At 2:47 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th, the Ottawa Fire Department responded to a commercial fire at MTC Voyager located at 1530 Titanium Drive, just off Illinois Route 6. Initial responders found flames and smoke emanating from the southern end’s east-facing window. Swiftly entering the building, firefighters utilized multiple handlines to combat the blaze, with all occupants safely evacuated. By 3:46 p.m., the situation was controlled, with ongoing efforts in salvage, overhaul, and investigation. The fire, traced to a leased area occupied by MTC Voyager for fiberglass manufacturing, was deemed accidental, stemming from a malfunctioning machine. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among civilians or firefighters. The Ottawa Fire Department received support from various agencies, including the Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Central Dispatch, Naplate Fire Department, Wallace Fire Department, Marseilles Area Ambulance Service, Marseilles Fire Department, Grand Ridge Fire Department, Ottawa Water Department, Nicor, and Ameren.
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On the first anniversary of his election as Ottawa mayor, Robb Hasty delivered his State of the City address to a diverse audience including city officials, local business figures, media representatives, and dignitaries. The luncheon, hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at the Knight of Columbus, provided the backdrop for Hasty to highlight his administration’s achievements, ranging from tangible developments like initiating plans for a new fire station and wastewater treatment plant to revitalizing downtown and enhancing city parks. Hasty emphasized the city’s allure for visitors, emphasizing family-oriented activities, culinary experiences, and a bustling events calendar. He underscored the city’s sound financial standing, prudent debt management, and significant grant acquisitions. Infrastructure growth, business expansion, and housing needs were also focal points, with Hasty expressing particular pride in fostering stronger ties with the police and fire departments. As he reflected on his first year in office, Hasty recognized the importance of these essential services in safeguarding the community, underscoring their pivotal role alongside the city’s ongoing development initiatives.
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The much-anticipated reopening of the hospital in Peru is just days away, marking a significant milestone. Crews closed West Street on Thursday to install OSF HealthCare signage on the overhead walkway connecting the main hospital building to medical offices across the street, a symbolic moment captured by OSF on their Facebook page. A limited opening of OSF Saint Elizabeth-Peru is scheduled for Sunday, initially offering emergency services and a few inpatient beds with plans to expand services gradually. Positioned centrally, OSF HealthCare designates the Peru hospital as the hub within their I-80 corridor, set to provide a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services.
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Excitement mounts for Monday’s highly anticipated solar eclipse, marking the first total eclipse visible in the U.S. since 2017 and the final one until 2044. The path of totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will sweep across the nation, commencing in Southwest Texas around 12:30 p.m. on April 8 and progressing to Chicago by 12:51 p.m., reaching its peak viewing time at approximately 2:07 p.m. “It’s going to move slowly to begin with, and the shadow will pick up some forward speed,” explained Jeanes. The eclipse’s journey will conclude around 3:22 p.m. According to the Illinois DNR, cities like Carbondale, Makanda, and Effingham will experience this celestial phenomenon, with Carbondale boasting an extended duration of 4 minutes and 9 seconds. More than 70 school districts across Illinois plan to cancel classes on Monday for the total solar eclipse. In Illinois, the total eclipse will be visible over a 130-mile path in the southern part of the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of safety during Monday’s solar eclipse. It urges individuals to refrain from viewing the eclipse without appropriate eyewear, noting that standard sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Eclipse glasses meeting safety standards are recommended. Travelers heading to Southern Illinois should anticipate large crowds and ensure they have essential supplies in their vehicles in case of unexpected delays. IDPH advocates for everyone to savor the eclipse safely and responsibly.
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Representative Lance Yednock, a Democrat from Ottawa, underscores his commitment to safeguarding Illinois’ forests, vital for hunters, wildlife, and environmental preservation, as he assumes his position on the Illinois Forestry Development Council, appointed by House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch. In a recent statement, Yednock expressed his dedication to enhancing forest management for the benefit of all Illinois residents amidst the urgent call of the climate crisis. With a focus on sustainability and conservation, the council, responsible for overseeing forest and soil health, plays a crucial role in advising legislative decisions regarding forestry. Yednock, whose district encompasses La Salle, DeKalb, and Bureau counties, emphasizes the importance of preserving forests for future generations. Although not seeking reelection, the upcoming November race for the 76th District features contenders Amy “Murri” Briel, a Democrat from Ottawa, and Liz Bishop, a Republican from Peru.
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The recent donation from La Salle County Farm Bureau to Illinois Valley Community College’s Eagles Peak Food Pantry will bolster its inventory, ensuring it remains well stocked. During a visit to various local food pantries, Farm Bureau directors presented a $400 check to IVCC Foundation Executive Director Tracy Beattie, delivered by retired IVCC instructor Doug Stockley. Dean of Student Success Crystal Credi expressed gratitude, stating that the contribution will significantly support students’ needs. Since acquiring a refrigerator donation in December, Eagles Peak has expanded its offerings to include refrigerated and frozen items in 2024, aiming to sustain an ample stock. However, staples like canned or dried fruit and shelf-stable milk can still face shortages. The food pantry, situated adjacent to the Counseling Department in CTC 202R, serves current IVCC students, as well as those enrolled in Illinois High School diploma courses and English as a Second Language courses. In the last quarter of 2023, the pantry assisted 213 households, including 200 children.
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Three bills proposed by Newark Republican State Rep. Jed Davis have advanced beyond committee and are now pending debate on the Illinois House Floor. One bill aims to mandate the dissemination of information concerning human trafficking and avenues for assistance in public venues such as airports. Another seeks to enable compensation for caregivers tending to medically fragile relatives within their homes. Additionally, a third bill mandates schools to confirm enrollment in another educational institution before excluding students from the state attendance report card. As lawmakers convene in Springfield for the spring legislative session, these initiatives reflect efforts to address pertinent issues impacting the state
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LaSalle-Peru Township High School’s sports complex is progressing well into its second phase, with an upcoming milestone ceremony set for Monday, where the baseball field will be officially named Huby Sarver Field. Sarver, who coached L-P baseball for 24 years, holds the record for the most wins by a coach in school history, with numerous titles and accolades. The complex already offers top-notch facilities for soccer, tennis, baseball, and softball. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. on the north end of La Salle.
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Illinois lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan to get rid of the state’s lower minimum wage for tipped employees. A House panel on Wednesday approved the legislation that would end Illinois’ eight-dollar and 40-cent per-hour minimum wage for waiters, bartenders, and other people who rely on tips. The plan would pay all workers Illinois’ current 14-dollar-an-hour minimum wage. Chicago has a plan to end the tipped minimum wage by 2028. Opponents, however, say forcing companies to pay tipped employees more will almost certainly lead to fewer jobs.
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Officials with Quaker Oats have announced they’re closing their plant in Danville and will lay off more than 500 employees. The company made the news public after telling its employees yesterday. The company says it made its decision after the recall in December and it determined it would be too costly to update and modernize the facility. Production will be shifted to other facilities.
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Illinois agriculture officials are monitoring the state’s cattle population as more cases of a highly pathogenic bird flu pop up across the country. So far, no cases have been confirmed in Illinois. As a result, there are currently no restrictions on dairy cattle movement across the state. Dairy producers are urged to keep an eye on their herds.
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An Illinois House committee has passed a bill that would require all schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place. The state recorded 109 cardiac events among students under the age of 18 two years ago. The new proposal would require school districts to work with local paramedics to create a plan in case of a cardiac emergency. Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student-athletes nationwide.
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Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it tougher to illegally obtain an addictive medication from their pharmacist. Right now, state law only requires the person picking up a prescription — such as oxycodone — to identify themselves by giving their name and their birthdate. Legislation proposed by State Representative Amy Grant would require a person to show identification — such as a driver’s license — to pick up their prescription.
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Illinois motorists have their annual chance to tell the state about their travel habits and how Illinois traveling could be improved The state has launched its annual survey that asks travelers about road conditions and travel accommodations. The survey is conducted in conjunction with the University of Illinois Springfield. IDOT officials say the results will help inform their work on future projects.
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At around 12:40 am on April 4th, LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Speedway Gas Station on 1351 May Road, Peru, Illinois. During the stop, deputies discovered and confiscated 5 kilograms of Ketamine, 14.1 ounces of Cannabis Oil, and $5,363.00 in U.S. currency. The driver, identified as Teren Andrew Overbeck (34yrs) of Los Angeles, California, was charged with a Class X Felony for possession with intent to deliver and was subsequently transported to LaSalle County Jail. Overbeck is currently held in La Salle County Jail pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday in La Salle County Circuit Court before Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia.
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Four teenage girls in Ottawa have been charged with battery, as reported by Ottawa police, with limited details disclosed due to their age. The charges involve two 13-year-olds and two 14-year-olds.
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Thirty-eight-year-old Holly O’Boyle from Peru was apprehended for retail theft at Walmart, allegedly stealing items valued between $20 and $50; she was fined and given an optional hearing date.
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Thirty-four-year-old Tana Mendez was arrested at a McDonald’s in Ladd on Monday night due to a warrant from Bureau County, adding a twist to her evening.
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24-year-old Gavin M. Cooper of Bloomington was arrested early Friday by Ottawa Police at State and Glover Streets. Cooper has an outstanding warrant from McLean County for failure to appear in court on a possession of cannabis charge. Ottawa Police charged Cooper with driving a vehicle with suspended insurance.
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62-year-old Guy L. Hadsell of Ottawa was stopped by Ottawa Police after Midnight Friday at Columbus and Nebraska Streets and charged with driving on a suspended license.
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WEATHER:
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low of around 30. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Edwin E. Bartlett, 94, of Streator, formerly of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, March 31st, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where Full Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. today at the funeral home.
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Bill A. Bernardoni, 73, of Seneca, formerly of Ottawa, went home to Jesus on Friday, March 29th, in Peoria. Visitation will be at Ottawa Funeral Home today from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 10:00a.m at Fox River Lutheran Church in Sheridan.
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Ronald C. Kesner, 71, of Marseilles, passed away on April 1st, at his home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 6th at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home.
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Linda (Hackler) Lowe, 76, of Deer Park, passed away on Tuesday, April 2nd, at her home. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 8th, and burial will follow at Section Cemetery.
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Kelli Ann Peddicord, 62, of Marseilles, passed away Wednesday, April 3rd at her home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be held Monday, April 8th, from 9:00 until 10:30 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will take place immediately following, at 11:00 am at St. Columba Church. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery.
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Edwin Dale Wold of Streator passed away Tuesday, April 2nd, at his home following a short battle with cancer. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded to Ottawa Funeral Home, and services will be private. The interment will be private and at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
FACS 14, St. Bede 6: First Assembly Christian School broke the game open with 10 runs in the second inning to hand the Bruins their third defeat in four games on their spring trip in Cordova, Tenn.
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Girls soccer
Streator 4, Reed-Custer 0: At Braidwood, the Bulldogs (1-2-2) earned their first victory of the season by topping the Comets.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox surrendered eight runs in the bottom of the seventh during a 10-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Andrew Vaughn hit an RBI single in the top of the sixth to bring Chicago within a run before the disastrous innings. Mike Soroka was charged with his first loss after giving up two runs on six hits in six innings. The Southsiders fell to 1-and-5. They send Erick Fedde to the mound against the Royals tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs go for their fifth win in a row when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field this afternoon. The Cubs are 4-and-2 after a sweep of the Colorado Rockies earlier this week. Kyle Hendricks gets the start for the Northsiders today. The first pitch is slated for 1:20 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls look to get back in the win column when they host the New York Knicks at United Center tonight. The Bulls were just defeated by the Atlanta Hawks 113-101 on Monday. Chicago has clinched a spot in the play-in tournament, and the team currently sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 36-and-40. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM. In other team news, the Bulls signed Javonte Green to a contract yesterday.
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The Chicago Blackhawks play towards the end of the season with a game against the Dallas Stars at United Center tomorrow. The Blackhawks are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Islanders on Tuesday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 49 points and a 22-48-and-5 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 2:30 PM.
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Former Bears great Steve McMichael is out of the hospital after a short stay. The Hall of Fame nominee was treated Thursday for a urinary tract infection. McMichael, who is suffering from ALS, was allowed to return home with antibiotics. He is one of three former Bears who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. The other two players are return specialist Devin Hester and defensive standout Julius Peppers.
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The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four Begins tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The tournament’s number one overall seed South Carolina plays three seed NC State at 6:00 p.m. Central. UConn squares off against Caitlin Clark and one-seed Iowa at 8:30 p.m. South Carolina is 36-and-0 on the season and is looking to become the 10th team in the history of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament to complete an undefeated season. The national championship is set for Sunday.