The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing person. 40-year-old Sarah F. Petritsch went missing yesterday morning from the 2900 block of N. 4351st Rd. in Sheridan. Her hair is in a shoulder-length bob, with a middle part and no bangs. She’s also missing her front left tooth. If you have seen Sarah or have any information please contact the sheriff’s office at 815-433-2161.
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A 38-year-old Ottawa man will appear in LaSalle County court on July 17 to face five counts of possession of child pornography. On April 19, 2024, the Ottawa Police Department received a report of an alleged sex offense involving an adult male and a juvenile female. Ottawa Police developed Cody Haywood of 666 Illinois Ave. in Ottawa as a suspect and during the investigation, Ottawa Police seized Haywood’s cellphone and obtained a search warrant for a forensic examination of the cellphone. The forensic examination of the cellphone resulted in detectives finding multiple images and videos of child pornography saved to the phone. Search warrants were also obtained for Haywood’s social media accounts which had additional images and videos of child pornography. Ottawa Police forwarded their investigation to the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office who issued a summons to Haywood on the five counts, all of which are Class 2 Felonies. Heywood is currently out of custody and has been on probation for prior felony convictions for a sex offender registry violation, domestic battery and criminal sexual abuse.
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The new YMCA facility on the Illinois Riverfront in downtown Ottawa is being honored nationally in Athletic Building Magazine as one of four so-called “WOW Factor” YMCA’s opening around the country. The publication says the new Ottawa YMCA gives a nod to the quaint architectural character of the downtown area which inspired the buff limestone color of the pre-cast concrete panels and the terra-cotta color of the building’s metal paneling as well as honoring the Illinois River railroad bridge by having triangular cross-bracing of the Wellness Center’s elevated walk/run track and the floor to ceiling glass panels open to the river view.
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A fundraising event in downtown Ottawa tonight will benefit the Illinois Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Open Space Art Gallery at 223 West Madison Street is holding a “Painting For A Purpose” event from 5:30 until 8:30 combining an artistic paint party with a social dynamic. Seats are limited and registration is needed to participate. The email address to register is open-space-art-gallery-at-g-mail-dot-com.
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Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger is crossing party lines. The ex-Illinois lawmaker announced yesterday that he is endorsing President Joe Biden in the November election. Kinzinger described former President Donald Trump as a direct threat to every fundamental American value. He added that he doesn’t agree with Biden on everything but he trusts that he will preserve the country’s democracy. Kinzinger didn’t seek re-election after voting to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6th attack.
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The Bulls are adding a local product to the roster. Chicago selected Matas Buzelis [[ mah-toss boo-zay-liss ]] with the 11th pick in last night’s NBA Draft. The 19-year-old was born in Chicago and attended Hinsdale Central High School. The six-foot-nine forward averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds last year for the NBA’s G-League Ignite.
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Illinois is launching an effort to boost the state’s economy. Governor Pritzker signed a package of bills to incentivize corporate development and increase Illinois’ competitive edge for attracting new businesses and capital investments. The omnibus bills include investments in tax credit programs for the film industry and research and development projects across the state. The bills also build on Illinois’ growing status as a tech hub.
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Former University of Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Junior is heading to Minnesota. The Chicago native was drafted by the Timberwolves with the number 27 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft last night. Shannon is the first Illini player selected in the first round since Meyers Leonard in 2012. His selection by the T-Wolves comes after he was found not guilty earlier this month in his criminal rape case in Kansas.
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WEATHER
Today
Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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SPORTS
White Sox Get Blanked By Dodgers
The Chicago White Sox had just four hits during a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Southsiders surrendered a lead-off homer to Shohei Ohtani in the first and trailed for the rest of the game. Erick Fedde was charged with his third loss after surrendering four runs on five hits in six innings. The Southsiders remain at the bottom of the AL Central at 21-and-61. Chicago hosts Colorado tomorrow.
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Cubs Fall To Giants
The Chicago Cubs are on a four-game losing streak following a 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. The game was tied at three in the fifth when Drew Smyly surrendered a go-ahead home run. Smyly was charged with his fifth loss in relief, while Seiya Suzuki went deep in the losing effort. The Northsiders are now in last place in the NL Central at 37-and-44. The Cubs send Shota Imanaga to the mound against San Francisco this afternoon.
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Blackhawks Make Deal With Canucks
The Chicago Blackhawks are adding a pair of dynamic forwards. The team swung a deal with the Vancouver Canucks that will send a 2027 fourth round draft pick north of the border in exchange for forwards Ilya Mikheyev [[ IHL-yah mih-KAY-ehv ]] and Sam Lafferty. The Hawks are also acquiring a 2027 second round pick in the trade. Mikheyev scored 11 goals and tallied 20 assists in 78 games with the Canucks last year, while Lafferty had 13 goals and 11 assists in 79 appearances.
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Sky Host Aces
The Chicago Sky take their shot at the reigning WNBA champs when they host the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena tonight. The Sky are coming off an 88-87 win over the Fever on Sunday. Chicago is tied for seventh place in the WNBA with a 6-and-9 record. Tonight’s game gets underway at 6 p.m.