Severe storms, accompanied by hail, swept through LaSalle County and northern Illinois on Tuesday evening. As the storms progressed northeast towards Chicago, reports of golf ball-sized hail at Woodhaven Lakes near Sublette. Fortunately, Bureau, La Salle, and Putnam counties reported minimal damage, with no significant impact noted. Despite a tornado touchdown spotted at Annawan, prompting a warning for part of Bureau County, the tornado dissipated shortly after, although storm rotation continued to warrant the warning until it weakened between Manlius and Princeton. Additionally, another storm rotation in far northwest La Salle County led to a warning, although no touchdown occurred, and rainfall remained insignificant throughout the event. Northern Illinois took the brunt of the storm and was battered by intense thunderstorms on Tuesday night, with winds reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service. Tornado damage was documented at Waubonsee Community College, with reports of downed trees, damaged light poles, and overturned cars. Confirmation of a tornado was received in Batavia and areas around North Aurora, with numerous communities in western Kane experiencing hail after 7 p.m. Kane County Emergency Management Services are currently evaluating the extent of damages, noting downed trees and power lines in Sugar Grove. ComEd reported multiple outages in Kane County, affecting various areas including Elgin, Batavia, Sugar Grove, and Elburn.
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On Monday, the Peru City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the transfer of surplus revenue from the MVP Tax Increment Financing District to the Bureau County treasurer for distribution. Peru Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert noted that while this marks the first year of declaring surplus revenue for the MVP TIF District established in 2022, it’s a customary practice for other TIFs. Schweickert explained that 10% of the TIF increment is designated as surplus per agreement with taxing bodies, including schools. The initial surplus amount for this year totals $181.28 due to lower TIF increment generated, but it’s anticipated to significantly increase next year with the GAF facility expected to reach full production within the TIF District.
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The Streator Police Department unveiled its city’s crime statistics on Tuesday, revealing a challenging landscape. In 2023, Streator witnessed four homicides and a substantial number of gun-related incidents, with officers responding to two dozen such calls and confiscating four firearms. Additionally, the department grappled with two robberies, 27 cases of sexual assault or abuse, 28 vehicle thefts, and a dozen burglaries. Theft and shoplifting incidents surpassed 300 cases, while domestic battery calls averaged around one per day. Overall, Streator police received over 13,000 calls for service throughout the year, underscoring the demanding nature of their work.
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The forthcoming highlight of this summer’s TBM Avenger Reunion and Salute to Veterans promises to be a spectacle of sound and light. At the Peru City Council meeting on Monday evening, a proposal from J&M Displays to orchestrate a fireworks display at the airport on Friday, May 17th was approved, with expenses capped at $15,000. Anticipated to dazzle spectators for approximately 12 to 13 minutes, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski expressed confidence in the display, noting that J&M Displays, renowned for their work on Peru’s 4th of July fireworks, will be at the helm once again.
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Launching in early March at the Bureau County History Center campus in Princeton are two exciting exhibits. The Newell Bryant Museum will spotlight the significant events of 1912, including the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic, shedding light on its connections with Bureau County. Concurrently, the Clark Norris Museum will host the Daughters of the American Revolution’s exhibition, “Celebrating our Families and Patriots.” This collaborative effort aims to honor the county’s representation in the Revolutionary War as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. Patrons can explore these exhibits and engage in related events and lectures. The 1912 Exhibit, featuring artifacts, stories, and a lecture by Titanic historian Peter Cook, will run until December, while the DAR Exhibit will showcase Bureau County’s patriotic heritage. Museum hours vary for each exhibit, visit Bureauhistory.org for more information.
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Illinois officials are working to combat pregnancy-related deaths in Black women. According to the state Department of Public Health, Black women in Illinois are three times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death compared to white and Hispanic women. Governor Pritzker has announced a new 23-million-dollar initiative aimed at turning that number around. The proposed initiative would expand the home visit program, and offer a child tax credit and a free diaper pilot program. Money will also go to help non-profit clinics and community-based health centers in underserved areas of the state.
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There is a plan at the Illinois Capitol that would ban non-cage-free eggs in the state. Aurora Democrat Linda Holmes is pushing the plan through the State Senate. It would ban the sale of eggs from any chicken that is kept in a cage. The USDA says cage-free means chickens can wander, whether that’s inside a building or in a yard. Holmes’ plan would come with a two thousand-dollar per-day fine for anyone who violates the proposed ban.
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Indalecio Munoz, a resident of Marseilles, faces charges stemming from an October collision involving a Kane County deputy, as per a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. The 53-year-old is accused of aggravated reckless driving, commercial motor vehicle violations, and additional offenses. Prosecutors assert that Munoz was operating a commercial vehicle on Route 47 when he veered across the center line, resulting in a head-on collision with Kane County Detective Brian Anderson’s patrol car, leaving Anderson with severe injuries. Munoz was granted release from custody under specific conditions by a judge, including abstaining from alcohol consumption and driving. His next court appearance is scheduled for next week.
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On Tuesday, indictments were issued by a La Salle County Grand Jury, implicating several individuals in drug-related activities. Jerimiah Turner, aged 40 from Streator, faces three counts of cocaine dealing stemming from transactions with the Trident Task Force in October. Similarly, in October, Luisa Herrera, aged 28 from Streator, purportedly engaged in cocaine transactions with undercover informants. Additionally, in March of the previous year, Sebastian Aguilera and Angel Castillo, both 19 and residents of La Salle, were accused of dealing marijuana to undercover agents. All four individuals accused of drug dealing are currently not in custody.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
A chance of flurries before 7 am. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 30. Windy, with a northwest wind of 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
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Wednesday Night
Clear, with a low of around 19. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west-southwest 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Nadine F. (Talioli) Turnquist, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 22nd, at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. today at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.
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Kenneth “Papa” Geiger, age 71, of Ottawa, departed this earthly life Friday, February 23rd, in the presence of his loving family. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Thursday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. on the 29th at St. Francis Church. Interment will follow in St. Columba Cemetery.
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Margaret Einhaus, 86, of Seneca, passed away Wednesday, February 14th, at the Arc at Dwight with her family by her side. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the Seneca United Methodist Church. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Private burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Leslie Sommer, 64, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, February 25th, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 2nd, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at noon, at the funeral home. The family requests that all attendees wear their favorite Hawaiian apparel. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Brandy Marie Kemper-Price, age 50, of Ottawa, was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 25th, with her devoted loved ones at her side. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 2nd, at Praise Center Assembly of God. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 to 11 AM before the service. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Metamora 69, LPHS 37: Metamora defeated La Salle-Peru in a Class 3A Pontiac Sectional semifinal Tuesday.
Princeton 69, Rockford Christian 66: The Tigers held on for a win over Rockford Christian in a Class 2A Mendota Regional semifinal that went down to the last shot. The win sends the Tigers (17-15) back to the sectional championship, awaiting the winner of Wednesday’s Byron (27-2) vs. Riverdale (22-8) semifinal in Friday’s championship game at 7 p.m.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls blew a 13-point lead against the worst team in the NBA during a 105-95 loss to the Detroit Pistons at United Center. Chicago hosts Cleveland tonight.
The White Sox and Cubs made a trade yesterday. The Southsiders acquired left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn and sent right-hander Matthew Thompson back to the Northsiders. Neither player has made their MLB debut yet, but the move opened up a roster spot for the Cubs, which allows them to finalize their deal with Cody Bellinger. In other club news, the White Sox lost to the Dodgers 9-6 in Spring Training yesterday, while the Cubs tied with Cincinnati 6-6.
The Blackhawks are getting ready for their game against the Colorado Avalanche at United Center tomorrow night. The Hawks are on a four-game losing streak following their 3-2 overtime loss against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 35 points and a 15-39-and-5 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 8:00 PM.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish overcame a nine-point deficit during a 70-65 win over Wake Forest at Joyce Center. The Irish host Clemson on Saturday.
The number-16 Illinois Fighting Illini go for their second win in a row when they host the Minnesota Gophers at State Farm Center tonight. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:00 PM.
The Northwestern Wildcats aim to complete a season sweep of the Maryland Terrapins when the two teams meet at Xfinity Center tonight. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM.
In other college basketball action yesterday, Northern Illinois edged Toledo 75-72.