Bitter temperatures continue in the region. This has LaSalle County health officials warning the public to take precautions against cold weather-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. It’s recommended to avoid long periods outdoors. If you do have to be outside, you are advised to dress in layers and wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. Warming centers are available if needed. Residents of Oglesby can go to the fire and ambulance building at 500 South Columbia. For those in La Salle, City Hall is available to offer warmth and assistance. In Peru, temporary warming centers will be available starting tomorrow, Tuesday, at these locations City Hall, Peru Police Department, Peru Fire Department, and PADS Shelter. In addition, the LaSalle County Jail lobby on Etna Road is open as a warming center as well. the City of Marseilles, City Hall, and the Fire Department are available to be warming centers today.
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Due to the extreme wind chills in the early hours, Illinois Valley Community College’s Oglesby and Ottawa Center campuses and clinicals will be on a delayed 9:00 a.m. start. At this time, it is expected that classes starting after 9:00 a.m. will proceed as usual. Students should check Brightspace for additional class-specific information and monitor text messages, social media, and/or www.ivcc.edu/cancellations for additional updates.
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Early voting for the April 1st consolidated election begins Thursday, offering residents of La Salle County the opportunity to cast their ballots early at the Etna Road complex in Ottawa during regular business hours. Early voting will also be available at courthouses in Hennepin and Princeton starting the same day. Those wishing to vote by mail must submit an application through their county clerk’s office. This election will determine key local positions, including mayoral and village president seats, city council members, school board representatives, and officials for township, library, fire, and park districts. Additionally, Oglesby voters will decide whether to adopt a managerial form of city government, while residents in the Waltham School District will vote on a proposal to issue over $9 million in bonds for classroom expansion.
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The Arukah Institute of Healing, Inc. has secured $3.6 million as part of Governor JB Pritzker’s $200 million statewide initiative to enhance healthcare services for underserved communities. Serving Bureau, LaSalle, Grundy, Marshall, and Putnam Counties, Arukah was among just 13 organizations selected through a competitive grant process administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Capital Development Board. Announced by Governor Pritzker on January 7 in Normal, Illinois, this initiative is a groundbreaking effort to tackle health disparities, provide comprehensive care, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure. With the funding, Arukah will expand its headquarters in Princeton and establish a second location in Ottawa, reinforcing its commitment to addressing the region’s increasing mental health and substance use treatment needs.
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Tobias Burkey and Kealey Rick were selected as the Senior Students of the Month by Ottawa Sunrise Rotary. Both have been involved in many activities at school and in the community. Burkey from Ottawa Township High School plans on attending Iowa University and pursuing a degree in Comedy Writing and Performance. A senior at Marquette, Rick will continue her studies at IVCC and then Illinois State University to become an Elementary teacher with an emphasis on kindergarteners.
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Flu cases continue to rise across the state of Illinois. The CDC reported cases are at a “very high” level as of yesterday. It’s part of a growing trend across the country, as not just cases, but hospitalizations are up. Health officials are recommending flu shots and early treatment once symptoms develop.
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A bald eagle found dead in Busse Woods in Rolling Meadows likely died of bird flu. That’s according to officials with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, which say all indications from lab results show the bird’s death was caused by avian influenza. The bald eagle was discovered on February 3rd.
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Damage estimates are upwards of ten million dollars after a large fire at a Kankakee County chocolate factory last week. The night of February 11th, Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation went up in flames. The 40-thousand-square-foot facility manufactured hot cocoa mixes, chocolate syrup, and instant chocolate drink mixes. It took crews roughly ten hours to put out the fire that officials estimate caused between 10 and 15-million dollars in damages.
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Three suspects are in custody after a police chase that ended in Matteson. Police say this all unfolded yesterday afternoon in Sauk Village when officers spotted a vehicle wanted in connection with an armed robbery near Illinois 394 and Route 30. The pursuit went into Matteson where it ended near Vollmer Road. That’s where police say the suspects got out of the vehicle and took off on foot. They were caught after a brief foot chase. The suspects’ names are being withheld pending charges.
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Streator Police responded to a recent incident at Park at Grant, 19-year-old Talan S. Weber from Princeton was arrested on charges of theft and battery. Following the arrest, Weber was cited and subsequently released, with a future court date scheduled in LaSalle County to address the charges.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Chestnut ST & Madison ST (Ottawa TWP). Stacy Verly (33) of Ottawa was cited for operating a motor vehicle while registration was suspended and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 11th RD (Eagle Creek TWP). Jason Nykaza (40) of Streator was cited for speeding 81 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to a complaint of suspicious persons in the area of 1464 N 30th RD (Ottawa TWP). Jared Boyer (36) of Moline was arrested for Possession of burglary tools, obstructing identification, Mercer CO. warrant for FTA DUI no insurance X3, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage, and a Rock Island CO warrant for fleeing attempt to elude officer. John Foley (42) of Davenport, IA was arrested on a Lee Co. warrant for contempt of court. Both subjects were transported to LASCO Jail awaiting extradition.
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WEATHER:
COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY. WHAT…Very cold wind chills as low as 20 below to 25 below zero expected.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 10. Wind chill values as low as -19. North northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -12. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Robert Eugene Poggi, 93, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, February 12th, at The Pavilion of Ottawa. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation rites.
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Zenon S. Bursztynsky, 71, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 14th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. today at Crossbridge Community Church. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. prior to the service. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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Mary Wright, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 10th, in Avon Park in Florida. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 19th, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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David D. Syverson II passed away Monday, February 10th, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Visitation for David will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 20th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home followed by a service at 6 pm. A Celebration of David’s life will be held at a time and place to be announced.
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John “Jack’ Patrick Finnegan, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, February 12th, at his home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 21st, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
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Larry Leon Cain, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, February 12th, at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 21st, at First Baptist Church in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. before the service at the church. The burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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James “Brownie” Brown, 100, of Grand Ridge, passed away Monday, February 3rd, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Memorial Mass will be Friday, February 21st, at St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church, Grand Ridge. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am with the Mass beginning at 11:30. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Ottawa. Ottawa Funeral Home is helping with arrangements for the family.
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Marcy Hennenfent, 67, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully at home in the care of her devoted family on Thursday, February 13th. Marcy was the co-host of “The Afternoon Drive With Dan and Marcy” on WCMY 1430. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22nd from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 807 LaSalle Street in Ottawa. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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Albert John “Duke” Manley, 68, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, February 12th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys Basketball:
Ottawa @ Marmion
Earlville @ Midland
Streator @ Wilmington
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Girls Basketball:
Marquette @ St.Bede
Streator @ Ottawa
Seneca @ Beecher
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox have a new reliever. The team claimed right-hander Owen White off waivers from the New York Yankees yesterday. White will have a chance to make Chicago’s Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old pitched in three games with Texas last season. He had a 24.00 ERA.
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The Chicago Cubs are adding some depth to their starting rotation. The Northsiders signed right-hander Chris Flexen to a minor league deal yesterday. The contract includes an invitation to Spring Training. Flexen spent last season with the White Sox. He was 3-and-15 with a 4.95 ERA in 33 appearances in 2024.
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The Chicago Bulls are gearing up for the second half of the NBA season. The Bulls return from the All-Star break with a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. Chicago entered the break with a four-game losing streak, and the team is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-and-33 record. Thursday’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for the home stretch of the NHL season. The Hawks return from the Four Nations Face-Off break with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. Chicago’s most recent game was a 6-5 shootout loss to the Blues on February 8th. The Blackhawks are in last place in the Central Division with 41 points and a 17-31-and-7 record. Saturday’s game begins at 6:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team is on a streak for the ages. Saturday night, Illinois notched its eighth straight win over a Big Ten opponent, beating Nebraska, 77-68. That is the longest streak against conference opponents in program history. A tough test for the Illini this week, as they travel to the number one ranked Bruins of UCLA on Thursday.
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The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s Basketball team looks to get back in the win column when they visit number-11 Wisconsin at Kohl Center tonight. Illinois is in seventh place in the Big Ten with a 9-and-7 conference record and a 17-and-9 record overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 PM.
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In other college hoops action tonight, Loyola visits Davidson, and Northern Illinois is at Akron. Meanwhile, Notre Dame hosts SMU tomorrow, while Northwestern gets back to action on Thursday against Ohio State.