On Tuesday afternoon at Baker Lake in Peru, what could have been a parent’s worst nightmare was thankfully avoided. City of Peru officers responded in minutes after receiving a call about a missing juvenile at around 3 pm at Baker Lake. With the cooperation of firefighters from both Peru and La Salle, a ground search was swiftly organized, leading to the establishment of a command post on the east side of Baker Lake. Thankfully, the boy, identified as autistic by police, who had wandered away from a nearby home, was located a little after 3:30, bringing immense relief to all involved and confirming his safe return to his family in only a half hour from when the call first came into the Peru police department.
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The start of repairs and commuter delays on the Route 251 bridge in Peru have been postponed for at least another week without explanation from IDOT. The IDOT digital sign preceding the bridge alerting of impending repairs and maintenance now indicates that bridge maintenance is scheduled to commence during the week of April 15th, instead of the originally planned start date of the 8th. The Illinois Department of Transportation has not provided any explanation for the delay. Once and if the repair work begins, crews will undertake extensive cleaning of the bridge and its structural components, including the steel framework, piers, abutments, deck drains, and surface. Additionally, repairs will be carried out on expansion joints, with the overall project anticipated to span over a month. During repairs, traffic will be restricted to a single lane, managed by construction flaggers. However, both lanes of Route 251 across the bridge will reopen after each workday.
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During Monday’s Peru City Council meeting, Tyler Wolf, a Princeton native, was sworn in as a police officer for the Peru Police Department. Having graduated from Princeton High School in 2004, Wolf initiated his law enforcement career in 2013 with the Bradford Police Department, later serving with the Princeton Police Department for eight years. Despite familial ties to law enforcement, Wolf initially sought to forge his path but found the field exhilarating. He expressed enthusiasm for the diverse career opportunities at the Peru department, including roles such as detective and K-9 handler. Living in Princeton with his wife, Emily, and their four children, Wolf actively engages with the community, often utilizing his 1957 fire truck for events like the Homestead parade. Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond commended Wolf’s personality and experience, anticipating a seamless integration into the department.
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The Streator Plan Commission gave its unanimous approval on Tuesday for a recommendation to the Streator City Council regarding an electronic billboard at 1712 N. Bloomington St., a crucial step in the development plan to bring a Scooter’s Coffee store to the corner of Bloomington and Frech streets. Danny Marler of Robinson Outdoor LLC presented details of the proposed two-way V-shaped billboard, which would serve both commercial advertising and emergency messaging purposes, with a commitment to cooperate with local authorities for displaying crucial alerts. Meanwhile, plans for the coffee shop are underway and expected to undergo review by the commission soon, as confirmed by City Engineer Jeremy Palm. Additionally, the commission endorsed the installation of a new electronic message board at Kimes School, mirroring a similar setup at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, with stipulations including an automatic shutdown by 9 p.m. for neighborhood tranquility. The council also recommended a $15,000 facade grant for Curly’s Furniture/Aqualicious, aligning with ongoing efforts to revitalize business fronts, with further grants in consideration pending budgetary decisions. However, a request from Time-Out Ice Cream was tabled for further clarification, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to thorough review and community engagement in developmental initiatives.
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The La Salle-Peru High School class of 1957 has established a $20,000 trust to grant scholarships to senior students at L-P High School, awarding $2,000 or more annually for the next decade. Thanks to the generosity of classmate Tom Kowalski, four $2,000 awards will be distributed this year during the L-P Scholarship Awards ceremony on April 25. Over the following nine years, trustees will establish criteria for selecting recipients. Any remaining funds after the tenth year will be contributed to the L-P High School general scholarship fund.
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In preparation for Earth Day, Ottawa is rallying for a community-wide effort dubbed “Operation: Clean Sweep” to tidy up Route 6. Scheduled for Monday, April 22nd from 4 to 7, this event is garnering support from various chambers of commerce, local businesses, and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, who are seeking volunteers to assist in the cleanup endeavor. Participants will convene at Alfano’s on the west side of Ottawa before shuttling out every 15 minutes to tackle litter along Route 6, with safety vests provided. Limited to individuals aged 18 and above, “Operation: Clean Sweep” is part of a broader initiative across Ottawa and the Illinois Valley to drive positive change through volunteerism, with details available on the Illinois Valley Volunteer Opportunities Facebook page.
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The La Salle Police Department has issued a cordial notice regarding several city ordinances. Authorities emphasize their commitment to vigilant enforcement of regulations about issues such as overgrown weeds or grass, disposal of grass clippings on roads, retention of derelict vehicles, and vehicle abandonment on public or private premises, all of which may result in fines if violated. Residents are advised that failure to address these concerns may result in property liens for overgrown vegetation and potential towing for junk vehicle storage or abandonment.
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Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced the “One-Stop-Shop” initiative at Plano’s DMV on Tuesday morning, marking the state’s inaugural implementation of the program. The initiative aims to streamline customer experience by merging vehicle and driver services, eliminating the need for specialized staff, and reducing wait times. With all personnel cross-trained, customers in Plano can now conveniently handle tasks such as applying for a REAL ID, renewing driver’s licenses, or updating vehicle registrations at a single service point. Giannoulias views this as a step towards modernizing the office, with Plano chosen as the pilot site due to its excellent facilities and personnel. He anticipates potential expansion to other DMVs statewide by year’s end.
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Older drivers in Illinois could soon no longer have to prove that they can drive. Legislation in Springfield would end driving tests for anyone 79 years old or older. Republican state Representative Jeff Keicher says it’s discriminatory to have older motorists show they can still drive. The proposal has passed out of a statehouse committee, but its fate in the full chamber is unknown. AAA has reported in the past that drivers over the age of 75 accounts for more multiple-vehicle accidents than any other age group.
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Officials with some rape crisis centers across Illinois say they’re being forced to close because of funding cutbacks at the federal level. The centers are asking the state of Illinois to help them stay open. They’re asking the state for 20 million dollars to continue operations, which is about twice what they receive now from Illinois. There are currently 31 rape crisis centers in Illinois and five outreach offices that reach rural areas have closed because of the cuts.
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More Illinois residents are filing tax returns for more than a million dollars. That’s according to new data from the IRS that breaks down the number of million-dollar filers based on adjusted gross income. Illinois had a little over 33-thousand filers who earned more than a million dollars – the sixth-most in the country in 2021. The state posted 40 percent growth in the number of millionaires over the period between 2020 and 2021 — the most recent tax-years available. The data includes people who filed as single payers, married couples filing jointly, and households.
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Illinois State Police issued more than 18 hundred speeding tickets last month during its crackdown on traffic violations it called Operation Fast Break. Troopers issued another 25-hundred-21 speed warnings. The patrol released the results of its program, which it says is substantial because the numbers are in addition to the regular enforcement state police already do monthly.
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Deputies in La Salle County responded to a solo vehicle collision with injuries on a county road near Leland. Randy Baker, aged 57 and a resident of Leland, reportedly lost control of his ATV, resulting in its overturn. Subsequently thrown from the vehicle, Baker collided with a guardrail. Emergency services transported him initially to Valley West Hospital, from where he was later airlifted to OSF Saint Anthony’s in Rockford. Additionally, Baker received citations for both failing to reduce speed to prevent an accident and unlawfully operating an ATV on a roadway.
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On Monday morning, Spring Valley police arrested Kerry Capps, 36, for possession of a controlled substance, sale or possession of hypodermic syringes or needles, and vehicle violations, apprehending him at the intersection of Taylor and Erie streets. Capps, already confronted with a criminal traffic charge in Bureau County, faced further legal action.
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Officers charged Ma De La Paz Pompa Rios, 42, from Spring Valley, for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage and failing to yield at a stop sign, stemming from an incident at Cleveland Street and John Mitchell Avenue.
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Meri Baucom, 54, was apprehended by Mendota police in connection with a charge of retail theft and failing to appear in court. Despite being taken to the Mendota police station, she couldn’t secure a bond for the warrant and was subsequently transferred to the La Salle County Jail.
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Jason Bradbury, 41, and Amanda Dzurisin, 36, were arrested by Streator police on Monday night for their alleged involvement in retail theft at Walmart. Both have been issued notices to appear in court.
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A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments:
Richard Young, 42, of La Salle (residential burglary; unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon; retail theft; theft). He is currently the only individual on the list incarcerated in the Lasalle County jail.
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Jordan Wilkinson, 26, of Ottawa (unlawful failure to register as a violent offender against youth);
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Dylan Washkowiak, 24, of Streator (three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse);
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Nathan Price, 52, of La Salle (armed violence);
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Erik Pinter, 46, of Mendota (two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
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Eric Sobin, 23, of Spring Valley (aggravated battery; aggravated domestic battery);
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Michael West, 65, of Peru (aggravated battery);
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Jacob Handzo, 29, of Streator (unlawful delivery of a controlled substance; unlawful delivery of a look-alike substance);
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Lesley Warren, 39, of La Salle (unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
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Matthew Persich, 36, of Peru (two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
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Madison Vargas, 19, of Streator (obstructing justice);
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Sydney Jorgenson, 28, of Marseilles (domestic battery).
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Light and variable wind becoming northeast at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
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Wednesday Night
Rain is likely, mainly after 2 am. Cloudy, with a low of around 48. Northnortheast wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Jacqueline “Jackie” Bean, age 92, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, April 8th, at Pleasant View Healthcare with her loving family at her side. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 13th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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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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*Out of State announcement:
Retired MSgt: Roy James Wagner, 66, of Jacksonville originally from Ottawa, passed away on Monday, April 8th, at his home. A Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 15th, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville North Carolina with full military honors. Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville is handling all arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Marquette 10, Roanoke-Benson 3: At Roanoke, the Crusaders improved to 9-0 overall and 3-0 in Tri-County Conference play with the win over the Rockets.
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Morris 7, Ottawa 0: At Morris, the Pirates (6-6, 0-1) recorded just two hits falling in their Interstate 8 Conference opener.
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Hall 4, Mendota 2: Red Devils to a Three Rivers Conference East Division victory in Spring Valley.
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St. Bede 9, Dwight 6: The Bruins earned a Tri-County Conference victory in Dwight.
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Seneca 10, Fieldcrest 0 (5 inn.): At Seneca, the Fighting Irish scored seven times in the third inning in the triumph over the Knights.
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Somonauk 3, Serena 1: At Serena, the Bobcats (1-5, 1-1) plated all three of their runs in the third inning in the Little Ten Conference win over the Huskers (2-8, 1-1).
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Hinckley-Big Rock 3, Newark 1: At Newark, the Norsemen failed to record a hit in falling to 2-12 overall and 2-2 in the LTC with the loss to the Royals.
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Softball
Coal City 13, Streator 5: At the SHS Athletic Fields, the host Bulldogs (3-7 overall, 0-4 Illinois Central Eight Conference)
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Marquette 15, Lowpoint-Washburn 0 (5 inn.): the Crusaders scored eight runs in the first inning to jumpstart the T-CC win over the Wildcats.
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St. Bede 7, Dwight 3: the Bruins won a Tri-County Conference game in Dwight.
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Mendota 9, Hall 8: The Trojans scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning en route to a Three Rivers Conference East Division victory in Spring Valley.
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Serena 13, Somonauk/Leland 8: At Serena, the Huskers scored nine times in the second in the LTC win over the Bobcats.
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Girls Softball
Mendota 1, Princeton 0: the Trojans get a victory in Mendota.
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Track and field
Ottawa boys 1st, girls 2nd in dual with Morris at King Field: The Pirates boys outpointed Morris, while the visiting girls from Morris won against the Lady Pirates.
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Seneca girls first, boys second at own 7-team event: the Fighting Irish girls squad finished ahead of runner-up Newark and fifth-place Marquette, while the Seneca boys placed behind champion Pontiac, but ahead of Marquette and Newark.
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Somonauk/Leland girls 2nd at Hall: The Bobcats finished second behind Amboy, but ahead of Hall and Ashton-Franklin Center.
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The LP Lady Cavs beat Kaneland in the I-8 Conference competition on Monday. Kaneland will have a rematch with LPHS again this Friday at Ottawa’s Fricke Invite.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox snapped a five-game losing streak with a 7-5 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Dominic Fletcher hit a two-run double in the top of the eighth to bring home the game-winning runs for Chicago. Kevin Pillar tied Fletcher with a team-high two RBIs. Steven Wilson earned the win following a scoreless inning of relief, while Michael Kopech recorded the save. The White Sox are now 2-and-9. Erick Fedde starts for the Southsiders against Cleveland tonight with a 4:30 pm pre-game and a 5:10 pm first pitch.
In other SOX news, Yoan Moncada strained his groin and had to leave yesterday’s game in the second inning.
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The Chicago Cubs used a five-run fifth inning to beat the San Diego Padres 5-1 at Petco Park. Yan Gomes hit a solo shot to get the scoring started for Chicago before Christopher Morel hit a grand slam later in the inning. Seiya Suzuki had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a run scored. Drew Smyly earned the win after tossing one-and-a-third innings of relief. The Cubs improved to 7-and-4. Kyle Hendricks starts for the Northsiders against the Padres tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks will try to get back in the win column when they visit the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center tonight. The Hawks are coming off a 4-0 loss to Minnesota last Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-49-and-5 record. Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls suffered a 128-117 loss to the New York Knicks at United Center. Brunson scored 45 points against the Bulls, who trailed by as many as 17 in the losing effort. DeMar DeRozan had 34 points in the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 26. The Bulls are in ninth place in the East at 37-and-42. Chicago visits Detroit tomorrow.
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Girls Softball
IVCC 6-10, Kishwaukee 2-11: The Eagles split an Arrowhead Conference doubleheader in Oglesby.