The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, as confirmed by Grundy County Coroner John Callahan, has released the names from the traffic accident on Thanksgiving Day that resulted in two deaths. 57-year-old Daniel Wilson and his 24-year-old son, Drew Wilson, both from Pontiac, were traveling northbound on Illinois 170, when their vehicle was struck by a westbound vehicle at the intersection with 19th Road, a few miles south of Seneca. Both men died at Morris Hospital. The incident is currently under investigation by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Grundy County Coroner’s Office.
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The La Salle County Coroner’s Office reported on Monday that David Camp, a 57-year-old resident of Princeton, was pronounced dead on Friday at OSF Hospital. This unfortunate event followed a two-vehicle collision on Route 23 at North 32nd Road. According to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, four individuals were transported to OSF in Ottawa following the accident. Camp was pronounced dead in the emergency room shortly after arrival. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
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Four new members of the LaSalle County Board took their oaths of office during a brief meeting Monday afternoon. Democrat Ali Braboy of LaSalle and former LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton, a Republican from Peru, joined Democrat Thomas Miller and Republican James Bailey, both of Ottawa. Republican Don Jensen of Deer Park retains his chairmanship with Republican Gary Small of Utica continuing as Vice-Chair of the LaSalle County Board.
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COVID-19 cases have resurged at the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle, with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs issuing four alerts to residents and their families between November 21st and 26th, reporting that six veteran residents and two employees tested positive for the virus. Despite the new cases, the home continues to welcome visitors. This situation recalls the tragic events of late 2020 when the facility made national headlines following a COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in the deaths of 36 residents, leading to the dismissal of several administrative staff members and the filing of lawsuits.
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The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding Illinoisans to prepare for the coming respiratory virus season by getting the recommended flu and COVID-19 shots. Health officials expect viral activity to increase as the holiday season and time for indoor gatherings increase. IDPH officials are also warning of a significant increase in whooping cough cases this year. The largest monthly total in 20 years was recorded in October when 408 cases were reported.
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City of Ottawa Commissioner Marla Pearson has announced that the Veterans Banners displayed this year will be available for pick-up on Thursday, December 5th, from 11:00 to 1:00 PM. The banners can be collected in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 301 West Madison Street. Please note that banners must be picked up by the applicant or their authorized representative. If you have any questions, please contact Tami Koppen at the City of Ottawa via email at tkoppen@cityofottawa.org or by phone at 815-433-0161, ext. 240.
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The city of Sterling is adding its own grocery tax. The City Council approved a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax during last night’s meeting. The vote comes after the state announced it would be eliminating its one-percent grocery tax in 2026. The state is letting local governments decide whether to keep the grocery tax within their own community.
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Illinois’ winter weather rule is in effect. Through March 31st, utilities are banned from disconnecting eligible customers who use electricity or gas as their primary source of home heating. The cold weather rule also protects residential customers from disconnections when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32 degrees, and on days preceding holidays and weekends when the forecast is expected to drop to freezing. The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering, or safety.
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The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic safety campaign from November 22nd to December 2nd aimed at reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was carried out by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce fatalities. During the campaign, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office issued 56 speeding citations, 19 occupant restraint citations, three electronic use citations, four driving under the influence arrests, and 21 other traffic citations. In addition, there were three traffic arrests, seven criminal arrests, 17 citations for no insurance, and 21 citations for suspended registration. Sheriff Adam Diss says the campaign was successful in grabbing people’s attention with highly visible enforcement methods, and that the seat belt law is not a suggestion. The Thanksgiving enforcement effort was made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.
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Teresa Ramos is being named the head of the newly formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Ramos currently serves as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education in Governor Pritzker’s Office. She will begin serving as acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood pending Senate approval next month. Pritzker signed legislation creating the department this past summer. The department combines programs currently overseen by several other state agencies including oversight and funding of preschool programs and childcare centers.
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Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis remains on the hot seat today in Michael Madigan’s racketeering trial. Solis was cross-examined yesterday for several hours by Madigan attorney Daniel Collins, who focused his questions on whether the former Illinois House Speaker ever explicitly agreed to help Solis in exchange for bringing clients to his law firm. Defense attorneys are attempting to poke holes in Solis’ credibility. Madigan faces a number of racketeering charges accusing him of using his political and governmental power to carry out an array of bribery and extortion schemes.
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47-year-old Jadon D. Langston of Peru was stopped by Peru Police Monday at 4th and Peoria Streets and cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
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A LaSalle man has charges of retail theft after an arrest Sunday night at the Peru Walmart. 24-year-old Trenton J. Shulthieis was arrested twice over the weekend by Peru Police.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a temperature falling to nearly 24 by 8 pm, then rising to around 28 during the remainder of the night. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Elizabeth “Betty” (Bretag) Pandolfi, 96, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, November 30th, at Heritage Woods in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 5th, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.
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Richard Fiorini, 72, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, December 1st, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Visitation will be on Friday, December 6th, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park. The family has requested all in attendance dress casually.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Shepherd Boys Basketball Results 12/2
7th grade defeated Plano Middle School 40-31. Leading the way for Shepherd: Jackson Mayszak with 12 points, Briley Reynolds with 8 points and 8 steals, Joey Husted with 7 points, and Judah Morris with 6 points. 7th grade is now 2-11.
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8th grade defeated Plano Middle School 35-27. Leading the way for Shepherd: Luca Fernandez with 17 points, Keandre Miller and Mason Mucci with 8 points each, and Marquise Davis with 2 points and 6 rebounds. 8th grade is now 8-5.
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HS Boys Basketball
Indian Creek 41, Marquette 39
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HS Girls Basketball
St.Bede 39, Marquette 53
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls had a strong second half during their 128-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets at United Center. The Bulls led by six at halftime before outscoring Brooklyn 72-52 the rest of the way. Nikola Vucevic scored 21 points in the victory, while Josh Giddey had a triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Bulls improved to 9-and-13. They visit the Spurs on Thursday.
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The Chicago Blackhawks remain in last place in the Central Division following a 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. The Blackhawks gave up a goal apiece in the first and second periods before Lukas Reichel lit the lamp to bring them within a goal in the third. However, Toronto added two more goals before the end of regulation to seal the win. Chicago has 18 points and an 8-15-and-2 record. The Hawks host the Bruins tomorrow night.
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The Cubs believe they strengthened their pitching staff. The North Siders signed free agent left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year 29 million dollar contract. The 34-year-old hurler pitched eight games last season for the Cleveland Guardians after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Boyd registered a two-and-two record with a 2. 72 ERA. He had a stellar postseason when he only allowed one earned run over 11 innings in three starts against the Tigers and Yankees.
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Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren addressed the media yesterday following the weekend firing of head coach Matt Eberflus over the weekend. Warren told reporters that General Manager Ryan Poles’ position with the team was safe, adding that Poles would lead the search for Chicago’s next head coach. Eberflus was fired last Friday after Chicago’s sixth straight loss. Thomas Brown took over as interim head coach. The Bears visit the 49ers this Sunday.
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The Chicago Sky have their schedule for the 2025 WNBA season. Angel Reese and the Sky will begin the year with a road game against Caitlin Clark and the Fever on May 17th, and they have their home opener against the Liberty on May 22nd. The season will come to an end on September 11th with a home game against New York.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish aim to avoid their fifth loss in a row when they visit Georgia at Stegeman Coliseum tonight. The Irish are coming off an 80-76 loss to Creighton on Saturday. Notre Dame is 4-and-4 this season. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM Central time.
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The Northwestern Wildcats open up Big Ten play with a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena tonight. The Wildcats beat UNLV 66-61 last Friday to improve to 6-and-2 in non-conference play. Tonight’s game starts at 6:00 PM.
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In college basketball action yesterday, Chicago State was crushed by St. Thomas 98-76. Tonight, Loyola hosts Eastern Michigan, Bradley visits Southern Illinois, and Northern Illinois welcomes Benedictine.