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A three-vehicle collision on eastbound I-80 near mile marker 101, just east of Marseilles, resulted in one person being hospitalized, according to the Illinois State Police. The crash involved a semi-truck and two passenger vehicles, leading to traffic being diverted off the interstate at the Marseilles exit while authorities cleared the scene. Additionally, around 1:30 a.m., another incident occurred when a semi-truck ended up in a ditch near Utica on the same stretch of I-80. No further details have been provided regarding the cause of these accidents or the condition of those involved, as the investigation continues.
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A Mendota funeral home director has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Brett Merritt, 55, received his sentence on Friday in an Ottawa courtroom, where the prosecution had initially sought a six-year term. Merritt, who remains listed as a funeral director at Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, was arrested last July following a six-month investigation that led to search warrants being executed at both his home and his place of work. In May, Merritt pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse as part of a plea deal that resulted in a second child pornography charge being dismissed.
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The Macoupin County State’s Attorney is taking over the investigation of a funeral home in Carlinville accused of mishandling human remains. The Illinois State Police wrapped up their investigation of Heinz Funeral Home, which had its license to operate in Illinois revoked. The probe discovered numerous incidents of families being given the wrong remains by the business. The Macoupin County State’s Attorney will determine if charges should be filed.
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The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees approved a $41 million budget for fiscal year 2025 during their Thursday meeting, marking a significant financial plan driven by increases in sales, service revenue, and investment income. The budget includes a balanced operating budget of $29.7 million, with $1.7 million earmarked for Master Plan initiatives. These expenditures, which align with the board’s long-term strategic goals, underscore the college’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and services as outlined in the Master Plan.
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Governor JB Pritzker is confirming that the Illinois National Guard will be in Chicago to assist local police during the Democratic National Convention as it gets underway today. The governor said there will be Illinois National Guard members on “standby” for the four-day event expected to draw tens of thousands of people. The National Guard was deployed during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month in order to assist with security efforts.
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President Biden is designating the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, as a national monument. He signed the proclamation in the Oval Office today alongside civil rights leaders and Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin. The riot broke out when thousands of white men gathered outside a jail, demanding two Black men accused of raping a white woman and killing a white man be turned over to them. When they learned the police had transferred the men to another jail, the mob stormed the city’s Black neighborhoods and attacked Black residents. The aftermath of the riot led to the rise of the NAACP.
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Illinois leaders are touting the state’s tourism numbers. Officials announced that Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent 47 billion dollars in 2023. That is an increase of one million visitors and three billion dollars in spending from 2022. The surge in tourism also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in fiscal year 2024.
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Local organizations Buddy’s Purpose and The Perfectly Flawed Foundation will observe Overdose Awareness Week from August 25-31, 2024, inviting the community to honor those lost to overdoses and celebrate lives saved. Residents are encouraged to display purple ribbons and lights to show their support. On International Overdose Awareness Day, Saturday, August 31, a morning of remembrance will take place at The Perfectly Flawed Foundation’s office in LaSalle, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy light refreshments before a short walk to the Illinois & Michigan Canal Lock #15, where a butterfly release will occur. Purple light bulbs and ribbons are available for a $10 donation at the foundation’s office to further spread awareness throughout the community. In addition, Streator Overdose Awareness will be hosting a Superhero Walk scheduled from noon to
4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Plumb Pavillion at City Park in Streator.
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The Rotary Clubs of Ottawa Noon and Ottawa Sunrise, in collaboration with the Ottawa Police Department, have generously donated $4,800 to support Rookie, the department’s therapy dog. Rookie, an English golden doodle, has been a beloved figure in the community for two years, offering comfort to children and adults at events, during school and home visits, and within the department itself. Teaming up with Community Initiative Officer Brewer, Rookie plays a crucial role in crisis intervention and mental health support, helping to ease the stress of crime victims during interviews. The donation, which includes $2,400 from the Rotary Clubs and a matching grant from Rotary District 6420, will ensure that Rookie continues to provide essential care and calm in the community.
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The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum will host a history lecture on Sunday, August 25th at 2 p.m. Mollie Perrot will discuss Ottawa’s governmental history, covering topics such as the police, fire department, and aldermanic history. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of the opportunity to explore the museum’s summer exhibits beforehand.
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In a series of traffic stops across LaSalle County, deputies apprehended several individuals for various offenses. On Illinois 23 at North 35th Road in Dayton Township, 46-year-old Eric Spencer of Lockport was arrested for driving 103 mph in a 55 mph zone and driving under the influence of alcohol. Spencer was transported to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear. In a separate incident at North 24th Road and East 27th Road in Brookfield Township, 18-year-old Cruz Gallegos of Cicero was cited for speeding at 108 mph in a 55 mph zone. Additionally, deputies stopped at East 7th Road and North 17th Road in Richland Township, where 33-year-old Lauren Thomas of Lostant was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. During the same stop, 41-year-old Patrick Thomas of Lostant arrived on a mini bike and was cited for operating a non-highway vehicle and driving while license revoked.
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21-year-old Eryn D. Burmood was stopped by Streator Police Sunday evening in the 1400 block of John Street. She was cited for driving with suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle. Burmood was released with a notice to appear in court.
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Ottawa Police arrested 23-year-old Curin M. Gray Friday at Wal-Mart on a charge of retail theft.
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45-year-old Christopher J. Leone has a charge of disorderly conduct from Ottawa Police following an incident Saturday in the 2400 block of Columbus Street.
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Zoe Hollister of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Sunday in the 2100 block of Somerset Drive on a charge of violation of conditions of pre-trial release.
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34-year-old John D. Znaniecki of Ottawa is charged with burglary to a motor vehicle. He was arrested by Ottawa Police early Monday at West Washington and Pine Streets.
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A 17-year-old juvenile has charges from Ottawa Police for curfew violation, burglary to a motor vehicle, and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor following an arrest on Sunday.
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39-year-old Ryan L. Johnson is charged with criminal damage to property after his arrest by Ottawa Police Sunday in the 1100 block of East Norris Drive.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. North-northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 56. North-northeast wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Shirley Day, 80, of Marseilles, passed away Sunday, August 18th, at her home surrounded by her family. Following Shirley Day’s wishes, no services will be held. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Robert “Bob” D. Walsh, 81, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15th, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation for Robert “Bob” D. Walsh will be on Tuesday, August 20th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial for Robert “Bob” D. Walsh will take place on Wednesday, August 21st, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
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Patricia Ann (Carr) Wagner, 91, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, August 16th, at Pleasant View, in Ottawa. Funeral services for Patricia Ann (Carr) Wagner will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21st, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial for Patricia Ann (Carr) Wagner will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour before the service, at the funeral home.
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HS SPORTS:
GIRLS GOLF
Metamora 177, La Salle-Peru 200
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BOYS GOLF
Sycamore 166, La Salle-Peru 172
Earlville 170, Indian Creek 177
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox couldn’t figure out Framber Valdez during a 2-0 loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. The Southsiders managed just three hits in the losing effort. Ky Bush had a strong start but was tagged with his second loss after giving up just one run on four hits in six innings. The White Sox had been eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday, and they’re in last place in the AL Central at 30-and-95. Jonathan Cannon starts for the Southsiders against San Francisco tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs had just four hits during a 1-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. Shota Imanaga gave up a solo home run to Joey Loperfido in the top of the second and was charged with his third loss. The Northsiders went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base. Chicago is in third place in the NL Central at 61-and-64. The Cubs host Detroit tomorrow night.
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Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg says he is cancer-free. The 64-year-old legendary second baseman announced on Instagram almost seven months after he revealed that he had prostate cancer. He said last month that scans showed now no signs of the disease. During Sandberg’s career, he made ten All-Star teams and won nine Gold Gloves. He also was the NL MVP in 1984.
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The Chicago Bears remain undefeated in exhibition play following a 27-3 preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on Saturday. Caleb Williams started the game and completed just six of his 13 passes for 75 yards, while Tyson Bagent tossed a pair of touchdowns to Dante Pettis. Chicago is 3-and-0 this preseason, and the Bears visit the Chiefs to wrap up exhibition play on Thursday.
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The Chicago Sky had a rough first half during their 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center yesterday. Chicago was outscored 32-19 in the first quarter and trailed by 17 at the half. Angel Reese pulled down another double-double with 19 points and 20 rebounds, while Chennedy Carter finished with 16 points. The Sky are in eighth place in the WNBA at 11-and-16. Chicago visits Connecticut on Friday.