On Monday afternoon, a fire erupted in a detached garage on Lafayette Street, a few blocks northeast of L-P High School, around 12:30 p.m. Firefighters from La Salle, Peru, and Utica quickly responded, finding the garage fully engulfed in flames. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire destroyed valuable items belonging to the homeowner, including a Mustang, a bike, a boat, and antique tools. Thick black smoke was visible, and neighbors reported minor explosions. The fire was contained to the garage and under control within 20 minutes, but it did cause some damage to the nearby two-story house. The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, along with local fire and police departments, is investigating the cause of the fire.
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On Monday, construction began on Anita Drive in Ottawa, covering the 100 and 200 blocks from La Salle Street to the end of the road. The water main work is anticipated to wrap up within a few weeks, with the city promising further updates as the project advances via Mayor Robb Hasty’s Facebook and through city announcements.
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In a press release from yesterday, Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) expressed her gratitude towards the Illinois State Police (ISP) for their swift action in arresting a DeKalb resident accused of threatening an assassination at the DeKalb Senior Health Fair. Following the recent failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, this politically motivated threat led to the decision to postpone the fair. While it was disappointing to delay the event, the safety of seniors, vendors, and staff remained the highest priority. Rezin commended law enforcement for their diligent response and looks forward to rescheduling the fair soon.
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USPS Letter Carriers held a rally yesterday after a postal worker was recently gunned down on Chicago’s South Side. Forty-eight-year-old Octavia Redmond was shot several times while on the job Friday near 121st and Harvard. The President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Elise Foster says more needs to be done. Yesterday’s rally was to show support for new legislation to better protect letter carriers. Meanwhile, the US Postal Inspection Service is offering a 250-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to the shooter’s arrest and conviction.
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Governor Pritzker is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Biden. The governor says Harris has proven that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country. He adds that she represents the Democratic Party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November. Pritzker’s endorsement comes after he had reportedly been considered a possible contender to replace Biden. His name has also been floated as a potential running mate to Harris.
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The public is being shown body-worn camera video of the deadly deputy-involved shooting of Sonya Massey earlier this month in Springfield. Massey’s father spoke about his daughter yesterday, the same day the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office released footage showing former Deputy Sean Grayson shooting the Black woman to death inside her home on July 6th. The incident happened after Massey called 911 to report a possible intruder. Grayson is yelling at Massey over moving a pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink. He then threatens to shoot her in the face and screams at her to drop the pot before he opens fire. Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct.
President Joe Biden is reacting to the deadly deputy-involved shooting of Sonya Massey. The president released a statement following the release of body camera footage yesterday showing Massey being shot and killed by former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson earlier this month at her Springfield home. Biden said Massey is a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman who should be alive today. The president said Massey’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that Black Americans often face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us don’t. He added that Sonya’s family deserves justice and commended the swift actions of the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct.
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U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is calling for the head of the Secret Service to step down. The Illinois Democrat called for the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle yesterday, the same day lawmakers on Capitol Hill grilled her about security failures surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump earlier this month. Durbin believes she will step down. During the congressional hearing, Cheatle said the July 13th shooting at a Pennsylvania rally was the “most significant operational failure” by the Secret Service in decades.
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The National Weather Service is reporting that last week’s severe weather in the Chicago area set a record. Forecasters confirmed an additional three tornadoes on July 15th, bringing the event total to 27. The new tornado confirmations are Maple Park, O’Hare Airport, and Country Club Hills. The 27 tornadoes surpass the previous record for the Chicago forecast area of 22 tornadoes set on June 30th, 2014, and March 31st, 2023.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding Illinois more than 430 million dollars. The funding will be used to implement projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA awarded just 25 grants totaling four-point-three-billion-dollars, with Illinois being the third largest award.
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No one is hurt following a rollover crash involving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on the Tri-State Tollway near Oak Brook. The accident happened yesterday on I-294 near Roosevelt Road. State police say the Wienermobile was heading north on the tollway when it hit a car, lost control, and rolled over. The right lane on northbound I-294 was shut down for more than an hour following the crash.
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The Hard Rock Casino Rockford is revealing the opening weekend lineup of performers. The Nielsen Trust, featuring Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, will perform on August 29th to an invitation-only crowd. Akon will take the stage on August 30th. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform August 31st and Brad Paisley will play September 1st. The casino features a two-thousand-seat Hard Rock Live venue for concerts and performances.
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WEATHER:
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 pm. Patchy fog before 8 am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south-southwest wind becoming west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 pm and 10 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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OBITUARIES:
Elizabeth “Betty” Klieber, 69, of Wenona, passed away at home on July 20th. Cremation rites have been accorded and there will not be any services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Michael J. Sipula III, 55 of Ottawa, died at home on July 15th after a brief illness. Funeral services for Michael J. Sipula III will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home.
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John V. Robinson passed away on the morning of July 22nd at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Center in Peoria, IL while surrounded by his children. A visitation for John Robinson will be held at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 24th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A memorial service for John Robinson will follow at 7:00 pm. As it was John’s wishes, Aqua Cremation rites will be accorded after.
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Duane Eugene Hagie, 65, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, July 20th at his home. A Memorial Service for Duane Eugene Hagie will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 26th, at Crossbridge Community Church. Memorial visitation for Duane Eugene Hagie will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Linda Kay (Larimer) Lindeman, 81, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, July 18th, at OSF St. Elizabeth in Ottawa. A Memorial Service for Linda Kay (Larimer) Lindeman will be held at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, August 3rd, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. Visitation for Linda Kay (Larimer) Lindeman will be before the service starting at 10:10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home Ottawa.
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SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are on an eight-game losing streak following a 4-3, ten-inning loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Paul DeJong hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth to give the Southsiders a one-run lead, but John Brebbia gave up a game-tying hit in the bottom of the inning before Steven Wilson surrendered the game-winning single in the ninth. Wilson was charged with his sixth loss in relief, while Tommy Pham homered in the losing effort. The Sox are in last place in the AL Central at 27-and-75. They send Garrett Crochet to the mound against Texas tonight.
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Hagen Smith is officially a member of the White Sox organization. The left-handed pitcher signed a contract with the team yesterday. Chicago selected Smith with the fifth overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft earlier this month. The Southsiders gave the former Arkansas ace an eight-million dollar signing bonus, which is the largest bonus for a southpaw in MLB Draft history. Smith went 9-and-2 with a 2.04 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 84 innings with the Razorbacks last season.
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The Cubs silenced the Brewers 3-1 to win their series opener from Wrigley. Ian Happ slugged a solo homer and Michael Busch tallied an RBI single. Drew Smyly earned the win in relief after Javier Assad was pulled following a six-walk performance over three-plus innings. Chicago has won three of its last five to stay fourth in the NL Central at 49-and-53. Jameson Taillon starts for the Cubs against Milwaukee tonight.