Marseilles marked a year of progress in 2024 with major projects completed and new initiatives underway. The city secured grants for library repairs, housing rehabilitation, sidewalk construction, and Broadway Park renovations, including a splash pad. A Brownfield Grant will assess environmental issues at Washington School and the Nabisco building, while a Safe Schools Grant funds sidewalk repairs near Marseilles Elementary. Business growth continued with new openings and renovations, and a local Boy Scout is raising funds for a dog park. The city expanded communication efforts, boosting website traffic by 104% and social media reach by 526%. Looking ahead, Marseilles remains focused on sustainable growth in 2025.
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Streator Names Dean Chalkey Community Development Director. Streator City Manager David Plyman has appointed longtime resident and veteran civil engineer Dean Chalkey as the city’s new Community Development Director. With over 30 years of experience, Chalkey will lead economic development efforts, oversee zoning and planning, and assist with capital improvement projects. He officially starts on February 10th and aims to revitalize vacant and underutilized properties. Excited to serve his hometown, Chalkey continues to reside in Streator with his wife, two daughters, and their French Bulldogs, Walter and Eddie.
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The Illinois Department of Transportation has commenced prescribed burning operations at several pollinator sites in La Salle, and Grundy counties, weather permitting. The sites that are part of the operations are:
- Deer Pit Prairie: Interstate 39 and Illinois 251 south of Oglesby in La Salle County
- Three Rivers Rest Area (eastbound and westbound): I-80 west of Minooka in Grundy County
These burns aim to manage invasive plants like teasel and wild parsnip, promoting the growth of native vegetation essential for attracting pollinators. There will be no lane closures or traffic disruptions during the process, with warning signs in place for motorists. For updates, check the traveler information map for details at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.
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The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation has moved from LaSalle to the Ottawa Professional Building at 116 W. Lafayette St., Suite 2, next to the historic Reddick Mansion. The Foundation, which has invested over $2.6 million in the region since its founding in 2015, continues to support local causes, including the arts, education, health, and disaster relief. To mark the move, SRCCF and Reddick Mansion will co-host an Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.srccf.org
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The State of Illinois is reporting that fourth and eighth graders scored at or above the national average in reading and math, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress results. However, scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, with reading performance continuing to decline. The data also revealed significant racial and ethnic achievement gaps, particularly between white and Black students, ranking among the widest in the country. The federally mandated assessment, known as the Nation’s Report Card, is given every two years to a sample of students nationwide, allowing for state-by-state comparisons. In Illinois, the 2024 test included about 150 schools and nearly 2,800 students per subject in each grade.
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State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is hosting an open house on Friday, Feb. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. to celebrate her new district office at 628 Columbus St., Suite 408, in Ottawa. Briel invites students, local leaders, and community members to visit the office, meet her team, and discuss key issues affecting the district. State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, said; “I’m thrilled to share this space where residents can access state resources and support,”. Refreshments from Illinois Valley businesses will be provided, all community members are encouraged to attend and RSVP. You will find A link inside this news story at 1430 wcmy.com – contact@staterepbriel.com
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It is day Five of jury deliberations in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. He and co-defendant Mike McClain are charged with bribery and racketeering. In addition to alleging plans to pressure developers into hiring Madigan’s law firm, the indictment also accuses Madigan and McClain of bribing ComEd and AT&T Illinois. Both utilities allegedly funneled payments through do-nothing subcontracts to a few of Madigan’s closest allies. Jurors have been deliberating for more than 21 hours since last week. They are considering nearly two dozen counts against the former Illinois House speaker. Co-defendant Michael McClain is charged with six of those counts.
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1099-G tax forms are available for claimants in Illinois who received unemployment insurance benefits in 2024. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says claimants who collected UI benefits last year will need the 1099-G tax form to complete their state and federal tax returns. This includes claimants who received regular UI benefits or benefits under any of the expired federal pandemic relief programs.
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Dozens of employees at the Chicago office of the Environmental Protection Agency could be out of a job soon. The Sun-Times reports an email was sent out last week by President Trump’s administration warning the workers that they could be fired. Mostly staffers who haven’t worked long enough to secure job-protection benefits received the warning. Trump has discussed cutting government employees.
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Officials are investigating after hundreds of ducks were found dead or sick along Chicago’s lakefront. The conservation group Chicago Bird Collision Monitors believes that the highly contagious bird flu is the cause of the illness discovered in the red-breasted mergansers. Most of the ducks were found Saturday at North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. It is estimated that there were between 200 to 300 infected birds. The CDC says there have been 67 cases of bird flu in humans since 2024.
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Many eateries in Chicago are joining a nationwide one-day protest against President Donald Trump’s recent immigration decision. Restaurants temporarily shut down yesterday to join forces with immigrant workers. The movement is called A Day Without Immigrants. The goal is to show how important immigrants are to society and the economy by having workers stay home, closing businesses temporarily, and urging consumers not to shop. The move comes after President Trump imposed an executive order to conduct mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
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A Metamora man is dead after falling through ice in McLean County. Authorities say Jared Ward and another person fell through the ice Sunday while fishing at Lake Evergreen in Comlara Park. Ward died later from drowning due to cold exposure, while the other man was hospitalized. The incident remains under investigation.
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The CHAOS Task Force arrested Richard Abel, 65, of Peoria Heights on two felony charges in Livingston County. Abel is accused of attempting to meet a minor under 15 for sexual purposes after online communication. He was charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor and Indecent Solicitation of a Child, both Class 3 felonies. Authorities say the “child” was an undercover officer. Abel was taken into custody by Fairbury Police and other task force agencies before being transported to the Livingston County Jail.
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Joshua T. Hayes, an 18-year-old male from Streator, IL, was arrested at SAFE SCHOOL (ROE 35 Academy) in Peru, IL, for battery. Hayes, residing at 501 W. Frech St., Apt. 1712, was issued a notice to appear in La Salle County Court on February 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer, in the area of E 2603rd RD & N 42nd RD (Mission TWP). No injuries were reported and no citations were issued. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
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Tyler P. Corrigan, 46, of Mendota, IL, was arrested at 11:10 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the intersection of 38th St. and Venture Dr. in Peru, IL, for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
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Osvaldo Martinez, 25, of Peru, IL, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the intersection of 4th St. and West St. in Peru, IL, on the same charge. Both defendants were charged accordingly.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer, in the area of 3312 E 2153rd RD (Rutland TWP). No injuries were reported and no citations were issued. The vehicle received non-disabling damage and was able to be driven away from the scene.
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Phillip P. Castelli, a 41-year-old male from Oglesby, IL, was arrested at Menards, located at 5353 Mahoney Dr, Peru, IL, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 1:12 p.m. Following an investigation, Castelli was charged with Retail Theft and Criminal Trespass to Real Property.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to the area of N 38th Rd & E 1453rd RD (Freedom TWP) for a suspicious vehicle complaint. Amy Hartgrove (48) of Peru was arrested for driving while a Driver’s License was suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Amy was transported to LASCO Jail and later released with an NTA.
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Yurdom E. Malpica Libre, 48, of 2415 Main St., Peru, IL, was arrested at 2:22 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the intersection of 4th St. and Plum St. in Peru, IL, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was charged with DUI, DUI with a BAC of .08 or higher, and Improper Lane Usage on a Laned Roadway. Malpica Libre was released on citations and is scheduled to appear in court on February 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the LaSalle County Courthouse.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Bloomington ST & Sumner ST (Bruce TWP). Albert Kara (40) of Streator was given a written warning for failure to signal when required. Adam Trocki (53) of Ancona was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and a Livingston County warrant. Antonio Johnson (37) of Streator was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and violation of conditions of Pretrial Release. Both arrested subjects were transported to and held at LASCO Jail.
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Travis J. Cox, 49, of 711 Green St., Peru, IL, was arrested for retail theft at the Walmart Supercenter located at 5307 IL Route 251 in Peru, IL, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 4:50 p.m. Cox was charged with retail theft in connection with the incident.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Increasing clouds, with a high near 31. North northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy, with a low of around 25. East-northeast wind around 10 mph
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OBITUARIES:
Ann (McGinnis) Byers, 91, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29th. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. today, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
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Emmett Franklin Roth, 81, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, January 31st, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5th, at the Mueller Funeral Home, and one hour before the service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 6th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where Full Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard.
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Carol Jean Reinecke, 62, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 30th, at her home surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6th, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 5:00 pm.
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Annie Eugena Clements, of Peru, formerly from Ottawa, passed away Sunday, February 2nd, she was 92. Visitation will be Thursday, February 6, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at the chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park. A funeral ceremony will follow at 12:00 pm at the chapel.
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Raymond “Ray” Lee Stevenson, went to be with Jesus on February 2nd. Services will be at Crossbridge Community Church on Thursday, February 6th. The wake will be from 3 – 5 p.m. and the service following at 5 p.m. Private inurnment with military honors by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Serena 48, Somonauk 37: In the 106th annual Little Ten Tournament at Somonauk
Hinckley-Big Rock 96, Leland 59:
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Tonight:
Morris at Ottawa
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Girls basketball
Ottawa 54, Princeton 49: At Ottawa
Marquette 57, Putnam County 20: At Granville
Manteno 68, Streator 32: At Manteno
Seneca 57, St. Bede 46: At Peru
Serena 61, Earlville 27: At Earlville
Rochelle 57, Mendota 28: In Mendota
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Tonight:
Ottawa at University
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are adding some depth on the infield. The club claimed Jacob Amaya off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles yesterday. Amaya spent part of last season on the South Side. In 23 games with the Sox, Amaya hit .179 with three RBI. Chicago designated outfielder Zach DeLoach for assignment in a corresponding move.
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The Chicago Bulls will try to get back in the win column when they host the Miami Heat at United Center tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 127-119 loss to the Detroit Pistons on the road on Sunday. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 21-and-29. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the Edmonton Oilers at United Center tomorrow night. The Blackhawks just lost to the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 37 points and a 16-31-and-5 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 8:30 PM.
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The Sky is reportedly close to a trade that will bring in a three-point specialist. A deal is in the works to bring six-foot-two Sun guard-forward Rebecca Allen to Chicago. The Australian guard-forward was just traded last week from the Phoenix Mercury to Connecticut. Allen is now healthy after being sidelined for the second half of the WNBA season with a hamstring injury. The Sun will receive point guard Lindsay Allen and the rights to forward Nikolina Milic.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish return to action with a game against Florida State at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center tonight. The Irish just lost to Miami 63-57 on the road on Saturday. Notre Dame is in tenth place in the ACC with a 4-and-6 conference record and a 10-and-11 mark overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM Central time.
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The Northwestern Wildcats aim to avoid a fourth straight loss when they host USC at Welsh-Ryan Arena tonight. The Wildcats just fell to number 19 Wisconsin 75-69 at home on Saturday afternoon. Northwestern is tied for 15th place in the Big Ten with a 3-and-8 conference record and a 12-and-10 mark overall. Tonight’s contest gets underway at 8:00 PM.
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In other college hoops action tonight, Loyola hosts St. Bonaventure, and Northern Illinois visits Bowling Green.
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The Illinois Fighting Illini are still hanging on in the top 25. The Illini dropped five spots from number 20 to number 25 in yesterday’s coaches poll. Illinois lost to Nebraska and beat Ohio State over the past week. The Illini go up against Rutgers on the road tomorrow night at 7:30 PM.