcomes at the district court level. The consolidated appeal before the 7th Circuit upheld the ban, prompting the current appeal to the Supreme Court. Additionally, a separate petition challenging an assault weapons ban in Maryland was filed recently, awaiting the court’s decision on whether to hear these appeals.
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Former Republican state Sen. Sam McCann’s federal corruption trial faced yet another delay, this time for just one day to allow a standby attorney to take over his defense. Since his indictment in February 2021 on charges including fraud and money laundering, the trial has been repeatedly postponed. McCann’s erratic behavior, including firing his attorney and missing court appearances, has raised eyebrows. Despite his claims of medical issues, prosecutors argue he’s deliberately stalling. The prosecution alleges McCann misused campaign funds for personal expenses totaling over $200,000 during his time in office.
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39-year-old Cornell R. Carroll of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Monday at an apartment in the 1900 block of Guion Street on a charge of domestic battery.
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A two-vehicle accident in Vermilion Township just after 5 o’clock Monday resulted in minor injuries. Vehicles driven by 39-year-old Grant Grosenbach of Leonore and 47-year-old Melissa Chalus of Leonore collided at North 19th and East 8th Roads. Grosenback was charged with failure to yield at an intersection and driving with a suspended registration. Chalus was cited for driving an uninsured motor vehicle.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
A chance of snow between 11 pm and 3 am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low of around 29. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
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OBITUARIES:
Charles L. Anderson, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 9th, at the Pavilion of Ottawa with his family by his side. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 13th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14th, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Marcia Shepherd, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, February 10th, at LaSalle County Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, February 15th at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at noon at the funeral home.
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Noel J. “Butch” Lietz, 81, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 8th, at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 16th, at the funeral home and 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday before the service.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Ottawa Dolphins Compete in Quad Meet at Kishwaukee Y
183 Swimmers competed from 4 teams.
The Ottawa Dolphins had 56 swimmers participate.
Ottawa came in second as a team.
Personal Best Swims
Teagan Gill, Kailey Goetsch, Breckyn Jobst, Quinn Kohut, Colter O’Brien, Selby O’Brien, Shane O’Brien, Annaliese Strow, Atley Strow, Landon Taylor, and Payton Wallace.
Double Event Winners
Kailey Goetsch, Breckyn Jobst, Annaliese Strow, Atley Strow
Single Event Winners
Cole Bressendorf, Clayton Budnick, Elliot Citta, Tucker Citta, Elizabeth Hansen, Brennen Heaver, Quinn Kohut, Lily Miller
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BOYS BASKETBALL
Join us tonight for Marquette Crusader Varsity boys basketball, as they travel to take on the Seneca Fighting Irish. 7 pm tip-off, with Andrew Evola and David Bergeson on the call. And TonyB is back at the WCMY studio.
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Earlville 72, Woodland 39: the Red Raiders got a nonconference victory in Earlville.
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Newman 70, Mendota 59: the Trojans lost a Three Rivers Conference East Division game in Sterling.
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Serena 70, Hinckley-Big Rock 56: At Hinckley, the Huskers claim the Little Ten Conference victory.
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GIRLS BASKETBALL
St.Bede 63, Marquette 57: St. Bede defeated Marquette in the Class 1A Regional semifinal game on Monday
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Kankakee 48, Ottawa 18: the Class 3A Morris Regional the higher-seeded Kays, ending Ottawa’s season
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Morrison 57, Hall 39: Fillies get the victory over No. 7 Hall in the Class 2A Hall Regional.
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Amboy 52, Putnam County 43: The No. 5-seeded Panthers lost to the No. 3 Clippers in a Class 1A Marquette Regional semifinal Monday in Ottawa.
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Washington 59, Streator 9: At the Class 3A Pontiac Regional: the Bulldogs (1-32) ended the season with a loss to the state-ranked Panthers.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls took down the Hawks 136-126, Bulls play the Cavs tomorrow at 6:30.
The Blackhawks take on Vancouver tonight at 7:30. In other Blackhawks news Conor Bedard could return to limited play next week for the ailing Hawks.