Corn Belt Energy Corporation reported that a major power outage affected rural areas near Troy Grove and Mendota, initially beginning as brownouts shortly after 6 p.m. yesterday. Crews actively addressed the issue locally throughout the night. Corn Belt Energy said the outage affected LaSalle, Bureau McLean, and Ford Counties, with over 2,500 homes without power during the subzero temperatures. No cause for the state-wide outage has been released yet.
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The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs reported Monday that five additional residents and three employees at the La Salle Veterans’ Home have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. While visitors are still welcome, officials are urging caution due to the ongoing outbreak. This facility previously experienced a devastating COVID-19 outbreak in late 2020, which claimed the lives of over 30 veterans.
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Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa announced updates on the proposed OSF Ottawa Hospital, highlighting ongoing discussions between OSF and city officials about the regional care model. In September, OSF requested a six-month deferral on its certificate of need application from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to allow more time for collaboration. Citizens for Healthcare members have actively participated in talks over the past four months, with an official announcement from OSF Healthcare expected this week. The next Ottawa City Council meeting is set for Tuesday, January 21st.
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The State of Illinois has approved the creation of a Rivers Edge Recovery Zone in Ottawa, offering property owners significant incentives to revitalize historic buildings. The zone provides enhanced benefits beyond those of a typical enterprise zone, including a 25% state historic tax credit that can be combined with a 20% federal historic tax credit. A public meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 31, at 6 p.m. in City Hall chambers, where owners of historic properties—especially those in the downtown commercial historic district—can learn about available incentives. For more details, contact City Hall at 433-0161, extension 220.
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A traffic stop at Lundy and South Illinois streets in Streator led La Salle County deputies to arrest 33-year-old Brittany Angelico of Spring Valley. Angelico, a passenger in the vehicle, faces charges including possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, obstructing identification, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies also discovered she had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on a heroin possession charge. Angelico was transported to the La Salle County Jail.
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Firefighters responded to a blaze that broke out in an attached garage on East 739th Road in Triumph late Tuesday morning. The Mendota and Troy Grove Fire Departments were dispatched shortly after 10 a.m. to the west side of the village, where the garage, connected to a home, was engulfed in flames. Within minutes, the La Salle Fire Department was called in to assist with mutual aid as crews worked to contain the fire and prevent further damage.
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Illinois Valley Community College campuses in Oglesby and Ottawa will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes and operations will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21st.
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The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has launched the voting portal for selecting a new state flag, with votes open through February 14. Voters can choose from 10 new designs or select from the current flag, the 1918 Centennial flag, or the 1968 Sesquicentennial flag. Participants can vote once every 24 hours, either for the same or a different design. While the vote is non-binding, it will help guide the Illinois Flag Commission’s report, due to the General Assembly by April 1st. Based on the commission’s recommendation, the Assembly will decide whether to adopt a new flag or retain the current one. For more information and to vote, visit this news story on the WCMY website for the link – www.ilsos.gov/stateflag.
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Downtown Mendota is set to become a hub of artistic expression, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The funding, part of the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects program, will bring two vibrant murals and a poetry sidewalk project to life, enhancing the area’s visual and cultural appeal. The initiative stems from a community survey conducted by Reimagine Mendota, which highlighted a strong desire for more art and color in the downtown area. In response, the Mendota Arts Commission was formed to spearhead the effort and secure funding. With the grant secured, the commission is expected to be officially appointed in the coming weeks, paving the way for these creative transformations.
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The City of Rockford is being called the “Hottest Housing Market” in the US. Rockford ranked number-one on Realtor.com’s Hottest Housing Markets list last month. The website says homes in Rockford are moving quickly, typically spending just 43 days on the market compared with the national median of 70. Listings in Rockford attracted nearly three times as many viewers on Realtor-dot-com last month than the national average.
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Michael Madigan is finished testifying in his racketeering trial. The former Illinois House Speaker left the witness stand yesterday after nearly 12 hours of testimony over four days. Madigan said he regretted keeping up meetings with Danny Solis because his behavior was concerning. Solis secretly recorded Madigan for the FBI. The Chicago Democrat and co-defendant Michael McClain face charges accusing them of conspiring to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes.
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An appeal by Former Chicago Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson is being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The nation’s high court heard arguments yesterday from the grandson and nephew of Chicago’s two longest-serving mayors. Daley claims he was wrongly convicted of lying to bank regulators even though his statements were misleading. He was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty in 2022 of federal tax charges. The charges stem from funds he received from the failed Washington Federal Bank for Savings in Chicago.
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The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is touting the amount of missing money returned last year. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced that his office returned nearly 299 million dollars as part of Illinois’ missing money program. More than 331-thousand claims were processed last year. The average amount of a claim was 902 dollars.
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Chicago’s credit rating is down. S&P Global Ratings announced the city’s general obligation bond rating went from “BBB-plus” to just “BBB.” The downgrade means the credit agency believes the city is more likely to default. The agency criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for crafting a 2025 budget that leaves a “sizable structural budgetary imbalance” that will continue to negatively affect the city’s finances.
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Illinois is investing two point five million dollars for Frichtl’s expansion in Effingham County. The investment will enable Frichtl to purchase space in Dieterich’s new Industrial Park East and construct a new foot meat processing and packaging facility. The goal of the project is to increase food access for residents, support local agriculture, and promote sustainable food practices while addressing the nutritional needs of the region and bolstering economic growth.
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A coyote is being blamed for forcing a flight to return to O’Hare Airport. Officials say a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Phoenix had to return to O’Hare Sunday morning after its landing gear hit coyote during takeoff. Another plane took the passengers to their destination later that afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
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A Chicago man accused of sexually assaulting a developmentally disabled woman who became pregnant at a nursing home in suburban Geneva is pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault. Prosecutors say Isaiah Fields sexually assaulted the victim at the Marklund Hyde Center in 2023. Fields was arrested after the Kane County Sheriff’s Office collected DNA samples from current and previous male employees of Marklund. He faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced in March.
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A man faces drug charges following a shooting in Bloomington. Police say a man was found shot Monday in the 300 block of Riley Drive. He was sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As authorities were investigating, police searched a nearby apartment and located eight firearms and drug evidence. Cheonte Hinkle was arrested at the scene.
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A man wanted for a homicide in Denver, Colorado is in custody after he was arrested in Galesburg. Police say London Boyle was taken into custody Monday at 1893 Grand Avenue in Galesburg. The 23-year-old was wanted on suspicion of first-degree murder for a deadly shooting that took place on November 5th in Denver. An investigation is ongoing.
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Streator police arrested 40-year-old Darrell Adams on a domestic battery charge and transported him to the La Salle County Jail, where he was released Tuesday morning. Just two hours later, 24-year-old Natasha Crawford, who resides at the same address as Adams, was taken into custody at the Wendy’s on North Bloomington Street in Streator. Crawford was charged with disorderly conduct and issued a notice to appear in La Salle County Court.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Lundy St and S Illinois St (Bruce TWP). Amy Copeland (39) of Streator, IL was cited for failure to wear a seat belt. The passenger, Brittany Angelico (33) of Spring Valley, IL was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, obstructing identification, possession of drug paraphernalia, and an outstanding LaSalle County failure to appear warrant for possession of heroin. Brittany was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main St and Burlington St. As a result of that stop the driver, Muzaliwa Puka, 40, of Rockford, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Puka was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and later released with a January 31st, LaSalle County court date.
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Mendota Police Department was called to the 800 block of 1st Ave for a report of a disturbance. After a brief investigation, Anders E Peterson, 47, of Mendota, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Peterson was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and released with a February 3rd, LaSalle County court date.
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A 15-year-old from Streator has been referred to juvenile authorities following charges of criminal property damage. The incident occurred at 130 S. Park Street, and the case has been processed as a juvenile referral.
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WEATHER:
Today
Increasing clouds, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as -13. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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Tonight
Isolated flurries before 9 pm, then scattered snow showers, mainly between 9 pm and 3 am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 23 by 3 am. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
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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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Donna Jeane (Carstens) Lindenmuth, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, January 13th, at her daughter’s home in Marseilles. Private services will be planned for a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Richard John Freeman, 84, of Lostant, passed away on Monday, January 13th, at the Arc of Streator. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 PM today at the Mueller Funeral Home, Lostant. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 17th, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Tonica. Additional visitation will be held 10-10:50 AM Friday at the church.
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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:
Join us for Girls Varsity basketball coverage!
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
Ottawa 57, Rochelle 38: At Kingman Gymnasium
Somonauk/Leland 36, Parkview Christian 20: At Yorkville
Putnam County 71, Newark 30: At Granville
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BOYS BASKETBALL
Streator58, LPHS 50: At LaSalle
Seneca 54, Coal City 48: At Coal City
Serena 52, Somonauk 44: At Somonauk
Newark 76, DePue 33: At Newark
Earlville 72, Leland 47: At Leland
Mendota 64, Newman 42:
Rockford Christian 90, St. Bede 51:
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GIRLS BOWLING
La Salle-Peru 3,100, Streator 2,257:
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Boys Wrestling
The Marquette boys wrestling team defeated Wilmington at Bader Gymnasium.
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Middle School
The 8th grade Shepherd Boys Basketball team defeated Streator Northlawn 65-20. Leading the way for Shepherd: Keandre Miller with 15 points, Mason Mucci with 11 points, Luca Fernandez with 10 points, Joseph Donahue with 8 points, and Marquise Davis with 7 points. 8th grade is now 13-9 and will play Bureau Valley for the Starved Rock Conference Championship at Shepherd on Thursday night.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls fell apart in the fourth quarter of a 119-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at United Center. The game was tied at 20 before Chicago surrendered a 22-6 run to give New Orleans control of the contest. Zach LaVine poured in 25 points during the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic and Coby White finished with 22 points apiece. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-and-22. They host the Hawks tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for their game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena tomorrow night. The Hawks are coming off a 5-2 loss against the Calgary Flames at home on Monday night. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 30 points and a 14-28-and-2 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 7:00 PM.
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The Bears’ search for a head coach is taking on a new twist. Earlier this month, the team sought permission from the Dallas Cowboys to talk with head coach Mike McCarthy, but they were denied. Things changed yesterday when Dallas officials announced that McCarthy would not return in 2025 after it was decided not to sign him to a new contract. The Bears are expected to meet with the Super Bowl-winning coach as early as today. The team interviewed former Stanford head coach David Shaw for the position yesterday. Shaw currently serves in the Broncos front office. He hasn’t been on an NFL sideline since working with the Ravens in 2005.
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The Chicago White Sox are adding some organizational bullpen depth. The team signed right-handed pitcher Jonathan Heasley to a minor league deal yesterday. The contract includes an invitation to Spring Training which begins on February 12th. Heasley was 0-and-1 with a 16.88 ERA in four appearances with Baltimore last season.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini got off to a fast start during a 94-69 win over the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall. Illinois led 60-32 at halftime and was able to coast to victory in the second half. Kylan Boswell poured in 22 points in the victory, while Kasparas Jakucionis finished with 21. The Illini improved to 5-and-2 in Big Ten play and 13-and-4 overall. They visit number 12 Michigan State on Sunday.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul was edged by number-seven Marquette 85-83, Northern Illinois fell to Miami of Ohio 84-69, and Valparaiso lost to Belmont 71-64. Tonight, Illinois State is at Drake, UIC hosts Murray State, Bradley welcomes Indiana State, and Loyola is at home against Rhode Island. Northwestern hosts Maryland on Thursday, and Notre Dame visits Syracuse on Saturday.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
North Central Missouri 98, IVCC 74: the Eagles lost a nonconference game in Oglesby.
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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Triton 95, IVCC 24: The Eagles lost a nonconference game in Oglesby.