Tensions are rising between the Streator Board of Education and the union representing elementary teachers as the Friday strike deadline looms, with teachers and support staff prepared to walk out if a new deal isn’t reached. In a Tuesday morning statement, School Board President Angela Risley expressed disappointment over the union’s intent to strike but emphasized the board’s commitment to both good-faith negotiations and the well-being of students. She said the board requested a meeting with the union on Thursday morning to work toward a resolution and reaffirmed respect for all teachers and staff, acknowledging their right to strike. The Streator Education Association announced Monday that the unresolved issues center on teacher salaries and benefits for support staff, specifically seeking full-time status with insurance for those employees. Elementary staff have been working under an expired contract for nearly 300 days.
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The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about the dangers associated with the high school senior assassins game. This game involves high school seniors ambushing each other in public places using water guns. While authorities from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office have clarified that the game is not illegal, it may be prohibited in certain local high schools. Currently, LaSalle-Peru Township High School recently participated in the Assassins game, and you may have noticed some students wearing swimming floaties on their arms as a form of protection during these encounters. Last year, several suburban police departments alerted the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office about the potential dangers of this game.
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A statement released Tuesday afternoon from CHO – the Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa grassroots group that has taken a sanding against the OSF Healthcare plan to downsize the current St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa – says a public participation hearing has been requested with the State Health Facilities and Services Review Board. The request is in response to OSF’s March 18th request for a 12-month deferral on their proposal to replace the current Ottawa hospital which, despite eight CHO committee members speaking in opposition to the request, was granted by the state board. On March 24th, OSF submitted a formal request to the state board asking for permission to discontinue ICU and OB services at St. Elizabeth’s – Ottawa. While no date has been received yet for the CHO request of the state board to hold a hearing – which would be similar to the meeting last June at Central School, on August 12th the state board will meet regarding the OSF request to drop ICU and OB services at the Ottawa hospital. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 9:00 a.m. on August 12th at Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Tuesday’s statement from CHO says the Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa will stand against the Certificate of Need application to the Illinois Facilities and Services Review Board, which seeks to eliminate all ICU and OB services in Ottawa.”
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Mendota has a new police chief, as the City Council voted unanimously Monday to appoint Jason Martin to lead the department. Martin, a 1993 Mendota High School graduate and Illinois Valley Community College alum began his law enforcement career in Plano before joining the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office in 1998, where he most recently served as undersheriff. He replaces interim chief Tyler Kent, who stepped in after the June retirement of longtime chief Greg Kellen. Martin was not present for the vote.
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Superintendent Ryan McGuckin of Streator Woodland has issued a warning about scammers using spoofed phone numbers that closely resemble the district’s official number. These fraudulent calls have been directed at businesses, parents, and family members, attempting to spread false information or execute scams under the guise of representing the school. If you receive a call from what appears to be Woodland’s number and the information seems suspicious or inaccurate, it is advised to hang up and contact the school directly. The district is actively collaborating with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office to combat this issue of spoofing.
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There is a new leader for OSF HealthCare. Kimberly Russo has accepted the position of CEO of the central region. She is replacing Bob Anderson, who retired in January. Russo most recently served as CEO at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. She will join OSF HealthCare on April 28th.
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday that Franklin E. Tooley, 19, of Somonauk, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated kidnapping in connection with the sexual assault of a 13-year-old family member with severe developmental disabilities. Prosecutors say Tooley attempted to conceal the assault by disabling surveillance cameras in the home, and the kidnapping charge stems from that effort. He was arrested in March 2023 following an investigation into incidents that occurred between January and February of that year. The case was prosecuted by Raoul’s office and DeKalb County State’s Attorney Riley Oncken, who said the outcome delivers a measure of justice for the victim and family. Tooley must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence.
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A grand jury in La Salle County has indicted 21-year-old Cassandra S. Gleason for allegedly fracturing her two-month-old baby’s leg, charging her with aggravated battery to a child, a Class X felony that carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years without the possibility of probation. The charges stem from a December incident that led to the infant sustaining a fractured femur. Gleason has been granted pre-trial release and is set to appear in La Salle County Circuit Court on April 25.
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Belinda L. Foreman, 61, from Streator, has been indicted on charges of reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm, both classified as Class 4 felonies, which carry a penalty of one to three years in prison. She is scheduled for arraignment on April 17th, represented by attorney Michelle McClellan from Carol Stream, who joined the case last month.
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Forty-five-year-old Rodolfo Madrigal has been found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the January 12th, 2021, shooting in Montgomery, Illinois, where he killed 29-year-old Andrew Contreras and wounded Brandon Dlugopolski. Madrigal now faces a minimum prison sentence of 71 years, with a sentencing date in Kane County yet to be announced. Since the fatal shooting, he has also accumulated additional charges, including aggravated battery and mob action filed last year in Kane County.
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The Oglesby City Council is close to finalizing an annexation agreement with Illinois Valley Community College, which plans to build an agricultural science center and requested city utilities. Tensions surfaced earlier this year when IVCC President Tracy Morris objected to a city provision requiring services for all new campus buildings, not just the ag center. However, after a closed session on Monday, the council appeared to have resolved the issue and placed the agreement on file, with a public hearing still to come.
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The Market on Mill will celebrate its grand opening, On Saturday, May 3rd, showcasing a vibrant retail plaza at the north end of Mill Street with space for a dozen unique businesses. Among the vendors participating in the opening day festivities are a homemade pickle seller, a candy and sweets shop, a holistic health service, a home décor store, a custom hat retailer, and the Locker Room, specializing in athletic apparel. The day will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 AM, followed by exciting activities such as a youth market, shopping specials, and engaging kids’ activities. The Market on Mill will be open to the public from 11 AM to 6 PM.
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The Trump administration is freezing nearly 800 million dollars in funding for Northwestern. The New York Times reports the freeze comes as the university faces civil rights investigations into allegations of antisemitism and accusations of racial discrimination over efforts to promote diversity. The funding pause involves mostly grants and contracts with the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, and Health and Human Services. More than one billion dollars in federal funding has also been frozen for Cornell.
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The trial of the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey last year is being moved to Peoria County. The decision was announced yesterday after Sean Grayson’s lawyers filed a motion saying they don’t believe he can get a fair trial in Sangamon County. Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the 36-year-old Black woman last July inside her home in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield. No trial date has been set.
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Illinois is strengthening its trade relationship with the United Kingdom. Governor Pritzker joined British officials yesterday at the Illinois State Capitol to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Illinois and the United Kingdom. The MOU focuses on advancing manufacturing in the energy, technology, and life sciences sectors. Illinois exported over two-point-six-billion dollars in goods to the United Kingdom in 2024, making it the state’s eighth-largest export partner.
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The Illinois House made a significant move by advancing legislation in response to initiatives from the Trump administration. The House voted 67-39 in favor of House Bill 3637, which aims to establish new protections in state law for healthcare providers who offer abortion services. Additionally, the bill ensures ongoing access to abortion medication, even if its approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration is revoked.
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The Illinois House voted 102-2 to advance Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed House Bill 3522, which would create a direct college admission program automatically applying eligible students to most public colleges and universities in the state—waiving individual applications and fees. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and UIC would be excluded from the program.
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The Illinois House approved a bill in a 78-23 vote to provide stipends for student teachers, offering up to $10,000 per semester for two semesters to those in educator preparation programs. Licensed cooperating teachers at public schools or early childhood centers could also receive $2,000 per semester. While a similar proposal passed the House in 2024, it did not become law. Student teaching remains a required step toward earning a teaching license in Illinois.
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Former U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun is getting some new duties. The ex-Illinois lawmaker has been elected as chairman of the board of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Mosley Braun has served on the board since 2018. The museum is less than two miles from the site of the Obama Presidential Center and is scheduled to open in Jackson Park next year.
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On Tuesday, the following judgments were delivered during court hearings:
Juan Santizo-Aranda, 31, of Mendota, has been charged with criminal trespass to a residence.
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Michael M. Carr, 67, of Marseilles, was charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
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Preston R. Dunning, 25, of Ottawa, faces two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, as well as two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
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Lukas A. Beckman, 21, of Orion, is facing charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
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Jonathan M. Boone, 29, of La Salle, is charged with two counts related to child sexual abuse images.
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David W. Davis, 32, of Ottawa, faces charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery.
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Talan S. Weber, 19, of Princeton, has been charged with burglary and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
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Charles M. Warner, 21, of Streator, faces charges of burglary and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
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Tammera J. King, 19, of Streator, has been charged with burglary and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
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Matthew C. Chiovatero, 25, of Ottawa, faces charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery.
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Adrian S. Murphy, 27, of Streator, is facing a charge of disorderly conduct.
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Joshua J. Boaz, 46, of Ottawa, has been charged with driving while revoked.
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Mendota Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of 11th Ave and 5th St for a report of a one-vehicle crash. After a brief investigation, Kristine A Burton, 60, 508 11th Ave Mendota, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Burton was transported to the Mendota Police Department where she was processed and later released with a April 28th, LaSalle County court date.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 14th RD (Eagle TWP). Joshua Webster (40) of Streator was cited for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-170 & N 21st RD (Brookfield TWP). Teri Brennan (50) of Odell was cited for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-251 & N 14th RD (Hope TWP). Aiden Bertalot (22) of Lostant was cited for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and was released at the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of N 17th RD & E 25th RD (Allen TWP). Kimberly Hausfeld (43) of Streator was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and was released at the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a warrant service in the area of Columbus St & Carrol ST (Bruce TWP). Robert Rankin (50) of Streator was arrested on a LaSalle County Order of Body of Attachment. Robert was transported to LASCO Jail where he posted bond and was released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of I-80 MM 91 (Wallace TWP). Dominque Davis (22) of Waukegan was arrested for a suspended Driver’s License and was transported to LASCO Jail and subsequently released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a complaint of domestic problems in the area of 1879 N 2703rd RD (Fall River TWP). Jason Weigand was arrested on a Lee County warrant for FTA-Contempt of court. Jason was transported to LASCO Jail where he posted bond and was released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-251 & N 33rd RD (Dimmick TWP). Maureen Dooley (39) of Peru was cited for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2250th RD (Rutland TWP). Giner Zuniga (58) of Spring Valley was cited for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2250th RD (Rutland TWP). Robert Voiles (44) of Spring Valley was cited for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a Traffic Stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 2250th RD (Rutland TWP). Robert Vandervort (56) of Ottawa was cited for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and released at the scene.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
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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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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. TODAY, 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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Annette Cokley born January 15th, 1944, passed away peacefully on March 30th. A private service will be held in her honor. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Marquette 9, Dwight 3: At Dwight
Midland 3, Seneca 1: At Seneca
Hiawatha 5, Serena 3: At Kirkland
Newark 13, Earlville 1: At Earlville
Streator 4, Reed-Custer 3: At Streator
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Softball
Marquette 16, Dwight 4 (5 inn.): At Dwight
Reed-Custer 10, Streator 2: At Streator
Seneca 10, Midland 0 (5 inn.): At Seneca
Serena 19, Hiawatha 0 (4 inn.): At Kirkland
Newark 11, Earlville 4: At Earlville
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Boys tennis
Ottawa 9, Kaneland 0: At the Henderson-Guenther Tennis Facility
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox had just two hits during a 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mike Clevinger gave up the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth with a bases-loaded walk to get tagged with the loss. The 2-and-8 Southsiders send Sean Burke to the mound against Cleveland tonight.
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Dansby Swanson had a big game at the plate as the Chicago Cubs beat the Texas Rangers 10-6 at Wrigley Field. The game was tied at six in the bottom of the eighth when Swanson drove in two with a single. He also homered in the victory, while Porter Hodge picked up the win in relief. The Northsiders have won seven of eight to improve to 9-and-5. Shota Imanaga starts for Chicago against Texas today.
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The Chicago Bulls had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 135-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Bulls trailed by as many as 27 points in the losing effort. Patrick Williams led Chicago with 21 points, while Matas Buzelis finished with 19. The Bulls are tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 36-and-43. They host the Heat tonight.
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The Bulls’ championship banners are back in the rafters at the United Center. They were taken down after they were damaged at a March 8 rock concert. The cleaning and repairs to the six championship banners were reportedly completed earlier than expected.
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The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t get the puck past Tristan Jarry during a 5-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The Hawks surrendered three goals in the third period of the loss. Spencer Knight stopped just 22 of the 27 shots that he faced. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 54 points. The Blackhawks visit the Bruins tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Bears are adding some depth to their secondary. The Bears signed cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal yesterday. Wright was cut by the Vikings on Monday after he appeared in just one game during the 2024 season.
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A former MLB player is reportedly among the dead after a roof collapse at a Dominican Republic nightclub. Octavio Dotel a former Chicago White Sox player from 2008-2009 was pulled alive from the rubble but passed away from his injuries after being taken to a hospital. At least 44 people were reportedly killed and at least 146 were injured in the early Tuesday incident. The sister of retired MLB star Nelson Cruz reportedly was also killed. The collapse happened during a performance by a popular singer. Rescue crews are still searching through the debris for survivors.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
SOFTBALL: IVCC lost both conference games to Kishwaukee College.
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Men’s Tennis: Illinois Valley Community College at Waubonsee Community College