The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a warning to healthcare facilities, particularly hospital emergency departments, to be vigilant for patients displaying symptoms resembling botulism after two cases were reported in Illinois. These cases involved individuals who had received injections, purportedly Botox or a potentially counterfeit substitute, in La Salle County. The IDPH is collaborating with local and state health departments on investigations, and similar incidents have been reported in Tennessee. Residents are advised to seek cosmetic treatments only from licensed professionals using FDA-approved products, as unauthorized procedures pose serious health risks. IDFPR emphasizes the importance of reporting unlawful medical practices and provides resources for verifying professional licenses. Healthcare providers are urged to promptly report suspected botulism cases, ensuring thorough documentation of recent injections. Allergan, the FDA-approved manufacturer of Botox, should be consulted to verify distributor authorization. Botulism, though rare, is a severe condition potentially caused by contaminated substances used for cosmetic purposes, highlighting the critical need for adherence to safety protocols.
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In a LaSalle County courtroom on Wednesday, Judge Michael C. Jansz could determine the fate of Chester Weger, also known as the Starved Rock Murderer, in his three-year bid for exoneration. Weger, aged 85 and previously imprisoned for nearly six decades, was convicted in 1961 for the murder of one of the three women in St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. Judge Jansz is set to rule on a motion to dismiss the case filed by the special prosecution team from Will County’s State’s Attorney office. Recent DNA genealogical tests conducted by a Dallas, Texas company revealed that a hair found on a victim’s glove did not belong to Weger, but to a local Utica man. Chicago lawyer Andrew Hale, defending Weger, argues this points to his innocence, while the prosecution relies on Weger’s numerous confessions during the 1961 investigation. Should Judge Jansz reject the dismissal motion, the case could proceed to a trial-like setting where Weger’s conviction might be overturned; Hale asserts he has three new witnesses to testify.
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The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a state law imposing lifetime residency restrictions on convicted child sex offenders, overturning a lower court decision. The Illinois Supreme Court states that the court deemed the law as serving a valid purpose of safeguarding areas like daycare centers and playgrounds from such offenders. The case involved a Kane County resident, Martin Kopf, who was instructed in 2018 to relocate from a home he and his wife had recently purchased, due to its proximity to a daycare facility. Kopf asserted he had verified the property’s eligibility with local authorities before purchase. Despite a unanimous ruling affirming the law’s constitutionality, the court remanded Kopf’s case to Kane County to evaluate potential unconstitutional application.
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Streator Police Chief John Franklin, since his September 2022 start, aimed to diversify the force to mirror the community. Monday marked another stride as Streator resident Paige Talty was sworn in as the first female officer since the 1990s. Talty begins local training this month before heading to Dixon’s academy in May. Franklin emphasized the importance of reflecting residents within the department, hoping Talty’s appointment would encourage young women. Talty, inspired by assisting authorities during a retail theft case, eagerly pursued a career in law enforcement. Additionally, investigator Ryne Reel was promoted to sergeant, filling a position due to recent retirement. With 13 years on the force, Reel is prepared and excited for this next step in his career trajectory.
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Newark State Representative Jed Davis reports ongoing discussions regarding a proposal aimed at abolishing the state’s one percent grocery tax. While acknowledging its appeal, he expresses concerns over the potential loss of revenue for local governments, deeming it akin to an unfunded mandate from the state. Davis underscores the significant financial impact on communities such as Yorkville and Plano, estimating potential losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Notably, he highlights the current system where the tax, though collected by the state, supports local government functions. Furthermore, Davis mentions discussions about granting city governments the authority to administer the tax independently. However, he notes the complexity of this approach, particularly due to variations in home rule status among communities, contingent on factors like population or referendum outcomes.
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Peru Police Detective Amy Sines and Officer Alec Lindemann received commendations on Monday for their swift action in saving a woman’s life at a Peru high rise. Responding to a call on March 16 about a person in a mental health crisis on the seventh-floor ledge, Lindemann, recognizing the severity, strategically directed resources out of sight to avoid escalating the situation. Engaging the distressed individual, Lindemann gained trust while Sines arrived to provide additional support. With Lindemann reaching out the window and Sines bracing, they successfully pulled the person to safety, averting a tragedy. Both officers emphasized the importance of crisis intervention training and their commitment to serving their community, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on those in need.
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I-80 near southwest suburban Joliet will be closed overnight starting Wednesday morning for an ongoing bridge replacement project. The construction involves the bridge carrying Briggs Street over I-80. Starting tomorrow night, westbound lanes will be reduced to one lane approaching Briggs Street. The seven-point-three million dollar project involves replacing the existing bridge with a new structure. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Join the American Red Cross at DePue High School this afternoon from noon until 5 for a blood drive, or visit the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa this Friday during the same hours if you can’t make it to DePue. Additionally, mark your calendar for the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month to donate at Peru’s donation center next to the post office. As a token of appreciation, donors will receive $10 gift cards to a merchant of their choice until April 28th.
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Illinois tourism officials say they expect the state will enjoy an economic boom from today’s eclipse. The last solar eclipse seven years ago saw between 15-and-18 million dollars generated in the state by eclipse-related activities. Officials say the longer exposure period this time around combined with the sunny weather forecasts means the likelihood more money will be generated this year.
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A bill Illinois lawmakers are considering this session would determine car insurance rates according to driving habits instead of socioeconomic factors. The proposed bill would prohibit insurance companies from using a set of guidelines it considers discriminatory in determining insurance rates, including a driver’s sex, race, and credit score. The bill would require companies to use a driver’s record to serve as the main factor used when setting rates. The bill passed out of committee this past week.
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An Illinois House panel has approved a proposal that would provide protections to libraries from violent threats. The Illinois Library Association and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias support a plan to provide libraries and their employees with the same protections given to schools and elected officials. The bill would also allow law enforcement to take action against threats made electronically or over social media. The House could take up the bill when lawmakers return to Springfield.
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A bill Illinois lawmakers are considering this session would determine car insurance rates according to driving habits instead of socioeconomic factors. The proposed legislation would prohibit insurance companies from using a set of guidelines they consider discriminatory in determining insurance rates, including a driver’s sex, race, and credit score. The bill would require companies to use a driver’s record to serve as the main factor used when setting rates. The measure passed out of committee this past week.
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In Ottawa, a reported jewelry heist unfolded as part of an organized, multi-state theft ring. On Thursday afternoon, police responded to a theft in progress at Walmart, where suspects had broken into a jewelry cabinet. Upon arrival, officers intercepted the suspects attempting to flee in a vehicle. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of stolen items from Walmart. Arrested for burglary were Jefferson Caballero-Urquia (20), Richard Parra-Flores (24), Mariainy Moreno-Cabrera (41), and Ricmael Parra-Flores (22), all hailing from Chicago according to court records. Multiple law enforcement agencies from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Homeland Security assisted Ottawa police in the operation.
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Mauricio A. Carreon, 22, of Spring Valley and Belvidere, faces multiple felonies, including aggravated battery with a firearm, after a March 26 shooting in Belvidere, where one person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Carreon, also under investigation for a 2021 shooting in La Salle County, was detained in Boone County Jail. Another suspect, a 17-year-old, has been detained, while a third is sought. Carreon faces additional charges in Boone County, including aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. He is scheduled to appear in La Salle County Circuit Court in August for a previous charge of reckless discharge of a firearm.
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WEATHER:
…FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL EARLY SATURDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE…Illinois River from Starved Rock Lock and Dam downstream
to the confluence with Big Bureau Creek, including the La Salle gauge.
* WHEN…Until early Saturday morning.
* IMPACTS…At 22.0 feet, the Lower parking lot at Starved Rock State
Park, is inundated east of La Salle. High water levels begin to
impact shipping interests along the river.
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Today
Sunny, with a high near 66. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low of around 43. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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OBITUARIES:
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
Kaneland 3, La Salle-Peru 1: the Cavs lose to the Knights
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Coal City 17, Streator 5 (4 inn.): At Coal City, the hosts scored at least four runs in each inning to top the Bulldogs (4-7, 1-2) in the Illinois Central Eight Conference contest.
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Normal U-High 4, Seneca 2: At Illinois State University’s Duffy Bass Field, the Pioneers scored three times in the fourth inning to grab the win over the Fighting Irish (8-4).
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Serena 8, Somonauk 7: At Somonauk, the Huskers pushed across a run in the top of the sixth in the Little Ten Conference triumph over the Bobcats.
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Hinckley-Big Rock 9, Newark 4: At Hinckley, the Royals scored four runs in the first on the way to the LTC win over the Norsemen (2-11, 2-1).
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Sandwich 17, Harvard 2 (4 inn.): At Harvard, the Indians (5-5, 3-0) scored eight times in the first to jumpstart the Kishwaukee River Conference win over the Hornets.
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Softball
Ottawa 10, Rochelle 0 (5 inn.): At Rochelle, the Pirates scored three times in the first inning in the Interstate 8 Conference win over the Hubs on Monday.
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Coal City 11, Streator 3: At Coal City, the host Coalers scored in every inning in the Illinois Central Eight Conference win over the Bulldogs (3-6, 0-3).
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Serena 7, Somonauk/Leland 0: At Somonauk, the Huskers (4-4, 1-0) opened the Little Ten Conference schedule with a win over the Bobcats.
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Sandwich 3, Harvard 0: At Harvard, the Indians scored all three runs in the top of the seventh in the Kishwaukee River Conference win over the Hornets.
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La Salle-Peru 3, Kaneland 2: Taylor Vescogni tossed a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts to win a pitcher’s duel for the Cavs in conference play on the road. She struck out 10, allowing two unearned runs.
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Newman 6, St. Bede 5: The Bruins lost for the first time in eight games, playing their first game in 10 days.
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Girls soccer
Mendota 3, Monmouth-Roseville 0: the Trojans in a road win in Monmouth.
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Streator 4, Kankakee 0: At the Streator Soccer Complex, the Bulldogs win over the Kays.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The White Sox managed just four hits during a 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Tanner Banks was charged with the loss after striking out five and allowing just one run on two hits in two-and-a-third innings. Dominic Fletcher doubled in the losing effort. The Southsiders dropped to 1-and-9, and they will send Mike Soroka to the mound against Cleveland tonight. 4:30 pm pre-game and a 5:10 pm first pitch.
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The Cubs blew an eight-run lead during a 9-8 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Chicago scored four runs in the second and four more in the fourth before surrendering seven in the sixth. The Cubs held a one-run lead until the eighth when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a go-ahead two-run home run. Adbert Alzolay was charged with the loss in relief. Cody Bellinger drove in three runs during the loss as Chicago fell to 6-and-4. The Cubs take on the Padres once again tonight.
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The Bulls will try to get back in the win column when they host the New York Knicks at United Center tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 113-98 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Chicago is locked into a play-in round match-up against Atlanta after the regular season. The Bulls need to hold onto their one-game lead with four games left to host the contest. They’re currently in ninth place in the East at 37-and-41. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center tomorrow night. The Hawks are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-49-and-5 record. Tomorrow’s game begins at 7:00 PM.