The Illinois River is set to flood this week, yet projections suggest no significant flooding despite more rain expected. Following heavy rainfall on Easter Sunday, river levels surged over 3 feet at Starved Rock Lock and Dam, as reported by the National Weather Service. Further rainfall forecast until Wednesday is expected to push the river to minor flood stage by today, cresting late Wednesday or early Thursday. As of Monday morning, the river cresting at 3½ feet above flood stage, posing no immediate threat to riverside communities, which would require an additional rise of 6½ feet to become problematic. Flooding is possible on the Illinois River from the outlet at Channahon downstream to Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning. Roads threatened include Pine Bluff Road Road west of Illinois Rt. 47 and Dwight Road south of Morris. Water reaching 16 feet high will impact shipping along the river. Currently, river water is sitting at 13.1 feet.
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Officer Brian Sember’s family and the Ottawa Police Benevolent Association have announced the Officer Brian Sember Memorial Scholarship, aimed at preserving his legacy by supporting individuals who embody his values of honesty, integrity, and understanding. Initiated by his son, Brady Sember, shortly after Sember’s passing in April 2022, the scholarship is funded by a donation from the Sember estate and will provide $250 for the fall semester at an accredited educational institution. Brady hopes to continue his father’s legacy as a police officer while inspiring others to pursue law enforcement careers in Ottawa and surrounding areas. The application process, available on the Ottawa PBPA Unit #18 Facebook page, has a deadline of May 15th.
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The city of La Salle is establishing a committee to tackle safety concerns arising from men’s softball league players hitting balls into the little league field at Hegeler Park. Josh Busche, President of Baseball and Vice President of Softball, highlighted during the recent La Salle City Council meeting that despite nets being in place at the ballpark, men’s softball players are still hitting balls over them, posing serious risks. Mayor Jeff Grove expressed disappointment at the lack of communication between the council and the men’s softball league. Amidst discussions, concerns were raised about compromising safety versus the convenience of maintaining the status quo. It was acknowledged that a solution must be found that accommodates all parties involved. Suggestions ranged from implementing stricter rules within the men’s softball league to exploring the feasibility of a higher net or relocating the league to M&H Park. Ultimately, a committee comprising elected officials and representatives from both leagues was agreed upon to collaboratively devise a resolution prioritizing the safety of Little League players while ensuring fair access to playing fields for all.
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The Newark Village board convened a special meeting with U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (Dist. 14) to discuss the recent allocation of $369,000 in grant money facilitated by Underwood for the rehabilitation and painting of the main water tower located near the municipal building at 101 Lions Ave in Newark. These funds, administered through the USDA, will address pressing water infrastructure needs, with details on timelines to be provided by the agency. Underwood emphasized the significance of water issues within the 14th District, noting the financial struggles many municipalities face in funding water projects. Additionally, Underwood announced $1 million in federal funding for a new fire station on the north side of Ottawa during her visit there on Friday.
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The Spring Valley City Council denied an application for outdoor dining at Vuelve A Mi Mexican Restaurant, citing that the proposed setup—a bench and a decorative flower pot—did not align with the city ordinance’s requirement for “tables.” Mayor Melanie Malooley-Thompson highlighted the ordinance’s wording specificity. Alderman Deb Baltikauski suggested a review of the ordinance for clarity. Whether the business will reapply remains uncertain. Additionally, Mick Pienta was granted a business development grant for a new sign at “Blue Collar Bikes.” The council addressed the cleanup of areas affected by recent water and sewer line replacements, with City Engineer Mike Richetta, aiming to provide an estimate by the next council meeting. Other actions included approving a rock salt agreement, a donation to Horizon House Road to Independence, placement of a concrete pad to address drainage issues, and a proclamation designating the first Thursday in April as Junior Achievement Day in Spring Valley.
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The Oglesby City Council deliberated on a proposed “behavior-conduct” policy, initially presented by Commissioner Tony Stefanelli to align elected officials’ conduct with municipal employee standards. However, City Attorney Pat Barry raised concerns about language affecting free speech rights, emphasizing the need for thorough revisions. Mayor Jason Curran expressed support for a code of conduct but noted the absence of disciplinary measures and the unique status of elected officials. Consequently, the council unanimously decided to table the proposal for further refinement. In other business, Mayor Curran declared April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, underscoring the importance of such initiatives. Additionally, Commissioner Terry Eutis commended the Oglesby Police Department for its handling of a recent domestic incident involving the seizure of a modified pistol.
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The people who want to see Illinois move to a free-school-meal-for-all program say there’s plenty of support for their idea. The Healthy School Meals for All Kids coalition last week unveiled a poll that shows 64 percent of people in Illinois say kids should eat free at school, regardless of their parent’s income. Pollsters say 32 percent of people say only kids who need free meals should get them. The coalition is pushing lawmakers to expand Illinois’ school meal program. They say kids learn better when they have eaten a full meal. Critics are worried about the cost.
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Illinois lawmakers are challenging the use of Native American mascots or logos in K-12 schools. House Bill 5617, sponsored by State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, mandates schools to change such representations. Madolyn Wesaw, chairwoman for the Representation Board for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, advocates for Native control over their narrative. The bill prohibits selling items with banned mascots and removes logos from school property. Affected schools will select new mascots and refrain from using prohibited items. Megan Bang, from Northwestern University, highlights research showing harm to both native and non-native children from such mascots. West emphasizes bipartisan support for the bill, following consultations to ensure its alignment with intentions.
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A funeral and visitation will be held on Thursday in DeKalb for fallen DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil, open to the public. Public visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center. Sheriff Andy Sullivan expressed gratitude for the community’s support. Musil, a mother and Army National Guard veteran who served in Afghanistan, tragically lost her life while on duty in a collision. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support her children, raising $48,665 from 121 donations as of Monday evening.
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LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 80 East Bound near mile marker 92 on the 31st. During the traffic stop Deputies located and seized 100lbs of purported cannabis inside the offender’s vehicle. Deputies identified the vehicle’s driver as James B. Redmond (60yrs) of Rocky River Ohio. Redmond was charged with a Class X Felony of Trafficking Cannabis 5,000 grams or more and with a Class 1 Felony of Possession of Cannabis 5,000 grams or more. Redmond was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
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A Rocky River, Ohio man was arrested during a traffic stop near Ottawa on Sunday. Richard Young, 42, was apprehended on Boyce Memorial Drive at the entrance to the I&M Canal. He faces charges including residential burglary, possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of burglary tools. Young had previously served prison time for theft in 2008, though he was acquitted of residential burglary charges at that time. Additionally, a 41-year-old Streator man, William Bobokis, was arrested Friday night in Ottawa for felony retail theft.
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A Manlius man, Edward Miranda, 51, was indicted by the Bureau County Grand Jury for misdemeanor domestic battery and arrested on March 25, subsequently taken to Bureau County Jail. In La Salle County.
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Sandy Bakare, 59, of Streator, was arrested around 6 p.m. Sunday on a battery charge; the incident occurred in the 2400 block of North Bloomington Street. Bakare was cited and released with a notice to appear in an Ottawa courtroom. Additionally, a 14-year-old girl from Ottawa was cited for battery by Ottawa police on the same night.
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Destine D. Phillips, 24, of Chicago, facing allegations of trafficking around 2½ pounds of cocaine, was granted pre-trial release on Monday after a detention hearing at La Salle County Circuit Court. Prosecutors assert she was transporting 1,180 grams (2.6 pounds) of cocaine seized during a Friday traffic stop on Interstate 80 near La Salle. If convicted, Phillips could receive a 15 to 60-year prison sentence with no probation, obligated to serve 75% of it. Assistant State’s Attorney Laura Hall sought detention, citing the significant drug volume and Phillips’ criminal record, including a prior murder conviction from her juvenile years. Defense attorney Hallie Bezner argued for release, highlighting Phillips’ clean record since release and minimal flight risk. The judge declined detention, considering the nature of Phillips’ previous offense as a juvenile. Phillips is scheduled for arraignment on April 18.
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25-year-old Nicholas B. Persinger of Streator was picked up by Streator Police Monday evening in the 200 block of Grove Street. He was wanted on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear in court. Persinger was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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No injuries resulted from a single-vehicle accident in Farm Ridge Township after 4 p.m. Monday. LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies say 49-year-old-old Rebecca Simons of Grand Ridge was eastbound on North 19th Road when she drove off the roadway, onto the north shoulder, and struck a mailbox at 1779 North 19th Road. Simons was cited for failure to give information after striking property and failure to report an accident to a police authority. Simons was released with a court date.
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A 23-year-old Spring Valley man has charges from Peru Police for two counts of domestic battery and one count of interfering with the reporting of domestic battery. Eric P. Sobin was arrested Sunday morning in the 900 block of 4th Street and taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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33-year-old Ryan Carter of Ottawa was stopped by Peru Police Wednesday at 16th Street and Mall Road on two outstanding LaSalle County warrants for failure to appear in court on charges of driving on a suspended license and burglary. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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WEATHER:
From the National Weather Service for LaSalle County, Flood warning until April 6th at 3 am.
Tuesday
Rain, mainly after 10 am. Temperature falling to around 41 by 5 pm. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
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Tuesday Night
A chance of rain before 1 am, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
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OBITUARIES:
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 from the Knights of Columbus.
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Bill A. Bernardoni, 73, of Seneca, formerly of Ottawa, went home to Jesus on Friday, March 29th, in Peoria. Visitation will be at Ottawa Funeral Home on Friday, April 5th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 10:00a.m at Fox River Lutheran Church in Sheridan.
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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
Gateway Legacy Christian 5, St. Bede 2 (9 inn.): The Bruins opened their spring break trip Monday with an extra-inning loss in Granite City, Ill.
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GIRLS SOCCER
Morris 3, La Salle-Peru 0: The Cavaliers dropped an Interstate 8 Conference game in Morris.
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PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS:
The White Sox remain winless following a 9-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Guaranteed Rate Field. The game was called after eight innings due to rain. Chicago managed just three hits in the losing effort, two of which came off the bat of Yoan Moncada. Chris Flexen was charged with his first loss after surrendering four runs on six hits and three walks over four-and-a-third innings. The 0-and-4 Southsiders send Garrett Crochet to the mound against the Braves tonight with a 6 pm pre-game and 6:40 pm first pitch.
In other club news, the Sox signed starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to a one-year contract yesterday.
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The Cubs held the Colorado Rockies to just three hits during a 5-0 win at Wrigley Field. Shota Imanaga tossed a gem in his MLB debut, striking out nine and allowing just two hits over six scoreless innings to earn the win. Cody Bellinger drove in two during the victory, while Christopher Morel stretched a single into a Little League home run thanks to a pair of Rockies errors to open the scoring in the sixth. The 2-and-2 Cubs send Javier Assad to the mound against the Rockies tonight.
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The Bulls cooled off after a fast start during a 113-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at United Center. The Bulls led by 11 early in the first quarter before giving the lead back to Atlanta before the second. Chicago never led after halftime and trailed by as many as 17 points in the second half. DeMar DeRozan poured in 31 points in the losing effort, while Coby White finished with 22. Chicago is just a half-game ahead of Atlanta for ninth place in the Eastern Conference at 36-and-40. The Bulls host the Knicks on Friday.
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The Blackhawks will try to get a winning streak going when they visit the New York Islanders at UBS Arena tonight. The Hawks are coming off a 5-1 road rout over the Philadelphia Flyers last Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 49 points and a 22-47-and-5 record. Tonight’s game begins at 6:30 PM.
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Former Illinois Fighting Illini football player Vontae Davis has died. Police said the body of the 35-year-old was found in a South Florida home yesterday morning. Foul play is not suspected. Davis intercepted seven passes during his three-year stint with the Illini from 2006 until 2008. He went into the NFL and played ten seasons between the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. While playing for the Bills, he retired during halftime of a regular season game against the Miami Dolphins in September 2018.