A 78-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene of a commercial fire at Harper’s Towing, located at 2899 U.S. 52, in Sheridan on Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters from the Newark Fire Department, who were first on the scene after being dispatched at 12:57 p.m., reported the incident to La Salle County Coroner Rich Ploch. The coroner confirmed the man’s death at 6:13 p.m., with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday, while the victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Investigations into the source and cause of the fire are still ongoing.
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A follow-up to the story we had yesterday, a 27-year-old Streator man, Fernando Alvarado, was cited for DUI, failure to reduce speed, and improper lane usage after a crash involving a car and a semi-truck Monday morning in Grand Ridge, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office reported. The crash happened just before 7 a.m., prompting a response from Grand Ridge Fire and EMS, with one person airlifted to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Alvarado was released with a court date.
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A La Salle County Grand Jury has indicted six individuals for allegedly forging documents to claim pandemic-related losses from fake businesses or professions. Charged with theft, forgery, and loan fraud are Amber Norman, 40, of Streator; Amanda Rogers, 33, of Ottawa; James Forbes, 30, of Lacon; Larry Chandler, 46, of Sauk Village; Gabriel Myart, 36, of Glen Ellyn; and Ebony Green, 28, of University Park. State’s Attorney Joe Navarro said the fraud was obvious, with fabricated professions ranging from a fitness trainer to a mechanic, and suspects likely advising each other. All six have court dates set in La Salle County.
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Mendota Elementary School District Superintendent K. Bradley Cox reassured families in a letter Tuesday, addressing concerns about immigration enforcement. He emphasized the district’s commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for students and outlined legal guidance for staff. Cox stated that ICE agents can only enter schools with a judge-signed criminal warrant, which would first be verified by the district’s attorney. He also reminded parents that both Illinois and federal law prohibit schools from requesting or collecting information on a student’s or family’s immigration status.
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Governor Pritzker is taking aim at President Trump over his plan to freeze federal aid. The governor called the executive order “illegal.” Pritzker also accused Trump of being a liar for claiming that programs that provide assistance directly to individuals won’t be impacted. The governor says state agencies and partner organizations reported issues accessing payment systems yesterday. A federal judge has temporarily halted Trump’s freeze at least through Monday.
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Illinois lawmakers have filed over 1,800 bills in just three weeks, covering a range of issues. Proposals include alternatives to incarceration with community-based programs, banning single-use plastic and paper bags, restricting single-use plastic utensils in restaurants, and defining “domestic assault” as a specific crime. Other bills aim to decriminalize and tax psilocybin, allow terminally ill patients access to aid-in-dying medication, provide free community college tuition in disadvantaged areas, and require DCFS to give foster children luggage instead of trash bags. Additional measures would ban marriage under 18, give veterans a paid day off on Veterans Day, make street racing a felony, regulate flamethrower ownership, prohibit guns at polling places, and require human oversight in AI-based health insurance decisions.
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Illinois Republicans are suing over the state’s legislative map. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie says all voters should have a voice. House GOP members filed a lawsuit asking the state Supreme Court to declare the Democratic mapping effort an unconstitutional political gerrymandering. The suit claims the boundaries were drawn to give Democrats supermajorities in the state House and Senate. The Republicans argue the legislative boundaries enacted into state law in 2021 violate the state constitution’s mandate that elections be “free and equal”.
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Tensions are boiling over in Thornton Township. A Board of Trustees meeting ended abruptly last night after a brawl erupted during the public comment period. Fists started flying after activist Jedidiah Brown called Supervisor Tiffany Henyard an expletive. Henyard and her boyfriend reportedly took part in the melee. The incident comes as Henyard faces ongoing scrutiny. A Cook County judge recently ruled that her name won’t appear on the ballot for the upcoming Thornton Township supervisor election.
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The jury could begin deliberating today in Michael Madigan’s landmark corruption trial. Deliberations will start after prosecutors present a rebuttal argument. A lawyer for the former Illinois House speaker’s co-defendant, Michael McClain, delivered his closing argument yesterday. Closing arguments began last week and have already lasted almost 24 hours.
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Chicago leaders are reacting to local mass deportations implemented by the Trump administration. Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins says he is not pleased with how ICE agents are going about their duties as it appears to be a publicity stunt. ICE has reported more than two thousand arrests nationwide but has not released information on how many arrests were made in Chicago. City officials, including Chicago Police, were informed of the operation but did not participate, as a part of observing sanctuary laws.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is being called to testify before Congress during a hearing about sanctuary cities. The mayors of three other sanctuary cities, Boston, Denver, and New York City, have also been called to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on February 11th. The invites are part of an investigation into how local policies are affecting the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is doubling down on the city’s welcoming city status. He told the media that it doesn’t matter who is in the White House, Chicago will remain a city that opens its arms to people around the world. Johnson added that the Welcoming City Ordinance is the law of the land in Chicago and he will uphold it. The House Oversight Committee Chair has sent Johnson a letter, calling on him to testify. Meanwhile, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced more than 100 people have been arrested in the Chicago area as part of the immigration crackdown.
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The Doomsday Clock is one second closer to midnight. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced they were setting the clock to 89 seconds to midnight now. This is the shortest time to zero hour in its history spanning 75 years. Daniel Holz, a professor who chairs the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, said the clock is meant to “start a global conversation about the very real existential threats that keep the world’s top scientists awake at night.” Ticking one second closer to midnight takes into account nuclear war threats, climate change, and other issues. Holz called on leaders across the globe to take action on the “life-and-death issues.”
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Joliet police have released details about Rev. Carlos Martins, 50, who faces misdemeanor battery charges. Authorities allege that on November 21, 2024, Martins approached a 13-year-old girl at St. Paul the Apostle Church, made inappropriate comments about her hair, and then grabbed it, simulating a flossing motion. After she sat down, he reportedly sat behind her and made a growling noise. Martins, identified as a representative of the St. Jude relic tour, was taken into custody after Will County Judge Marzell Richardson quashed his arrest warrant. He has been released with a notice to appear in court.
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A Sterling man faces charges following a drug sting last year. State police say agents received several complaints in February 2024 of cocaine sales in the Sterling area. Officers conducted an extensive investigation and identified Lucas Vasquez as the suspect. Last Friday, officers arrested Vasquez, who was released on pre-trial conditions.
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LaSalle County conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 2250th RD (Farm Ridge TWP) Taylor Aaron (30) of Ottawa was cited for speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 1st RD (Hope TWP) Rosie Heiser (48) of Marseilles was cited for speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 33rd RD (Dayton TWP) Ronald Prochaska (37) of Ottawa was cited for speeding 70 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, and released at the scene.
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The La Salle County Grand Jury convened Tuesday and returned indictments charging 28-year-old Joshua D. Yacko of Grand Ridge with violating the sex offender registry and unlawful residency by a sex offender; two counts of aggravated battery against 42-year-old John H. Jolly of Aurora; 46-year-old Erik D. Keen of LaSalle for burglary; 34-year-old Tyler W. Link of LaSalle for burglary and two counts of aggravated battery; 35-year-old David L. Miller of Peru for residential burglary and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance; 56-year-old Jeffrey L. Grady of Serena for threatening a public official; 44-year-old Tiffany I. Black of Kokomo, Indiana, for aggravated battery; 38-year-old Ryan J. Arroyo of Streator on two counts of driving on a revoked license and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding; and 34-year-old Ryne Bartolucci of Peru on domestic battery.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight.
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OBITUARIES:
Eleanor Hess, 89, of Marseilles, passed away Thursday, January 23rd at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 29th, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marseilles. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery.
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Jack L. Bergman, 94, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 23rd, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Grand Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
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Heddi Lynn Hagie, 61, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, January 24th, at Light Ways Hospice House in Joliet. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 29th, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Norway Cemetery at a later date.
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Tracy Ann Conner, 55, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, January 25th, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 30th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 31, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Nancy K. Quinzio, age 87, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on January 27th. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Eileen Marie (Schmitt) Knecht, 64, passed peacefully, after her second brave battle with cancer, on Thursday, January 23rd, at OSF Medical Center in Peoria. A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, at the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home in Oglesby. A private burial at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.
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Mary Angela (Angie) Epley, age 60, born in Ottawa, and residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away unexpectedly on January 20th. Visitation will be held Friday, January 31st, at 10:00 a.m. with services at 11:00 a.m. at French’s Funeral Home, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A link to the Funeral home website will be in her full obituary.
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Phyllis R. Riveland, 97, of Serena, passed away on Sunday, January 26th, at the LaSalle County nursing home in Ottawa, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be on Friday, January 31st, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, February 1st, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge in Sandwich.
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Judith Ann Claus, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, January 22nd, in her home, surrounded by family. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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Sandra Einhaus 83 of Ottawa departed this world on January 26th. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31st, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 1, at 10:30 am, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Doris (Bense) Langer, 94, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, January 27th, at Pleasant View Lutheran Nursing Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 31st, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Visitation will be will from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
BOYS BASKETBALL
Ottawa 50, Kewanee 49:
Marquette 56, Woodland 46:
Streator 55, Coal City 30:
Earlville 51, Somonauk 38:
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GIRLS BASKETBALL
LPHS 46, Streator 19:
Hinckley-Big Rock 61, Mendota 33:
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GIRLS BOWLING
St. Bede 2,177, Streator 2,089:
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox are releasing their promotional schedule for the 2025 season. They will hold their first-ever Bobblehead Collectors series. There will be a Dick Allen MVP bobblehead giveaway on May 3rd when the Sox host the Astros. On opening day, there will be a blanket giveaway on March 27th in a game against the Angels. There will also be cultural nights that focus on other Irish, Mexican, and Puerto Rican communities.
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The Chicago Blackhawks scored four unanswered goals during a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Brayden Point scored early in the game to give Tampa a 1-0 lead after one, but Connor Bedard and Landon Slaggert each lit the lamp in the second to put Chicago up for good. Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen also scored, while Arvid Soderblom stopped 34 shots in the victory. The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak. Chicago is still in last place in the Central Division with 37 points and a 16-29-and-5 record. The Hawks visit the Hurricanes tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Bulls look to get on a winning streak when they visit the Boston Celtics at TD Garden tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 129-121 win over the Denver Nuggets at home on Monday night. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 20-and-27. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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Former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is returning to Green Bay. He has been hired as a senior assistant with the Packers. Getsy was fired by the Bears in 2023. He then became the Raiders’ offensive coordinator this season before he was let go after the ninth game of the season. Getsy got his start in the NFL with the Packers in 2014 and had an eight-year career in Green Bay.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
Jr Colllege Basketball
Women: IVCC 65 Kishwaukee 63
Men : IVCC 69 Kishwaukee 66
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish came through in the clutch during a 71-68 win over Georgia Tech at Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame trailed by seven with five-and-a-half minutes left in regulation before going on a 13-0 run to take control of the game. Markus Burton poured in 26 points in the win, while Braeden Shrewsberry finished with 15. The Irish improved to 4-and-5 in ACC play and 10-and-10 overall. They visit Miami this Saturday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats will try to get back in the win column when they host Rutgers at Welsh-Ryan Arena tonight. The Wildcats just lost to number-20 Illinois 83-74 on the road last Sunday. Northwestern is 12-and-8 overall and 3-and-6 in the Big Ten. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:00 PM.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, Northern Illinois lost to Akron 80-70, and Valparaiso fell to Southern Illinois 79-75. Tonight, DePaul visits number 24 UConn, Loyola is at George Mason, Bradley hosts UIC, and Illinois State welcomes Belmont. Tomorrow night, number 20 Illinois visits Nebraska.