A tentative labor agreement was reached late Thursday evening between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary Board of Education, just hours before a planned strike by the union. Although specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, Susan Thorson, the UniServ director, confirmed its completion shortly before 9 p.m. As a result, classes across the district will proceed as scheduled on Friday.
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An Earlville man, Travis A. Billups, 36, pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges in La Salle County Circuit Court on Thursday and now faces up to 15 years in prison at his sentencing set for July 25th. Billups entered a blind plea to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony that carries a penalty of four to 15 years, along with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, which can result in three to 14 years. This plea deal spared him from a potential 30-year sentence on a previously dismissed charge of being an armed habitual criminal. The drug charge relates to a controlled buy on September 13th, during which Billups sold 3.1 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant while under pre-trial release and wearing an ankle bracelet. The weapon charge arose from a May 15th traffic stop in La Salle, where police found a 9mm pistol with Billups’ fingerprint on the trigger. He will have the chance to address the judge during his upcoming sentencing.
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The City of Streator is now accepting applications for its housing rehabilitation program, made possible by a $650,000 Community Development Block Grant aimed at improving approximately 10 homes within the city limits. Applications can be picked up at City Hall, located at 204 S. Bloomington St. During a public meeting held Wednesday, officials shared details about the program and the application process. Completed applications will be accepted for 90 days and can be submitted by mail to the North Central Illinois Council of Governments at 613 W. Marquette St., Ottawa, IL 61350, or delivered in person to Streator City Hall.
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The Illinois State Police continue to seek information about suspects responsible for laying roofing nails in plastic Easter eggs on emergency turnarounds along Interstate 80, particularly in La Salle and Bureau counties, as well as closer to the Iowa state line. Fortunately, no damage was reported to state police vehicles, despite the troopers spending the early hours of Saturday collecting the hazardous materials from various locations, including the turnarounds near the Marseilles exit and crossovers between Geneseo and Atkinson. In a Thursday update, the agency confirmed that there have been no new incidents related to this issue. Anyone with information regarding the suspects is encouraged to reach out to Special Agent Nicholas Rubino at 309-752-4915, ext. 4931.
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The Illinois House approved a bill on Thursday that mandates schools to discontinue the use of Native American mascots, with Ottawa Democrat Amy “Murri” Briel among the 71 members supporting the measure, which will now move to the Senate. If enacted, the legislation would require grade schools and high schools across Illinois to replace uniforms and other materials featuring these mascots by the start of the 2030 school year, provided that new names and logos have been selected. However, many House Republicans expressed concerns that these mascots serve as a tribute to local history and noted the financial burden of such a replacement. Notably, Waltham Grade School in Utica recently transitioned from the Redskins to the Hawks, while Morris High School is still in the process of choosing a new mascot.
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The Lasalle County Highway Department is informing drivers about an upcoming road closure for N 2250th Road in Farm Ridge Township. This road will be closed for bridge repairs starting Monday, April 14th. The bridge is situated 2 miles northwest of Grand Ridge and 0.6 miles west of E 16th Road. The repairs are anticipated to take approximately two weeks, depending on weather conditions. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes to navigate around the construction area.
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The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently awarded a $1,500 community grant to the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) for suicide intervention training. The grant allowed Michelle Hansen, ICAHN Director of Clinical Programs, to attend a 5-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) for instructors in March. Hansen will train community members and hospital staff to recognize individuals at risk of suicide and teach them intervention and safety planning. ICAHN is a nonprofit representing 60 rural and critical access hospitals (CAHs) across the state. It was founded in 2003 to facilitate the sharing of resources, support services, grants, education, training, and networking among CAHs. For information about SRCCF Community Grants, visit srccf.org/grant-information,
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Governor Pritzker is still deciding whether he will appear before Congress over the state’s immigration policies. The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee Chair requested that Pritzker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and New York Governor Kathy Hochul testify before the committee on their sanctuary state policies on May 15th. A spokesperson for the governor released a statement calling the request a “partisan dog and pony show,” adding that he is “evaluating whether he should take time from his busy schedule serving the people of Illinois to educate the House GOP on these matters.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testified last month before the committee about Chicago’s sanctuary city policy.
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An investigation is underway after an inmate at Thomson Prison escaped this past weekend. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says officials learned Sunday night that Shawn Edwards was missing from the satellite camp adjacent to Thomson Prison. Less than an hour later, Edwards was apprehended and returned to custody.
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A bill that supports senior drivers is advancing out of the Illinois House. The legislation would raise the age of a driver taking a driving exam to renew their license from 79 to 87. The measure was approved yesterday by a vote of 114 to 0. If the bill is signed by Governor Pritzker, drivers who are 79 and older would have to go in person to a Secretary of State facility to renew their license, but there would be no driving test until they’re 87.
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The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo is returning to town this weekend. The C2E2 will be held at McCormick Place starting tomorrow and concluding on Sunday. The event will feature guests like the cast from the 80s movie The Breakfast Club, Peter Weller from Robocop, and Elijah Wood of Lord of the Rings fame.
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A 52-year-old man from Yorkville, Mark A. Hellenthal, has been charged with felony solicitation of murder after attempting to hire an undercover police officer masquerading as a hitman to kill a woman. The Yorkville Police Department was alerted to his plan and, during their investigation, the undercover officer engaged with Hellenthal, who provided details about the woman’s home and offered money and jewelry as payment. Police ensured the woman’s safety and arrested Hellenthal at his workplace with the assistance of the Downers Grove Police Department. He is currently held at the Kendall County Jail pending a detention hearing.
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Mendota Officers were dispatched to the lobby of the police department for a reckless driver complaint. After a brief investigation, Bethany R. Youssi, 24, 500 6th Ave. Mendota was arrested for Driving While License Revoked. Youssi was issued a citation and released with a mandatory April 30th, LaSalle County court date.
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WEATHER:
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North-northeast winds around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 10 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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Sandra Ellen (Funk) Swanson, 79, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, April 7th, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 12th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.
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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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Laurie Butzen, 69, of Ottawa, formerly of DePue, passed away Wednesday, April 9th, at LaSalle County Nursing Home. Honoring her wishes, no services will be held. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Kaitlynn Ellen Rhodes, passed away on April 7th, at the age of 31. Kaitlynn was born in Ottawa. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Kaitlynn. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Marquette 3, Dwight 2: at Masinelli Field
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Join us tomorrow at 11 am for Ottawa Pirates Baseball, as they take on Washington at King Field. Andrew Evola will be on the call for the game.
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Softball
Marquette 14, Dwight 8: At June Gross Field
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Girls soccer
Reed-Custer 4, Streator 2: At Braidwood
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox had just five hits during a 6-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The Southsiders scored on a wild pitch in the first inning before giving up six unanswered runs to end the game. Jonathan Cannon fell to 0-and-2 after allowing six runs on seven hits in five-and-a-third innings. The 2-and-10 Sox send Davis Martin to the mound against the Red Sox at home tonight.
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The Cubs look to get back in the win column when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium tonight. The Cubs took two of three from the Rangers at home this week. Chicago is in first place in the NL Central at 9-and-6. Matthew Boyd starts for the Northsiders tonight. In other team news, the Cubs traded for left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove yesterday.
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The Blackhawks exploded for four third-period goals in their 5-2 win over the Bruins from Boston. Nick Foligno scored a couple of goals, and Ryan Donato potted his 30th of the season. Chicago has won two of its last three games and has the second-least points in the NHL with 55. The Hawks host the Jets tomorrow at 6 pm.
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The Chicago Bulls will try to get on a winning streak when they host the Washington Wizards at United Center tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 119-111 win over the Miami Heat at home on Wednesday. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 37-and-43. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
Softball: Black Hawk College @ Illinois Valley Community College, IVCC was shut out in both games of the conference doubleheader in Oglesby.
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Saturday: Softball McHenry County College vs Illinois Valley Community College in a non-conference doubleheader at Peck Park. The second game will be the College of Lake County at IVCC. Sunday: Waubonsee Community College @ Peck Park, Ottawa, IL (Arrowhead-Skyway Clash). IVCC vs.Moraine Valley Community College @ Tournament
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Baseball: Kishwaukee College vs Illinois Valley Community College, in a conference doubleheader in Oglesby on Saturday. Sunday IVCC takes on.
Prairie State College.
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Men’s Tennis: IVCC vs. College of Lake County – Saturday
IVCC – Milwaukee Area Technical College – Sunday – Both in Ogleby.
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One of the top football players in the 2026 recruiting class is coming to South Bend. Five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham committed to Notre Dame yesterday. Dunham chose the Irish over the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU, among others. He’s a top-20 player in the nation for the class of 2026.