The Conservation Police have updated their statement regarding the body discovered beneath the Abe Lincoln bridge in La Salle, now identifying the deceased as a 57-year-old female, contrary to earlier dispatch reports indicating a male. LaSalle Fire/EMS responded to the Canal towpath just after 12:30 PM Saturday, prompted by the discovery. Phil Wire of the Conservation Police indicated that authorities suspect the woman left a car that was parked directly overhead on the I-39 bridge. While the woman is believed to have a local address, her identity cannot be disclosed until her next of kin are notified. The Coroner’s office is involved, and an autopsy is pending. Law enforcement refrains from speculating on potential foul play at this stage.
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The challenge posed by La Salle County Board member Beth Findley-Smith, R-Somonauk, regarding the legality of President Joe Biden’s nomination papers in Illinois was recently rejected. Findley-Smith, alongside Timothy Conrad, contended that Biden failed to utilize an Illinois notary on his statement of candidacy, as mandated by the Illinois Election Code. Despite their objection being denied by the State Board of Elections, the duo pursued an appeal to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court. However, Biden’s attorney successfully moved for dismissal based on a procedural error, resulting in the denial of their request to remove Biden’s name from the Illinois ballot for the Democratic presidential nomination in the upcoming March 19th primary election.
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In February, complications related to COVID-19 claimed the lives of two women in their 80s and one in her 90s in La Salle County, contributing to a total of five COVID-19-related deaths reported so far in 2024. Jenny Barrie, a health educator at the La Salle County Health Department, highlighted that reporting delays can occur within the state system, with deaths being classified as COVID-19-related after review by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Despite these losses, La Salle County remains at a low risk for COVID-19, according to the county health department, adhering to CDC standards. Current indicators, including a recent rate of 3.3 new hospital admissions per 100,000 residents and 1.6% of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, shape the county’s risk assessment. The La Salle County Health Department confirmed 66 new COVID-19 cases from February 23rd to 29th, adding to the 210 cases reported throughout February. Since the onset of the pandemic, La Salle County has recorded 531 COVID-19-related deaths.
In related news, The state of Illinois is mirroring the new rules from the CDC when it comes to COVID isolation. The CDC, late last week, ended its five-day isolation rule. Instead, the CDC is now telling people to stay home or stay away from others until their symptoms are better. That could be more or less than five days. The Illinois Department of Public Health says the rules allow for more flexibility.
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Lauren Underwood, the U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 14th congressional district, along with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and State Representative Lance Yednock, is slated to address attendees at the upcoming La Salle County Democrats annual dinner, set to take place on March 9th at the Knights of Columbus venue located at 401 W. Main St. in Ottawa. Further details can be found at lasallecountydemocrats.org.
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The Spring Valley Fire Department has been busy responding to a total of 94 calls, estimating that 44 were EMS-related while the rest involved fire personnel attending to various incidents such as house, car, or rubbish fires, gas leaks, carbon monoxide alarms, and assisting the coroner. January saw a record-breaking 53 calls, followed by a slightly slower February with 41. In 2022, there were 194 calls, increasing to almost a hundred more in 2023. Over the past decade, there has been a significant 203% increase in call volume according to calculations. However, despite the rising demand, the fire department has been successful in promptly deploying the right personnel to treat patients faster than ever before.
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Illinois gas prices have fallen a couple of pennies over the past week New data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows the price of a gallon of gas in the Midwest dropped by two cents — from $3.12 to $3.10. The average fuel price has risen over the past month by about 23 cents. According to Gas Buddy, in Streator, Princeton, and Ottawa, prices are around $3.59, while in Mendota and Oglesby, they’re slightly lower at $3.49. Further reductions are seen in La Salle Peru, Spring Valley, and Utica, where pump prices hover around $3.39. Over the past three weeks, gas has seen an uptick in cost due to refineries rolling out summer blends in preparation for the approaching summer driving season.
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Illinois lawmakers are working on legislation to make it easier for residents to undergo in vitro fertilization or other fertility treatments if they’re trying to grow their family. Lawmakers have introduced three bills that would enhance coverage for the procedure for anyone enrolled in the State Employees Group Insurance Act. The bills have been assigned to the General Assembly’s insurance committee. Earlier this month, the Alabama Supreme Court declared that frozen embryos are children. Several clinics in Alabama have already stopped IVF treatments as a result.
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La Salle County invites applications for American Rescue Plan Funds, aiming to align with its mission of utilizing the coronavirus state and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds by US Department of the Treasury guidance. These funds are intended to benefit La Salle County residents, both individuals and businesses, in mitigating the pandemic’s effects. With a commitment to fostering a resilient and equitable community, the county seeks to make strategic investments that spur long-term growth and opportunity. For further details, visit the La Salle County website and access the American Rescue Plan Funds story. Interested parties can find the application on the website as well. With a grant of $22 million, La Salle County is currently open to proposals for ARPA funding until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15th. The Department of Treasury has outlined five key focus areas for ARPA funding, including supporting public health responses, addressing economic impacts, replacing lost revenue, and investing in critical infrastructure such as water, sewer, and broadband.
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The man who is in charge of Illinois’ driver’s licenses wants to take them digital. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias yesterday came out in support of digital driver’s licenses. Iowa and Missouri already offer digital versions of driver’s licenses and state ID cards, Giannoulias says there’s no reason Illinois can’t do the same. The new digital licenses would work just like the current plastic ones but would come with digital security features that allow people to not share all of their personal information when presenting their ID to buy things like beer, cigarettes, or marijuana in Illinois.
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La Salle’s Rotary Park unveils its latest attraction, The Quarry, a pristine 18-basket disc golf course now open to the public. While a grand opening is forthcoming, enthusiasts can already explore the course, equipped with a detailed map and instructions at each hole for seamless gameplay. Admission is free, although players are reminded to bring their discs. For further details, visit the City of La Salle’s Facebook page. That opens up more possibilities for the avid disc golfers in the area. Currently, there are disc golf courses at IVCC, Starved Rock, Streator, Marseilles, and Baker Lake in Peru.
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Learn how to keep and care for honeybees at the Illinois Valley Beekeepers Association’s beginner beekeeper workshop, happening on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension Center in Ottawa. Led by seasoned beekeepers, this comprehensive session covers honeybee biology, hive fundamentals, equipment essentials, bee procurement and installation, hive management techniques, troubleshooting common issues, and hive preparation for honey harvesting. The workshop costs $15 for adults and $5 for attendees under 18, inclusive of lunch and entry into raffles held after the event. For registration, reach out to Robin at 815-357-3292 or robin@needatrailer.com.
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Throughout March and April, the Illinois Department of Corrections is hosting over 20 public hiring events across various locations, including Ottawa and Pontiac, to showcase career opportunities within the agency. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend any of these sessions to familiarize themselves with the application process. IDOC recruiters will be available to provide guidance and assist with on-the-spot applications. Positions such as correctional officers, nurses, wardens, office associates, and social workers are among those being sought after. The state offers competitive benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation days, wellness programs, and retirement plans. With opportunities available at over 30 IDOC locations. For updates on upcoming events, prospective applicants are encouraged to follow IDOC on social media.
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Three individuals faced misdemeanor charges related to alcohol compliance checks at Spring Valley establishments, as announced by the Illinois State Police in a Friday news release. Toni Newton of Spring Valley Supermarket, Cindy Eutis of Happy’s Super Service, and Christopher Mason of Valley News were charged with unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor carrying potential jail time of up to a year, though alternative sentencing options such as community service are available. All were released pending appearances in Bureau County Circuit Court. Illinois State Police Zone 01 commander. Jason Holt disclosed the outcomes of surveillance efforts conducted at various Bureau County establishments in February to identify those selling alcohol to individuals under 21, aiming to enforce underage drinking laws and prevent impaired driving incidents and fatalities. It’s emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. State police commended establishments and employees who adhere to laws prohibiting alcohol sales to minors. This initiative is financially supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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A Ransom resident, Brent E. Kling, received an 18-month prison sentence on Friday for attempting to fatally harm his ex-girlfriend’s dog with a hammer. Despite the brutal attack, the pet survived. During his sentencing at La Salle County Circuit Court, Kling expressed remorse, yet Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia deemed probation unfit due to considering him a danger to society, emphasizing his lack of genuine contrition. Kling had pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to an animal, a Class 4 felony, in January 2023. Surveillance footage confirmed the assault, leading to Kling’s confession and the dog’s eventual recovery. Despite uncertainty over a potential appeal, Kling’s release, possibly later this year, appears imminent, lessening the significance of a potential appeal. La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing its role in deterring such cruel acts.
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WEATHER:
Monday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind of 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
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Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9 pm. Low around 46. South wind around 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Joni “Joan” Marie Eich, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, March 1st at her home. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, March 7th, at 11:00 am, at the chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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James “Kaker” DeBernardi Jr., 96, of Naplate, passed away Saturday, March 2nd, at La Salle County Nursing Home with his family by his side. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 9th, from 9:30 am until 10:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys Basketball:
The Serena boys basketball team finished the season with Friday night’s 61-52 loss to Aurora Christian at the Class 1A Harvest Christian Academy Sectional title game in Elgin. Serena – which completed the best season in the program’s over 100-year history – ends the campaign at 31-4.
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Byron 59, Princeton 33: Byron turned up the defensive pressure and outscored Princeton by 25 in the second half to win in Friday’s Class 2A Mendota Sectional championship.
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Girls Basketball:
The Interstate 8 Conference has released its all-conference girl’s basketball team for the 2023-24 season, with Ottawa junior guard Skyler Dorsey, and La Salle-Peru senior guard Addison Duttlinger both earning first-team accolades. L-P senior Kaylee Abens and Ottawa senior Kendall Lowery were awarded an honorable mention.
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The postseason accolades keep rolling in for St. Bede senior Ali Bosnich after she helped the Bruins to a fourth-place finish in the Class 1A state tournament. After being voted Illinois Media Class 1A All-State honorable mention before the state tournament, Bosnich was named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 1A Second-Team All-State and was voted Tri-County Conference Player of the Year.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls lost 113-97 to the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center on Friday. They are in Sacramento tonight.
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The Blackhawks are on a six-game losing streak following a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at United Center on Saturday. The Hawks visit the Avalanche tonight.
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The Cubs scored a pair of seventh-inning runs during a 5-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians during a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Jordan Wicks starts for Chicago against the Padres today.
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The White Sox managed just four hits during a 3-1 Spring Training loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mike Soroka takes the mound for the Southsiders against Arizona today.
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The number-16 Illinois Fighting Illini are on a three-game winning streak following a 91-83 win over the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on Saturday. Illinois hosts number-three Purdue tomorrow night.
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The Northwestern Wildcats had their three-game winning streak snapped with an 87-80 loss against Iowa at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Saturday. The Wildcats visit Michigan State on Wednesday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish remained hot with their fifth win in six games after a 69-62 victory over Clemson at Joyce Center. The Irish visit number-eight North Carolina tomorrow night.
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In other college basketball action over the weekend, Northern Illinois fell to Akron 80-73.
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Moraine Valley 87, IVCC 76: The No. 9-seeded Eagles saw their season come to an end with a loss in the Region IV Tournament Thursday.
IVCC finishes 13-18.
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Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark is now the NCAA all-time scoring leader. She scored her 18th point in Iowa’s game against Ohio State on a free throw just before the end of the first half to break Pete Maravich’s all-time NCAA scoring record.