A pre-dawn semi-tractor-trailer accident just west of the I-39 interchange on I-80 has traffic backed up in both directions. Reports say a semi crossed the median into on-coming traffic.
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Pre-construction work begins today on a 16-mile stretch of I-80 from the Minooka Ridge Road exit eastward through Joliet to the U.S. 30 exit at New Lenox. Placement of construction barrels, signage, lane shifts, and closures will take several days before actual construction work starts. The project is planned to take until late 2028.
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Continuing their storm sewer separation efforts on Ottawa’s South Side, contractors are engaged in street excavations, storm sewer line installations, and roadway restoration, necessitating street closures. Commencing Tuesday, April 2, the 400 block of West Van Buren Street, spanning Guthrie to Cornell streets, will be inaccessible for approximately one week. Concurrently, the closure of the 100 block of East Van Buren Street, extending from State to Catherine Streets, will persist until the close of Friday, April 6. Furthermore, the 300 and 400 blocks of Houston Street, from Guthrie to Chambers Streets, the 400 block of Cornell Street, from Houston to Center Street, and the 400 block of Chambers Street, from Houston to Center streets, will undergo daily closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., reopening to traffic during evenings and weekends. Completion of the work in these areas is anticipated by the end of April, contingent upon weather conditions.
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On Saturday, a fire engulfed a shed and its belongings in east central Streator, prompting a swift response from the Streator Fire Department. Bryan Park, serving as the department’s Public Information Officer, reported that the incident was initially alerted by a resident around 2:30 PM, reporting a blaze at 612 Illinois Street, situated adjacent to Owens baseball field. Despite firefighters managing to contain the flames within approximately five minutes, the 15 X 10-foot shed and its contents were completely consumed by the fire. Despite challenging weather conditions including rain and lightning, nine personnel diligently worked to extinguish lingering hot spots. Park mentioned that the cause of the fire remained undetermined, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.
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Ottawa’s progression towards the construction of a north-side fire station advanced as U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood allocated $1 million in federal aid to the city on Friday. Collaborating with city and fire officials, Underwood secured funds aimed at facilitating the construction of a new fire and ambulance facility in the northern region, aimed at enhancing response times and streamlining logistical operations for fire and EMS services. Expressing enthusiasm for the project’s milestones, Underwood anticipated attending the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies upon the station’s completion. However, before spring 2025, the city must undertake several tasks including identifying and procuring a suitable parcel, training first responders, and engaging architects and engineers for station design. Once completed, this will mark Ottawa’s third fire station, supplementing existing facilities downtown and on the South Side, a development eagerly awaited by Fire Chief Brian Bressner to meet the city’s escalating service demands. While the city has yet to break ground, considerable progress is underway with new personnel training already commenced in anticipation of a 44% increase in staffing upon the north-side station’s inauguration. Mayor Robert Hasty emphasized the urgency of the project, highlighting the crucial assistance of the $1 million allocation while actively pursuing additional grants to alleviate taxpayer burden. Hasty reiterated the community’s prioritization of health and safety, affirming widespread support for the essential services provided by the three fire stations. Meanwhile, as Underwood approaches reelection in November, her commitment to initiatives such as this resonates with constituents amidst the political landscape.
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AT&T has announced a major breach in its security. On Saturday, the company confirmed a total of 73 million current and former customer accounts had been leaked to the dark web about two weeks ago. The leaked data, which included customers’ social security numbers, appears to be from before 2020. AT&T says they currently have no evidence “of unauthorized access to its systems.” An investigation into the breach is ongoing. AT&T will contact local customers directly and has reset passwords to alert you that your information was compromised.
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During the Utica Council session, Amanda Carter proposed the inclusion of three to six food trucks at the Craft Beer Street Fest slated for August 2, seeking additional Vendor Permits from the Village. The Council, in agreement with Carter’s proposal, granted permission for up to six food trucks to participate, under the condition that they offer culinary offerings distinct from the town’s existing brick-and-mortar eateries. This festival, aimed at fundraising for the
La Salle County Historical Museum, Utica Fire Department, and Waltham School received support from various quarters. However, Kelly Waters from Skoogs Bar and Grill voiced concerns during public commentary, citing the challenges local restaurants already face and pointing out potential menu overlaps with some of the proposed food trucks. Meanwhile, Dana Stillwell, manager of August Hill Winery, presented a plan for a June 22 event featuring a four-course wine-and-food pairing, supplemented by a lobster food truck, with part of Canal Street set for closure. Additionally, updates on the progress of the Market on Mill were discussed, with Village Engineer Kevin Heitz expressing confidence in initiating bidding procedures by April.
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For 30 years, Laborers Local 393 in Marseilles has sponsored hunter safety courses with unwavering commitment. This year’s course, taking place on April 13th and 14th, will be held at the Labor Union Hall 393. During the classes, the Local will be honored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for its ongoing dedication to hunter education and firearms safety. Despite receiving no state funding, the laborers have generously supported the program, recognizing its value in cultivating responsible, ethical hunters. With volunteer instructors guiding participants through various aspects of hunting and firearm safety, the program has empowered generations of young enthusiasts. Limited enrollment ensures personalized attention, drawing participants from across the Midwest. To reserve a spot, interested individuals can contact the Local 393 hall. This enduring initiative underscores the laborers’ commitment to their community and the importance of fostering a culture of safety and respect among aspiring hunters.
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Tragedy struck Dekalb County on Thursday night as one of their deputies lost their life in a traffic crash. According to Sheriff Andrew Sullivan, the incident occurred just after 10:30 PM when Deputy Christina Musil’s squad car was rear-ended on Route 23 near Perry Road. Musil, a dedicated veteran of the Department for five years, had served with valor in both the Corrections and Patrol Divisions. Before her law enforcement career, she also proudly served her country as a military police officer in the Army National Guard, including a deployment in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Funeral arrangements for Deputy Musil are currently pending.
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President Biden says he’s “horrified” by a stabbing spree in Illinois that left four people dead and seven injured. Police say 22-year-old Christian Soto stabbed and attacked at least eleven people on Wednesday in Rockford. Soto allegedly went on a rampage in several locations around the city on Wednesday, killing four victims who ranged in age from 15 to 63. Biden released a statement saying he and the first lady “are praying for the families of those who lost loved ones, and hoping that all those injured make a full recovery.” The President also thanked law enforcement “who confronted the suspect and prevented the loss of more innocent life.” Soto is facing multiple first-degree murder and home invasion charges.
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Illinois is heading in the right direction as the end of the flu season approaches. The Department of Public Health revealed Friday that respiratory virus levels across the state are trending down. Flu season typically ends in May, and officials say fewer people are turning up in the hospital because of it. COVID hospitalizations were down 20 percent by last week.
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The effort to protect Lake Michigan’s last piece of pristine shoreline is going to cost the state of Illinois nearly 75 million dollars. The six-and-a-half miles of undeveloped beach in the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is unique in that it has no houses, businesses, or even lakefront cabins. The state is spending 73 million to build a series of breakwaters that will hopefully protect the beach from erosion. There’s also hope that a calm beach will bring back more birds and other wildlife.
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A leading travel magazine has ranked Peoria among the top ten best places to live in Illinois. Travel and Leisure magazine placed Peoria seventh on its list, just ahead of Rockford, Moline, and Chicago. The magazine listed Peoria’s affordability for its ranking, with median homes priced at 114-thousand-500 dollars — more than 200-thousand below the national average. The magazine also listed Peoria’s park system and the two colleges that are based in Peoria — Bradley University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria — as other factors in its ranking.
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LaSalle County Deputies handled a single-vehicle accident just after 3:00 a.m. on Saturday in Mendota Township near North 44th and East 1st Road. 27-year-old James Carroll of Mendota was cited for failure to reduce speed, illegal
transportation of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident. He had lost control of his vehicle and ended up in a creek. Carroll has a notice to appear in court.
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A traffic stop by LaSalle County Deputies in Miller Township early Sunday morning resulted in citations against a 33-year-old Aurora man. Jose Fuentes-Zaragoza has charges of improper lighting, improper lane usage, no valid driver’s license, and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and released with a notice to appear in court.
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A 59-year-old Streator woman faces a charge of battery. Sandy Bakare was arrested by Streator Police Sunday afternoon in the 2400 block of North Bloomington Street. She was released with a court date.
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Dominick J. Cross of Streator was stopped by Streator Police at Wilson and Morrell Streets late Sunday night. He has charges of disobeying a stop sign and driving on a revoked license. He has a notice to appear in court.
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42-year-old Richard Young of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Saturday at the I & M Canal entrance on Boyce Memorial Drive. Young has charges of residential burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of burglary tools.
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30-year-old Anthony Hughley of Ottawa has citations for speeding, driving on a suspended license, and driving an uninsured motor vehicle after a stop by Ottawa Police on Saturday at Columbus and Fremont Streets.
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An Ottawa man was arrested by Ottawa Police in the 1000 block of Ottawa Avenue Saturday on a failure to appear warrant. Nicholas J. Cechowicz missed a LaSalle County court date on a charge of driving on a revoked license.
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41-year-old William Bobokis, Jr. of Streator was picked up by Ottawa Police Friday on a retail theft charge.
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A 14-year-old Ottawa juvenile was cited for battery Sunday by Ottawa Police.
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WEATHER:
Monday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 51. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Monday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 40. East-northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Nancy (Sizemore) Armstrong, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on March 22nd, at The Pavilion of Ottawa. There will be no public visitation or burial services, cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Edward J. Kuleck, 76, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, March 24th, at his home, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 4th, at St. Columba Church. Burial will take place at St. Columba Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with an honor guard provided by the Knights of Columbus.
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Larry Bastian, 83, of Marseilles, passed away Thursday, March 28th, with his children and grandchildren by his side. There will be no public visitation or burial services, Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Baseball
La Salle-Peru 4, Streator 0: At SHS Athletic Fields, the Bulldogs (2-5) got the loss to the Cavaliers.
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Seneca 8, Herscher 0: At Seneca, the host Fighting Irish shut out the Tigers on Friday
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Ottawa 10, Somonauk 2: At King Field, the host Pirates got the nonconference triumph Saturday.
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Morris 15, Somonauk/Leland 2 (5 inn.): At Morris, the visiting Bobcats (0-4) trailed 5-0 after one inning on the way to a nonconference defeat.
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Hall 3-9, Rockridge 2-1: The Red Devils swept a Three Rivers Conference crossover doubleheader in Edgington.
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Sherrard 8, Princeton 4: Princeton fell short in a Three Rivers Conference crossover in Princeton.
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Softball
Streator 16, Eureka 1 (5 inn.); Streator 10, Prairie Central 0 (5 inn.): At Fairbury, the Bulldogs (3-4) rolled to a pair of victories at the Prairie Central Round Robin.
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Reed-Custer 5, Ottawa 4: The Reed-Custer softball team used solid pitching to earn a win over Ottawa at King Field on Friday afternoon.
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La Salle-Peru 5-13, Marian Central Catholic 0-2: The Cavaliers swept a nonconference doubleheader in La Salle.
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Normal U-High 1, La Salle-Peru 0: The Cavaliers did not record a hit in a nonconference loss in Normal.
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Boys tennis
Streator earns 3rd in Peoria: At the Peoria Maroon Invite, the Bulldogs finished third as a team.
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GIRLS SOCCER
La Salle-Peru 7, Sterling 0: the Cavaliers rolled to a nonconference victory in La Salle.
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Streator 1, Ottawa 1: The Streator and Ottawa girls soccer teams played to a 1-1 tie at King Field on Saturday.
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BOYS TRACK & FIELD
At Geneseo: La Salle-Peru opened the outdoor season with a third-place finish in a triangular.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are still winless following a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field. The game was tied at two in the ninth before Andy Ibanez hit a go-ahead single in the top half of the inning. Steven Wilson was charged with the loss in relief, while Korey Lee and Paul DeJong both went deep in the losing effort. The 0-and-3 Southsiders send Chris Flexen to the mound against the Braves today.
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Ian Happ led the Chicago Cubs to a 9-5 takedown of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Chicago’s designated hitter finished the day 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored to help the Cubs notch their first win of the new season. Seiya Suzuki recorded a pair of hits and two RBI, while Christopher Morel homered for the first time this season. Hector Neris earned the win on the mound after throwing one scoreless inning of relief. The Cubs improved to 1-and-2. They send Shota Imanaga to the mound against the Rockies this afternoon.
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The Chicago Bulls used a late run to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-101 at the Target Center. Minnesota had a three-point lead with under five minutes left in regulation before the Bulls went on a 10-0 run to put the game away. DeMar DeRozan had 27 points in the victory, while Alex Caruso finished with 21. The Bulls have a game-and-a-half lead over Atlanta for ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 36-and-39. They host the Hawks tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks handed the Philadelphia Flyers their fourth straight loss with a 5-1 win at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday. Lukas Reichel scored two minutes into the game and Chicago led the rest of the way. Philipp Kurashev, Nick Foligno, Joey Anderson, and MacKenzie Entwistle all lit the lamp for the Blackhawks. Chicago remains in last place in the Central Division.
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The three-seed Illinois Fighting Illini completely fell apart in the middle of their 77-52 Elite Eight loss against one-seed UConn in the NCAA Tournament at TD Garden on Saturday. Illinois tied the game at 23 with under two minutes left in the first half before giving up a 30-0 run that ended seven minutes into the second half. Marcus Domask had 17 points in the losing effort. The Illini finished the season at 29-and-9.
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In other college basketball action over the weekend, Notre Dame lost to Oregon State 70-65 in the Sweet 16 Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday. Iowa Women’s team plays three-seed LSU in a rematch of last year’s championship game tonight.
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MEN’S TENNIS
IVCC 5, Illinois College 4: The Eagles earned a victory in Jacksonville, Ill.