Amazon’s new last-mile delivery facility at Ottawa’s Industrial Park is moving closer to completion as construction progresses and the Ottawa Plan Commission recommends final plat approval. Kyle Schott of Ryan Companies, Amazon’s lead developer, presented a proposal to merge five parcels into one to simplify tax processing with a single bill. The 50,800-square-foot facility will primarily occupy two parcels, while one will remain undeveloped until Amazon decides otherwise. Construction, which began last October, aims to improve delivery speed and efficiency in the region, with no further changes anticipated. While the project’s completion date remains uncertain, the commission raised no objections and approved the motion. The proposal now heads to the Ottawa City Council for review at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in Ottawa City Hall.
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Authorities arrested Mariano Verucchi of Peru around 2:45 p.m. Monday during an operation by the Trident Drug Task Force, the Peru Police Department, and the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office K9 team. Verucchi, who was already wanted on three counts of manufacturing or delivering between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine—a Class X felony—was taken into custody. Following his arrest, agents discovered approximately 150 additional grams of suspected cocaine in his vehicle. He now faces charges of possession with intent to deliver between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine, with the potential for additional charges as the investigation unfolds. Verucchi remains in the La Salle County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.
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A La Salle County grand jury has indicted two Streator residents on separate felony charges. Twenty-five-year-old Karon Johnson faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, with court records indicating the alleged victim was older than five at the time of the incident. Johnson is out of custody and has been issued a notice to appear in court. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Jordan Kozak has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class-4 felony. Kozak first appeared in court on February 18 and was denied pretrial release. He remains in the La Salle County Jail as he awaits trial. Additionally, the La Salle County grand jury issued indictments against multiple individuals on various charges. Among those indicted were Alan Garcia, 21, of La Salle, for burglary; Retail theft charges were brought against Santos A. Gregio-Santiago, 30, of Ottawa; Lesley A. Britt, 46, of Streator; Robert O. Streadwick, 44, who is homeless; and Justin B. Holofchak, 29, of Streator. Darin L. Bracken, 45, of Manhattan, was indicted for theft, while Cecil McAdams, 59, of Ottawa, and Danial J. Pierce, 34, of Crest Hill, face aggravated DUI charges.
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The Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IV PADS) announced that its Coldest Night of the Year event on Saturday raised an impressive $26,500 to support homeless shelters in Ottawa and Peru. In a powerful display of community solidarity, 163 participants braved the chilly February weather to walk in support of those experiencing homelessness, while 20 volunteers assisted with event logistics and provided a warm meal afterward. Donations poured in, with $23,100 raised online and an additional $3,400 contributed at the event, surpassing the $25,000 mark and reinforcing the community’s commitment to aiding those in need.
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Illinois leaders are pressing the White House to withhold one-point-eight-billion-dollar funding from taxpayers. Governor Pritzker, Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and various members of the Illinois congressional delegation issued a joint letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget Director. The letter demands action and accountability on the funding. Officials claim as of mid-February, many agencies and organizations in Illinois have reported an inability to access funds, with some in danger of needing to pause operations, cancel projects, or lay off staff.
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Chicago-based McDonalds says it will not be adding an egg surcharge as egg prices soar. Other chains like Waffle House and Denny’s have started charging extra for dishes with eggs as bird flu has sent costs up. McDonald’s said this week that’s not going to happen beneath the golden arches.
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The NTSB and FAA are investigating after a Southwest Airlines plane nearly crashed into a private jet at Midway Airport. Officials say the incident happened yesterday while the Southwest Airlines Flight from Omaha, Nebraska was attempting to land. A video posted to social media shows the Southwest jet close to touching down before pulling up as the smaller jet taxis across its path. The Southwest flight returned to the air before later landing safely.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is ready to defend Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city next week. The mayor said he’s going to show up for the people of the city when he participates in a Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on March 5th. Johnson was among several mayors of sanctuary cities that were called to testify as part of an investigation into how local policies are affecting the enforcement of President Trump’s plan for mass deportations. The mayor reiterated that Chicago will remain a welcoming city and hold to its values.
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Home prices rose nearly four percent in 2024. The latest Case-Shiller national index shows prices posted a three-point-nine percent annual gain in December. That’s up slightly from the previous month. New York reported the highest annual gain among the top 20 cities with a seven-point-two percent increase. Chicago and Boston had annual increases of around six-and-a-half percent. Tampa posted the lowest return, falling one-point-one percent.
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Jury selection continues in the trial of the Highland Park July 4th parade shooting suspect. The judge and attorneys are still choosing the 12 jurors and six alternates who will make up the panel that will hear the case. Robert Crimo the Third is accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens more at the suburban Independence Day parade in 2022. Opening statements and testimony are expected to start Monday.
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Testimony is underway in the trial of the Plainfield landlord charged with murdering a Palestinian American boy in 2023. Joseph Czuba faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and committing a hate crime. Prosecutors say he stabbed six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi [[ wy-dee-ah Al Fah-you-mee]], and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in October 2023 because they were Muslim. Shaheen took the stand yesterday, telling the jurors that Czuba was yelling “You Muslim must die” while attacking her. She said she had no issues with the defendant until the war between Israel and Hamas began.
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A federal inmate is getting nine more years in prison for assaulting another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Thomson, Illinois. Julian Breal was convicted last year of assault causing serious bodily injury. Prosecutors say while incarcerated in 2022, Breal repeatedly kicked and punched the other inmate for several minutes, causing serious injuries. The victim was transported to an outside hospital for treatment.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main St and Chicago St. As a result of that stop the driver, Richard D. Scott, 44, 500 4th St. Mendota, IL, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Scott was issued a citation and released with a mandatory March 14, 2025, LaSalle County court date.
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Mendota Police Department was dispatched to the 200 block of 13th Ave for a report of a disturbance. After a brief investigation, Isabel G. Knowles, 18, 207 13th Ave. Mendota, IL was arrested for Domestic Battery. Knowles was processed and later transported to the LaSalle County Jail to see a judge.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a minor two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of Casey’s General Store, 2949 IL Rt-178, (Utica TWP) involving an NCAT Bus. No injuries were reported and EMS did not respond. Erica Lumley (45) of Marseilles and John Tate (66) of Marseilles were the drivers involved; no citations were issued.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-178 & N 16th RD (Allen TWP). Joel Underwood (23) of Bartonville was cited for speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. East-southeast winds around 10 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night
A slight chance of showers between 9 pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 34. West-northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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OBITUARIES:
Jeffery “Jeff” Allen Kiper, 67, of Marseilles, passed away on February 22nd, with his loving wife, Mary, at his side, at OSF St. Elizabeth. Funeral services will be held at noon TODAY, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
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Donna Jean Hougas Hartshorn, 93, died Friday, February 21st, at her home in St. Germain, Wisconsin. Services will be at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa on Thursday, February 27th, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon with a funeral service at noon. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.
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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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Richard Eugene Tuntland, age 75, of Norway, passed away at his home on February 21st. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Mueller Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1st with visitation from 9 am to 11 am and a service at 11 am. Burial will follow at Norway Cemetery, with full military rights conducted by the Sheridan American Legion.
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Joyce Ailene Timmons, 91, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, February 23rd, at Pleasant View. Private Funeral services will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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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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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls Basketball
Morton 59, Ottawa 46: at Kingman Gym.
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Bishop-McNamara 51, Seneca 30: IHSA Class 2A Herscher Sectional semifinal
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Boys Basketball Tonight
Class 1A Ottawa Marquette Regional
Game 4 – (2) Hinckley-Big Rock (23-8) vs. (7) Marquette (17-15), 6 p.m.
Game 5 – (3) Newark (18-13) vs. (6) Serena (17-15), 7:30 p.m.
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Class 2A Princeton Regional
Game 3 – (1) Seneca (25-6) vs. (7) Sandwich (20-11), 6 p.m.
Game 4 – (4) Princeton (18-12) vs. (5) Mendota (22-8), 7:30 p.m.
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Class 3A L-P Regional
Game 1 – (2) Streator vs. (7) Ottawa (9-18), 6 p.m.
Game 2 – (3) Dixon (22-9) vs. (5) LaSalle-Peru (13-18), 7:30 p.m.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox surrendered eight runs in the bottom of the eighth during a 14-3 Spring Training loss to the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. Justin Anderson was charged with seven earned runs and one unearned run without recording an out in the inning. Dominic Fletcher had a home run and two RBI in the losing effort. The Southsiders are 0-and-4 in exhibition play. Sean Burke starts for Chicago against the Padres this afternoon.
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The Chicago Cubs are undefeated in exhibition play following a 4-2 Spring Training win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sloan Park. Jameson Taillon gave up a run in two innings during his first start of the Spring, while Cody Poteet earned the win in relief. Carson Kelly and Vidal Brujan both went deep in the win. The 6-and-0 Cubs send Shota Imanaga to the mound against the Giants today.
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The Chicago Blackhawks surrendered a late goal during a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center. Chicago got on the board first with a Seth Jones goal late in the first period, but Utah tied the game in the second. With under eight minutes left in regulation, Utah’s Lawson Crouse knocked in the game-winner. The Blackhawks are in last place in the Central Division with 41 points and a 17-34-and-7 record. They visit the Golden Knights tomorrow.
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The Chicago Bulls go for their second win in a row when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at United Center tonight. The Bulls snapped a six-game losing streak by crushing the Philadelphia 76ers 142-110 on Monday night. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 23-and-35. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM
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A love letter written by pro basketball icon Michael Jordan is up for auction. The two-page document was penned when the former NBA star was in high school. The letter has a starting price tag of ten thousand dollars. Also up for bidding is an autographed rookie card and a 1990 Jordan game-worn Bulls jersey. The auction is underway until March 15 in the Leland’s Winter Classic auction.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini snapped their three-game losing streak with an 81-61 rout over Iowa at State Farm Center. The Illini led by seven at halftime before outscoring Iowa 44-31 the rest of the way. Tomislav Ivisic poured in 22 points in the victory, while Will Riley and Kylan Boswell each scored 15 apiece. Illinois is in seventh place in the Big Ten with a 10-and-8 conference record and an 18-and-11 mark overall. The Illini visit number 13 Michigan on Sunday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats have won two games in a row following a 75-63 win over the Minnesota Gophers at Williams Arena. The Wildcats led by five at halftime and never let Minnesota get within one possession the rest of the way. Nick Martinelli poured in 29 points in the victory. Northwestern is tied for 14th place in the Big Ten with a 6-and-11 conference record and a 15-and-13 mark overall. The Wildcats host Iowa on Friday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish look to get on a winning streak when they visit number-14 Clemson at Little John Coliseum tonight. The Irish are coming off a 76-72 home win over Pitt on Saturday. Notre Dame is tied for 12th place in the ACC with a 6-and-10 conference record and a 12-and-15 mark overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM Central time.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, Illinois State lost to Southern Illinois 88-79, and Northern Illinois was crushed by Miami of Ohio 87-58. Tonight, DePaul visits Creighton, Loyola hosts George Washington, UIC travels to Northern Iowa, and Valparaiso welcomes Bradley.