The Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board has given the green light to a request to postpone the approval of plans to close OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa and construct a new hospital across the street. The board has agreed to a 6-month delay to allow OSF HealthCare to continue discussions with the city of Ottawa leaders. OSF and the city issued a joint press release earlier this month indicating that they are continuing their discussions. Ottawa Mayor Robert Hasty has stated that “all signs point to a continued partnership.” In March, OSF unveiled its plans to demolish the existing hospital in Ottawa and build a new facility across the street. However, the new facility would have fewer beds and would not provide OB and ICU services, which would be relocated to Peru. These proposed changes faced opposition from the leadership of the city of Ottawa and others.
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The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved the change of ownership for KSB Hospital in Dixon. Earlier this year, KSB’s Board of Directors decided to explore affiliation options to secure the future of their hospital. There has been no mention yet of what the name of the new OSF hospital in Dixon will be. Katherine Shaw Bethea, or KSB Hospital, has been in Dixon since 1897.
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A medical helicopter landed outside Starved Rock State Park on Friday afternoon to assist an injured motorcyclist. A 53-year-old man from Bureau County struck another vehicle at about 3:30 p.m. at the entrance to Grand Bear Lodge on Route 178. The rider was reportedly breathing but unresponsive. Dispatchers indicated that he hadn’t been wearing a helmet. The Life Flight helicopter airlifted the motorcyclist to OSF St. Francis in Peoria in critical condition. We are still waiting on a full press release from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office.
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A quick reminder from a story we had on Friday; Illinois DMV facilities are shifting their hours throughout the state today. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that facility operating hours will change to align with higher customer demand in the morning. Illinois DMV locations will now be open to customers Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., half an hour earlier than the previous hours. Facilities that offer services on Saturday will also change hours from 7:30 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays.
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Ottawa’s Lincoln Elementary School preschool program has been awarded the prestigious Gold Circle of Quality by ExceleRate Illinois, the highest distinction available for early childhood education programs. The Illinois State Board of Education conducted a thorough review of the preschool last year. During an on-site visit, state officials evaluated various aspects of the program, including its curriculum, learning environment, and teacher-student interactions. Following the review, the school was granted the top rating, highlighting its commitment to providing high-quality education for its youngest learners. The Gold rating serves as a mark of excellence, reflecting the preschool’s dedication to nurturing student growth and development.
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OTTAWA WATER DEPARTMENT FLUSHING SCHEDULE FOR TODAY
– Hydrants south of Illinois Avenue and west of Leland to the Illinois River.
– Hydrants on Phelps Street from Boyce Memorial Drive to Elm Street, Cactus Street, Vine Street, Fern Street, and Pilkington.
Tuesday, September 24:
– Hydrants on the east side located between the Fox and Illinois Rivers, including Canal Road.
Wednesday, September 25:
– Downtown/Columbus & LaSalle Streets
– Heritage Harbor
Thursday, September 26:
– Hydrants from Hitt Street south to College Avenue from State Street west to City limits.
Friday, September 27:
– South of Illinois River from State Street east to City limits and south to Watson Street.
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Building service workers at the University of Illinois are planning to strike this morning. Service Employees International Union Local 73 says its members hit the picket lines at 7:00 a.m. The work stoppage comes after the union and university failed to reach an agreement Friday following months of negotiations.
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Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is reporting to federal prison today. Burke is beginning a two-year sentence. The sentence comes after he was found guilty of racketeering, bribery, and extortion charges. The longest-serving alderman in Chicago history was accused of corruptly soliciting 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.
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A former priest at Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford is accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. Father Matthew DeBlock is under investigation. The Diocese of Rockford says the crime took place while DeBlock served at Boylan from 2012 to 2014. DeBlock has been removed from all ministries while the investigation by civil and church authorities takes place. He has also resigned as associate pastor at St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles.
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La Salle police officer attempted to pull over a 24-year-old man for traffic violations near Edwards Avenue and Creve Coeur late Friday night. Instead of stopping, the driver fled south on Creve Coeur, leading officers on a brief pursuit lasting four blocks. Minutes later, authorities discovered the car had crashed into a tree at the intersection of Gunn and Creve Coeur. According to the police report, the driver tried to flee the scene on foot but was hindered by his injuries. Officers provided immediate first aid, and paramedics soon arrived. Both the driver and a 49-year-old passenger were airlifted to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria for treatment of serious injuries. A third passenger was treated at the scene and later released. The driver is expected to face multiple charges in connection with the incident.
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In LaSalle County Court Friday, 26-year-old Matthew Spayer pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse and was sentenced by Judge Cynthia Raccuglia to 3 years in prison. Initially, he was charged with dissemination of a non-consensual image, criminal sex abuse, and criminal sexual assault in the summer of 2022. Prosecutors stated that he shared videos showing him making sexual contact with a victim who was asleep and unable to consent.
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A 17-year-old faces charges following an investigation into ATM skimmers in Geneseo. Geneseo police began an investigation over the last week into skimmers being placed onto ATM machines throughout central Illinois. The devices allow someone to obtain account information from the chip on the card. Officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle approach an ATM where a skimming device was previously located by bank officials. The teen was arrested after attempting to flee in the vehicle.
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24-year-old Ramiro Perez-Morales of Ottawa is charged by Ottawa Police with criminal damage to property after an incident Saturday in the 1900 block of LaSalle Street.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop at IL RT 23 and N 42nd Rd. Saturday around 1:00 am. The driver, 30-year-old Ernesto Quijas of Mendota, was cited with operating an uninsured motor vehicle
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WEATHER:
Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 72. East-northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. East-northeast wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
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OBITUARIES:
James “Jim” F. Duff, 70, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, September 18th, at his home, surrounded by family.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Judith Lorene Soulsby, 80, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, September 19th, at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa and the church, one hour before the service, on Tuesday. Burial will take place at St. Andrews Cemetery, on a later date.
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Raymond E. Voyles, 85, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, September 21st at La Salle County Nursing Home. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September, 24th, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25th.
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HS SPORTS:
FOOTBALL
Marquette 26, Dwight 21:
Kaneland 49, Ottawa 20:
Manteno 49, Streator 8:
Morris 52, LPHS 14:
Seneca 36, St.Bede 12:
Monmouth-Roseville 49, Mendota 10:
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BOYS SOCCER
Ottawa 9, DePue-Hall 0: at Ottawa.
Mendota 8, Somonauk 1: in Somonauk.
Earlville 3, Yorkville Christian 1: At Earlville
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Girls tennis
Streator came in second place at the unofficial Illinois Central Eight Conference Tournament, which was hosted and won by Coal City. Morris finished in third place, and Lisle also participated in the tournament.
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PRO SPORTS:
No team in modern MLB history has lost more games than the 2024 Chicago White Sox. The Sox suffered their 120th loss in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Padres at Petco Park yesterday. With the loss, Chicago matched the 1962 Mets for most losses in a modern MLB season with 120. The Southsiders have six more chances to break the record. They host the Angels tomorrow.
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Chicago Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 5-0 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs improved to 80-and-76 but were already eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the weekend. Nate Pearson starts for the Northsiders against Philadelphia tonight.
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The Chicago Bears turned the ball over three times during a 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The 1-and-2 Bears host the Rams in Week Four.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish held Miami of Ohio to 229 yards of offense during a 28-3 win at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday. The Irish improved to 3-and-1. They host number 17 Louisville this Saturday.
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The number-21 Illinois Fighting Illini remain undefeated following a 31-24 overtime win against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Friday. Illinois ranks 21st in the latest college football coaches poll. The ranking comes after the Fighting Illini defeated Nebraska 31-24 in overtime Friday night in Lincoln. Illinois improved to 4-and-0. The Illini remains on the road to take on number eight Penn State this Saturday night.
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The Northwestern Wildcats couldn’t get their offense going during a 24-5 loss to Washington at Husky Stadium on Saturday. The 2-and-2 Wildcats host Indiana on October 5th.
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In other college football action over the weekend, Northern Illinois lost to Buffalo in overtime 23-20, and Illinois State crushed Eastern Illinois 31-7
WOMEN’S SOCCER
IVCC 5, Kankakee 2: in Kankakee.
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MEN’S SOCCER
IVCC 0, Kankakee 0: in Kankakee.
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WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
IVCC went 1-1 at the Region IV Crossover Tournament at Waubonsee College