LaSalle police are searching for 27-year-old Tony Sander, wanted on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated assault. The confrontation with Sander began on September 7th, when LaSalle Police officers responded to reports of a man on a bicycle wielding a large butcher knife near 3rd and Gooding streets, threatening bystanders. Sander allegedly fled, first on his bike and then on foot, evading police, though the knife was recovered. Another incident occurred last Thursday on Crosat Street, where officers encountered Sander again, this time reportedly approaching an officer with a knife. After being threatened with a Taser, Sander eventually dropped the weapon. He is believed to be homeless, and authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the La Salle Police Department.
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The Illinois Veterans’ Homes in Anna and Manteno are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff. As of yesterday, 17 residents and seven staff at the Anna facility have tested positive for the virus, while 15 residents and nine staff tested positive at the Manteno facility. The majority of cases have presented mild symptoms. The Homes follow CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health infection control guidelines.
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Former President Donald Trump is threatening John Deere. During a campaign event Monday night in Pennsylvania, the Republican Presidential nominee said if the Moline-based farming company moved their manufacturing business to Mexico, he would put a 200-percent tariff on everything they sell in the U.S. His comments come after John Deere announced in June that they plan to relocate some production lines in Dubuque to Mexico by 2026.
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The LaSalle County Treasurer’s Offices says the deadline for paying 2024 real estate and mobile home taxes is fast approaching, with critical dates for taxpayers to note. Any unpaid taxes must be received by the Treasurer’s Office by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th, or a $10 certified letter fee will be added. After Thursday, the penalty interest accrues monthly: after the 11th for the first installment and after the 9th for the second, with mobile home penalties set at $100. Personal checks and e-checks will be accepted until Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, after which only cash, certified funds, money orders, or credit cards will be accepted. Taxes not paid by Friday, October 11, 2024, will result in the taxpayer’s name being published the following week. The final deadline to pay taxes is Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, with payments due in the office by 4:30 p.m. Any unpaid real estate and mobile home taxes will be sold at auction on Thursday, November 14th, 2024.
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More former juvenile detainees are making claims that they were sexually abused at youth centers across Illinois. Three new lawsuits brought by more than two hundred plaintiffs describe a culture of sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers between 1996 and 2021. The suits detail allegations of rape, battery, and emotional abuse by correctional officers, teachers, chaplains and others. This is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed this past year.
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A LaSalle County grand jury has indicted two Streator residents in separate felony cases, with both facing significant prison time. Ashley N. Moats, 32, could receive up to seven years behind bars after being charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and felony retail theft, a Class 3 felony, following allegations of theft from local stores and unlocked vehicles. Moats previously warned her pre-trial release was at risk, and is set to appear in court on October 1. Meanwhile, Nicholas J. Huber, 36, was indicted on two new charges—burglary and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon—after allegedly using a metal bar to strike a man. Huber, currently in custody, faces arraignment on October 3 and is also accused of violating pre-trial release conditions in an unrelated case.
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Oglesby man could face up to three years in prison after allegedly firing shots at the feet of two men during a heated argument on September 16. 22-year-old Jesus Rosas Nava was indicted on Tuesday on two felony counts of reckless discharge of a firearm. According to La Salle County court records, the incident occurred in the early hours of September 16th at the intersection of Spring and Walnut streets, where Rosas Nava reportedly pulled out a 9mm semiautomatic weapon and fired. No injuries were reported, and the firearm was recovered at the scene. Rosas Nava, who has been granted pre-trial release, is scheduled for arraignment on Friday before Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr., with representation by a public defender.
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A La Salle County grand jury convened on Tuesday, September 24th, returning multiple indictments across a range of charges. 18-year-old Thomas S. Mayes of Leland was indicted for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. Tony M.
Wright, 20, of Spring Valley, faces robbery charges. 19-year-old Stacy T. Smith of East Moline was indicted on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm with defaced identification marks. Matthew R. Shick, 36, of Plano, was indicted for unlawful possession and delivery of methamphetamine. And, 46-year-old Jennifer R. Bartolucci, Ottawa faces charges of domestic battery and aggravated battery.
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29-year-old Alexandra C. Freeman of Ottawa is charged by Ottawa Police with domestic battery following an incident early Wednesday in the 600 block of East McKinley Road.
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Guelmi A. Escobar-Ortiz of Peru is charged with theft of over $500 in value. Ottawa Police made the arrest Tuesday at the Kohl’s distribution center.
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29-year-old Austin J. Lubek of Marseilles is charged by Ottawa Police with retail theft. Lubek was arrested Tuesday in the 1500 block of Columbus Street.
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Jeremiah Kindermann of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Monday in the 400 block of West McKinley Road on a charge of felony retail theft.
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An Ottawa man was picked up by Ottawa Police Monday on a failure to appear warrant. 25-year-old Damon Ward was arrested at Jefferson and Chestnut Streets.
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WEATHER:
Today
Patchy fog before 8 am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming north-northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Clear, with a low of around 51. Calm wind.
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OBITUARIES:
Rose Mary Eschbach died peacefully in her home on July 6th, at the age of 96. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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HS SPORTS:
FOOTBALL
Friday: Ottawa at Sycamore at 7 pm
Saturday: Marquette at St. Bede at 1 pm
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VOLLEYBALL
Morris 2, Ottawa 1: at Kingman Gym.
La Salle-Peru 2, Sycamore 0: in Sycamore.
Kewanee 2, Mendota 0: in Mendota.
Hiawatha 2, LaMoille 0: in LaMoille.
Newark 2, DePue 0: in DePue.
Lisle 2, Streator 0: At Lisle
Somonauk 2, Serena 1: At Somonauk
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BOYS SOCCER
Mendota 9, Princeton 0: in Mendota
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Girls golf
Ottawa 4th at I-8 Meet: At Sycamore Country Club
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Cross country
Ottawa girls and boys win at Catlin: At Catlin Park.
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox avoided being on the wrong side of history for at least one more day after topping the Angels 3-2 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Prelander Berroa was credited with the win after striking out two and allowing one run over an inning of relief. Justin Anderson secured his first save of the season after striking out one without allowing a run in the top of the ninth. Andrew Benintendi went two for four with the go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the eighth. Chicago is now 37-and-120. The Southsiders send Davis Martin to the mound against the Angels tonight. We will have a 6 pm pre-game.
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The Cubs got a signature performance from a star player during a 10-4, blowout win over the Phillies from Citizens Bank Park. Cody Bellinger went three-for-five with four RBI. Nico Hoerner also tallied three hits while Seiya Suzuki knocked in a pair of runs. Drew Smyly earned the win in relief as Chicago has won four of six to remain second in the NL Central at 81-and-77. The Northsiders send Javier Assad to the mound against the Phillies tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks begin preseason play when they host the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off back-to-back last-place finishes in the Central Division. Chicago is looking to get back in the postseason for the first time since 2020. Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bears are adding some depth at tight end. The team signed Stephen Carlson from its practice squad to its active roster yesterday. Carlson has been in the NFL since 2019. He appeared in one game with the Bears last season and didn’t record a catch. Carlson and the Bears host the Rams on Sunday.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Black Hawk 3, IVCC 1: The Eagles lost an Arrowhead Conference match in Moline.