Authorities are investigating a suspicious fire early Sunday morning on the 600 block of North Sterling Street in Streator, following reports of gunfire in the area the previous night. The Streator Police Department and Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office are leading the investigation, with Streator firefighters discovering flames at the rear of a two-story home around 1:20 a.m. Fire crews controlled the blaze in under five minutes, preventing significant damage, and all occupants escaped unharmed. As firefighters worked to fully extinguish the fire, they uncovered potential causes and requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The incident followed two shooting reports in Streator, including one on the same block Saturday, where police recovered 17 bullet casings. Seven firefighters responded to the scene, and no injuries were reported. The home sustained minor exterior damage, and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. Agencies involved in the response included Streator police and fire departments, Vermilion Valley Dispatch, Streator Ambulance, Nicor, and Illinois American Water. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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An investigation is underway after four people were found dead in Bloomington. Police say the discovery was made yesterday at a house in the 900 block of North Lee Street. Their cause of death hasn’t been released. Police Chief Jamal Simington says their detectives are working to get answers for the victims’ loved ones and the community.
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Home prices surged across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties last month, according to January data from Illinois REALTORS. In La Salle County, the median sales price climbed 12 percent from the previous year to $195,500, with 56 homes sold. Bureau County saw an even steeper increase, with the median price soaring 75 percent to $140,000, as 15 homes changed hands. Putnam County recorded the most dramatic jump, with its lone home sale reaching nearly $260,000—more than double the median price from January 2024.
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Ottawa Mayor Robert Hasty joined fellow Illinois River mayors and Corn Belt Ports members in Peoria last week to officially launch the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative, a coalition to unite riverfront communities to influence policy and secure funding for regional projects. Given the Illinois River’s vital role in La Salle County’s economy, the initiative seeks to strengthen advocacy efforts for much-needed improvements and resources. Spanning 44% of the state’s land area, the Illinois River Basin is home to 90% of Illinois’ population and supports nearly half of the state’s agricultural production, underscoring its economic and environmental significance.
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38-year-old Darryl Gullens Jr. of Streator is accused of selling a stolen vehicle and 40 grams of cocaine as part of a larger drug conspiracy. Arrested Thursday on felony warrants, he faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted at trial on May 12th. Prosecutors allege he worked with two others in a calculated criminal drug conspiracy, with controlled buys linking him to multiple cocaine sales. Gullens, who has prior convictions, was denied pre-trial release after the court deemed him a public risk. Authorities say the scheme, which included stolen firearms and property, has been under investigation for over a year and involves at least a dozen suspects.
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37-year-old Nicholas Dellinger of LaSalle voluntarily agreed to extradition to face charges in Tennessee during an appearance in LaSalle County Circuit Court last week. He was arrested Tuesday night near his home on Garfield Avenue in LaSalle on a warrant from Warren County, Tennessee, for aggravated burglary. In court Thursday, he Dellinger is accused of attempting to pawn nearly $3,000 in stolen goods last September while on probation in La Salle County for criminal damage to property.
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The trial of the Highland Park July 4th parade shooting suspect gets started today. Jury selection begins in Lake County court for the trial of Robert Crimo the Third. Crimo is accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens more at the suburban Independence Day parade in 2022. Prosecutors are expected to focus on the testimony of the dozens of living victims.
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John Deere is being sued for wrongful termination. A former employee filed a lawsuit accusing the Moline-based agricultural equipment manufacturer of age discrimination. Terence Murphy of Geneseo worked at John Deere for 26 years before he was terminated last July as part of job cuts. He claims he was fired and replaced by a younger employee who had no prior experience and lacked the proper certifications. The suit also claims older employees were disproportionately affected by recent layoffs by the company.
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29-year-old Gabriel A. Saucedo of Ottawa has two charges of endangering the health and safety of a child, and one count of domestic battery, after Ottawa Police investigated an incident Thursday in the 2800 block of Champlain Street.
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Streator Police arrested 35-year-old Jason M. Arnold of Streator, at 105 East Sumner Street. He faces charges of Criminal Trespass to Real Property and Disorderly Conduct. Arnold was released with a Notice to Appear.
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23-year-old Nicholas M. Lewis of rural Ottawa was stopped by Ottawa Police Friday at Boyce Memorial and West Norris Drives and arrested on two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, and cited for failure to obey a stop sign along with failure to yield and driving a vehicle with expired registration.
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33-year-old Denna L. Cherveny of Streator was arrested by Streator Police in the 200 block of West Wilson Street on charges of Resisting a Peace Officer and Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer. He was cited and released with a Notice to Appear in court.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in south Ottawa near First Avenue and Erickson Street. 21-year-old Bertha Hernandez of Streator was cited for speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. She was released with a court date.
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32-year-old Anthony M. Schumacher of Normal was arrested by Ottawa Police Sunday at Columbus and Prairie Streets on two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, and failure to signal a lane change.
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LaSalle County Deputies cited 31-year-old Timothy Holmstrong of Lostant for improper display of a license plate sticker after a traffic stop in Oglesby near Columbia Avenue and Walnut Street.
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A Mendota man is charged by LaSalle County Deputies with speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. 29-year-old Manuel Silva was stopped near Illinois 251 and North 33rd Road in Dimmick Township. He was released with a notice to appear in court.
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33-year-old Miguel Rodriquez of Sandwich was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies in Freedom Township near U.S. 52 and East 13th Road and cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was released with a court date
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WEATHER:
Monday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday Night
Scattered showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 34. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%
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OBITUARIES:
Margaret Ann (Stoudt) Donnelly, 93 of Ottawa passed away Monday, February 17th, peacefully at her home. Private Family service will be held, at a later date, with Ottawa Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
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Roshell Bernice Bottoms, 87, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21st, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery at a later date.
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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 TODAY 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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Leona J. DeBernardi, 96, known to friends as “Lee”, entered into eternal rest on February 5th, in Phoenix, Arizona. A visitation is planned at the Ottawa Funeral Home 1111 LaSalle Street on Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 am until 10:30 am. A memorial mass will follow at St. Patrick’s Church 726 W Jefferson St Ottawa, IL at 11:00 am. Friends and family who attend are invited to Annie’s Hideaway at noon for food and fellowship.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Join WCMY on Tuesday night as we bring you Class 3A Sectional Basketball, live from Kingman Gym. As your Ottawa Lady Pirates take on the Morton Lady Potters at 7:30 p.m. Andrew Evola will be on the call for the game.
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Boys basketball
Marquette 57, Seneca 51 OT: The Marquette boys basketball team, finish out the Tri-County Conference and regular seasons at Bader Gymnasium on Friday night. Marquette next hosts Dwight at 6:30 p.m. Monday in an opening-round game of the Class 1A Marquette Regional. Seneca is part of the Class 2A Princeton Regional and will play the winner of Hall and Sandwich at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the semifinals.
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Pekin 59, Streator 43: At Pekin, Streator is off until Wednesday when it opens the Class 3A La Salle-Peru Regional against rival Ottawa at 6 p.m.
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BOYS SWIMMING
At Normal: The La Salle-Peru co-op’s season came to an end with a sixth-place finish Saturday at the Normal Community Sectional.
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The Ottawa Dolphins competed in the ILVY Distance Challenge on Sunday. They finished in 2nd place behind host team Illinois Valley. Ottawa Dolphins had 24 personal best swims and 32 first-time swims!
Congratulations to Jeremiah Abernathy, Bennett Andree, Stella Andree, Hayden Bressendorf, Brooke Foreman, Ryland Heaver, Kallyn Jobst, Jack Johnson, Parker Kaminski, Quinn Kohut, Ben Kuiper, Kaiden Lemke, Bryce Marks, Jonathan Neu, and Ryan Schmitt who swam all of their events in personal best times and/or first-time swims.
Triple Event Winners
Jack Johnson, Jonathan Neu
Double Event Winners
Evelyn Hansen, Dawsynn Kettman, Kaiden Lemke
Single Event Winners
Evelyn Andree, Hayden Bressendorf, Lillian Clayton, Ryland Heaver
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox surrendered three runs in the bottom of the eighth during a 4-3 Spring Training loss to the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. The White Sox are bringing back pitcher Mike Clevinger. The team signed the right-hander to a one-year minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The Sox are considering using Clevinger in the bullpen. He struggled last season before he was sidelined with a sore elbow. The 0-and-2 Southsiders take on the Rangers this afternoon.
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The Chicago Cubs rallied late during a 6-5 Spring Training win over the Texas Rangers at Sloan Park. The Cubs trailed by five before scoring six unanswered runs to win the game. Jonathon Long had two RBI in the victory, while Riley Martin earned the win in relief. The Cubs are 4-and-0 in exhibition play. They send Matthew Boyd to the mound against the Padres today.
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The Chicago Bulls are on a six-game losing streak following a 121-117 loss to the Phoenix Suns at United Center on Saturday. The game was tied at 111 with two-and-a-half minutes left in regulation when the Suns went on a 7-0 run to take control of the contest. Josh Giddey poured in 24 points and had ten assists in the losing effort, while Coby White finished with 20 points. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-and-35. They visit the 76ers tonight.
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The Chicago Sky are making a trade. According to ESPN, the Sky are trading for Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins in exchange for the third pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and Chicago’s 2027 second-round pick. The 28-year-old Atkins averaged 14-point-9 points in 40 games last season. She was an All-Star in 2021 and 2022.
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The Chicago Blackhawks gave up three goals in the third period of a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at United Center. The Hawks got on the board first when Teuvo Teravainen knocked one in during the closing seconds of the first period, but the Leafs scored the next three goals to take the lead for good. Philipp Kurashev lit the lamp in the losing effort. The Blackhawks remain in last place in the Central Division with 41 wins and a 17-33-and-7 record. They visit Utah tomorrow night.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini were embarrassed by number-three Duke during a 110-67 loss at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The Illini trailed by 17 at halftime before getting outscored 56-30 in the second half. Tre White had 16 points in the losing effort. Illinois is tied for seventh place in the Big Ten with a 9-and-8 conference record and a 17-and-11 mark overall. The Illini will host Iowa tomorrow night.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish earned a 76-72 win over Pitt at Purcell Pavilion on Saturday. Tae Davis led the way with 21 points, while Markus Burton chipped in with 20. Notre Dame is tied for 12th place in the ACC with a 6-and-10 conference record and a 12-and-15 mark overall. The Irish visit Clemson on Wednesday.
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In other college hoops action over the weekend, Loyola beat Dayton 76-72 on Friday. On Saturday, DePaul lost to Butler 84-72, Bradley edged Murray State 85-83, UIC took down Evansville 82-77, Chicago State fell to Wagner 64-52, Illinois State earned a 70-68 win over Missouri State, Northern Illinois went down against Eastern Michigan 79-76, and Valparaiso beat Southern Illinois 83-79. Tomorrow, Northwestern is in Minnesota.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Rock Valley 63, IVCC 57: The Eagles lost their regular season finale in Oglesby.
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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Rock Valley 81, IVCC 35: The Eagles finished the regular season 3-22 with a loss in Oglesby.