THE CITY OF OTTAWA HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT AMEREN OFFICIALS HAVE SCHEDULED A SECOND POWER OUTAGE FOR DOWNTOWN OTTAWA TO BEGIN AT 12:01 A.M. ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9th. THE AREA EFFECTED WILL INCLUDE LASALLE, COLUMBUS, AND COURT STREETS FROM THE ILLINOIS RIVER NORTH TO THE I & M CANAL. CREWS WILL BE CONTINUING WITH THE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF SOME DAMAGED UNDERGROUND CONNECTIONS THAT SERVE THE DOWNTOWN AREA. THE POWER IS EXPECTED TO BE RETURNED TO THE EFFECTED AREA BY 6:00 A.M. FRIDAY.
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Early voting begins this week for the March 19th Illinois primary in Illinois. Beginning this Thursday, February 8th, voters can cast their ballot at the LaSalle County Clerk’s Office between 8:00 and 4:30 Monday through Friday. Voters who have requested a mail-in ballot will have their ballots in the mail this Thursday. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Thursday, March 14th. Detailed voting information can be found on the LaSalle County Clerk’s website https://www.lasallecountyil.gov/289/Early-Voting-Schedule.
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Joshua Muntean of Sterling is scheduled for trial in LaSalle County on June 3rd for related to a fatal crash on Interstate 80 last summer that claimed the life of Joyce A. Riskedal of Leland. Muntean has pleaded not guilty to aggravated driving under the influence and operating a commercial motor vehicle under the influence. The allegations state that Muntean, driving a Mack truck near Marseilles on Aug. 18th, 2023, was under the influence of drugs, resulting in the fatal collision involving Riskedal’s SUV and another vehicle. The filing of felony charges occurred about five months after the incident, reflecting the typical timeline for investigations into drug-related fatalities, which involve waiting for accident reconstructions and laboratory results indicating intoxication. Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia, set a motion hearing for May 23rd.
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The victim of a fatal crash in Bureau County on Friday has been identified as 87-year-old William Chapman from Sterling. Bureau County Coroner Alexandria Wamhoff confirmed that Chapman was driving a van on Illinois 40, south of Buda, around 2:30 am. According to investigators, Chapman crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming pickup. Sadly, Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the pickup, including the driver and passengers, were transported to various hospitals, including OSF in Peoria.
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La Salle City Council meetings are now being recorded, as evidenced by the cameras rolling during a recent test run on a Monday. Alderman Tom Ptak acknowledged a few glitches but expressed confidence in progress. La Salle officials have been striving to livestream meetings and are on the verge of achieving this goal. Finance Director John Duncan mentioned that while cameras and microphones are operational, the final step of broadcasting in real-time, particularly the feed to YouTube, needs refinement. Despite setbacks, the council aims to livestream their next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Additionally, the city is unexpectedly purchasing new furnishings for its second floor due to water damage from the roof. Though not initially planned, this $30,000 expenditure will elevate the dated furniture to a more cohesive and modern standard. Meanwhile, Carus Chemical is undergoing extensive rebuilding and refurbishment following last year’s explosion, accounting for the majority of the $15.4 million in total construction value reported in January 2024.
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To expand Spring Valley’s annual Streets and Alleys Repair Project, City Engineer Mike Richetta proposed utilizing chip and seal treatments on less trafficked roads, estimating it could cover 10% to 15% of the city’s streets. This approach, costing approximately $4 per square yard compared to $25 to $35 for asphalt, would conserve funds for more critical road projects. Richetta also updated the council on delays in demolishing the old Spring Valley hotel and urged consideration of potential capital project grants. Additionally, the council approved various maintenance expenses, including repairs at the Waste Water Treatment plant and cleaning of the Route 89 water tower. They also greenlit the Grow Spring Valley group’s request for Friday night markets on specified dates. Police Chief Adam Curran provided updates on vehicle repairs and the implementation timeline for officer body cameras.
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Mendota officials have recently brought on board three new employees to spearhead development strategies and grant initiatives aimed at bolstering the local economy, enhancing quality of life, and fostering positive opportunities for youth. A news release from Mendota City Hall says the team comprises Project Director Annie Short, Project Coordinator Maria J. Arteaga, and Grant Manager Alexandria (Ali) Braboy. Mayor David Boelk expressed excitement for the trio’s contributions, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing resident’s quality of life. The trio’s primary
focus will be on managing the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration Partnership for Success Grant, worth $1.875 million, received in late 2023. This grant will fund substance use prevention programming and youth activities over the next five years, alongside broader support for infrastructure development and community revitalization efforts, deemed crucial for Mendota’s future, particularly after two downtown fires in 2022.
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Despite the closure of rural Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge to sightseers, the Bureau County Historical Society and Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to offer an alternative glimpse of the historic structure. Through their collaborative effort, they’ve initiated sales of “A Bridge for the Ages,” a book showcasing photographs of the Bureau County landmark. Damaged by a semi-truck on November 16, the 149-foot bridge prompted the historical society to call for community contributions of photos and memories. By December, the response had surpassed 200 submissions, leading to a compilation of images from 20 photographers. Interested buyers can order the book online or visit designated locations in Princeton to purchase it, along with 2024 calendars featuring the Red Covered Bridge.
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The outcomes of recent Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols conducted in Troop 3 last month have been disclosed by the Illinois State Police. Officials report that no alcohol citations were administered, but 6 occupant restraints, 13 registrations, 8 driver’s licenses, and 8 insurance citations were issued. A total of 50 tickets and 13 warnings were given to drivers during these patrols. The ACE initiative enables the ISP to concentrate on preventing, identifying, and taking enforcement measures against violations related to impaired driving, as well as the illicit transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. Notably, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 53 minutes in the United States, underscoring the crucial role of ACE in intensifying efforts to remove hazardous DUI offenders from the road. The project is financially supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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The Granville-Hennepin Fire Protection District recorded a remarkable 351 responses in 2023, marking one of its busiest periods in history. With over 200 calls originating from Granville alone, the district addressed a wide array of emergencies, including fires, traffic accidents, storm-related incidents, downed power lines, and medical crises. The surge in call volume highlights the district’s crucial role in safeguarding the community. For those interested in contributing to the vital work of the Granville or Hennepin fire departments, please inquire for more details on how to join.
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The trial of former state senator William “Sam” McCann is being delayed again. McCann’s wife and a standby attorney claimed he wasn’t in court yesterday because he was hospitalized over the weekend after feeling unwell. A status hearing is scheduled for this morning. The former governor candidate was indicted on federal wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion charges over allegations of misusing more than 200-thousand-dollars worth of campaign funds. His trial was to have begun in November but was postponed.
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A 73-year-old man from Prophetstown, Philip Buyno, was sentenced to five years in federal prison by U.S. Central District Court Judge Colin Stirling Bruce for attempting to burn down a forthcoming reproductive health clinic in Danville, where abortion services would be provided, and was ordered to pay $327,547 in restitution. Buyno, who will turn 74 on March 1st, faced a potential maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Following his release, he will be under three years of supervised release, as parole is not applicable in the federal system. The clinic is owned and operated independently by a woman of color and is strategically located on the Indiana border to facilitate access to reproductive services for individuals who lack access in their state, particularly following restrictions on such services in Indiana.
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A 27-year-old woman from Glenpool, Oklahoma, was arrested by Morris Police twice within 48 hours. On January 24th, Linda Brown was arrested for driving with a suspended license and released with a notice to appear in court. The following day, she faced another arrest by the Morris Police Department, this time for two driving under the influence charges and driving on a suspended license following a traffic collision at Illinois 47 and High Street. Brown was once again released with a notice to appear.
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WEATHER:
…DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM THIS
MORNING…
Today
Areas of dense fog between 9 am and 11 am. Areas of dense freezing fog before 9 am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming south-southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
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Tonight
Patchy fog after 1 am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low of around 32. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Albert “Doc” William Hettel Jr., 77, of Marseilles, passed away Thursday, February 1st, surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will take place today at 10:30 am, at St. Joseph Church in Marseilles, with Fr. Sixmund Henry officiating. The burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.
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William “Bill” Ganiere, 70, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, January 26th, at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7th, at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be a celebration of life at Splash & Go at a date to be announced.
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Charles “Mike” McGuire, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 1st, at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 9th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
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Thomas Moore, 53, of Marseilles, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 30th, at his home. A celebration of life will be held on March 2nd, from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the American Legion in Marseilles. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Join us tonight for Marquette Crusader Boys Basketball as they take on Serena at 7 pm. Andrew Evola and David Bergeson are on the call.
Boys basketball
Princeton 50, Ottawa 41: Princeton won the boy’s nightcap 50-41 in a twin bill Monday of Ottawa Boys and Girls Basketball
Earlville 62, DePue 32: In Little Ten Conference play, the Red Raiders (24-2 overall, 8-0 LTC) rolled to do their part to set up a Friday winner-takes-the-conference championship game against Serena.
Serena 75, Somonauk 35: In Little Ten Conference action, the Huskers (25-1 overall, 8-0 LTC) also did their part to set up Friday’s winner-takes-the-conference championship game against Earlville
Girls basketball
Ottawa 41, Princeton 33: Ottawa won the girl’s opener in the twin bill of Boys and Girls Basketball
Yorkville Christian 68, Marquette 59: At Yorkville, the visiting Crusaders were dealt the nonconference defeat
Serena 61, Somonauk-Leland 25: At Serena on Monday, the host Huskers wrapped up their fifth consecutive Little Ten Conference regular-season championship with a victory over the Bobcats.
La Salle-Peru 36, Prairie Central 26: the Cavaliers earned a nonconference victory in Fairbury.
IVC 50, Hall 46: the Red Devils fell on a senior night in Spring Valley.
Newman 58, Mendota 22: the Trojans lost a Three Rivers Conference East Division game in Sterling.
Wilmington 49, Streator 27: The Lady Bulldogs came out fast and scored the first 7 baskets at Pops Dale Gymnasium but suffered another loss.
St.Bede 51, Bureau Valley 37: on senior night the Bruins extend its winning streak to 13 games. The Bruins, who finish the regular season 24-7, have not lost since Dec. 28 in the holiday tournament. St. Bede is 22-3 since Nov. 27 after a 2-4 start.
BOYS SWIMMING
At Byron: The La Salle-Peru co-op finished second in a three-team meet. Byron won with 258 points, edging the Cavaliers by one. Morrison was third with 123.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls look to get back in the win column when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at United Center tonight. Chicago is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-and-27 record. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
The Blackhawks are gearing up for their game against the Minnesota Wild at United Center tomorrow night. Tomorrow’s game begins at 8:30 PM.