The City of Marseilles and Mayor Jim Hollenbeck have settled a discrimination complaint with City Clerk Lesley Hart for $15,000, following allegations of a hostile work environment related to Hollenbeck’s conduct. A FOIA request revealed that the city’s insurer covered $10,000, while Hollenbeck paid $5,000 from his own funds. In return, Hart agreed to drop her claims and sign a confidentiality agreement. An October 2022 investigation warned that Hollenbeck’s behavior could provoke further litigation and recommended that the council consider removal procedures if needed. While Hollenbeck denies wrongdoing and claims confidentiality, Commissioner Mike Scheib condemned the situation as “morally reprehensible,” calling for transparency as tensions rise among city officials concerned about the use of public funds. Hollenbeck argues that the agreement should remain confidential, even though it pertains to an elected official and involves city funds.
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Illinois leaders are reflecting on the life of former President Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States died at the age of 100. In a post on X, Governor Pritzker said Carter “truly exemplified what it meant to live a life full of service.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “President Carter valiantly fought for human rights and peace across the world during his presidency and beyond.” US Senator Dick Durbin said Carter’s “life was an inspiration to those of us who aspire to lead a life of service.”
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Services are set for fallen State Trooper Clay Carns. The trooper was hit and killed on December 23rd by a passing vehicle outside of his squad car while removing debris from a lane on I-55 near Channahon. The driver who hit him was charged in the crash. Visitation will be held Thursday at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois. The funeral service takes place at the same location on Friday.
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Commissioner Marla Pearson has announced that the City of Ottawa will collect Christmas trees again this year beginning Monday, December 30, 2024, through Friday, January 31st, at the Riordan Pool parking lot. Residents are advised to drop off trees at the designated location at the northeast corner of the parking lot.
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Two incidents on Sunday morning highlighted the challenges that seniors face during emergencies. In the first case, an 82-year-old man in the 300 block of South Main Street in Lostant fell and remained on the ground for two days before receiving any assistance. The second incident involved an elderly man in the 2500 block of North 17th Road, about a mile north of Ransom, who fell on Thursday but was only able to call for help on Sunday morning, reporting that he had no injuries. Ottawa Fire Captain Brian Dose pointed out that such occurrences are more common than many people realize. Seniors without “life-line” alert systems may remain incapacitated for extended periods. Often, help is only summoned when neighbors, relatives, or even mail carriers notice something unusual and alert authorities for a welfare check.
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Grand Ridge Park is set for upgrades thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD program. Village President Kay Hines noted that additional fundraising will be needed to meet the program’s 50-50 matching requirement and cover total project costs. Planned improvements include a splash pad, basketball hoop, tennis and pickleball courts, and a walking track, with the splash pad expected to be the most costly. Currently, the park features a playground, a tee ball field, and a shelter with kitchen amenities. Hines emphasized the need to enhance the park’s appeal and accessibility, aiming to transform it into a vibrant community asset.
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Big Lots has reached an agreement to keep hundreds of its stores operational following its bankruptcy filing in September. The company is now collaborating with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to transfer its assets, while Variety Wholesalers plans to acquire between 200 and 400 stores, potentially retaining existing employees. Although the future of the Peru location remains uncertain, this strategic move aims to preserve jobs and maintain the Big Lots brand, pending approval from the Bankruptcy Court. The Peru location parking lot was at capacity over the weekend on both days.
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“Paintings in the Park: God Restores The First Amendment,” directed by George “Skip” Hupp, is a film that explores the history of the Life of Christ paintings displayed in Ottawa’s Washington Square each Christmas since 1956. Initiated by the Ottawa Retail Merchants Association, these 4-foot-7 paintings feature scripture verses celebrating Jesus’s birth and ministry. After a legal battle, the Ottawa Freedom Association has managed its annual installation since 1992, keeping this cherished tradition alive. Search YouTube for “Paintings in the Park: God Restores The First Amendment.”
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Illinois workers making minimum wage will soon see a boost in their paychecks. Beginning January 1st, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase to 15 dollars an hour. Workers making minimum wage will receive a one-dollar increase, while tipped workers will earn nine dollars an hour. Youth workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours annually will have a 13-dollar minimum wage. To help small businesses, the state is offering a tax credit through 2027 for employers with 50 or fewer employees. Illinois joins 10 other states with a $15 minimum wage.
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The Illinois Department of Public Health is advising doctors and other medical professionals on how to proceed if they come in contact with bird flu. Cases of H5N1 or avian influenza have been climbing across the state. IDPH encourages appropriate screening protocols, asking patients with flu-like symptoms whether or not they’ve been in contact with sick or dead waterfowl. On an individual basis, like any normal flu season, doctors recommend consistent handwashing, covering sneezes or coughing, and other typical safety precautions.
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Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at simplifying the name-change process to enhance safety for victims of domestic abuse, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable groups. Sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam, the measure seeks to remove barriers for those feeling threatened by their current identities, with support from organizations like Planned Parenthood and Equality Illinois. While proponents argue it would help many residents, some lawmakers, including Sen. John Curran, have raised concerns regarding the potential for misuse and the need for stricter documentation standards. However, advocates emphasize that name changes require judicial approval and do not erase criminal histories, with current laws already restricting name changes for individuals on certain criminal registries. Villivalam insists that the bill is essential for promoting safety in a climate of increasing discrimination.
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An investigation is underway following the death of an inmate at FCI Thomson prison. The U.S. Department of Justice says Juan Randolfo Parrado was found unresponsive Thursday before he was pronounced dead at the hospital. No staff members or other inmates were injured during the incident. Parrado was serving a 15-year sentence for drug crimes.
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LaSalle County Deputies located a vehicle involved with the leaving the scene of an accident complaint in the area of 2544 E 2350th RD (Fall River TWP) The driver Timothy Morey (51) of Crystal Lake, was cited for improper lane usage, illegal transportation of alcohol and arrested for DUI alcohol, leaving the scene of accident/vehicle damage and carry concealed firearm/under the influence. He was transported to LaSalle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear.
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A hit-and-run incident occurred in the parking lot behind Debo Ace Hardware at the intersection of 5th Street and Peoria Street in Peru, Illinois. Following an investigation, 47-year-old Juan M. Romero Zaragosa of 421 Laughlin Avenue, Granville, IL, was arrested. He was charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license and failing to provide information or notify authorities after striking an unattended vehicle.
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Moran Alyssa G. Scurlock, 23, of Streator, was arrested at 1401 N. Otter Creek in Streator on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of driving with a suspended license. She was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Joseph Watts, a 40-year-old male from 1611 7th Street in Peru, Illinois, was arrested at 3:52 PM. Following an investigation, he was charged with two counts of domestic battery.
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Brandon A. Ramme 38 was arrested at 1810 N. Bloomington in Streator on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was released with a Notice to Appear in LaSalle County.
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Jordenys J. Acosta Del Rio, a 28-year-old male from Mendota, Illinois, was arrested near the intersection of 10th Street and Fulton Street in Peru, Illinois. During a traffic stop for speeding, it was discovered that the vehicle’s registration was revoked. Acosta Del Rio, residing at 700 Meadowview Drive, Apt. 6, was issued citations for speeding and operating a vehicle with a canceled, suspended, or revoked registration.
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WEATHER:
Monday
Areas of dense fog before 3 pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. West wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Monday Night
Rain, mainly after 8 pm. Low around 37. Breezy, with an east wind of 5 to 10 mph becoming north northeast 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Ruth Ann Schott, 73, of Ottawa, passed away on December 19th, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. The funeral service will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home today. Visitation will be prior from 12-1 pm. A private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Emma Lou Cawley (nee- Beyer), 76, of Ottawa, passed away December 27th, at her home; to be with her parents in heaven. There will be no services for Emma Cawley, arrangements are being handled by Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Valerie Long, 60, of Rutland passed away on December 26th, at her home. Graveside services will be at Rutland Cemetery in Rutland. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona has been entrusted with her arrangements.
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Patrick A. Walker, 74, of Ottawa, passed away December 24th, 2024 at Pavilion on Main Street. Visitation will be on January 2nd at Ottawa Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10:00 am on January 3rd. The burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.
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James Larry “Jabo” Farmer, 75, of Marseilles, passed away on December 26th. A celebration of life will be held at Laborers Local 393 Hall in Marseilles on Saturday, January 11th from 1p – 5p. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with his arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
At the 61st Plano Christmas Classic on Saturday.
Kaneland 91, Yorkville Christian 85:the Knights repeated as champions.
La Salle-Peru 51, Ottawa 46:
Northridge Prep 64, Streator 55:
Mendota 43, Sandwich 40:
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Shipyard Showdown Championship game At Seneca
Lexington 52, Seneca 44
Dwight 60, Marquette 52:
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Peoria Heights 50, St. Bede 49: At the Princeville Holiday Tournament
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Girls basketball
Marquette 62, Mendota 41: At the Amboy Christmas Tournament, the Crusaders defeated the Trojans and claimed the tournament title via tiebreaker.
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Boys wrestling
Marquette, Princeton, Seneca rumble at ABE: At the ABE’s Rumble held Friday and Saturday in Springfield, Princeton placed third in the Silver Bracket, Seneca placed fifth in the Silver Bracket and Marquette came in third in the Bronze Bracket.
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PRO SPORTS:
The date and time for the Bears’ regular-season finale against the rival Packers is set. The NFL announced that the two teams will face off next Sunday at Noon at Lambeau Field. The Bears have lost ten straight games heading into the contest. The Packers have already clinched a playoff spot.
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The Chicago Blackhawks gave up the last five goals of the game during a 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars at United Center. The Hawks got on the board in the first period when Connor Bedard netted a power-play goal, but they surrendered five unanswered goals from there. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 26 points and a 12-23-and-2 record. The Blackhawks host the Blues tomorrow at the Winter Classic from Wrigley Field.
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The Chicago Bulls rallied late to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 116-111 at United Center on Saturday. The game was tied at 111 with under a minute left in regulation before Coby White knocked down a jumper. The Bulls got stops and made three of their four free throw attempts the rest of the way to seal the game. Josh Giddey had a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Nikola Vucevic finished with 23 points and 13 boards. The 14-and-18 Bulls visit Charlotte tonight.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-22 Illinois Fighting Illini destroyed Chicago State 117-64 at State Farm Center. The Illini led 60-24 at halftime and still outscored the Cougars by 17 in the second half. Tomislav Ivisic poured in 23 points in the victory, while Kylan Boswell had 18 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists. Illinois is 9-and-3 overall and 1-and-1 in the Big Ten. The Illini are at number nine in Oregon on Thursday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats turned it on in the second half of an 85-60 win over Northeastern at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats led by just two at halftime before rolling over Northeastern 50-27 the rest of the way. Ty Berry had 23 points in the win, while Brooks Barnhizer chipped in with 22. The Wildcats are now 10-and-3, and they remain 1-and-1 in Big Ten play. Northwestern visits Penn State on Thursday.
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In college hoops action on Saturday, DePaul beat Loyola of Maryland 84-65. Yesterday, Bradley took down Valparaiso 81-75, and UIC earned a 73-67 win over Illinois State. Northern Illinois hosts East-West tonight.
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Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg is mourning the passing of a cross-country athlete from Kenya who died in a crash on Christmas night in Rock Island County. Joan Jepngetich was pronounced dead after a vehicle she was riding in on I-80 near Barstow went off the roadway and hit a tree. The incident is under investigation. The Sandburg Foundation is raising funds to support the college’s efforts to return her to her family in her native Kenya.