Today is the Consolidated Election with voters choosing candidates for school boards, community college trustees, township offices and trustees, board members for public library districts, park districts, and rural fire districts, and some towns and villages are selecting municipal officials. Oglesby voters have a referendum on adopting a City manager form of government. Voters in the Waltham Consolidated School District are being asked to approve over $9 million in bonds to construct additional classrooms for the overcrowded five-year-old school. Polls are open until 7:00 this evening.
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LaSalle County authorities have identified 72-year-old Daniel W. Curtin Sr. as the man fatally shot by law enforcement during a standoff Sunday. According to police, Curtin repeatedly exited a building on Chartres Street between Sixth and Seventh streets while armed, at one point firing a handgun out of a window toward officers. When he later pointed the weapon at police, an officer opened fire, killing him. A forensic autopsy was conducted Monday, and the incident remains under investigation by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office, the Illinois State Police Forensic Service Unit, and the Illinois State Police District One Investigative Unit.
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Ottawa Woman Sentenced to Six Years for Cocaine Dealing. Jamie Forbes, 50, has been sentenced to six years in prison for dealing cocaine and three years for driving with a revoked license, with both sentences to be served concurrently. The charges stem from crimes committed in February 2023. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed a second cocaine dealing charge.
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Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Local Health Services. The federal government’s decision to cut $125 million in funding for the Illinois Department of Public Health and 97 local health departments could impact services like free vaccines. The revoked funding, originally designated for infectious disease prevention, affects programs combating illnesses such as avian flu and measles. While the full impact remains uncertain, La Salle County Health Department officials say they are awaiting further details. One potentially at-risk grant supports respiratory disease outbreak investigations and prevention in long-term care facilities. Despite concerns, officials note that diverse funding sources help sustain essential health services.
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Work resumes today on nearly ten miles of I-80 in Bureau County. Crews will be resurfacing I-80 from the Bureau-Henry County line to east of the Illinois 40 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The nearly 37-million-dollar project is expected to wrap up in the fall.
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An 84-year-old Montgomery man facing 90 counts of criminal sexual assault and abuse has been released to his home under electronic monitoring. According to Kane County court documents, Michael G. Farris was allowed to return to his residence in the 200 block of South Main Street on Monday, with strict conditions barring him from leaving except for pre-approved medical appointments. He is prohibited from contacting the five listed victims, anyone under 18, and is denied access to electronic devices, cell phones, or the internet. Authorities allege Farris abused at least five victims between 2008 and 2022, all between the ages of 13 and 17, and warn that more victims may exist due to his involvement in multiple youth organizations. Farris, who was arrested last month, is set to appear in court in St. Charles on April 24 at 9 a.m. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Montgomery Police Department at 331-212-5160.
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Chester Weger’s bid to clear his name in the Starved Rock murders is set for a “mini-trial,” but a judge has limited pre-trial disclosures. In an emergency hearing, LaSalle County Circuit Judge Michael C. Jansz ruled that attorney Andy Hale did not violate Illinois Supreme Court rules by sharing case evidence on his podcast, but future disclosures are banned. Special prosecutor Colleen Griffin sought sanctions for public discussions of the case, but Judge Jansz deemed it “uncharted territory” and did not penalize Hale. The controversy involved a podcast segment with the late former justice of the peace, Louis Goetsch, who expressed uncertainty about authorizing Weger’s arrest warrant in 1960. Weger, who spent nearly 60 years in prison for the murder of Lillian Oetting and maintains his innocence, has a hearing scheduled for May 12th-14th to challenge his conviction.
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Quad Cities Food Bank Faces Major Setback from USDA Cuts. The River Bend Food Bank, which serves the Quad Cities region that includes LaSalle County, announced it will receive $515,000 less from the United States Department of Agriculture, resulting in a loss of approximately 316,000 pounds of food. This significant reduction threatens the charity’s ability to distribute food across a 23-county area, including monthly mobile pantries in Princeton and Ottawa. Community support will be essential to help the food bank continue its crucial services for families in need.
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Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) will host Explore IVCC on Tuesday, April 8, giving prospective students a chance to tour the campus, meet faculty, and learn about academic programs. “It’s a great opportunity to explore IVCC and connect with faculty and students,” said Tom Quigley, Director of Enrollment Services. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre with a student panel, followed by a resource fair. An adult student Q&A session will be available in person and via Zoom. Pre-register at IVCC’s website or sign up at the event. Summer and fall registration opens April 3.
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The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up enforcement for Distracted Driving Awareness Month, partnering with IDOT, Illinois State Police, and over 200 agencies to target violators. Sheriff Adam Diss warns that distracted driving, which claimed 58 lives in Illinois last year, is both dangerous and illegal. “People know the risks but do it anyway,” he said. Throughout April, officers will increase patrols, issuing tickets to those using phones illegally. Funded by federal traffic safety grants, the campaign urges drivers to stay focused and keep their phones down.
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Attorneys for Michael Madigan are calling for a new trial in his corruption case. The Chicago Tribune reports the former Illinois House speaker’s lawyers made the request in a motion filed last Friday. They claim prosecutors failed to prove the Chicago Democrat knew about a scheme by ComEd to pay off his associates and the trial judge made a series of mistakes. Madigan was found guilty in February on conspiracy and bribery charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13th.
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is obtaining a preliminary injunction in his office’s lawsuit over the removal of asbestos materials at a shuttered hotel in DuPage County. Raoul filed a lawsuit last month against Go Glen Ellyn Two, Burdi Custom Builders and Concrete Construction Company. The suit accuses all three of the improper removal and handling of materials containing asbestos during the demolition of the former America’s Best Value Inn located in Glen Ellyn. The injunction requires the defendants to implement an approved asbestos remediation plan at the site.
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A Venezuelan immigrant living in the Chicago area is calling on ICE to release his brother in order to save his life. An attorney representing Jose Gregorio Gonzalez urged ICE to release him under a temporary legal option called humanitarian parole so he can donate a kidney to his brother. Jose Alfredo Pacheco was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure in 2023 not long after arriving in Chicago from Venezuela. His immigrant brother, Gregorio Gonzalez, was set to be that donor, but he was arrested by ICE outside their home in Cicero last month.
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A man faces charges after a train hit an SUV in East Galesburg. Police say the incident happened on the tracks near State Street. No injuries were reported. The driver of the vehicle, Donell Matthews, exited the SUV prior to impact and left the scene. He was later located and charged with DUI, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, and trespassing on railroad property.
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Police continue to investigate after a 15-year-old was shot after hundreds of teens congregated in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins says the chaos that occurred Friday night lasted about three hours. He added that teens were blocking traffic, jumping on cars, stealing from stores, and using tasers on one another. At least 12 people were arrested. The young gunshot victim suffered a graze wound and was taken to a hospital in good condition. Mayor Brandon Johnson says those responsible for the violent incident will be held accountable.
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A Gibson City woman is dead and three other people are hurt following a crash Saturday near Fairbury in Livingston County. Authorities say a 19-year-old man was driving an SUV when he ran a stop sign and collided with another SUV at six-thousand North Road and 22-hundred East Road. Jerrie Enghausen was pronounced dead at the scene and her husband was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The 19-year-old and a child were also hospitalized
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Streator police arrested 35-year-old Jason M. Arnold on charges of criminal trespass to property and retail theft at a business located at 2404 N. Bloomington St. Authorities took Arnold into custody, citing him before transporting him to the LaSalle County Jail.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 26th RD (South Ottawa TWP). Kristy Meagher (55) of Streator was arrested for driving with a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Kristy was transported to LASCO Jail and was subsequently released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 1st RD (Hope TWP). Kwadwo Danso (32) of Peoria was cited for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 7th RD (Richland TWP). Kayla Evers (34) of Streator was cited for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released from the scene.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Increasing clouds, with a high near 49. Breezy, with an east-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night
Showers likely before 2 am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 am and 4 am, then showers and thunderstorms after 4 am. Low around 46. Breezy, with an east-southeast wind of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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OBITUARIES:
Carol Ann Jugenitz, 88, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, March 28th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A private service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Orrin Wiley, 98, of Earlville, died on Monday, March 24th, at LaSalle County Nursing Home, surrounded by his family. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4th, at the former Harding United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Harding Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Angela Marie Duffy, 49, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, March 28th, at Parker Nursing Home after a courageous battle with cancer. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
SOFTBALL
Marquette 12, Princeton 10: Izzy Gibson went 4 for 4, smacked two home runs, hit a double, drove in five runs, and scored three runs as the Tigresses lost a nonconference game in Ottawa.
Streator 10, Herscher 2: At Herscher
Earlville 12, West Carroll 2: At West Carroll
Newark 23, Hiawatha 1 (4 inn.): At Kirkland
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Baseball
Herscher 7, Streator 0: At Herscher
Earlville 7, West Carroll 3 (8 inn): At Savanna
Newark 13, Hiawatha 0: At Kirkland
Hinckley-Big Rock 6, Serena 3: At Hinckley
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox opened their three-game series against the Twins with a dominant, 9-0 win from Chicago. Martin Perez didn’t allow a hit and struck out nine batters over six innings to earn the win. Chicago is now 2-and-2. The Southsiders send Shane Smith to the mound against Minnesota, with a 6 pm pregame, and a 6:40 pm first-pitch tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs crushed four home runs during an 18-3 rout of the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. The Cubs scored five runs in the fifth and six in the sixth to take control of the game. Carson Kelly hit for the cycle and drove in five runs in the victory, while Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson, and Kyle Tucker also went deep. Ben Brown earned the win after allowing three runs on six hits in five innings. The 3-and-4 Cubs send Justin Steele to the mound against the A’s tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks aim to avoid a fourth loss in a row when they host the Colorado Avalanche at United Center tomorrow night. The Hawks just lost to the Utah Hockey Club 5-2 at home on Sunday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 51 points. Tomorrow’s game starts at 8:30 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls had their four-game winning streak snapped with a 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. The Bulls trailed by as many as 43 points in the losing effort. Jevon Carter led Chicago with 17 points off the bench. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 33-and-42. The Bulls host the Raptors tonight.
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Ben Johnson talked about his history with first-round running backs during the owner’s meeting yesterday. Johnson says that he’s not ruling out taking a running back with the Bears first-round pick in the NFL Draft later this month. He added that he would strongly consider a running back if he was a dynamic weapon like Jahmyr Gibbs has been in Detroit. The Bears hold the tenth pick in this month’s draft.
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COLLEGIATE SPORTS:
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
IVCC 1-6, Kiswaukee College 0-4: The Lady Eagles win the conference doubleheader in Oglesby. Today Illinois Valley Community College at Sauk Valley Community College for a conference doubleheader.
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COLLEGE BASEBALL
Today Illinois Valley Community College at Sauk Valley Community College for a conference doubleheader.
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The University of Illinois will be celebrating 100 years of the historic George Huff Hall during the 2025-26 academic year. Huff has hosted hundreds of sporting and campus events over the decades. The hall was originally named New Gymnasium when it was opened in 1925. The New Gymnasium was renamed George Huff Gym in 1937 after the long-time Illinois Athletics Director died in 1936. Huff Gym was named Huff Hall in 1992.
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In college hoops action today, DePaul takes on Cincinnati in the College Basketball Crown tournament, while Loyola plays Chattanooga in the NIT bracket.