Chester Weger’s attorney has rebutted the special prosecutor’s attempt to halt Weger’s quest for exoneration, asserting that ample new evidence supports the innocence of the 85-year-old parolee, as per recent court filings. The lawyer, Andy Hale, criticized the prosecution’s portrayal of the newly discovered evidence as distorted and argued against the dismissal of Weger’s exoneration bid. Set for a hearing on April 10, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow contends Weger’s guilt in the murder of Lillian Oetting, dismissing Weger’s claim of a false confession as unfounded. Weger’s legal team, however, refutes this, citing misrepresentations in the state’s motion and introducing the possibility of other suspects, including deceased men, whose genetic genealogy results suggest involvement in the crime. Hale emphasized the significance of this evidence in affirming Weger’s innocence. Additionally, Weger’s lawyers highlighted previously undisclosed physical evidence and witness statements, underscoring flaws in Weger’s confession and the need for further examination. The court will determine the fate of Weger’s exoneration bid during the upcoming hearing before Judge Michael C. Jansz in La Salle County. The next hearing in this ongoing case is set for April 10.
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CiCi Chalus bids farewell to her 14-year tenure serving the La Salle County Court Appointed Special Advocates, announcing her retirement during a meeting with the La Salle County Board. Amidst applause, she reveals her departure at the upcoming annual chocolate festival fundraiser, expressing gratitude for the support that kept the program afloat during financially precarious times. A search committee is now actively seeking her successor, who will benefit from perks Chalus never had. Meanwhile, Circuit Clerk Greg Vaccaro outlines plans for a $992,465 Court Technology Modernization grant, envisioning cutting-edge services including self-help kiosks and an AI chatbot speaking 28 languages. Additionally, County Board member Brian Dose (D-Ottawa) raised concerns about decorum at recent meetings, citing a breach of conduct that needs addressing for smoother proceedings in the future.
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During Monday night’s Council meeting, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski announced a record-breaking surge in big-ticket item sales by Peru merchants in December, totaling approximately $70,000,000 in revenue and generating $714,000 in sales tax for the city. Notably, sales from restaurants were excluded due to different tax calculations. Kolowski also expressed anticipation for the opening of OSF St. Elizabeths’ – Peru, formerly IVCH, which plans to commence operations with an ER and limited services on April 7, with long-term goals of becoming a hub hospital in the I-80 corridor. Additionally, the La Salle VFW Post proposed a “ruck march” fundraiser for raising awareness about veteran suicides, involving military personnel carrying backpacks over 22 miles of city streets, symbolizing the daily average of veteran suicides. However, further deliberation is needed from the Council before a vote can take place.
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The court system in La Salle County has secured nearly a million dollars in funding from the state Supreme Court’s Court Technology Modernization program to enhance its technological infrastructure and operational support. Circuit Clerk Greg Vaccaro explains that this grant will facilitate the acquisition of equipment, digitalization of files, and the integration of an AI Web chatbot, designed to cater to consumer inquiries with multi-language support and adaptive learning capabilities. By leveraging this grant, Vaccaro anticipates a reduction in reliance on taxpayer funds while ensuring that the county’s courts remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
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The Ottawa Area Community Choir Concert, taking place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Central Intermediate School, 711 E. McKinley Road, Ottawa, will be benefiting Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IV PADS). Attendees can expect an evening of light, easy-listening music while supporting IV PADS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe shelter, meals, and essential resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Admission to the concert is free, with donations welcomed at the door to aid IV PADS in fulfilling its mission. Since 1991, IV PADS has been a vital support system, offering access to hygiene facilities, healthcare services, and pathways to dignity and long-term stability. With two shelters in Ottawa and Peru, IV PADS has served 513 individuals, including 81 children, and provided 51,698 meals during the 2022-2023 season. Members of the Choir will be on the morning show tomorrow at 9 am hour.
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During a special meeting on Monday, the Spring Valley City Council voted to purchase a small parcel of land near 226-228 E. St. Paul Street to demolish the buildings at those addresses. City Engineer Mike Richetta highlighted longstanding issues with the building at 228 E. St. Paul Street, necessitating its removal along with the adjacent garage on a 25-foot lot at 226 E. St. Paul Street. Demolition will commence upon receipt of the signed bill of sale for the adjacent lot, with M & L Environmental of Peoria entrusted with the task. Richetta emphasized the city’s proactive approach to addressing abandoned properties, acknowledging the necessity of either making them safe or removing them. The decision to demolish the structures reflects the city’s commitment to revitalization efforts and serves as a model for other property owners.
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Proposed legislation in Springfield, sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler and co-sponsored by State Senator Sue Rezin, aims to increase charges on fossil fuels statewide. Senate Bill 1556 introduces a clean transportation standard to reduce carbon-based fuel consumption, assigning deficits to fuels such as gasoline and diesel through the Illinois EPA and Pollution Control Board. However, the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, representing thousands of gas stations, convenience stores, and truck stops, opposes the bill, citing concerns over escalating fuel prices. Association CEO Josh Sharp highlights previous gas tax hikes and asserts that the proposed increases wouldn’t contribute to infrastructure repair but would burden drivers. Currently under debate in the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, the bill faces contention over its potential impact.
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The owner of Facebook says it will pull all news from its apps if Illinois lawmakers approve a new law requiring that newsrooms be paid for any news stories that are shared. Democrat Steve Stadelman, who is a former TV news anchor from Rockford, is looking to essentially tax Facebook for sharing local news stories. He says a fee-per-story plan could help local newsrooms across the state. Meta, which owns Facebook, says it would simply pull news stories from its platforms if Illinois lawmakers okay the plan.
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A new study shows that women in Illinois make up 80 percent of what men make. The report comes from the U.S. Census Bureau. Tomorrow is designated as Equal Pay Day. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton will be part of a virtual discussion on salary transparency conducted by the Equal Pay Chicago Coalition.
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Phase 2 of the Kennedy Expressway construction project will get underway last night. The reversible lanes will be shut down in both directions for about eight months. The closures will start at 9 p.m. The left lane on the inbound Kennedy and Edens will also be closed during that time, starting at the Kennedy/Edens junction and continuing to the entrance to the reversible lanes at Montrose Avenue. The final phase of the project will begin in the spring of 2025.
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Western Illinois University is offering a free college education to some low-income students in the state. The school yesterday said applications for The Western Way scholarship program are now available. The scholarship covers fees and tuition for students from families who make less than 81 thousand dollars a year, and have zero assets. Students will also have to have at least a three-point-oh GPA. The scholarships do not cover housing and dining, books and supplies, course fees, study abroad, internship, or other student expenses. Western says the scholarships are first-come, first-served.
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A bill that targets cold cases is under consideration by state lawmakers in Springfield. Yesterday, lawmakers in the House held a hearing into a proposed bill that would let survivors ask police to reopen a cold case if nothing has happened in three years. The hearing chair — Democratic State Representative Kam Buckner — says his bill would help survivors cut through the frustration left behind when a case grows cold.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
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Tonight
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 48. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Joanne Elizabeth Stortz, 89, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 10th at Pleasant View Lutheran Home. Visitation will be on Friday, March 15th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 16th, at 10:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church. There will be no visitation or prayers on Saturday morning, only the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Church. The entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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David Griffey, Sr., 67, of Marseilles, passed away on Thursday, March 7th, at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 16th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard immediately following the services.
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Mary Elizabeth “Marybeth” Engel, 83, of Serena, passed away Thursday, March 7th at her home surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 16th, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Aux Sable Grove Cemetery at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
Seneca 5, Ottawa 0: The Fighting Irish pick up a 5-0 victory over the Pirates.
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Marquette Academy 8, Lexington 5 (8 inns.): At Lexington, the Crusaders get the season-opening victory over the Minutemen.
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Ashton-Franklin Center 17, Earlville 1 (4 inn.): At Ashton, the host Raiders scored five times in the first to jumpstart the win over the Red Raiders.
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Lisle 15, Newark 3 (5 inn.): At Newark, the visiting Lions plated four runs in the first and eight more in the third in the win over the host Norsemen.
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Softball
Yorkville 10, Ottawa 0 ((5 inn.): At King Field, the visiting Foxes led by two before a seven-run fourth inning in the win over the Pirates.
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Ashton-Franklin Center 10, Earlville 9: At Ashton, the host Raiders pushed across two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the Red Raiders.
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St. Bede 8, Peoria Notre Dame 0: the Bruins to a nonconference victory in Peoria as the softball season began for teams across the state.
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Kewanee 5, La Salle-Peru 3: the Cavaliers lost a nonconference game in their first game on their new field at the L-P Sports Complex in La Salle.
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Amboy 15, Mendota 3 (6 inn.): the Trojans lost a nonconference game in their season opener in Mendota.
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GIRLS SOCCER
La Salle-Peru 3, Limestone 1: the Cavaliers opened the season with a nonconference victory in La Salle.
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INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
At Sterling: Hall competed at the Rock Falls Invite at the Westwood Complex. The Red Devil boys placed fifth, and the girls finished sixth.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Bulls suffered a 127-92 loss against the Dallas Mavericks at United Center. The Bulls visit the Pacers tomorrow night.
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The Blackhawks will try to get a winning streak going when they host the Anaheim Ducks at United Center tonight. Tonight’s game starts at 7:30 PM.
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The Bears are switching up their stadium plans again. ESPN is reporting that the team is ditching its plans to build a new field in Arlington Heights in favor of a publicly-owned domed stadium just south of Soldier Field. The report adds that the Bears will invest over two billion dollars into the stadium, and the plans include a park that can host community events year-round. The Bears plan to sell the land they bought in Arlington Heights if this new stadium plan is successful.
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The Bears are adding a one-thousand-yard rusher to their backfield. Multiple outlets report the Bears have reached a three-year, 24-million dollar contract with running back De’Andre Swift. The 25-year-old spent last season with the Eagles after playing his first three years in Detroit. Swift ran for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games last year.
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The White Sox gave up 12 hits during a 7-2 Spring Training loss against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. Dylan Cease starts for the Southsiders against the Reds tonight.
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The Cubs are back in action when they host the Milwaukee Brewers in a Spring Training game at Sloan Park tonight. Tonight’s game starts at 8:05 PM.