The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 is investigating an officer-involved death at the request of the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office. Last Thursday, LaSalle County Deputies were serving an arrest warrant for an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation at a residence in the 4300 block of East 2175th Road in Sheridan. Deputies entered the residence and made contact with the suspect, and while attempting d to place the suspect into custody, the suspect grabbed a firearm located within the residence and administered a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. The deputies did not fire any shots. Deputies immediately attempted life-saving measures on the suspect until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect died of their injuries. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today in McLean County. At the conclusion of its investigation, Illinois State Police will present the case to the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office. There is no additional information at this time regarding the identity of the suspect.
—————————————————————–
In LaSalle County Circuit Court Friday, Judge Michael Jansz dismissed a motion from special prosecutors aimed at dropping Chester Weger’s petition for exoneration in the over 60-year-old Starved Rock murders case. Judge Jansz stated that the evidence presented by Weger’s legal team is substantial enough to warrant further consideration, suggesting it may influence the outcome if a new trial were to be held. Weger was paroled in 2020 after initially confessing to the murder of Lillian Oetting, one of three women found slain in 1960 at Starved Rock State Park. However, he later recanted his confession and is now seeking to have his conviction overturned. As the case progresses, it will enter a third stage featuring an evidentiary hearing, often described as a “mini-trial.” During this hearing, witnesses will be called to testify under oath, and evidence approved by the judge will be presented in open court. Weger’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 24, where a date for the evidentiary hearing is expected to be set.
—————————————————————–
The city of Ottawa has announced that the yard-waste dumpster located in the 400 block of West Jackson will be removed on Saturday. Residents are reminded that they can utilize the dumpster until November 29 to dispose of leaves, small twigs, branches, garden waste, and vegetation. The collection service operates from dawn until dusk; however, it is important to note that items such as plastic bags, lumber, metal, newspapers, and general garbage are prohibited. This service is exclusively for residents, and those finding the dumpster full are advised to hold onto their materials until space becomes available.
—————————————————————–
Ottawa will kick off the holiday season this Friday with the 37th Annual Festival of Lights Parade, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on LaSalle Street. Leading the parade as Grand Marshal is Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director at the Illinois Office of Tourism. The parade, with floats, lights, and music anchored by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, ends at the Jordan Block, where Mayor Robert E. Hasty will deliver welcoming remarks. The Shepherd Junior High Choir will perform carols, followed by a tree-lighting countdown led by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a fireworks finale. This year also marks the return of the popular Chris Kringle Market, featuring artisan vendors, holiday crafts, and seasonal treats over four weekends, making Ottawa a holiday destination rich with tradition and joy. For details on the Festival of Lights Parade and other holiday events, visit www.visitottawail.com. Donna Reynolds of the Ottawa Visitor’s Center, Parade Organizer Rich Crum, and Stephanie Stacy of Floret Events will join Jay on WCMY this morning after 9:00 o’clock.
—————————————————————–
A juvenile is facing weapons charges following a Saturday night shooting on State Street near Chicago’s flagship Macy’s store that wounded a 19-year-old woman. Police say the suspect fired shots outside the State Street store, sparking panic during holiday festivities, including the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The injured woman ran into Macy’s and was taken to the hospital in fair condition. The Chicago Loop Alliance says no immediate changes to security are planned, citing existing holiday patrols. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage as the investigation continues.
——————————————————————-
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were in LaSalle County last week completing a federally evaluated exercise for the LaSalle Generating Station. While the official report won’t be available for 90 days, the preliminary consensus of the evaluation team is that the LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency, along with a long list of local response partners, successfully demonstrated their ability to manage an off-site response to a nuclear power plant emergency. This important exercise, which took place at different locations throughout the county, was conducted to test and evaluate the county’s readiness to respond to a potential nuclear emergency. This type of exercise is conducted every other year in LaSalle County and includes the participation of first responders from Marseilles, Seneca, Ottawa, and Streator. The exercise involved a simulated emergency scenario designed to test the effectiveness of emergency response plans, communication systems, and coordination between agencies within and outside of the county. LaSalle County Emergency Management Director Fred Moore says the successful demonstration reinforces the preparedness and strength of the county’s emergency management system.
—————————————————————–
Illinois’ minimum wage will increase to 15 dollars per hour on January 1, completing a series of raises that began in 2019. Workers under 18 will see their pay rise to 13 dollars per hour, while tipped workers will earn at least 60 percent of the state rate. No additional increases are currently planned. Chicago’s minimum wage remains higher, at 16 dollars and 20 cents per hour.
—————————————————————–
Domestic violence victim advocates across the state are preparing for an unfortunate symptom of the colder weather. According to law enforcement officials, incidents of domestic violence increase over the holidays and into the winter months. With that, shelters across the state are preparing for an increase in activity and are looking for more volunteers. Anyone looking to help or looking for more information on resources available can contact the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
—————————————————————–
34-year-old Heather L. Haygood of Streator was arrested by Streator Police just after Midnight Monday in the 600 block of North Shabbona Street on a LaSalle County warrant for failing to appear in court on a charge of battery. She was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
—————————————————————–
WEATHER:
Monday
A slight chance of drizzle before 3 pm, then a slight chance of rain or drizzle between 3 pm and 5 pm. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 50 by 10 am, then falling to around 43 during the remainder of the day. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night
Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 26. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
—————————————————————–
OBITUARIES:
Betty E. Tendall, 104, formerly of Seneca passed away Thursday, November 14th at Pleasant View in Ottawa. She will be buried in Oakwood Park in a private family service at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
—————————————————————–
LOCAL SPORTS:
Wallace won the 7th grade game 41-19 against Shepherd Middle School. Leading Wallace was Mason Ruestman with 13 points and Parker Torres with 9 points. Leading Shepherd was Judah Morris with 8 points, Jackson Mayszak with 5 points, and Jack Markey with 4 points. Wallace is now 10-0. Shepherd is 1-11.
—————————————————————–
Shepherd won the 8th grade game 40-24 against Wallace. Leading Shepherd was Keandre Miller with 10 points, Luca Fernandez and Mason Mucci both had 8 points, Joseph Donahue had 6 points and Bryce Ceja added 8 rebounds. Leading Wallace was Sully McConnaughay with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Parker Torres with 7 points. Shepherd is now 7-5. Wallace is now 3-4.
—————————————————————–
Girls Varsity Basketball:
Streator @ Morris
Henry @ Marquette
Seneca @ Putnam
—————————————————————–
Boys Varsity Basketball:
LPHS @ Streator
Hall @ Seneca
—————————————————————–
PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bears couldn’t turn a miraculous last-minute comeback into a victory during a 30-27 overtime loss to Minnesota at Soldier Field. The Bears trailed 27-16 with about two minutes left in regulation before scoring a touchdown, getting a two-point conversion, recovering an onside kick, and kicking a game-tying field goal at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. However, Chicago got diced up by Sam Darnold in overtime and gave up a game-winning field goal to give Minnesota the win. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while DJ Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a score. The Bears fell to 4-and-7. They visit the Lions on Thanksgiving.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Bulls looked awful on defense during a 142-131 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center on Saturday. Chicago never trailed during the loss and allowed eight Memphis players to score double-digit points. Zach LaVine had 29 in the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 26. The 7-and-11 Bulls visit the Wizards tomorrow night.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t hold a two-goal lead during a 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday. Lukas Reichel and Patrick Maroon each scored to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead heading into the third period, but the Flyers scored twice in the final frame to tie the game. Matvei Michkov netter the game-winner for the Flyers in the second minute of OT. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 16 points and a 7-12-and-2 record. The Blackhawks host the Stars on Wednesday.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Cubs are adding some bullpen depth. The team signed reliever Phil Bickford to a minor league deal over the weekend. Bickford spent last season with the Yankees. He had an 8.64 ERA in eight appearances last year.
—————————————————————–
COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-six Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on a nine-game winning streak following a 49-14 win over number-19 Army at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Notre Dame got out to a 28-7 halftime lead and coasted to a victory in the second half. Riley Leonard passed for 148 yards and two scores, while Jeremiyah Love had 130 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score. The Irish improved to 10-and-1. They visit USC this Saturday.
—————————————————————–
The number-25 Illinois Fighting Illini scored a late touchdown to beat Rutgers 38-31 at SHI Stadium on Saturday. The Illini trailed by one when Pat Bryant caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Luke Altmyer with four seconds left to give Illinois the win. Altmyer passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 74 yards and a score on the ground. Bryant caught seven passes for 197 yards. The Illini are in fifth place in the Big Ten with a 5-and-3 conference record and an 8-and-3 mark overall. Illinois is at Northwestern this Saturday.
—————————————————————–
The Northwestern Wildcats were blown out by the Michigan Wolverines 50-6 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. Northwestern was outscored 33-0 after halftime. Jake Lausch passed for 106 yards and two interceptions for the Wildcats, who had just 127 yards on offense. Northwestern is in 16th place in the Big Ten with a 2-and-6 conference record and a 4-and-7 mark overall. The Wildcats take on the Illini this Saturday.
—————————————————————–
In other college football action over the weekend, Illinois State beat North Dakota 35-13, and Valparaiso got by Davidson 18-17.
—————————————————————–
College Basketball:
The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team had no trouble taking down Maryland-Eastern Shore in an 87-40 rout at State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini had a 20-point halftime lead before outscoring Eastern Shore 52-25 the rest of the way. Will Riley paced Illinois with 19 points off the bench, while Kylan Boswell finished with 13. The 4-and-1 Illini host Little Rock tonight.
—————————————————————–
In college basketball action Today, Chicago State takes on Radford, and Illinois State goes up against George Washington.
—————————————————————–
MEN’S BASKETBALL
IVCC 69, Oakton 43: Hunter Staton came off the bench to drain seven 3-pointers and score 27 points to lead the Eagles to a victory in a region game in Oglesby. Qu’amar Hobbs added 13 points for IVCC (3-5).
—————————————————————–
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Oakton 96, IVCC 30: The Eagles fell to 1-5 with a loss in Oglesby.
IVCC trailed 20-5 after one quarter and 55-13 at halftime.