The Streator Police Department has reported a distressing case of animal cruelty involving a horse named “Thunderbolt.” The 28-year-old gelding was found with stab wounds on both sides of his face while on his owner’s property on the western outskirts of Streator. The incident came to light on Tuesday, and the individual(s) responsible have not been identified yet. Thankfully, Thunderbolt is recovering well after receiving the necessary medical care for his injuries. The Streator Police Department is appealing to anyone who may have information that could help solve the case to come forward. They expressed shock and disbelief at the senseless act of violence against a defenseless animal. The authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice and are seeking the support of Streator residents in their efforts.
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Chester Weger, 85, may find out by July 1 if he can proceed with his attempt to overturn his conviction in the Starved Rock murders case. Weger appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court seeking to continue his exoneration bid, facing arguments from the special prosecutor for dismissal. La Salle County Judge Michael C. Jansz will take several weeks to consider, cautioning against false impressions of a quick decision. Weger’s attorney contends they have consistent evidence supporting his innocence, including a disputed hair found at the crime scene. Jansz ruled on evidentiary issues but must weigh extensive pleadings and exhibits. Earlier, the special prosecutor argued Weger’s guilt, while Weger’s lawyers highlighted new evidence and criticized his confession’s validity.
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In a follow-up to a story from just the other day. yesterday, local lawmakers and Native American activists expressed surprise and concern over the revelation that state parks, including Starved Rock, might be renamed without tribal input. Ted Trujillo, a member of the Passamaquoddy tribe, noted the lack of consultation with tribal leaders, echoed by Madalene Big Bear of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed the consideration of name changes, citing consultation with tribes and residents. However, Gerald Savage, a Ho-Chunk member, emphasized the importance of tribal voices in decisions regarding sites like Starved Rock, highlighting the need for truthful historical representation. While some support renaming offensive sites, like Indian Head, Big Bear opposed renaming Starved Rock, emphasizing its reflection of indigenous history. She argued against political motivations, stating that renaming the site disregards its significance to Native American heritage.
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April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month nationwide, with a Rally to End Domestic & Sexual Violence set for noon on Friday, April 12, at the north side of the La Salle County Governmental Complex, 707 E. Etna Road, Ottawa. Led by Safe Journeys, a nonprofit agency providing vital support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the event aims to foster dialogue on the crucial importance of believing survivors. Susan Bursztynsky, the executive director of Safe Journeys, highlights the inclusion of local speakers and extends an invitation to the public to participate. Safe Journeys offers an array of free services, including emergency shelter, legal and medical advocacy, counseling, and case management, along with educational initiatives aimed at recognizing, responding to, and preventing domestic and sexual violence. With offices in Ottawa, Mendota, Peru, Streator, and Pontiac, Safe Journeys can be reached via its 24-hour support line at 815-673-1555.
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The North Central Illinois Council of Governments offers a program to help property owners improve the safety and livability of their homes. The program connects property owners with contractors who will be paid to do the work. The Executive Director of NCICG, Kevin Lindeman, says the process is straightforward. The program has already performed 85 home rehabs in various cities and will soon begin work on other homes. The organization needs more contractors to help complete the work. If you’re interested in using your contracting skills to help others live safely and comfortably, you can contact Connie at the North Central Illinois Council of Governments at 815-433-5830.
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In response to recent complaints from residents from the City of Marseilles on Facebook, the Marseilles Police Department underscores the importance of several city ordinances, particularly as warmer weather approaches. In the City of Marseilles, it is prohibited to park on or obstruct sidewalks (ord. 72.11), and pet owners must ensure their animals are on a leash at least ten feet away from sidewalks (ord. 91.10). Residents are urged not to blow grass clippings into the street, as this can clog storm drains and pose risks to motorcyclists (ord. 97.006). The Marseilles ordinances are readily accessible online through the City of Marseilles, Illinois code of ordinances. The City of Marseilles police department said residents can contact them if further issues in the town arise, or if they have questions on certain ordinances.
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Over the last few months, Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced a plan to help bring grocery stores to so-called food deserts — areas where residents have to travel miles to reach a grocery store. The 20-million dollar plan — called the Illinois Grocery Initiative — would address food deserts and help prevent stores from closing across Illinois. It’s the first of its kind in Illinois. Eligible applicants include local communities and independent grocers. The stores must also take SNAP and WIC payments. In related news cities across Illinois say Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to do away with the state’s grocery tax would be a blow to their budgets. They say the current one percent sales tax is a significant part of their finances. Pritzker says eliminating the tax would help Illinois families who’ve been hit hard by increasing prices. The Illinois Municipal League estimates the loss of the grocery tax would take away millions from local governments. As an example, it says Joliet would lose three million dollars a year. Republican House Majority Leader Tony McCombie says a better option would be to do away with the double tax on gasoline in the state.
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State lawmakers are pushing a bill that would require insurance companies in Illinois to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for people with a family history of cancer. The state Senate approved the measure yesterday, sending it to the House. Currently, screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance if patients meet the age requirement.
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A proposed bill is designed to prevent families in Illinois from receiving the wrong remains of their loved ones. The state Senate approved a measure yesterday that would require all funeral and crematory establishments in Illinois to include a chain of custody records and start implementing a system to track uniquely identified remains. The legislation now heads to the House.
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The Illinois Senate has passed a couple of bills that will cut down on teen vaping. One of the bills would ban companies from selling vaping products that are made to look like everyday household items. The second bill would block people from shipping them to Illinois except to retailers and distributors. It’s already against the law in Illinois to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 21 but teens can still order them and have them shipped to their homes. Both bills head to the House for consideration.
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Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would allow people leaving state prisons and jails to receive a state ID for free. The state Senate approved the measure yesterday. Supporters believe the legislation will help reduce recidivism. The bill now moves to the House.
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Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and Assistant State’s Attorney Greg Sams collaborated on HB5271, aiming to restrict the use of voluntary intoxication as a defense in criminal cases. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, passed the House Judiciary Committee and is now under consideration by the full House. House Bill 5271 would prevent defendants from using voluntary intoxication to negate their criminal intent, a move supported by law enforcement agencies and other state attorneys. While some, like defense attorney Gary Johnson, doubt its impact, proponents argue it strengthens accountability. This legislative effort aligns with a 2002 amendment removing voluntary intoxication as an affirmative defense, reflecting a broader legal landscape regarding intoxication’s role in criminal liability in Illinois.
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The University of Illinois is dropping its investigation into rape allegations against basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. The university said it closed the probe due to insufficient evidence that the Chicago native violated the school’s student code. The first-team All-Big Ten selection was charged with rape after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman while attending a football game in September in Lawrence, Kansas. Shannon has denied the allegations. A preliminary hearing in his Kansas criminal case is scheduled for May 10th.
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A man from La Salle, Nathan C. Price, who was charged with multiple gun and drug felonies, has been provided a new lawyer and trial dates. In an unusual move for La Salle County, he has agreed to remain in detention. He was facing six felonies, including armed violence and armed habitual criminal, both Class X felonies. The grand jury added a seventh count, which is also armed violence. His sentencing range is uncertain, but some of his charges carry an elevated sentencing range. Price is now represented by La Salle attorney Louis Bertrand, who advised him not to contest the
state’s detention petition. In a no-cash bail state like Illinois, suspects are detained case-by-case, and remaining in custody would fast-track his case. Price’s trial has been moved from July to May 20, and he is unlikely to win release. He will appear for a motion hearing on May 2, and a final pre-trial conference will be held on May 16. Price was charged on Jan. 30 after Streator police conducted a traffic stop, where they found narcotics and a .22-caliber pistol with him.
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A man from Los Angeles, Teren A. Overbeck, is now considered a fugitive after he cut off his ankle bracelet and missed his appearance in La Salle County Circuit Court. Overbeck was set to appear in court on Wednesday for a forfeiture proceeding related to the assets seized from his April 4 traffic stop, which included over $5,000 in cash. Prosecutors are seeking to seize the assets, but Overbeck failed to show up in court. First Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney, Jason Goode, confirmed in open court that Overbeck, who was on home monitoring, cut off his ankle bracelet. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and once he’s captured, he will be sent to La Salle County Jail to await trial.
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La Salle police responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 500 block of Joliet Street, resulting in the arrest of 20-year-old Joel Smart from Ottawa on charges of domestic battery causing bodily harm. Smart was apprehended, processed at the La Salle station, and subsequently transferred to the county jail. Following an appearance in court on Monday morning, he was granted pretrial release and equipped with a GPS monitor. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 23 before Judge H. Chris Ryan.
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42-year-old Jesse L. Vidergar of Streator was arrested Wednesday afternoon in the 1400 block of North Sterling Street, charged with disorderly conduct. He was released with a notice to appear in LaSalle County Court.
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The man charged in the fatal crash that killed DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil has been released from jail as part of pretrial release conditions. The man — 44-year-old Nathan Sweeney of Dekalb — faces charges of reckless homicide and DUI in the case. Officers say Sweeney was allegedly driving a truck when it collided with Musil’s squad car as it was parked on the side of Illinois Route 23 in Waterman on March 28th.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Isolated showers before 11 am, then showers likely after 3 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts to less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 am and 4 am, then a chance of showers after 4 am. Low around 46. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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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 Saturday. Interment will follow in 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:
Seneca High School proudly unveiled its new 28,000-square-foot gymnasium after 13 months of construction, featuring seating for 2,813 and three regulation-size basketball courts, along with a two-lane, 60-meter track. Highlighted by the largest video board in any Illinois high school, the gym’s inaugural event will feature former MLB player and inspirational speaker Chris Singleton. The venue will also host the 2024 Seneca High School graduation and the gym will host the first Seneca Christmas boys basketball tournament – the Shipyard Showdown – on Dec. 26-28. The 16-team tournament was the Marseilles Holiday Tournament for 10 years and the Marquette Christmas Tournament for the past two years.
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BASEBALL
Kaneland 4, La Salle-Peru 3: The Cavaliers allowed two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to drop an Interstate 8 Conference game in Maple Park to even the three-game series.
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Seneca 6, Midland 0: At rural Varna, the Fighting Irish (10-4, 4-2) win the TCC conference game.
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Dwight 5, Serena 2: The Huskers dropped to 2-9 on the season with the loss.
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SOFTBALL
Sycamore 5, Ottawa 1: At King Field, the Pirates fell to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in Interstate 8 Conference play with the loss.
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LPHS 10, Rochelle 0 (5 inn.): La Salle-Peru sophomore Brie Ruppert threw a no-hitter in a 10-0, five-inning win over Rochelle on Wednesday
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Putnam County 10, Hall 0 (5 inn.): the Panthers to a nonconference victory in Granville.
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Serena 4, Dwight 2: At Dwight, the Huskers (6-4) scored twice in the top of the seventh in the victory.
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Seneca 14, Midland 2 (5 inn.); Seneca 14, Midland 0 (5 inn.): At Seneca, the Fighting Irish (9-0, 6-0) picked up a pair of Tri-County Conference wins.
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Sandwich 8, Streator 5: Brooklyn Marks hit an inside-the-park home run and also had a go-ahead RBI single, and Sandwich’s bats came alive for a win over visiting Streator Wednesday.
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GIRLS SOCCER
Kaneland 7, La Salle-Peru 2: the Cavaliers lost an Interstate 8 Conference game in Maple Park.
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BOYS TENNIS
Ottawa (Twp.) – 3, Geneseo – 2,
Sterling (H.S.) – 4, Ottawa (Twp.) – 1,
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox gave up a pair of runs in the bottom of the tenth during a 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Gavin Sheets hit an RBI double in the top of the tenth before Bryan Shaw gave up two RBI hits in the next half-inning to get charged with the loss. Sheets added a home run in the losing effort and finished with five RBI. The 2-and-10 White Sox host Cincinnati tomorrow.
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The White Sox won’t have Yoan Moncada [[ YO-on moan-CAH-duh ]] in the lineup for the foreseeable future. Chicago is placing the third baseman on the 15-day injured list after he suffered a left adductor strain in Tuesday’s victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Moncada is expected to miss at least three months and could miss up to six months due to the lingering injury. The 28-year-old was batting .282 with four runs scored through 11 games played this season.
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The Chicago Cubs surrendered 12 hits during a 10-2 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Michael Busch drove in Chicago’s only two runs with a two-run home run in the fourth inning. Kyle Hendricks was charged with the loss after allowing seven runs on nine hits in five innings. The 7-and-5 Cubs send Jordan Wicks to the mound against the Mariners tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Bulls aim to avoid their third loss in a row when they take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 128-117 loss to the Knicks at home on Tuesday. Chicago will clinch a home game in the nine-against-ten Play-In Round with a win. The team is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 37-and-42. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks surrendered four goals in the first period of their 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. The Hawks trailed by multiple goals the rest of the way. Philipp Kurashev and Landon Slaggert both scored in the losing effort. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-50-and-5 record. The Blackhawks host Nashville tomorrow night.
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The University of Illinois is dropping its investigation into rape allegations against basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. The university said it closed the probe due to insufficient evidence that the Chicago native violated the school’s student code. The first-team All-Big Ten selection was charged with rape after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman while attending a football game in September in Lawrence, Kansas. Shannon has denied the allegations. A preliminary hearing in his Kansas criminal case is scheduled for May 10th.
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MEN’S TENNIS
Iowa Central Comm College 9, IVCC 0: The Eagles battled but lost in all flights 0-9. IVCC has an away Match on Friday vs Moraine Valley Community College.