The Ottawa City Council approved the Trinity Rose Montessori School to hold classes at the Trinity Lutheran Church’s education building at 717 Chambers St. starting this September. Headteacher Suzannah Walter, who has begun tours and accepting applications, will teach children ages 3 to 6 in one classroom following the Montessori method. Also on Tuesday, Mayor Robb Hasty proclaimed March 29, 2025, as Margaret Seeman Day in honor of her 115th birthday. In other actions, the council appointed former Police Chief Brent Roalson as a part-time code enforcement officer, hired Dom Arroyo and Frank Youngblood as part-time facilities assistants at North Central Area Transit, reappointed Jeff Newbury to the Fire Pension Board, and approved a $13,840 expense for the Parks Department break room.
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On Monday morning, a two-vehicle collision near the Interstate 80 ramp at Columbus Street in Ottawa resulted in a driver and three passengers being transported to the hospital. According to the Ottawa Police Department’s crash report, one driver was experiencing a diabetic emergency but sustained no other injuries and was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Meanwhile, the three passengers in the second vehicle reported arm and chest pain due to their seatbelts and were also taken to the same hospital, while the driver of that vehicle declined medical treatment.
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An ambulance from the Utica Fire Protection District was involved in a collision at a bustling intersection in Ottawa early Monday morning, just before 7:30 AM. The Ottawa Police Department reported that the ambulance, with its lights flashing and siren sounding, was struck by an SUV driven by 49-year-old Andres Mendez of Spring Valley, who was subsequently ticketed for the incident. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene, although the accident report did not clarify whether there was a patient on board the ambulance at the time of the crash.
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Area lawmakers have announced that Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County will receive approximately $33.8 million in funding. This investment is part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan and will be directed toward improving the park’s infrastructure. Democratic State Representative Murri Briel from Ottawa expressed her satisfaction with the additional funding for the park. Republican State Senator Sue Rezin from Morris highlighted that the park draws millions of visitors each year and has been advocating for increased funding for many years. Rezin stressed that this investment not only aims to preserve the park’s natural beauty but also to enhance the health and safety of its visitors.
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The city of La Salle has been awarded a $650,000 grant aimed at rehabilitating ten homes within its limits. To provide information about the grant and the application process, a public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 20th, at La Salle City Hall, located at 745 Second St. Residents are encouraged to attend and ask any questions they may have. It’s important to note that residents do not need to have completed the prior survey to qualify for the funds; however, all interested individuals, including those who did complete the survey, must submit an application, which will be available at City Hall.
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A collision occurred Monday morning involving a school bus from the Hinckley-Big Rock School District, no injuries were reported. The incident took place around 7:25 a.m. at the intersection of Route 30 and County Line Road, where the bus, traveling west, struck the rear of another vehicle that had pulled out in front of it. At the time of the crash, only the bus driver and one student were onboard. The driver of the other vehicle received a ticket for failure to yield at the scene.
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Organizations providing after-school tutoring and recreation programs are urging Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to release $50 million allocated in this year’s budget to fund these programs. Many programs, typically funded through federal grants, lost funding due to an ISBE miscalculation in 2023, leaving thousands of students without services. Advocacy group ACT Now secured state funding to fill the gap, but seven months into the fiscal year, the money remains unspent, forcing program closures and staff layoffs affecting up to 27,000 youths. ISBE claims it needs legislative direction to distribute the funds, while lawmakers argue the agency already has the authority to act.
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Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue are encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns this year. The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. Other credits include the Illinois Child Tax Credit, the Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit, and the Education Expense Credit.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is still not confirming whether he will testify before Congress about “sanctuary cities.” When asked about the matter yesterday, the mayor said there are ongoing conversations. Johnson was among several mayors of sanctuary cities that were called to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing next week. 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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Illinois health officials are reporting a rise in respiratory illnesses. Most of them have been sparked by flu cases. Experts say the flu is increasing while COVID-19 and RSV cases are declining in the state. Illinois health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Anyone with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat, should consider early testing and treatment.
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Illinois lawmakers are considering whether to ban retail stores from selling products containing harmful additives. Legislation that would ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda, and other food items sold and produced in Illinois was passed yesterday by the Senate Public Health Committee. That includes brominated vegetable oil and red dye number three. The measure now goes to the full Senate for further consideration.
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Northwestern University is one of five universities under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education over allegations of widespread antisemitic harassment on campus. The probe was launched in response to what the agency calls an “explosion of antisemitism on American campuses following the Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7th, 2023.” Following the attack, pro-Palestinian protesters set up encampments at universities throughout the country, including Northwestern. NU’s encampment was taken down following an agreement with students and faculty.
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The son of former Bulls star Michael Jordan is in trouble with the law. Marcus Jordan was arrested early yesterday morning in Maitland, Florida. The 34-year-old is charged with possession of cocaine and resisting an officer without violence. Police say Jordan drove away from the traffic stop in a blue Lamborghini SUV before officers found him parked on railroad tracks.
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Savanna R. Sondgeroth, 27, of Spring Valley, was arrested on Monday, February 3rd, at 6:40 p.m. following a hit-and-run crash at N 2975th Rd and Meridian Rd in Peru, IL. She was charged with driving while her license was suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disobeying a stop sign, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to notify police after striking property, and failure to provide information after an accident.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident in the area of N 2401st RD & N 2450th RD (South Ottawa TWP). Grand Ridge EMS responded and transported one to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa. Bailey Flatness (24) of Ottawa was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to wear a seat belt – driver, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. She was released with an NTA and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
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Eduar A. Rangel Taborda, 21, of LaSalle, was cited for No Valid Driver’s License and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration following a traffic stop at the intersection of 38th St and Venture Dr in Peru, IL. He was arrested on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
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Brian A. Szovati, 48, of Peru, was arrested at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the intersection of 4th St and Peoria St in Peru. He was stopped for traffic violations and taken into custody on a failure to appear warrant out of Kendall County. Szovati was also cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving with a suspended registration before being transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of N 2753rd RD & N 2871st RD (Ottawa TWP). Dylan West (26) of Morris was cited for expired registration and released at the scene.
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Mendota Police Department was dispatched to the 400 block of 13th Ave for a report of a disturbance. After a brief investigation, Ashley N Willoughby, 34, of Mendota was arrested for Domestic Battery. Willoughby was processed and later transported to the LaSalle County Jail to await a judge.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-251 & N 17th RD (Hope TWP). Carrie Danekas (56) of Oglesby was cited for speeding 70 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to 1474 US Rt-6, Lamp Liter, (Ottawa TWP) for a battery complaint. The suspect Shayla Nagy (30) of Marseilles was later arrested for battery during a traffic stop in the area of Norris Rd & LaSalle ST. Shayla was transported to LASCO Jail and subsequently released with an NTA.
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WEATHER:
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON TO 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain and freezing drizzle are expected. Total ice
accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
* WHEN…From 4 PM CST this afternoon to 6 AM CST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road
conditions this evening.
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Today
A slight chance of freezing rain after 5 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. East-southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
Freezing rain, mainly before midnight. Low around 30. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New ice accumulation of less than 0.1 of an inch is possible.
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OBITUARIES:
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. today, at the Mueller Funeral Home. 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 6th, 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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William R. Dooley, Jr., 65, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, February 3rd, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. A private service will be held at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Morris 42, Ottawa 38: At Kingman Gym
Seneca 71, Beecher 37: At Seneca,
Peotone 46, Streator 39: At Peotone
Mendota 50, Hall 47:
Woodland 71, Tri-Point 17: At Cullom
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The 106th annual Little Ten Tournament at Somonauk
Newark 62, LaMoille 36:
Indian Creek 33, Earlville 30:
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Girls basketball
Ottawa 37, Normal U-High 30: At Normal
Princeton 56, Seneca 53:
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BOYS SWIMMING
La Salle-Peru co-op 62, Morris 31:
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls caught a glimpse of the future during a 133-124 win over the Miami Heat at United Center. Rookie forward Matas Buzelis had his break-out game, finishing with a career-high 24 points off the bench during the win. Chicago outscored Miami 39-21 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Josh Giddey also scored 24 points, while Coby White finished with 22. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-and-29. They visit the Timberwolves tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks aim to avoid a third straight loss when they host the Edmonton Oilers at United Center tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on the road last Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 37 points and a 16-31-and-5 record. Tonight’s game starts at 8:30 PM.
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The Bears are about to add another piece to head coach Ben Johnson’s coaching staff. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the team plans to hire Tulane University offensive line coach Dan Roushar. He will be tasked with rebuilding the Bears offensive front line. Roushar spent several years with the Saints when new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was head coach in New Orleans.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is still hopeful the Bears will remain in Chicago. The Bear’s initial proposal for a lakefront stadium has faced opposition due to the team asking for billions of dollars in public funding to help finance the project. There have been reports that the team has been considering the possibility of building a domed stadium on the old Michael Reese Hospital property in Bronzeville.
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The Chicago Cubs are bolstering their bullpen ahead of Spring Training. The Cubs acquired reliever Ryan Brasier in a deal with the Dodgers yesterday. Chicago will send over either a player-to-be-named later or cash considerations. Brasier had a decent season with Los Angeles in 2024. He was 1-and-0 with a 3.54 ERA in 29 appearances.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Northwestern Wildcats came through in the clutch with a 77-75 win over the USC Trojans at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Nick Martinelli knocked down a game-winning jumper in the closing seconds to give Northwestern the win. Martinelli had 27 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. The Wildcats are tied for 15th place in the Big Ten with a 4-and-8 conference record and a 13-and-10 mark overall. They visit Washington on Saturday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish dropped their second game in a row with a 67-60 loss to Florida State at Donald L. Tucker Center last night. Markus Burton poured in 25 points in the losing effort, while Tae Davis was the only other Notre Dame player to reach double-digits with 14 points. The Irish dropped to 4-and-7 in ACC play and 10-and-12 overall. They host Virginia Tech on Saturday.
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The number-25 Illinois Fighting Illini look to get on a winning streak when they visit Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena tonight. The Illini just beat Ohio State 87-79 at home on Sunday. Illinois is 7-and-5 in Big Ten play and 15-and-7 overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 PM.
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In college hoops action yesterday, Loyola crushed St. Bonaventure 77-53, and Northern Illinois lost to Bowling Green 84-77. Tonight, UIC hosts Illinois State, Valparaiso is at Indiana State, DePaul welcomes Villanova, and Bradley is at home against Belmont.
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IVCC Basketball:
Women’s
Highland 60 IVCC 48
Men’s
IVCC 110 Aurora University 101