Streator Officers responded to a residence on E. Elm St. for an unknown problem and discovered a 37-year-old woman, identified as Jessica Balma, unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the suspicious circumstances, the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit was called in to investigate. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide. On March 6th, Joshua R. Casey, 38, was charged with murder and concealment of a homicidal death and is currently held in LaSalle County Jail. A press conference by the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office is scheduled for March 10th, to provide further details, as the investigation remains ongoing. Casey, 38, appeared before Judge H. Chris Ryan on Friday, stating he would seek private counsel. The State has requested to deny pre-trial release. He will return to court on March 20 for a detention hearing, represented by Assistant Public Defender Doug Kramarsic. The Streator Police are working with several local agencies, including TRI-DENT and the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office.
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A Streator woman, Bryanna M. Stash, 24, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug dealing and a botched robbery involving gunfire. She pleaded guilty to delivering over 15 grams of cocaine and possessing more during a traffic stop. Stash attempted to rob a man while posing as an escort on November 3, which resulted in shots fired and damage to the victim’s car. In a plea deal, she received eight years for drug charges and four for attempted robbery, to be served concurrently. Derek E. Dill Jr., 34, was also arrested for the shooting and faces multiple felony charges, with a pretrial conference scheduled for March 21st.
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According to a statement posted on the Streator Police Department’s Facebook page, officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to reports of a shooting and gunfire in the 300 block of South Sterling Street. Investigators say two suspects on foot fired multiple rounds at a victim as he was getting into his vehicle, causing property damage. However, no descriptions of the suspects are available at this time. Authorities are asking residents in the area to check their home surveillance or doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. Anyone with information is urged to contact Streator Police at 844-0911. Officials also noted a recent incident in the 600 block of North Sterling Street, where a vehicle was struck by gunfire.
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Chester Weger, who was paroled in 2019 after serving 60 years for the murder of a woman at Starved Rock State Park, has relocated from the area. According to the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Program, Weger recently changed his residence, moving from La Salle to a location in western Missouri near the Kansas state line. Weger had been living in La Salle since 2021 following his release on parole, which was granted by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
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OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa has been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF St. Elizabeth, noted that this recognition reflects the commitment of OSF employees to delivering compassionate care. Chartis describes its index as the most comprehensive assessment of rural hospital performance, honoring top facilities while providing insights for others to enhance their services.
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Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty joined over 100 mayors from the Midwest, Northeast, and Canada in Washington, D.C., for a joint conference with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. From Wednesday to Friday, Hasty met with U.S. lawmakers, including Reps. Brad Schneider, Jan Schakowsky, and Rick Crawford, as well as Sens. Gary Peters and Tammy Duckworth. Discussions centered on trade, infrastructure, and development, addressing key issues affecting North America’s interconnected watersheds.
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Negotiations between Streator Elementary School District 44 and the Streator Education Association are ongoing, but key deadlines are approaching. The next session is set for Wednesday, March 12. In January, the teachers and support staff union triggered a 45-day countdown to a potential strike. Following the Feb. 18 talks, the SEA began the required public posting process, submitting documents to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board—a necessary step before a strike can occur.
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The John F. Kennedy School Administration updated families on a false child abduction report near Hollowayville on Friday, Feb. 28. After a thorough investigation by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department and JFK, authorities confirmed no abduction attempt occurred, as the student admitted to fabricating the claim. The school expressed gratitude to law enforcement and the community for their support during the situation and emphasized the importance of children communicating when they feel unsafe while also understanding the need to provide truthful information to adults.
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Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings announced the latest recipients of the fourth round of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) grants, supporting 15 more community water supplies in complying with the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. The program provides grants of $20,000 to $50,000 to help local governments complete lead service line inventories. Since its launch in October 2022, 264 Illinois drinking water systems have received funding, including a $30,000 grant awarded to the Village of Ladd.
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Governor Pritzker is calling for a ban on cell phones in Illinois classrooms. The governor proposed legislation that would require all public school districts in Illinois to adopt a wireless communication device policy that limits the use of personal devices during class instruction time. The proposal includes several exceptions like in the event of an emergency, or when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes.
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Governor Pritzker’s administration is touting a drop in overdose in Illinois. Officials say the state recorded an eight-point-three-percent drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined nearly ten percent in the state.
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The Illinois State Fire Marshal is reminding Illinoisans to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Officials recommend residents replace the alarms with new ten-year sealed battery alarms while they changed their clocks yesterday for Daylight Saving Time. The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.
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The Trump administration has ceased reimbursement to Illinois for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA), which supports LaSalle County farmers and supplies fresh food to food banks. This change, announced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, means the state will no longer receive funding for LFPA-related expenses or be able to continue the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not cover costs for these programs from January 20 onwards.
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The 2024-2025 Illinois bobcat season concluded on February 15th, with a total harvest of 649 bobcats—415 hunted, 234 trapped, and 25 salvaged by permit holders. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued 2,000 permits from 9,200 applicants. Research from Southern Illinois University indicates the bobcat population can support increased harvests, and IDNR continues to monitor the program.
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Alexander E. Bryant, 30, from Chicago and listed in Cicero, faces prison time after pleading guilty to selling fentanyl-laced heroin to undercover agents. He entered a blind plea for two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, both Class X felonies carrying sentences of nine to 33 years without probation. The charges followed two controlled buys at a Utica gas station in May and July, with the total amount seized exceeding 57 grams. Bryant is scheduled to appear before Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. on March 27 for sentencing, but the judge warned that any further legal trouble could void his plea deal.
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Streator police arrested 19-year-old Mccoy E. Tucker on charges of disorderly conduct at Lincoln Avenue in Bloomington. Tucker was cited and released with a notice to appear.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 6th RD (Richland TWP). Tianna Phillips (20) of Bloomington was given written warnings for speeding, and improper lane usage, and was released on scene. Passenger William Phillips (27) of Streator was arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm, Armed violence, possession of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver cannabis. William was transported to LASCO Jail and is being detained awaiting a pretrial release hearing.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-251 & N 31st RD (Dimmick TWP). Abigail Jarosz (19) of Mendota was cited for Driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage. Abigail was transported to Peru PD for processing and subsequently released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of I-80 WB mm 90 (Ottawa TWP). Morgan Mosley (36) of Iowa City was given a written warning for expired registration and released on scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2603rd RD (Mission TWP). Stanley Eskew (39) of Ottawa was given a written warning for No license plate light, and speeding, and released on scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2603rd RD (Mission TWP). Daniel Okel (38) of Streator was cited for operating uninsured
motor vehicle, given a written warning for speeding, and was released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2603rd RD (Mission TWP). Andrew Butler (48) of Ottawa was given a written warning for speeding and released on the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2603rd RD (Mission TWP). Jose Covarrubias-Ortiz (37) of Peoria was cited for operating a motor vehicle while registration was suspended and released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2603rd RD (Mission TWP). Karen Roberts (57) of Newark was cited for operating a motor vehicle while registration was suspended and released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-6 & E 9th RD (Utica TWP). Luis Flores (27) of Streator was cited for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-6 & E 13th RD (Ottawa TWP). Corrina Trumbo (25) of Peru was cited for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released on scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Chestnut ST & Norris DR (Ottawa TWP). Riley Rinaldi (22) of Streator was cited for disobeying a traffic control light, failing to signal when required, and released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of S. Illinois ST & Lundy St (Bruce TWP). Driver (17) of Streator was cited for disobeying the Stop Sign and given a written warning for violation of Graduated Driver’s License number of passengers in the vehicle and released on scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 36th RD (Freedom TWP). Jayden Mendez (20) of Cedar Point was cited for speeding 83 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 16th RD (Bruce TWP). Mathis Westbrooks (53) of Lincoln was cited for revoking their driver’s license, illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, expired registration, and released with an NTA.
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WEATHER:
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night
Clear, with a low of around 44. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Bradley L. Guelde, 58, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, March 5th, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, surrounded by his family. Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Elizabeth Fast, 54, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, March 4th. A celebration of life will be planned in the future. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
None at this time
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox had just four hits during a 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in a Spring Training game at Goodyear Ballpark yesterday. Mason Adams was charged with the loss after giving up one run on four hits in three innings. The Southsiders dropped to 4-and-11 in exhibition play. Martin Perez starts for Chicago against the A’s today.
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The Chicago Cubs surrendered five runs in the top of the ninth during an 8-6 Spring Training loss to the San Francisco Giants at Sloan Park. Brandon Hughes was charged with the loss out of the bullpen after recording just two outs and giving up four runs. Kyle Tucker went deep in the losing effort as the Northsiders dropped to 10-and-4 in exhibition play. The Cubs send Shota Imanaga to the mound against the Guardians today.
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The Chicago Bulls came through in the clutch during a 114-109 win over the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Saturday. The game was tied with under 90 seconds left in regulation when Coby White hit a lay-up and knocked down a free throw to put the Bulls up for good. Josh Giddey hit a three a couple of possessions later to put the game away. Giddey had a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, while White finished with 21 points. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 26-and-38. The Bulls host the Pacers tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are on a five-game point streak following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday. Ilya Mikheyev scored the game-tying goal with under eight minutes left in regulation to force OT, but the Hawks surrendered a goal in the third minute of the extra period. Alex Vlasic also scored in the losing effort. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 49 points and a 20-35-and-9 record. The Blackhawks visit the Avalanche tonight.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini are on a three-game winning streak following an 88-80 win over number-18 Purdue at State Farm Center on Friday. The Illini trailed by two at halftime before outscoring the Boilermakers 48-38 the rest of the way. Will Riley had 22 points in the victory, while Tre White finished with 20. Illinois is the seven-seed in the Big Ten tournament after going 12-and-8 in conference play and 20-and-11 overall. They take on either Ohio State or Iowa in the tournament on Thursday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won a four-overtime thriller over Cal 112-110 at Purcell Pavillion on Saturday. Matt Allocco hit a go-ahead three with 15 seconds left in the fourth OT to give Notre Dame the lead for good. Markus Burton poured in 43 points in the victory, while Allocco finished with 24. The Fighting Irish have the 12-seed in the ACC Tournament after going 8-and-12 in conference play and 14-and-17 overall. They take on Pitt in the tournament tomorrow.
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The Northwestern Wildcats faded down the stretch of a 74-61 loss to number-14 Maryland at Xfinity Center on Saturday. Northwestern trailed by just three at halftime before getting outscored 42-32 the rest of the way. Nick Martinelli poured in 28 points in the losing effort. Northwestern is the number-13 seed in the Big Ten tournament after going 7-and-13 in conference play and 16-and-15 overall. The Wildcats take on Minnesota in the tournament on Wednesday.
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In the Missouri Valley tournament on Friday, Bradley beat Murray State 70-62, Valparaiso edged Northern Iowa 64-63, and Illinois State lost to Belmont 76-63. On Saturday, Bradley earned a 70-65 victory over Valparaiso before losing to Drake 63-48 in the MVC Championship yesterday. In regular season action over the weekend, Northern Illinois took down Central Michigan 83-81 on Friday. On Saturday, DePaul beat Georgetown 83-77, and Loyola crushed UMass 74-51.
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Softball Today
IVCC Lady Eagles vs. Mid Michigan College @ The Spring Games | Clermont, Fla.