The Marseilles City Council, responding to escalating electricity costs in the water and sewer departments, voted to implement incremental rate hikes over the next three years. Beginning with a planned increase of $0.515 per 100 gallons on April 30th, the water rates will progressively rise to $0.59 per 100 gallons by 2027, with corresponding charges of $27.45 to $33.70 per 3,000 gallons. Concurrently, the minimum charge will incrementally rise by $1 on each scheduled date. Similarly, sewer rates will climb from $0.68 to $0.78 per 100 gallons by 2027, equating to $33.40 to $41.40 per 3,000 gallons. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck highlighted completed initiatives from the 2014 Comprehensive Plan and urged citizen engagement. Additionally, The Marseilles City Council passed a resolution with a narrow 3-2 vote, establishing a policy governing the speech, expression, and online activity of city employees. The policy aims to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the city’s interests, emphasizing the importance of speech without infringement. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck and Commissioners Bobby Kaminski and Melissa Small supported the policy, while Commissioner Mike Scheib and Commissioner Jim Buckingham dissented. Scheib expressed concern over the broad scope of the policy, particularly its potential to stifle dissenting opinions, while Buckingham speculated that the disagreement stemmed from prior issues such as the City Hall purchase. Despite acknowledging the potential for negativity in some statements, Small defended the necessity of the policy, advocating for a higher standard of conduct among elected officials and city employees in their public communications. The Marseilles Mayor will be on the WCMY morning show today at 9:15.
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The Streator City Council approved a special use permit for a two-way V-shaped electronic billboard at 1712 N. Bloomington St., which will also serve to generate revenue for the development of a Scooter’s Coffee store at the corner of Bloomington and Frech Streets. The billboard, standing at about 15 feet tall, will display commercial advertisements while also showing emergency messages like weather warnings or Amber alerts. Robinson Outdoor, in agreement with PMP Holdings LLC, will erect and maintain the billboard for a minimum of three years. Meanwhile, the council also greenlit a new electronic message board at Kimes School, mirroring one at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, to convey school news and announcements to the neighborhood, with a mandatory shutdown by 9 p.m.
Marilla Park’s pond area in Streator is primed for upgrades, with work potentially starting as soon as autumn. Securing a $219,900 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the city aims to enhance the space by installing gabion baskets and a sidewalk along the pond’s southern bank, building two shelters, and resurfacing the parking lot. Streator City Council’s approval of an agreement with IDNR ensures full funding for the project. City Engineer Jeremy Palm anticipates swift progress once the mayor signs the agreement, with finalizing the project design and soliciting bids from contractors as immediate next steps. Furthermore, the City Council authorized a highway permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation for installing sanitary sewers, which will enable future connections for properties east of Otter Creek Street along Route 18.
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Republican nominee Liz Bishop, vying for the 76th District State Representative seat, opposes recent discussions surrounding the renaming of Starved Rock due to claims of insensitivity to Native American history. Firm in her stance against the potential renaming, she argues that such action would stem from “unverified assumptions and a limited perspective” that neglects the broader context of Native American heritage, which she believes merits recognition and respect rather than erasure. Additionally, Bishop warns against the significant financial implications, estimating potential costs “into the millions of dollars.” She views the proposed renaming as emblematic of a troubling trend to whitewash history.
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The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of imposters posing as representatives from their office, contacting individuals and falsely claiming that a family member, friend, or employee has been arrested, soliciting the victim to post their bond. This fraudulent activity constitutes a scam. It’s essential to note that the sheriff’s office will never request credit, debit, or gift card details, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers for any reason. Deputies strongly advise against disclosing personal or financial information to unfamiliar callers.
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Summer Fun Fest returns to Oglesby from June 13th to 16th, marking the city’s 14th installment after a hiatus from Oglesby Days festivals. This year, the festival boasts a Homecoming theme, featuring Oglesby native Ron Sharpe and his family, known from their stint on “America’s Got Talent.” Organizers have diligently curated a diverse lineup of
entertainers and attractions, ensuring a blend of past favorites and fresh acts. Sponsored by John’s Service & Sales, The Sharpe Family Singers headline on Sunday, June 16th. Other highlights include Country Night, Butch’s Blast From the Past, 80s Legends Night, and The Stars Come Home. The festival also offers a Kids Party in the Park, featuring the Jive Jamboree, providing children with interactive activities and snacks at no cost. Mayor Jason Curran expresses pride in the city’s ability to host such a vibrant event, blending small-town charm with big-city entertainment.
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La Salle is offering its former public works building, located at the intersection of 2nd Street and Wright Street, for sale. This two-story brick structure, which previously served as a garage and an auto dealership before being acquired by the city, most recently housed municipal equipment and vehicles. The building, boasting over 18,000 square feet of floor space across both levels, along with an accompanying parking lot on the east side, has been appraised by the city at $256,500.
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As state legislators gear up to grapple with the budget deadline of July 1st, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state grocery sales tax, a key revenue source, has spurred action from the Village of Oswego and other local town officials. On Wednesday, the Village President, administrator, and several trustees will head to Springfield to contest the move. Anticipating an annual revenue loss estimated between $800,000 to $1 million in Oswego alone, village officials plan to present their case to area legislators and a special committee. They hope to engage directly with Governor Pritzker during their visit. Expressing concerns over the potential impact, Oswego is joining the Illinois Municipal League MetroWest “Drive Down” to Springfield to engage directly with decision-makers on this critical issue that will affect all of Illinois.
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State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris staunchly opposes a bill mandating restaurants to pay tipped workers minimum wage, arguing that it could detrimentally impact the industry. Presently, tipped servers earn $8.40 per hour, with employers obligated to compensate for any shortfall below the minimum wage if tips fall short. Rezin notes that the bill is currently stalled. Advocates of the legislation contend that it doesn’t inhibit customers from tipping servers independently.
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Oberweis Dairy plans to lay off 127 employees this summer. The announcement comes just days after the west suburban North Aurora-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The first terminations are set to start on June 11. The business is owned by the family of Republican state lawmaker Jim Oberweis.
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The National Weather Service is revealing details about the severe weather event that hit eastern Iowa and western Illinois this week. Storm Damage Survey teams confirmed at least two tornadoes took place, including in southeast Iowa near the towns of Houghton, Salem, New London, and Yarmouth and northwest of Cedar Rapids near the towns of Quasqueton and Winthrop. Survey teams also identified damage in Aledo, Illinois was due to straight-line winds.
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Illinois State Police is reminding teens statewide to celebrate prom and the upcoming graduation season responsibly. Last year, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported that over 840 high-school-aged teens were injured in crashes during the prom and graduation season between April 16th to May 31st. ISP will be conducting high-visibility patrols across the state to reduce crashes on the interstates.
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Illinois lawmakers are advancing a plan designed to improve network adequacy standards for health insurance companies. State representatives passed a measure yesterday that would require insurance companies to notify patients of the anticipated date healthcare providers will leave their network. The legislation also calls on insurers to provide contact information for patients to dispute inaccurate charges with a customer service representative.
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Jose Arteaga, 41, was apprehended Monday evening at his residence on East Dakota Street, facing charges of disorderly conduct and resisting a peace officer, both classified as misdemeanors. Subsequently, he was escorted to the Bureau County Jail. This recent incident follows Arteaga’s release from prison in January, after a more than three-year sentence for aggravated battery. His history includes a violent episode in August 2019 in Spring Valley, where he assaulted innocent bystanders and kicked multiple officers attempting to subdue him. Additionally, Arteaga has prior convictions for drug offenses, burglary, and aggravated battery against a peace officer in Bureau County.
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47-year-old Jeremy M. Guerrero of Ottawa has a charge of driving on a suspended license after an Ottawa Police traffic stop in the 1100 block of Columbus Street on Wednesday.
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A two-vehicle accident late Tuesday afternoon in Allen Township near Illinois 170 and East 27th Road resulted in injuries. LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies say 29-year-old Jose Navarro of Lemont was northbound on 170 approaching East 27th and failed to make it around a curve with North 2101st Road, losing control of his vehicle and colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by 49-year-old Douglas Sass of Streator. Navarro was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
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33-year-old Ryne J. Bartolucci of Peru is charged with domestic battery by Peru Police after an incident late Tuesday night in the 2200 block of 3rd Street. Bartolucci was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Showers are likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 61. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before 10 pm, then a chance of showers between 10 pm and 1 am. Low around 41. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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OBITUARIES:
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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Patrick Marshall Gray, 44, of Ottawa passed away on Monday, April 15th, A private family service will be held. He will be buried at St. Columba Cemetery. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Christina Swanson, 58, of Ottawa, IL, passed away with her family by her side at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center on April 16th, There will be no services for Christina, just this announcement of her passing. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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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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Emma Louise Donahue, 91, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, April 16th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her family by her side.
Visitation will be on Sunday, April 21, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A rosary will be said by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 1:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, April 22, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23, at St. Columba Cemetery.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Streator 12, Peotone 2 (5 inn.): At SHS Athletic Fields, the Bulldogs exploded for 10 runs in the fifth to improve to 6-10 overall and 3-3 in Illinois Central Eight Conference action.
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Sycamore 4, Ottawa 3: At King Field, the Spartans scored twice in each of the first two innings and hung on to drop the Pirates to 7-10 overall and 1-5 in Interstate 8 Conference play.
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Seneca 13, Woodland/Flanagan-Cornell 1 (5 inn.): At rural Streator, the Fighting Irish (13-4, 6-2) topped the Warriors (1-9, 0-7) in the Tri-County Conference game resumed from Tuesday.
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Newark 9, Somonauk 8: At Somonauk, the Norsemen (4-15, 4-2) scored four runs in the top of the sixth to grab the Little Ten Conference win over the Bobcats (2-9, 2-4).
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Sandwich 18, Richmond-Burton 8: At Richmond, the Indians scored six runs in both the third and seventh innings in the Kishwaukee River Conference victory.
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Morris 12, LP 4: Morris defeated L-P at Huby Sarver Field in La Salle.
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Softball
Ottawa 9, Morris 3: the Pirates flipped the script during Wednesday’s Interstate 8 Conference game at King Field for the 9-3 victory.
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Marquette 11, Henry-Senachwine 5: At Henry, the Crusaders improved to 8-2 overall and 6-0 in T-CC play with the win over the Mallards.
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Seneca 17, Hall 1 (4 inns.): At Spring Valley, the Fighting Irish scored nine times in the first improving to 13-1 on the season.
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Serena 7, Wheaton St. Francis 4: At Wheaton, the Huskers (8-4) scored five times in the fourth in the win over the Spartans.
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Newark 18, Somonauk/Leland 3 (4 inn.): At Somonauk, the Norsemen improved to 15-2 overall and 5-0 in the LTC with the win over the Bobcats (3-10, 2-4).
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St. Bede 15, Lowpoint-Washburn/Roanoke-Benson 1 (5 inn.): the Bruins rolled to a Tri-County Conference victory on the road.
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Bureau Valley 10, Mendota 0 (5 inn.): Madison Smith went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and a run to help the Storm to a Three Rivers Conference East Division victory in Manlius.
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Sycamore 7, La Salle-Peru 2: Cavaliers lost an Interstate 8 Conference game in Sycamore.
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GIRLS SOCCER
DePue-Hall 8, Peoria Manual 0: Lizbeth Paz scored four goals to lead the Little Giants to a victory in Peoria.
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COED Track and Field
Ottawa competes with La Salle-Peru at Rochelle triangular: The Pirates boys received wins from Colby Mortenson (200-meter run), Weston Averkamp (110 and 300 hurdles), while the girls had wins from Shaylen Quinn (200, 800), Isabella Markey (300 hurdles) and Krisee Clark (shot put).
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At Rochelle: Elli Sines and Aubrey Duttlinger each won a pair of events Wednesday to help the La Salle-Peru girl’s team to a victory in an Interstate 8 Conference triangular.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The White Sox split their doubleheader with the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field. Kansas City captured the first game of the day with a 4-2 victory. Michael Kopech was charged with the loss after allowing two runs on two hits over an inning of relief. However, Chicago bounced back in the second game of the twin bill with a 2-1 win. Erick Fedde earned the victory after striking out five over five and two-thirds scoreless innings. Gavin Sheets slugged his third homer of the year. Chicago improved to 3-and-15. The Southsiders visit the Phillies tomorrow night.
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Cody Bellinger homered and scored twice as the Cubs clipped the Diamondbacks 5-3 in Phoenix. Bellinger’s solo shot in the sixth inning broke a two-all tie. Mike Tauchman had two hits, an RBI, and scored a run for Chicago, which took two-of-three in the series. Hayden Wesneski picked up the win with four scoreless innings in relief as the Cubs finished 5-and-4 on their road trip and are now 11-and-7 on the season. Jameson Taillon starts for Chicago against Miami tonight.
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The Bulls kept their season alive with a dominant showing in the Play-In Tournament. Chicago beat the Atlanta Hawks 131-116 in a matchup between the Eastern Conference’s ninth and tenth-place squads at the United Center. Coby White erupted for 42 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Nikola Vucevic had a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan finished with 22 points and nine assists. The Bulls advance to play the Miami Heat for the eighth seed tomorrow.
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The Chicago Blackhawks wrap up another dreadful season when they visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto-dot-com Arena tonight. The Blackhawks are on a five-game losing streak after falling to Vegas 3-1 on Tuesday night. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points and a 23-53-and-5 record. Tonight’s game starts at 9:30 PM.