Updated: A man was discovered early Thursday evening in the Illinois River near Spring Valley after a passerby saw the man get out of his vehicle and jump from the ledge of the Route 89 bridge. The incident, believed to be intentional, occurred around 4 pm. Emergency responders, including rescue teams in boats, quickly located the man in the water and began resuscitation efforts. He was then transported by ambulance to OSF in Peru, where he died from his injuries. A coordinated response from at least seven police, EMS, and rescue teams was carried out at the Spring Valley Boat Club during the operation. We are still awaiting a full press release from the Spring Valley Fire Department or Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.*
—————————————————————–
Rachyl M. Newell, 26, of Ottawa, was sentenced to 30 months of probation and three months in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated battery for violently shaking a baby in her care. The investigation began when the baby was found with multiple injuries inconsistent with Newell’s initial explanation. The child’s biological mother, who had placed the baby in Newell’s foster care, raised concerns about the child’s treatment. Prosecutors cited Newell’s breach of trust and dishonesty, while the defense pointed to her lack of criminal history and personal struggles. The court imposed jail time, reduced the prosecution’s request, and ordered her to register as a violent offender against youth.
—————————————————————–
A Marseilles man, Brennen Lee Jorgenson, 28, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies tied to a stash house stocked with drugs and firearms. Jorgenson admitted to unlawful possession of a controlled substance and weapons, including a Glock modified into an automatic weapon. The charges followed a December 2023 investigation that began with the arrest of Thomas J. Higgins, 46, in a drug and weapons bust, leading authorities to Jorgenson’s residence. There, police seized $180,000 in drugs, including 26 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms and eight firearms. Higgins was sentenced to 15 years and will be paroled in 2033.
—————————————————————–
The Streator City Council will soon vote on a proposal to install stop signs at the Prairie Court intersection, addressing residents’ concerns about traffic safety. City Engineer Jeremy Palm presented the matter during Wednesday’s council meeting, supported by a petition from residents citing issues with speeding vehicles and limited visibility near the Kelly Street Bridge, which is set to reopen this year. The petition emphasized the need to protect pedestrians and slow down traffic, particularly for northbound drivers on VanBuren Street.
—————————————————————–
Streator police reported that Karis A. Maple of Streator was cited for theft after a donation box was stolen from the library. Officers identified Maple at the library, where she admitted to taking the box, which was found in her possession. The box had pry marks on the bottom, indicating tampering, though it required a key to open. Maple claimed the box was already damaged and believed it was intended for public use, citing a statement from a library employee—an assertion staff could not confirm. She was released with a court date in early February and has been banned from the library at the request of management.
—————————————————————–
Important Reminder from Ottawa School District 141. On Friday, January 17th we will have a half-day of attendance. – K-6 students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. – Shepherd students will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m. School will resume on Tuesday, January 21st. We will also not be in session on Monday, January 20th.
—————————————————————–
The Big Lots in Peru is set to close by the end of February as part of the company’s nationwide shutdown. Despite the disappointment, the property is considered valuable and likely to attract a new retailer soon. The store has begun final closeout sales, including selling fixtures, following Big Lots’ bankruptcy and failed asset purchase agreements in late 2023.
—————————————————————–
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation (SRCCF) is now a Qualified Community Foundation (QCF) under the Illinois Gives initiative, offering a 25% state income tax credit for donations to eligible endowments. Effective for tax years ending after December 31, 2025, this program incentivizes up to $100 million in charitable giving over five years, benefiting nonprofits and charitable projects across Illinois. Taxpayers, including individuals and businesses, can claim up to $100,000 annually, regardless of whether they itemize deductions. By supporting endowment funds, Illinois Gives ensures sustainable funding for nonprofits, strengthens communities, and highlights the vital role of the nonprofit sector in the state’s economy.
—————————————————————–
Illinois Valley Community College’s Eagles Peak Food Pantry served a record 2,030 individuals in winter 2024, nearly doubling the fall quarter’s total. Expanded hours, grants, and partnerships with organizations like River Bend Food Bank and Swipe Out Hunger helped meet rising food insecurity among students and their families. IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris praised the pantry’s impact, emphasizing its role in student success. Associate Director Ashlee Fitzpatrick highlighted efforts to reduce stigma and expand offerings, including basic-needs items and diverse food options. Plans for 2025 aim to further enhance this essential campus resource.
—————————————————————–
The Will County Courthouse will remain open after a stone tile fell off the building in southwest suburban Joliet. The incident happened yesterday morning. No injuries were reported. Will county officials plan to find an independent contractor to inspect the area of the building where the tile fell? Meanwhile, protective scaffolding has been installed around the courthouse entrances and nearby walkways.
—————————————————————–
The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking more than 11 billion dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. The board approved the spending plan this week, which is a nearly five-percent increase over this year’s budget. It is unclear how much Illinois will set aside for public education considering the General Assembly will be in charge of passing a state budget that already faces a possible deficit of more than three billion dollars. Gov. Pritzker will unveil his budget proposal for the next fiscal year next month.
—————————————————————–
Five teens face charges after a vehicle with a young girl inside was stolen in Rock Island. Police say a Saturn Outlook was stolen yesterday morning from the 13-hundred block of 14th and a half Street with four-year-old Blessing Aoci still in the back seat, which issued a state-wide amber alert. Not long after, the stolen vehicle was located in the area of 8th St and 15th Ave unoccupied. A massive search ensued before the child was found later in the afternoon. All five suspects are charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, while one of the teens also faces a charge of kidnapping.
—————————————————————–
Michael Madigan’s landmark corruption trial is one step closer to finishing. Attorneys for the former Illinois House Speaker formally rested their case yesterday. There was a brief rebuttal case from prosecutors, who then also rested. Jurors are expected to return next Wednesday to begin hearing closing arguments. The Chicago Democrat and co-defendant Michael McClain face charges accusing them of conspiring to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes.
—————————————————————–
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing an alternative retail electric supplier. Raoul filed a lawsuit against Spark Energy and Spark Energy Gas. The suit accuses the company of using fraudulent, unfair, and deceptive business practices to mislead Illinois consumers into paying millions of dollars more for electricity and gas than consumers who stayed with their default public utility. Raoul claims Spark enrolled consumers in Spark services without their knowledge or consent, increasing consumers’ electricity rates by more than 20 percent, despite promising lower rates.
—————————————————————–
A new guaranteed transfer policy for Illinois high school graduates goes into effect this fall. The new policy allows high school grads in the state to transfer to any University of Illinois System university from any college or university in the United States with guaranteed admission. Previously, the U of I System Transfer Guarantee applied only to students transferring from a community college in Illinois. More than 43 hundred students have been admitted via the transfer guarantee since it began in 2022.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago City Council is avoiding a vote on a controversial issue. Aldermen voted to table a proposed measure that would have empowered police to cooperate with federal ICE officials who seek to deport illegal immigrants. Mayor Brandon Johnson doubled down on the move by the City Council. He said families can be assured that alders voted against a measure that was stoking the flames of fear. With yesterday’s vote, President-elect Donald Trump won’t be receiving help from Chicago police on his promise for mass deportations.
—————————————————————–
LaSalle County Deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident in the area of US RT 52 & E 7th RD (Ophir TWP) resulting in two people being injured. Utica EMS & Mendota EMS transported both injured parties to Mendota Hospital. John Burke (24) of Ottawa was cited for improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He was released with an NTA.
—————————————————————–
LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of US RT 34 & N 4650th RD (Adams TWP) Alejandro Acevedo (21) of Leland was arrested for driving while Driver’s License is suspended and speeding 80MPH in a 55MPH zone. Alejandro was transported to LaSalle County Jail and later released with an NTA.
—————————————————————–
LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on I-80 w/b in the area of mile marker 89 (Ottawa TWP) Synthia Myles of Spring Valley was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Synthia was transported to LaSalle County Jail and later released with an NTA.
—————————————————————–
LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of E 24th RD & N 2879th RD (Manulius TWP) Robert Thurmond (27) of Chicago was cited for operating motor vehicle registration suspended.
—————————————————————–
Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Indiana Ave and Washington St. As a result of that stop the driver, Tyler Kobylarz-Salgado, 23, of Earlville, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Kobylarz-Salgado was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and later released with a February 5th, mandatory LaSalle County court date.
—————————————————————–
WEATHER:
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
—————————————————————–
Friday Night
A chance of rain, mixing with snow after 10 pm, then gradually ending. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a south-southwest wind of 10 to 20 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
—————————————————————–
OBITUARIES:
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 Noon to 1 PM. The Celebration of Life will follow at 1 pm.
—————————————————————–
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.
—————————————————————–
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.
—————————————————————–
Catherine “Kate” Schwarz, 68, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, January 14th, at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20th, at St. Mary’s Church in Utica. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
—————————————————————–
Nobuko “Peggy” (as she was known to her friends) Goetz, surrounded by loved ones, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13th. Interment will be private at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.
—————————————————————–
William Ross Henry, 62, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on January 4th. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
—————————————————————–
LOCAL SPORTS:
Join us for Girl’s Varsity basketball coverage tomorrow:
The Ottawa Lady Pirates take on Morris at 2:30 pm -live from Kingman Gym.
—————————————————————–
Girls basketball
Seneca 48, Marquette 42: At Seneca on Thursday a game you heard right here on WCMY, the host Fighting Irish won a tight Tri-County Conference showdown with the visiting Crusaders.
Limestone 39, Ottawa 38: At Bartonville, the visiting Pirates lost a close nonconference game ahead of Saturday afternoon’s home game against Interstate 8 Conference rival Morris.
Serena 49, Hinckley-Big Rock 23: At Hinckley
Earlville 43, IMSA 22: At Earlville
St. Bede 54, Dwight 29: at Dwight.
Hall 53, Mendota 24: in Mendota.
—————————————————————–
Girls bowling
Ottawa 2,713, Rochelle 2,486: Leading the victorious Pirates were Ana Zeglis with a 520 series, Kathy Perez with a 514 (216 high game), and Tessa Diaz (174 high game).
—————————————————————–
Boys wrestling
Wilmington 40, Streator 23; Herscher 54, Streator 21: At Wilmington
—————————————————————–
Shepard Middle School – 8th grade defeated Bureau Valley in the Starved Rock Conference Championship Game by a score of 49-32. Leading the way for Shepherd: Keandre Miller and Mason Mucci scored 13 points, Luca Fernandez with 10 points, Joseph Donahue with 5 points, Bryce Ceja with 4 points, and Marquise Davis with 2 points. Shepherd is now 14-9.
—————————————————————–
PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Blackhawks surrendered a late lead in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Hawks took a 2-1 lead when Connor Bedard and Alec Martinez both scored in the second period. However, Nashville tied the game with about three minutes left in regulation, and Chicago was outscored 3-2 in the shootout. The Blackhawks are at the bottom of the Central Division and have the worst record in the NHL with 31 points and a 14-28-and-3 record. They host the Golden Knights tomorrow night.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Bulls aim to avoid a fourth loss in a row when they host the Charlotte Hornets at United Center tonight. The Bulls were just crushed by the Atlanta Hawks 110-94 at home on Wednesday night. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-and-23. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
—————————————————————–
The owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks will introduce their planned 1901 Project today before the Chicago Plan Commission. The seven-billion-dollar plan is designed to redevelop the area surrounding the United Center on the city’s West Side. The project will involve a music hall, a hotel, and parking garages. If it is approved by the plan commission it will then go to the Chicago City Council for a vote. Organizers say the proposed development will create thousands of new jobs.
—————————————————————–
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is now on the shortlist to become the general manager of the Tennessee Titans. He reportedly had a second interview and is being looked at as a finalist for the job. Cunningham has had interviews before and turned down an offer from the Arizona Cardinals to be their general manager a year ago.
—————————————————————–
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is forced to change his phone number after he was reportedly catfished. He said that he got a text message from someone who claimed to be Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is a candidate for the Bears head coaching vacancy. Williams chatted on Facetime with the prankster who told him he’s a great quarterback and he’s glad that he’s getting a new coach. The first-year signal-caller admitted that he was upset because he believed the video would go online and he was forced to change his number.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Bears may have their next head coach soon. Fox Sports is reporting that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy are the two finalists for the position. The report added that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores could also be a finalist if he interviews well. Chicago’s next head coach will replace Matt Eberflus, who was fired in November.
—————————————————————–
The Chicago Cubs will not have an arbitration hearing with their newest All-Star. The Northsiders agreed to terms on a one-year deal with outfielder Kyle Tucker yesterday. Tucker will be paid 16-and-a-half million dollars next season. The Cubs acquired Tucker in a trade with the Astros on December 13th. The 28-year-old hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBI in 78 games last season.
—————————————————————–
Legendary baseball broadcaster Bob Uecker is dead at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by the Brewers yesterday. Uecker called games in Milwaukee for 54 years. He played in the MLB from 1962 to 1967 with the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves, winning the World Series with the Cardinals in 1964, with a lifetime batting average of 200.
—————————————————————–
COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini look to get a winning streak going when they visit number-12 Michigan State at Breslin Center on Sunday. The Illini are coming off a 94-69 rout on the road over Indiana on Tuesday. Illinois is 5-and-2 in Big Ten play and 13-and-4 overall. Sunday’s game tips off at 11:00 AM.
—————————————————————–
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are back in action when they visit Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome tomorrow. The Irish beat Boston College 78-60 on Monday. Notre Dame is 2-and-4 in the ACC and 8-and-9 overall. They beat Syracuse 69-64 when the two teams played in South Bend on December 7th. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 3:00 PM Central time.
—————————————————————–
The Northwestern Wildcats came through in the clutch during a 76-74 overtime win over Maryland at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Nick Martinelli knocked down a game-winning jumper at the buzzer. Martinelli led the Wildcats with 22 points, while Brooks Barnhizer finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Northwestern improved to 11-and-6 overall and 2-and-4 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats visit number 19 Michigan on Sunday.
—————————————————————–
In college hoops action tonight, DePaul is at Georgetown. Tomorrow, Loyola visits Dayton, Bradley is on the road against Murray State, Chicago State hosts Le Moyne, Illinois State welcomes Missouri State, Northern Illinois is at home against Central Michigan, and Valparaiso has a home game against UIC.
—————————————————————–
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Carl Sandburg 86, IVCC 74: The Eagles lost an Arrowhead Conference game in Galesburg.
—————————————————————–
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Carl Sandburg 92, IVCC 34: The Eagles lost an Arrowhead Conference game in Galesburg.
*If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is just a call or text away. Reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988—support is available 24/7 to provide care and understanding.