WCMY News for 1/10/25:

A semi-truck and trailer overturned on I-80 near Ladd Thursday evening, resulting in several cattle escaping and roaming freely along the highway. According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred around 6 PM when the eastbound vehicle rolled near the Ladd exit. Authorities promptly closed I-80 in both directions to manage the situation and ensure public safety, though the duration of the closure remains uncertain. While there are no updates on the driver’s condition, State Police have confirmed the involvement of a second vehicle, although its identity and contribution to the accident are still unreported. Further details will be shared as they become available.

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A new mental health service center is set to open in Ottawa under the direction of the Arukah Institute of Healing. CEO Sarah Scruggs announced plans for the facility, which is expected to open by April 1st and expand its services over the next 12 to 18 months. While the exact location remains undisclosed, the center aims to address critical gaps in mental health support for individuals and families. Separately, La Salle County Board member Beth Findley Smith officially vacated her seat representing the Somonauk area after moving out of the district. Chairman Don Jensen honored her service with a plaque, and the board approved updated committee assignments to cover her responsibilities. The board will meet next on Feb. 13th.

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The Streator Education Association will hold a strike vote on Monday, Jan. 13th, following stalled contract negotiations with the Streator Elementary District. The union claims a Dec. 16th mediation session was derailed when the school board and mediator opted for a virtual meeting due to weather, despite prior agreements for in-person talks. Bargaining has been ongoing since May 16, with limited progress despite federal mediation. The union seeks a 34% salary increase over three years and expanded health coverage for part-time staff, while the district emphasizes financial sustainability and fairness to taxpayers. No additional mediation sessions are scheduled.

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A collaborative effort with the LaSalle Police Department, LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals from both Illinois and Arizona, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services resulted in the arrest of Bernard Fairman, formerly from Illinois, in Casa Grande, Arizona. Fairman is now facing extradition to LaSalle County on charges of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, classified as a Class-X felony. The investigation into Fairman began in May of last year after a juvenile came forward, reporting that they had been sexually assaulted by him several years ago when the victim was under 12 years old. Following this revelation, Fairman left Illinois, prompting the LaSalle Police Department to coordinate with U.S. Marshals, who successfully located and apprehended him. Fairman is scheduled for a pretrial release hearing by the Illinois Safe-T Act.

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In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the LaSalle County Health Department is encouraging women over the age of 21 to prioritize cervical cancer screening. With an estimated 13,820 new diagnoses in the U.S. in 2024 and an average diagnosis age of 50, early detection through Pap smear tests is vital, as it is nearly 100 percent curable when caught early. The department offers the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides funding for Pap tests for women aged 21 to 64 in LaSalle and Grundy Counties who have no insurance or high deductibles. For more information on cervical cancer, Pap tests, the IBCCP program, or vaccinations, please contact the Health Department at 815- 433-3366.

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LaSalle County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has kicked off its preservice training, mobilizing local volunteers to voice the needs of children in foster care. With 200 children currently in the system, the demand for CASA advocates is critical. These trained volunteers provide essential support and advocacy, helping to navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. “Being an advocate has given me greater awareness of the system and immense personal joy,” said active volunteer Angela Accomando. To address the growing number of children requiring assistance, LaSalle County CASA is expanding its program and is actively recruiting new volunteers to ensure that every child has a dedicated champion fighting for their right to a safe and loving home. For more information or to get involved, visit https://lasallecountycasa.org/.

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A pair of Kohl’s stores are closing in the Chicago area. Stores in Plainfield and West Dundee are set to close. The department store retail chain announced it’s shutting down nearly 30 locations around the country because they are underperforming. The store will be closed by April. Contrary to the misinformation recently provided by Big Lots corporate about their Peru location being spared from closing during their downsizing. Kohl’s location in Peru is not at risk.

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State Farm is under fire after being accused of canceling thousands of fire insurance policies in California right before the wildfires. The Bloomington-based insurance company announced last March that it would discontinue coverage of 72-thousand home and apartment policies in California. Inflation, regulatory costs, and increasing risk of catastrophes were cited for the decision. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as multiple wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles County.

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The Illinois Department of Public Health is adding four conditions to the list of medical issues that may be treated with medical cannabis. The four newly approved conditions are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and female orgasmic disorder. Providers are now able to begin certifying patients with those conditions for treatment with medical cannabis. The new conditions bring the total to 56.    

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The head of Planned Parenthood of Illinois is stepping down. President and CEO Jennifer Welch is resigning after serving in the leadership for seven years. The organization didn’t specify when her resignation would take effect or why she was stepping down. Chief Financial Officer Tonya Tucker will serve as interim CEO.  

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A Lake County judge is restoring some phone privileges to the Highland Park July 4th parade shooting suspect. Robert Crimo the third is being allowed to call his parents from the Lake County jail. Crimo has had his communication privileges revoked several times while in custody. He is accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens at the suburban Independence Day parade in 2022. His trial is scheduled to begin next month.

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A man is accused of punching a Peoria Police officer. Police say officers were called out Monday to the 33-hundred block of North Sterling, where they located Nicholas Boyd. The man began yelling obscenities at them. Boyd then punched an officer and immediately ran off. The officer suffered minor injuries and Boyd was apprehended after a brief foot chase. He was arrested for Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Police, and an Active Warrant.

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The new express lanes on the Kennedy Expressway could reopen very soon. IDOT announced the express lanes and reversibles are expected to reopen next Monday. The Kennedy Expressway reversible lanes were closed last March for construction.  The new lanes will feature a reversible gate system.

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A woman convicted in a high-profile murder in central Illinois in 1996 is dead. Jeannette Slover died while in custody at the age of 77. Slover, her husband Michael Slover, Senior., and her son Michael Slover, Junior were found guilty in 2002 of murdering Michael Junior’s ex-wife, Karyn Hearn Slover. The 23-year-old mother of one went missing after leaving her job at the Decatur Herald and Review. Her dismembered body was found two days later in plastic bags at Lake Shelbyville. Michael Senior died in prison in 2022 and Michael Junior was paroled in the spring of 2024.

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A man is charged in the death of a woman in DeKalb. Police say officers were called out Tuesday morning to the 800 block of West Hillcrest Drive on a report of an unconscious female. Devonne Montgomery let the officers into the apartment, where they found Jasmine Dejournette lying on the floor unconscious and not breathing, and suffering from “significant facial injuries.” She died from her injuries and Montgomery was arrested on multiple charges, including murder.

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61-year-old Bin Zhang Farkas of Mendota was arrested at the Walmart Supercenter located at 5307 IL Route 251 in Peru, Illinois. Farkas has been charged with retail theft in connection with the incident.

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Franlery V. Quintero Mendoza, 28, of Peru, was arrested at the intersection of Shooting Park Road and Mall Road in Peru. Quintero Mendoza faces charges of driving without a valid driver’s license, disobeying a traffic control device, and operating a vehicle with only one functioning taillight.

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Rebecca Moreno, a 27-year-old female from LaSalle, was arrested at the Walmart Supercenter, located at 5307 IL Route 251 in Peru. She faces charges for retail theft involving merchandise valued between $20.00 and $49.99.

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John P. Bruen, 18, of Peru, was arrested at Pour Judgement, located at 1803 4th Street in Peru. Following a reported disturbance, Bruen was charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.

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A 37-year-old Spring Valley man, Billy J. Stoner, was arrested at Illinois Valley PADS, a homeless shelter located at 1320 Menards Drive in Peru, Illinois, at 2:47 p.m. Stoner was taken into custody on a Bureau County warrant for undisclosed charges.

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WEATHER:

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OBITUARIES:

Sheila L. Skartveit, 81, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on January 6th. Services will be held at a later date.

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Ann (Maierhofer) Bowers, 85, of Ottawa, passed away on January 7th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

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Daniel Owen Jones, 83, of Tonica, passed away on January 3rd. A private memorial service will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home.

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James F. Wilcox Jr., 86, of Utica, passed away Tuesday, December 31st, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. A service with military honors will take place at the graveside in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

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Donald L. Billings, 92, of Wedron, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5th, at OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota. A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, January 10th, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Military Honors will be rendered by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 at 3:00 pm at the funeral home.

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Lorraine (Sellers) Angell, 82, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, January 4th, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

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Philip Martin Wasilewski, 77, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 9th, at his home with his loving family by his side. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am on Tuesday, at St. Patrick’s Church. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

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LOCAL SPORTS:

Shepherd Boys Basketball

7th grade lost to Coal City 28-16. Leading Shepherd: Briley Reynolds with 7 points, Judah Morris with 4 points, Nick Martinez with 3 points and Colin Heimer with 2 points. 7th grade is now 3-17. 

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8th grade lost to Coal City 38-32. Leading the way for Shepherd: Luca Fernandez with 15 points, Joseph Donahue with 5 points, and Bryce Ceja added 4 points. 8th grade is now 11-9. 

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Marquette 57, Henry-Senachwine 27:

Seneca 40, Putnam County 31:

Kewanee 53, Mendota 28:

Indian Creek 59, Earlville 34: 

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BOYS BOWLING

Ottawa 3,305, Kaneland 3,035, Dekalb 2,769: 

La Salle-Peru 3,495, Mendota 3,204:

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GIRLS BOWLING

La Salle-Peru 3,383, Mendota 2,288: 

Streator 2,639, Rochelle 2,334:

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PRO SPORTS:

The Chicago Bulls look to get back in the win column when they host the Washington Wizards at United Center tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 129-113 road loss against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 17-and-20. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.

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The Chicago Blackhawks will try to get a winning streak going when they visit the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena tonight. The Blackhawks just beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 at home on Wednesday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 30 points and a 14-25-and-2 record.  Tonight’s game starts at 6:00 PM.

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The Chicago Bears conducted a pair of head coaching interviews yesterday. The team announced that it interviewed Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. The Bears are looking to replace Matt Eberflus after he was fired following Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions in November.

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The Cubs and newly acquired Kyle Tucker appear to be headed for arbitration. Both sides failed to come to an agreement on a salary for 2025. Cubs filed at 15 million dollars, while Tucker’s representatives filed at 17 point five million dollars. Chicago traded for Tucker last month from the Houston Astros following his third straight All-Star appearance.

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The Chicago Cubs brought in some bullpen help yesterday. The team traded for Rangers right-hander Matt Festa yesterday. The Northsiders sent cash considerations back to Texas to complete the deal. Festa played for the Mets and Rangers last season. He went 6-and-1 with a 5.70 ERA in 19 appearances.

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COLLEGE SPORTS:

FOOTBALL

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Notre Dame defeated Penn State 27-24 in the CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Mitch Jeter knocked in a 41-yard game-winning field goal with 12 seconds left in regulation after Christian Gray picked off a pass to get Notre Dame in field goal range. Riley Leonard completed 15-of-23 pass attempts for 223 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also rushed for 35 yards and a score. Jeremiyah Love also rushed for a TD, while Jaden Greathouse had seven catches for 105 yards and a score. The Irish will be looking to claim their 12th national title in school history and first since 1988 when they face the winner of today’s Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas on January 20th.  

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BASKETBALL

The number-15 Illinois Fighting Illini go for their sixth win in a row when they host USC at State Farm Center tomorrow. The Illini crushed Penn State at home 91-52 on Wednesday. Illinois is 12-and-3 overall and 4-and-1 in Big Ten play. Tomorrow’s game gets underway at 11:00 AM.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to knock off one of the top teams in the nation when they visit number-four Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium tomorrow. The Irish are on a three-game losing streak following a 66-65 loss to NC State on Wednesday. Notre Dame is 7-and-8 overall and 1-and-3 in ACC games. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 11:00 AM Central time.

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The Northwestern Wildcats aim to avoid their third loss in a row when they host number-14 Michigan State at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Sunday. The Wildcats lost to number-19 Purdue 79-61 last Sunday. Northwestern is 10-and-5 overall and 1-and-3 in the Big Ten to start the season. Sunday’s contest begins at 11:00 AM.

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In other college hoops action tomorrow, DePaul hosts Xavier, Loyola visits Saint Joseph’s, UIC welcomes Bradley, Illinois State is at home against Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois is on the road against Ohio, and Valparaiso is at Murray State. On Sunday, Chicago State has a home game against Stonehill College.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

IVCC 83, Olive Harvey 63:

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Highland 87, IVCC 33: