A collision between a vehicle and a power pole outside of Sam’s Pizza in the 700 Block of W. Norris in Ottawa occurred early yesterday morning. A Red pickup truck traveling eastbound at reported speeds of more than 75 miles an hour stuck the outdoor furniture and protecting wall before striking a utility pole outside of Sam’s Pizza. Traffic was redirected onto Chestnut St. due to downed power lines until the vehicle was cleared. Thankfully, there are no reported major injuries at present. Ottawa Police and Fire departments, as well as Ameren, were dispatched. Currently, the incident is still under investigation, no word on the cause of the accident.
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Governor J.B. Pritzker is calling for the elimination of the state’s one percent grocery tax, calling it a regressive tax that Illinois families don’t need. Pritzker outlined his proposal for the state’s budget in his annual State of the State address yesterday. The governor also called for an expanded child tax credit as well as the purchase of medical debt and forgiving it for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents. His budget plan — which totals 52-point-seven billion dollars — includes more than 181 million dollars to tackle the state’s migrant crisis.
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Progress on the new Marseilles city hall and police station design is underway, with Mayor Jim Hollenbeck reporting slightly below the agreed budget. At the recent city council meeting, a payment of $20,800 to Phalen Construction, the design firm, was approved, part of the $59,500 allocated for the project. The former Illinois Valley Cellular building, purchased for $1.35 million, will undergo $950,000 in renovations, with city offices and police expected to move in by late fall. Concerns were raised about unauthorized fishing near the Middle East Conflicts Wall, prompting police to issue fines. Additionally, updates were given on community events, including the veteran banner program, and upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, and the Luck of the Irish Vendor Fair. Karen will have the Mayor on in the 9 am hour.
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The Ottawa Special Events Group has unveiled its 2024 Music in the Park series, kicking off on Saturday, June 22, at Washington Square. Running from 6 to 8 p.m. every Saturday throughout the summer, the lineup promises a diverse range of musical styles including jazz, rock and roll, and acoustic melodies. Featuring acts like The Neverly Brothers, Strung Out, Quentin Flagg, and more, attendees can expect an eclectic mix of performances to enjoy under the open sky.
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Troop 2 of the Illinois State Police announced on Monday its plans to initiate specialized patrols in La Salle and Rock Island counties starting in March. These patrols include nighttime enforcement targeting violations primarily between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., occupant-restraint enforcement aimed at ensuring compliance with safety belt and child safety seat laws, alcohol countermeasure enforcement to apprehend individuals driving under the influence or impaired in any form, distracted driving patrols targeting behaviors like handheld cellphone use that increase the likelihood of accidents, and roadside safety checks designed to intercept impaired motorists and ensure road safety. In related news, Illinois roads were deadlier last year than the previous year. Illinois transportation officials say fatalities on state roadways increased by 29 incidents — to 12-hundred-75. In 2022, road fatalities had fallen by more than 100 people. Officials blame distracted driving and mistakes made behind the wheel — such as driving while intoxicated — are to blame for the increase.
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Eight members of the Streator Fire Department and EMS received honors during the Streator City Council meeting for their courageous efforts in saving a resident’s life during a fire on January 1. Mayor Tara Bedei commended Fire Captains Ryan Reynolds and Fred McClellan, Lieutenant Tim Redd, and firefighters Ian Rogers, Edward Levy, TJ Renner, Russell Callahan, and paramedic Michael White for their swift response and successful rescue mission. Their heroic actions not only saved the victim’s life but also led to their full recovery, marking a triumphant outcome amidst potential tragedy.
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The Rotary Club of Ottawa Sunrise recently honored three outstanding students for their notable achievements. Kate Passwater, a student at Ottawa High School, was recognized as the January Student of the Month. She aims to pursue a degree in computer science, aspiring to become a data analyst for research trials. Sullivan Walker, also from Ottawa High School, earned the title of Student of the Month for February. Walker is set to attend the University of Illinois, where he plans to major in biology, with intentions to continue to medical school. Sara Duchon, recognized as the February Student of the Month from Marquette Academy, is committed to furthering her education in art education. Additionally, the Sunrise Rotary annually presents scholarships to deserving students, including one each to a senior from Marquette Academy and Ottawa High School, as well as to a student from IVCC and a family at Opportunity School.
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During their recent session, the Oglesby City Council unanimously accepted recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission, and Design Review Board, with an ordinance slated for the March 4 meeting. Mayor Jason Curran emphasized the significance of revitalizing a neglected area within the city, stressing the property owners’ commitment to municipal taxes, setting this project apart from transient food trucks. Curran expressed the desire to update the city code to reflect this distinction. Additionally, the council extended congratulations to the Oglesby Washington boys basketball team for their commendable performance as state runners-up, lauding their representation of the city. Other council decisions included approving an engagement letter for the 2024 audit with Hopkins & Associates, filing engineering agreements for various water main projects with Chamlin & Associates, and initiating bids for the relocation of the dry bridge water main to accommodate county construction.
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This Saturday, Illinois Valley PADS will be participating in the national walk event called “Coldest Night of the Year,” with the one-mile walk commencing and concluding at Ottawa’s Jordan Block. The organizers aim to instill a sense of the hardships faced by individuals enduring homelessness and despair during the winter months through this walk. By engaging in fundraising efforts, participants will directly contribute to essential funds required to support the increasing homeless population in the Illinois Valley, to raise $20,000. Activities for “Coldest Night of the Year” commence at 4 o’clock at Ottawa’s Jordan Block, providing an opportunity for teams to register for the event.
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Waltham Elementary recently retired its former mascot without identifying a replacement. Consequently, the Utica-area school will operate under the name Waltham Elementary for the remainder of the current academic year. The decision was made unanimously by the board without prior discussion. Superintendent Kristi Eager confirmed that the search for a new mascot is ongoing, with the proposed replacement of the Redhawks having been previously considered in past meetings.
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The 2024 annual TBM Avenger Reunion and Salute to Veterans event in Peru is set to surpass previous years in scale and excitement. Organizers have unveiled plans for new attractions, starting with the addition of a Huey Greyhound military helicopter, which served in combat operations during the Vietnam War. Visitors will have the opportunity to ride in this historic chopper on May 17th and May 18th at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru. Additionally, the renowned Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, known as the “Yankee Lady,” will be showcased at the event, offering a limited number of rides and captivating displays at the airport.
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Phone users across the U.S. are reporting problems with AT&T. Downdetector.com is showing a spike in AT&T cellular service outages in the past hour, with nearly 33-thousand customers reporting no service. The cities experiencing the most outages include Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Honolulu. There’s been no comment on the outages from AT&T.
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A United flight from New Jersey to Los Angeles had to be diverted Wednesday after a bomb threat was found in the bathroom. The flight with over 200 passengers was diverted to Chicago, where police say the passengers were evacuated and the plane was searched. A preliminary report says a note was found in the bathroom claiming the plane was going to blow up. A bomb-sniffing dog reportedly found a suspicious bag on the plane and connected the scent of the bag to the threatening note. The FBI is not saying if they found anything on the plane or if anyone was taken into custody.
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Keith Gullens, 33, residing at 306 Lundy St. in Streator, IL, was apprehended by Trident Agents on Tuesday. He faces charges of Resisting a Peace Officer (a class a misdemeanor) and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (a class 4 felony). Gullens’ arrest followed the discovery of his presence in a pickup truck in the 300 Block of Lundy St. Despite directives from the Agents, Gullens refused to comply and was subsequently found with around 2.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine. He was issued citations and released with a Notice to Appear in Court, with the possibility of additional charges pending further investigation.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 am, then a slight chance of showers between 9 am and 11 am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Pamela Jean Miskell, age 77, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 19th at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in the presence of her devoted family. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 23rd at St. Francis Church. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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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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Stephanie Elaine Smith, 35, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, February 19th. There will be no public service for Stepanie. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Marquette 65, Indian Creek 55: No. 4-seeded Marquette Academy and No. 7-seeded Indian Creek, At the Class 1A Somonauk Regional, with the win Marquette (24-8) advances to Friday’s 7 p.m. championship game against top-seeded Serena.
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Serena 70, Somonauk 42: At the Class 1A Somonauk Regional, the Huskers advance to Friday’s 7 p.m. championship game against Marquette.
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Sterling 58, Ottawa 37: The second-seeded Golden Warriors will face No. 5 La Salle-Peru at 7 p.m. Friday in the regional final.
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LPHS 56, Dixon 52: No. 5-seeded L-P held off the No. 2 Dukes for the victory in a Class 3A Sterling Regional semifinal. LP will take on Ottawa.
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Seneca 67, Mendota 42: At the Class 2A Hall Regional, the Fighting Irish get the semifinal victory over the Trojans
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Earlville 93, Yorkville Christian 73: At the Class 1A Aurora Christian Regional, the No. 3-seeded Red Raiders over the No. 5 Mustangs.
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Port Byron Riverdale 47, Sandwich 45: At the Class 2A Hall Regional, the Indians (18-13) had their season end in a close loss to the Rams.
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Pontiac 61, Steator 55: in the Class 3A Regional semifinal game in Pops Dale Gymnasium Streators season came to an end.
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Girls Wrestling
For the second year in a row, Ottawa sophomore Juliana Thrush will compete at the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Tournament. she returns to Grossinger Motors Arena this weekend.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Blackhawks have dropped ten of their last 11 games following a 3-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers at United Center. The Hawks host Winnipeg tomorrow night.
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The Bulls tip off the second half of the NBA season with a game against the Boston Celtics at United Center tonight.
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Bears legend Steve McMichael is expected to be discharged from the hospital today. The encouraging news comes a week after McMichael was admitted with a UTI that led to a MRSA infection. Three years ago, McMichael announced publicly that he’d been diagnosed with ALS. Just two weeks ago, the 66-year-old was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is set to be inducted this summer.
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The number-12 Illinois Fighting Illini were knocked off by unranked Penn State in a 90-89 loss at Rec Hall. The Illini host Iowa on Saturday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on a three-game winning streak following a 72-50 win over the Louisville Cardinals at KFC Yum Center. The Irish visit Syracuse on Saturday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats will try to get a winning streak going when they host Michigan at Welsh-Ryan Arena tonight.