A man is now in Ottawa police custody for the theft of a 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat from a dealership parking lot over four months ago. On November 4, officers responded to Sierra Motors on Norris Drive following the reported theft, where it appeared the suspect had broken a window to access the vehicle. After a three-month investigation, detectives located the stolen car and suspect in Plainfield, Indiana, near the Indianapolis airport, on February 29. Working with local authorities, they executed a search warrant, recovering the Dodge Challenger with most of its original parts, while the stolen car’s frame was found elsewhere. Twenty-one-year-old Nicholas Harmon faces charges of theft over $10,000 and unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, both Class-2 felonies, and is scheduled to appear in court on May 1 before Judge H. Chris Ryan. The Ottawa police received assistance from the Indiana State Police, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.
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Despite facing a slight deficit, Ottawa seems to be managing its finances well. Treasurer Don Harris presented the fiscal year 2025 budget report to the City Council, which was subsequently approved, reflecting a balanced and feasible financial plan. With projected revenues of $63.3 million and expenditures of $67.9 million, there’s an estimated aggregate deficit of $4.6 million, to be covered by the city’s financial reserves. Despite the challenges, including a 12.2% increase in expenditures and a 17.8% rise in revenues for the upcoming fiscal year, the council remains optimistic. Negotiations with city personnel have been successfully concluded for the next three years, marking a positive development. Additionally, the council voted to increase the pay for the mayor and commissioners starting in 2027, adhering to legal constraints. Furthermore, the council recognized 16 dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring their dedication and professionalism. Various other resolutions were passed, including declaring a special celebration for the Fox River and approving a fundraiser by the American Legion Post 33 Auxiliary.
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OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center-Peru, newly opened, has had a successful first week according to OSF Media Relations Coordinator Paul Arco. Patient volume has remained steady since its opening on Sunday, the 7th, with inpatients already admitted. Arco commends the hospital’s employees, or mission partners, for their excellent work and enthusiasm in serving the community once again. The hospital is being opened in phases, with Phase 1 already completed, offering a full emergency department, two inpatient medical beds, and ancillary services such as diagnostic imaging, laboratory, dietitian, pharmacy, EKG, and respiratory support. Phase 2, scheduled for later this year, will see the opening of 12 additional inpatient beds along with outpatient services.
At a town hall in Ottawa, OSF HealthCare cautioned about ongoing challenges for rural hospitals, as they look to build a new state-of-the-art facility across from the current hospital. A.J. Querciagrossa, CEO of OSF’s western region, highlighted pre-existing issues in rural healthcare predating COVID-19, with over 400 hospitals facing closure threats due to rising costs, dwindling payments from insurance, and smaller patient populations, typically older, sicker, and economically disadvantaged. Despite the closure of Peru and Spring Valley hospitals, OSF is proceeding with plans for a new Ottawa hospital, set to open in late 2027, featuring advanced facilities emphasizing outpatient services, investing over $120 million. Nonetheless, rural hospitals nationwide confront closures exceeding openings since 2011, exacerbated by workforce shortages and reduced critical services. Regional variations exist, with mid-Atlantic and New England hospitals facing relatively lower closure risks compared to states like Florida and Tennessee. OSF has adapted by prioritizing outpatient care, leveraging virtual solutions, and investing $180 million in the Interstate 80 corridor. Questions arose regarding service redistribution between Peru and Ottawa, but OSF emphasized regional accessibility and pledged no staffing reductions. Foreseeing a future with virtual nursing and AI integration, OSF underscores the necessity for healthcare reform amid caregiver shortages, advocating for innovative approaches to meet evolving needs.
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The decision regarding La Salle’s fiber optic contractor remains postponed following the Council meeting where Aldermen deferred choosing between SURF and Geneseo Communications. Identified areas such as the golf course to the east and a distant north subdivision necessitate further planning for either contractor. Chris Perra, La Salle’s water operator, reported to the Council the successful operation of the new filter at the water treatment plant, affirming the good quality of water leaving the facility, which undergoes daily testing. Addressing a recent notice of violation, Perra mentioned the installation of new chemical tanks at the plant and discussed La Salle’s strategy to mitigate concerns about “forever chemicals” by sinking wells deeper. Additionally, discussions between the men’s Softball and Little Leagues prompted the decision to install more protective netting at Hegeler Park, particularly on Bernardi Field, with the City Council allocating $4500 to JB Contracting for the task. Meanwhile, the reopening of a former La Salle grocery store remains pending as Mayor Jeff Grove noted that the new owners of Illinois Valley Food Center are undertaking additional preparations before announcing an opening date.
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The Illinois Valley Food and Deli in La Salle closed on February 10 under new ownership and is expected to reopen in three to four weeks, according to the new owners from the Naperville area. La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove expressed excitement about the reopening, citing the convenience it will offer the community. Emphasizing the importance of a positive first impression, Grove encouraged the owners to showcase their best. Tharani noted ongoing structural improvements and financial goals while expressing gratitude for the community’s patience, affirming their commitment to serving the area upon reopening.
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The tragic loss of a young life to depression has spurred a meaningful initiative aimed at preventing further losses due to mental health struggles. In response to the heartbreaking passing of Allison McDowell in April 2023, the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, at the behest of the McDowell family, has established the Allison McDowell Fund for Mental Health Support Field of Interest Fund. This fund is dedicated to providing crucial resources to organizations offering counseling, support, and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly focusing on suicide prevention initiatives tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community. Allison’s parents revealed that their daughter’s battle with depression was exacerbated by the unavailability of residential treatment facilities and insufficient insurance coverage for therapy sessions. For more details about the Allison McDowell Fund for Mental Health Support Field of Interest Fund, please reach out to the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, or visit the website page dedicated to Allison.
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Illinois youth turkey hunters are coming off a record-breaking season. Youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of just over two thousand birds during the 2024 youth turkey season. That broke the previous harvest record of 17-hundred-and-33 set in 2020.
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A 19-year-old Streator man was apprehended on Sunday afternoon following a series of events where he evaded law enforcement both in his vehicle and on foot after a crash. La Salle County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies initiated a traffic stop around 4:09 p.m. near Route 23 and North 18th Road. The driver attempted to flee, ultimately losing control of the vehicle at the intersection of North 17th Road and East 14th Road, resulting in a collision with a utility pole and overturning into the north ditch. The passenger, an 18-year-old Ottawa man, sustained minor injuries and was transported to OSF Center for Health-Streator. The driver, identified as Colton Blue, 19, fled the scene on foot and was later apprehended in a yard on East 1379th Road. Blue faces multiple charges including aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude, reckless driving, driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and speeding 94 mph in a 55 mph zone. He was released with a notice to appear in court.
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A 51-year-old rural Ottawa man has a charge of retail theft. Eric Heermann was arrested by Ottawa Police early Wednesday at Wal-Mart.
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28-year-old Taylor Pruitt of Streator was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies near North Bloomington and Gould Streets in Bruce Township Tuesday evening and arrested for driving on a revoked license, possession of adult-use cannabis by a driver, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Pruitt was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and released with a notice to appear in court.
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LaSalle County Deputies stopped 33-year-old Justine Coleman of Earlville Tuesday evening in Bruce Township near East Stanton and North Vermillion Streets and charged her with possession of adult-use cannabis by a driver. Coleman was released with a court date.
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Early Tuesday morning LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop near North 31st Road and Illinois 71 in Ottawa Township. 34-year-old Blake Osborne of Ottawa was charged with driving on a suspended license and driving an uninsured vehicle. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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Just after Midnight Tuesday, 38-year-old Vernon Andrews of Streator was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies in Bruce Township near North 17th and East 16th Roads. Andrews has a charge of driving on a suspended license. He was released with a court date.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 61 by 9 am. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
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Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 47. Breezy, with a west wind of 15 to 20 mph becoming light southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Anna Mae Christie, 91 of Dayton Twp. passed away Thursday at Pleasant View Luther Home. Winterrowd Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements, there is no full obituary for Anna just the announcement of her passing.
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Andrew M Woodin, 40, of Marseilles, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, April 14th. Services will be private at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles.
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William “BZ” Zwanzig, Jr., 89, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, April 13th, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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Dustin Farrell, 41, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 14th. Visitation will be on Friday, April 19th, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Ottawa Lions Club. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Henry-Senachwine 6, Marquette 5: At Henry, the Crusaders (12-1, 5-1) fell for the first time this season in Tuesday’s Tri-County Conference game against the Mallards.
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Softball
Woodstock North 6, Sandwich 5 (10 inn.): At Sandwich, after sitting through a lightning delay after seven innings, the visiting Thunder scored twice in the 10th, for the Kishwaukee River Conference contest.
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GIRLS SOCCER
Sycamore 3, La Salle-Peru 0: The Cavaliers were shut out in an Interstate 8 Conference game in La Salle.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
Yesterday’s game between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a straight doubleheader starting this afternoon at 12:30 pm with the pre-game and have a 1:10 pm first pitch. The second game will begin approximately 30 to 45 minutes following the conclusion of the opener. Chicago is 2-and-14 to begin the season. In other club news, the Southsiders completed a minor league deal with outfielder Tommy Pham yesterday.
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The Chicago Cubs surrendered a late three-run lead during a 12-11 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Cubs scored six runs in the top of the seventh to go up 11-8, but Arizona scored a run in each of the final four innings of the game. The Northsiders were an out away from victory when Ketel Marte launched a game-tying solo shot to send the game to extras, where Arizona earned the walk-off win. Ian Happ hit a grand slam in the losing effort, while Nico Hoerner had four hits in the contest. Drew Smyly was charged with his second loss in relief. The 10-and-7 Cubs send Jordan Wicks to the mound against Arizona today.
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The Chicago Blackhawks struggled on offense during a 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. The Blackhawks trailed 2-0 late in the third before Jason Dickinson knocked in a goal with four minutes left in regulation. However, the Knights scored an empty-netter to seal the game. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-53-and-5 record. The Hawks end the season with a game against the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow night.