LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Russell Farley of Harding Tuesday shortly before noon after an incident at Harding Grade School. Farley is being held in the LaSalle County Jail on charges of criminal damage to property, aggravated assault with a weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon. Farley allegedly was using a chainsaw to damage property while using a bow and arrow to threaten people. The school was under a soft lockdown for a short period.
———————————————————————-
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is confirming the first detection of spotted lanternflies in Illinois. Following a report of a live adult on September 16th, officials visited the area of the report and identified a moderately populated area of spotted lanternflies two days later. Specimens were collected and submitted for identification, with confirmation results being received yesterday. The spotted lanternfly doesn’t present any human or animal health concerns. It is an invasive plant hopper native to eastern Asia.
———————————————————————-
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth says the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will receive an additional $139,698 in grant funding to help get lead and other contaminants out of Illinois’ drinking water. The Illinois Democrat says the state leads the nation in known lead service lines, and the federal support will help the Illinois EPA remove and replace lead pipes. The funding will also help remove and prevent contaminants and ‘forever chemicals’ used in fire retardants, oil and water repellents, furniture, waterproof clothes, take-out containers, and non-stick cookware.
———————————————————————-
Another Illinois resident will spend time behind bars for taking part in the January 6th Capitol riot in 2021. Athanasios Zoyganeles of Chicago was sentenced to ten days in prison and nine months of probation. He pleaded guilty last year to misdemeanor parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Prosecutors say he bragged on social media that he had “rushed the Capitol.”
———————————————————————-
It’s Homecoming Week at Ottawa Township High School and the Homecoming Parade this evening at 6:00 will cause a brief traffic delay through the downtown area along LaSalle and Main Streets from Washington Park to the campus across the Fox River.
———————————————————————-
WEATHER:
Today
Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 70F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Tonight
Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 61F. Winds are light and variable.
———————————————————————-
OBITUARIES:
Christopher George Falaney, age 55, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 20th, in Normal.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. this Saturday, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.
Shirley A. Gielow, 81 of Grand Ridge passed away Sunday at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa. A visitation will be held Sunday from 4 – 6 PM at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6 PM. A private family burial will be in the Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery, in Ottawa.
Robert VonRuden, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on September 22nd at his home. Visitation will be tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, at St. Columba Catholic Church, Burial with military honors will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
David Dare Ross, 77, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, the 25th. Visitation will be held tomorrow from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home. A private graveside burial will be held on Friday at Oakwood Memorial Park.
———————————————————————-
LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls cross country
Lowpoint-Washburn 23, Seneca 32: At the Seneca 4H Farm/Land Lab on Tuesday, Seneca placed second of the two full teams in the Tri-County Conference Meet
———————————————————————-
Boys cross country
Lowpoint-Washburn 31, Henry-Midland 58, Seneca 64, Dwight 71: At the Seneca 4H Farm/Land Lab, the Fighting Irish were third,
———————————————————————-
Girls volleyball
Herscher 2, Streator 0: At Herscher, the visiting Bulldog Spikers fell 25-18, 25-19 in the Illinois Central Eight Conference match.
———————————————————————-
Serena 2, Leland 0: At Leland, the visiting Huskers earned a 25-6, 25-18 Little Ten Conference win.
———————————————————————-
Somonauk 2, LaMoille 0: At Somonauk, the host Bobcats pocketed the Little Ten triumph
———————————————————————-
Earlville 2, IMSA 0: At Earlville, the host Red Raiders (15-5, 4-2) triumphed in Little Ten play.
———————————————————————-
JV Football – Monday
Marquette 12, Dwight 6: At Ottawa on Monday
———————————————————————-
PRO SPORTS:
>>White Sox Get Crushed By Diamondbacks
(Chicago, IL) — The White Sox surrendered six runs in the top of the fifth during a 15-4 loss to the Diamondbacks at Guaranteed Rate Field. Jose Urena was charged with his seventh loss after giving up four earned runs and three unearned runs in four frames, while Eloy Jimenez went deep in the losing effort. The Southsiders are fourth in the AL Central at 60-and-97. The Sox take on the Diamondbacks again this afternoon. In other team news, Luis Robert’s season came to an end after he was placed on the injured list yesterday.
———————————————————————-
>>Cubs Lose To Braves
(Atlanta, GA) — The Cubs are losing ground in their playoff chase. Seiya Suzuki made a brutal error during the bottom of the eighth in Chicago’s 7-6 loss to the Braves at Truist Park yesterday. Chicago had a one-run lead with two outs in the frame, but Suzuki dropped a lazy pop fly and allowed the go-ahead run to score. Suzuki drove in two runs at the plate, while Cody Bellinger finished the game with three hits. Drew Smyly was charged with his tenth loss after giving up two unearned runs in relief. The Cubs have just a half-game lead over Miami for the final NL Wild Card spot. Chicago sends Jameson Taillon to the mound against Atlanta tonight.
———————————————————————-
>>Bears Getting Ready For Broncos
(Lake Forest, IL) — The Bears go for their first win of the season this Sunday. The Bears are gearing up for a home game against the Denver Broncos in a battle between 0-and-3 teams. The defense may be optional in the upcoming contest. According to OptaStats, the game will be the first in NFL history that features two teams that combined to surrender more than 110 points and 1100 yards in the previous week.