The Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect from Noon until 10:00 o’clock tonight as a high temperature approaches 100 and heat index values soar to near 115 by mid to late afternoon. Some schools in LaSalle County are operating on shortened schedules or holding e-learning days. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
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Beginning at 7:00 Wednesday morning, the 200 block of West Jefferson Street in Ottawa will be closed to all westbound traffic and parking from LaSalle Street to Clinton Street. Contractors for the City of Ottawa are scheduled to begin repair on a mid-block water main break. The north side of West Jefferson Street will remain closed for several days. City officials advise the block may be reopened to all traffic by the end of the day Friday.
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A formal statement from the Ottawa Police Department has slightly more information on Sunday afternoon’s single-vehicle accident on Illinois 71 just west of the south end of Veterans Bridge. Upon arrival, officers located a male subject who had been involved in a single-vehicle accident involving a moped that had left the roadway. Illinois 71 from Illinois 23 to 4H road was briefly shut down due to the investigation. The male was subsequently transferred by helicopter to a medical facility for his injuries sustained in the accident. The accident remains under investigation by an Ottawa Police Department accident reconstructionist, and more information will become available in the near future.
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The fatal crash on the I-39 Abraham Lincoln Bridge early on Sunday claimed the life of a Streator man. The victim, identified as 36-year-old John S. Smith, was recovered from the Illinois River, according to a statement from the La Salle County Coroner’s Office on Monday. Authorities reported that Smith was ejected from his vehicle during the crash and fell into the river below. The Peru River Rescue Squad successfully recovered his body, with assistance from the Spring Valley Fire Department and Ottawa River Rescue. The scene was cleared around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. A forensic autopsy was conducted on Monday, with preliminary findings indicating that Smith died from injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with the La Salle County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police continuing to gather details.
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In another fatal crash from Sunday, the LaSalle County Coroner’s office identified the victim in a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash just east of Streator. The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the driver, 26-year-old Jesus Villafana of Streator, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A forensic autopsy was conducted on Monday, revealing that Villafana died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash. The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office, in conjunction with the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, continues to investigate the incident.
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33-year-old Tyshawn K. Doyle of Streator was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and placed in La Salle County Jail on Monday morning. Doyle faces serious charges, including armed habitual criminal and aggravated discharge of a firearm, which could result in up to 30 years in prison. The arrest follows an incident where Streator police responded to a shooting and found a man, 32-year-old Jaleel R. Berry with gunshot wounds. Doyle, identified as the suspect, allegedly engaged in a fight with Berry that led to the shooting. Berry was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Doyle is expected to appear in court for a detention hearing, though it remains unclear if his attorney, Charles Snowden, will represent him in this case. The Streator Police Department thanked multiple agencies for their assistance in the investigation.
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An attorney for the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey last month is appealing a judge’s decision to not grant him pre-trial release. A judge ruled that Sean Grayson should remain in custody because he is a danger to the public. His attorney announced they would appeal the judge’s decision with the higher courts. Grayson is charged with three counts of first-degree murder after shooting and killing Massey at her home on July 6th.
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Attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are asking a federal judge to exclude certain evidence from his upcoming racketeering trial. In a motion filed yesterday, Madigan’s lawyers requested that details about controversial gaming legislation, sexual harassment allegations, as well as other topics be removed. They claim the evidence is irrelevant and could be prejudicial to the case. Madigan is set to go on trial in October.
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The City of Ottawa says the end of the fall tree planting program is approaching. The program is open to both residential and commercial participants. This cost-sharing initiative aims to enhance urban greenery by supporting the planting of two-inch trees in the berm adjacent to participants’ properties. Ottawa residents and commercial property owners are encouraged to join the program, with each tree requiring a $100 contribution. Participants may apply for multiple trees, subject to availability and space limitations. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and will continue until Friday, August 30th. For more details and to apply, visit the City of Ottawa website at www.cityofottawa.org. Information about the Tree Planting Program is available on the homepage under News and Announcements.
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The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is marking Overdose Awareness Week, an initiative dedicated to highlighting the urgent need for awareness and training in overdose prevention. This week serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences of drug overdoses and underscores the importance of lifesaving skills, particularly the administration of naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN Nasal Spray. In support of this initiative, the Sheriff’s Office has placed a harm reduction box in the vestibule of the jail’s lobby. This box is available to the public and contains two free doses of NARCAN. By providing these resources, the Sheriff’s Office aims to enhance community safety and foster a more informed public to collaboratively address the devastating effects of drug overdoses.
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The Illinois Supreme Court is siding with a Sangamon County judge who rejected a state election law designed to give Democrats an advantage toward keeping their legislative majorities before the November general election. The state’s high court upheld a ruling that found the law was unconstitutional because it burdens candidates who had been following the previous law. The measure bans local political party organizations from appointing candidates to fill out legislative ballots where the party didn’t field a primary candidate. The ruling will only upheld for the November election.
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The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to take advantage of back-to-school tax benefits. Parents or legal guardians can claim expenses for full-time K through 12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental, and lab fees. More than 203-thousand taxpayers claimed the Illinois Education Expense Credit in 2023.
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A 23-year-old Peru resident, Dominique G. Shebley, was taken into custody after authorities discovered he had multiple active warrants for his arrest. The incident occurred when officers responded to a call at Shebley’s residence on Peoria Street. During the investigation, it was revealed that Shebley was wanted in LaSalle County on two separate charges. The first warrant was for Failure to Appear (FTA) related to Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), with a bond set at $7,500, requiring 10% for release. The second warrant was for Failure to Appear in a case involving Possession of Methamphetamine, with a bond of $20,000, also requiring 10% for release. Unable to post the required bond, Shebley was subsequently transported to the LaSalle County Jail, where he remains in custody.
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Samuel Salamanca Torres, 29, of Peru, was stopped by police in the 1500 block of 11th Street. During the traffic stop, officers discovered that Salamanca Torres did not possess a valid driver’s license. He had been driving at 42 mph in a 25 mph zone, according to authorities. Salamanca Torres was cited for both speeding and driving without a valid license.
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Pedro L. Mendez Rodriguez, 29, LaSalle., was issued a traffic citation for operating a vehicle without a valid license. Mendez Rodriguez was released after being cited and is scheduled to appear in court on the charge.
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Johnny R. Ford, a 33-year-old male who is currently homeless and residing at the PADS Shelter, was taken into custody. Ford faces charges related to two outstanding warrants from LaSalle County. The warrants include a violation of pretrial release and a separate charge for contacting a family member in violation of pretrial conditions. Both warrants are associated with no bond.
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32-year-old Keith Cousins of Ottawa is charged with driving while their license is revoked and operating a motor vehicle when registration is suspended for non-insurance. Cousins was stopped by Ottawa Police Monday in the 400 block of East Washington Street.
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Cecil McAdams of Ottawa has charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol. The 59-year-old was stopped by Ottawa police Monday in the 600 block of Deleon Street.
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A homeless Ottawa man was cited Monday for violation of pre-trial release. 31-year-old Darrick U. Montgomery was stopped by Ottawa Police at Washington and Clinton Streets.
—————————————————————— Ottawa Sunrise Rotary recently recognized Past President Gene Anderson for his continued support of The Rotary Foundation. Nathalie Schmidt, Sunrise Rotary Foundation Chair, awarded Anderson the Paul Harris Major Donor pin signifying his $10,000 level of giving. The Rotary Foundation continues to do good in the world with over 1.2 million members in 220 countries across the globe.
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WEATHER:
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 10 PM. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 to 115 are expected.
Tuesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 115. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
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Tuesday Night
There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Sef-ah-rina Jar-giss (Kiss)
Seferina M. Jarigese, 91, of Ottawa, died Thursday, August 22nd, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Center of Joliet. The visitation for Seferina M. Jarigese will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home today from 9-11 AM with prayers at 11 AM. The Funeral Ceremony for Seferina M. Jarigese will follow at the funeral home at 11 AM. The graveside service will follow at St. Columba, followed by the luncheon at The Knights of Columbus.
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Free-Baren
Doris “June” (Peterson) Freebairn, 98, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, August 22nd, at the Pavilion of Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 29th, at Waltham Presbyterian Church, in Utica. Burial will follow at Waltham Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church before the funeral services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
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William Russell Serby, 64, of Ottawa, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 23rd. A memorial service will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, August 29th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation for William Russell Serby will be from 4 to 6 pm before the service at the funeral home.
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HS SPORTS:
Girls golf
Seneca claim title: At The Creek Golf Club in Morris, Fighting Irish sophomore Piper Stenzel defeated Coal City’s Kylee Kennell on the first playoff hole to take the championship of Monday’s Irish Invitational.
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Boys golf
Seneca claim title: At The Creek Golf Club in Morris, senior Grant Siegel shot a 42 to win the championship of the Irish Invitational.
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Girls volleyball
Streator 2, Woodlawn 0: Streator triumphed over crosstown Woodland on Monday night in each team’s season opener.
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Seneca def. Hall: The Red Devils opened the season with a nonconference loss in Seneca.
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Serena def. Reed-Custer: the Huskers began the campaign with a three-set triumph over the Comets.
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Boys Soccer
Rock Island 4, Streator 0: season-opening loss for Streator boys soccer.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox surrendered five runs in the top of the seventh during a 6-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Southsiders led by a run entering the inning before Detroit’s offensive eruption. Jared Shuster was charged with his third loss in relief after allowing four runs in one-and-a-third innings. Andrew Benintendi hit a solo home run in the losing effort. The Southsiders remain in last place in the AL Central at 31-and-101. Garrett Crochet starts for the Sox against Texas tonight.
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The Cubs made a mockery of the Pirates following an 18-8 victory in the series opener from PNC Park. Dansby Swanson blasted a grand slam and Miguel Amaya finished with four RBI as the Cubbies combined for 21 hits. Jameson Taillon got the win after giving up four runs over six-plus innings. Chicago has won four of five and sits in second place in the NL Central at 66-and-66. The Cubs send Justin Steele to the mound against the Pirates tonight.
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The Bears are expected to place running back Ian Wheeler on injured reserve before today’s roster cutdown deadline. He tore his ACL during the last preseason game against the Chiefs in Kansas City. The team is also expected to add Nsimba Webster and safety Douglas Coleman to the IR. The Chicago Bears are also off to a head start on their roster cuts. The team waived nine players yesterday. The Bears must have their roster down to 53 players this afternoon.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
IVCC Lady Eagles Women’s Soccer fell 0-8 to Morton and 0-6 to Elgin. The next home game is 8/31 against Black Hawk Community College.
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IVCC Men’s soccer faced a narrow loss to Elgin. The next men’s home game is 8/30 versus Malcolm X College.
Both the Men’s and Women’s soccer matches against Joilet are canceled today due to the heat.