An investigation is underway after human remains were discovered at the site of the decommissioned Cherry Mine in Cherry, Illinois. The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office says the severely decomposed body was found Saturday. An autopsy will be performed to determine the identity of the deceased person and the cause of death. Cherry was the site of the 1909 Cherry Mine disaster that killed more than 250 men and boys.
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The La Salle County Board voted 20-7 on Monday to oppose OSF HealthCare’s plans to build a new hospital in Ottawa and move services to Peru, with board member Arratta Znaniecki (R-Ottawa) calling the loss of services “unacceptable.” An alternative proposal to form a committee to negotiate with OSF, suggested by Mike Kasap (D-La Salle), was rejected. OSF expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for modernized facilities and outpatient services. Despite support from La Salle city, Ottawa and Marseilles have also opposed OSF’s plans. Critics, including local officials and former healthcare professionals, argued the plan would negatively impact the region, citing reduced inpatient beds and longer transfer times for critical patients.
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The Pollution Control Board ruled in favor of the city of La Salle on Thursday, concluding a dispute over a settlement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the southern wastewater treatment plant. Residents had requested a February hearing, arguing they were not properly notified about the agreement and felt ignored at city meetings. However, the board found the agreement valid and dismissed many concerns as off-topic. The settlement, filed on November 13, 2023, includes a $5,740 fine, which the city must pay by July 8. The Illinois Pollution Control Board’s
June 6 order stated public comments did not object to the settlement but raised questions about potential violations and plant operations. The board emphasized its goal to enhance the environment and encourage settlements. Details of the hearing and related documents are available on the board’s website.
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Whiteside County health officials are reporting that a bird tested positive for West Nile virus. The dead bird was collected on May 31st near Sterling. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds and can then spread West Nile virus to humans and other animals through their bite.
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Health officials in Illinois are launching a new statewide initiative that expands gender-affirming care. The new Transgender and Gender Diverse Wellness and Equity Program equips organizations that currently serve LGBTQ-plus communities to increase their capacity to provide culturally and medically competent gender-affirming care. The Project of the Quad Cities will be participating.
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Former President Barack Obama is checking in on the construction of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. Obama visited the site yesterday in Jackson Park to mark a significant milestone in the project. The Museum Building, the tallest building on campus, has reached its full height of 225 feet. The former president also signed a piece of the building that will be part of the Sky Room ceiling. The complex is expected to open in 2026.
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Federal prosecutors are calling for a ten-year prison sentence for former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. Prosecutors argued for the prison term in a court memo filed yesterday, saying Burke abused and exploited his office by pursuing his own personal and financial interests for years. A federal jury found Burke guilty last December of racketeering, bribery, and extortion charges. Prosecutors say the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history corruptly solicited work for his private law firm from companies involved in redevelopment projects at the Old Main Post Office and a Burger King restaurant on the Southwest Side. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24th.
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An online auction of unclaimed property will be hosted from June 17 until June 21 by Illinois State Treasurer Micahel Frerichs. The auction will feature 100 lots of jewelry, coins, and currency. Featured items include an encased 1783 Spanish Milled Dollar, 5-series 1928 $5 redeemable-in-gold notes in consecutive order, and a 2001 American Buffalo proof with uncirculated silver dollars. To view a full list of auction items, visit ibid.illinois.gov/. Prospective bidders must register with iBid on their website.
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Illinois Valley Community College’s teen Career Exploration Camps series begins next week. The series features courses for 13-17-year-olds on agriculture, STEM, cybersecurity, healthcare, and welding. The courses aim to expose teens to potential
career paths and essential career skills in each field. To learn more and register for courses visit ivcc.edu/summercamp.
The man convicted of killing a Knox County Deputy in 2022 is objecting to the mandatory natural life sentence he faces. Daylon Richardson’s attorney made the objection in a motion filed yesterday in Henry County Court. Richardson was found guilty of murder in February. Prosecutors say he was being chased by law enforcement when he hit and killed Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist, who was setting up spike strips at Highway 150 and 150th Avenue in Henry County. His sentencing date is still to be determined.
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A trial is underway for former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Junior in Douglas County Kansas. Opening statements are expected today after jury selection took place yesterday. The Chicago native is on trial for rape and sexual aggravated battery charges. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman while attending a football game last September in Lawrence, Kansas. Experts believe Shannon could be a first-round pick in this month’s NBA Draft.
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The case of a shooting inside Mickey’s Massive Burritos in La Salle remains unresolved as 64-year-old Richard Venegas appeared in an Ottawa courtroom on Friday. Accused of felony reckless conduct causing great bodily harm after allegedly shooting and wounding his older brother, Mickey Venegas, last March, Richard Venegas remains out of custody. All parties have agreed to reconvene for another status hearing on July 26th. The incident left the elder Venegas seriously wounded, though he survived.
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Two juveniles, aged 12 and 14, from Streator, were arrested and referred to the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Juvenile Division following their involvement in burglaries. Streator police reported that the boys broke into a vape shop on North Bloomington Street early Wednesday morning, stealing products at 2 a.m. and again at 10 p.m. Surveillance footage and photos led to the identification and arrest of one of the suspects
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21-year-old Elijah Aguirre was arrested Sunday on the 300 block of Mason Street for violating a stalking no-contact order.
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A 38-year-old woman was arrested yesterday on a charge of aggravated domestic battery. Samantha Orozco was arrested in the 300 block of Lafayette St.
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WEATHER:
Today
A slight chance of sprinkles after 4 pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph.
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Tonight
A slight chance of sprinkles before 1 am, then a slight chance of showers after 1 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 63. South southwest wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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OBITUARIES:
Kenneth W. Damron, 69, of Marseilles, went home to the Lord on June 4th. A memorial service for Kenneth W. Damron will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial for Kenneth W. Damron will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation for Kenneth W. Damron will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 15th before the service at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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SPORTS:
White Sox Falter Late
The Chicago White Sox blew a late four-run lead during an 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The Southsiders were up 4-0 heading into the bottom of the eighth before Seattle scored four times to tie the game. In the bottom of the ninth, Cal Raleigh hit a walk-off grand slam to hand Chicago the loss. Jordan Leasure fell to 0-and-2 after surrendering the slam, while Luis Robert Jr. and Corey Julks both homered in the losing effort. The Sox are in last place in the AL Central at 17-and-50. They send Drew Thorpe to the mound against the M’s tonight.
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Cubs Visit Rays
The Chicago Cubs will try to get a winning streak going when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field tonight. The Cubs snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 on Sunday. Chicago is in second place in the NL Central at 32-and-34. Jameson Taillon mans the rubber for the Northsiders tonight. The first pitch is at 5:50 PM.
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Bears Sign TE Marcedes Lewis To One-Year Deal
The second-oldest player in the NFL is inking a new contract. Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis is set to enter his 19th NFL season after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears yesterday. The 40-year-old spent last season with Chicago, totaling four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. The former first-round pick spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before suiting up for the Green Bay Packers from 2018-to-2022. Lewis has 436 catches for 5,113 yards and 40 touchdowns in 268 career games.