Space weather forecasters have alerted the public to a geomagnetic storm watch in effect until today, warning of potential disruptions in radio transmissions caused by a plasma outburst from a solar flare. The alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center assures the public there’s no cause for concern, emphasizing that while the storm may affect high-frequency radio communications and satellite tracking, it shouldn’t overwhelm systems. The event could offer excellent aurora viewing opportunities, particularly for those at higher latitudes with clear skies. These storms, typical during the solar maximum phase occurring approximately every 11 years, can occur a few times a year, with longer intervals during solar minimum periods. A recent example occurred in December when a significant solar flare disrupted radio communications.
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An early warning for Ottawa commuters, beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27th, weather permitting, the 2000 block of Post Street, spanning from Bellevue Avenue to Prairie Street in Ottawa, will be inaccessible to all traffic. City crews will undertake the removal of a tree situated close to the bridge traversing Goose Creek. Completion of the task is anticipated by early afternoon, with the street set to reopen promptly thereafter.
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On Friday, nine organizations collaborated in the search for a distressed 22-year-old at Starved Rock State Park. Sgt. Phil Wire of the Conservation Police reported that the Utica Fire Department initiated the search for the young man from Chicago around 2 pm, with a provided photograph aiding in identification efforts. Utilizing drones and personnel from La Salle, Oglesby, Peru, Wallace Fire Departments, County EMA, and State Police, the individual was tragically discovered deceased along one of the park’s trails, though not officially identified. In a proactive step to prevent future incidents, signage urging troubled individuals to text “Home” to “741741” will be installed. The “741741” service offers help for any crisis and will receive text responses from a trained Crisis Counselor. The IDNR has plans for new signage as well featuring the Suicide Crisis Hotline number “988” as well in the park.
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Residents of the City of Ottawa are increasingly voicing their frustrations over the presence of semi-trucks navigating residential streets where safety concerns loom large. Unauthorized truck activity hasn’t gone unnoticed by law enforcement; the Ottawa Police Department has engaged with numerous companies whose drivers have been found unlawfully traversing routes such as Ottawa Ave, and Main Street. To address this issue, a message board has been erected along Ottawa Avenue, directing truckers towards Route 6 as an alternative route. Furthermore, the Ottawa Police Facebook page highlights existing traffic signs that explicitly prohibit truck traffic on these roads. However, the post does not specify when enforcement actions, such as issuing tickets to offending 18-wheelers, will commence.
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On Thursday night, the Sandwich School District became aware of a safety concern rumor regarding Sandwich High School. Following a thorough investigation by the police, the district confirms that there was no credible threat to students or staff. This reassurance was promptly communicated to families via email on Friday morning. The district extends its gratitude to families and the police department for their cooperation and assistance in addressing the situation.
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State Senators Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and Jil Tracy, R-Carbondale, announced the introduction of legislation aimed at alleviating the financial strain on parents due to the rising costs of preschool and childcare. Senate Bill 2717 proposes new state tax credits for parents or guardians of children aged 3 to 5 enrolled in eligible preschool programs, offering a credit covering 100% of program costs up to $1,500 per child. Rezin emphasized the importance of accessible preschool education, stating, “It is time for our state to ease some of that financial burden that has fallen upon parents and ensure that every child has a chance to access much-needed preschool education.” Tracy is sponsoring Senate Bill 3104, which would provide state tax credits to families for childcare expenses, addressing the challenges faced by families amidst high inflation and economic pressures. Tracy highlighted the Republican Senators’ commitment to easing the tax burden on Illinoisans, emphasizing the need for relief for those struggling with the state’s high cost of living.
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Streator is poised to benefit from $750,000 in federal funding, secured by U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, specifically designated for the reconstruction of the Iowa Avenue truck route. Mayor Tara Bedei announced on Wednesday that the funds have been officially included in the federal budget. This initiative is part of LaHood’s Community Project Funding Grants, enabling congressional representatives to allocate funds for up to 15 infrastructure projects within their districts. The allocated funds will facilitate the installation of curbs and gutters along the 100 to 900 block of Iowa Avenue, an area characterized by a blend of industrial and residential properties. While the city will still need to contribute to the project, this allocation has alleviated budgetary constraints, allowing for investment in other vital road and infrastructure endeavors, as noted by Mayor Bedei. City Engineer Jeremy Palm confirmed that the project’s commencement is slated for the following year, as it must undergo a procedural process to access the allocated funds.
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The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director, Terry Prince, informed a legislative panel that despite the implementation of improved policies in state-run veterans homes post the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at La Salle Veterans Home, staffing shortages persist as a challenge. Prince emphasized the imminent surge in long-term care demand over the next two decades, estimating a growth of 200 to 500% in populations requiring such care. Although the department boasts dedicated staff willing to work overtime, Prince noted a deliberate reduction in the census at state-run veterans homes to maintain sustainable staff-to-patient ratios. He stressed the necessity of adequate staffing levels to support increased capacity, highlighting the significance of balancing occupancy with staffing capabilities. Additionally, Prince highlighted significant improvements in the department’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks since 2020, acknowledging the need for ongoing vigilance and enhanced communication with state leadership and public health officials.
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Starting March 28th, the LaSalle County Health Department (LCHD) will cease issuing their weekly COVID updates, marking the conclusion of the respiratory virus season and nearing the first anniversary of the termination of the national and public-health emergency for COVID-19 on May 11th, 2023. Consequently, the department will discontinue updating its website and social media platforms with such information. However, LCHD affirms its commitment to ongoing monitoring and surveillance of COVID-19, along with other reportable diseases, prioritizing public awareness. Should circumstances evolve or deem it necessary based on prevailing conditions, the department remains prepared to resume reporting as needed.
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Sunrise Rotarians in Ottawa warmly welcomed three outstanding students in March to compensate for a previous absence. Representing Marquette Academy were Denver Trainor from Ransom, aspiring to pursue a career as an athletic trainer, and Leo Leskanich, with a keen interest in Computer Science, inspired by his older brother. Ottawa High School proudly presented Melanie Stisser, who has already obtained her Certified Nurse Assistant certification and aims to further her studies in nursing. These exceptional students actively participate in various clubs and service projects while maintaining remarkable academic performance. Each year, Sunrise Rotary bestows four scholarships to deserving recipients from Illinois Valley Community College, Opportunity School, Ottawa High School, and Marquette Academy.
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Ottawa firefighters are actively deploying a recently acquired ladder truck, investing time in training and acquainting themselves with its functionalities. This new addition to the Ottawa Fire Department’s fleet is essential for enhancing their emergency response capabilities. Despite its hefty price tag of over a million dollars, the focus remains on ensuring that firefighters become adept operators of this crucial apparatus, ready to effectively tackle emergencies as they arise. The City of Ottawa has made major upgrades to its fire protection equipment, and apparatuses throughout recent years.
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It looks like former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will not be able to run for office again. A federal judge tossed out a lawsuit filed by the ex-state leader that sought a return to politics. In 2021, Blagojevich filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois alleging that it was unconstitutional for state legislators to bar him from running for state office. He had been impeached after a corruption conviction and a 14-year prison sentence.
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According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, unemployment in Illinois rose in February compared to January, with February’s rate reaching 4.8 percent, up from January’s 4.7 percent and higher than last February’s rate of 4.3 percent. Job gains were seen in government, construction, leisure, and hospitality sectors, while losses were recorded in trade, transportation, utilities, manufacturing, and financial activities. Approximately 308,900 individuals were actively seeking employment but were unable to secure jobs.
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Trident Agents in cooperation with United States Homeland Security Investigations (Springfield Division) and the assistance of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, Depue Police Department, and Bureau County States Attorneys Office executed a search warrant on the residence located in Princeton. As a result of the search warrant Agents located approximately 1000 grams of purported cocaine, various items used in the packing and distribution of cocaine, and 22 firearms. Arrested at the residence was Robert T. Lucas Jr, age 59 of Princeton. Lucas is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) with Intent to Deliver more than 900 grams a Class X Felony and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. Lucas Jr. was transported to the Bureau County Jail to await a detention hearing
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A La Salle County deputy conducted a drug possession arrest in Bruce Township early Saturday, apprehending 33-year-old Jesse Cox of Streator around 2:45 am near Wilson and Pleasant Streets. Cox faced charges of driving on a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance. Following the arrest, Cox was transported to the county jail and released on a notice to appear. Meanwhile, vigilance remains high among law enforcement officials, exemplified by a Mendota officer’s stop of a Ladd man, Gonzalo Gonzalez Jr., on Friday evening at 6th Street and 5th Avenue. Gonzalez Jr. received citations for driving on a revoked license and several warrants, including failure to appear in La Salle County court for driving while his license was revoked and a suspected DUI charge. Additionally, he had outstanding warrants in Will County for allegedly driving while his license was revoked and speeding. Gonzalez Jr. is presently held on a $10,000 bond by Will County authorities.
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Bryanna M. Stash, age 23, of Streator, is charged with four counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Count 1 alleges Stash delivered more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams of cocaine to Agents a class X felony. Counts 2 and 3 allege Stash delivered more than 1 gram but less than 15 grams of cocaine to Agents a class 1 felony and count 4 alleges Stash delivered less than 1 grams of cocaine to Agents a class 2 felony.
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Jacob D. Hanzo age 29, Streator is charged with Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Delivery of a Look Like Substance. Count 1 alleges Hanzo delivered more than 1 gram but less than 15 grams of cocaine to Agents a class 1 felony. Count 2 alleges Hanzo delivered a look-a-like substance to Agents a class 3 felony.
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Shane M. Martin, age 31, of Streator is charged with Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Martin is alleged to have delivered more than 1 gram but less than 15 grams of cocaine to Agents a class 1 felony.
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James Palko II, a Streator resident, entered a blind guilty plea on Thursday to two charges of possessing child pornography, with two other counts being dropped as part of his plea agreement. Scheduled for sentencing on May 30th in Ottawa, Palko II was apprehended in November 2022 by authorities from the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Nathan C. Price, a La Salle resident, is set to face trial on July 8, confronted with a series of serious charges including armed violence and armed habitual criminal, both Class X felonies, totaling six felonies. During his appearance in La Salle County Circuit Court, Price asserted his innocence with a not-guilty plea and opted for a trial. Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. arranged a final pre-trial conference for July 5 and a hearing on pre-trial motions on June 28. Price awaits an upcoming detention hearing in April while detained at La Salle County Jail, though he intends to pursue pre-trial release. His legal woes stem from a January 30 incident, initiated by a traffic stop conducted by Streator police, where narcotics were allegedly found in his possession, including powder and rock cocaine, alongside a .22-caliber pistol contained in a Crown Royal bag, leading to the armed violence and armed habitual criminal charges due to his criminal history. The potential sentencing for Price is undetermined, with three of the charges classified as non-probationable Class X felonies, while others carry extended sentencing ranges and the possibility of consecutive prison terms.
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Bruce Smirnoff, a 37-year-old resident of Bloomington, is scheduled to stand trial on May 20 for purportedly making threats of a mass shooting and bombing directed at Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa. Appearing in La Salle County Circuit Court on Friday, Sirtoff entered a plea of not guilty to four felony charges, including making a terrorist threat, which carries a Class X felony designation and a potential sentence of six to 30 years in prison without probation. Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. set the trial date, including a final pre-trial conference on May 16, and scheduled a hearing on May 3 to address any pre-trial motions. Despite no significant changes in Sirtoff’s circumstances, he remains detained as prosecutors revealed detailed accounts of his alleged threats against the Ottawa school, which occurred on March 1 at an Ottawa service station during hours when students were not present. Ottawa police, with assistance from Bloomington police, searched Sirtoff’s residence following the threats but found no evidence corroborating his intentions.
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A 31-year-old Streator woman has a LaSalle County court date after a traffic stop by Streator Police Saturday afternoon at Johnson and Grant Streets. Tonia A. Rogers has charges of operating an uninsured vehicle and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.
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WEATHER:
Monday
Showers are likely, mainly after 3 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Monday Night
Showers, Low around 50. Breezy, with a southeast wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible. with thunderstorms also possible after 4 am on Tuesday.
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OBITUARIES:
No obituaries at this time.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Ottawa 10, Plainfield East 8: At Plainfield, the Pirates (4-3) scored three times in the top of the seventh, then held off the Bengals for the victory.
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North Boone 10, Newark 0 (5 inns.); Winnebago 10, Newark 6: At Jacksonville, the Norsemen dropped a pair of games falling short to the Vikings and the Indians.
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St.Bede 9 North Greene 2 – St.Bede 6 Genoa-Kingston 2: St. Bede won a pair of games at Future Champions Park.
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Softball
Newark 13, New Berlin 2; – Newark 18, Jacksonville Routt 2 (4 inn.): At Jacksonville, the Norsemen (8-1) scored five times in the second in the triumph over the Pretzels, then exploded for 12 runs in the second in the win over the Rockets.
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Girls Soccer
Streator 2, LPHS 2: the Bulldogs and Cavaliers played to a 2-2 tie in a nonconference game at the L-P Sports Complex.
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Boys Tennis
Peoria (Richwoods) – 2, Ottawa (Twp.) – 1,
Ottawa (Twp.) – 0, Metamora – 3,
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Indoor track and field
Sandwich’s Sunny Weber put together a pair of solid performances at the Class 2A Illinois Prep Top Times Championships at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center in Bloomington.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox had just six hits during a 7-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. The Southsider’s next game will be on Opening Day against the Tigers on Thursday with a 2:30 pre-game, and 3:10 first pitch. In other team news, the Sox re-signed outfielder Kevin Pillar yesterday just two days after releasing him.
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The Chicago Cubs plated six runs in the eighth inning of a 9-9 draw with the Seattle Mariners in Spring Training at Peoria Stadium.
As the Cubs prepare for the start of the 2024 regular season, they are also, apparently, preparing for 2025. Reports around the MLB are that the Cubs will open up next season in Japan. USA Today says the Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers were told privately Sunday they had been selected to play in Tokyo. Meanwhile, the Cubs begin the 2024 campaign in Arlington, Texas Thursday, taking on the reigning World Series Champion Rangers.
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The Chicago Bulls faded away during the final quarter of a 124-113 loss to the Boston Celtics at United Center on Saturday. The Bulls trailed by just three entering the final frame before getting outscored 29-21. DeMar DeRozan poured in 28 points in the losing effort. Chicago is still in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-and-37 record. The Bulls host Washington tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks overcame a four-goal deficit to beat the San Jose Sharks 5-4 in overtime at SAP Center on Saturday. The Blackhawks trailed 4-0 two minutes into the second period, but Ryan Donato and Tyler Johnson both scored to cut the deficit to two goals heading into the third. Seth Jones scored in the seventh minute of the third before Philipp Kurashev knocked in the equalizer with less than a minute left in regulation. Jones hit the game-winner just 18 seconds into the extra period. The Hawks are still in last place in the Central Division with 45 points and a 20-46-and-5 record. Chicago hosts Calgary tomorrow.
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The three-seed Illinois Fighting Illini are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly two decades. Illinois destroyed 11th-seeded Duquesne 89-63 in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha. The Illini led by 24 at halftime and never looked back. Terrence Shannon Jr. poured in 30 points during the victory, while Marcus Domask chipped in with 22. Illinois goes up against Iowa State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
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Nine-seed Northwestern was crushed by top-seeded UConn 75-58 in the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center. Northwestern trailed 40-18 at halftime and never got back into the game. Brooks Barnhizer led the Wildcats in scoring with 18 points. Northwestern finished its season at 22-and-12.
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On Saturday, Spring Valley hosted the National Walleye Tour Masters Walleye Circuit, a prestigious event drawing professional anglers from across the nation. With nearly 100 teams vying for victory, participants engage in all-day competitions to reel in the largest fish. Returning to Spring Valley for the second consecutive year, this leg of the tour marks a significant milestone. Comprising four qualifiers and a championship, each contest offers substantial prize pools, with tens of thousands of dollars up for grabs in potential winnings.