Governor JB Pritzker is unveiling his 55-point-two-billion-dollar spending plan, the largest in state history, with this week’s State of the State address. The plan, Pritzker says, will save Illinois more than 400 million dollars by eliminating a health care program for adults without legal immigration status. The Democratic governor announced an increase of 300 million dollars for education funding, which the Chicago Teachers Union criticized as the “minimum required increase.” Meanwhile, Pritzker took his shots at President Donald Trump, comparing his “authoritarian playbook” to the Nazi movement. Governor JB Pritzker is also supporting a ban on cell phones in the classroom. Illinois is now joining several other states that have already implemented a “no screen” policy in schools. That policy has gone into effect in some Central Illinois schools. Officials at those schools are already reporting increased student engagement.
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Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, criticized the governor’s $55 billion budget proposal, calling it the largest in Illinois history and reliant on unrealistic revenue projections that ultimately burden taxpayers. She argued that while families struggle with rising costs, the governor has increased spending by nearly 40% since taking office, far outpacing income growth. Though she welcomed plans to scale back non-citizen health care, she remained skeptical about the budget’s long-term sustainability, emphasizing that its true impact will only be clear when final numbers are released this spring.
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The Marseilles man accused of killing his father on Father’s Day weekend has waived his right to a jury trial. Logan Petre, 21, will now stand trial before a judge on May 28th for multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, for allegedly beating and asphyxiating Leo Petre. If convicted, he faces 20 to 60 years in prison, with the possibility of additional time. Originally set for a jury trial on Monday, Petre opted instead for a bench trial, a move sometimes advised in sensitive cases. However, the judge remains undecided, as his trial judge, Cynthia M. Raccuglia, recently announced her retirement. A replacement won’t be appointed until after March 10th, with a final pretrial conference set for April 3rd.
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The Streator City Council chose Merriner Park for future pickleball courts over the former Lipton Tea building lot and Oakland Park. While the Park Board favored the Lipton site for its space, visibility, and downtown proximity, the council cited concerns over parking costs and the lack of restrooms. Merriner Park, by contrast, offers ample parking, restroom access at the Incubator, and room for expansion. Each court is estimated to cost $35,000, with the city seeking a $25,000 AARP grant. Council member David Reed noted that the 1995 playground at Merriner Park will need replacing and inquired about adding basketball courts, which City Engineer Jeremy Palm said could be explored in a future grant application.
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The Streator Education Association and the school board bargaining team are set to meet today for their latest contract negotiation session, continuing talks that have been ongoing since last year with the assistance of a mediator. Both sides have reported progress in recent discussions, but tensions remain high as Streator’s elementary teachers have already voted to authorize a strike if an agreement cannot be reached.
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Residents of Ottawa can now reserve their spot at Ottawa’s annual State of the City Address and get the latest updates on what’s happening and what’s ahead for the city. Mayor Robert Hasty will share key insights over lunch on Thursday, March 20th, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with him. The event begins at 11:30 AM at the American Legion Post 33 in downtown Ottawa. Tickets are available through the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
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La Salle and Peru will be in the spotlight on February 27th with a feature on PBS Wisconsin’s John McGivern’s Main Streets, a show that highlights the charm of Midwest towns. A crew visited the Illinois Valley last summer, capturing local history, businesses, and landmarks, including the Hegeler Carus Mansion, Camp Aramoni, TBM Avengers, and Maze Nails, which has been in operation since 1848. John McGivern’s Main Streets is available on the PBS Video App and other streaming platforms. Watch the La Salle-Peru episode at pbswebsite.org.
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A Grundy County state’s attorney has charged 44-year-old Chris Nielsen with three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of felony domestic battery, and one count of felony aggravated battery in the death of his mother, 63-year-old Alison Findley. The two lived together in an apartment on Twilight Drive in Morris. A friend reported Findley missing on Aug. 26, 2024, and her body was discovered four days later in a tree line by a woman walking her dog. Nielsen, who already had an outstanding warrant in Will County, was found in Bourbonnais and initially denied involvement. He has since been transferred to the Grundy County Jail, where he awaits his first status hearing on Feb. 27
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Illinois community colleges may soon offer bachelor’s degrees. Governor JB Pritzker announced the proposal during yesterday’s State of the State address. He said the bachelor’s program would make it easier and more affordable for students, particularly working adults, to advance their careers. With 45 community colleges, Illinois boasts the third-largest community college system in the country.
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A new bill could change how stores across the state comply with state alcohol laws. SB 2625 took effect the first of the year and considers alcohol-infused products like alcoholic ice cream, whipped cream, and more alcoholic beverages. Those are regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Act and the State Liquor Control Commission. It means that those alcohol-infused products need to be separated from similar products that contain no alcohol, like regular soft drinks, candies, ice cream, and more.
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On February 12th, a burglary was reported near Sundown Street and Fourth Avenue. Following extensive investigative work, including the review of surveillance camera footage and numerous interviews, two local male suspects were arrested. Arrestee #1, a 27-year-old resident of Streator with prior interactions with the Streator Police Department, and Arrestee #2, a 36-year-old resident with an arrest history dating back to 2023, were both cited for Residential Burglary under the guidelines of the SAFE-T Act and subsequently released. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are anticipated soon.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of RT 34 and Steve Bowne Dr. As a result of that stop the driver, Beatriz Garibay De Cuevas, 55, 406 1st Ave. Mendota was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Garibay De Cuevas was transported to the Mendota Police Department where she was processed and later released with a March 7, 2025, LaSalle County court date.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 14th St and Lincoln Ave. As a result of that stop the driver, Jason Jones, 35, 601 15th St. Mendota, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Jones was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and later released with a mandatory March 10, 2025, LaSalle County court date.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 1st Ave and 2nd St. As a result of that stop the driver, Alexander L Krager, 29, 301 ½ 4th Ave. Mendota was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Krager was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and released with a mandatory March 11, 202,5 at 0900 hours at the LaSalle County courthouse.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -13. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -3. West 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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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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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. today 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:
Boys basketball
Somonauk 65, Marquette 50: At Somonauk
Newark 67, LaMoille/Ohio 32: At Newark
Indian Creek 44, Serena 41: At Serena
Sandwich 74, Marengo 47: At Marengo
Morton 54, Streator 50: At Pops Dale Gymnasium
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Girls basketball
Marquette @ Amboy
Ottawa @ Kewanee
Earlville @ Woodland
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are getting ready for their Spring Training opener against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Southsiders haven’t selected a starting pitcher for the contest, which begins at 2:05 PM.
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The Chicago Cubs open up exhibition play with a Spring Training Game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch this afternoon. The Cubs and Dodgers will also face each other in the regular season opener. Chicago hasn’t announced a starting pitcher for this afternoon’s game. The first pitch is at 2:05 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls are back in action tonight. The Bulls visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden to begin the second half of the season. Chicago is on a four-game losing streak after falling to Detroit 128-110 on February 12th. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-and-33. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. The Blackhawks are coming off a 6-5 shootout loss on February 8th. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 41 points and a 17-31-and-7. Saturday’s game begins at 6:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish got off to a dreadful start during a 97-73 loss to SMU at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish trailed 50-25 at halftime and couldn’t climb out of the massive hole. Braeden Shrewsberry scored 21 points in the losing effort. Notre Dame is tied for 13th place in the ACC with a 5-and-10 conference record and an 11-and-15 mark overall. They host Pitt on Saturday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats aim to avoid a fourth consecutive loss when they visit Ohio State at Value City Arena tonight. The Wildcats just lost to Nebraska 68-64 at home on Sunday. Northwestern is in 17th place in the Big Ten with a 4-and-11 conference record and a 13-and-13 mark overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 5:30 PM.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul was destroyed by number-nine St. John’s 82-58, UIC lost to Drake 74-57, Illinois State beat Bradley 82-71, and Valparaiso edged Missouri State 66-64. Tonight, Chicago State hosts Central Connecticut. Illinois returns to action with a game against number-three Duke on Saturday.