La Salle-Peru High School is contemplating stricter cellphone regulations for students in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Board Member Carol Alcorn mentioned the administration’s initiative to survey various groups, including students, staff, parents, business leaders, and neighboring schools. The focus is on improving communication skills, time management, and addressing phone usage issues. Upon completion of the survey, the board will assess a recommendation in the spring. Superintendent Steven Wrobleski emphasized the need for additional restrictions on cellphone usage and access. The current policy allows flexibility but is under review, aiming to submit a revised policy to the student handbook by April or May for implementation next year.
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The Oglesby Elks, in a heartfelt gesture, embarked on a visit to the esteemed charter members residing at the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle. During this compassionate visit, the organization generously contributed a substantial sum of $1,000, aiming to ensure the provision of financial support for the upcoming Christmas party that will bring joy to the veterans and their cherished families. This benevolent act reflects the Elks’ commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who have valiantly served our nation, embodying the spirit of community and festive goodwill.
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Ottawa High School is inviting incoming students to its annual open house on Wednesday, January 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will commence with a concise presentation in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m., during which general information about the high school will be presented to both students and their parents. Following the presentation, attendees can explore the school buildings during a guided tour.
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On Christmas Eve, a Chicago family experienced a frightening incident at a local park when their five-year-old descended a hill towards a canyon at Matthiessen State Park. According to Conservation Police Captain Michael Filipiak, the child slipped on wet steps while attempting to climb to the Upper Dells around 2 pm, disappearing from view and causing considerable concern for his family. Fortunately, a tree located 20 feet from the canyon’s edge prevented a potentially serious fall. Subsequently, Oglesby Fire/EMS examined the child, but there is no information available regarding any injuries he may have sustained.
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A town hall meeting is scheduled to take place in Ottawa at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 28th, at City Hall located on Madison St. The focus of the meeting will be the discussion of the recently concluded fire station study conducted by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. Public comments and community feedback will be welcomed during the session. In June, the Ottawa City Council granted authorization to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to assess the city and identify the optimal site for a third fire station. The meeting will also be accessible through a live stream at cityofottawa.org.
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Horizon House of the Illinois Valley in Peru achieved its $60,000 Tree of Hope fundraising goal, as announced on Sunday. Co-chairs Melissa Lathrop and Bri Hrovat were commended for successfully lighting the entire tree before Christmas, according to Horizon House’s Facebook post. The Tree of Hope, an annual year-end holiday campaign sent to all residents in Horizon House’s service area, added a light for each $50 gift received, with smaller donations combined to contribute to illuminating the tree. The organization revealed it was 75% toward its goal during the tree-lighting ceremony on December 13.
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Mendota High School approved a $6.1 million tax levy request, surpassing the 2022 extension by $418,927 and reflecting a 7.65% year-over-year increase. Any increase exceeding 5% mandates a public truth in taxation hearing, held by the district on Dec. 18. Despite a decline in the tax rate from $2.20 to $2.10 due to rising property values in La Salle County, taxpayers may not experience savings, as those with higher property assessments could pay more than the previous year.
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The 79th annual meeting of the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18th, at 8 a.m. at the Pontiac Elks Club, featuring a breakfast buffet. Rita Frazier, Director of Network & Audio Services for the RFD Radio Network which you hear daily on 935/1430 WCMY, will be the speaker. The agenda includes the election of three directors, recognition of a Conservation Farm Family, and partnering with conservation awards. Tickets are $10 and must be ordered by contacting the Livingston County SWCD office at 815-844-6127, ext. 3, No door sales are available, and the RSVP deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 10.
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The Illinois River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross reports a challenging period for blood and platelet collection due to the current busy season. Donors are crucial for sustaining the supply essential for emergency trauma patients, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and new parents requiring vital transfusions. In gratitude, donors from Jan. 1-31, stand a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Ensure a robust national blood supply by scheduling appointments in December and January through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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In the Illinois Valley, the most affordable gasoline rate is currently set at $2.75 per gallon, available for refueling in Peru, La Salle, and Utica. Similarly, Marseilles, Streator, and Mendota offer the opportunity to fill up for less than $3. On the slightly pricier side, Ottawa and Princeton still provide gas at $3.03 per gallon. Across the state, the average unleaded fuel cost stands at $3.05, reflecting a reduction of approximately 10 cents compared to Christmas 2022.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of RT 18 & E 8th RD. (Richland TWP) Darnell Smith (38) of LaSalle was cited for speeding 76 mph in a 55 mph zone and operating a vehicle with an expired registration.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident with minor injuries in the area of RT 17 & E 11th RD. (Osage TWP) Charles Warner (20) of Streator was driving east on RT 17 when he lost control of his vehicle, entered the south ditch, and struck a utility pole. He was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and failing to reduce speed/accident.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Broadway ST & Sterling ST. (Otter Creek TWP) Lloyd Luttrell (40) of Streator was cited for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.
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On Sunday morning, a Streator resident, Enriquez Gomez, kicked off his holiday on an unfortunate note. LaSalle County Deputies apprehended the 36-year-old shortly after 7 a.m. He faced multiple charges, including DUI, driving without a valid license, improper lane use, and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Subsequently, he was transported to the LaSalle County Jail and later released with a scheduled court date.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident with no injuries in the area of E 24th RD & RT 71. (Rutland TWP) Matthew Marchiando (30) of Ottawa was driving north on E 24th RD when he lost control of his vehicle negotiating a curve, entered the ditch, and struck a tree. Matthew was cited for driving too fast for the conditions, improper lane usage, illegal transportation of alcohol, failure to report the accident to police authority, and leaving the scene of accident/vehicle damage. He was given an NTA.
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Ottawa police arrested 40-year-old Jeffery Lyles on charges of domestic battery. He was incarcerated in the LaSalle County Jail early on Christmas morning. This arrest marked the latest development in Lyles’ legal woes, following his guilty plea in July to a distinct domestic violence charge, for which he received 1 year of court supervision. Lyles remains in the LaSalle County Jail, awaiting a bond hearing.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident with no injuries in the area of E 24th RD & RT 71. (Rutland TWP) Matthew Marchiando (30) of Ottawa was driving north on E 24th RD when he lost control of his vehicle negotiating a curve, entered the ditch, and struck a tree. Matthew was cited for driving too fast for the conditions, improper lane usage, illegal transportation of alcohol, failure to report the accident to police authority, and leaving the scene of accident/vehicle damage. He was given an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident with no injuries in the area of E 16th RD & N 4150th RD. (Freedom TWP) Jessica Fast (30) of LaSalle was driving south on E 16th RD when she drove through the intersection of N 4150th RD and struck the south ditch/embankment. Jessica was cited for driving too fast for conditions and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. She was given an NTA.
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On Saturday, December 23, 2023, at approximately 10:33 p.m., the Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 5th Street and Main Street. The driver, Michael B Henderson, 33, 104 2nd Ave, Mendota, IL 61342 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence Alcohol and Driving While License Suspended. Henderson was transported to the Mendota Police Department, cited, processed, and later released with a mandatory court date of January 10th, 2023 at 0900 hours at the LaSalle County Courthouse
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Cloudy, with a high near 41. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 30. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
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OBITUARIES:
Donald E. Van Hoozer, 90, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, December 22nd, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in La Salle. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at noon at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Don’t forget to join us for a doubleheader of boys’ basketball on Wednesday. Our first has Ottawa taking on Hinckley Big-Rock at the Plano tournament with a 12:30 tip-off. And then tune back in for Marquette Crusader basketball at 6:30 pm from Bader Gym against Gardener-South Wilmington. Andrew Evola and David Bergeson on the call for both games on Wednesday.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls look to get back in the win column when they host the Atlanta Hawks at United Center tonight. The Bulls had their three-game winning streak snapped when they lost to Cleveland 109-95 last Saturday. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 13-and-18. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Blackhawks are getting ready for their game against the Winnipeg Jets at United Center tomorrow. The Hawks are on a two-game losing streak after falling to St. Louis 7-5 on Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 21 points and a 10-22-and-1 record. Tomorrow’s game begins at 8:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bears will have its final home game of the season against Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. The Bears are coming off a 27-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. While they’re in last place in the NFC North at 6-and-9, they still haven’t been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. Sunday’s game against Atlanta kicks off at noon.