Two suspects are sought for their involvement in yesterday night’s ATM vandalism and robbery in Peru that netted a reported $8000.00. According to Doug Bernabei of the Peru Police Department, at approximately 4:30 Monday morning, a pickup truck arrived at the drive-up ATM of Illinois Valley Credit Union on Shooting Park Road. The individuals used chains from the truck to damage the machine and fled with an undisclosed sum of money. The abandoned pickup was later discovered in a nearby neighborhood and revealed to have been stolen from a residence in La Salle. Peru authorities, along with detectives, are conducting an investigation. Any pertinent information should be reported to the Peru Police.
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Yesterday, the City of Ottawa Fire Department shared its call statistics for 2023. Within that year, the Ottawa Police Department responded to 18,667 squad car calls for service, while Ottawa Central Dispatch managed 12,594 emergency 911 calls and 53,033 administrative calls. Notably, Ottawa sustains a population of approximately 18,749 individuals.
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The Regional Office of Education, responsible for La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam counties, has initiated a survey addressing the influence of early childcare within these areas. Directed towards parents with childcare requirements, the survey endeavors to compile insights regarding the accessibility of early childcare services, identifying barriers, and assessing their impact on employment and career advancement. Your responses will remain confidential and solely utilized for research endeavors. The survey is accessible in both English and Spanish and will remain open until April 1st.
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During Monday’s meeting, the Peru City Council highlighted a $125,000 contribution towards the TBM Avenger and Salute to Veterans Show. Mayor Ken Kolowski highlighted the urgency of the upcoming event, urging for volunteer support. Alderman Jim Lukosus expressed the organizers’ aim to recruit an additional 25 volunteers, emphasizing a preference for adults due to the nature of the tasks involved, though individuals as young as 16 are welcome. Those interested in volunteering can find a link to sign up for this story on the WCMY website and Facebook page. The event, set to take place on May 17th-18th at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru, promises an exciting showcase of unique World War II aircraft and more. Lukosus expressed optimism for this year’s event, anticipating it to surpass previous editions. Additionally, the council allocated a $4,000 donation to the Peru Boys Little League and Peru Girls Softball.
https://tbmreunion.org/volunteer.
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There is a case of measles reported in Will County. County health leaders are working to notify people who may have been exposed. Seventeen cases have been reported recently in Chicago. Signs of measles normally appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include high fever, cough runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth.
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Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond has announced that the La Salle County State Attorney’s Office will be acquiring a comfort dog for the Peru Police Department. The dog will be cared for by Student Resource Officer Brian Zebron and will not only offer comfort to students but will also be available for other city departments and public events. By integrating the comfort dog into community service, Raymond aims to solicit donations to alleviate the expenses associated with owning such a companion. Currently, Zebron is considering a Saint Bernard to fulfill the role of the comfort dog.
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Votes are still being tallied in the Cook County state’s attorney race. As of the latest count, Eileen O’Neill Burke still leads Clayton Harris III, but by fewer votes than before. The last count had Burke leading by a little more than 16 hundred votes. It’s been one week since election day and vote counting continues after the Chicago Board of Elections revealed more than ten thousand ballots were overlooked.
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The Ottawa and Marquette high schools Class of 1984, inspired by previous classes’ community contributions, organized a successful euchre tournament at the VFW, raising $3,677 for veteran support. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and sponsors, the event ran smoothly, showcasing the group’s commitment. VFW Commander Bill Jones expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of such donations for their continued operation. With the VFW expanding its outreach, community support becomes crucial. Looking ahead, the Class of 1984 aims to make this fundraiser an annual tradition, hoping to inspire future classes to engage in similar positive initiatives.
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The AARP is hosting a driver safety program in Streator at Liberty Village, located at 2322 Eastwood Ave, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2. Interested individuals can register by calling 815-672-1900. It’s essential to note that attendance on both days of the course is mandatory. This program, tailored for drivers aged 50 and above, combines classroom and online components to refresh driving skills and enhance road safety awareness. Participants will delve into various topics, including adapting to changes, refining driving strategies, embracing evolving technology, and understanding the impact of aging on driving capabilities. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate that may qualify them for a discount on auto insurance premiums. AARP members pay a $20 course fee, while non-members pay $25 for materials, payable to AARP. Participants with United Health Care Insurance can attend the course free of charge.
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Ottawa is actively seeking civic-minded volunteers eager to contribute to the community. Various opportunities are available, from maintaining downtown landscaping and parks to serving on boards or commissions, assisting with events, and engaging in local organizations. Mayor Robert Hasty invites residents to a workshop on Thursday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, located at 301 W. Madison St., aimed at familiarizing individuals with volunteering prospects within Ottawa and its not-for-profit sector. This event welcomes all interested in community involvement and organizations seeking committed volunteers. Volunteering not only enhances the city’s resources but also instills a sense of pride among residents. Those seeking to give back and engage with their community are encouraged to attend and explore opportunities. Suggestions for city improvement projects are also encouraged.
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Governor J.B. Pritzker has headed westward on an economic development trip. The governor left Illinois yesterday to fly to California to meet with business and film industry leaders about the filmmaking opportunities Illinois has to offer. Pritzker points to locations and the state’s film industry tax credits as advantages for filming in the state. Pritzker’s group will head for San Francisco first to pitch manufacturing resources before heading for Los Angeles.
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The latest census figures show Illinois is outpacing Neighboring states in population decline. From 2022 until last year, Illinois was the only state to see its residential population fall. The president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation — Kyle Moore — says he thinks the census is undercounting Illinois. He points to the 2020 census when the census left out 47-thousand residents. Governor J.B. Pritzker called on the census board to correct its figures as a result.
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The FAA is warning of potential delays for commercial flights during next month’s total solar eclipse. The rare astronomical event will happen on April 8th with the path of totality across a dozen states, including Illinois. Passengers can expect delays between April 7th and April 10th as people flock to the best areas to witness the eclipse.
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Fifty-seven-year-old Jeffrey Plique returned to an Ottawa courtroom, where his attorney requested a re-evaluation of his mental fitness, granted for a status hearing in May. Plique, previously found both fit and unfit for trial last year, remains in custody pending a final resolution. He faces charges including a class X felony for shooting a 63-year-old man outside a Sheridan Food Mart in 2022, along with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Following the incident, Plique fled the scene on a riding lawn mower, leading to a standoff with police at his home before surrendering. The victim survived.
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Spring Valley Police apprehended a 41-year-old man, Luis Arias, in their city on a warrant near the junction of Third and Taylor streets. Following this arrest, two days later, a Spring Valley woman, Jamie Auchincloss, also aged 41, was apprehended on a warrant in the 300 block of West Second Place at 10:25 Friday night. Auchincloss is currently detained in the Bureau County Jail located in Princeton.
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Around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Morris police received reports of a fight, later followed by news of two men arriving at Morris Hospital with knife-related injuries. Following an inquiry, investigators revealed that a 36-year-old individual departed a downtown Morris bar to evade escalating tensions, only to find himself confronted outside his home on East Chapin Street by a vehicle carrying a 31-year-old Morris resident and a 26-year-old from Verona. Subsequently, the two assailants commenced physical assault, prompting the victim to defend himself with a pocket knife, inflicting non-life-threatening wounds on his attackers. The weapon, a knife with a 3-inch blade, was recovered at the scene. While no arrests have been made, Morris authorities attribute the incident to self-defense, yet have referred the case to the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office for further scrutiny.
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20-year-old Ariel A. Ramos of rural Ottawa was stopped by Ottawa Police Monday at Chestnut and Superior Streets and was cited for driving without headlights and driving on a suspended license.
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A 41-year-old Joliet woman has a charge of felony retail theft after an investigation by Ottawa Police. Angela C. Sepeda was arrested on Monday.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 am, then a chance of showers. Temperature falling to around 42 by 4 pm. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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Tuesday Night
A slight chance of flurries after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 29. Breezy, with a west wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Nancy (Sizemore) Armstrong, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on March 22nd, at The Pavilion of Ottawa. There will be no public visitation or burial services, cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
DeKalb 5, Sandwich 0 (6 inn.): At DeKalb, the Indians (1-3) were limited to just three hits in the loss to the Barbs on Monday.
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Willowbrook 19, Serena 5 (5 inn.); Lake Forest 20, Serena 0 (5 inn.): At Murphysboro, Tenn., the Huskers (1-4) struggled in their first two games in their southern trip in the Warrior Spring Classic.
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Softball
Cornersville 11, Serena 6; Centennial 12, Serena 5: At Murphysboro, Tenn., the Huskers (1-3) fell short in their two games to open their southern trip on Sunday.
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GIRLS SOCCER
La Salle-Peru 2, Mendota 1: Vicky Tejada scored a goal and had an assist Monday to help the Cavaliers to a nonconference victory in Mendota.
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Morris 3, Streator 2: Morris improved to 3-1-1 on the season with a 3-2 victory over Streator in Monday afternoon’s match at a soggy James Street Recreation Area.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago Cubs got tagged for ten hits during a 6-3 Spring Training loss against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sloan Park. Seiya Suzuki hit a pair of home runs in the losing effort. Hector Neris was charged with the loss in relief. Shota Imanaga starts for the Cubs against the Cardinals this afternoon.
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The Chicago Bulls couldn’t complete a fourth-quarter comeback during their 107-105 loss to the Washington Wizards at United Center. The Bulls trailed by eight in the middle of the final frame before getting within one possession multiple times. However, Washington kept hitting free throws, and DeMar DeRozan missed a desperation heave at the buzzer. DeRozan had 27 points in the losing effort, while Coby White finished with 22. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-and-38 record. The Bulls host Indiana tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks will try to get a winning streak going when they host the Calgary Flames at United Center tonight. The Hawks are coming off a 5-4 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 45 points and a 20-46-and-5 record. Tonight’s game starts at 7:30 PM.
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The two-seed Notre Dame women’s basketball team is moving on to the Sweet 16 after a 71-56 win over seven-seed Ole Miss at Joyce Center. Notre Dame raced out to a 21-9 lead after the first quarter and led by 17 at the break before cruising to the win in the second half. Maddy Westbeld poured in 20 points, while Hannah Hidalgo finished with 19. The Irish go up against third-seeded Oregon State on Friday.
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BASEBALL
Olive-Harvey 10-11, IVCC 0-10: The Eagles were swept in a nonconference doubleheader in Chicago.
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SOFTBALL
IVCC 10-12, Milwaukee Area Tech 6-4: The Eagles swept a nonconference doubleheader Sunday in Oglesby.