A major winter storm is hitting the LaSalle County area today. The National Weather Service says snow has started to fall, with three to six inches of snow possible this afternoon into tonight as two rounds of storms will hit. A winter weather advisory will be in effect in the region until Thursday at 3 am. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Most schools are closed or e-learning today, in addition to some area services and businesses. Crews with the Illinois Department of Transportation will be out in droves as a winter storm hits parts of Illinois today. The team from IDOT will be plowing and treating roads throughout the storm. Statewide, IDOT has more than 18 hundred trucks and equipment available to spread salt, plow snow, and respond to weather emergencies as needed. Locally most cities have notified via Facebook reminding residents about the importance of adhering to local snow ordinances regarding street parking for local plow crews.
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Ottawa’s marijuana tax revenue continues to decline for the third consecutive fiscal year, with a fourth downturn likely. In 2022, the city collected $337,542 in marijuana tax revenue, averaging $28,128 per month, but that number fell to $293,072 in 2023, $246,202 in 2024, and currently sits at just $145,923 for the first nine months of the 2025 fiscal year, averaging $16,213 per month—a 42.4% drop over three years. Mayor Robb Hasty attributes this decline to increased competition from nearby dispensaries in Peru and Aurora, as well as the overall saturation of the Illinois market, now home to over 170 dispensaries. Ottawa’s gaming tax revenue continues to rise, defying expectations as new gaming machines are installed in restaurants, consistently driving increased tax income for the city.
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A 15-year-old girl is charged in a crash last month in Marshall County. The teenage suspect faces charges of reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, and aggravated reckless driving. Prosecutors say she had cannabis in her system when the vehicle she was driving crashed on January 17th in the 600 block of County Road 450 North. The wreck took the life of 14-year-old Kayleigh Dalrymple.
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OSF HealthCare is seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, COVID-19, and strep throat, affecting both adults and children. This surge is reflected in higher patient volumes at OSF clinics, prompt care locations, and hospitals such as OSF St. Elizabeth in Peru and Ottawa, St. Clare in Princeton, and St. Paul in Mendota. While emergency departments may experience longer wait times, hospital beds remain available. Patients can access OSF OnCall virtual services and check wait times for PromptCare and in-person visits through the OSF website or myChart. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose, and health officials stress the importance of vaccinations, hand hygiene, and masking in crowded spaces to help prevent the spread of illness.
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A child care shortage in La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is keeping parents out of the workforce, with a yearlong waitlist at the Starved Rock Regional Center. A study by TPMA for ROE 35 found that 679 parents would work full-time if care were available, generating up to $35.6 million in earnings and boosting the local economy. The region needs a 12% annual capacity increase to meet demand by 2033. Experts call child care essential infrastructure, urging employer support, expanded programs, and better wages for providers. Lawmakers stress continued efforts to improve access. Full report at roe35.org.
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The City of LaSalle Police Department has completed its Super Bowl Traffic Enforcement Campaign, and the results are in. During this initiative, our dedicated officers issued a total of ten seat belt citations, three for operating a vehicle with an expired registration, one for an uninsured motor vehicle, two for speeding, and one for disobeying a stop sign. These efforts underscore our commitment to promoting safe driving practices and ensuring the safety of all road users during this busy time.
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North Central Behavioral Health Systems has joined forces with Rosecrance Behavioral Health to expand access to mental health and substance-use treatment services in the region. The partnership aims to enhance resources for individuals and families while maintaining local leadership, management, and funding. Existing clients will experience no disruption in care, and North Central will continue overseeing operations and staffing. Rosecrance President and CEO Dave Gomel emphasized the collaboration’s role in providing a full continuum of care, while North Central President and CEO Jodi Mahoney expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to drive positive change in the community.
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The Sangamon County Board is signing off on a ten-million-dollar settlement for the family of Sonya Massey. The board unanimously approved the payout yesterday after reaching an agreement last week. The 36-year-old Black woman was shot and killed last July inside her home in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield. Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting.
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Former Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is publicly seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump. He is making the call a day after the president pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Jackson resigned in 2012 and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to defraud his re-election campaign. The former lawmaker spoke before a crowd today at a Leaders Network meeting on Chicago’s West Side. Jackson talked about how millions of others who paid their debt to society should also be pardoned.
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A federal grand jury in Chicago is indicting a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. The indictment accuses Espinoza Angulo of trafficking heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, meth, and ecstasy into the United States for over a decade. The suspect is believed to be in Mexico and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Prosecutors claim he employed dozens of gunmen to aid in the narcotics trafficking efforts, including the sons of incarcerated Sinaloa leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman Loera.
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An investigation is underway after a recording device was discovered in a school bathroom at Highland Park High School in the northern suburbs. Police say a staff member found the device. It was also determined that there was evidence of a prior recording in a bathroom at Edgewood Middle School. A student has been identified as the suspect responsible for placing a recording device or mobile phone in bathrooms at both schools.
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Illinois is suspending events that feature the exhibition or sale of poultry. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is issuing a 30-day suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets. The suspension is in response to the ongoing threat of the bird flu. The move is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in Illinois.
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A national conference focusing on climate change is relocating to Chicago. Over the last three years, the Aspen Institute Climate Conference has been held in Miami Beach, Florida. Organizers say Chicago was selected because of its status as a center of climate innovation and implementation. The conference will take place on July 21st and 22nd. The location has not been revealed.
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The name of the late former U.S. Representative Henry Hyde is being removed from the DuPage County courthouse. The Democrat-controlled DuPage County Board voted yesterday to remove the late Republican congressman’s name from the building and related offices in Wheaton. The move reflects a shift from red to blue in the county. Hyde represented parts of the western and northwest suburbs from 1975 till 2007, the year he died at the age of 83.
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A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday, returning indictments against 13 individuals on various charges. Among them: Jeffrey D. Peterson, 45, of Marseilles, for aggravated arson; Benjamin J. Stasik, 39, of La Salle, for aggravated battery; and Derek R. Hornick, 46, of Streator, for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and resisting. Others indicted include Paula S. Wing, 53, of Spring Valley; Karis A. Maple, 44, of Streator; and Teresa A. Hash, 47, of Peru, all on theft-related charges. Multiple weapons charges were filed against Ty C. McCormick, 30, of Streator, and Jake A. Cook, 30, of Ottawa. Additional indictments include Richard M. Venegas, 37, of La Salle (burglary, theft); Thomas J. Vernoy, 42, of Ottawa (domestic battery); and retail theft charges against Sadie M. Kjellesvik, 25, of Marseilles; Trenna K. Shangle, 30, of Northville, Michigan; and Jacob A. Lampman, 27, of Beaverton, Michigan.
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An Oswego man, Brian Hulsey, 51, faces a mandatory life sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting three young family members. The Kendall County bench trial concluded last week, with sentencing scheduled for May. The abuse came to light in 2021 when the victims, all under 13, reported it to a family friend and police. Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis commended the victims for their bravery in testifying. Hulsey, a former Plano police officer, was dismissed from the department in 2001 after facing burglary and misconduct charges.
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A McLean County judge is sending a Towanda man to federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. Triston Michael Roberts has been sentenced to 15 years. Prosecutors say between April 2023 and February 2024, Roberts used his cellphone to visit online platforms where he located adults offering to engage in sexual acts with children in exchange for money. Authorities searched his home and found child porn videos and images on his phone. He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor last September.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer, in the area of N 2553rd RD & Foyle Acres DR (Brookfield TWP). Amairani Munoz (25) of Marseilles was the driver; no injuries were reported, and no citations were issued. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer, in the area of N 3973rd RD & E 550th RD (Troy Grove TWP). Rosa Escatel-Flores (45) of Mendota was the driver; no injuries were reported, and no citations were issued. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of I-80 WB at the 88MM (Wallace TWP). Lukas Beckman (21) of Rock Island was arrested for Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance. Joshua Hart (26) of El Reno, OK, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were transported to the LASCO Jail and subsequently released with NTAs.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 2100 Bloomington St (Bruce TWP). Jenniffer Milton (38) of Streator was arrested for possession of Meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, two LaSalle county warrants: Driving while license is suspended, unlawful use of a firearm in a vehicle with no FOID and a Grundy County warrant for possession of Meth. Jenniffer was transported to LASCO Jail, where she is awaiting extradition on the Grundy County warrant.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of N 17th RD & E 25th RD (Allen TWP). Richard Maldonado (55) of Streator was cited for disobeying a stop sign and released from the scene.
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WEATHER:
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM CST THURSDAY.
Wednesday
Snow before 5 pm, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. High near 29. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation is expected. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.
Wednesday Night
Snow and freezing rain, mainly before 9 pm. Low around 13. North-northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulation of less than 0.1 of an inch is possible. A new snow accumulation of around an inch is possible.
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OBITUARIES:
David Verona, 62, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, February 9th, at his home. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 PM on Thursday at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 14th, at St. Patrick’s Church, Ottawa. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery.
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Kevin Michael Leiteritz, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, January 31st, at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa. A celebration of life will be held on February 15th, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the American Legion in Ottawa. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Joan Leona Kofoid, 89, of Marseilles, passed away Friday, February 7th, at OSF Healthcare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, February 15th, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Leonore at a later date.
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John Kelly, 67, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, February 8th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, surrounded by his family and dear friend Gina Crain. A Graveside service will take place at St. Columba Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Ruth Lozano, 83, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, February 9th, at Pleasant View Lutheran Nursing Home in Ottawa. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Join us on Saturday afternoon as your Marquette Crusaders travel to Hinkley-Big Rock for a 12:30 pm tip-off, with Andrew Evola on the call for the game.
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Boys basketball
Serena 54, Marquette 45: is Serena
Dunlap 60, Ottawa 49: At Dunlap
LeRoy 51, Woodland 42: At LeRoy
Rockford Christian Life 70, Leland 34: At Rockford
LaMoille 79, St.Bede 75: in OT
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Girls basketball
Ottawa 57, Rochelle 37: At Rochelle
Seneca 79, Newark 21: At Newark
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IESA:
Congrats to the 8th grade Oglesby boys’ basketball team for their 44-40 win over Aurora Christian to advance to state. They will play in the state tournament this Saturday, Feb. 15th, at Bishop McNamara in Kankakee at 2:30 p.m.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls were dreadful in the first half of a 132-92 loss against the Detroit Pistons at United Center. The Bulls scored just 29 points in the first half, and they trailed by 42 at the break. Matas Buzelis led the team with 12 points in the losing effort. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-and-32. The Bulls host Detroit again tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs are having some trouble at the top of their rotation. The team announced that right-handed starting pitcher Javier Assad is dealing with an oblique strain. Craig Counsell told reporters that Assad is being shut down until his pain is gone, but he added that he doesn’t think that he’ll be out for a long time. Assad went 7-and-6 with a 3.73 ERA in 29 starts for the Northsiders last season.
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The Chicago White Sox are picking up a Gold Glove outfielder. The team signed Michael A. Taylor to a one-year deal yesterday. The contract is worth just under two million dollars for the 2025 season. Taylor won a Gold Glove with Kansas City in 2021. He hit .193 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 113 games with the Pirates last season.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are enjoying a two-week break because of the Four Nations Face-Off. The Blackhawks return to action with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 22nd.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini pulled away late during an 83-78 win over the UCLA Bruins at State Farm Center. The Illini led by two with under 30 seconds left in regulation when Tomislav Ivisic got a dunk to go up by four. Illinois knocked down three of its four free throws down the stretch to put the game away. Kasparas Jakucionis poured in 24 points in the victory, while Ivisic had 16 points. Illinois is in seventh place in the Big Ten with a 9-and-6 conference record and a 17-and-8 mark overall. The Illini host number-11 Michigan State on Saturday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats got off to a slow start during an 81-75 loss to the Oregon Ducks at Alaskan Airlines Arena. The Wildcats were down 39-25 at halftime and never got back within one possession the rest of the way. Ty Berry scored 23 points in the losing effort, while Nick Martinelli chipped in with 16. The Wildcats dropped to 4-and-10 in Big Ten play and 13-and-12 overall. Northwestern hosts Nebraska on Sunday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish aim to avoid a fourth straight loss when they visit Boston College at Conte Forum tonight. The Irish are coming off a 65-63 loss to Virginia Tech at home on Saturday. Notre Dame is in 15th place in the ACC with a 4-and-8 conference record and a 10-and-13 mark overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:00 PM Central time.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul lost to number-16 Marquette 68-58, Loyola beat Richmond 87-80, UIC fell to Murray State 63-53, and Northern Illinois was defeated by Buffalo 73-67. Tonight, Bradley hosts Southern Illinois, Valparaiso welcomes Belmont, and Illinois State is at home against Drake.