Twenty-one years have passed since Dalton Mesarchik was reported missing to the Streator Police Department. Tragically, on March 27th, 2004, the 7-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered by a fisherman in the Vermilion River south of Streator, having been brutally beaten to death with a hammer. The Illinois State Police continue to prioritize this investigation, having pursued thousands of leads thus far, some resulting in follow-up inquiries both within and beyond state borders. Despite these efforts, the case remains unresolved, with a $50,000 reward still offered for any information leading to the arrest or arrests in connection with the Mesarchik murder. If you possess any pertinent information, please get in touch with the Streator Police Department at 844-1500.
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Two bills concerning the disposal and storage of batteries in Illinois have passed committee scrutiny and now await full Senate action. Senate Bill 3481, spearheaded by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago, mandates registration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for facilities storing electric vehicle (EV) batteries by February 2026. The state’s Pollution Control Board would delineate regulations for their proper storage. Echoing the framework of a tire disposal program, IEPA Deputy Director James Jennings underlined the imperative for regulated storage, especially given instances where unregulated sites, historically more prone to fires, don’t accept tires. Concerns about fire safety, notably sparked by a lithium battery-induced blaze in Morris on June 29, 2021, raised by State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris, underscored the necessity for stringent oversight. Senate Bill 3686, championed by State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria, mandates battery producers and importers to implement IEPA-approved battery stewardship plans by 2026. While retailers are encouraged to double as collection facilities, they are not mandated to do so. The plan aims to regulate the disposal, storage, and recycling of removable and portable batteries, with exceptions such as liquid electrolyte and lead-acid batteries. Producers bear the primary responsibility, with an annual fee of $100,000 imposed, potentially used to initiate community battery recycling centers. Koehler stressed the importance of mining useful battery components to prevent landfill accumulation. Christina Seibert, executive director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, affirmed the accessibility of collection facilities, with the potential inclusion of mail-back programs, ensuring efficient storage and recycling, subject to IEPA approval.
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The Central Illinois Police Training Center unveiled its state-of-the-art Driving Simulator/Milo Range Pro 4K Training Simulator at Peru City Hall, marking a significant advancement in officer training. This cutting-edge virtual reality system integrates driving and shooting simulations, allowing law enforcement personnel to immerse themselves in realistic scenarios encountered in their daily duties. Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the enhancement it brings to training effectiveness. Director Brian Fengel highlighted its role in improving officers’ adaptability, while Field Training Officer Joel Smith stressed its invaluable contribution to error correction and scenario-based learning. With over 700 scenarios and ongoing updates, the simulator ensures comprehensive training aligned with Illinois Law Enforcement standards, positioning officers for success in diverse situations.
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Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has thrown his support behind a plan to let parents roll unused money from their children’s college funds into a Roth IRA. Frerichs says it’s now possible thanks to changes in federal law but that state law needs to change before Illinois families can take advantage of it. Currently, legislation to change the law is advancing through the Illinois General Assembly.
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Sally Van Cura, a close friend of the Ottawa community and WCMY has embarked on a new role as the Community Engagement and Donor Relations Manager at the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. Praised by Foundation President and CEO Fran Brolley for her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership spanning over eight years and 35 years of business ownership, Sally brings a rich tapestry of skills to the SRCCF team. Her collaborative nature, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to the foundation’s mission promise to be invaluable assets to both the team and the communities it serves. Recently orchestrating the successful Coldest Night of the Year walk for Illinois Valley PADS in downtown Ottawa, Sally is enthusiastic about her new role and is determined to leverage her passion and expertise to engage stakeholders, cultivate partnerships, and empower donors for enduring positive change. WCMY wishes Sally all the best in her new position.
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Residents of Morris are being alerted by the Morris Police Department about a scam involving sex offenders. Over the weekend, the department received reports from Morris residents who were contacted by someone claiming to be Deputy Sullivan from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, using the number 217-282-5427. The caller appears to be targeting sex offenders and their employers. However, the Police Department has confirmed that there is no Deputy Sullivan at the Sheriff’s Office, and the sex offender registration process for Morris residents is solely managed by the Morris Police Department. If anyone receives suspicious calls or has inquiries, they are encouraged to contact the Morris Police Department for verification at 815-942-2131.
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A reading program is being removed from one North Suburban school district for being “left-leaning.” That’s the verbiage on the petition signed by more than 14 hundred people in the Millburn school district. The board officially voted 4-to-3 in favor of removing the three-tiered program, the first dating back to 1988. The program is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators and 300 state schools actively participate in it.
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Krispy Kreme doughnuts will soon be sold at McDonald’s locations across the country. Customers will be able to buy three kinds of Krispy Kreme doughnuts at McDonald’s — original glazed, chocolate iced “kreme” filled, and chocolate iced with sprinkles. The rollout will start later this year and will be available nationwide by the end of 2026. The doughnuts will be sold individually and in packs of six. They will be available to purchase all day.
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Illinois Tollway officials are warning customers of a phishing scam targeting drivers. Texts sent to customers claim they have outstanding tolls due upon receipt. The victims are then directed to a link to pay those fees, which is how the hackers get access to personal funds and information. I-PASS customers are advised to ignore the texts and report them to the Illinois Tollway.
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The next phase of the I-80 construction project is set to begin. Starting April 1st, upgrades to 12 miles of highway in Will County will be upgraded. IDOT reminds drivers to expect an expecting a major impact on traffic, with rotating lane closures and occasional traffic stoppages. The full project, which includes improvements from the Minooka exit east to past the I-55 interchange, is expected to be complete by 2029.
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One Chicago suburb is ranked as the best city to live in the United States. Naperville topped the list of “2024 Best Cities to Live In America” by the publication Niche. Naperville received an overall A-plus grade. The survey included things like exceptional public schools, a robust housing market, employment opportunities, diversity, a family-friendly environment, and more. Also on the short list of best cities in which to live is southwest suburban Clarendon Hills.
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Illinois State Police are ramping up efforts to recruit more women for the force. They’ve announced their goal is to have 30 percent of state police cadets be women by the year 2030. They say recruitment for law enforcement is down everywhere and the force has launched a social media campaign to inform potential recruits of the opportunities with the state police.
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In collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, the Illinois State Police persist in their efforts to diminish the circulation of illicit firearms and drugs statewide. Throughout 2023, the ISP Metropolitan Enforcement Groups and multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Forces successfully confiscated 718 firearms, intercepted 17,812 pounds of drugs, and apprehended 1,904 individuals involved in illegal activities. These specialized units prioritize the enforcement of Illinois drug laws, probe into gang operations, and combat extensive networks engaged in gun, drug, and human trafficking. Notably, the Joliet Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad, inclusive of Grundy County, achieved the arrest of 93 offenders in 2023, alongside the seizure of 24 firearms and 2042 pounds of narcotics. Moreover, 2023 saw the initiation of proactive human trafficking investigations by the MEGs and TFs, leading to the arrest of 27 perpetrators associated with human trafficking offenses and facilitating the provision of recovery services to 15 trafficking victims.
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The Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team recently apprehended two suspects. 36-year-old Matthew Persich of Peru faces charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, including a class-1 felony and a class-2 felony, for purportedly delivering cocaine totaling between 1 and 15 grams to Trident agents on separate occasions. Additionally, he was found to be on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections, having served a 12-year sentence since 2018 for a similar offense in La Salle County. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Lesley Warren from La Salle is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a class-1 felony, for allegedly distributing between one and 15 grams of cocaine to Trident agents. Both individuals have been issued notices to appear in court.
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Cynthia Beata, a 57-year-old woman from Joliet, faces multiple charges following an indictment by a Grundy County grand jury. Among the charges are Identity Theft and Forgery, both classified as class three felonies, along with three counts of operating a business without a license, categorized as Class C misdemeanors. The indictment asserts that Beata knowingly utilized another individual’s personal information to deceitfully acquire an Animal Welfare License from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Additionally, she is accused of fabricating a false document using someone else’s information to obtain the Animal Welfare License on September 1st, 2021. The misdemeanors include allegations that Beata operated a pet shop at 5660 East Route 113 in Coal City on December 15th, 2022, without a valid license or permit issued in her name by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. She purportedly failed to apply for the renewal of the license to operate a pet facility and knowingly ran a pet shop with an expired license issued to 3 Rivers Pet Shop, expiring on June 30th, 2022, under the Illinois Animal Welfare laws. The investigation into the matter was conducted by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
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The La Salle County grand jury, assembled on Tuesday, issued several indictments against individuals across various regions:
Antoine Jennings, 35, from Menard CC faces three charges of aggravated battery.
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Elizabeth Baisz-Kerekes, 43, of Marseilles, is indicted for aggravated battery.
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Austin Switzer, 30, of Mendota confronts two counts of criminal trespass to a residence.
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Darian Romero, 29, from Montgomery, is accused of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
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Juan Cartagena, 45, of Peru is charged with unlawful videotaped recording, attempted child pornography, and driving while revoked.
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Donald Dorsey, 46, also from Peru, faces charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
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Hugo Garcia, 43, residing in La Salle, is indicted for domestic battery.
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Thomas Higgins, 44, of Ottawa, faces a new count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
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Benjamin Sappington, 44, also from Ottawa, is charged with aggravated DUI and driving while revoked.
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David Wesley, 46, from Aurora faces two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding.
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Caprecio Patterson, 45, of Marseilles is indicted for two counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and obstructing justice.
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Alicia Reeland, 29, from Streator, is accused of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
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Samantha Milton, 35, also from Streator, faces charges of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
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Ronald Carter, 36, of La Salle confronts two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
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Hannah Reed, 29, from Streator, is indicted for two counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
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Rory Waldrop, 28, of Ottawa, faces charges of two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 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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Marilyn J. Rorem, age 85, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, March 25th, with her loving family at her side. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 28th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to the time of service Thursday.
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Lyndle “Lindy” Ator Jr., 76, of Morris, passed away Monday, March 25th, at Morris Hospital. Visitation will be Friday, March 29th, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 3:00 pm. Private burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Seneca.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
GIRLS SOCCER
Mendota 2, Coal City 1: Janelle Rodriguez and Crystal Garcia each scored a goal to help the Trojans to a victory in Mendota
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
Chicago White Sox Baseball returns tomorrow as your Southsiders take on the Detroit Tigers. 2:30 pm pre-game and a 3:10 pm first pitch. Starting pitcher for the Sox with Garret Crochet. Great seats are still available for the opener starting at just $26.00.
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The Chicago Cubs wrapped up Spring Training with a 7-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Sloan Park. The Cubs were tagged for 14 hits in the losing effort. Christian Franklin and Mike Tauchman both homered in the losing effort. Shota Imanaga was charged with the loss after giving up three earned runs and one unearned run on eight hits in three innings. The Cubs open up the regular season at Texas tomorrow.
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Jason Dickinson had a pair of goals at the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 at United Center. Seth Jones opened the scoring for Chicago in the fourth minute of the game, and Dickinson added his first of the contest later in the frame. He also scored at the start of the third to put the game away. The Hawks are still in last place in the Central Division with 47 points and a 21-46-and-5 record. They visit the Senators tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Bulls will try to shake off a three-game losing streak when they go up against the Indiana Pacers at United Center tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 107-105 loss against the Washington Wizards on Monday. Chicago has a game-and-a-half lead over Atlanta for the ninth-place spot in the Eastern Conference at 34-and-38. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bears will kick off the preseason from Canton, Ohio. The NFL announced that the Bears will play against the Texans in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game on August 1st. The Bears will be playing in the NFL’s first preseason game for the sixth time, which is the second-most appearances in NFL history. Chicago lost to Baltimore 17-16 when they were last in the contest in 2018. Two days after the game, former Bears greats Steve McMichael, Devin Hester, and Julius Pepper will all be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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This year’s Missouri-Illinois Braggin’ Rights game has ended in Illinois’ favor. The Fighting Illini whomped the Tigers 11-3 in the annual baseball match Tuesday. Missouri infielder Jackson Beaman got a solo home run in the first inning but that was overshadowed by Illinois infielder Ryan Moerman landing a three-run home run in the third inning, and Drake Westcott’s two-run home run in the sixth. The Illini also won last year. Tuesday’s game was at Grizzlies Ballpark in Sauget [[so-ZHAY]], Illinois.