The Illinois Department of Transportation and the city of Peru want to remind you that construction on the Route 251 bridge in Peru is set to commence today. The scope of work will encompass cleaning the bridge and its structural steel components, as well as the top surfaces of piers and abutments, deck drains, and the deck surface itself. Traffic will be managed by flaggers, with one lane remaining open during the daytime, night-time traffic will have two open lanes. alternative route including the Route 351 bridge. IDOT anticipates the project to conclude in early May.
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The OSF St. Elizabeth-Peru Emergency Department resumed operations on Sunday, marking the initial stage of its phased reopening plan. Following this, outpatient services will gradually become available, as confirmed by hospital authorities during a media tour of the renovated facility at 925 West St. This reopening addresses the void left in La Salle-Peru since the closure of the hospital on January 28, 2023. As phase 1 commences, approximately a quarter of the physical facility will be operational, encompassing emergency services, limited inpatient beds, and essential medical amenities such as diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, EKG, and respiratory services. Subsequent phases entail expanding inpatient capacity to 12 beds and introducing outpatient services, contingent upon regulatory approvals and inspections to secure Medicare and Medicaid funding.
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Excitement is building ahead of today’s solar eclipse. It’s the first total eclipse here since 2017 and will be the last until 2044. The path of totality, where the sun is completely covered by the moon, will occur in over a dozen states. Thousands of people are planning to travel to see the historic event which will start in southern Illinois around 12:51 p.m., reaching its peak viewing time at approximately 2:07 p.m. More than 70 school districts across the state are closing for the upcoming solar eclipse. CPS Schools announced they are closed in observance of the eclipse. The State Board of Education, meanwhile, says it shouldn’t be considered as a valid e-learning day, either. Officials say the purpose of e-learning days is for emergency closures, not planned events such as the eclipse.
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After enduring nearly a year since an arson fire ravaged its premises, the revamped Brite Spot in Ottawa made a triumphant return today. “We’re overjoyed to welcome everyone back,” the restaurant shared enthusiastically on its Facebook page, adding, “We can’t wait to see you all!” Following the blaze on April 15, 2023, the restaurant promptly pledged to reconstruct and resume operations. In a heartfelt gesture, they extended gratitude to both their dedicated staff and loyal patrons for their unwavering support during the challenging aftermath of the fire. Hours will be 7 am – 9 pm seven days a week.
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Thursday night on Route 89 outside of Ladd, a semitrailer ignited inside a mechanics shop, according to Fire Chief B.J. Liebe. Responding promptly, firefighters from Ladd, Spring Valley, and Cherry arrived at the scene around 6 p.m. Within 20 minutes, they managed to bring the blaze under control. Liebe mentioned that the firefighters pulled the burning semi-truck out of the shop using a backhoe, thereby significantly reducing damage to the shop. Although the shop incurred minor heat and smoke damage, the semitrailer was unfortunately deemed a total loss.
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Residents of the Illinois Veterans Home at La Salle, who have journeyed far in service to their country, will now find easier travel throughout the Illinois Valley, thanks to a new multi-passenger, wheelchair-accessible van donated by Peru American Legion Post 375 and various veterans organizations and citizens. With seating for 15 and fold-down seats for additional space, the van was made possible through the dedication of veterans, proceeds from poppy sales, and community contributions. Despite challenges, including a delay due to COVID-19, the van is now a reality, adorned with markings acknowledging the generous support of the Illinois Valley community. This donation not only enhances the comfort and care of the home’s residents but also showcases the unwavering support of the community. The staff expresses gratitude for the positive impact the van will have, facilitating outings, parades, and other activities that enrich the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
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The potential renaming of Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is under consideration by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, citing concerns similar to those that have prompted changes in sports team mascots deemed offensive to Native Americans. While local sources have not confirmed details of the proposal, the agency has acknowledged the possibility, stating that it is open to revisiting park names in consultation with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. The intention has raised concerns among local lawmakers, who emphasize the park’s significance to the community and the potential economic impact of a name change. Discussions are ongoing, but any decision would involve input from various stakeholders. Starved Rock, deriving its name from a Native American legend, holds historical and cultural significance in the region.
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La Salle City Council approved a one-year contract with Global Site Location Industries (GSLI), an economic development consultant and marketing agency. Economic Development Director Curt Bedei emphasized GSLI’s potential to enhance La Salle’s global presence, diversify its marketability, and provide additional support. Alderman Jim Bacidore dissented, citing past experiences with ineffective consultants. However, Bedei stressed GSLI’s familiarity with La Salle and its ability to complement his efforts. The contract, costing $26,500, includes an “exclusivity clause” regionally. Bedei welcomed the support, allowing him to focus on various aspects of his job, such as grant writing and managing ongoing projects.
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In March, two elderly men from La Salle County passed away due to COVID-19 complications, contributing to a total of seven reported deaths in 2024. Jenny Barrie, a health educator at the La Salle County Health Department, noted that reporting delays can occur within the state system, with some deaths being confirmed as COVID-19-related after further review by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This marks the final weekly COVID update from the department, advising individuals to visit https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/ for hospital admission levels and prevention measures by county. La Salle County maintains a low COVID-19 risk status, meeting CDC standards. Over the past week, there were 1.6 new hospital admissions per 100,000 residents and 1.2% of staffed inpatient beds used by confirmed COVID-19 cases. Since the pandemic’s onset, the county has recorded 533 COVID-19-related deaths.
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The annual Spring Art Show at Illinois Valley Community College, featuring works by high school and college artists, is currently underway, filling the halls outside the Humanities and Fine Arts Division office with sketches, photographs, illustrations, and sculptures. Open to the public, the exhibition will continue until Friday, April 12, concluding with an awards reception at 5 p.m. in the Student Life Space, where artists and their families can enjoy refreshments and guided tours of the Art Department. This consolidated showcase, organized by art instructor Shannon Slaight-Brown, brings together students from 10 local high schools and IVCC, creating a vibrant gallery experience.
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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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The state of Illinois has begun offering a tax credit to encourage more participation in local volunteer fire departments. Almost 70 percent of Illinois firefighters are volunteers but participation is falling — not just in Illinois but nationwide. State Senator Chris Belt pushed through legislation to allow volunteer firefighters who work for free or a small stipend to deduct 500 dollars from their annual taxes. Almost three thousand Illinoisans have received the tax credit so far.
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Some restaurant workers and owners are lobbying against a proposed bill in Springfield that would eliminate the minimum wage in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Labor says some tipped workers can be paid at a lower minimum wage at 8-dollars-40-cents an hour — as long as their tips make up the difference. Some Democrats in the legislature are sponsoring a bill to eliminate the subminimum wage to make sure tipped workers receive the same minimum wage. The measure passed the state House Labor Committee last week.
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There is support at the Illinois Capitol for a new state agency focused on early childhood needs, but there are questions about the cost. Lawmakers last week held a hearing on the new Department of Early Childhood. Governor Pritzker is asking for 13 million to start the new agency, but Democratic state Rep. Sue Scherer worries it may cost a lot more. The governor wants to combine early childhood programs from various state agencies under one roof. He asked for the move as part of his new state budget.
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After allegedly transporting 11 pounds of horse tranquilizer and admitting to police his involvement, Teren A. Overbeck, 34, of Los Angeles, was released from La Salle County Jail on Friday. Facing charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony, Overbeck appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court where it was reported that law enforcement seized 5 kilograms of ketamine, 14.1 ounces of cannabis oil, and $5,363 in cash during the incident at Speedway gas station on May Road in Peru. “This is how I pay my bills,” Overbeck told police, according to a recap by prosecutor Ryan Cantlin. “Everyone has to eat.” Despite the serious charges, Overbeck’s release was facilitated by the SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bonds for drug offenses, ensuring pretrial release even for cases with mandatory prison time. Overbeck is scheduled to appear in court again on May 3 for arraignment.
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On Friday, April 5th, following a short investigation, the Mendota Police Department arrested Angelo G Quintana, 19, of Mendota, for Domestic Battery. Quintana was transported to the Mendota Police Department, processed, and later transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Chestnut ST & Joliet ST. Carla Douglas (66) of Ottawa was cited for operating a motor vehicle with expired registration.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of RT 23 & I-80. Lisa Carlson (47) of Ottawa was cited for improper use of an electronic communication device.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low of around 48. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
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. today, at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today 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 today 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
Washington 7, Ottawa 6: At Washington, the Panthers scored the winning on a walk-off homer in the bottom of the seventh in the win over the Pirates.
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Powell, Tenn. 6, LaSalle-Peru 1: The Cavs fell to 0-2 on their spring trip to Tennessee, falling to host Powell High School on Thursday.
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Bearden (Tenn.) 6, L-P 5 (9 inn.): Host Bearden, Tenn. scored on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Cavs in ETBCA tournament play in Tennessee.
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Marquette 16, Woodland/Flanagan-Cornell 2 (6 inn.): At rural Streator, the Crusaders (7-0, 2-0) scored four times in the first inning and exploded for nine runs in the sixth in the Tri-County Conference win over the Warriors.
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Marquette 7, Parkview Christian Academy 1: At Masinelli Field, the Crusaders (8-0) plated five runs in the first inning to jumpstart the win over the Falcons.
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East Dubuque 13, St. Bede 3 (5 inn.): The Warriors struck for seven runs in the second inning and four more in the third on the way to defeating the Bruins in five innings at Lumber Kings Stadium in Clinton, Iowa.
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Streator 14, Reed-Custer 13: At SHS Athletic Fields, the Bulldogs (3-5, 1-1) scored nine times in the third to overcome a slow start and tie the game, then eventually scored the winning on an infield error with two outs in the seventh in the ICE victory over the Comets.
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Rochelle 1, Streator 0; Streator 6, Rochelle 0: At Rochelle, the Bulldogs (4-6) split a doubleheader with the Hubs.
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Midland 3, Seneca 0: At Seneca, the Fighting Irish dropped to 7-3 overall and 3-2 in T-CC play with the loss to the Timberwolves.
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Seneca 9, Serena 3: At Serena, the Fighting Irish (8-3) scored eight runs in the final two innings in the win over the Huskers (1-6).
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Plano 9, Serena 8: At Plano, the Reapers pushed across a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to top the Huskers (1-6).
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Freeport 6, Sandwich 3 (9 inn.): At Sandwich, after each side scored single runs in the sixth and eighth, the Pretzels scored three times in the top of the ninth to defeat the Indians (2-5).
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Geneseo 13, Hall 0 (6 inn.): The Red Devils were shut out Falling to the Maple Leafs in a nonconference game at Kirby Park in Spring Valley.
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Softball
Ottawa 14, Rock Falls 4 (6 inn.); Rockridge 3, Ottawa 1: At King Field, the Pirates (6-4) recorded 10 hits and took advantage of 10 errors in the win over Rock Falls, but then only mustered four hits in the loss to Rockridge.
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Marquette 5, Woodland/Flanagan-Cornell 1: At rural Streator, the Crusaders (4-3, 2-0) scored three times in the first inning which was more than enough for the Tri-County Conference win over the Warriors on Friday.
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Herscher 13, Streator 3 (5 inn.): At Herscher, the host Tigers broke the game open with an eight-run fourth in the Illinois Central Eight Conference win over the Bulldogs
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Newark 17, Earlville 1 (4 inn.): At Newark, the Norsemen scored seven runs in both the second and third innings in the Little Ten Conference triumph over the Red Raiders
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Newark 13, Indian Creek 0 (5 inn.); Newark 12, Indian Creek 1 (6 inn.): At Shabbona, the Norsemen (12-1, 3-0) rolled to a Little Ten Conference double-header sweep over the Timberwolves.
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Serena 8, Plano 0: At Plano, the Huskers improved to 3-3 on the season with the win over the Reapers.
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Seneca 7, Serena 5 (9 inn.): At Serena, the Fighting Irish (6-0) scored two in the top of the seventh to tie the game, then plated three runs in the ninth in topping the Huskers (3-4) on Saturday.
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La Salle-Peru 15-12, Belvidere North 2-11: The Cavs wrapped out 19 hits in each game on the way to a doubleheader sweep in Belvidere.
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Princeton 17-15, Hall 2-0: The Tigresses cruised to a doubleheader sweep in Three Rivers East play in Spring Valley.
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Track and field
Streator boys post solid marks at L-P Classic: The Bulldogs scored 51 team points to finish tied for fourth at the L-P Cavalier Classic at the L-P Sports Complex.
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Marquette girls compete in Granville: The Crusaders were led by a first-place finish in the 800 (2:46.32) and second-place mark in the 400 (1:15.38) from Maggie Jewett at the triangular hosted by Putnam County and including Henry-Senachwine.
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Tennis
Burbank (Reavis) – 0, Ottawa (Twp.) – 4,
Ottawa (Twp.) – 0, Geneseo – 4,
Plainfield (East) – 3, Ottawa (Twp.) – 1,
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox surrendered three runs in the bottom of the seventh during a 5-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Deivi Garcia gave up all three runs while recording just one out to get tagged with his second loss in relief. Andrew Benintendi and Dominic Fletcher both had two hits and one RBI. The 1-and-8 Southsiders go up against the Guardians in Cleveland this afternoon at 3:30 pm. In other Sox news, the club placed Luis Robert Jr. on the ten-day injured list with a hip flexor strain over the weekend.
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The Cubs bashed the Dodgers 8-1 to win their series from Wrigley Field. Cody Bellinger blasted a solo homer, while Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Mike Tauchman drove in runs to give Chicago a 5-0 lead after three innings. Yency Almonte earned the win against his former team after pitching a scoreless inning of relief. Chicago is now 6-and-3 on the season. Javier Assad starts for the Northsiders against San Diego tonight. In other team news, right-handed pitcher Julian Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list yesterday.
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The Chicago Bulls never held a lead during a 113-98 loss to the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Chicago trailed by as many as 21 points in the losing effort. DeMar DeRozan poured in 30 points in the losing effort, while Javonte Green finished with 15. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 37-and-41. Chicago hosts New York tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t get the puck past Jesper Wallstedt during a 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild at United Center. Chicago managed just 24 shots in the losing effort, and they gave up three goals in the second period. Arvid Soderblom had 30 saves in the loss. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-49-and-5 record. The Hawks visit St. Louis on Wednesday.
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IVCC 2-1, Highland 0-9 (junior college): Braden Reilly pitched the Eagles to a three-hit, 2-0 shutout victory in Game 1 in Freeport. Eagles dropped the nightcap 9-1.