The Streator Police Department is investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
At approximately 3:20 a.m., officers responded to a report of multiple gunshots at an apartment building near Bridge and Colorado Streets. Upon arrival, police discovered shell casings and evidence of a gunshot victim. Shortly afterward, OSF Streator informed authorities that a man had arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim was later transferred to OSF Peoria with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting occurred following a party at one of the residences. It is believed that multiple individuals fled the scene after shots were fired. Police are urging anyone with information or home video footage that may assist in the investigation to come forward. Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
In a separate incident, gunfire damaged a vehicle and a residence in the area of Kent and Everett Streets between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m. on Monday. The complainant reported to police that bullets struck and damaged his 1998 model vehicle and that the shots passed through the vehicle, hitting his residence as well. Although some neighbors reported hearing loud noises around the time of the shooting, none contacted the police immediately. The incident was not reported until approximately five hours later. Authorities are continuing to investigate both incidents and are asking the public for any information that may help in identifying those responsible.
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A shooting near the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb left two people injured and sparked a police investigation on Monday morning. According to DeKalb police, the shooting unfolded in the 700 block of North Annie Glidden Road. DeKalb police, NIU campus police, and DeKalb County deputies were all called to the scene following reports of gunfire in the area at around 11:10 a.m. Police arrived on the scene and found a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman who had both suffered gunshot wounds to their torsos. Officers said they believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic disturbance between the two and added that neither are NIU students. Authorities said the two were transported to a nearby hospital where they were then airlifted to another facility for treatment. Both individuals were listed in serious condition. In a Facebook post shared by DeKalb police around 11:43 a.m., officers had asked the public to avoid the area amid the investigation, but police have since described the incident as isolated and said there is no threat to the public. Officers said an investigation is currently underway and no arrests have been made.
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The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a hit-and-run incident that occurred Saturday evening near Ladd, Illinois. Authorities are searching for a white SUV believed to be involved in the crash, which left a bicyclist injured and hospitalized. According to officials, the suspect vehicle was last seen traveling on West Cleveland Street, heading out of Ladd just before 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Ladd Police Department, in a Facebook post made late Sunday morning, reported that the collision took place on 1600 North Avenue, roughly a mile west of the village limits. At this time, details regarding the condition of the injured bicyclist have not been released. The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the vehicle or the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
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Tri-DENT Agents, in collaboration with the La Salle Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 600 block of Peru Street, just a few blocks from La Salle-Peru High School. During the search, authorities uncovered approximately 348 grams of suspected cannabis, 42 ecstasy tablets, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 160 rounds of ammunition, and various items linked to drug packaging and sales, according to a statement from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team. 35-year-old Nicholas R. Milby of Peru was taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges. These include armed habitual criminal and armed violence. Milby is also charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Milby is being held in the La Salle County Jail where he awaits a detention hearing.
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The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has announced the indictment of 30-year-old Brandon Swiskoski on multiple charges, including five counts of possession of child pornography and one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Swiskoski is currently being held in the Bureau County Jail, with a court date scheduled for October 23rd. The investigation, initiated after a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, involved the collaborative efforts of the Spring Valley Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Attorney General’s investigative team. Authorities allege that child sexual abuse material was discovered on Swiskoski’s cellphone, leading to his arrest last
Wednesday. In 2020, he was sentenced to six years in prison in La Salle County on similar charges of possession of child pornography.
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The new playground and splash pad at Peck Park on Ottawa’s southside will be temporarily closed today and Wednesday as crews complete the final touches in preparation for the grand opening. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday. The newly renovated playground boasts equipment designed for climbing, sliding, and creative play, providing children with a variety of options to enjoy, according to a statement from local officials. The splash pad, a central feature of the project, is expected to be a popular attraction for kids of all ages. The project, which represents a significant $1.1 million investment in the community, has already seen the completion of several key upgrades. These include paving and concrete work for the tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, an expanded parking lot, and freshly laid asphalt on the access road from McKinley Road. Peck Park, at the south end of State Street, should be open with its upgraded facilities later this week.
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The Illinois Department of Transportation says major construction on Interstate 39 through La Salle County is set to begin today. The extensive project will involve patching 36 miles of I-39, stretching from the Marshall County line to just south of the Lee County line. Key work will include joint and pothole repairs along this crucial highway corridor. Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures throughout the project which is slated for completion by November.
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A new report shows labor union participation is down in Illinois. The State of the Unions 2024 report says between 2014 and 2023, Illinois’ unionization rate dropped by two-point-three-percentage points. The survey says there are several factors for the decline, including the economy transitioning away from manufacturing towards highly paid but low-union-density careers like management, business, and financial occupations. Public sector employment also fell by 32 thousand jobs over the decade.
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A staff member at the federal prison in Thomson is hospitalized after being exposed to what was believed to be amphetamines. Federal employees at Local 4070 say the prison was locked down following the incident yesterday. The officer had an adverse reaction and required a life-saving dose of Narcan before being taken to the hospital. The incident comes just two weeks after another Correctional Officer was exposed to drugs and given Narcan.
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A Streator woman was arrested following an incident at the Walmart in Streator. Valerie M. Wleklinski was taken into custody on charges of retail theft. She was released with a notice to appear in court.
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Mendota Police Department arrested 31-year-old Conor E. Shukstor of Mendota after he turned himself in at the station regarding a Grundy County Failure to Appear Warrant for Driving While License Suspended. Shukstor was released with a court date.
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Ottawa is gearing up for the return of Oktoberfest, set to take place on September 21st in the heart of downtown, at the Jordan Block. This highly anticipated annual fall festival promises a day filled with activities and food. Festivalgoers can look forward to a lively atmosphere featuring a beer garden, live music, and an array of traditional contests including a Stein hoisting competition, a yodeling contest, and the ever-popular wiener dog races.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south-southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low of around 50. East wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
None at this time
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HS SPORTS:
Girls volleyball
Marquette places 2nd at Ridgeview:
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Ottawa finishes 3rd at their tournament:
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Boys golf
Ottawa earned 4th: at the TPC Deere Run.
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Boys soccer
Ottawa champs at Serena Invite: Ottawa went 3-0 to capture the championship Saturday.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox have lost 11 consecutive games for the third time this season following a 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. The Southsiders are in last place in the AL Central at 31-and-108. Nick Nastrini starts for the Sox against the O’s tonight. In other club news, starting pitcher Drew Thorpe will miss the rest of the season due to an elbow injury. The White Sox continue to make history for their poor play. It was the 108th loss of the season for Chicago, which broke the franchise record for defeats in a single season. The Sox are on pace to break the modern Major League Baseball record for losses, which was 120 set by the 1962 Mets.
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The Chicago Cubs blew a late three-run lead during a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. The Cubs led 3-0 entering the top of the eighth before giving up four runs to give Pittsburgh the win. Jorge Lopez was tagged for all for runs and charged with his third loss in relief. Jameson Taillon gave up just three hits over seven shutout innings in the no-decision, while Dansby Swanson hit his 13th home run of the season. The Cubs remain three-and-a-half games out of the final NL Wild Card spot at 71-and-67. Kyle Hendricks takes the mound for Chicago against Pittsburgh tonight after Justin Steele was scratched from his expected start with an injury.
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The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of the regular season. The team will spend the week practicing for their home game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Bears are trying to rebound from a 7-and-10 2023 season which saw them miss the postseason for the third year in a row. The Bears used the number-one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to pick quarterback Caleb Williams, who will start this Sunday’s game. The contest begins at noon. Caleb Williams is taking on a leadership role during his first season in the NFL. The Bears rookie quarterback was named as one of eight captains for the team yesterday. Williams joins tight end Marcedes Lewis and Cole Kmet, wide receiver DJ Moore, linebackers TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and safety Kevin Byard as Bears captains for the 2024 season. The number-one overall pick will lead his team into battle against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
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The Chicago Sky aims to avoid their seventh loss in a row when they visit the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena tonight. The Sky are coming off a 79-74 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. Chicago is tied with Atlanta for eighth place in the WNBA with an 11-and-21 record—tonight’s game tips off at 9:00 PM.
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