A cold case from Streator is set to receive national exposure on a nationally syndicated TV talk show. An episode of The Steve Wilkos Show will focus on the 2003 unsolved murder of seven-year-old Dalton Mesarchik. His family previously appeared on the Wilkos show in 2016. Dalton was last seen waiting for a ride to Bible study and was later found murdered. The murder weapon, a three-pound Benchtop Pro sledgehammer sold exclusively at Kmart, was found near where Dalton’s body was discovered. The case remains unsolved, and the FBI and Illinois State Police urge anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 312-421-6700.
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Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting near the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. The crime happened early Sunday morning after a large party was ending. The person killed has been identified as 18-year-old Randall Glass from south suburban Oak Lawn. A second 18-year-old man is hospitalized in critical condition. No suspects are in custody.
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The City of La Salle has partnered with Stark County Ambulance Service for emergency medical services, replacing the previous provider, Paramedic Services of Illinois, Inc. The new two-year contract requires Stark County Ambulance Service to provide six licensed paramedics exclusively for La Salle, with at least two paramedics on duty at all times. The city will pay Stark County Ambulance Service $735,904 annually for their services. La Salle is already familiar with Stark County Ambulance Service, as they currently handle hospital transfers for OSF Healthcare under a separate contract.
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The highly anticipated 2nd Annual “Bill’s Barktoberfest” is set to return this Sunday in downtown Ottawa’s Jordan Block along West Main Street. The event for dog lovers and their furry companions celebrates the legacy of local businessman Bill Walsh Sr., who was known for his love of dogs. Last year’s inaugural Barktoberfest raised over $24,000, with all proceeds supporting the creation of Bill’s Barking Lot, Ottawa’s newest dog park at the east end of Lafayette Street along the Fox River. Festivities will kick off at 11 a.m., offering a range of activities, including a dog walk, food trucks, a canine costume contest, and a variety of fun events at the “Canine Carnival” and “Fido Fair.” The community is invited to join the celebration for a day dedicated to supporting local dogs and their owners.
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The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation has rescheduled its Disco Ball event from this Saturday, October 5th to March 1st, 2025, as a Mardi Gras Celebration at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in La Salle. Tickets purchased for the October 5th event will be honored at the March 1st celebration. For further information, contact the foundation’s Director of Operations Janice Corrigan at 815-252-2906.
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North Central Area Transit is offering free rides to La Salle County residents during the 2024 election season. The fare-free service applies to trips for early voting, ballot drop-off, and in-person voting on Election Day. Due to anticipated high demand, NCAT recommends scheduling trips at least a week in advance. Residents can reserve their rides by calling 833-433-6228 with their voting location details. Additional information can be found on the NCAT website at ridencat.com.
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Illinois 113 will be closed for repairs at the BNSF Railroad crossing in Coal City beginning next Monday. The closure will last about five days. There is a posted detour.
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Building service workers at the University of Illinois are ending their strike after reaching a tentative deal with the university on a new contract. The employees will return to work today as they vote to ratify the agreement. This ends a work stoppage that began a week ago. The vote is expected to run through Thursday.
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Shedd Aquarium employees are forming a labor union. The workers have filed a formal petition to form a labor union called Shedd Workers United. Organizers of the group cited being overworked, understaffed, underpaid, and not having enough sick time as reasons for unionizing. They join a list of employees unionizing at Chicago cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
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A man from La Salle has recently faced legal issues in Tennessee. 36-year-old Nicholas Dellinger was arrested in Warren County, Tennessee, earlier this month on several charges, including reckless endangerment with a vehicle, theft of property valued at $1,000, aggravated burglary, and evading arrest, as reported by the Southern Standard. Dellinger allegedly tried to pawn almost $3,000 worth of stolen goods and then led the police on a high-speed chase, before fleeing on foot. This incident occurred shortly after Dellinger was put on probation in La Salle County for a property damage conviction.
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A Streator man is facing multiple charges following two incidents on Sunday evening. Jacob Sokol was found inside a vehicle without the owner’s permission and was issued a citation for criminal trespass. Later, he was reportedly involved in an assault, leading to his arrest for violating the terms of his pre-trial release. Sokol is currently facing charges related to both incidents.
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A 20-year-old man was arrested by Peru Police Sunday evening after a routine traffic stop at the intersection of 36th Street and North Peoria Street. Carson R. Vandehei of Yorkville was cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. He was released with a court date.
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A traffic accident late Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Water Street and Putnam Street in Peru resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Riley K. Robbins of Malden on charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and driving an uninsured motor vehicle. Robbins was released with a court date.
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Mendota Police arrested 38-year-old Tanisha L. Davis of Mendota Monday evening after a disturbance in the 700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Davis was wanted on an outstanding LaSalle County warrant for battery. She was taken to the LaSalle County Jail
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low of around 40. North wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Shirley (Nelson) Hackler, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, September 29th, at her Pleasant View. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Burial will follow. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the time of service at the cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Chad Allen Elliott Abram, 34, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, September 24th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5th, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Volleyball
Marquette 2, Hall 0: At Spring Valley
Seneca 2, Hinckley-Big Rock 0: At Seneca
Newark 2, Sandwich 0: At Sandwich
Earlville 2, Midland 1: At Earlville
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Boys soccer
Kaneland 4, Ottawa 0: At Maple Park
Somonauk/Leland/Newark 3, Serena 0: At Somonauk
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Boys golf
Sandwich 177, Somonauk 189, Plano 190: At Edgebrook Country Club
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GIRLS GOLF
St. Bede 233, Newman 254: at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Sterling.
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BOYS SOCCER
La Salle-Peru 3, Morris 1: in Morris.
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You can find high school sports scores in our area on the WCMY Scorestream at 1430 wcmy.com/high-school-sports/
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bears will spend the week getting ready for a chance to climb above .500. The Bears host the Panthers at Soldier Field in Week Five on Sunday. Chicago is coming off a 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday. The Bears are tied with Green Bay at the bottom of the NFC North with a 2-and-2 record. Sunday’s game kicks off at noon.
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Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady says he strongly considered playing for the Bears in 2020. He mentioned yesterday during a football broadcast on FoxTV that Chicago was a team that he knew had him on their radar but they were very stealthy in their recruitment. Brady added that it came down to Tampa. The Bears eventually decided to trade for former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles in March 2020. He went two-and-five in seven starts in 2020 and won his only start in 2021.
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Lonzo Ball could finally make his return to the Chicago Bulls line-up later this month. The point guard told reporters at media day yesterday that he believes he will be ready for the start of the 2024-25 season. Ball has been out since January of 2022 after multiple knee injuries. The 26-year-old averaged 13 points and five-point-one assists in 35 games with the Bulls before the injury. Chicago begins preseason next week.
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The Chicago Blackhawks continue preseason play when they visit the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center tonight. The Hawks are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss against St. Louis on Saturday. Chicago is 0-2-and-1 in exhibition play. Tonight’s game begins at 7:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
WOMEN’S TENNIS
IVCC 4, Waubonsee 1: the Eagles to a victory in La Salle.