The city of Ottawa is actively considering merging its Chamber with the city’s Visitors Center, with an exploratory committee, led by Interim Executive Director Jay McCracken, diligently researching similar ventures in other communities. This undertaking is both extensive and time-consuming, aimed at accumulating vital information for a well-informed decision. The overarching goal is to harness the collective capacities of both entities to foster sustainable growth, boost tourism, and foster a robust regional economy.
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The Streator City Council has granted a company a two-year window to establish a solar farm on the former Smith Douglas fertilizer manufacturing site. AC Power Development Company will collaborate with ComEd to secure an interconnection agreement and obtain necessary state and federal approvals and incentives to construct two 7.5-megawatt solar facilities. City Manager David Plyman informed the council that if the project proves feasible, AC Power and the city will negotiate a long-term lease with annual payments based on power generation at the site, with no expectation for the city to purchase any of the power. Streator acquired the 120-acre industrial site in 2016 from Livingston County to facilitate annexation and marketing efforts. Mayor Tara Bedei noted AC Power’s specialization in solar projects and experience with Brownfields sites. Councilman David Reed expressed support, citing the lack of significant interest in the site and the potential benefits of utilizing the property.
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The 2024 Veteran Banner recognition program in Ottawa is now accepting applications, offering the opportunity for honorably discharged military veterans within the 61350 ZIP code to be honored. Sponsored by Ottawa City Council members Robert Hasty, Wayne Eichelkraut, Thomas Ganiere, Marla Pearson, and Brent Barron, these banners will adorn downtown light poles along La Salle Main and Court streets, commemorating veterans for two weeks before and after Memorial and Veterans Days. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority potentially given to veterans from earlier wartime periods. For more details and to access the application, visit the 1430 wcmy website or Facebook page for a link to the City of Ottawa website https://cityofottawa.org/news/2024-veteran-banner-program/.
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Unions representing IDOT highway construction workers are edging closer to a potential strike, with negotiations held on Friday under federal mediation failing to produce a deal, according to JP Fyans III, President of Local 916. These eight unions, having secured strike authorization, have yet to issue the requisite five-day notice for a strike. Meanwhile, a separate contract involving PROTECH, encompassing engineers, surveyors, technicians, and others, has seen its members vote for strike authorization but not yet for a strike itself. Thursday’s mediation efforts between the state and PROTECH also ended without an agreement, with negotiations set to resume on February 15 and 16. With PROTECH boasting 2500 members and the downstate unions totaling about 1200, Fyans indicated that if either group were to strike, pickets would extend to all IDOT locations, effectively bringing operations to a standstill. Notably, union workers convened at the Illinois Department of Transportation building in Ottawa on Wednesday in a display of collective action.
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An Illinois legislator, Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago), recently introduced House Bill 4603, which aimed to limit police stops. However, due to its broad scope, Republican State lawmaker Jason Bunting decided to temporarily withdraw the bill. Slaughter’s proposal sought to prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping vehicles for minor infractions such as missing license plates, expired stickers, excessively tinted windows, defective mirrors, obstructed windshields, and other non-critical issues. Additionally, the bill specified that police could not stop drivers for speeding up to 25 mph over the posted limit unless the offense qualified as a misdemeanor or felony.
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At its monthly meeting, the La Salle County Board covered various topics beyond discussing non-sanctuary status for migrants. They approved the allocation of $350,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act for expenses such as audits, workers’ compensation, and board-member per diem and mileage. Additionally, they endorsed a multi-year agreement appointing Mack and Associates as the external firm responsible for auditing services. Election-related policies for the County Clerk’s office were also given the green light, restricting the office’s operations solely to election-related services on primary and general election days this year, while finalizing polling places and approving a short list of officials allowed at the County Clerk’s office and regional sites on election nights.
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Emergency crews rushed to downtown La Salle just before 1 p.m. Friday following reports of a motorist causing a breach in a gas main. The incident prompted swift emergency repairs in a lot situated south of the Secretary of State’s Office between Second and Third streets, with La Salle firefighters standing by with hoses ready for potential ignition. Traffic was rerouted around the affected area, while an update provided by La Salle police at 4:09 p.m. revealed that the accident occurred when an 81-year-old woman from Spring Valley struck a Dumpster, resulting in a severe emission of gas from the damaged main. Ameren responded promptly, shutting off the gas and power, while first responders from Peru and Utica assisted at the scene.
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The University of Illinois Extension, serving Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam counties, is conducting an Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training and certification session on Monday, March 11, from 9 to 10 a.m. The event will take place in room CTC 124/125 at Illinois Valley Community College, organized in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Participation in the training is free of charge, and registration can be completed by visiting our website for the link or the 1430 Facebook page. https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/anhydrous-ammonia-certified-grower-training
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During its board session, the Audit/Finance Committee of the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees thoroughly examined the yearly audit, the 2025-2027 Financial Plan, and a total of 300 course fees, ultimately advising adjustments to 73 of them. These changes involved both increases and decreases in fees, along with the withdrawal of fees for certain courses and the introduction of fees for new ones. Proposals regarding tuition, universal fees, and course fees are slated for presentation and potential approval during the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on March 14. In other college news, Illinois Valley Community College is set to commemorate its centennial celebration with the creation of a mural approved by the IVCC Board of Trustees. The 10-foot by 20-foot artwork, to be installed at the entrance of Building C in the Peter Miller Community Technology Center, will symbolize both the rich history and promising future of the institution. Funding of $35,000 from the IVCC Foundation CTC Fund will support this significant project.
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The Illinois Valley Food and Deli located at 235 Third St., La Salle, ceased operations on Saturday. A notice on the door indicates the store will undergo a transition in ownership and is expected to reopen within two to three weeks. La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove announced on his Facebook page his intention to meet with the incoming proprietors sometime this week.
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Allegiant Air has announced ten new flight routes for 2024. The Las Vegas-based Allegiant will provide flight service between Rockford and Los Angeles, starting this summer. The carrier has gained popularity due to its low-cost flights and route options.
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The Illinois House will consider two homicide-related bills. Representative Kam Buckner has introduced the Homicide Victims Families Rights Act, which would allow families to request a further review of unsolved cases that are at least three years old. Her second bill, the Homicide Data Transparency Act would require law enforcement to publish how many homicides results in arrests or charges.
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Lindsey A. Jaggers, a 34-year-old woman from Ottawa, faces a potential seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, as well as one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence. The incident occurred during a traffic stop conducted by Ottawa police officers on August 14, 2021, where Jaggers, identified as an impaired motorist, became aggressive, spitting in the face of one officer and later kicking another officer in the groin at the Ottawa Police Department. Sentencing is scheduled for April 26 before Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia, where Jaggers will have an opportunity to address the court before the judge decides on probation, jail, or prison time. Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jeremiah Adams recounted the events, stating that Jaggers’ actions were captured on surveillance video.
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Ronald Doran, aged 34, received a 3-year prison sentence on Friday after admitting guilt to two counts of felony aggravated battery, with a third charge of resisting dismissed. In August 2021, Doran engaged in a physical altercation with two firefighters as he attempted to enter a burning house in Lostant, during which he assaulted one firefighter by punching him and knocked another to the ground, continuing to assault the first responder. Doran’s criminal history in La Salle County includes prior felony arrests related to drug possession and distribution, as well as driving with a revoked or suspended license.
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A Sheridan man, Jeffrey L. Plique, 57, charged with shooting at two individuals, injuring one, and subsequently engaging in a 10-hour armed standoff, will undergo another mental health evaluation following a ruling by a judge on Friday. Facing three felony charges, including aggravated battery with a firearm, Plique’s trial has been repeatedly delayed due to mental health concerns, leading to his transfer to the Illinois Department of Human Services after being deemed unfit for trial. Despite showing improvement last year, Plique’s defense attorney requested another evaluation to assess both his current fitness and sanity at the time of the standoff, a move unopposed by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office. Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia approved the request, scheduling a status hearing for March 22 to determine the trial’s viability. During the standoff on October 22, 2022, Plique allegedly fired shots at two men, injuring one, and barricaded himself in a Sheridan residence until surrendering after tear gas was deployed by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.
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29-year-old Dylan J. Groesbeck of Streator was stopped by Ottawa Police Saturday at Madison and Walnut Streets and charged with illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.
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Streator Police charged Carolyn Morgan of Streator Saturday with retail theft. She was released with a court date.
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An Earlville man and woman were picked up by Ottawa Police Friday in the 700 block of LaSalle Street. J.J. Turano and Ashley Turano were both wanted on Grundy County warrants for retail theft.
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Mendota Police arrested 46-year-old Melissa R. Montanez of Aurora Saturday in the 200 block of Sandra Avenue. Montanez was wanted on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear in court on a retail theft charge. She was taken to the LaSalle County Jail
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WEATHER:
Today
Patchy dense fog before 9 am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 45. Calm wind coming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west-southwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Esther Lee (Fosdick) Stone, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on January 13th, at the Ottawa Pavilion. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Charles L. Anderson, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 9th, at the Pavilion of Ottawa with his family by his side. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 13th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14th, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Marcia Shepherd, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, February 10th, at LaSalle County Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, February 15th at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at noon at the funeral home.
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Noel J. “Butch” Lietz, 81, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 8th, at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 16th, at the funeral home and 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday before the service.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Streator 52, Coal City 43: At Pops Dale Gymnasium, the host Bulldogs snap a two-game losing streak.
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La Salle-Peru 77, Sterling 61: Cavaliers earned their 20th win of the season with a nonconference victory in La Salle.
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Girls basketball
Marquette 54, Gardener-South 53: Marquette got the overtime victory and set up a regional semifinal rematch with archrival St. Bede.
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Somonauk/Leland 39, Sandwich 25: At Somonauk in the Class 2A Hall Regional, the host Bobcats won their regional
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Hall 58, Mendota 40: No. 7-seeded Red Devils to a win over the No. 12 Trojans in a Class 2A Hall Regional quarterfinal Saturday in Spring Valley.
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Newark 56, Earlville 24: At Newark in the Class 1A Earlville Regional, the Norsemen eliminated the regional hosts
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Morris 50, La Salle-Peru 41: the No. 7-seeded Cavaliers lost to No. 6 Morris in a Class 3A Morris Regional quarterfinal in Morris.
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GIRLS BOWLING
At DeKalb: La Salle-Peru’s bid for a third consecutive trip to the state tournament fell short at the Sycamore Sectional at Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb.
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Boys wrestling
Seneca sends 5 to state: At the Class 1A Hope Academy Sectional contested Friday and Saturday, Seneca school-record five qualifiers to the IHSA Individual State Finals set for Thursday through Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign.
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GIRLS Wrestling
Juliana Thrush of Ottawa High School won first place at the IHSA Girls Wrestling Sectional at Geneseo High School.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Kansas City Chiefs are officially a dynasty after becoming back-to-back Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs are the first team in the NFL to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004. San Francisco has now lost each of its last three Super Bowl appearances.
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Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch believes the White Sox must be clear about how they hope to finance a newly planned ballpark in Chicago’s South Loop. He says he saw the renderings of the proposed stadium released by developer Related Midwest and that is not enough. Welch added that if the developers are trying to do something in this legislative session, they need to inform lawmakers relatively soon. The Illinois Legislature adjourns May 24.
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The Bulls weren’t able to get it done in overtime during a 114-108 loss against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on Saturday. The Bulls visit the Hawks tonight.
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The Blackhawks suffered a 4-3 overtime loss against the New York Rangers at United Center on Friday. They host Vancouver tomorrow night.
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The number-12 Illinois Fighting Illini fell apart in the final minutes of an 88-80 loss to Michigan State at Breslin Events Center on Saturday. The Illini host Michigan tomorrow night.
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The Northwestern Wildcats held off Penn State during a 68-63 win at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Northwestern is at Rutgers on Thursday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 74-66 win over Virginia Tech at Joyce Center on Saturday. The Irish host Georgia Tech on Wednesday.
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South Suburban 94, IVCC 68: the Eagles lost to No. 3-ranked South Suburban in Oglesby.