An Ottawa man faces a mandatory prison sentence if convicted of delivering more than 15 grams of cocaine to undercover agents, part of a series of Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team (Tri-DENT) operations that led to charges against three additional suspects. Phillip E. Spratt, 48, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class X felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, as well as a Class 1 felony for allegedly delivering between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. Also charged were Antwon T. Baines, 26, of unknown address, with a Class X felony for allegedly delivering between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine; Levon J. Davis, 41, of Rockford, with a Class 1 felony for allegedly delivering more than 1 but less than 15 grams; and Harold P. Morris, 55, of La Salle, with a Class 4 felony for allegedly possessing less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine. All four were issued notices to appear in La Salle County Circuit Court.
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Streator police made two warrant arrests first taking 35-year-old Jason Arnold of Streator into custody in the 1800 block of North Bloomington Street on a theft warrant, followed less than an hour later by the arrest of 26-year-old Eric Zinn on a warrant for traffic offenses; both men were transported to the La Salle County Jail. Officers also responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 1100 block of Dalton Street, where windows on a home and a vehicle were reportedly damaged by BB gun fire. Streator Police also cited 22-year-old Colbey Terry of Streator for criminal damage to property after he allegedly damaged a vehicle; he was released with a court date in Ottawa.
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Starting April 1, Ottawa residents can drop off yard and garden waste at the site located in the 400th block of West Jackson Street. Only yard waste in paper bags will be accepted—plastic bags and other trash are not allowed. The drop-off is open from dawn until dusk, and residents must unload their materials themselves. The site is for Ottawa residents only and is monitored around the clock by security cameras.
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A 6-year-old child was killed in an ATV crash Saturday evening in Joliet. Police say the child was driving a child-sized REX 110 ATV with an 8-year-old passenger around 5 p.m. in the 900 block of Mission Boulevard when they lost control and struck a tree according to Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English, neither child was wearing a helmet. The impact ejected the 6-year-old driver from the vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries. The 8-year-old passenger was not hurt.
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Ken Kolowski Mayor of the City of Peru announced on his FaceBook page that construction on the new Five Below retail store officially began yesterday, marking a significant addition to our community. This new retail option will not only provide a fun shopping experience for families and young people but also create job opportunities and stimulate local economic growth. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this store will have on our wonderful city of Peru.
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State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel of Ottawa has introduced House Bill 871, aimed at strengthening protections for children in Illinois’ adoption and foster care system by enhancing background check requirements. The legislation would establish a first-of-its-kind law disqualifying individuals convicted of human or sex trafficking from adopting or becoming licensed foster parents. Briel emphasizes the bill as a renewed commitment to child welfare and safety, ensuring that vulnerable children are placed in secure, supportive homes with thoroughly vetted caregivers.
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Poco a Poco is accepting applications for its 9th annual Young Artist Program, a weeklong intensive for high school musicians, featuring instruction in voice, piano, choir, theory, guitar, and electives like conducting and musical theatre. Since 2017, the program has served over 100 students from 35 schools, primarily from the Streator area. An introductory junior high program begins March 1, with general applications open through March 31. Both programs are part of the Summer Music Fest, June 7th through the 14th, in Streator, which includes free public events and opportunities to join the Community Choir, Instrumental Ensemble, and Jam Session.
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The Kennedy Expressway reconstruction’s final phase started last night. IDOT advises drivers that work will focus on the outbound lanes of I-90/94 from the Edens Junction to Ohio Street. Reversible lanes will switch to outbound only, and drivers will have to continue to Foster Avenue to exit. The project includes repairing 19 bridges, repatching pavement, and replacing overhead signs.
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The office of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is looking to revoke the license of a Chicago area crematory accused of improperly storing bodies. Mendoza’s office has suspended and filed a complaint to permanently revoke the license of Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights. This is in response to violations, including improper storage of bodies, lying to our office’s auditors, and failing to maintain records of the bodies brought in for cremation. State Comptroller staff learned about the problems at Heights Crematory on February 18th. A hearing will be held on April 11th on whether to revoke the license.
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A Petersburg man is going to federal prison for a long time after pleading guilty to a multitude of crimes against children. Adam Power was sentenced to 60 years behind bars. The 32-year-old is a former substitute teacher, choir director, and theater director in the Springfield area. Prosecutors say he used at least thirteen online accounts on multiple platforms to portray himself as a teenage girl in order to persuade and entice a number of underage boys to produce images of child pornography for him. Power pleaded guilty last month to thirty-four counts, including sexual exploitation of a child and child porn charges.
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A West suburban high school teacher is accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy. Thirty-year-old Christina Formella has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault. She is a special education instructor and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School. Formella was the young victim’s soccer coach and tutor at the time of the assault. A judge released the defendant on certain conditions including no contact with anyone under 18 and no entry to the school.
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Jon D. Munson, 56, of Freeport, IL, was taken into custody on March 17, 2025, at 7:32 p.m. Officers arrested Munson at 11 Northpoint Drive on an outstanding Kane County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of driving while license suspended. He was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Joshua J. Dutko, 21, of Streator, was arrested on March 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at 111 E. Spring Street. Dutko faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a valid license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lane usage. He was cited and released.
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Mendota Police Department arrested Zachary A Jones, 36, 409 12th Ave. Mendota, at his residence in regards to a Lee County Failure to Appear Warrant for Burglary. Jones was processed and later transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Joan Elaine (Mennie) Harvey, 92, of Ottawa, passed away on March 12th, at Pleasant View, surrounded by her family. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Vince Bernardini, Jr., 75, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, March 7th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa.
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Robert “Bob” Gibson, 86, of Seneca, passed away Wednesday, March 12th, at Morris Hospital. The family will receive friends at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20th, from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral services at 4 p.m. Cremation rights have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Joretta Emily Ewald, 89, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Ottawa and Naperville, passed away Friday evening on March 14th, at Birchwood Gardens in Ann Arbor. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in the mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, an interment will follow.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
BASEBALL:
Marquette 10, Lexington 0 (6 inn): At Masinelli Field in Ottawa, Marquette welcomes Indian Creek tomorrow weather permitting.
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Ottawa 13, Seneca 5: Pirates travel to Metamora today.
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SOFTBALL:
Marquette 8, Lexington 5: At June Gross Field in Ottawa, Marquette travels to Kewanee today.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox had just six hits in a 3-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants in a Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch. Brandon Drury accounted for three of Chicago’s hits in the losing effort, while Jonathan Cannon was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on six hits in three-and-a-third innings. The Sox are back in action against the Brewers tomorrow.
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The White Sox are naming right-hander Sean Burke as their Opening Day starting pitcher. It was a surprise decision considering he only has four games of Major League experience. The season opener is March 27th against the Angels at Rate Field.
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The Chicago Bulls had an impressive second half during a 111-97 win over the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. The Bulls led by just one at halftime before outscoring Utah 57-44 the rest of the way. Coby White led Chicago with 26 points in the victory. The Bulls are tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-and-39 record. They visit the Suns tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks aim to avoid a fifth consecutive loss when they host the Seattle Kraken at United Center tonight. The Hawks are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on the road last Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 49 points. Tonight’s game starts at 7:30 PM.
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The Chicago Bears are adding a familiar face to their running back room. The team signed Travis Homer to a one-year deal worth two million dollars yesterday. Homer has been with the Bears for each of the last two seasons. He rushed for just 23 yards last year.
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COLLEGIATE SPORTS:
Loyola and DePaul men’s basketball teams will continue their seasons. Both accepted invitations to postseason tournaments. The Ramblers were invited to the NIT. Loyola will play at San Jose State on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, DePaul will play in the inaugural College Basketball Crown Tournament. The Blue Demons are scheduled to face Cincinnati on April 1 in Las Vegas. On the women’s side. Three in-state teams are in the WNIT. The schools are UIC, Illinois State, and Western Illinois.
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MEN’S TENNIS
At Jacksonville: IVCC opened the spring season with a pair of losses to four-year schools. The Eagles lost 7-0 to Illinois College and 7-0 to Olivet.