A news release Wednesday afternoon from the City of Ottawa says the 2024 Veteran Banner Program has reached its maximum capacity and no more applications will be accepted. The banners will be displayed on light poles along LaSalle, Columbus, and Court Street in the downtown area during the Veterans Day and Memorial Day holiday periods.
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The Starved Rock Breakwater Project is officially underway, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, and other officials. The project, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, benefiting wildlife and maintaining navigation channels. Construction, spearheaded by Prime Midwest Construction Co. and subcontractor JF Brennan, involves the placement of a 6,100-foot riprap breakwater near Delbridge Island. Completion is anticipated by October, enhancing habitat for migratory waterfowl and native fish while preventing erosion. Supported by federal funding, the project underscores a commitment to ecosystem preservation for future generations.
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Gas prices have surged at numerous pumps recently around the area, with Ottawa witnessing an overnight increase of over 30 cents per gallon. Across LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties, many gas stations are now pricing their fuel around $3.39 per gallon or more. The statewide average stands at $3.47, marking an uptick of nearly 20 cents compared to last week. Despite the rise, the average gas price in Illinois remains approximately five cents lower than it was a year ago.
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During the Tuesday night meeting, the Bureau County Board passed a resolution declaring itself a non-sanctuary county by a vote of 11 to 6, with the ordinance penalizing migrant transportation being referred back to the committee for further refinement. Currently, the proposed ordinance entails fines of up to $10,000 per occurrence and $750 per passenger. This matter will be revisited at the March meeting. La Salle County adopted a similar resolution at its recent Thursday afternoon meeting. Furthermore, the position of Coroner remains within the family as Lexi Wamhoff has been approved, with a 10-to-7 vote, to complete the term left vacant by her grandmother’s resignation, Janice Wamhoff.
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The stomach flu is on the rise in Central Illinois. The highly contagious disease can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Health officials recommend washing hands and cleaning with bleach as ways to stay safe.
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Construction of the new state-of-the-art gymnasium at Seneca High School campus is steadily progressing, with Superintendent Dan Strecken announcing that Wednesday marked the 11th month of construction. The impressive 28,000-square-foot facility is reported to be 85 percent complete, with an anticipated early April ribbon-cutting ceremony. Seneca will take over the Marquette Christmas basketball tournament this year in the new facility.
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Almost 20 million dollars in missing money was returned to Illinois residents last month according to a new report. The Illinois State Treasurer’s office announced that just over 25-thousand claims were paid last month, giving rightful money and stock value back to people. The office recommended people check the I-Cash website to see if there’s money for you. One in four residents have a claim and on average they are worth a thousand dollars.
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Mendota Police have been investigating an accident from Sunday night around 10 o’clock after a report of a vehicle crashing into a residence in the 600 block of Division Street and fleeing the scene. On Wednesday, the investigation concluded with 18-year-old Noah A. Orozco of Mendota being charged for Leaving the Scene of a Private Property Crash, Reckless Driving, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Driving in the Wrong Lane of the Roadway. Orozco was released with a mandatory court appearance scheduled for March 5, 2024, in LaSalle County Court.
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A jury trial is set for Dawson Michael, a 23-year-old Princeton man facing charges of possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse images and videos. According to Bureau County court documents, Michael faces multiple counts of disseminating child pornography, a Class X felony, and possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony, following a search warrant executed by Illinois State Police agents in October. Judge Geno Caffarini updated the charges to include possession of a film depicting a child under 13, potentially leading to consecutive sentences upon conviction. Michael
could face six to 20 years for disseminating child sexual abuse images and three to seven years for possession. Denied pretrial release due to the severity of the crime and concerns regarding oversight, Michael will remain in custody until his next court appearance on March 14, with a jury trial scheduled for April 22.
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In Lasalle County Court on Wednesday, Mason Shannon’s former boss Jim Clouse testified that it took three men to restrain Michael Castelli during a 2017 altercation at an Ottawa vegetable-growing facility where Mason Shannon worked. Clouse’s testimony poses a potential challenge for Shannon, who faces involuntary manslaughter charges. Castelli died after Shannon placed him in a headlock. While Clouse testified that Castelli calmed down before Shannon released him, he wasn’t clear on whether Castelli was unresponsive immediately after being handcuffed. Defense lawyers aim to cast doubt on this crucial detail, questioning the credibility of witnesses and challenging the timeline presented by the sheriff’s deputy who arrived at the scene. The trial, set to resume Thursday, hinges on determining Castelli’s cause of death and whether Shannon acted recklessly or in self-defense.
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45-year-old Nathan C. Price, facing six felony charges including armed violence and being an armed habitual criminal, will remain in the La Salle County Jail for another week before seeking release. Originally facing up to 45 years, additional drug charges were added by a grand jury. A status hearing on Feb. 20 will address his sentencing range. Price, who was arrested after a traffic stop where drugs and a firearm were found, is petitioning for a new judge and release, which prosecutors oppose.
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The federal government is expected to rest its case today against Sam McCann. The former GOP state senator’s trial involving his alleged misuse of campaign funds. In court yesterday more than an hour of recordings was played from when he first met with FBI agents in 20-18.
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A state bill has been proposed that would require autopsies to be done by board-certified pathologists. Currently there is no law requiring this in Illinois. Advocates say that there is a heightened need for correct cause of death reports.