Fernando Martinez, 21, was sentenced Thursday to 28 years in prison for an armed home invasion in Ottawa, during which shots were fired. Convicted of home invasion, a Class X felony carrying six to 30 years plus a mandatory 20-year enhancement for firearm use, Martinez also pleaded guilty to two unrelated burglaries and received five-year sentences to run concurrently. Despite his public defender citing a troubled upbringing, prosecutors highlighted his extensive criminal history, pushing for a 30-year term. Martinez, eligible for parole after 10 years, plans to appeal. The November 2, 2023, invasion saw a woman held at gunpoint and assaulted, but she managed to alert her boyfriend, who returned fire, injuring Martinez. Surveillance footage later linked Martinez to the crime. His co-defendant, Michael Boaz, received 16 years, while getaway driver Kaylee Neitzel was sentenced to probation for obstructing justice.
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A Marseilles man, Jeffrey Peterson, 45, will stand trial on April 28 for allegedly setting fire to his brother’s house while his brother was trapped inside. Peterson pleaded not guilty to aggravated arson, a Class X felony carrying six to 30 years in prison without probation. Investigators say he used gasoline-filled balloons to ignite the fire, with his brother claiming he saw Peterson hurl them into his basement bedroom. The victim escaped through a basement window with assistance. Peterson, currently in La Salle County Jail, is set for a motion hearing on April 17 and a final pre-trial conference on April 24. Prosecutors are still reviewing potential attempted murder charges.
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Bill Walsh Automotive’s Coronet Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership in Peru will officially close on February 28th after more than five decades in the La Salle-Peru community. Originally founded in 1971 on First Street in La Salle before relocating in 1976 to its current site on Route 251 across from Peru Mall, the dealership is shutting down due to manufacturer demands that conflict with its long-standing fair-pricing philosophy. Despite a rumored buyout by Jeff Perry, no deal was made. Customers can continue servicing their vehicles at Sierra Motors in Ottawa, while arrangements will be made for Mitsubishi and Fiat owners.
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The Streator Elementary School District and the Educational Association remain at an impasse over health insurance for part-time employees. The union argues that while insurance is offered, a worker earning around $21,000 would have to pay half of that for single coverage and $25,200 for family coverage. They are pushing to extend benefits to part-time teaching assistants, janitors, secretaries, nurses, librarians, and interventionists. Superintendent Kelli Virgil says the Board is frustrated by the lack of progress, claiming the union demands full premium coverage for part-time employees but refuses to provide a cost analysis. A mediator remains involved, and the next negotiation session is pending confirmation.
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Waltham Grade School Superintendent Kristi Eager is advocating for a referendum to fund a 22,000-square-foot school addition due to rising student numbers in grades one through five, where class sizes exceed 26. If voters reject the measure on April 1st, the school will continue using modular classrooms, increasing taxes by 21 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A “yes” vote raises taxes by 43 cents per $100 for 25 years to cover the $9.96 million cost. The school’s website offers details and a tax calculator, with open houses scheduled for March 4th at 5:30 p.m. and March 15th at 9 a.m. The current school opened in August 2019.
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La Salle residents can now apply for the Housing Rehabilitation Grant through the North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG), which will fund renovations for about 10 single-family homes. The grant, designed for low-to-moderate-income homeowners, covers structural repairs, electrical and plumbing work, new appliances, flooring, and ADA-compliant upgrades. The city contributed $20,000 to the $650,000 grant, and Buchanan encouraged interested applicants to apply soon, as at least 15 qualified applicants are needed. Priority will be given to low-income residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Those interested can pick up or print applications online and return them in sealed envelopes to City Hall. For more information, contact Buchanan at NCICG or Economic Development Director Curt Bedei.
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Ottawa City Commissioner Marla Pearson announces the opening of applications for the 2025 Veteran Banner Recognition Program, honoring U.S. Armed Forces veterans with banners displayed on LaSalle, Main, and Court Streets. Sponsored by Bob and Pam Thrush, banners will be up for two weeks before and after Memorial Day and Veterans Day, then returned to applicants in November. Eligible honorees must be honorably discharged veterans and current, former, or deceased residents of ZIP code 61350. Applications, processed on a first-come basis with priority for older wartime veterans, require a completed form and a veteran’s photo, preferably in uniform. Previous participants and active-duty service members are ineligible. Submit applications by visiting www.cityofottawa.org
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With the Real ID deadline approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias urging residents to “Get Real” and obtain the federally standardized ID, which requires stricter proof of identity than a regular state license. Starting May 7th, standard state-issued driver’s licenses won’t be valid for domestic flights or access to certain federal facilities, though passports remain an alternative. Giannoulias emphasized that not everyone needs a Real ID but warned of increasing demand as the deadline nears. Originally established after 9/11, the REAL ID Act has faced multiple delays, but a final TSA ruling confirms enforcement will begin on May 7, 2025. The Secretary of State’s website offers an interactive checklist to help residents determine necessary documents.
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Illinois lawmakers responded to Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State this week. The hot-button topic was Pritzker’s comparison of Donald Trump and other Republicans to Nazis. Now, criticisms have turned to Republican Representative Steve Reick, of Woodstock, who said the Republican party is a “part of team Jew,” in that they support Israel. Several House Democrats have denounced Reick’s comments, including Representatives Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, of Glenview, and Daniel Didech, of Buffalo Grove.
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Governor JB Pritzker is proposing legislation that would bring down prescription drug costs. As part of his State of the State and budget proposal this week, the governor said lawmakers should eliminate arbitrary drug classifications that limit access and drive up prices. The proposed bill would also ban pharmacy benefit managers from forcing consumers to use large scale pharmacies. Pritzker added that Illinois should set new transparency measures for pharmacies and penalize benefit managers for noncompliance.
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The Danville community is expressing frustration over the school’s Superintendent’s job performance and her excuse for it. Superintendent Alicia Geddis has been working from home since October, she says, because she was threatened by the KKK. During this week’s packed school board meeting, some questioned what constitutes a “threat,” saying Geddis was solicited to join the KKK. While distasteful and deplorable in nature, some have said Geddis is using that as an excuse to not come to work. The board voted to place Geddis on paid leave while they appointed John Hart as interim superintendent.
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More information is being released regarding the death of a Sangamon County Jail inmate. The Sangamon County Coroner has identified the 55-year-old inmate as Jeffrey T. Lapping of Springfield. He was pronounced dead just after being transported to HSHS St. John’s Hospital on the morning of February 18th. Preliminary findings indicate Lapping died of natural causes, but toxicology results are still pending.
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Morris police responded around 6 p.m. to a fight between two women in the 200 block of Waverly, where witnesses reported an 18-year-old had been stabbed and walked to Morris Hospital. The suspect, a 17-year-old, initially fled by car but later turned herself in. The victim is now in stable condition, while the suspect, charged as a juvenile with two counts of Aggravated Battery, was taken to La Salle County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities have not released their names.
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51-year-old Jarrett J. Ward of DePue, IL, was arrested at the intersection of Shooting Park Road and Mall Road in Peru, IL. He was charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and disobeying a stop sign.
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Gregory A. Molina, a 33-year-old male from Peru, IL, was arrested at the intersection of 15th Street and Prospect Avenue for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2153rd RD (Rutland TWP). Dany Maas-Choc (23) of Aurora was cited for No valid Driver’s License and speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. Dany was transported to LASCO Jail and subsequently released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer in the area of 4056 E 2351st RD (Serena TWP). Blake Mc Manus (35) 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 N 18th RD & E 12th RD (Vermillion TWP). Megan Angelico (43) of Streator was cited for operating a motor vehicle registration suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values are as low as zero. Light west wind becoming west southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as -2. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
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. today 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. today 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 today 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:
Ottawa 36, Kankakee 33: Ottawa faces Morton in Tuesday’s Ottawa Sectional semifinal at Ottawa.
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Amboy 47, Marquette 29: Lady Cru Sophomore Kaitlyn Davis scored her 1000 points.
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Girls Basketball Regional Finals for Friday:
2A Seneca and Manteno at Beecher
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BOYS BASKETBALL
Mendota 58, Putnam County 36:
Woodland 60, Earlville 48:
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IESA 8th Grade Boys State Tourney:
Class 2A Oglesby Washington 45 Green Valley MC 37
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Blues are on a five-game losing streak following a 113-111 overtime loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Nikola Vucevic missed a game-tying shot at the buzzer moments after missing a game-winning attempt to close out the fourth. Josh Giddey led Chicago with 27 points and 16 rebounds. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-and-34 record. They host the Suns tomorrow.
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The Chicago Blackhawks return from break with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena tomorrow night. The Blackhawks are coming off a 6-5 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues in their most recent game on February 8th. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 41 points and a 17-31-and-7 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 6:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini will try to get back in the win column when they take on number-three Duke in the Sentinel One Classic at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. The Illini were just crushed by number 11 Wisconsin 95-74 on the road on Tuesday. Illinois is in seventh place in the Big Ten with a 9-and-8 conference record and a 17-and-10 mark overall. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish aim to avoid a third straight loss when they host Pitt at Purcell Pavilion tomorrow. The Irish are coming off a 97-73 loss to SMU at home on Wednesday. Notre Dame is tied for 12th place in the ACC with a 5-and-10 conference record and an 11-and-15 mark overall. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 1:15 PM Central time.
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The Northwestern Wildcats blew out the Ohio State Buckeyes 70-49 at Value City Arena. The Wildcats led by seven at halftime before outscoring OSU 39-25 the rest of the way. Nick Martinelli scored 18 points in the victory, while Ty Berry and KJ Windham added 15 apiece. Northwestern is in 16th place in the Big Ten with a 5-and-11 conference record and a 14-and-13 mark overall. The Wildcats visit Minnesota on Tuesday.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, Chicago State lost to Central Connecticut 81-75. Loyola hosts Dayton tonight. Tomorrow, DePaul welcomes Butler, Bradley is at home against Murray State, UIC has a home game against Evansville, Chicago State hosts Wagner, Illinois State visits Missouri State, Northern Illinois welcomes Eastern Michigan, and Valparaiso is at Southern Illinois.