A man was fatally shot by law enforcement Sunday after a tense standoff in LaSalle, police said. Officers from multiple agencies responded around 1:27 p.m. to the 600 block of Chartres Street for reports of an armed, suicidal individual. Upon arrival, officers saw the man fire a handgun into the air before retreating inside. Authorities established a perimeter, evacuated nearby homes, and cut power to the structure as negotiations unfolded. As a precaution, La Salle-Peru High School evacuated all students and staff from its campus. Superintendent Steven Wrobleski confirmed that all individuals were safely removed. Police said the man repeatedly emerged with the weapon, at one point firing out of a window at officers. After more than an hour and a half of attempted de-escalation, the suspect exited the building around 4 p.m., pointing his gun at officers, prompting one to fire. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or civilians were injured. The Illinois State Police have launched an independent investigation into the incident.
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In a press release to WCMY on Friday afternoon, Epsilyte Communications Manager Kayla Rivera said that “operations at Epsilyte’s Peru facility returned to normal late Friday following a temporary shutdown caused by a power disruption. The incident, which activated the plant’s safety systems, resulted in the release of styrene—a key product component—into the atmosphere, leading to a noticeable odor in the surrounding community. However, air monitoring confirmed that the release posed no risk to public health. No injuries were reported among employees or contractors. Epsilyte expressed gratitude to local emergency responders for their swift action and thanked the community for its patience, reaffirming its commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and the well-being of its workers and neighbors”. The incident was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m. when a loud explosion occurred at the Epsilyte facility in Peru due to a transformer failure.
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Joshua Casey, who is accused of strangling a woman, is still without legal representation, which is delaying the proceedings in his case. The 38-year-old appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court on Friday, where his detention hearing was rescheduled for April 17 as he continues to search for an attorney. Earlier this week, a grand jury indicted Casey on charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death related to the killing of Jessica Balma. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of 20 to 60 years without the possibility of probation. Although Casey was expected to receive trial dates and discuss his custody status, he informed Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. that he had not yet secured private legal counsel.
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A Streator man will serve three years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony weapons charge in connection with a shooting incident. Zachary D. Frickey, 32, admitted to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon Friday in La Salle County Circuit Court. Prosecutors said two rounds were fired into a Streator home, though no injuries were reported. In exchange for his plea, a more severe charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm—carrying a potential sentence of four to 15 years—was dismissed. Frickey’s sentence falls within the one-to-three-year range mandated for the Class 4 felony, which does not allow for probation.
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A La Salle County murder suspect is pushing to have his alleged confession thrown out before trial. Nicolaus Phillips, 25, is seeking to suppress statements he made following the June 2023 shooting death of 42-year-old Eric Clements in Ottawa. A hearing on the motion has been rescheduled for April 15th. Phillips and his co-defendant, 23-year-old Chastity Furar, both face three counts of murder in connection with Clements’ death. Prosecutors allege Phillips fatally shot Clements in the chest at his home, using a gun supplied by Furar—his girlfriend—after becoming upset that Clements had communicated with her on Facebook. Both suspects remain in the La Salle County Jail as they await trial. Phillips’ jury trial is set for May 5, while Furar’s trial is scheduled to begin May 19th.
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In a critical step toward addressing the growing healthcare crisis in rural Illinois, State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel’s bill, HB 1301, has cleared a key legislative hurdle. The measure, which establishes the Rural Hospital Task Force, aims to combat hospital closures and healthcare shortages that leave small-town residents with limited access to emergency care, specialists, and reproductive health services. “My communities in Northwest Illinois are running out of options, and towns across the state feel the same pressure,” Briel said. “It’s about time we dedicate real resources for real solutions.” The task force will unite policymakers, healthcare experts, and community leaders to develop actionable strategies to preserve and strengthen rural hospitals.
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Lee County officials are searching for 45-year-old Corey Hafer, who failed to appear for his sentencing after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Ogle-Lee Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in locating Hafer, offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 888-288-4488. A Picture of Corey Hafer can be seen on the 1430 WCMY website inside this news story.
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The Streator Education Association has rejected the use of a state-approved mediator in negotiations with District 44, insisting instead on local mediators Jan Urbance and Michael Holcomb, both school board candidates. The Union argues that spending thousands on mediation is unjustifiable when alternatives are available. This stance follows District 44 Supervisor Kelli Virgil’s announcement of a state mediator to help avoid a potential strike, after Local 1511’s notice of strike intentions on March 21st. A major sticking point remains the Union’s demand for extended health care coverage for teaching assistants, custodians, and librarians, as they express dissatisfaction with the board’s final offer from March 12th.
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The Streator City Council is set to vote Wednesday on a new five-year contract with Waste Management for garbage and recycling services. If approved, residents will see a monthly fee of just over $24 starting May 1, with annual increases of more than a dollar each May through 2029. While the rate hike means higher costs for residents, Waste Management’s proposal was the lower of the two bids, as Republic Services’ plan would have added roughly $10 more per month.
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A quick-thinking Streator teenager is being hailed as a hero after saving his younger siblings and their home from a fire Friday afternoon. According to the Streator Fire Department, the teen discovered the blaze, shut the bedroom door to contain the flames, and evacuated everyone safely before firefighters arrived at 302 W. LaRue St. at 1:29 p.m. Flames and smoke were visible from a front window, but crews swiftly extinguished the fire in under a minute. A neighbor alerted responders that all residents were safe, though a dog and three cats were still inside. Fortunately, all pets were later accounted for without injury. The fire, determined to be accidental, was sparked by a candle near a curtain. The American Red Cross is assisting the family, while Streator Animal Control provided support at the scene.
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Illinois Valley Indivisible will take part in the nationwide “Hands Off!” march at noon on Saturday, April 5, in downtown Ottawa, advocating for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. Participants will gather at 11 a.m. at Bold and Curvy Boutique, 211 W. Madison St., to make signs before marching to Washington Square; those with mobility concerns can meet there directly. For details on this national effort, visit indivisible.org.
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A garage wall at 149 Gooding St. in downtown La Salle unexpectedly collapsed Sunday afternoon, causing damage to nearby vehicles but sparing any injuries. La Salle Fire Chief Jeff Janick confirmed that while the area behind the building has been cordoned off for safety, the structure’s three remaining walls are still intact. The cause of the collapse remains unknown as officials continue to assess the situation.
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The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 32 new troopers from Cadet Class 149 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to all ten ISP Troop locations throughout the state on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Cadet Class 149 marks the 21st cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 597 troopers have joined ISP.
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A Chicago woman is accused of fraudulently receiving two Paycheck Protection Program loans for 40 thousand dollars while she was working for the U.S. Postal Service. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged Kelly Newman with theft by deception, loan fraud, and forgery. Raoul’s office claims Newman was employed by the Postal Service when she fraudulently applied for two PPP loans by falsely claiming she owned a business that didn’t exist. Newman received 20 thousand dollars in July 2020 and another 20 thousand dollars in January 2021.
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A Will County correctional officer is in federal custody after he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Daniel Herod was arrested by Homeland Security special agents at his home in west suburban Elwood. The 41-year-old defendant has been charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and criminal sexual assault of a family member. Herod is accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13, as well as a family member under the age of 18.
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An online auction is underway for unclaimed property in Illinois. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs says the auction will run through April 6th. Items being auctioned include an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio’s bat.
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Governor Pritzker is leading a trade mission to Mexico. The trip will last through Wednesday. A delegation will meet with Mexican counterparts to discuss enhancing collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture and food processing, finance, and manufacturing. Through the mission, Illinois is seeking to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Mexico to pave the way for future investment and shared success.
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Police are investigating an incident involving multiple students at Pana High School. A video surfaced online that appears to show students holding up another student to put their head in a toilet. Authorities collected information and evidence over the weekend. Once the investigation is complete, police will forward information to the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office.
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In a recent traffic stop in the area of 1206 Chestnut Street in Ottawa Township, LaSalle County Deputies arrested Diane Lowe, 47, of Marseilles, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. She was also cited for disobeying a stop sign and illegal transportation of alcohol as a driver. Her passenger, Michael Diaz, 48, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and cited for illegal transportation of alcohol and unlawful possession of cannabis. Both individuals were taken to LASCO Jail and later released with a notice to appear.
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A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a LaSalle man for multiple violations. According to authorities, 25-year-old Jose M. Gonzales-Gonzalez was taken into custody at the intersection of Shooting Park Road and Rock Street in Peru around 11:09 p.m. on March 27. Officers charged Gonzales-Gonzalez with driving without a valid license and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. He was transported for processing, and further details on his court appearance were not immediately available.
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A Mendota man has admitted to passing a bad check at an Ottawa retailer, leading to a felony conviction. Edward Hardison, 34, pleaded guilty to deceptive practices after authorities say he wrote a fraudulent check last May at Farm & Fleet. As part of his sentence, Hardison will serve 90 days in the La Salle County Jail, followed by two years of probation. He has also been ordered to pay restitution.
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A 58-year-old Aurora man was cited for excessive speeding following a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and Illinois Route 251. Steve J. Ahrens, of the 3000 block of Anton Drive, was pulled over by authorities, police say Ahrens was traveling between 26 and 34 mph over the posted speed limit. He was issued a traffic citation for the violation and released with a court date in Ottawa.
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A 62-year-old California man was taken into custody Sunday night following a traffic crash at the intersection of Meridian Road and Shooting Park Road. Authorities say Eduardo Reyes Ortiz, of Greenfield, CA, was arrested at approximately 10:15 p.m. on multiple charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Ortiz remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident in the area of E 18th RD & N 36th (Serena TWP). Matthew Shumway (38) of Leland left the roadway and ended up in Crooked Leg Creek. There were no injuries reported and no citations were issued. The vehicle was recovered from the creek and towed from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a two-vehicle rollover accident in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 15th RD (Eagle TWP). Reading Fire and Streator EMS responded; one was extricated and transported to OSF Streator. Eglymar Escalona Freites (24) of Streator was cited for disobeying a Stop sign, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and being released with an NTA. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Victoria DR & Heather DR (LaSalle TWP) area. Jeremy Grooms (19) of LaSalle was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 44th (Adams TWP). Debra Wehmhoefer (58) of Sheridan was cited for speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of Park ST & Stanton St (Bruce TWP). Bobbie Fraga (48) of Streator was given a written warning for having only one red tail light and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of Bloomington St & Frech St (Bruce TWP). Daniel Urisch (60) of Peru was given a written warning for no license plate light and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of N 35th RD & E 29th RD (Miller TWP). Brady Gaines (30) of Marseilles was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of 112 7th ST (Bruce TWP). Noah Camp (19) of Streator was given a written warning of no valid registration and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of Stevenson RD & Columbus St (Ottawa TWP). Paul Smith (28) of Alton was given a written warning for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and was released from the scene.
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WEATHER:
Monday
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.
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OBITUARIES:
Ronald Laatz, 74, of Grand Ridge, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27th, at his home. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 31st, from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at noon at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Grand Ridge Cemetery.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Softball
Marquette 12, Princeville 7: At Princeville,
Streator 1-9, Newark 2-6: At Newark
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Baseball
Marquette 7-10, Deer Creek-Mackinaw 1-0: At Masinelli Field in Ottawa
Streator 17-12, Newark 6-7: At Newark, the Bulldogs swept a doubleheader.
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Indoor track and field
At the Illinois Prep Top Times Class 2A Meet in Bloomington, Ottawa’s Weston Averkamp placed ninth in the 60-meter dash, while Streator’s Riley Stevens finished 11th in the high jump.
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Boys tennis
Chatham Glenwood 3, Ottawa 0; Metamora 3, Ottawa 0: At the Metamora Invitational.
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Girls soccer
Streator 4, La Salle-Peru 3: At the James Street Recreation Center
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox gave up a late run during a 3-2 loss to the Angels at Rate Field. The game was tied at two before Cam Booser gave up a go-ahead home run to Kyren Paris in the top of the eighth. Booser was charged with the loss in relief, while Nick Maton homered in the losing effort. The Sox fell to 1-and-2 and will send Martin Perez to the mound against Minnesota. We will have a 12:30 pm pre-game and a 1:10 pm first pitch today.
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The Chicago Cubs settled for a four-game split with the Arizona Diamondbacks following a 10-6 loss at Chase Field yesterday. The Cubs led by four entering the bottom of the eighth before surrendering eight runs. Matthew Boyd tossed five scoreless innings in a no-decision before Eli Morgan was charged with the loss in relief. Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki all homered in the losing effort. The 2-and-4 Northsiders send Ben Brown to the mound against the Athletics tonight.
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The Chicago Bulls couldn’t complete a late comeback during a 120-119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at United Center on Saturday. The Bulls trailed by 12 with under three minutes left before fighting back to get within one possession late. However, Klay Thompson knocked down a pair of free throws with seven seconds left to ice the game. Matas Buzelis poured in 28 points in the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic and Coby White chipped in with 25 apiece. Chicago is tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 33-and-41. The Bulls visit the Thunder tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks gave up five goals in the final two periods during a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club at United Center. The Hawks took a 2-1 lead when Ryan Donato scored his 29th goal of the season in the second period. However, Utah scored four unanswered goals to end the game. Joe Veleno also lit the lamp in the losing effort. The Hawks are in last place in the Central Division with 51 points. They host the Avalanche on Wednesday.
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COLLEGIATE SPORTS:
MEN’S GOLF
At Normal: IVCC placed ninth among 16 teams at Illinois Central College’s Cougar Shoutout.
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BASEBALL
Sauk Valley Community College 4-7, IVCC 0-0: IVCC was shoutout twice in a conference doubleheader on Saturday in Peru.
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The #3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team had their season end with a 71-62 loss to #2 TCU in the NCAA Tournament from Alabama on Saturday. Liatu King scored 17 points in the losing effort, while Hannah Hidalgo finished with 15. The Irish ended the year with a 28-and-6 record.
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DePaul women’s basketball coach Doug Bruno is stepping down after 39 seasons. He plans to stay at the school as the special assistant to the vice president/director of athletics for women’s basketball. Bruno was hired in 1977 and won 786 games. He has led DePaul to 25 NCAA Tournament bids and 19 conference titles. Bruno missed this past season due to a medical issue. DePaul will start a national search for a head coach.
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Several more players appear to be leaving the Illinois men’s basketball program. Carey Booth, Morez Johnson Junior, and Tre White have all entered the transfer portal. Booth averaged just over one point a game while appearing in 21 games this season. Johnson Junior played in 30 games this season, averaging 7 points and 6.7 rebounds. White averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 32 games.