After a notably mild February, snow is slated to make a comeback today. According to the National Weather Service of Chicago, snow is likely, particularly before 1 p.m., south of Interstate 88 and along the Interstate 80 corridor. Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible, accompanied by northwest winds ranging from 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 15 mph. Friday evening is anticipated to start mostly cloudy, gradually clearing up later with temperatures dropping to around 13 degrees. With northwest winds expected to pick up to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, wind chill values could plummet below zero. For those who’ve been relishing the mild winter, rejoice as high temperatures in the 40s are forecasted to make a comeback by Sunday, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees by Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Travelers are advised to prepare for slick conditions on Friday, as cautioned by the National Weather Service.
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This Saturday through Monday, visitors to the Starved Rock Country region have a rare opportunity to explore nine of LaSalle Country’s top museums, historical societies, and a historic mansion at an exclusive discounted rate. During this limited-time event, dubbed the “Whole Nine Yards,” guests can purchase a passport at any of the nine participating venues listed below for just $1 per person. The passport grants three-day access (February 17-19, 2024) and can be presented at each museum for admission. This incredible deal allows visitors to discover classic LaSalle Country attractions, uncover hidden gems, and experience newer offerings without additional fees. You will find a link to the tour on our FaceBook page.
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Following a 10-7 vote by the Bureau County Board, Alexandria “Lexi” Wamhoff has been named as the new Bureau County coroner, succeeding her grandmother Janice Wamhoff who recently retired from the position. Initially tabled for further review in January, the County Board was mandated by state statute to fill the vacancy within 60 days. Having undergone training with the coroner’s office in December 2022 and subsequently serving as a deputy since March, Wamhoff is now set to run in the upcoming November General Election to retain her position, facing a challenge from Republican candidate Kurt Workman.
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The passage of House Bill 4178 by the Health and Human Services Committee, with a unanimous vote of 9-0, was announced by State Rep. Jed Davis’ office. Representing Newark as a Republican, Davis worked alongside healthcare providers, parents, and state agencies in the drafting process of the bill. The legislation reallocates funds initially designated for at-home caregiving services provided by contracted nurses or aides to directly support the related adults already engaged in caregiving duties.
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OSF Life Flights is commencing training stops at the Peru facility. OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center Peru, located on West Street, is tentatively set to reopen on April 7th. Initially, the reopening will offer emergency services and a limited number of inpatient beds, with subsequent phases introducing diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, EKG, and respiratory care services. OSF HealthCare has recruited over 450 former employees, physicians, and advanced medical providers from St. Margaret’s Health to staff the hospital and other facilities.
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A beloved member of the ’85 Bears and soon-to-be NFL Hall of Famer Steve “Mongo” McMichael is hospitalized, according to family. McMichael was taken to the RE yesterday with presumed pneumonia. The latest is that he’s been diagnosed with a UTI and has been admitted to the ICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. McMichael was just selected for the 2024 Hall of Fame class a week ago.
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A former downstate Republican lawmaker is facing 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to bilking his campaign dollars. Former state Senator Sam McCann entered his surprise guilty plea yesterday. Prosecutors were in the middle of presenting evidence that he essentially stole over a half-million dollars from his campaign. They say McCann used the money to pay for a lifestyle that he couldn’t afford any other way. McCann is due to be sentenced in June.
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The trial of Mason Shannon yesterday, where he stands accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Castelli, hinges on determining the cause of Castelli’s demise: whether it was asphyxia or a pre-existing heart condition. Testimony from two experts in La Salle County Circuit Court presented conflicting views. Shannon, facing retrial, is contesting whether his actions constituted self-defense or recklessness when he placed Castelli in a headlock during a
confrontation at a plant facility. Dr. Valerie Arangelovich, testifying for the prosecution, cited findings of burst blood vessels and neck injuries consistent with asphyxia, while Dr. James Filkins, for the defense, pointed to the possibility of CPR-induced injuries and Castelli’s enlarged heart as potential contributors to his death. The trial’s outcome remains uncertain as the judge weighs the evidence presented. The trial continues today at 1:30.
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A conservative Cornell law professor is calling out Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and a scholarship for being what he believes to be racist against white and straight people. William Jacobson told the Illinois Times, that he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights over the Tracey Meares scholarship. The school scholarship gives students with backgrounds underrepresented in medicine a thousand dollars in their fourth year. The SIU scholarship was created in 2022 and is available to non-white and Asian students along with anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. The complaint is one of many filed in similar circumstances across the country with groups like, The Legal Insurrection Foundation launching attacks on diversity initiatives.
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WEATHER:
…Slippery Travel due to Snow Expected…
Snow will fall this afternoon, with temperatures below freezing, snow will accumulate on untreated surfaces such as roadways and sidewalks. Prepare for reduced travel speeds and slippery road conditions from this afternoon. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.
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Today
Snow is likely, mainly before 2 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.
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Tonight
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Gerald “Jerry” Wold passed away on February 12th, surrounded by his loved ones, after 18 years, he lost his battle with cancer. A visitation will be held today, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony with military honors will take place on Saturday, February 17th, at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa 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. today, at the funeral home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday before the service.
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Michael “Mike” McGill, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, February 13th, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Visitation will be Friday, February 23rd, from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A private service will follow. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Margaret Einhaus, 86, of Seneca, passed away Wednesday, February 14th, at the Arc at Dwight with her family by her side. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the Seneca United Methodist Church. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Private burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Join us tonight for our last regular season broadcast of boys’ High School basketball, as your Ottawa Pirates take on the LP Cavaliers at Kingman Gym. 7 PM tip-off with Bryer Lehr and David Bergeson on the call.
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Boys basketball
Kankakee Bishop McNamara 60, Marquette Academy 41: At Bader Gymnasium, the Crusaders were defeated by the visiting Fightin’ Irish.
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Midland 56, Earlville 53: At rural Varna, the Red Raiders fell to 26-4 on the year with the loss to the Timberwolves.
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Aurora Christian 67, Newark 35: At Aurora, the Norsemen fell short against the host Eagles.
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St. Bede 59, LaMoille 42: the Bruins finished the regular season with a nonconference victory in Peru.
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Girls basketball
Peotone 47, Seneca 30: At Palos Heights, the Fighting Irish’s season came to a close with a loss to the Blue Devils in the championship game of the Class 2A Chicago Christian Regional.
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Serena 41, Ashton-Franklin 40: Serena defeated Ashton-Franklin Center 41-40 to win the Class 1A Regional final game on Thursday, at Earlville High School. The Lady Huskers will play in the sectional semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 20th at Gardner-South Wilmington.
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WRESTLING
At Champaign: Three Princeton wrestlers advanced to the semifinals in the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament on Thursday.
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Seneca has two advance to the semifinals of the IHSA Class 1A State Boys Wrestling Tournament on Thursday.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS
The Mendota Holy Cross eighth-grade boys basketball team pulled away in the third quarter Thursday to beat Pana Sacred Heart 41-33 in the IESA Class 1A title game at Warrensburg-Latham High School in Warrensburg.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Blackhawks are on an eight-game losing streak following a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at United Center. Chicago hosts Ottawa tomorrow.
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The Bears are parting ways with a pair of Pro Bowl players. The team cut safety Eddie Jackson and offensive lineman Cody Whitehair yesterday. The players each spent their whole careers in Chicago before getting cut.
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The Bulls will get some rest over the All-Star Break this weekend. They’ll resume the playoff race when they host the Celtics next Thursday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats fell in the final moments of a 63-60 loss to Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Wildcats visit Indiana on Sunday.
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The number-14 Illinois Fighting Illini will try to get a winning streak going when they visit the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center tomorrow.
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IVCC 79, Aurora JV 75: The Eagles led by 20 points only to see Aurora rally to tie the game at 70 before IVCC pulled out a nonconference win in Oglesby.
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Iowa guard Caitlin Clark broke the record of 3,527 points that had been set by Washington’s Kelsey Plum from 2013-17. Clark needed eight points to set the record, which she accomplished by scoring the team’s first eight points in a Big Ten matchup against Michigan in the first two minutes of the game. Clark is already the first Division I women’s player to reach 3,000 points and 1,000 assists. After the season, Clark could opt to return for another season at Iowa or declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft.