Two separate accidents occurred Monday on Route 178 at the Lowell Bridge, resulting in one person being hospitalized. Tonica Fire Chief Al Stremlau reported that a passenger car collided with a guardrail, causing injuries to a passenger who was subsequently transported to the hospital in Peru with non-life-threatening injuries. Following this, a tractor-trailer overturned while attempting to avoid the car, although there was no direct collision between the two vehicles. Both incidents are currently being investigated by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.
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A Monday fire at 315 Maple St. in Earlville resulted in the complete loss of the residence, though fortunately, no injuries were reported as all occupants evacuated safely. Earlville Fire Chief Larry Todd stated that the fire was reported at 9:55 a.m., prompting the response of six fire companies, including Earlville, Mendota, Leland, Troy Grove, Paw Paw, and Ottawa departments, who battled the blaze until approximately 3 p.m., with assistance from Somonauk Ambulance. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, initial assessments suggest it may have originated from a spa or whirlpool, though foul play is not suspected. Additionally, heat from the fire caused some damage to a neighboring property, which was promptly addressed and extinguished.
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Illinois Valley Community College is set to host an AARP driver safety program tailored for participants aged 50 and above, aiming to bolster their driving skills and confidence. Taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 29-30 at the main campus in Oglesby, and on May 2-3 at the Ottawa campus, the program delves into navigating changes, reviewing driving strategies, understanding technology’s impact, and acknowledging the effects of aging on driving. The cost is $20 for AARP members, and $25 for nonmembers, payable directly to AARP, with free enrollment for United Health Care Insurance holders. Successful completion rewards attendees with a certificate eligible for potential premium discounts from their auto insurance provider. For inquiries, reach out to the Oglesby campus at 815-224-0427 or the Ottawa Campus at 815-224-0427.
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Dedicated, compassionate, and invaluable, Brittany Fowler, the Unit Secretary at Morris Hospital’s Emergency Department, has earned praise for her unwavering commitment over the past seven years. Hailing from Seneca, Fowler has become known for her teamwork and her integral role in ensuring the smooth operation of the department. Tony Bucki, Morris Hospital’s Director of Emergency Services, commends Fowler for her positive demeanor, describing her as a calming presence with a perpetual smile that uplifts her colleagues. Fowler’s early experiences, witnessing her grandmother’s illness, instilled in her a profound desire to work in healthcare, nurturing her lifelong aspiration to become a nurse. Inspired by the remarkable nurses she’s worked with, Fowler is currently pursuing a nursing degree. Reflecting on her role, Fowler finds fulfillment in the impact she has on patient care as a unit secretary, relishing in the daily challenges and opportunities to make a positive difference in people’s lives within the dynamic environment of the Emergency Department.
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Governor Pritzker is taking a tour around the state to promote the Healthcare Protection Act. The governor made stops in Belleville and Peoria yesterday to show support for the health insurance reform bill. The measure would ban step therapy and prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improve network adequacy, ban junk insurance plans, and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies. It has been approved by Illinois’ House of Representatives. Pritzker is stopping in Rockford today.
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The Illinois House recently passed legislation banning corporal punishment in private schools, a move largely inconsequential for suburban schools where such discipline is already rare, officials confirmed. If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, this measure would align private school policies with the 30-year ban in place for public schools. Dr. Mandy Allison of the University of Colorado advocates for positive reinforcement and therapy over punitive measures. While some argue against government interference in private school affairs, proponents like State Rep. Margaret Croke stress the importance of protecting students from harm. Despite the minimal impact on suburban schools, officials express concern over state intervention in private education policies. While it has cleared the House, the measure still needs to be approved by the state Senate and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker before it becomes law.
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State Representative Harry Benton has introduced House Bill 4202, aiming to raise the maximum income threshold for the low-income senior citizens’ homestead exemption from $65,000 to $85,000. This legislation seeks to prevent seniors on fixed incomes from losing eligibility for the homestead exemption due to necessary increases in other benefits. Benton emphasizes the importance of ensuring that older adults can utilize their benefits without jeopardizing their property tax relief. Representing Illinois House District 97, Benton, a Local 444 Ironworker, remains deeply connected to the concerns of working families. His political journey began from a desire to assist people and enact meaningful policies, prioritizing public service over politics.
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The State Capitol continues to be the target of threats. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said a threatening 911 call was made yesterday, triggering the evacuation of the capitol. The Illinois Secretary of State police swept the building and surrounding grounds for explosive devices. No devices were found and employees were allowed back inside the Capitol. The State Capitol was also placed on lockdown Sunday due to a bomb threat.
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Last week, State Representative Jackie Haas saw unanimous approval of House Bill 4059 in the Illinois House. This legislation marks an initial effort to tackle the significant shortage of licensed daycare providers across the state. Haas emphasized that the bill aims to guarantee widespread access to daycare programs by mandating the Department of Children and Family Services, or any relevant state agency, to conduct licensing orientation programs at least biannually in every representative district. For further details on Representative Haas and her initiatives, visit RepHaas.com.
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Joliet Police found the body of 37-year-old Robert Long, reported missing by family on April 13th, in the Des Plaines River on Friday. Detectives initiated an investigation, seeking public assistance. After interviews and searches in the area where Long was last seen, including the Riverwalk Homes complex, the Joliet Fire Department aided in river searches. On Friday, during an extensive search joined by officials and Long’s family, his body was discovered near the McDonough Street bridge. Identified as Long, he was pronounced dead on-site. The cause of death is pending autopsy. The investigation remains active, urging anyone with information to contact the Joliet Police Department or Will County Crime Stoppers.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Rain is likely before 4 pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4 pm and 5 pm, showers likely, and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. The southwest wind is around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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Tuesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low of around 39. West southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Thyra Mae Oglesby (Ross) Beals, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, April 16th, at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the 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.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm today at St. Columba Cemetery.
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Jessica Elizabeth McGregory, 45, of La Salle, passed away Friday, April 19th, at OSF St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27th, from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm at the Ottawa Lions Club, 501 Bellevue Ave, in Ottawa. Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory is handling all arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Streator 10, Manteno 0 (5 inn.): At Manteno, the Bulldogs got the Illinois Central Eight Conference win on Monday.
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Ottawa defeated L-P 6-5 at Huby Sarver Field inside the L-P Athletic Complex
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Marquette defeated St. Bede 13-3 in five innings at St. Bede Academy.
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Seneca 3, Dwight 1: At Seneca, the Fighting Irish (15-5, 7-2) scored all of their runs in the fourth in the T-CC win.
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Sandwich 6, Woodstock North 5 (8 inns.): At Sandwich, the Indians (10-7, 6-1) picked up the extra-inning Kishwaukee River Conference triumph.
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Hall 6, IVC 3: the Red Devils to a nonconference victory in Spring Valley.
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Softball
Manteno 6, Streator 0: At Manteno, the Bulldogs posted just four hits in the ICE loss.
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L-P defeated Ottawa 10-3 at the L-P Athletic Complex in LaSalle.
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St. Bede defeated Marquette 4-2 at St. Bede Academy.
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Seneca 10, Dwight 0 (5 inn.): At Seneca, the Fighting Irish improved to 18-1 overall and 9-0 in the T-CC with the win.
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Girls soccer
Streator 7, Illinois Valley Central 0: At the James Street Rec Area, the Bulldogs to the win.
La Salle-Peru 8, Ottawa 0: the Cavaliers rolled to an Interstate 8 Conference victory Monday in Ottawa.
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Boys Tennis
OHS 5. Princeton 0
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox failed to score a run for the eighth time in 22 games. The Southsiders lost to the Minnesota Twins 7-0 at Target Field yesterday. Danny Mendick and Nicky Lopez both had two hits in the losing effort. Jonathan Cannon was charged with his first loss after giving up six runs on nine hits in three-and-two-thirds innings. The 3-and-19 Sox send Erick Fedde to the mound against Minnesota tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs will try to get back in the win column when they host the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field tonight. The Cubs are coming off a four-game split with the Miami Marlins over the weekend. Chicago is in second place in the NL Central at 13-and-9. Jordan Wicks is slated to start for the Northsiders. The first pitch is at 6:40 PM.
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COLLEGE SOFTBALL
IVCC 10-16, Highland 1-6: The Eagles swept an Arrowhead Conference doubleheader in Freeport.
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COLLEGE BASEBALL
IVCC 5-5, Milwaukee Area Tech 4-20: The Eagles split a doubleheader Sunday in Peru.