A teenager previously charged for bringing a gun to Ottawa High School was placed on probation on October 29th but faced new charges the following day for possessing a stolen vehicle. During a hearing at La Salle County Circuit Court, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony, and disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. While an adult could face three to seven years for the felony, his juvenile sentencing allows for more flexibility, resulting in an extension of his probation by 12 months, contingent upon completing residential treatment. Prosecutors warned that failure to adhere to probation conditions could lead to his transfer to La Salle County Detention Home. Judge Michael C. Jansz encouraged the teen to embrace treatment positively. In the earlier incident, a .45-caliber firearm was found in a school locker, and the teen had already confessed to felony weapon charges. Another teen involved faces felony charges for unlawful use and possession of a firearm, with unresolved cases that could lead to significant prison time.
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Ottawa officials approved several key projects, including the installation of a generator at the South Side Water Tower, the use of TIF funds for renovations at the former Bell’s Clothing building and 616-618 Court Street, and an extension of water mains to Caton Road. Additionally, $17,000 was allocated for masonry repairs at the IVCC Ottawa campus. Design agreements were authorized for the Post Street bridge replacement, with plans to seek an IDOT grant for construction once the design phase is complete. The council also approved service agreements for street maintenance and curb replacements scheduled for the upcoming year.
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La Salle’s wastewater and water treatment upgrades depend on $14 million in Illinois EPA loans, with a decision expected in 45 days. Terry Boyer of Donahue and Associates detailed two projects: a $4.4 million Wastewater Treatment upgrade with 30% loan forgiveness and a $9.7 million Water Treatment project with 50% forgiveness. Plans include sludge removal, a new building, equipment upgrades, a 3,000-foot well, and new hydrants. City Engineer Brian Brown remains hopeful but says delays are likely if funding falls through. The state’s support stems from La Salle’s designation as an economically distressed community.
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Circuit Judge Cynthia Raccuglia will retire on February 28 after over 30 years on the bench in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Her caseload has recently been reassigned due to a medical absence. The Illinois Supreme Court will appoint her successor, with applications due by March 10. The new judge will serve until December following the November 2026 general election. Raccuglia was the first woman appointed as a judge in La Salle County, following her late father, Anthony Raccuglia, who was a notable attorney.
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Corn Belt Energy is alerting the public to reports of an unauthorized solar installer who is misrepresenting their association with the energy company. The fraudulent installer has reportedly been referencing recent meter installations to lend credibility to their claims. In a statement, Corn Belt Energy emphasized that they do not endorse or partner with any specific solar company. The organization is urging customers and community members to remain vigilant and report any encounters with individuals falsely claiming to represent them. If you come across anyone making such claims, Corn Belt Energy advises you to contact them immediately at 309-662-5330 to help address the issue.
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Governor J.B. Pritzker gave his annual State of the State address today. The governor expected to lay out his vision for Illinois while addressing a potentially large budget deficit. Estimates released last year project a three-point-two billion dollar budget deficit for fiscal 2026. Meanwhile, it’s expected that federal funding cuts will impact the state’s budget in coming years.
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On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee voted 7-3 to advance Senate Bill 42, which seeks to limit police searches of vehicles based solely on the scent of cannabis. The proposed bill would eliminate the requirement for cannabis to be in odor-proof containers and prohibit searches based on the smell of burnt or raw cannabis if occupants are 21 years or older. This follows two Illinois Supreme Court rulings, where the court first ruled that the smell of burnt cannabis does not provide probable cause for a search, while the smell of raw cannabis does.
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Republican Representative John Cabello is proposing the state create its own Department of Government Efficiency. HB-1266 would mimic the Elon Musk-led DOGE that’s rooting out administrative rules, state agencies, and unnecessary laws. Per Cabello’s proposal, the Illinois DOGE would exist under the office of the auditor general and be led by a board of directors consisting of two Republicans and two Democrats. The White House’s Department of Government Efficiency is taking heat for its current methods under the Tesla billionaire.
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Families experiencing homelessness in Illinois could be eligible for 65-hundred-dollar payments. It’s part of a pilot program by the state and University of Chicago. Applications for the Illinois Stability Investment for Family Housing grants are open through early March. Seven-hundred-and-50 families will receive a full payment of 65 hundred dollars, while another 750 families will receive 500-dollar payments.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of E 16th RD & N 33rd RD (Wallace TWP). David Pierce (39) of Ottawa was cited for operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended and released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies responded to a disturbance in the area of 2359 N 35th RD (Rutland TWP). Conrad Del Bosque (37) of Chicago was arrested for domestic battery. Conrad was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa for injuries and later transported to LASCO Jail where he awaited a confinement hearing.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Lundy ST & Sterling ST (Bruce TWP). Keith Scott (49) of Streator was cited for driving while their license was suspended. Keith was transported to LASCO Jail and subsequently released with an NTA.
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Streator Police officers responded to reports of potential gunfire in the 800 block of West Grant St. A resident reported hearing a loud bang and witnessed a male individual fleeing toward a vehicle that subsequently left the scene. Upon investigation, shredded paper associated with exploding fireworks was found on the ground; however, a thorough search of the area revealed no evidence of gunfire, bullets, or shell casings. Consequently, the incident was classified as unfounded.
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Streator Police officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting in the 600 block of North Sterling St. Upon arrival, they found a white SUV that had been struck by gunfire. Residents exited a nearby home claiming involvement in the incident, with one stating they saw two males flee the area in a red or maroon vehicle. The SUV’s owner, who had just arrived with a passenger, reported that their vehicle was fired upon, prompting the passenger to flee on foot, although both were unharmed. While residents heard the shots, none witnessed the shooting, and officers found no spent bullets or casings during a door-to-door canvass. Efforts to locate residential cameras that might provide further information were unsuccessful.
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Streator residents of the 200 block of Penn St. reported hearing approximately four gunshots. While investigating the incident, officers were informed that a victim had arrived at the Streator Police Department with gunshot damage to his vehicle. Upon examination, officers identified three bullet impacts on the car and recovered a bullet and a bullet fragment. The victim, along with two friends, explained that they noticed a vehicle following them. As they entered the 200 block of Penn St., they saw a blue laser pointed at them before being shot at. The investigation is ongoing, with officers pursuing leads related to the case.
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A Sycamore woman has been arrested after police said she shot the family dog because she was jealous of her husband’s affection for the animal. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Tracy Picciariello called police on Monday afternoon and confessed to shooting her dog the night before, during an argument with her husband. Police responded to the scene and interviewed Picciariello’s husband, who said the argument was over his attention to the family pets. Authorities said the husband ultimately shot and killed the wounded animal, to put it down. Picciariello was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, and booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
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39-year-old David Pierce of Ottawa is cited for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration after LaSalle County Deputies stopped him in Wallace Township at East 16th and North 33rd Roads. Pierce was released with a court date.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Intermittent flurries after 4 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 13. Wind chill values as low as -11. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Wednesday Night
Intermittent flurries with a slight chance of snow before midnight, then intermittent flurries after midnight. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low of around 1. Wind chill values as low as -15. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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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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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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Mary Wright, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 10th, in Avon Park in Florida. Visitation will be today 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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Francis “Tom” Raibley, 91, of Seneca, passed away Monday, February 17th, at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be on Monday, February 24th, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:00 am. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls basketball
Marquette 50, St.Bede 45: Marquette advances to play No. 2 Amboy in the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Ottawa 52, Streator 12: At the Class 3A Kankakee Regional Ottawa advances to Thursday’s 7 p.m. championship game against host Kankakee, Ottawa will be looking for its first regional championship since 2013.
Seneca 46, Beecher 29: In the Tuesday semifinals of the Class 2A Beecher Regional. They will play Friday’s regional championship game against Manteno.
Serena 54, Indian Creek 23: In the semifinals of the Class 1A Indian Creek Regional, they play Thursday’s championship game against a Yorkville Christian.
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Boys basketball
Marmion Academy 66, Ottawa 58: At Aurora
Wilmington 51, Streator 50: At Wilmington
Woodland 53, Lowpoint-Washburn 37: At the Warrior Dome in Streator
Seneca 38, Morris 35: At Morris
Earlville 40, Midland 35: At Earlville
Mendota 69, Kewanee 56:
Tonight:
Marquette @ Somonauk
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox are releasing their spring training television and radio broadcast schedule. The team will feature seven games on CHSN-TV starting on Monday against Texas. Our first Sox broadcast will be March 7th against the Cubs.
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The Cubs are signing a free-agent infielder Justin Turner. The 40-year-old two-time All-Star’s one-year deal is reportedly worth six million dollars. Turner played last year with Toronto and Seattle. He was the MVP of the 2017 National League Championship Series and was part of the Dodgers 2020 World Series champs.
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The Chicago Bulls are getting ready for their game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. The Bulls have been off since last Wednesday when they lost to Detroit 128-110 at home. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-and-33. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are preparing for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. The Blackhawks haven’t played since losing to the St. Louis Blues 6-5 on February 8th. Chicago is 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 Illinois Fighting Illini had a rough second half during a 95-74 loss to number-11 Wisconsin at Kohl Center. The Illini only trailed by six at halftime before getting outscored 48-33 the rest of the way. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn had 17 points off the bench in the losing effort. Illinois is in seventh place in the Big Ten with a 9-and-8 conference record and a 17-and-10 mark overall. The Illini take on number-three Duke in the Sentinel One Classic on Saturday night.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish look to get back in the win column when they host SMU at Purcell Pavilion tonight. The Irish are coming off a 75-60 home loss against number 22 Louisville on Sunday. Notre Dame is in 13th place in the ACC with a 5-and-9 conference record and an 11-and-14 mark overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM Central time.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, Loyola beat Davidson 77-69, while Northern Illinois fell to Akron 73-63. Tonight, DePaul hosts number-nine St. John’s, UIC is at Drake, Illinois State welcomes Bradley, and Valparaiso is at home against Missouri State. Tomorrow, Northwestern is on the road against Ohio State.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Black Hawk 68, IVCC 59: The Eagles lost an Arrowhead Conference game in Oglesby.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Black Hawk 86, IVCC 30: The Eagles lost an Arrowhead Conference game in Oglesby.