Some new state laws that go into effect on January 1st, The Utica police have embraced the use of bicycles and off-road vehicles during festivals, parades, and emergencies at state parks. However, ensuring motorists yield to these vehicles has proven challenging. With the implementation of a new law starting on January 1st, the definition of an “authorized emergency vehicle” has been broadened to encompass all vehicles designated for police usage, such as all-terrain vehicles and bicycles.
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Legislators have broadened the reasons for requesting time off from employment in the face of adversity. Workers are now eligible for up to two weeks of unpaid leave when a family member falls victim to a violent crime. Additionally, parents are granted six to 12 weeks of leave in the event of a child’s loss due to suicide or homicide. Furthermore, under the recently enacted law employers are obligated to furnish employees with a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave annually for any purpose. Springfield also increased the minimum wage for non-tipped workers to $14 per hour and $8.40 an hour for employees who earn tips.
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Public health is upheld through expanded regulations, as the Smoke-Free Illinois Act now extends beyond traditional tobacco products to include a ban on indoor vaping in public spaces.
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Offenders below the age of 21 are no longer eligible for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. And police officers can no longer stop a car for having an object hanging from the rearview mirror.
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Utilities cannot terminate electric service for nonpayment if there is an excessive heat warning. Also, the temperature threshold barring shut-offs is lowered from 95 degrees to 90 degrees.
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While Matthiessen State Park may not break attendance records this year, 2023 is poised to be remembered as one of the top 10 years for both Matthiessen and Starved Rock. Matthiessen has achieved over half a million annual visitors for only the third time, with a projected total of 518,000 driven by exceptional turnouts in May and September. Although falling short of the 2017 record of 544,000 visitors, this year’s performance is noteworthy. Starved Rock, while not setting monthly records, is anticipated to welcome 2.2 million visitors in 2023, marking it as the 10th busiest year in its history. Alvin Harper, the complex superintendent for Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, noted that despite a slightly quieter year for Starved Rock compared to recent times, it remained bustling with activity.
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The 2024 World War II era plane show and veterans salute, organized by the TBM Avenger Reunion, is set to take place on May 17th and 18th at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in
Peru. This event, recognized as Peru’s premier annual gathering, attracts a multitude of attendees to the airport. Notably, the squadron of TBM Avengers assembled is the largest in the U.S., as highlighted by the event organizers. Additionally, the program includes a compelling veteran parade, adding to the significance of this memorable occasion.
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Start the year off healthy and celebrate the arrival of the New Year by participating in the sixth annual First Day Hike hosted by volunteers at the Dayton Bluffs Preserve in Ottawa. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. near Hank’s, specifically at 2997 N. Route 71. Choose between two guided hikes through the scenic Dayton Bluffs, and afterward, gather around a cozy bonfire for warmth. The first 60 attendees will be treated to a comforting cup of hot chocolate. Start the New Year on a positive note by embracing the outdoors and engaging in some invigorating exercise amidst nature.
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The St. Joseph Socialites of Marseilles are organizing a unique event called “Dirty Elephant Bingo” on Sunday, January 14th, from 2 to 4 p.m. The gathering will take place at 200 Broadway St. Attendees are encouraged to bring a giftable item for the bingo game, but in case they don’t have one, the organizers will have a variety of items available. Regifted items will serve as the prizes for the bingo winners. Refreshments will be provided during the event for all participants to enjoy.
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River Valley Cooperative, headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, has officially sealed the deal to acquire the commercial grain assets of Rumbold and Kuhn, Inc., along with the transportation assets of Ezra Rumbold & Sons, Inc. The completion of this acquisition is expected by the end of June 2024. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2022, Rumbold and Kuhn, Inc. manages seven commercial grain elevator facilities in Illinois, located in Putnam, Duncan, Princeville, Speer, Toulon, and two Wyoming locations. With revenues reaching approximately $330 million, the company employs 45 individuals, all of whom are set to transition to River Valley Cooperative to ensure uninterrupted service for Rumbold and Kuhn customers. River Valley Cooperative, a comprehensive agricultural cooperative with an annual sales figure exceeding $1.2 billion, is owned by over 3,100 farm families in Eastern Iowa and Northwest Illinois. With operations spanning 35 locations and a workforce exceeding 400 employees, the cooperative, founded in 1906, offers a diverse range of products and services in agronomy, energy, and feed.
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Looking for a break from the holidays? Reddick Public Library on Thursday, December 28th, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Budding Builders, a session for children aged 2 through sixth grade. Designed for preschool through second-grade children, the library will lead games and songs involving a giant parachute from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, December 29th. For more information about these events, contact Reddick Public Library
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Ottawa Community Thrift is set to undergo a transformative phase in the coming months, as efforts are underway to broaden the store’s inventory by introducing furniture and allocating more space for artists and vinyl records. Notably, a dedicated section within the store will showcase items from Stained Glass Eye, The expansion project is scheduled to take place in January and February. Beyond thrift items, the store serves as a platform for over 20 local artists and is in the process of creating a rock shop featuring hand-mined crystals since its inception in 2020, relocating to its present location in January.
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During the week of December 25th, the Peru Public Library, located at 1409 11th St., has scheduled various activities. On Thursday, December 28th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday Tots will take place in the Children’s Library, catering to toddlers aged 1 to 3 with a storytime followed by an activity or craft. Additionally, on the same day, La Leche League of the Illinois Valley, a free monthly Breastfeeding and Information Support Group hosted by Samantha Whiteaker, will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pregnant mothers, babies, and toddlers are welcome.
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Oglesby Elks generously awarded a $1,250 grant to Illinois Valley PADS, ensuring that its clients have the necessary support during this holiday season. Illinois Valley PADS operates overnight shelters in Peru and Ottawa, catering to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
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Did you travel through Lockport or Oak Park this holiday, if you did you might be a million-dollar winner and not know it! A recently launched Instant Ticket game, $10 Million, by the Illinois Lottery resulted in the sale of a $1 million winning ticket in Lockport. Additionally, a second $1 million winning ticket was acquired at Oak Park Gas Mart in Oak Park. Further details can be found at illinoislottery.com.
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Kane County Coroner Rob Russell is raising money to help identify a skull discovered during a house renovation in Batavia in 1978. The skull initially underwent testing at the Northern Illinois University Anthropology Department, where it was determined it belonged to a female in her mid-twenties. The initial tests also indicated the skull had been in the wall of a home for decades. To bring closure to the case, the coroner’s office will utilize modern DNA technology to determine the woman’s identity. Anyone interested in donating can do so through the social media platform, DNAsolves.com
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Chicago Skyway tolls are set to go up on January 1st. The rate for two-axle vehicles on the nearly eight-mile shortcut from Chicago to Indiana will rise from six dollars and 60 cents to seven dollars and 20 cents. Fares for vehicles with more than two axles are also going up. That includes semis or trucks towing trailers.
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Osbaldo Gutierrez, a resident of California, has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term by Judge James Andreoni for trafficking cocaine in Bureau County. The sentence, issued on Thursday, stems from the Class X felony of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver cocaine. The case unfolded when a Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team agent conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Interstate 80 in Bureau County on January 25th. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a substance identified as cocaine, with the weight and packaging suggesting an intention to distribute. Gutierrez acknowledged his awareness of the presence of cocaine in the vehicle. Bureau County State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick served as the lead prosecutor in this case.
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22-year-old Miracle Jenkins of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police on a criminal trespass to property charge Tuesday at 906 Canal Street.
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No injuries from a single-vehicle accident Saturday morning around 7:30 in Rutland Township near East 24th and Illinois 71. 30-year-old Matthew Marchiando of Ottawa lost control of his vehicle on a curve. He was charged by LaSalle County Deputies with driving too fast for conditions, improper lane usage, failure to report an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, and illegal transportation of alcohol. Marchiando was given a notice to appear in court.
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A Streator man suffered minor injuries in a single-vehicle accident around 3:00 am Sunday in Bruce Township near North Otter Creek Road and North 1475th Road. Enrique Gomez was cited by LaSalle County Deputies for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, no valid driver’s license, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Gomez was given a court date.
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A single-vehicle accident in Freedom Township Sunday morning just after 6:00 resulted in no injuries. 30-year-old Jessica Fast of LaSalle was charged by LaSalle County Deputies with driving too fast for conditions and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. She has a notice to appear in court.
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20-year-old Angel L. McGlothlin of Morris was stopped by Ottawa Police Monday in the 600 block of Dayton Road and ticketed for driving on a suspended license, suspended registration, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
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An Ottawa man has a charge of domestic battery from Ottawa Police after a Christmas Day incident. Jeffrey T. Lyles was arrested at 210 DeSoto Street.
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Mendota Police charged 33-year-old Michael B. Henderson of Mendota with driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license after a traffic stop late Saturday night near 5th and Main Street. Henderson was released with a court date.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 31. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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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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Ruth Marie Packham, 94, of Ottawa, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 24th, at LaSalle County Nursing Home, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 30th, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Columba Church. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am. Private burial in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery will take place at a later date.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Marquette 74, Gardner-South. Wilmington 55: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament, the host Crusaders stormed to the opening-round win and on to Wednesday’s 8 p.m. quarterfinal.
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Hall 47, Coal City 40: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament, the seventh-seeded Red Devils won the event’s opening game.
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Woodland 56, Indian Creek 39: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament, the sixth-seeded Warriors led throughout against unseeded Indian Creek.
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Serena 71, Putnam Co. 34: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament.
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Dwight 73, Somonauk 71: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament.
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Flanagan-Cornell 57, Reed-Custer 52: At the Marquette Christmas Tournament
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Earlville 73, St.Bede 57: The Undefeated Red Raiders now 12-0 moved on to the Marquette Christmas Tournament quarterfinals with a 73-57 victory at Bader Gym.
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Girls basketball
St.Bede 45, Newark 24: the Lady Bruins Christmas Classic for a victory over Newark. It was the Lady Bruins’ second victory of the day, as they defeated Sandwich earlier.
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Serena 36, Putnam Co. 21: At the St. Bede Bruins Christmas Classic, the Huskers improved to 12-1 on the season via the tournament victory
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Hall 52, Somonauk-Leland 33: At the Amboy Holiday Tournament on Tuesday
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Amboy 53, Mendota 22: At the Amboy Holiday Tournament
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls stayed hot and blew past the Hawks 118-113 in Chicago. DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 25 points and dished out six assists. Andre Drummond was a monster in the paint and tallied a double-double on 24 points and 25 rebounds. He also, miraculously, made both of his free throw attempts. Chicago has won four of its last five games and is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls host Indiana tomorrow.
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The Blackhawks aim to avoid their third loss in a row when they host the Winnipeg Jets at United Center tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off a 7-5 loss to the Blues in which they gave up five third-period goals. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 21 points and a 10-22-and-1 record.
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The Bears hit the practice field today as they prepare to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. The Bears will host Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. The Bears are coming off a 27-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve, and they still haven’t been eliminated from playoff contention despite being in last place in the NFC North at 6-and-9.
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The White Sox are bringing in a veteran to the backstop. The team signed catcher Martin Maldonado to a one-year contract yesterday. The 37-year-old has been with the Astros since 2019. He hit .191 with 15 home runs and 36 RBI in 116 games with Houston last season.