OSF Healthcare has released a statement to the public that all employees, patients, and visitors at OSF hospital locations will be required to wear masks, as announced on the hospital’s Facebook page on Monday. This mandate has been implemented in response to the rise of respiratory illnesses in the community, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Additionally, OSF will permit two visitors, aged 18 and older, for each patient during this time. OSF operates hospitals and emergency rooms in Ottawa, Streator, Mendota, Peru, and Princeton.
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Fallen State Trooper Clay Carns will be remembered today. 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 at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park. The funeral service takes place tomorrow at the same location.
Additionally, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a notice to lower flags to honor Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns. Flags will still stay at half-staff for almost a month to honor the life of former President Jimmy Carter. He died earlier this week at the age of 100.
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Streator police have identified a 39-year-old homeless man as the suspect in a December 18th bar burglary after reviewing security footage, but felony charges are pending until the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s office can review relevant reports and video evidence.
In an unrelated incident, the Streator police department shared a social media post featuring a spray-painted message reading “Kill Cops” on a downtown business dumpster. While acknowledging that not everyone supports law enforcement, the department expressed deep concern and disbelief over the hateful vandalism. Streator Police are currently working with some leads on the accused vandals.
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The minimum wage in Illinois is going up today. Workers will see an increase of one dollar per hour from 14 dollars to 15 dollars. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to nine dollars per hour. This is the final increase in the state’s minimum wage that was included in legislation signed by Governor Pritzker in 2019, which resulted in a 15-dollars per hour minimum wage in 2025.
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The Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Hall of Fame, established in 2006 by the OTHS District 140 Educational Foundation, honors the exceptional achievements of students, alumni, and contributors. In 2025, three individuals and two teams will be inducted on January 31 in Kingman Gym, followed by a banquet on February 1. This year’s honorees include John “Jack” Catlin (Class of 1965), a leader in accessible architecture and disability advocacy; Gerry Couch (Class of 1970), a record-setting cross-country and track star turned golf mentor; Sharon Eschbach Coleman (Class of 1975), a noted real estate developer and philanthropist; the 1982-83 Varsity Boys Basketball Team, recognized for their historic season; and the 1998 Varsity Boys Baseball Team, celebrated for their remarkable performance.
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Illinois’ unemployment rate remained unchanged from October to November at 5.3 percent, according to the latest figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In comparison, the national unemployment rate for November increased slightly to 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent in October. Job gains were noted in several industry sectors, including leisure and hospitality, other services, and private education and health services. However, sectors that experienced job losses included construction, professional and business services, manufacturing, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Approximately 346,400 people in Illinois were seeking work but were unable to find employment.
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Illinois is expanding reproductive rights. A new law that takes effect today bans discrimination on the basis of reproductive health decisions in employment, housing, financial credit, and public accommodations. The law clarifies and extends existing protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act, ensuring Illinoisans have the right to engage in reproductive health decision-making without facing discrimination.
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The former Sangamon County deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey is receiving a new court date. The State Journal-Register reports Sean Grayson’s January 2nd court date has been moved to January 13th. Grayson is charged with murder in the July deadly shooting of Massey in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that Grayson would remain behind bars until it decided if it would take up the case.
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Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Welch is selecting a familiar name to become his new chief of staff. He chose Clayton Harris the Third, who narrowly lost to Eileen O’Neill Burke last spring in the Democratic primary for Cook County State’s attorney. Welch also announced that Isabel Dobbell will join his office later this month as deputy chief of staff. She is currently the political director at the Chicago Federation of Labor.
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U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois is stepping down. Harris announced that he has submitted his resignation to President Biden, which will go into effect today. He plans to retire on the same day. Harris is the first Black person to serve as U.S. Attorney in the District, a position he has held since December 2021.
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Attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan want the jury to see new evidence connected to a high-profile prosecution witness. The lawyers want to show the court that former Alderman Danny Solis allegedly cheated on his taxes while cooperating with the feds. They also want to call Solis’ accountant and an IRS employee to testify about Solis’ tax returns. The defense team believes that tax returns failed to claim hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments that Solis received from his sister. The trial is expected to head to closing arguments as soon as next week.
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A Decatur woman is accused of trying to cast two ballots in the General Election last month. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office says Brenda Wilcott entered the Macon County voting center on November 5th and requested a ballot to vote. The 70-year-old signed for the ballot but didn’t actually select any candidates before turning it back in. She claimed she had voted the week prior but wanted to “test the system” by attempting to vote twice. Wilcott was arrested last Friday and charged with voting more than once.
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Open Table United Church of Christ in Ottawa hosted its third annual Christmas Day Community Meal this past month. Sixty-three guests enjoyed a hearty brunch that included ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, homemade applesauce, fresh fruit salad, homemade bread rolls, and a variety of homemade Christmas cookies. Additionally, multiple take-out meals were provided for neighbors or for guests to enjoy later in the day. In total, 107 meals were served to guests, volunteers, and in take-out form. Open Table extends its gratitude to community members who responded to the request for cookies, helping to create a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere on Christmas Day for everyone.
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Three individuals have been indicted in La Salle County following separate incidents. Markita Jones, 35, of Aledo, and Shalay Perry, 29, of Moline, face charges of unlawfully contributing to the criminal delinquency of a juvenile, with Jones also indicted on two counts of retail theft and Perry on one count. These charges stem from their November arrests at a Walmart in Ottawa. Meanwhile, Samantha Ortega, 32, of Ottawa, has been indicted for aggravated battery to a police officer after being arrested at a residence in the city. All three suspects are currently out of jail on pretrial release.
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Twenty-two-year-old Cole Wozniak was indicted on Monday in La Salle County Circuit Court for financial institution fraud and forgery. Last month, he allegedly attempted to defraud La Salle State Bank of over $17,000 by opening an account using a check from a closed account that was in his name at Financial Plus Credit Union. The indictment claims that Wozniak forged an email to verify that the funds were available.
Wozniak is currently out of custody and is scheduled to appear in court today.
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Oglesby police responded to a reported disturbance at the Shell station on North Lewis Avenue. During their investigation, officers discovered that 63-year-old Richard Sievert from Peru had struck a 60-year-old woman. When police attempted to take Sievert into custody, he resisted arrest and pulled away from them. He was eventually apprehended and transported to the La Salle County Jail. The woman who was allegedly attacked declined medical treatment. Sievert is facing charges of aggravated battery, robbery, resisting or obstructing an officer, and disorderly conduct.
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Thirty-six-year-old Jesse Garrett was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a weapon and driving with a suspended license. Upon completing his prison sentence, he will be subject to one year of mandatory supervised probation.
Garrett was initially arrested in April during a traffic stop in Mendota, where the charges for gun possession and suspended license were brought against him. His criminal history in La Salle County includes a conviction for aggravated battery.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of LaSalle ST & Main ST. (Ottawa TWP) Jessica Tevis (38) of Ottawa was cited for driving without headlights when required, illegal transportation of alcohol, and arrested for DUI alcohol. She was transported to LASCO jail and later released with an NTA.
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Lorena M. Sanchez Iniestra, a 35-year-old female of Spring Valley, was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of US Route 6 and IL Route 251 in Peru, IL. She was cited for driving without a valid driver’s license and for failure to reduce speed. Lorena was released on a notice to appear in La Salle County court on January 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
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Brendan T. Reiss, a 22-year-old male from Seaford, NY, was arrested on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 1:02 AM for domestic battery and aggravated assault at 908 14th St, Peru, IL. Following his arrest, he was transported to the LaSalle County Jail, where he was officially booked and released with two non-traffic citations and his personal belongings.
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As part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which targets impaired driving, seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving, and other hazardous behaviors across Illinois, LaSalle County Deputies issued multiple citations during recent traffic stops during the New Year’s holiday. Wayne Sansone, 70, of Cape Coral, FL, was cited for improper use of an electronic communication device near Route 23 and East Glover Street in Ottawa Township. Mark Powell, 52, of Streator, received a citation for failing to wear a seat belt near Park Street and Larue Street in Bruce Township. Adrian Murphy, 27, of Streator, and Hueston Wilson, 19, of Ottawa, were both cited for seat belt violations near Route 23 and West Madison Street and Route 6 and Route 23, respectively, in Ottawa Township. Todd Stachowiak, 52, of Utica, was cited for speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph zone near Route 6 and East 10th Road in Utica Township. Donald Peck, 85, of Ottawa, was also cited for a seat belt violation near Route 23 and Route 6 in Ottawa Township.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Snow, mainly after 3 pm. High near 34. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. A new snow accumulation of around an inch is possible.
Thursday Night
Snow is likely, mainly before 9 pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.
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OBITUARIES:
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. A private graveside service will be at Rutland Cemetery in Rutland. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona has been entrusted with her arrangements.
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Christopher Decker, 36, of Marseilles, passed away on December 28th. A visitation will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home today from 9 to 10 am., and the funeral service will follow at 10 am. The Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.
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Patrick A. Walker, 74, of Ottawa, passed away December 24th, at Pavilion on Main Street. Visitation will be on today 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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Kenneth Brockman Age 94 of Morris, died Monday, December 30th, at Arcadia Care of Morris. The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of IL Route 47) in Morris on Friday, January 3rd, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, January 4th, at Reeves Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
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Walter E. Breipohl, 71, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 3rd, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at 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 LaSalle has been entrusted with his arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Join us on Friday night, as the Ottawa Lady Pirates welcome the Washington Panthers to Kingman Gym for a 6:30 pm tip-off.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams against the Packers in the regular season finale Sunday in Green Bay. If the rookie quarterback starts, he will become the first Bears quarterback to start every regular-season game since Jay Cutler in 2009. Williams has already broken team rookie passing records for completions, yards, and touchdowns. The Chicago Bears were missing some key players during yesterday’s practice. Wide receiver Rome Odunze and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins were among five players who missed practice with injuries yesterday. Defensive back Tarvarius Moore was a full participant during the session despite a knee injury. The Bears visit the Packers to end the season on Sunday.
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The White Sox are adding a South Paw to their pitching staff. The club has acquired lefty Tyler Gilbert from the Phillies in exchange for Minor League right-hander Aaron Combs. The 31-year-old spent most of the last season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, finishing at 4-and-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Gilbert also pitched in six games with the Phillies, allowing three runs in just over eight innings.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the Montreal Canadiens at United Center tomorrow night. The Hawks are on a five-game losing streak after falling to St. Louis 6-2 in the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 26 points and a 12-24-and-2 record. Tomorrow’s game begins at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls fell apart in the second half during a 125-107 loss to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. After a tight first half, the Bulls trailed by as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter. Zach LaVine poured in 32 points in the losing effort, while Coby White added 17. The Bulls dropped to 15-and-19. Chicago hosts New York on Saturday.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff game against Georgia in New Orleans was postponed yesterday. Officials moved the game after at least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured when a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street early yesterday morning. The game will begin today at 3:00 PM Central time.
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The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini go for their third win in a row when they visit the number-nine Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena tonight. The Illini are coming off a 117-64 rout over Chicago State on Sunday. Illinois is 9-and-3 overall and 1-and-1 in Big Ten play this season tonight’s game tips off at 9:00 PM.
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The Northwestern Wildcats will try to win their fifth game in a row when they visit Penn State at Bryce Jordan Center tonight. The Wildcats just beat Northeastern 85-60. Northwestern is 10-and-3 overall and 1-and-1 in conference games this year. Tonight’s game starts at 6:00 PM.
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In college hoops action yesterday, DePaul fell to number-13 UConn 81-68, Bradley edged Indiana State 90-89, UIC took down Drake 74-70, and Valparaiso beat Missouri State 73-72. Tonight, Illinois State is at Murray State.