An Ottawa man, 35-year-old Nicholas R. Snyder, faces up to five years in prison after allegedly firing a pistol recklessly in a home with children present, despite being a convicted felon barred from owning a firearm. Snyder appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and reckless discharge of a firearm. Though prosecutors pushed to keep him in jail, Snyder chose to delay his detention hearing until April 24 to secure private legal counsel. Police say Snyder fired at windows and household items, endangering nearby children, before fleeing; he was later found with a 9mm pistol registered to a witness. No injuries were reported.
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On Monday, Superintendent Kelli Virgil announced that the Streator Board of Education has made what she calls a significant monetary offer to the teachers union in hopes of resolving a long-standing contract dispute and avoiding a strike. The proposal includes a 7% pay raise in the first year, boosting starting salaries to nearly $46,000, and promises a more than 20% increase over three years—placing new teacher compensation among the region’s highest. During a full membership meeting on Monday, the Streator Education Association announced its decision to go on strike this Friday.
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Shortly before 1 p.m. Monday, Utica firefighters responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash just west of the entrance to the Starved Rock Lock and Dam Visitors Center on Dee Bennett Road near Utica. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, along with Utica Police, Fire, and EMS, also responded to the scene. Fortunately, the driver was not injured.
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Starting Tuesday, April 22, Mendota residents can begin using the city’s burn pit to dispose of natural yard waste such as branches, limbs, leaves, stumps, bark, twigs, and roots—no building materials are allowed. According to the Mendota Police Department, the burn pit will be open Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., while remaining closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
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The City of Peru will be flushing hydrants until April 11th on weekdays from 7 AM to 3 PM. During this time, residents might experience low water pressure and rusty-colored water. If this occurs, it is recommended to run the tap until the water is clear.
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Central Intermediate School students are gearing up for their Lemonade Day My Way sale on Wednesday, April 16th, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the school in Ottawa. As part of the after-school program, they’ve been learning the basics of entrepreneurship and putting their skills into practice. A variety of creative, student-made products will be available, priced between $1 and $5. The community is invited to stop by, shop, and support these young future business leaders.
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced emergency lane and ramp closures on Interstate 80 Monday afternoon in the Joliet and Rockdale areas. The right lane on eastbound I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Center Street is also closed, with reopening anticipated by 5 a.m. today, along with the left lane on southbound Center Street to eastbound I-80, which also closed Monday. Additionally, the eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound Center Street and northbound Center Street between Meadow Avenue and I-80 are closed, with both expected to reopen by Friday in time for the evening commute.
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The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the Tuesday, April 15th deadline is quickly approaching for filing 2024 state individual income tax returns. The agency began accepting and processing individual income tax returns on January 27th, the same date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal returns. Illinois is participating in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use the program to file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS. Federal return information can then be transferred into MyTax Illinois, to file Illinois individual income taxes at no cost. Direct File eligibility can be confirmed by visiting https://directfile.irs.gov.
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A federal judge is calling part of a state abortion law in Illinois unconstitutional. The Rockford federal judge ruled that a portion of the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act violates free speech for compelling anti-abortion medical professionals to provide information about abortion care to patients without being prompted. The ruling was in response to a case brought by the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates and three anti-abortion pregnancy centers.
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American cattle ranchers are lining up behind President Trump’s tariffs on beef. Steve Lucie is a 5th Generation Cattle Rancher out of Illinois. Lucie says a lot of countries have been imposing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on American beef for years. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says “President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef.”
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Frito-Lay is recalling some of their corn tortilla chips. They say the Tostitos Cantina Tradition Yellow Corn Tortilla chips may contain nacho cheese made with real milk and can cause issues for people who are allergic or have sensitivities to milk. The recall only affects 13-ounce bags which were available to purchase as of March 7th. The chips were sold in grocery, drug, and convenience stores throughout Illinois.
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A reunion of the cast from the popular 1985 John Hughes movie The Breakfast Club is set for later this week in Chicago. It will take place on Friday at the C2E2 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place. Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, and Molly Ringwald are all listed on the guest page of the C2E2 event that runs from Friday through Sunday. The Breakfast Club movie is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
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A Joliet West High School student was arrested and released to a parent after admitting to accidentally bringing an empty rifle magazine and a steak knife to school, police said. The items were found in a restroom, and the student later told staff after being escorted to the dean’s office for an unrelated issue. No weapons or ammunition were found at the student’s home. While there was no active threat, extra officers were called as a precaution. The student faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal trespass to a safe school zone.
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A 38-year-old Joliet man, James Donisch, was killed in a crash Monday morning on the northbound ramp of Interstate 55 at Arsenal Road in Channahon Township. According to the Will County Coroner’s Office, Donisch was pronounced dead at a hospital around 7:20 a.m. as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.
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The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Tiffany Lloyd, a 54-year-old resident of Springfield, in the 200 block of Jonquil Lane in Mazon. Lloyd was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Endangering the Life of a Child, as there were four minors in the vehicle at the time of her arrest—two eight-year-olds, a nine-year-old, and a 15-year-old. No injuries were reported. Lloyd was transported to the Grundy Jail where she was released on a notice to appear.
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Fairbury Police arrested Fred Otero, 45, and Jennifer Boner, 32, both of Forrest, this week on Center Street after being informed they were back in the area. Otero was wanted for three counts of armed robbery and had additional warrants from Livingston County for probation violations related to meth delivery. Boner faced multiple charges, including possession of cocaine and failing to register as a sex offender, stemming from a 2012 conviction for sexually abusing a minor. Both were taken into custody and transported to Livingston County Jail.
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Zachary Frickey, a 32-year-old man, entered prison to begin a three-year sentence for aggravated discharge of a firearm, following his guilty plea earlier this year on March 28th in La Salle County. In a deal that resulted in the dismissal of a second felony charge for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without a FOID card, Frickey was apprehended by Streator police in early October after being linked to a shots-fired incident on East Grove Street. He is eligible for credit for nearly six months served in the county jail, and upon his release, will be subject to six months of probation.
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19-year-old Gunnar T. Wright of 603 7th Street, Peru, was arrested by Peru Police following an investigation into criminal damage to property at 1409 Schuyler Street in Peru. Wright was cited for criminal damage to property and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. He received two non-traffic citations and was released with a court date in Ottawa.
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Peru Police arrested Karla M. Schmitz, 59, and Shania B. Schmitz, 26, both of LaSalle, IL, were arrested for retail theft at the Hy-Vee Grocery Store located at 1651 Midtown Road in Peru.
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Ryan M. Mills, a 45-year-old male from Princeton, was arrested by Peru Police following a reported accident at the intersection of Master Builder Way and Plank Road in Peru. Mills was cited for driving on a suspended or revoked license and was released with a mandatory court appearance scheduled in Bureau County.
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LaSalle County Deputies carried out a traffic stop at the intersection of US Rt-6 and E 22nd Rd in Manlius Township. Nicole Konopinski, a 40-year-old resident of Ottawa, received a citation for speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies performed a traffic stop in the vicinity of IL Rt-23 and N 35th Rd in Dayton Township. Scott Sharp, 47, also from Ottawa, was cited for speeding 76MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released on-site.
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LaSalle County Deputies executed a traffic stop at IL Rt-18 and E 13th Rd located in Eagle Township. Riley Jo Smith, a 21-year-old from Streator, was issued a citation for speeding 75MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Oak St and High St in Bruce Township. Rocky Price, a 40-year-old from Streator, was arrested for driving with a suspended license and for having a suspended registration. He was taken to LASCO Jail and later released with a notice to appear.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 46. Westnorthwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
Increasing clouds, with a low of around 33. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Anthony “Tony” J. Hinterlong, known by many as “Hollywood,” passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 1st, in the presence of his loving family and friends. A private family ceremony with Military Honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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Gary B. Grunstad, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, April 4, with his loving family at his side. Visitation for Gary will begin at 9 am Tuesday, April 8th followed by a funeral service at 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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Keith H. Severson, 85, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, April 3rd, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will be private at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
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Timothy “Tim” Helffrich, 58, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, April 4th, at his home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10th, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 6:00 pm.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
GIRLS SOCCER
Princeton 4, Streator 0: in Princeton.
GIRLS SOFTBALL
Serena 15, Hiawatha 0 (3 inn.): At Serena
Seneca 13, Prairie Central 0 (6 inn.): At Fairbury
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox begin a three-game series with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field this afternoon. The Southsiders were just swept by the Tigers over the weekend and fell to 2-and-7. Shane Smith starts for the Sox today. The pre-game is at 2:30 pm and the first pitch is at 3:10 PM.
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Justin Steele shined on the mound and led the Chicago Cubs to a 7-0 win over the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Steele improved to 3-and-1 on the season after striking out eight batters through seven scoreless innings. Four players finished with two hits for Chicago and Ian Happ recorded a team-high three RBIs. The Cubs have won six of seven to sit at 8-and-5. Jameson Taillon starts for the Northsiders against Texas tonight.
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The Chicago Bulls go for their fourth win in a row when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 131-117 win over the Charlotte Hornets on the road on Sunday. Chicago has a half-game lead over Miami for ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 36-and-42. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks go for a home-and-home sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins when the two teams meet at PPG Paints Arena tonight. The Blackhawks beat Pittsburgh 3-1 at home over the weekend. Chicago is in last place in the Western Conference with 54 points. Tonight’s game starts at 6:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall yesterday. The team began its voluntary offseason program yesterday. Chicago is able to start its offseason program before other teams because it has a first-year head coach in Ben Johnson. The Bears also have a voluntary mini-camp slated to begin on April 21st.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
Baseball: IVCC @ Black Hawk College for a conference doubleheader.
Softball: IVCC is at home against Kishwaukee College in a conference doubleheader.
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Florida is celebrating its first National Basketball Championship in nearly two decades after taking down Houston 65-63 in the title game from San Antonio. The Gators secured their first Men’s Basketball championship since winning back-to-back titles in 2006, and 2007.
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Northwestern University is reaching a settlement with players who sued the school and former head football coach Pat Fitzgerald over hazing allegations. Reports say a settlement was reached in a lawsuit accusing the university and former coach of allowing violent and sexual hazing to take place within the program. The payout documentation is currently being finalized. The settlement wouldn’t resolve Fitzgerald’s lawsuit against the university.