OSF HealthCare made a significant announcement on Wednesday afternoon, revealing plans to construct a new inpatient hospital in Ottawa. Positioned across the street, south of East Norris Drive, on a 31-acre vacant plot of OSF-owned land, the new facility, OSF St. Elizabeth, aims to address infrastructure challenges plaguing the current hospital, which was built in the early 1970s. With intentions to apply to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board by month’s end and expecting approval later this year, OSF targets a late 2027 opening for the new hospital. The proposed facility boasts a 26-bed inpatient behavioral health unit, 12 medical/surgical beds, a state-of-the-art surgery suite, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient care services. Primary and specialty care clinics will continue in Ottawa, encompassing cardiovascular care, general surgery, and OB/GYN services. OSF plans to demolish the existing hospital once the new center is operational, collaborating with the city of Ottawa for future land utilization. Formerly known as Ottawa Regional Medical Center and Ryburn Memorial Hospital, the current OSF Saint Elizabeth Hospital opened in 1974.
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During an open house at Ottawa City Hall, Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty highlighted the significance of having an ideal train station location within walking distance of the downtown area for the proposed Peoria-to-Chicago rail line. Proposed station spots in Ottawa, including the historic depot on Marquette Street and an area north along Joliet Street, align with the city’s economic development plans. Despite the rail line being years away from realization, Ottawa anticipates benefits such as increased connectivity with Chicago and Peoria, which can support tourism and bolster development efforts such as riverfront enhancements and an amphitheater. The open house, organized by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments, aims to gather public feedback on proposed station locations in Morris, Ottawa, Utica, and La Salle-Peru while addressing challenges such as capacity limitations and property acquisition. The study, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, seeks to explore the feasibility of the project, with upcoming open houses scheduled in various communities along the proposed rail route.
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New details emerge regarding a significant collision between a bicycle and a semi-truck. At just past midnight on Tuesday morning, emergency services responded to a distress call at the 2700 block of Columbus Street. Reports indicate that 45-year-old Sherry Cameron, riding westbound on her bicycle, was struck by a northbound semi driven by 51-year-old Nathan Grove. Grove claimed he didn’t see Cameron until she was within 10 feet of his vehicle, prompting him to abruptly brake and swerve left in an attempt to avoid the collision. Regrettably, the semi-truck ended up running over the bicycle, leaving Cameron lying on the ground approximately 30 feet away from the vehicle. Cameron sustained severe injuries and was rushed to OSF in Peoria, while Grove emerged unscathed and was not cited. The incident occurred near the summit of the hill leading into downtown Ottawa.
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During the Marseilles City Council meeting, Eagle Scout Dylan Trettenaro of Marseilles Troop 799 presented his proposal for a dog park near the Marseilles boat landing scheduled for construction in the coming spring. Trettenaro agreed to forward his detailed plan to City Clerk Lesley Hart, including a sketch pinpointing the park’s designated location on the east side. Following council review, approval for the project is anticipated at the March 20th meeting. Additionally, the council passed a resolution concerning maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code, facilitating the city’s utilization of motor fuel tax funds for state purchases such as road salt, sand, and patch mix. City Engineer Michael Etscheid elaborated on the city’s procurement strategy, emphasizing the advantageous pricing obtained through the state’s purchasing plan. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck updated the council on upcoming bids for the Broadway Park renovation project and the long-awaited Rutland Street sidewalk, funded by a state grant. Furthermore, the council approved the Marseilles Firefighters Association’s request to host Cruise Night in July, waived the associated permit fees, and acknowledged the Illinois Treasurer Office’s forthcoming presentation on its I-Cash program. Mayor Hollenbeck also reminded attendees of the Recreation Board’s Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for March 24 at the park.
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In a recent incident reported by the Streator Police Department on Monday morning. A vehicle pursued by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office collided with at least two parked cars and a residential property. Despite the collision, the driver of the 2007 GMC SUV managed to escape law enforcement. Authorities have identified the vehicle as locally registered. The incident resulted in extensive damage to a home located in the 700 block of North Park Street, although fortunately, no injuries were reported.
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A Yorkville company seeks to expand storage facilities in Oglesby by converting adjacent land into 180 storage units. The Oglesby City Council provisionally approved the project on Monday, contingent upon adjustments to the site plan. The property in question is situated between Columbia and School Avenues and Florence and Porter Streets. With a 4-0 vote in favor (Commissioner Terry Eutis absent), the Council endorsed recommendations put forth by the Zoning Board of Appeals, granting a special use permit while opposing variances related to the width of the driving lane and tree plantings. Mayor Jason Curran expressed confidence that these variances would not impede the proposed expansion, emphasizing that while certain variances were denied, the business could still operate within the permitted scope. Commissioner Tony Stefanelli echoed this sentiment, suggesting further negotiation is flexible.
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The Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Caring Friends Support Group gathering at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 18th, situated in the lower level of the Peru Public Library at 1409 11th St. Whether you seek solace, information, or guidance regarding the care of your loved one, this meeting welcomes you to share your concerns, listen to others’ experiences, and pose any questions you may have. For additional details, feel free to reach out to Joanne Milby at 815-228-1858, Peg Gonet at 815-481-6465, or Bob Frig at 815-220-0202.
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Do you have a budding young actor or actress in the house, or maybe you want to hone your skills in improv? Stage 212 in La Salle offers two exciting improv workshops on Saturday, March 16th at the theater. Imagination Station, running from 10 to 11 a.m., is tailored for ages 8-13 and led by instructor Trisha Bagby, who will introduce various improv skills through engaging games. Following that, Acting Out takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., targeting ages 14 and up, including adults, with Bagby guiding participants through entertaining games aimed at refining improv techniques. The cost for Imagination Station is $12 per person while Acting Out! is priced at $15 per person. As space is limited, pre-registration is necessary, and interested individuals can register and find further details online at www.stage212.org.
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Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed ending the one percent grocery tax in Illinois — a move observers say could hurt local economies across the state. Officials in Barry, Illinois, say sales and property tax revenues comprise most of their annual budget. If the grocery tax goes away, they say they would be able to survive on their tax base but the grocery tax makes a lot of projects possible. Quincy officials say the loss of the one million dollars from the grocery tax would be noticeable but they would not have to make many adjustments to their budget.
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A state commission created three years ago to examine public universities in the state estimates the universities are underfunded by almost one-point-four billion dollars. The commission is made up of legislators, public university officials, and advocacy groups. It concluded that by adding up to 135 million dollars a year to public universities, the state could bridge the funding gap within 10 to 15 years.
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Once again, the time to turn our clocks forward arrives this weekend with the advent of Daylight Saving Time. Illinois lawmakers are interested in making the change permanent but have been frustrated in recent years in passing legislation to make it happen. The federal Uniform Time Act prevents states from acting on their own to make the change permanent but it hasn’t stopped lawmakers from trying anyway. State Representative Bob Morgan says he keeps trying because the change to Daylight Saving Time can be tough on seniors and families.
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Following a comprehensive multi-agency probe into child pornography production and possession, a Marseilles resident named Nathaniel Haff-Fluech faces seven serious charges. These include three counts of Class-X felony child pornography, two counts of Class-2 felony child pornography, and two counts of Class-2 felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse, stemming from alleged incidents spanning from December 2019 to February of the current year. The 21-year-old was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force and subsequently transported to La Salle County Jail. The Ottawa Police Department led the investigation, with support from the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, Marseilles Police Department, La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office, La Salle County Children’s Advocacy Center, DCFS, and Youth Service Bureau.
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On Tuesday night, Mendota resident Austin Switzer, aged 30, was apprehended and detained at La Salle County Jail on charges of home invasion, battery, and criminal damage to property following reports of him forcibly entering a neighbor’s residence and engaging in a physical altercation. In a separate incident, 53-year-old Katherine Ketchum was arrested at her residence by Mendota police on Monday for allegedly obstructing court proceedings in Whiteside County; she has a scheduled court appearance on April 2. Early Tuesday morning, police arrested Raphael Ragland, 31, from Madison, Wisconsin, for criminal trespass and obstructing identification after discovering him asleep in an unoccupied apartment on Sixth Street. Ragland is expected to appear in court on March 25. Additionally, Mendota police arrested 44-year-old Chad Needs at his residence on Tuesday afternoon for theft, granting him a court date of March 25 before his release.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of I-80 MM 83. (Utica TWP) Michelle Munoz (37) of Crawford, PA was arrested for suspended registration, active PA warrant for possession of a controlled substance, and fugitive from justice. She was transported to LASCO jail awaiting extradition.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of RT 6 & E 12th RD. (Ottawa TWP) Hailee Schmitt (32) of Ottawa was cited for speeding 76 mph in a 55 mph zone.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. East-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Thursday Night
Rain, mainly after midnight. Low around 46. East wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half 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 today 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 10:00 am until 10:30 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Fred E. Carlson, 85, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 3rd, at his home. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 9th, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm, Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
At the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation West Sectional last weekend in Rock Island, several Ottawa, La Salle-Peru, and Streator wrestlers scored top-three finishes to advance to various IKWF state competitions later this month in Rockford and Decatur.
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For the Ottawa Wolfpack WC, capturing individual championships were Cash Lucas (intermediate division 79 pounds), Ryder Harsted (novice 64), Cale Dauber (novice 74), Carter Noonan (senior 74), Christopher Thompson (senior 96), Max Moreno (senior 118) and Landyn McEmery (senior 164).
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The Streator Bulldog Wrestling Club saw its competitors earn a pair of top-three finishes. Cameron Tutko (bantam division 70 pounds) captured first place in his bracket. Allen Antolik took third place to also earn a state berth.
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The La Salle-Peru Crunching Cavs also are sending multiple contenders to one IKWF state tournament or the other, led by first-place finishes from Kylie Kasprak (intermediate division, 80 pounds), Brycen Miller (intermediate 108), Stephanie Hawkins (novice 87), Lily Deibel (novice 94), Jake Kasprak (novice 80), Lailah Vaughn (senior 127) and Griffin Kellett (senior 110).
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The Princeton Christian Academy 8th-grade girl’s basketball team recently capped an undefeated season by defeating Malden 25-16 in the BVEC championship game. The Eagles finished with a perfect 12-0 record. The PCA 7th-grade team also won the BVEC title, giving PCA its first conference sweep.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The White Sox got knocked around the ballpark during a 12-9 Spring Training loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. The Southsiders take on Milwaukee today.
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The Cubs rallied in the bottom of the eighth during a 6-5 Spring Training win over the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park. Cubs against Cincinnati tonight.
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The Bulls beat the Utah Jazz 119-117 at Delta Center. The Bulls are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 30-and-32. They visit the Warriors tonight.
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The Blackhawks will have a couple of days to rest and prepare for their game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Saturday. Saturday’s game starts at 6:00 PM.
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The Northwestern Wildcats were lifeless in the second half of their 53-49 loss to the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Events Center. The Wildcats host Minnesota on Saturday.
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In the Missouri Valley Conference tournament today, UIC takes on Southern Illinois, Illinois State plays against Evansville, and Valparaiso has a contest against Belmont.