State police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run in LaSalle County earlier this month. The incident happened May 10th on Illinois Route 251, just south of North 36th Road. Authorities say Jerome Johnson was involved in an earlier crash where his vehicle came to rest off the side of the roadway. He was able to exit his vehicle and walk onto Route 251, where he was hit by a passing vehicle. The driver didn’t stop and Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Two LaSalle County school districts are among the beneficiaries of 9.8 million dollars in grants for projects that will help boost the health and safety of children by making walking and biking to school safer and more accessible. The Safe Routes to School program through IDOT is funding 47 projects statewide including $250,000 for Marseilles to build new and replacement sidewalks, ramps, crosswalks, and two flashing speed limit beacons near Marseilles Elementary School, and $250,000 in Mendota where sidewalks will be completed and connected around Lincoln Elementary School.
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A federal judge is delaying rulings on key evidentiary issues in the upcoming trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza. The former executive was indicted in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery, and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity over allegations he bribed then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. His trial is set to begin in September. The judge in the case believes it makes more sense to wait and see how the U.S. Supreme Court rules in a case that could fundamentally alter a federal bribery statute.
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Wednesday morning shortly after 6:00, LaSalle County Deputies investigated a non-injury two-vehicle accident in Ottawa Township near U.S. 6 and East 13th Road. 23-year-old Jonah Lewis of Joliet was westbound on 6 when he attempted to pass a vehicle driven by 53-year-old Stephen Russo of Marseilles. Lewis failed in his attempt to pass, was unable to slow down, and rear-ended Russo’s vehicle. Lewis was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
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37-year-old Daniel R. Stubler of Ottawa was arrested Thursday at 4-H Road and Knottingham Drive on a Kendall County Warrant for failure to appear on a charge of driving on a suspended license.
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A LaSalle man has charges from Peru Police for speeding, no valid driver’s license, and operating an uninsured vehicle. 29-year-old Yashnar Sultonov was stopped Wednesday evening at Illinois 251 and Shooting Park Road.
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Among the events, this weekend is the Illini Forest Fairie Fest from 2:00 until 7:00 on Saturday at Illini State Park south of Marseilles. Young and old alike are invited to dress up. The family-friendly event includes scavenger hunts, barrel cart rides, crafters, food, and other surprises. Also this weekend is the Reddick Mansion Association’s “Putt for History” golf outing at Pine Hills Golf Club beginning at 9:00 Saturday morning. Proceeds from the registration will go to the mansion’s restoration funds. The $65-dollar per-golfer registration fee includes golf and cart, a pizza buffet, and the chance to win prizes. More information is available by writing contact@reddickmansion.org. On Sunday at Noon, Open Table Church at Columbus and Jackson Streets has a summer cookout free lunch with hamburgers, steak fries, sides, and dessert. Enter through the glass doors on the Jackson Street side of the church.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
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Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 60. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
None at this time
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Marquette State Baseball
The Marquette Crusaders, boasting an impressive 29-2 record, are set to face off against Jacksonville Routt, who come into the game with a strong 32-7 record. This much-anticipated showdown will take place at 10 a.m. today at Dozer Park in Peoria. The winner of today’s game will play at 1 pm on Saturday, the 3rd place game will take place at 10 am.
Marquette has a storied history in the Class 1A State competition, clinching the state title in 2019. The Crusaders also secured a third-place finish in 2022 and took home fourth place in both 2018 and 1999.
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PRO SPORTS:
White Sox Visit Brewers
The Chicago White Sox aim to avoid their ninth loss in a row when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field tonight. The Southsiders were just swept by the Blue Jays at home earlier this week. Chicago is in last place in the AL Central at 15-and-42. Erick Fedde starts for the Sox tonight. The first pitch is at 7:10 PM.
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Cubs Fall To Brewers
The Chicago Cubs surrendered a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth during a 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Christopher Morel hit a game-tying home run in the top of the inning before Gary Sanchez hit the go-ahead two-run shot to put Milwaukee up for good in the next half-inning. Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki also homered in the losing effort, while Luke Little was charged with his first loss in relief. The Northsiders dropped to third place in the NL Central at 28-and-29. Javier Assad starts for the Cubs against Cincinnati this afternoon.
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Chicago Bears Selected To Appear On HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’
There will be a new team featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this summer. The Chicago Bears have been selected by HBO and NFL Films to appear on the award-winning show. The Bears have never been featured on the show and have a slew of storylines surrounding the franchise as they head into a new era. One of those stories will follow the development of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who Chicago selected with the first overall pick in April’s draft. The first episode of “Hard Knocks” will air at 8:00 PM on August 6th.
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Fast Start Leads Sky Over Sparks
The Chicago Sky got off to a fast start during an 83-73 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Wintrust Arena. The Sky led by 18 at halftime and kept the Sparks at arm’s length the rest of the way. Marina Mabrey poured in 20 points in the victory, while Elizabeth Williams finished with 17. The 3-and-3 Sky visit the Fever tomorrow.