On Monday afternoon, emergency services swiftly reacted to an injured hiker at Starved Rock State Park. At approximately 3 o’clock, a distress call alerted authorities to a woman who had fallen in the vicinity of Lonetree Canyon. The preliminary assessment indicated a possible broken ankle. Subsequently, she was promptly transported to OSF in Ottawa for medical attention. Utica firefighters collaborated with Conservation Police in the response effort, while Ottawa River Rescue was summoned to aid in the patient’s transportation.
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The transformation of the former IVCH hospital into OSF HealthCare – Illinois Valley in Peru is becoming evident as fresh signage is being installed. New signs are now adorning the hospital premises, marking the evolution of the facility into its new identity under the OSF HealthCare umbrella. More than a year after it closed, Peru’s hospital is reopening as OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center – Peru. The hospital, located on West St., is tentatively scheduled to open April 7, with emergency services and limited inpatient beds.
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A Streator Fest tenderloin fundraiser is set for Sunday, February 25th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Streator. For just $10, indulge in a delicious dinner comprising a homemade tenderloin, coleslaw, french fries, and a delectable homemade brownie. Take advantage of curbside pickup or free in-town delivery by calling 815-672-6301 during the event. Streator Fest, scheduled for August 1-4, will showcase the city’s summer fireworks display, headline musical entertainment, and a vibrant carnival. The festival, made possible by fundraisers like this and coordinated by a dedicated committee of volunteers, promises a memorable experience for all.
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Millstone Bakery in La Salle is set to make its television debut on the PBS series “You Gotta See This” at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, as proudly announced on their Facebook page. The bakery has been gaining statewide recognition since being chosen for Gov. JB Pritzker’s Illinois Made Program last November. Owners Erin and Kent Maze express deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community and pride in their talented team, who are receiving well-deserved statewide acknowledgment for their dedication to crafting exceptional breads and pastries from scratch. “You Gotta See This” airs on PBS at 8:30 on Thursday.
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Matt Weaver, a 44-year-old Ottawa native and former commander of the Ottawa American Legion Post 33, along with his family, will benefit from a fundraising event on Sunday, Feb. 25, at the legion, 901 La Salle St. Weaver’s sudden liver failure necessitates a transplant, a procedure for which funds are being raised to cover medical expenses.
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The Illinois Valley Food Pantry in La Salle received a generous contribution of $4,000 from the Oglesby Elks Lodge, aimed at alleviating the strain of food provision for over 650 families in the Illinois Valley region. This substantial donation was facilitated through an Elks National Foundation Grant.
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In La Salle County, two individuals hailing from Ottawa find themselves entangled with law enforcement. Austin Rodriguez, aged 25, has been detained in the county jail after purportedly breaching his pretrial release terms, as per state authorities. Similarly, Ward Close, aged 52, faced arrest at his residence on allegations of violating his bail bond and has also been confined to the La Salle County Jail.
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A recent parolee from Earlville, William Whitford, found himself in fresh legal trouble when deputies in Lee County responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in Dixon on Sunday. After intercepting Whitford as he drove into Dixon, investigators arrested the 31-year-old on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespass to a vehicle, and driving with a revoked license. Additionally, he was sought for missing a court appearance related to a parole violation. Whitford was subsequently detained at the Lee County Jail.
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It’s the last day for voters to register to vote in the presidential primary election in Illinois. State officials say it’s also the last day you can transfer your registration from one office to another. The primary in Illinois is set for Tuesday, March 19th.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 58. East-southeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
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Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low of around 36. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Mary Ellen Michaels “Grammer”, 69, of Marseilles, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly on Thursday, February 15th, following a short battle with cancer at Lightways Hospice with family by her side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, February 20th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marseilles
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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:
Boys basketball
Marquette 84, Leland 33: At Ottawa’s Bader Gym in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A Somonauk Regional on Monday, the host Crusaders had little trouble with the Panthers, who see their season finish with an 8-22 record. Marquette Academy (24-8), which advanced on to Wednesday’s 7:30 p.m. semifinal in Somonauk against Indian Creek.
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Somonauk 67, Newark 47: At Somonauk in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A Somonauk Regional, the regional host Bobcats earned a spot in Wednesday’s 6 p.m. semifinal against top-seeded Serena with the triumph.
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Earlville 70, Mooseheart 52: At Earlville in the quarterfinals of the 1A Aurora Christian Regional, the No. 3-seeded Red Raiders beat the No. 13 Red Ramblers.
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Sandwich 46, Aurora Central Catholic 44: At Sandwich in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A Hall Regional, the Indians (18-12) survived to move into Wednesday’s 7:30 p.m. semifinal versus Port Byron Riverdale.
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Bloomington Cornerstone 44, Woodland 41: Bloomington Cornerstone Christian Academy upset Woodland 44-41 in the Class 1A Regional quarterfinal game on Monday.
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Galva 57, St. Bede 50: the No. 10-seeded Bruins saw their season come to an end with a loss to the No. 9 Wildcats in a Class 1A Wethersfield Regional quarterfinal in Galva.
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Mendota 76, Hall 44: Mendota defeated Hall 76-44 in the Class 2A Regional quarterfinal game on Monday
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Ottawa Dolphins finish 2nd out 7 teams at the Distance Challenge Invitational at the Illinois Valley Y
214 Swimmers competed from 7 teams
The Ottawa Dolphins had 36 swimmers participate.
Personal Best Swims
Jeremiah Abernathy, Tucker Ditchfield, Brennen Heaver, Ryland Heaver, Quinn Kohut, and Jonathan Neu.
Triple Event Winners
Brennen Heaver, Jonathan Neu
Double Event Winners
Breckyn Jobst, Atley Strow
Single Event Winners
Evelyn Andree, Stella Andree, Cole Bressendorf, Clayton Budnick, Elliot Citta, Tucker Citta, Tucker Ditchfield, Kailey Goetsch, Quinn Kohut, Bryce Marks, Annaliese Strow, Juliette Strow, Annabelle Threadgill
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Blackhawks gave up the first four goals of their 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division with 33 points and a 15-38-and-3 record. The Hawks host Philadelphia tomorrow.
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The Cubs aren’t done adding to their 2024 roster. The team signed outfielder David Peralta to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training yesterday. The Cubs have their first Spring Training game on Friday against the White Sox.
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The White Sox are seeking a billion dollars in public funding for a new stadium, according to sources. The stadium would be near the South Loop. Team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is scheduled to meet with Springfield officials today to secure backing for construction. The White Sox are hoping to use a two-percent hotel occupancy fee and a debt service for their bonds to pay for the stadium.
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The Bulls are spending the week getting ready for their game against the Boston Celtics at United Center on Thursday. Thursday’s game gets underway at 7:00 PM.
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In college basketball action yesterday, Chicago State crushed IU-Northwest 93-70. Tonight, Northern Illinois hosts Ball State.