Ottawa Central Dispatch released a statement on Facebook that the non-emergency phone lines were down at the Ottawa, Marseilles, Earlville, and Leland Police Departments for around 8 hours earlier this morning. Ottawa Central Dispatch that all phone lines are back up and the non-emergency systems are working again. This outage did not affect 911 capabilities.
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A Streator woman already on pre-trial release after an arrest in Streator on burglary charges earlier this week was arrested by Ottawa Police Thursday in the 2600 block of Cherie Lane. 36-year-old Tania Torres-Magana is charged with residential burglary and violation of pre-trial release.
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it will reopen several lanes previously closed for construction to ease travel during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. The move aims to reduce disruptions for motorists during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Non-emergency construction closures across the state will be suspended starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 30th, and will remain lifted until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2nd. IDOT has cautioned that some lane closures will remain in effect throughout the holiday weekend. Motorists should anticipate delays in these areas and are advised to allow extra travel time. See the full list of roads on the 1430 WCMY website.
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IDOT District 3 in Ottawa says construction on Interstate 39 through LaSalle County will begin this Tuesday, September 3rd. The project will patch 36 miles of I-39 from the Marshall County line to just south of the Lee County line. Work includes joint and pothole repair. There will be intermittent lane closures on I-39 throughout the project, which is expected to be completed in November.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident in Northville Township near the intersection of N 42nd Road and E 2603rd Road. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Matthew Jorgensen from Oswego, Illinois, was traveling northwest on N 42nd Road when he failed to navigate a curve, causing him to veer off the roadway. His vehicle entered a ditch and ultimately struck a tree line. Jorgensen refused medical attention at the scene. However, deputies arrested him on multiple charges, including DUI alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and illegal transportation of alcohol. He was transported to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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LaSalle County deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident involving a deer near the intersection of Illinois 71 and North 32nd Road in Rutland Township. The incident occurred as 33-year-old Felicia Wright of Morris was driving northeast on 71 when a deer unexpectedly entered the roadway. Wright’s vehicle sustained damage to the front driver’s side, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
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The Ottawa Water Department water main flushing will begin on Tuesday, September 3, and continue through Friday, September 6. Residents are advised to take note of the specific dates and areas affected, as temporary water discoloration and pressure fluctuations may occur.
Tuesday, September 3:
East Norris Drive, east of the Fox River
Ottawa Industrial Park and Champlain Street between Norris Drive and Goose Creek
Wednesday, September 4:
Bellevue Avenue and all intersecting streets
Gracefield Subdivision
Thursday, September 5:
Etna Road, east of Route 23
Oak Ridge Drive, Circle Drive, Meadow Lane, Delaney Drive, Charles Court, Hillside Avenue, Everette Road, and Avon Lane
Turnberry Subdivision
Reynolds Manor
Friday, September 6:
West of Route 23, including Kain Subdivision and Emerald Drive
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to avoid using water for laundry or cooking during the flushing hours, as the temporary discoloration could impact the quality of the water. For more information, residents can contact the Ottawa Water Department directly.
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Todd Volker of Ottawa is announcing his candidacy for a seat on the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees in the April 1st, 2025, election as a Republican. Volker is the Economic Development Director for Kendall County and previously served as Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of LaSalle-Bureau and Putnam Counties. He also currently serves on the City of Ottawa’s Plan Commission. Volker is a former student at IVCC, as well as a graduate of Princeton High School, Knox College, and the University of Illinois.
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A former University of Chicago student is accused of making bombs in his dorm room. Aram Brunson faces multiple federal charges. Prosecutors say the Newton, Massachusetts, man engaged in a scheme to conceal his efforts to develop bomb-making skills after he triggered an explosion in his dorm room at the University of Chicago last year. An investigation revealed that Brunson was seeking to engage in revolutionary action and terrorism in support of Armenian causes. The 21-year-old is believed to be living in Armenia and attending the American University there.
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University of Illinois building and food service workers could be headed for a strike next month. The union workers voted down the latest contract proposal from the university. The group voted to go on strike on July 24th and barring new contract proposals, the work stoppage could begin as soon as September 15th.
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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced the recipients of its 2024 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year award, honoring two dedicated individuals for their exceptional service. Kerry Novak of Earlville and Roseann Webb of Peru have been recognized for their significant contributions to Starved Rock State Park. The IDNR’s recognition of Novak and Webb highlights the invaluable contributions of volunteers who help maintain and enhance Illinois’ natural resources.
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If you are in panic mode over what to wear for Halloween, Illinois Valley Community College’s Theater Department’s upcoming costume sale might just do the trick – or treat. Add a little theatrical flair to your Halloween wardrobe during the department’s costume and vintage clothing sale Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 12-14, at the Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Browse the racks of formal wear, vintage men’s and women’s clothing, and specialty costume pieces, masks, wigs, and character hats – all available at bargain prices and some just waiting for the best offers to be taken home. Transactions are cash only. Hours of the sale are Thursday, 2-6 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds support SPAMO (Students of Performing Arts and Music Organization).
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The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is returning to the Windy City for a third year. The 2025 event will be the final race of a three-year agreement with the Chicago Park District. The first race in 2023 generated more than 108 million dollars in economic impact on Chicago’s economy. The impact of the 2024 race is still being determined.
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WEATHER:
Friday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night
Isolated showers before 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming north-northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night
Clear, with a low of around 61. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Sunday Night
Clear, with a low of around 53.
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OBITUARIES:
Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Briel, 90, of Ottawa passed away peacefully Friday evening, August 16th, at Illinois Veteran’s Home of LaSalle surrounded by his loving family. Visitation for Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Briel will be held on Saturday, August 31st, from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial for Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Briel will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.
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HS SPORTS:
Join us tonight for the first high school football game of the week as your Ottawa Pirates take on the Plano Reapers. We will have a 7 pm kick-off, with Andrew Evola & Hunter O’Dell.
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VOLLEYBALL
Ottawa 2, Streator 0:
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St. Bede 2, Marquette 0:
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Woodland 2, Roanoke-Benson 1:
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Earlville 2, Yorkville Christian 0:
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Boys golf
Pirates 1st, Bulldogs 6th at Cav Invite: At the 2024 La Salle-Peru Cavalier Invite at Senica’s Oak Ridge on Thursday
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox were swept by the Texas Rangers with a 2-1 loss at Guaranteed Rate Field yesterday. The Sox managed just three hits in the game and didn’t get on the board until the ninth inning. Andrew Benintendi homered in the losing effort, while Nick Nastrini fell to 0-and-6 after surrendering a run on three hits in six innings. The Southsiders are in last place in the AL Central at 31-and-104. Chicago sends Jonathan Cannon to the mound against the Mets tonight we will not have the game tonight due to Ottawa Pirate football.
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The Chicago Cubs continue their Wild Card chase as they begin a series with the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park tonight. The Cubs are just five games back of the final Wild Card spot in the National League with a 68-and-66 record. The Northsiders haven’t announced a starting pitcher for tonight’s game. The first pitch is at 5:45 PM.
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Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky continue their rivalry with the Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever when the two teams match up at Wintrust Arena tonight. Chicago enters the contest with a four-game losing streak after falling to Washington 74-70 on Wednesday. The Sky are in eighth place in the WNBA at 11-and-19. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois football team dismantled Eastern Illinois 45-0 in the 2024 season opener last night at Memorial Stadium. Luke Altmyer tossed a career-high four touchdowns for the Fighting Illini, while Pat Bryant recorded a team-high five catches for 63 yards and two scores. Illinois returns to Memorial Stadium on September 7th to face number-24-ranked Kansas.
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The number-seven Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a tough test to begin their 2024 season when they visit number-20 Texas A&M at Kyle Field tomorrow night. The Irish finished the season with a 10-and-3 record last year and crushed Oregon State 40-8 in the Sun Bowl. They have a new quarterback with former Duke gunslinger Riley Leonard entering the fold. Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 6:30 PM Central time.
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The Northwestern Wildcats begin the 2024 season with a game against Miami of Ohio at Martin Stadium tomorrow. The Wildcats had a surprising 8-and-5 season in 2023. They won their last four games, including a 14-7 victory in the Las Vegas Bowl against Utah. Northwestern is 3-and-7 against Miami all-time. Tomorrow’s contest begins at 2:30 PM.
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In other college football action tomorrow, Northern Illinois hosts Western Illinois.