The focus of the Marseilles City Council meeting on Wednesday centered around infrastructure discussions. The council greenlit a proposal from Phalen Steel of Mendota to develop design plans for the recently acquired former Illinois Valley Cellular building, intended to serve as the new City Hall and police station. The cost for these plans was set at $59,500. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck expressed satisfaction with Phalen Steel’s involvement, highlighting their status as the original architects and contractors when the building was constructed 20 years ago. He anticipates that the renovation plans, once approved, may lead to Phalen Steel bidding on the project. The mayor aims for renovations to commence in spring, with the building ready for occupancy by fall. Additionally, the council addressed the completion of Renaissance Roofing’s work on the library’s roof, with only outer wall tuck-pointing remaining for spring. They also authorized bids for the Broadway Park Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant project, scheduled for consideration on Feb. 24. Council members praised the public works department for their commendable snowstorm response.
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Beth Findley-Smith, a Republican from Somonauk who you heard on the WCMY morning show just the other day has reported that a hearing officer has examined the procedure and set oral arguments for Wednesday, January 24th. The final decision is anticipated during a hearing on Tuesday, January 30th, before the complete electoral board, according to Findley-Smith. She, along with Timothy Conrad, submitted a petition, asserting the Biden campaign violated the Illinois Election Code by not using an Illinois notary on his statement of candidacy and instead utilizing a notary commissioned in the District of Columbia. Findley-Smith and Conrad are seeking the removal of Biden’s name from the Illinois ballot for the Democratic presidential nomination in the March 19th primary election. Also during yesterday’s procedural meeting, Illinois became another of the more than a dozen states that will hear objections to Donald Trump’s inclusion on the primary ballot. Opponents to the former president being on the Republican primary ballot will plead their case on January 24th with a decision from the bipartisan state election board on January 30th.
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Bureau County, like other communities along the I-80 corridor, is grappling with concerns about the potential influx of migrants rejected from Chicago, arriving in busloads. Addressing these apprehensions in their Tuesday meeting, the Bureau County Board saw Sandy Hoos of Seatonville propose a resolution, urging the declaration of Bureau County as a non-sanctuary county. Under this resolution, any humanitarian efforts in the event of a bus arrival would be financed by the local community, clarified Adam Lind, EMS director. Lind emphasized the strain on county resources and the lack of suitable facilities in most communities. Subsequent discussions prompted the action to be referred back to the Committee and the state attorney for refining the language and crafting an ordinance with consequences for arriving groups. The revised proposal is slated for presentation at the upcoming board meeting.
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A Texas transportation company is suing Chicago over restrictions on buses carrying migrants. Wynne Transportation filed a lawsuit earlier this month accusing the city of violating federal and state law with its restrictions. The suit comes in response to city ordinances requiring bus companies to drop off migrant passengers at a West Loop location during business hours and only with prior approval. Violators face possible fines and impoundment. Chicago made the changes to control the arrivals of asylum-seekers.
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Republican State Senator Sue Rezin is championing her “Safe Screens, Healthy Minds” initiative, aiming to tackle the adverse impacts of social media platforms on the minds of young individuals and to establish accountability for deceptive practices by these platforms. Citing studies that reveal the intentional design of social media platforms fostering harmful behaviors, exacerbating issues like anxiety and depression, and facilitating unwanted advances on minors, Rezin emphasizes the need for action. The initial phase involves conducting statewide meetings to gather input from parents, educators, and mental health professionals, with the first meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 31st at Yorkville Middle School. Notably, Rezin introduced a bill last year, seeking to regulate the data management practices of social media companies accessible to minors, mandating the implementation of age-appropriate design codes.
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La Salle County Sheriff Adam Diss is set to grant a $500 scholarship through the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, which plans to distribute over $58,000 in college scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. These scholarships are designated for tuition, books, and fees and apply to full-time enrollment at certified higher learning institutions in Illinois, including online learning. There are no restrictions based on race, age, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
However, applicants must be permanent Illinois residents, utilize the scholarships within the state, and be enrolled full-time for the 2024-25 school year (excluding summer session). Application forms are available at the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office or on the ISA website https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/. Completed applications, including the essay response, and all required documentation must be returned to the sheriff’s office in the applicant’s permanent county of residence by March 15 (postmarked by this date).
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56-year-old Stephen Trapp of Streator has been indicted by the La Salle County Grand Jury on charges related to child pornography. The accusations include disseminating child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography. Trapp was apprehended on January 4th by officers from the Ottawa and Streator police departments, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Currently on pre-trial release, Trapp awaits further legal proceedings. The grand jury also indicted 20-year-olds Michael Boaz Jr. and Fernando Martinez for offenses including home invasion, burglary, and exchanging gunfire during a break-in at an Ottawa residence on November 2nd. Boaz is in custody at the La Salle County Jail, while Martinez was released after arrest. Another indictment involves 32-year-old Charlotte Larrow from Ottawa, facing charges of burglary, aggravated assault, and four counts of retail theft. Larrow, who was wanted for failing to appear in Cook County on a retail theft charge, is presently out of jail and awaiting trial after being picked up by Ottawa police on December 29th near West Jefferson Street and Boyce Memorial Drive.
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A La Salle County Grand Jury has determined that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a case in La Salle, involving an alleged mini-sledgehammer attack. 30-year-old Darnell Williams of Oglesby was indicted on Tuesday for aggravated battery. The accusation states that he struck a 33-year-old Ottawa man in the head with a mini-sledgehammer, resulting in the victim being transported to Peoria. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day morning, prompting La Salle police to respond to a weapon-involved altercation in the 800 block of Bucklin Street. Williams is currently released as part of a pretrial arrangement.
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In 2023, Illinois witnessed another surge in recreational cannabis sales, reaching a record $1.6 billion. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside counterparts from 11 states, is urging the federal government to reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. This move would recognize its moderate to low potential for dependence, enabling states to maintain regulatory control, businesses to benefit from tax deductions, and facilitating increased research. Raoul emphasized that state-regulated cannabis industries safeguard consumers and that removing obstacles through rescheduling would enhance collaboration with law enforcement. Despite the industry’s 5% growth in 2023, sales to out-of-state residents saw a $71 million decline, marking the first drop since recreational legalization in 2020. Illinois hosts 177 dispensaries, including 68 with “social equity” status, contributing to state revenue and supporting various programs. In fiscal 2024, nearly $122 million from the Cannabis Regulation Fund funded initiatives such as cannabis expungement, the general revenue fund, and the R3 campaign for disadvantaged communities.
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Two Illinois lawmakers are pushing a bill designed to help make prescription drugs more affordable. State Representative Nabeela Syed and State Senator David Koehler introduced a measure that would create a board of healthcare experts that would have the authority to set price limits on prescription medications. If signed into law, Illinois would become the ninth state to have a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
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On Wednesday, Brent E. Kling from Ransom pleaded guilty to attempting to kill his ex-girlfriend’s dog with a hammer. The incident occurred in January 2023, and Kling was charged following an investigation by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office. The woman reported that Kling had killed her dog and left with the body after threatening to do so if she didn’t leave their home. Kling, 37, entered a blind plea to one count of aggravated cruelty to an animal, a Class 4 felony. Sentencing is scheduled for March 1 before Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia. Prosecutors revealed that Kling admitted to striking the dog’s head with a hammer, an act captured on home surveillance. Fortunately, the dog survived the attack. Kling will have the opportunity to address the judge during sentencing.
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On January 18, 2024, a grand jury in La Salle County convened and issued several indictments:
Darryl Heyward, 38, from Ottawa, accused of domestic battery;
Ronald Nelson, 46, from Ottawa, was charged with failure to register as a violent offender against youth;
Donald Hicks, 29, from Ottawa, facing two counts of violating the sex offender registry;
Fernando Martinez, 20, from Ottawa, was accused of burglary;
Joshua Seitzinger, 23, from Marseilles, facing charges of aggravated battery;
Betty Webster, 68, from Marseilles, was charged with permitting the unlawful use of a building;
Robert L. Sims, 52, from Marseilles, facing four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver;
Renee Taylor, 44, from Marseilles, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance;
Katie Fought, 46, from Ottawa, was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance;
Rebecca Foster, 40, from Marseilles, facing charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
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If you reside in Oglesby and wish to actively participate in shaping the city’s operations, consider volunteering for a city commission or board. Oglesby is currently seeking individuals to fill vacancies on its planning commission, ambulance board, and police pension board. These positions are voluntary and do not come with any monetary compensation. Eligibility requires residency in Oglesby. If you are keen on contributing to these boards or committees in Oglesby, reach out to city hall by making a call.
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Students at Spring Valley Hall High School engaged in an extended hydroponics program delivered by the Bureau, La Salle, Marshall-Putnam 4-H, and Master Gardener Program. Assisted by Master Gardener volunteers, the High School teachers and students participated in this fall program, learning essential hydroponic techniques. As outdoor conditions become unfavorable for plant growth, students gained firsthand experience in starting seedlings, regulating plant nutrient and light requirements, and managing nutrient solution pH. The successful outcome was the cultivation of healthy vegetation in aeroponic towers. The University of Illinois Extension’s hydroponics program aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards, offering direct classroom instruction to equip students with the knowledge and skills for indoor plant cultivation. The Extension aims to extend this opportunity to another school in spring, with inquiries directed to Sara Poignant, the 4-H youth development coordinator at 815-875-2878.
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Waltham Elementary School in Utica is exploring ways to support special needs students, and their latest initiative involves bringing in a therapy dog. Superintendent Kristi Eager announced on Wednesday that a pet owned by math teacher Dan Gustafson is being introduced to the school on a trial basis. Eager expressed satisfaction with the initial student response, noting positive outcomes for those dealing with anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or confidence issues. The dog is undergoing training and certification at Gustafson’s expense, and the district will not bear any costs for its care. Additionally, the district has decided against implementing e-learning as an alternative to snow days, citing a preference for in-person learning over providing students with remote “busy work.” The board also approved a tentative 2024-25 school calendar in collaboration with feeder schools to La Salle-Peru High School, with the first day of student attendance set for Monday, Aug. 19, and the potential last day on May 28, 2025, depending on snow days.
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WEATHER:
ISSUED: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches,
with isolated totals of up to 4 inches possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
* WHEN…From 6 PM CST this evening to noon CST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. While snow will
taper off and end late tonight, areas of blowing snow and
drifting snow late tonight and Friday morning will continue to
result in hazardous conditions. Blowing snow will significantly
reduce visibility in open areas, and drifting snow will keep
exposed roadways snow-covered in open areas. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute, particularly in
open and outlying areas. In addition, cold wind chills as low
as 5 to 20 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions
are not taken.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
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Thursday
Morning flurries with a better chance of snow showers for the afternoon. High 23F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of snow is 40%.
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Thursday Night
Snow this evening will taper to snow showers and gusty winds overnight. Low 8F. NNW winds at 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph. The chance of snow is 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Higher wind gusts are possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Doris Jean (Foster) Carr, 89, passed away at her home on Friday, January 12th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today, at the Mueller Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home before the service.
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Mark Joseph Novakovich, 64, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 12th, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20th, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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Jacob Faltin-Medina of Ottawa, passed away at the age of 29 on Sunday, January 14th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A Celebration of Life is scheduled to take place from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 20th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, where friends and family will gather to honor and remember Jacob’s beautiful journey.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Shepherd Boys Basketball: 7th grade lost to Channahon by a score of 37-15. Mason Mucci had 9 points, and Luca Fernandez, Brody Arroyo, and Zane Waters each scored 2 points. 7th grade is now 12-9.
8th grade defeated Channahon 41-30. Leading the way: Blake Schiltz with 18 points and 5 steals, Amari Molina with 10 points, Nevan Holloway with 8 points, and Nico Kimes and Jett Johnson both had 2 points. 8th grade is now 12-9.
Boys basketball
Plainfield 60, Ottawa 49: Plainfield got the victory over Ottawa at Kingman Gym on Wednesday night.
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Streator 76, Herscher 51: At Herscher on Wednesday, the visiting Bulldogs improve to 16-4 on the season and 7-0 in the Illinois Central Eight Conference.
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Seneca 61, Coal City 28: At Seneca, the host Fighting Irish (14-7) dominated.
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Sandwich 46, Woodstock North 45: At Sandwich, it was down to the wire in the 46-45 game with Sandwich getting the win
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Girls basketball
La Salle-Peru 49, Morris 36: the Cavaliers earned their first Interstate 8 Conference victory of the season Wednesday in La Salle.
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Seneca 57, Henry-Senachwine/Lowpoint-Washburn 30: the No. 8-seeded Mallards lost to the No. 5 Fighting Irish in a Tri-County Conference Tournament consolation semifinal.
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Girls bowling
Herscher 2,345, Streator 2,030, Peotone 1,701: In an unofficial Illinois Central Eight triangular, the Bowlin’ Bulldogs won one and lost one
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La Salle-Peru 3,104, Ottawa 2,624: the Cavaliers to an Interstate 8 Conference victory at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru.
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WRESTLING
Rock Falls 48, La Salle-Peru 27: Cavaliers lost a nonconference match in Rock Falls.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls look to get back in the win column when they visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena tonight. The Bulls just suffered a 109-91 road loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 19-and-23 record—tonight’s game tips off at 6:30 PM.
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Inclement weather is pushing the Blackhawk’s road game against the Buffalo Sabres back a day. The Sabres tweeted yesterday morning that the game scheduled for later in the evening was canceled due to poor weather conditions in the area. The game will get underway at 6:00 PM tonight.
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Guaranteed Rate Field’s days might be numbered. The Sun-Times is reporting that the White Sox are having discussions about building a new stadium in the South Loop. There is a 60-acre area known as “The 78” that is being considered. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf put out a joint statement acknowledging that the team is exploring options for a future stadium site. Still, the statement didn’t offer any other specifics.
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The Northwestern Wildcats went ahead late during a 72-69 win over Maryland at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Boo Buie drove in for a go-ahead lay-up that put Northwestern up by one with 20 seconds left in regulation. Ty Berry followed Buie’s shot up by hitting all four of his free throw attempts down the stretch, and Matthew Nicholson stole the ball from Maryland in the final second to seal the win. Buie scored a team-high 20 points in the victory. Northwestern improved to 12-and-4 overall and 3-and-2 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats visit Nebraska on Saturday.
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The number-14 Illinois Fighting Illini will try to get back in the win column when they visit Michigan at Crisler Center tonight. The Illini were upset at home by Maryland 76-67 on Sunday. Illinois is 12-and-4 overall and 3-and-2 in the Big Ten. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 PM.