Interstate 80 in Bureau County will undergo temporary closure for two consecutive nights on Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26, to facilitate the installation of beams for the 470 East Road bridge near Sheffield, as announced by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The closures, spanning from the Route 78 interchange (exit 33) to the Route 40 interchange (exit 45), will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. Westbound I-80 will be shut down on Monday, March 25, followed by the closure of eastbound I-80 on Tuesday, March 26. Motorists will be directed to follow a posted detour via Route 78, U.S. 6, and Route 40. This bridge project is part of the larger initiative to replace two bridges along the I-80 corridor, with the completion of the first bridge at 645 East Road accomplished in fall 2023. The 470 East Road bridge is slated for completion in the upcoming summer.
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The Illinois Secretary of State announced yesterday that from around 9:50 am to noon, and then intermittently through the afternoon, all DMV facilities across the State of Illinois and the country were reportedly down due to a network outage. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says a nationwide technology problem caused a temporary interruption in services at driver’s license offices. The service outage was blamed on a loss in cloud connectivity and affected facilities for more than two hours yesterday morning. Motor vehicle agencies were unable to issue driver licenses and vehicle titles. The cause of the outage is under investigation, with Illinois and Virginia among the affected states.
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During this week’s Lasalle-Peru township high School board meeting, the La Salle-Peru High School Board sanctioned the acquisition of two handheld metal detectors. Superintendent Steven Wrobleski emphasized a cautious approach to their usage, clarifying that they will not function as walk-through devices. Highlighting the prevalence of vape devices being concealed, particularly in undergarments, Wrobleski stressed the mental components involved. He underscored the handheld detectors as a safer alternative for security personnel to detect concealed items with less intrusiveness than traditional pat-downs. Each device is estimated to cost around $150, with orders set to be placed yesterday.
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Waltham Elementary School in Utica is considering the construction of an annex due to persistent space constraints. The school board has taken steps towards acquiring additional land for potential expansion, recently passing a resolution to purchase 10 acres of adjoining property for $250,000 following a closed session. Superintendent Kristi Eager clarified that the purchase is pending and nothing is finalized yet. Board president Jim McCabe emphasized that no referendum has been scheduled to advance the proposed annex, underlining that the land purchase is aimed at future planning. With Waltham’s enrollment expected to increase by approximately one-fifth in the coming years, the board had previously suggested constructing a 21,000-square-foot annex on the north side, contingent on voter approval for tax increases, though a referendum was postponed last year.
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The Grundy Economic Development Council has announced Grundy County’s unemployment figures for January 2024, revealing a rate of 6.1 percent, slightly up from 5.9 percent in January 2023. Within Grundy County, the labor force comprises 26,575 individuals, with 24,949 currently employed. Conversely, neighboring counties including Kankakee, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, and Livingston experienced year-over-year increases in unemployment. The statewide unemployment rate for January 2024 stood at 5.1 percent, compared to 4.7 percent in January 2023.
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At this year’s Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, hundreds of industry leaders and experts convened for a three-day event at the Peoria Civic Center. Kicking off with the prestigious 2024 Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards on Tuesday, the conference celebrated outstanding achievements in the field. Among the notable winners were the Ottawa Visitors Center, recognized for its exceptional Niche Targeting with Smoketober Fest; Heritage Corridor Destinations, honored for their innovative Best Branding Initiative with New Year, New Brand; and their outstanding Best PR Campaign with the Great American Road Trip program. Illinois, boasting about 111 million visitors globally in 2022 who collectively spent $44 billion across the state, continues to attract millions to La Salle County’s state parks annually.
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Bureau, Boone Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties have united to introduce Next Generation 911 services across their respective communities, alongside the deployment of text-to-911 services for citizens. The collaborative agency emphasizes the importance of reserving text-to-911 for situations where calling isn’t feasible. They caution against unnecessary testing, as it burdens emergency dispatchers, who are already handling high call volumes. It’s noted that not all carriers support text-to-911, and recipients of a “texting not available” message should promptly resort to calling 911 instead. No word if LaSalle County will join in an offer text-to-911 in the future.
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The activity levels on police department Facebook pages vary, indicating not only the frequency of posts but also the engagement from the public through comments. For instance, the Streator Police Department, known for its frequent updates on Facebook, recently announced the decision to disable comments on their page, emphasizing that this choice doesn’t undermine their commitment to serving the community. While the announcement doesn’t cite specific reasons or users prompting this action, it signifies a deliberate move towards managing their online presence.
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The City of Wilmington joyfully announced that the Gemini Giant, an iconic Route 66 landmark, will stay put in Wilmington along its historic stretch. Mayor Ben Dietz revealed that the Joliet Area Historical Museum secured the Gemini Giant with a winning bid of $275,000, generously donating it to the City of Wilmington. This acquisition was made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, with backing from 80th Illinois House District Rep. Anthony DeLuca. The community rallied together, raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign, while the VFW Post 5422 also contributed. The Gemini Giant weighing 450 lbs, and standing at an impressive 30 ft will soon be carefully relocated to South Island Park, preserving Route 66’s legacy.
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A bill under consideration in Springfield would require social media companies to notify parents if they find their child is being threatened or is in some sort of danger. The bill passed unanimously out of the House Consumer Protection Committee. The bill would also give Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul the power to pursue social media companies that don’t comply. Raoul has already said he supports the bill.
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A state grant will help fund 19 organizations that feed their local communities. The funding is provided through the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and it will help local groups source local food for communities. One of the groups benefiting from the new funding is Down at the Farms in Fairbury and other local communities across central Illinois. The organization will receive 110 thousand dollars for the purchase of a delivery vehicle and expanded storage space.
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More police have been assigned to monitor the Dunlap Valley Middle School that’s in Peoria County after a 13-year-old boy was arrested while carrying a gun at school. The teen said he did not plan to use the gun but wanted it for protection and to show off to his friends. School officials have added more police to patrol the campus this week as a result of the incident. A safety training session has been scheduled at the school tomorrow. The teen is in custody at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center.
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Lawmakers in Springfield are discussing two proposals that would provide parents with tax credits for child care. One proposal would give parents a state tax credit equaling 25 percent of the federal childcare tax credit for every child under 13. Another bill would give parents who have children between the ages of three and five tax credits for preschool. The bill would give parents up to 15 hundred dollars per child.
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An Illinois House committee has approved Governor Pritzker’s massive health insurance reform proposal. Among other features, the proposal would make Illinois the first state in the country to ban prior authorization for in-patient adult and children’s mental healthcare. Supporters say it would also prohibit step therapy — in which insurance companies push patients to accept less effective drug treatments before moving on to options their doctors originally recommended. The Pritzker administration plans to offer an amendment to the bill after further negotiations with the insurance industry.
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Illinois is the least tax-friendly state in the country. MoneyGeek conducted a study that revealed the dubious distinction. The personal finance site calculated the tax burden on the average citizen. Illinois also ranked 50th with the average annual property tax set at about nine thousand dollars. The state that was determined the most tax-friendly was Nevada.
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Paul Barth, 52, of Fairbury, was sentenced to 55 years in prison by Livingston County Judge Jennifer Bauknecht yesterday for possessing over 36,000 videos and images of child pornography. Barth, who initially agreed to a 35-year prison term in October 2023, changed his stance during a court appearance in January. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child pornography with the intent to sell, one count of producing child pornography, and one count of simply possessing child pornography. The Fairbury Police Department arrested Barth on Thursday, October 27th, following a tip-off about nude videos of underage children on his electronic device. Subsequent investigations revealed hidden cameras in Barth’s residence, capturing household members, their friends, and unidentified victims in compromising situations. Barth will serve a mandatory 50 percent of his sentence and register as a sex offender for life.
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Grant Hackler, aged 38, faces charges of retail theft and resisting a peace officer. Ivan Davis, 43, hailing from Joliet, was arrested at the Ottawa Walmart on Veterans Drive and charged with felony retail theft. Additionally, two teenagers, a 15-year-old from Odell and a 16-year-old from Oswego, are in legal trouble after being charged with retail theft and felony retail theft in Ottawa.
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On Thursday, Christopher Downey received a three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to felony charges of operating a vehicle with a revoked license and possessing cocaine, offenses to which he had previously confessed in January 2023. Downey’s criminal history in La Salle County comprises allegations of burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated eluding of law enforcement and driving under the influence.
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Thursday evening after 6:30, Streator Police stopped 49-year-old David O. Walton of Joliet in the 100 block of South Sterling Street on charges of operating an uninsured vehicle, driving on a revoked license, and operating a vehicle with suspended registration. Walton was released with a notice to appear in court.
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WEATHER:
Friday
Rain and snow showers are likely before 4 pm, then rain showers between 4 pm and 5 pm, and rain and snow showers are likely after 5 pm. High near 44. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
Friday Night
A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 7 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 27. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
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OBITUARIES:
Nancy (Askim) Pratt, born in San Rafael, California, passed away on March 16th at the age of 77. Nancy worked for the Ottawa Elementary School District for many years before moving on to own and operate The Little store in Ottawa with the help of her family for 10 years before retiring.
Darla Pratt passed away on March 13th at age 43. Darla was born in Ottawa to Mack and Nancy (Askim) Pratt and was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1998. A joint Celebration of Life for Darla & Nancy will be held at Berta’s Tap (covered patio) 616 Clinton St, Ottawa, Sunday 3/24 from 12-4 pm. Ottawa Funeral Home is helping with arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
BASEBALL
Pontiac 18, Ottawa 7 (6 inn.): At King Field on Thursday, the host Pirates (3-3) suffered the nonconference loss to the Indians, committing seven errors leading to 13 unearned runs.
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Marquette 11, Serena 1: Carson Zellers threw 3 perfect innings and Marquette scored seven runs in the first two, leading to an 11-1 over Serena
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St. Bede 10, Midland 9: the Bruins rallied for the Tri-County Conference victory Thursday in Peru.
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Seneca 12, Putnam County 2 (5 inn.): the Panthers lost a Tri-County Conference game in Granville.
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Sandwich 14, Somonauk 1 (5 inn.): At Sandwich, the host Indians rolled past the Bobcats
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Sterling Newman 22, Newark 8 (5 inn.): At Newark, the host Norsemen fell to 0-7 on the season
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SOFTBALL
Ottawa 14, Streator 7: Ottawa got the victory Thursday in the Route 23 rival showdown with the Bulldogs.
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St.Bede 17, Midland 0 (4 inn.): the Bruins belted five total home runs to cruise to a 17-0, four-inning victory over Midland in a Tri-County Conference game. The Bruins are 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the conference. St. Bede is averaging nine runs per game, has outscored its opponents 54-10, and has won five of seven games by eight or more runs.
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Princeton 8, Rock Falls 6: the Tigresses get a nonconference victory in Princeton.
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Seneca 12, Putnam County 4: the Panthers lost a Tri-County Conference game in Granville.
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WFC 15, Lowpoint-Washburn 3 (5 inn.): At rural Streator, the host Warriors finished the TCC sweep of the Wildcats
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Sandwich 8, Somonauk/Leland 0: At Sandwich, the host Indians (2-0) handled the Bobcats
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Newark 16, Sterling Newman 1 (4 inn.): At Newark, the host Norsemen get the win over the visiting Comets.
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GIRLS SOCCER
DePue-Hall 5, Plano 0: The Little Giants shut out the Reapers in DePue to earn their first victory of the season.
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INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
This weekend, athletes from six local schools are set to compete in the Illinois Prep Top Time Indoor Championships at the Shirk Center on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus in Bloomington. In the 1A Meet today Bureau Valley will be represented by three boys: Landon Hulsing, Brady Hartz, and Andrew Roth. St. Bede’s sophomore Lily Bosnich and Amboy’s senior Elly Jones compete in two events. Saturday, Princeton sends three throwers in the shot put, with senior Payne Miller and classmate Morgan Foes and Junior Cade Odell. Princeton sophomore Camryn Driscoll is the fifth seed in the 400 meters. Mendota freshman Mariyah Elam holds the No. 2 seed in the girl’s high jump, while sophomore Sebastian Carlos will run in the boy’s 400m. LaSalle-Peru is represented by Elli Sines in the girl’s 60m hurdles and Griffin Hammers in the boy’s 800 meters.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox played to a 3-3 draw with the Kansas City Royals in a Spring Training game at Surprise Stadium. Andrew Benintendi had two hits and an RBI in the game. The Southsiders send Jonathan Cannon to the mound against the Angels today.
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The Chicago Cubs scored three runs in the top of the ninth during a 5-2 win against the Colorado Rockies in a Spring Training game at Salt River Fields. Cole Roederer hit a three-run home run in the victory, while Sam McWilliams earned the win in relief. Javier Assad starts for Chicago against the Giants today.
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The Chicago Bulls got off to a slow start during a 127-117 loss to the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets outscored Chicago 42-28 in the first quarter and led throughout the rest of the game. Ayo Dosunmu had 35 points in the losing effort. Chicago has dropped three of five. The Bulls are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-and-36 record. Chicago hosts Boston tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t get the puck past Lukas Dostal during a 4-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Dostal saved all 29 shots that he faced from the Hawks. Chicago gave up three goals in the third period and wasn’t able to bounce back. Arvid Soderblom had four saves in the losing effort. The Hawks have dropped three of four and remain in last place in the Central Division with 43 points and a 19-46-and-5 record. Chicago visits San Jose tomorrow night.
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Third-seed Illinois is advancing to the Second Round of the NCAA men’s tournament following an 85-69 rout over 14th-seed Morehead State in Omaha. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the team in scoring with 26 points, while Marcus Domask recorded the 10th official triple-double in tournament history. The forward sunk 12 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. The Fighting Illini faces 11th-seed Duquesne in the East Region tomorrow.
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The nine-seed Northwestern Wildcats begin their third NCAA Tournament run in school history when they play eight-seed Florida Atlantic in the First Round at Barclays Center today. Northwestern has won its first game in its two prior tournament appearances, including a 75-67 win against Boise State last year. Today’s game tips off at 11:15 AM.
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In other college basketball action tomorrow, Bradley visits Cincinnati in the Second Round of the NIT, and Chicago State plays UC-San Diego in the First Round of the College Basketball Invitational. In the NCAA Women’s Tournament, two-seed Notre Dame plays 15-seed Kent State tomorrow at 1:15 PM Central Time.
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Three IVCC men’s basketball players, Wade Sims, and Roderick Watson-Pearcey were named as first-team all-conference and Qu’Amar Hobbs as second-team, earned All-Arrowhead Conference accolades, while head coach Chris Herman clinched the conference’s Coach of the Year title. Herman’s leadership propelled the Eagles to the conference championship with an impressive 4-2 record. IVCC athletic director Cory Tomasson expressed pride in the team’s historic achievement, noting it as the first conference win for IVCC men’s basketball and the first Coach of the Year award for the program.