Update from yesterday’s story on Serial criminal and current parolee Mariano Verucchi, 23, of Peru. Mariano was arrested on Monday in connection with three alleged drug deals from May and June 2024. Police seized 140 grams of purported cocaine during the arrest, leading to a Super Class X felony charge that carries a potential sentence of nine to 40 years. Verucchi, already facing three Class X drug charges with mandatory six- to 30-year sentences, appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court Wednesday, seeking private counsel while temporarily represented by Public Defender Ryan Hamer. Prosecutors argued he’s a flight risk, citing recorded jail calls in which he said he had “nowhere to go” but wanted to flee. Hamer downplayed the statement and pushed for home confinement, but Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. denied release, citing Verucchi’s poor risk assessment score and parole violation. Verucchi’s arraignment is set for March 13th. Meanwhile, two others, Caitlin M. Panas, 35, of Spring Valley, and Ronald E. Bennett, 49, of Marseilles, also face Class X charges for the Marseilles drug deliveries.
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The City of Marseilles announced Wednesday on its official Facebook page that it will disable comments on all municipal social media accounts. Citing the primary purpose of these platforms as tools for sharing information rather than hosting public debate, the city stated it will no longer engage in what it described as a “contentious, hateful, misinformation-driven, and dangerous-behavior encouraging medium.” The decision follows a strong recommendation from the recent Illinois Municipal League training conference, where officials were advised to turn off commenting. Marseilles also noted that other local agencies, including the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Morris, have implemented similar measures.
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The Ottawa Plan Commission approved a minor subdivision at the La Salle County Farm Bureau property off Route 23 in Ottawa. President David Isermann said the Farm Bureau plans to sell its larger, vacant building while retaining the smaller office and remaining land. The split, which requires no variances, provides frontage and access to Route 23. While the property lacks water and sewer services, future infrastructure could boost its appeal. Isermann, bound by confidentiality, withheld details on potential buyers. The proposal now moves to the Ottawa City Council for final approval on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m.
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Horizon House of the Illinois Valley warned on Facebook Tuesday that congressional leaders are considering proposals that could drastically cut Medicaid funding, which is the primary financial lifeline for their services. Their post included a link urging the public to take action by contacting lawmakers to protect Medicaid. This comes as the House of Representatives approved a budget blueprint that could slash billions from the program, potentially impacting the more than 70 million Americans who depend on it.
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Illinois is touting a growing amount of medical debt relief in the state. The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has abolished more than 220 million dollars in medical debt for another 170 thousand individuals statewide. The average amount of debt abolished per person during this round is nearly 13 hundred dollars. That brings the program’s total erased debt to more than 345 million dollars for nearly 270-thousand Illinois residents.
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Illinois’ top education official assured lawmakers that the State Board of Education is not halting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, despite federal threats to pull funding. Superintendent Tony Sanders addressed concerns over a recent U.S. Department of Education letter, which reaffirmed that racial discrimination remains illegal but suggested DEI programs may unfairly favor certain groups. While the letter lacks legal authority, Sanders warned that roughly 10% of state school funding—billions annually—could be at risk if cuts proceed. He emphasized that equity in Illinois schools ensures all students receive the resources they need, citing significant achievement gaps in national assessment data. Republican lawmakers questioned DEI’s effectiveness, arguing for a stronger focus on core academics. Meanwhile, Illinois faces broader funding challenges, with Gov. JB Pritzker proposing a $200 million reduction in ISBE’s budget request, though maintaining a planned $350 million increase in K-12 evidence-based funding.
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Governor JB Pritzker issued a stark warning about the Trump administration’s rapid policy shifts, drawing historical parallels to the rise of authoritarianism. He cautioned that Illinois could face severe consequences if federal funding is cut under a Republican-controlled Congress. Pritzker highlighted the state’s vulnerability, citing past budget crises and the potential gutting of Medicaid, which could leave 700,000 Illinoisans without healthcare. His remarks, particularly his comparison to Nazi Germany’s dismantling of democracy, sparked mixed reactions—earning national attention. Despite the controversy, Pritzker defended his stance, emphasizing that Illinois must prepare for potential federal rollbacks while pursuing progressive policies, economic growth, and expanded healthcare access.
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Attorneys for the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey last year want his trial to be relocated. Sean Grayson’s lawyers filed a motion saying they don’t believe he can get a fair trial in Sangamon County due to multiple factors, including extensive media coverage of the case. Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the 36-year-old Black woman last July inside her home in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield.
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The head of the National Transportation Safety Board is blaming the pilot of the private jet for a near-collision at Midway Airport this week. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said it was the fault of the Flexjet crew, not Air traffic control, during an appearance yesterday on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.” Video of Tuesday’s incident shows a Southwest Airlines Flight close to touching down before pulling up as the smaller jet taxis across its path. President Trump also blamed the private jet’s pilot in a post on Truth Social.
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A Chicago area man is accused of making a violent threat against Governor Pritzker. Michael Dascenzo of Crete is charged with threatening a public official and harassment by electronic communications. Authorities say in an email sent on January 9th to the governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs, Dascenzo threatened to shoot the governor in the face if he didn’t leave the state. The suspect was arrested Tuesday and taken to the Will County jail.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he’s ready for next week’s hearing on Capitol Hill. The mayor is expected to testify before a congressional committee on March 5th concerning Chicago’s sanctuary city status. Former Illinois Congressman Luis Guttierez doesn’t believe Johnson is prepared for what will happen. He also believes the mayor’s testimony could backfire and result in federal funds being withheld. Mayor Johnson says he has been getting advice from former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, ex-Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Congressman Danny Davis.
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Doug Scott will remain the head of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The Illinois State Senate confirmed him as Chairman of the ICC yesterday. He was reappointed to a five-year term by Governor Pritzker in January 2024 after serving out the remainder of former Chairman Carrie Zalewski’s term. Scott previously served in the role from 2011 to 2015.
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The Illinois Department of Agriculture will host the 26th Illinois Product Expo this weekend. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The Illinois Product Expo brings Illinois food companies and consumers together.
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Community members are blasting the Trump administration after a parent in Chicago was detained by ICE. During a rally last night, Hilario Dominguez with the Chicago Teachers Union criticized the president for attacking a family and a community. School officials say a parent dropping off two students at an Acero charter school on the Southwest Side was detained yesterday morning. The arrest comes as the Chicago Board of Education plans to vote on whether to shutter three Acero schools at the end of the school year.
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The person who was shot and killed by Bloomington police is being identified as a teenage boy. The McLean County Coroner says 15-year-old Cole L. M. Turner died from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say officers responded Tuesday to the 700 block of Fairmont Drive on a report of an armed person. The officer made contact with the teen. As the situation progressed, at least one officer opened fire, hitting Turner, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
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A Rock Falls man charged with first-degree murder in a fatal stabbing will remain in jail after being deemed a threat to witnesses and the community. Prosecutors say Kyle M. Cooper, 36, fatally stabbed 27-year-old Daniel J. Gordon on February 14 after a bar altercation escalated outside a home. Arrested hours later, his charges were upgraded to murder on February 18. At his detention hearing, prosecutors cited his history of violence, while his attorney argued his rights were violated due to court delays. The judge dismissed the claim and ordered him held. Cooper’s preliminary hearing is set for March 3.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted multiple traffic stops and an accident investigation. Speeding citations were issued to James Sharbono Jr. (60) of Streator, Taylor Martin (27) of Serena, Joshua Powell (35) of Marseilles, Benjamin Maple (20) of Sandwich, and Jurnie Olivarez (24) of Mendota, with speeds ranging from 62 to 79 MPH in posted 45-55 MPH zones. Jovanis Cain (26) of Montgomery and Michael Walton (36) of Ripley, TN, were cited for driving with suspended registrations, while Cain also lacked insurance. At 9:10 AM, deputies responded to a rollover accident in Adams Township. The driver, Matthew Morano (25) of Leland, was cited for speeding, failure to reduce speed, and driving uninsured. Walton, Cain, and Morano were released with Notices to Appear; all others were released from the scene.
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Streator police arrested 26-year-old Jacob M. Murphy on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a traffic offense. Following his arrest at the department’s headquarters on 300 S. Vermillion, Murphy was transported to the Livingston County Jail.
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Mendota Police arrested 26-year-old Paul R. Orseske of Mendota Tuesday after a disturbance in the 1500 block of East Main Street. Orseske was charged with domestic battery and was taken to the LaSalle County Jail to await a hearing.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
A slight chance of showers between noon and 3 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind of 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low of around 32. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south-southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
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 today 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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Kimberly Collins, 72, of Ottawa, formerly of Westmont, passed away Tuesday, February 25th, at her home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Class 1A Marquette Regional.
Hinkley-Big Rock 60, Marquette 50:
Serena 57, Newark 52:
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Class 3A La Salle-Peru Regional semifinal
Streator 41, Ottawa 39: 119th meeting.
LPHS 53, Dixon 50: La Salle-Peru beat Dixon in overtime
Class 1A LeRoy Regional semifinals
LeRoy 42, Woodland 30:
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Class 2A Princeton Regional on Wednesday at Prouty Gym.
Seneca 74, Sandwich 59:
Princeton 55, Mendota 47:
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox remain winless in Spring Training following a 3-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Dan Altavilla gave up the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth and was charged with the loss. Mike Tauchman homered in the losing effort. The Southsiders fell to 0-and-5 in exhibition play. Martin Perez starts for Chicago against Cleveland today.
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The Chicago Cubs played to a 4-4 draw during a Spring Training game with the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Shota Imanaga had a rough start, surrendering three runs in two-and-two-thirds innings. Greg Allen hit a two-run home run during the contest. The Northsiders send Jordan Wicks to the mound against the Angels today.
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The Chicago Bulls lost a back-and-forth battle against the Los Angeles Clippers 122-117 at United Center. The Bulls were within three in the final thirty seconds before James Harden knocked down a three to put the game away. Josh Giddey and Zach Collins each scored 21 points in the losing effort. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-and-36 record. The Bulls host the Raptors tomorrow.
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The Chicago Blackhawks look to snap a four-game losing streak when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off a 2-1 loss to Utah on the road on Tuesday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 41 points and a 17-34-and-7 record. Tonight’s game starts at 9:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish struggled to slow down number-14 Clemson’s offense during an 83-68 loss at Little John Coliseum. The Irish trailed by ten at halftime and never got back within one possession in the second half. Markus Burton poured in 30 points in the losing effort, while Tae Davis finished with 15. Notre Dame is tied for 13th place in the ACC with a 6-and-11 conference record and a 12-and-16 mark overall. The Irish visit Wake Forest on Saturday.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul lost to Creighton 75-65, Loyola crushed George Washington 77-57, Bradley took down Valparaiso 76-65, and UIC fell to Northern Iowa 74-52. Tonight, Chicago State is at Mercyhurst. Meanwhile, Northwestern returns to action with a game against Iowa tomorrow, and Illinois visits number-13 Michigan on Sunday.