Construction on I-80 resumes today in Bureau and La Salle counties. Crews will be milling and resurfacing the road, including the Illinois Route 89 and Plank Road exit and entrance ramps. There will be one lane open in both directions during the nearly 22-million-dollar project, which is expected to be completed this fall.
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In a press release, Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa have voiced their opposition to OSF Healthcare’s recent decision to consolidate and relocate several departments to Peru. The organization plans to challenge OSF’s forthcoming application for a Certificate of Exemption, which aims to eliminate all intensive care unit (ICU) and obstetrics (OB) services in Ottawa. To facilitate community input, Citizens for Healthcare will request a public hearing, inviting residents to express their concerns and advocate for the preservation of essential healthcare services. The group is dedicated to rallying support from Ottawa and its neighboring areas to combat the potential decline of healthcare accessibility in the region, urging community members to stay tuned for updates on how they can contribute to this vital cause.
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A LaSalle County grand jury has indicted 38-year-old Joshua Casey of Streator on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death, signaling there is sufficient evidence to move forward with the case. Prosecutors allege Casey strangled 37-year-old Jessica Balma on March 4, then wrapped her body in a roll of carpet inside a home. He remains in custody at the La Salle County Jail. According to State’s Attorney Joe Navarro, Casey has allegedly confessed to the crime at least twice since the incident.
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The Streator Elementary School District announced on Facebook Monday that a Google Form will be sent out later this week to help families with breakfast and lunch needs in the event of a teacher strike. The Streator Education Association issued its intent-to-strike notice last Friday, with a walkout possible as early as April 1. Negotiations remain ongoing, with both sides set to meet with a federal mediator on that date. Teachers have been working under an expired contract for more than 200 days, with salary and health insurance among the key sticking points. In its post, the district stated that its latest contract offer represents “the very best compensation package we can offer while ensuring the success of our District in the future.”
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The Ottawa Plan Commission delayed its decision Monday on a proposed 18-acre solar farm off Canal Road after hearing resident concerns. SunVest’s Bill Finch outlined the project, emphasizing low impact and tax benefits, but nearby landowners, including Dwain and Melissa Sampson, raised concerns over environmental effects and proximity to wells. Despite assurances that property values wouldn’t decline, the commission urged SunVest to engage further with the community. A final recommendation is expected at the April 28 meeting, where the Ottawa City Council will decide the project’s fate.
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Waltham Elementary School will host the final community open house before Election Day this Thursday, giving voters a last chance to learn about the proposed $9 million bond issue. The event in Utica begins with school tours at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6:15 p.m., outlining the district’s plans to expand the school—just five years after its opening. Overcrowding has already forced the addition of modular classrooms this year, and officials say the bond is crucial to addressing the growing student population.
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A 25-year-old La Salle County man is facing serious charges after his arrest by the Trident task force. Preston Dunning was taken into custody Monday and appeared before a judge Tuesday, where he was formally charged with dealing cocaine and methamphetamine, along with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Despite the charges, Dunning was released from jail under electronic GPS monitoring. This latest arrest comes just a year after he pleaded guilty in 2023 to distributing a look-alike drug, a conviction that resulted in a 2 ½-year probation sentence.
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Streator police were called to the scene of a single-vehicle accident just before 12:30 p.m. today at 115 South Everett. According to the driver, they swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and collided with a utility pole. While the driver escaped without injury, the pole sustained significant damage and will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
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As tick season kicks into gear, LaSalle County health officials are urging residents to check themselves, their pets, and loved ones after spending time outdoors. Prompt removal of ticks is crucial in preventing potential health risks, including Lyme disease. Stay informed on tick activity across Illinois by visiting dph.illinois.gov/ticks.
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Time is running out for those wishing to weigh in on the candidates seeking to replace retired Circuit Judge Cynthia Raccuglia. Written comments on the applicants must be submitted via email by 5 p.m. this Friday, with anonymous submissions not accepted. All feedback will be reviewed by the judicial screening committee before being forwarded to the Illinois Supreme Court, which will ultimately select Raccuglia’s successor for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The candidates under consideration are Jeremiah Adams, Karen Donnelly, Matthew Krueger, James Lindig, Christopher Minelli, MyLynda Moore, Melissa Olivero, Bradley Popurella, Nigel Smith, Greg Sticka, and Michelle Vescogni. Comments should be sent to mbutler@illinoiscourts.gov.
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The Dwight Police Department is investigating a string of vandalism incidents involving eggs, calling it a “crime on top of a crime in this economy.” Authorities say the first reported case of a home getting egged came in on Pollard Street on the town’s northeast side several weeks ago. The latest incidents took place last Saturday night in the 100 block of East North Street and the 100 block of West Seminole Street. Investigators are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to contact the Dwight Police Department.
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Authorities are working to identify remains found in a vehicle pulled from the Fox River in Elgin that was linked to a cold case of a missing woman. The Kane County Coroner’s office says skeletal human remains were discovered in the vehicle after it was removed from the water yesterday. Divers located the 1980 Toyota Celica the day before while conducting searches of the Fox River as part of the investigation into the April 1983 disappearance of Karen Schepers. Investigators will compare DNA samples or dental records of Schepers to the remains to confirm a positive identification.
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Governor Pritzker is slamming President Trump’s executive order to overhaul elections. The order requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Pritzker released a statement saying voting is a fundamental right for Americans, accusing Trump of ignoring the rule of law and circumventing Congress. The governor proclaims that “In the face of these attacks on voting rights, Illinois will continue to administer free and fair elections while standing up for strong, secure, and accessible democracy.”
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Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed a bill Friday that would have required Illinois warehouse workers to receive written job quotas and protected them from penalties for taking breaks. While signing 16 other measures from the January lame-duck session, Pritzker rejected House Bill 2547, citing rushed passage and legal uncertainties. The bill passed the House with enough votes to override a veto, but the Senate fell one vote short. Pritzker directed the Illinois Department of Labor to work with stakeholders on clearer worker protections.
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The state of Illinois will Return Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. More than 175 years after their Illinois reservation was illegally auctioned off, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is set to reclaim their land. Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation transferring ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park—a 1,500-acre site in southern DeKalb County that once formed the heart of the tribe’s original reservation—back to the Nation. Visitors, for now, will see little change, but the decision marks a significant step in addressing historical injustices.
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Authorities are investigating a bomb threat made against Monmouth High School. Police say they received a report of a bomb threat called into the school yesterday. The call likely came from Chicago. Law enforcement responded and the high school was evacuated. Following a search, no explosive or harmful devices were located on school grounds.
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A teen accused of killing his father in South Peoria earlier this month is being indicted. Sixteen-year-old Tykvier Drummond faces a single count of first-degree murder in the March 3rd shooting death of Michael Drummond. The victim was found lying face down with multiple gunshot wounds in the 24-hundred block of West Howett Street. He died later at the hospital. The case has been transferred to adult court
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The Sangamon County Coroner is identifying the woman found dead inside a burning vehicle in Sangamon County this past weekend. Authorities say a passerby spotted a Kia SUV stopped on 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 Laquita Harris dead in the vehicle after extinguishing the fire. An autopsy revealed that Harris died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries sustained in the blaze.
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State police are releasing video of the police shooting in Bloomington last month that left a 15-year-old boy dead. The footage shows Cole L. M. Turner being shot on February 25th in the 800 block of Arcadia Drive. Authorities say officers opened fire after the teen pointed a gun at them. An Air Pistol was recovered at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
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A Progressive TikToker is running for Congress in Illinois. Kat Abughazaleh [[ a-boo-gah-zah-lay ]] announced on social media her bid for the 9th Congressional District. The 26-year-old slammed President Trump and Elon Musk for “dismantling our country piece by piece and criticized Democrats for not doing enough to stop them. She said the Democratic Party needs a makeover, adding that there is no reason anyone shouldn’t be able to afford housing, groceries, and health care. 9th District Incumbent Jan Schakowsky hasn’t decided whether she’ll seek reelection.
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Authorities are looking for suspects who stole three luxury vehicles at an auto dealership in the northwest suburbs. The crime happened early this month at Autos of Chicago in Arlington Heights. Surveillance cameras captured the thefts and had footage of the alleged thieves smashing their way into the business with a crowbar. A manager at the dealership says an Audi, a BMW, and a Jeep were taken with a combined value of 300 thousand dollars. Chicago police recovered one of the vehicles, but two are still missing. No one is in custody. A similar incident happened recently in Mendota and El Paso.
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A 15-year-old boy is accused of beating and stabbing a Manley High School student and leaving her body in a park on Chicago’s West Side. Police say the juvenile suspect is reportedly the boyfriend of 16-year-old Kaylah Love. Prosecutors say the alleged offender was holding hands with the victim on March 16, and minutes later, he attacked Love. The boy is charged with murder and has been ordered to remain in custody due to the violent nature of the crime.
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Streator police apprehended Anthony M. Percodani, 35, on Stanton Place, charging him with residential burglary, criminal damage to property, and possession of burglary tools. Following the arrest, Percodani was processed and released with a notice to appear in court.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main St and 8th St. As a result of that stop the driver, Jason J Westfall, 28, 8730 Salamander Rd. North Charleston, SC, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Westfall was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and released with a mandatory April 14th, LaSalle County court date.
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Peru Police officers responded to a domestic incident at 1716 1st Street, where they arrested 33-year-old Luis M. Damian Jimenez on charges of domestic battery. He was taken into custody at 8:31 p.m.
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Peru police apprehended 58-year-old Todd A. Frederickson at the Menards on Mahoney Drive following an investigation into retail theft. Frederickson, who is listed as homeless, was charged with retail theft and battery. He was cited and released.
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Peru Police arrested 50-year-old Robert G. Sparling of Ladd at the Walmart Supercenter on Illinois Route 251. Sparling was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. He was issued citations and released with a court date in Ottawa.
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Also at Walmart Peru police arrested 42-year-old Paul C. Hayden of Putnam at 2:13 p.m. for criminal trespass to real property. He was charged accordingly.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Light west wind becoming west northwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 42. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight.
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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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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:
Softball
Serena 1, Ottawa 0: At King Field
Illinois Valley Central 12, Streator 2 (6 inn.): At Chillicothe
Seneca 17, Putnam County 0 (4 inn.): At Granville
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Baseball
Ottawa 7, Serena 0: Improve to 4-1
Plainfield South 7, Streator 6: At Plainfield
Putnam County 5, Seneca 2: At Granville
La Salle-Peru 10, Hall 0: Gavin Kallis threw 6⅔ hitless innings with 15 strikeouts
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GIRLS SOCCER
Mendota 1, Rochelle 0: in Rochelle
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are letting go with one of their relievers. The team cut Dan Altavilla yesterday. Altavilla signed a minor league deal with the Southsiders in December. He had a 2.79 ERA in nine-and-two-thirds innings with the Sox this Spring. Chicago begins the regular season with a home game against the Angels tomorrow.
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The Chicago Cubs wrapped up Spring Training with a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves at Sloan Park. Haydn McGeary broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Sam Armstrong picked up the win in relief. The Northsiders will stay in Arizona as they open the regular season against the Diamondbacks tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks will try to get on a winning streak when they host the New Jersey Devils at United Center tonight. The Blackhawks snapped a seven-game losing streak by beating the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4 at home on Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points. Tonight’s game starts at 6:30 PM.
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The Blackhawks will lose one of their key players for the rest of the season. Forward Jason Dickinson suffered a wrist injury during Saturday’s game against the Blues. He finishes the season with seven goals in 59 games. Dickinson previously missed more than four weeks with a high ankle sprain. The Hawks face the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night at the United Center.
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The Chicago Bulls are gearing up for their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center tomorrow night. The Bulls are on a three-game winning streak following a 129-119 road win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 32-and-40. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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COLLEGIATE SPORTS:
BASEBALL
Highland 12-10, IVCC 2-6: The Eagles were swept in an Arrowhead Conference doubleheader in Peru.
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SOFTBALL
Black Hawk 8-10, IVCC 0-0: The Eagles were swept in an Arrowhead Conference doubleheader in Moline.
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TODAY
Women’s Tennis
@McHenry County College
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Men’s Tennis
@McHenry County College
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The season is over for the Bradley men’s basketball team after losing to Chattanooga 67-65 in the NIT Quarterfinals last night at Carver Arena in Peoria. Demarion Burch led the Braves with 14 points in the loss. Bradley finishes the season with a 28-and-9 record.
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Today, Illinois State takes on Cleveland State, while Loyola has an NIT game against Kent State.