The Streator Education Association moved closer to a strike Monday, voting overwhelmingly to initiate a 45-day countdown once the paperwork is filed, during a closed meeting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Stacy Walton, Uniserv director, said the decision stems from stalled contract talks with Streator Elementary School District 44, which began in May and included four mediated sessions. The union, seeking a 34% salary increase over three years and expanded health benefits for part-time staff, accuses the board of bad-faith bargaining after a Dec. 16 mediation session pivoted to virtual due to weather. Superintendent Kelli Virgil said the board remains committed to negotiations, emphasizing the district’s full coverage of employee health premiums. “We do not take this vote lightly,” Walton said, citing frustration with the administration’s criticism of raises despite granting themselves increases.
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A minor fire on Monday morning resulted in minimal damage to a storage building in Streator. Bryan Park, Streator Fire Department Information Officer, reported that the incident was spotted by a passerby who noticed smoke emanating from the eaves of the structure located at 609 Hickory. Promptly alerted, firefighters arrived before 8 AM and swiftly extinguished the blaze inside the 60 X 40 building within five minutes of their arrival. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and investigators attributed the cause to a pinched electrical cord.
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State police conducted alcohol countermeasure enforcement patrols in December across La Salle and Rock Island counties, resulting in 44 citations, including one DUI arrest, and 21 warnings, Troop 2 Commander Capt. Jason Dickey announced Sunday. The patrols targeted impaired driving and the unlawful transportation or consumption of alcohol and drugs.
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Prosecutors are taking their turn to question Michael Madigan in his racketeering trial. As Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu cross-examined the former Illinois House Speaker yesterday, he played a recording in which Madigan is heard laughing as he told co-defendant Michael McClain that some of his political hires “have made out like bandits.” Madigan testified last week that he didn’t know if several of his political allies had received monthly checks from ComEd for doing little to no work. Yesterday’s cross-examination lasted about three hours. Madigan is expected to conclude his testimony today.
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The office of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents. The goal is to launch the new IDs by the end of the year. This will enable residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch.
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State lawmakers are planning to introduce a bill this week that would decriminalize sex work in Illinois. The measure would remove criminal penalties for adults engaging in consensual sex work, remove arrest and conviction records for sex workers, and establish a sex workers’ bill of rights. Advocates believe these policy changes would offer sex workers the ability to better vet clients and meet with them in safer places. If approved, Illinois would become the first state to fully decriminalize sex work.
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The last day of Open Enrollment for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is tomorrow. Coverage for individuals who enroll by tomorrow’s deadline will begin on February 1st. Illinoisans can still enroll in coverage after Open Enrollment ends if they have a qualifying life event, including losing job-based coverage, getting married, and having a child. Financial assistance is available for qualified consumers who buy their health coverage at GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
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The former Sangamon County deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey will continue to remain behind bars. Sean Grayson appeared in court yesterday for a short hearing. Grayson is charged with murder in the deadly shooting of Massey last July in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled last month that Grayson will stay in custody until it decides if it will take up the case.
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The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has debunked a false social media post circulating in a local garage sale group that claims a random home invasion and murder occurred in the area. Officials confirmed the incident actually happened in Texas in 2021, and the perpetrators were arrested and convicted. Assuring residents there is no active threat, the sheriff’s office urged the public to verify information through official channels to avoid spreading fear and confusion.
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A Calumet City man is back in custody after his pre-trial release was revoked. Desmond Rowan, accused of three counts of felony aggravated battery stemming from a January 9 incident at the Arukah Institute in Ottawa, appeared before Judge H. Chris Ryan on Friday. The La Salle County State’s Attorney’s office filed a petition to revoke Rowan’s release, granted for unrelated prior charges. The judge approved the request, and Rowan is now held in the La Salle County Jail, with his next court appearance set for January 31.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to a disturbance located at 1433 E Broadway St (Bruce TWP) Eric Smith (52) of Streator was arrested for Domestic Battery. Eric was transported to LaSalle County Jail and held until his court appearance on 01-13-25.
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LaSalle County Deputies Responded to a disturbance located at 674 LaSalle Dr (Northville TWP) Nancy Smith (60) of Somonauk was arrested for domestic battery. Nancy was transported to LaSalle County Jail and held until her court appearance on 01-13-25.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of US Rt-6 & E 22nd RD (Rutland TWP) Nicoli Cox (19) of Ottawa was cited for speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.
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Juan A. Ramirez, 58, of Peru, was arrested Monday morning, January 13, 2025, at 11:24 a.m., on charges of driving with a suspended or revoked license. Authorities confirmed the charge following the traffic stop.
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Mario M. Rucker, of Mendota, was arrested early Sunday morning following an investigation by Peru Police into a stolen vehicle. Officers charged Rucker with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and driving on a suspended or revoked license. He was taken into custody at 3:58 a.m. and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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Jorge L. Garache-Ojeda, 27, of Peru, was arrested early Monday morning at 2:25 a.m. and charged with domestic battery following an investigation. He was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Earnest U. Graves, 29, of Peru, was arrested at 10:07 p.m. at his residence in the rear apartment of 620 1/2 8th Street. Graves faces charges of domestic battery following the incident.
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Phillip P. Castelli, 41, of Oglesby, was arrested Friday, at 2:24 p.m. during an investigative stop. Authorities charged Castelli with driving on a suspended or revoked license.
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A 19-year-old homeless man, Christian T. Krzyzaniak, was arrested Friday night at 11:22 p.m. after police responded to a report of damage at Illinois Valley Super Bowl on Mahoney Drive in Peru. Authorities charged Krzyzaniak with criminal damage to property and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. He was reportedly staying at the PADS shelter in Peru at the time of the incident.
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WEATHER:
Special Weather Statement
Plan for extra travel time this morning, travel at slow speeds, and leave extra distance between you and the car in front of you. In addition, wear multiple layers from head to toe when going outdoors.
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Tuesday
A 40 percent chance of snow before 7 am. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -8. North northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -6. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Juanita Marie (Ruiz) Muffler, passed away peacefully on January 10th, in Ottawa, surrounded by her loving family after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A Celebration of Life will be held on a future date in the Spring, as yet to be determined. Arrangements have been entrusted to 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 Today, 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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Maria Rose (Juchniewiez) Durdan, 72, of Ottawa, passed away on October 20th, at her home after battling Type 1 Diabetes for almost 63 years. A visitation will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home on January 18th, from 12 PM – 1 PM. The Celebration of Life will follow at 1 PM.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Marquette 56, St. Bede 45: At Bader Gym, the Crusaders’ Kaitlyn Davis exploded for 31 points to go along with four assists and five steals in the Tri-County Conference triumph over the Bruins on Monday.
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Join us for a great week of Girls Varsity basketball coverage!
Tonight- Ottawa vs Rochelle – Girls – 7 pm – PBP – Hunter O’Dell
1/16 – Marquette @ Seneca – Girls – 7 pm – PBP – Andrew Evola
1/18 – Ottawa vs Morris – Girls – 2:30 pm – PBP – Andrew Evola
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Girls basketball
Wilmington 50, Streator 32: At Pops Dale Gym
Serena 60, IMSA 9: At Aurora
Earlville 48, Newark 36: At Earlville
Genoa-Kingston 50, Mendota 23:
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Boys bowling
Ottawa places 4th at the I-8 tournament: At T-Byrd Lanes in Rochelle, the Pirates finish fourth at the Interstate 8 Conference Tournament.
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Girls bowling
Ottawa places fourth at Sycamore: the Pirates finish fourth at the Matt Clark Invitational on Saturday.
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Middle School
7th grade lost to Streator Northlawn in the first round of the Starved Rock Conference Tournament 34-23. Leading the way for Shepherd: Judah Morris with 8 points, Jackson Mayszak with 7 points, and Briley Reynolds with 6 points. 7th grade is now 3-18.
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8th grade defeated LaSalle Lincoln 56-18 in the first round of the Starved Rock Conference Tournament. Leading the way for Shepherd: Mason Mucci with 11 points, Keandre Miller with 10 points, Bryce Ceja and Luca Fernandez with 8 points, Marquise Davis and Joseph Donahue with 6 points. 8th grade is now 12-9. They will play Streator Northlawn tonight at Shepherd in the semifinals of the Starved Rock Conference Tournament.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Bears are continuing their head coaching search. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the team is interested in interviewing current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman for the same role. He said the Bears have done “extensive” research on Freeman for months. Notre Dame battles Ohio State in the National Championship game next Monday in Atlanta.
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The Blackhawks are still on a losing streak after falling to the Flames 5-2 from United Center. Louis Crevier netted an early goal while Connor Bedard scored his 12th goal of the season in the second period. Petr Mrazek made 31-of-36 saves as Chicago has lost three straight and dropped to 14-28-and-2 with 30 points. The Blackhawks visit the Predators on Thursday night.
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The Bulls hit the hardwood again tonight. The team tips off against the Pelicans from United Center. Chicago is coming off a close loss to the Kings where Zach LaVine scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Nikola Vucevic sunk 18 points and grabbed seven boards as the Bulls lost three and dropped to 18-and-21.
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The Cubs are bringing back a pitcher. Chicago has signed starter Colin Rea to a one-year deal with a club option. The 34-year-old right-hander went 12-6 with a 4-point-29 E-R-A with the Brewers last season. Rea last pitched for the Cubs during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, going 1-and-1 with a 5-point-70 E-R-A.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
Notre Dame basketball blew out Boston College 78-60 from Purcell Pavilion. Tae Davis led all scorers with 26 points while Markus Burton chipped in with 20 points. The Fighting Irish snapped a four-game losing streak and improved to 2-and-4 in the conference with an 8-and-9 overall record. Notre Dame visits Syracuse on Saturday afternoon.
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Illinois basketball returns to the hardwood tonight. The team tips off against Indiana from Bloomington. The Number-20 Illini are coming off a tough loss to USC where Ben Humrichous led the team with 15 points. Illinois had a five-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 4-and-2 in Big Ten play to go with a 12-and-4 overall record.
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Northwestern basketball is off until later in the week. The team squares off against Maryland from Welsh-Ryan Arena on Thursday night. The Wildcats are coming off a big loss to Number-12 Michigan State where Nick Martinelli led the team with 27 points. Northwestern is 1-and-4 in Big Ten play and has a 10-and-6 overall record on the season.
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The college basketball season continues for several other schools tonight. DePaul hosts Number-7 Marquette, Valparaiso visits Belmont and Northern Illinois hosts Miami-Ohio. Three others are back in action tomorrow night. Bradley hosts Indiana State, Loyola plays host to Rhode Island and Illinois State visits Drake. Chicago State hosts Le Moyne on Saturday afternoon.