The Illinois State Police are further investigating a serious incident that took the life of trooper Clay Carns on the southbound lanes of Interstate 55, near West Blodgett Road, which took place around 9:42 p.m. last night. Preliminary reports suggest that ISP trooper Carns was outside of his squad car clearing debris from the roadway when he was struck by another vehicle. As a result, the southbound lanes of Interstate 55 near Channahon were completely closed, with the Illinois State Police and multiple other agencies responding to the scene. The Illinois State Police have the person who caused the accident in custody, and charges have been filed. Coincidently, the death of trooper Clay Carns occurred on the 24th anniversary of ‘Scott’s Law Day‘ in Illinois, which is in memory of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillian who was struck and killed on the interstate on December 23rd, 2000. Each year on December 23rd, Scott’s Law Day is observed throughout the State as a day to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down, change lanes away from a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, and proceed with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.
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An early Christmas gift at the gas pump this week. The average price of a gallon of gas is down seven cents from a week ago, according to the latest from GasBuddy. The average in Ottawa is around $3.10 which is the highest price per gallon in our area. The I-80 corridor from Utica, West through the Illinois Valley prices are at about $2.85 a gallon. That’s down nearly four cents from a month ago and more than 12 cents lower from a year ago.
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A shooting in Morris has led to the arrest of a suspect following the death of 25-year-old James Arellano. Shortly after midnight yesterday, a woman reported the incident in the 600 block of Armstrong Street, where emergency crews discovered Arellano suffering from critical injuries; he later succumbed to his wounds at approximately 3 a.m. Grundy County Coroner John Callahan confirmed his identity and stated that an autopsy is forthcoming. The alleged shooter, identified as 35-year-old Jerrell Blake by the female caller, fled the scene but was apprehended within an hour in the 200 block of East Jefferson Street. Authorities confirmed that Blake, who had previously been in a relationship with the caller, is now facing First Degree Murder charges and is currently held at the Grundy County Jail.
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Advanced Auto Parts at 220 E. Norris Drive in Ottawa has announced its impending closure. In November, the company revealed plans to shut down over 700 of its 5,000 locations as part of a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing overall business performance. Since its opening in 2012, the 6,000-square-foot facility has served the Ottawa community, but now the company is shifting its focus to streamline operations.
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A Servant’s Heart, an Ottawa nonprofit, hosted its annual Christmas dinner on Monday, serving 38 meals, including carry-outs, with a menu of holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pies. The organization, which serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 516 W. Madison St., is seeking donations of nonperishable items, butter, and produce for its micro pantry and meal preparations. Donations can be dropped off at 610 W. Jefferson St. from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at 516 W. Madison St. from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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The Utica Village Board has approved a tax levy of $91,191, which remains just below the 5% cap set by the Truth in Taxation Act, thus avoiding the need for a hearing. This decision resulted in a small reduction in the village tax rate, decreasing it by approximately 2 cents and providing residents with a modest relief. However, increased property assessments may still lead to higher overall tax bills. For instance, if Mayor David Stewart’s home value stays the same, his tax payment would decrease from $110 to $107 on a total bill of $4,246.
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The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet has reopened in time for the holidays after a summer closure due to improper asbestos disposal. A one-million-dollar cleanup restored the 98-year-old theater, including its iconic chandelier and rare pipe organ. Volunteers have adorned the venue with festive decorations, ready to host visitors during its busiest season.
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There’s more talk about changing Illinois’ pensions again. Lawmakers say they need to change the state’s Tier 2 pension system either to make it more attractive or make it compliant with federal laws. Specifically, there are worries that Tier 2 pensions don’t meet the federal requirement to hold people harmless if they don’t qualify for social security. Any changes won’t be cheap. A report from last year said tweaking the Tier 2 system would cost at least five billion dollars. Lawmakers may try and move something in the lame duck session that begins next month.
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A new law going into effect in the new year will hopefully curb catalytic converter thefts in Illinois. The legislation requires recyclable materials dealers to track VIN numbers from anyone looking to turn in the car parts for cash. Sellers would also have to provide documentation that they own the vehicle the catalytic converter came from. The value of the car parts has been increasing making them more appealing to thieves looking to make a quick buck.
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It’s Christmas Eve and it’s almost time to hang up the bells and wrap up another Red Kettle Campaign. That said, the Salvation Army of Champaign County is determined to meet its goal with one final push before the day’s over. At last check, the organization had collected more than 80 percent of its 200-thousand dollar goal. They’re asking last-minute shoppers and Christmas preppers to add a little to the Red Kettle and help them get there today.
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Chicago officials say fireworks are returning to the Riverwalk on New Year’s Eve. The sky show will be seen along the Chicago River along Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. The celebration will include a clock countdown displayed on the side of the Merchandise Mart. The fireworks will be launched from six of the bridges along the river.
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Illinois car buyers may qualify for part of a 20-million-dollar settlement with Leader Automotive Group and AutoCanada. Authorities allege the dealerships used deceptive pricing, unauthorized add-ons, and bait-and-switch tactics. The settlement requires transparent pricing and buyer consent for charges at impacted dealerships statewide.
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Wisconsin-based Ascension with locations in Joliet and Aurora says its computer hack exposed the information for over five-and-a-half million people. The hospital last week said the hack from back in May affected as many as five-point-six million people. Ascension and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, however, say just 500 people have reported that their information has been compromised or used. Ascension was hit by a ransomware attack back in May, and it crippled their network for weeks. A report from last week said cybercriminals stole information about both patients and employees. The report says that information includes social security numbers, birthdays, driver’s license numbers, and home addresses.
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Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois at Chicago are launching programs to provide free tuition for low-income students. Roosevelt’s “Roosevelt Pledge” starts this spring, covering tuition for households earning under 50 thousand dollars. UIC’s “Aspire” program begins next fall, offering free tuition and fees for students from households earning 75 thousand dollars or less. These initiatives aim to expand access to higher education for local students.
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Illinois Congressman Sean Casten, who represents Chicago’s south and west suburbs, pushed for the release of a House Ethics Committee report accusing former Florida lawmaker Matt Gaetz of paying over 90 thousand dollars for sex, including with a 17-year-old, and using illegal drugs. Gaetz, who denies the allegations, withdrew his attorney general bid after backlash. Casten called the findings “disgusting” and raised concerns over Gaetz’s nomination. The bipartisan committee voted to make the report public.
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A 14-year-old teen is hospitalized after he shot himself in the foot. It happened the morning of December 19th, at a home in the 12-hundred block of East Willard Avenue. Decatur Police say the teen mishandled the gun and it accidentally went off. He shot his big toe off but is expected to be OK.
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During a police stop in October Cesar D. Jimenez-Preciado informed the police that he was transporting hemp, but the police reported that it field-tested positive for cannabis. Fortunately, subsequent laboratory results supported his claims, leading to the dismissal of the charges against him. On Monday, the La Salle County State’s Attorney confirmed that the California man is no longer facing legal issues, as the analysis indicated that the substance he was transporting fell below the legal threshold for cannabis. Jimenez-Preciado, 53, of West Covina, was granted pre-trial release and allowed to return to California after his attorney successfully argued that the 2-ton load he carried on October 15 in Peru was hemp, which is legal in Illinois and could produce positive field tests for cannabis.
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Illinois State Police (ISP) agents arrested 46-year-old Shanna L. Miller from Moline, IL. She faces serious charges: Manufacturing Child Pornography and Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, both Class X Felonies. On June 18, 2024, ISP agents carried out a search warrant as part of an investigation into child pornography. Over the following months, they identified Miller as a suspect. On December 21st, they arrested her near the 4000 block of 11th Avenue in Moline, IL. Miller was taken to the Rock Island County Jail. No further information is available.
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Jesus M. Duarte, 47, of 228 Hennepin St., LaSalle, IL, was arrested near the intersection of Cooperative Way and US Route 6 in Peru, IL. He was charged with driving with a revoked license and operating a vehicle without a rear registration plate light following a traffic stop.
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Nicholas T. Riley, 37, of LaSalle, IL, was arrested at the Walmart Supercenter in Peru, IL, for retail theft involving merchandise valued between $50 and $100. He was issued a City of Peru Ordinance Violation Ticket and given a hearing date scheduled for January 8th, at 5:00 PM.
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Liezl B. Bottomley, 40, of 1204 Plain St., Peru, IL, was arrested near the intersection of 6th Street and Plum Street. Following a traffic stop, Bottomley was charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and disobeying a stop sign. She was released with a court date.
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The Mendota Police Department received a call for assistance and was dispatched to the 900 block of Main Street. Following their investigation, officers arrested 26-year-old Mauricio Balderas at the location; he is facing two charges of domestic battery and was later taken to the La Salle County Jail.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Patchy fog before 10 am. Otherwise, it is cloudy, with a high near 37. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low of around 32. East-northeast winds around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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OBITUARIES:
Thomas “Tom” Davidson, age 72, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, December 21st. Visitation for Tom will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 27th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. Following cremation, Tom will be entombed at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Keith Paul Bretag, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on December 20th with his loving family surrounding him. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 27th, at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 28th, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ottawa. Burial will be at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa with Military Rites to follow
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William Matthew Cupples, 61, of Mahomet, passed away on December 18th. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Grant Adam Youngstrum, 44, passed away on Wednesday, December 18th, at his home. Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa from 9:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, December 28th. A funeral service will follow at 11:00. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Ruth Ann Schott, 73, of Ottawa, IL, passed away December 19th, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. The funeral service will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home on December 30th, at 1 pm. Visitation will be prior from 12-1 pm. A private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
The Ottawa Dolphins hosted their second home meet in the new YMCA and finished in first place out of three teams. Congratulations to Connor Aleman, Gretchen Andree, Lillian Clayton, Jonas Hagenbuch, Ben Kuiper, and Landon Taylor for swimming all of their events with personal best times.
Triple Event Winners
Cole Bressendorf, Lillian Clayton, Evelyn Hansen, Brennen Heaver, Jack Johnson, Guinevere Kotecki
Double Event Winners
Evelyn Andree, Caden Brown, Elizabeth Hansen, Lewis Kuiper, Atley Strow
Single Event Winners
Stella Andree, Sawyer Booras, Dane Hawkins, Dax Hawkins, Dawsynn Kettman, Ben Kuiper, Colter O’Brien, Shane O’Brien, Olivia Pierce
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Boys Basketball
Ottawa 50, Sandwich 34 – Pirates play Yorkville Christian on Thursday
Streator 60, Plano 45 – Streator plays Lincoln Way on Thursday
LPHS 57, Mendota 54 – LP takes on #1 Kaneland on Thursday
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls lost control early during a 112-91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. The Bulls were down 33-17 after one quarter and trailed by as many as 25 points in the contest. Nikola Vucevic had 17 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. The Bulls dropped to 13-and-17. Chicago is in Atlanta on Thursday.
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The Chicago Blackhawks gave up a pair of third-period goals during a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The game was tied at two entering the third period before Brock Faber gave Minnesota the lead. The Wild scored an empty-netter before Jason Dickinson got the Blackhawks within a goal with 30 seconds left in regulation. Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno both scored for Chicago. The Blackhawks have dropped their last two games. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 26 points and a 12-21-and-2 record. They visit the Sabres on Friday.
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The Chicago Bears have a quick turn-around as they prepare for their game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. The two teams do battle at Soldier Field on Thursday Night Football. Chicago is on a nine-game losing streak after falling to the Detroit Lions 34-17 on Sunday. The Bears are in last place in the NFC North at 4-and-11. Thursday’s game kicks off at 7:15 PM.
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The Chicago White Sox are bringing a former manager into their front office. The Southsiders hired Phil Nevin as a special assistant yesterday. Nevin will focus on player development as well as amateur scouting for the 2025 MLB Draft. Nevin was the manager for the Los Angeles Angels in 2022 and 2023.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
College Football
Northern Illinois took down Fresno State 28-20 in double overtime in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Huskies secured their sixth bowl win in school history.
College Basketball
Loyola lost to the College of Charleston 77-68.