WCMY News for 3/25/25:

The City of Ottawa says contractors will have the intersection of Guion and East Lafayette Streets closed to all traffic between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. both today and tomorrow. Only local traffic will be allowed through the construction area

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OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa is moving to discontinue its five-bed intensive care unit and 14-bed obstetrics services as part of a shift to consolidate care at its Peru facility. The hospital plans to file a certificate of need application with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to formalize the closures. While the decision has faced community opposition, OSF has already secured state approval for an expanded eight-bed ICU and an 11-bed obstetrics unit in Peru, set to open in August 2025. The transition in Ottawa will not take effect until the review process is complete, which is expected to take several months.

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Fierce winds fueled heavy flames and thick black smoke Monday morning as a former tavern on Water Street went up in flames. Fire crews were called to 901 Water Street just after 8:30 a.m., where they found the second floor of the building—east of Maze Lumber and near the Route 251 bridge—engulfed in fire. The Peru Fire Department quickly requested mutual aid, with three ladder tower trucks working to knock down the blaze. Several people were living in the building, which previously housed the business known as Platform 31. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the cause of the fire.

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A Bureau County judge has set an April 21 jury trial date for a DePue man accused of firing a gun during a neighborhood dispute. Jose Pacheco-Ramos, 43, remains in the Bureau County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors allege Pacheco-Ramos fired a 9mm gun into the air on February 22 while threatening to kill a woman with whom he had a prior relationship. The incident occurred along East 4th Street in DePue, but no one was struck by gunfire. Pacheco-Ramos was arraigned Friday in Princeton and denied a pretrial release agreement.

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Streator Police are urging merchants and residents to take extra precautions following recent thefts. Business owners are advised not to accept personal checks over $100 and to use debit or credit payments instead. Homeowners rehabbing properties should avoid leaving appliance boxes outside and consider having someone stay overnight—or use a guard dog—to deter break-ins. Officers also warn of a known shoplifter frequently seen panhandling near Oakley and Marilla Park Road. Merchants are encouraged to stay alert, lock doors when alone, and refuse entry to individuals with a history of theft. Call the Streator Police if you need assistance.

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LaSalle-Peru Township High School experienced an unexpected power outage around 9:30 yesterday morning, briefly impacting campus operations as well as several homes and businesses throughout Peru. School officials confirmed that power was quickly restored, and all students and staff remained safe during the incident. The school’s emergency generator was activated immediately, maintaining power inside the building. Students were asked to remain in their classrooms as a precaution until normal service resumed. Administrators praised both students and staff for their calm response and cooperation.

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Early voting is now underway in La Salle County, with polls set to close on Election Day, Tuesday, April 1st. Residents wishing to cast their ballots early can do so at the La Salle County Clerk’s Office, located at 707 E. Etna Road in Ottawa. Early voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through March 31st, and Saturdays, March 22nd and 29th, from 8 a.m. to noon. Voters who prefer to vote by mail can apply online at lasallecountyil.gov/288/Vote-by-Mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, March 27th.

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The Streator Education Association filed notice of its intent to strike, allowing teachers to walk off the job as early as April 1st. While no strike date has been set, negotiations continue after the school board offered a new three-year contract on March 12th, including 5% annual raises for teachers and significant pay increases of $4 to $7 an hour for support staff. The proposal also expands health insurance benefits to 18 additional employees. Board President Angela Risley says the offer balances fair compensation with the district’s financial stability, and talks are scheduled to resume with a federal mediator on April 1st.

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The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man. Authorities say 68-year-old Michael Cummings was last seen Friday night near the intersection of Canal Street and West Adams Street in Chicago. Cummings, who uses a wheelchair, is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 210 pounds, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a Chicago Cubs leather jacket. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1 or contact the La Salle County Sheriff’s Department.

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Time is running out to avert a faculty strike at Illinois State University, as the United Faculty of ISU (UFISU) officially filed an Intent to Strike notice with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board today. The move follows an overwhelming strike authorization vote last week, setting the stage for a possible walkout as early as April 4. While the filing does not guarantee that UFISU’s 650 members will strike, it grants them the option if negotiations falter. With key issues such as workload flexibility, fair pay, parental leave policies, and student mental health support still unresolved, both sides are set to resume talks with a federal mediator on March 28, April 2, and April 4 in hopes of reaching an agreement.

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Work began yesterday on U.S. Route 6 in Channahon and Joliet. Patching and resurfacing will take place from McClintock Road to I-55. The one-million-dollar project will require daytime intermittent lane closures. It is anticipated to be completed later this spring.

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Construction is underway on the bridge carrying U.S. Route 30 over Elkhorn Creek in Whiteside County. The bridge is located west of Sterling. Crews will be repairing the deck and replacing the joints on the bridge, as well as repairing the shoulders on the bridge. One lane will be open on the bridge. The project is expected to be completed in May.

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Work continues on the reconstruction of the interchange of I-39 U.S. Route 20 and Harrison Avenue in Cherry Valley. The 44-million-dollar million interchange project is part of a larger multi-year project. Lane shifts on Harrison Avenue and U.S. 20 between Mall Drive and Mill Road will be implemented in order to update the pavement marking needed to convert the interchange traffic pattern from a cloverleaf interchange to a diverging diamond interchange. The conversion is expected to be completed by early April.

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Galesburg Police Chief Russell Idle is out of a job. Idle was fired yesterday following an investigation into allegations he violated department policies on sexual harassment and discrimination. He was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month. Idle has been a member of the Galesburg Police Department for 30 years, serving as chief since 2019. Deputy Police Chief Kevin Legate will continue to serve as acting police chief until another is appointed.

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A new search is underway in the western suburbs for a woman who went missing more than 40 years ago. Karen Scheper was last seen in April of 1983 when she was at a bar in Carpentersville celebrating a graduation. She left the establishment driving a yellow 1980 Toyota Celica. Investigators with suburban Elgin police started their search this morning in the Fox River. The divers are using special gear similar to an underwater ultrasound in order to search for Scheper.

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An investigation is underway after a person was found dead inside a burning vehicle in Sangamon County over the weekend. Authorities say a passerby spotted a Kia SUV stopped in the road Saturday in the 600 block of Horse Farm Road near Glenarm. Smoke was seen coming from the vehicle before the flames spread in the car. Fire crews discovered a dead person in the vehicle after extinguishing the fire.

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A woman who was hit and killed by a vehicle in Peoria last week is being identified. Deana Viano was hit last Wednesday in the area of Knoxville Avenue and Orchard Place. She was eventually pronounced dead and the driver remained at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

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Aurora Police are revealing video of a deadly police shooting last week. Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross says releasing the video footage is about being transparent. The footage shows officers firing at 19-year-old Christopher Lepe as he appears to display a weapon while sitting in his vehicle. Authorities say the shooting happened on March 19th after Lepe led police on a chase from Geneva to Aurora after he injured a Geneva officer. Lepe was pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

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A former Carroll County Sheriff’s deputy is charged in the death of a teen last July. Jackson Kradle was found dead along Illinois Route 78 near Mount Carroll on July 28th. Following a coroner’s inquest, the 18-year-old’s death was ruled a homicide. Former deputy Matthew Herpstreith and a former dispatcher were at the scene when the teen was discovered, and Kradle’s DNA was found underneath Herpstreith’s vehicle. The former deputy faces multiple charges, including Reckless Homicide, Reckless Conduct, and Obstructing Justice.

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53-year-old Julian Polito Chigo of Ottawa was stopped by Ottawa Police Monday at LaSalle and Washington Streets and charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.

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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident, car vs deer, in the area of E 1251st RD & IL Rt-71 (South Ottawa TWP). James Wilson (62) of Ottawa struck a deer as it crossed the roadway. No injuries were reported, no citations were issued, and the vehicle was able to be driven from the scene.

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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident in the area of 3607 E 18th RD (Freedom TWP). Caden Lage (62) of Ottawa lost control due to loose gravel on the roadway and struck a bridge guardrail. No injuries were reported, no citations were issued, and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident in the area of N 4650th RD & E 17th RD (Earl TWP). Ryan Browder (19) of Earlville left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Ryan was cited for leaving the scene of an accident, failing to notify law enforcement, and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He was released with an NTA.

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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident in the area of 921 N 24th RD (Deer Park TWP) resulting in an injury. Utica EMS responded to the scene and transported the injured party to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa. No citations were issued and both vehicles were towed from the scene by Seneca’s Towing.

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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL RT 18 and E 13^th Rd (Eagle TWP). Matthew Wiggins (20) of Ottawa was cited for speeding 97 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene with an NTA.

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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL RT 251 and N 31^st Rd (Dimmick TWP). Gianna Gordon (20) of Oglesby was cited for speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released from the scene.

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WEATHER:

Today

A slight chance of rain between 7 am and 8 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Light and variable wind becoming west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low of around 32. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

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OBITUARIES:

Jerry Thomas Kiley, 67, of Spring Valley, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, March 20th, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral ceremonies will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

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Mary Lynn “Gert” Deyo passed away on March 20th, in her hometown of Ottawa, at the age of 67. A funeral mass will be held at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Today at 10:15 a.m., followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus. A celebration of life will be held at Buffalo Rock at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Colorado at a later date, Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.

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Lisa Jean Fuchs, 62, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, March 18th, at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with a private burial to follow. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

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LOCAL SPORTS:

Baseball

Ottawa 7, Rock Island 2: At Rock Island

Marquette 14, Newark 0: At Ottawa, Cru improved to 5 and 0.

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SOFTBALL

Marquette 17, Newark 7 (5 inn.): At Junes Gross Field in Ottawa

La Salle-Peru 9, Streator 2: in LaSalle

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GIRLS SOCCER

Mendota 3, Streator 0: in Mendota

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PRO SPORTS:

The Chicago White Sox scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth during an 8-5 Spring Training win over the Athletics at Camelback Ranch. Austin Slater, Luis Robert Jr., and Brooks Baldwin all homered in the victory. Davis Martin earned the win after giving up just one run on two hits in five innings. The Southsiders host the Angels for Opening Day on Thursday.

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The Chicago Cubs gave up six runs in the top of the fifth during a 13-4 Spring Training loss to the Atlanta Braves at Sloan Park. Porter Hodge was charged with the loss in relief, while Gage Workman went deep for the fourth time this Spring. The Northsiders send Ben Brown to the mound against the Braves today.

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The Chicago Bulls knocked off the Denver Nuggets with a 129-119 win at Ball Arena. The game was tied heading into the fourth quarter, and the Bulls closed out the game with a 34-24 run. Coby White poured in 37 points in the victory, while Josh Giddey finished with 26. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 32-and-40. The Bulls host the Lakers on Thursday. In other team news, Coby White was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second consecutive week yesterday.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the New Jersey Devils at United Center tomorrow night. The Hawks snapped a seven-game losing streak by beating the Flyers 7-4 at home on Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points. Tomorrow’s game begins at 6:30 PM

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The Bears are bringing in a veteran defensive back. The team has signed Nick McCloud to a one-year contract. McCloud arrives in Chicago following stints with several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Since entering the league in 2021 as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills, McCloud has totaled 84 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

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The Bears are adding a new member to its management team. The team has hired Laura Anderson as their senior vice president of administration and chief financial officer. She had a similar role while working for the Big Ten Conference. Anderson will oversee finances and accounting for the team as they prepare to build a new arena in northwest suburban Arlington Heights or downtown Chicago.

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COLLEGIATE SPORTS:

MEN’S TENNIS

IVCC 5, Elgin 4: Eagles earned a victory Saturday in Elgin.

IVCC 5, Maharisi 2: the Eagles picked up a win in Sterling.

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MEN’S GOLF

At Peoria: IVCC placed 14th among 19 teams at Illinois Central College’s Cougar Preview at Weaver Ridge Golf Club.

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BASEBALL

IVCC @ Highland for a doubleheader starting at 2 pm.

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SOFTBALL

IVCC @ Blackhawks Community College for a doubleheader starting at 2 pm.

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In college hoops today, Illinois State takes on Incarnate Word in the College Basketball Invitational, while Bradley plays against Chattanooga in the NIT bracket.