A woman was airlifted to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria Thursday afternoon after jumping from the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Ottawa, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 4:33 p.m. on the north end of the bridge, near the west sidewalk. Officials from the Ottawa Fire Department confirmed that the fall happened in a section of the bridge that is not located above the Illinois River and that the woman had landed on the concrete beneath the bridge. Both firefighters and Ottawa police responded to the scene to provide assistance. Details surrounding the circumstances of the fall remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released additional information at this time.
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Wednesday night around 8:45, Streator Police were dispatched to the 800 block of N. Everett St. in reference to a subject with a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, Officers observed a male who had sustained a single gunshot wound to his torso. A second subject on the scene was observed to have injuries to his face and lower extremities. Medical Aid was immediately provided to both subjects. Both Subjects were transported to OSF. Streator Police stress this was an isolated incident with no threat to the general public This is an ongoing investigation and more updates will be released as more information becomes available. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
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Ottawa is set to host a weekend packed with autumn excitement, kicking off with the annual Scarecrow Festival tomorrow. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Over 60 craft vendors and food trucks will be located around Washington Square Park and the Jordan Block. A chili cook-off in Washington Park will benefit the Community Food Basket of Ottawa with cups of the chili of your choice for $5.00 to be sold after 2:00 p.m. following the judging. The Ottawa American Legion Fall Festival will be happening in the alleys around the Legion building. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food options and live music throughout the day. The festival will offer plenty of fun for children as well, with pumpkin painting, crafts, and games available free of charge. One of the highlights of the event is the chance to stroll through downtown Ottawa and admire the creative, decorated scarecrows displayed by local participants. The Facebook page Ottawa Scarecrow Festival has detailed information about everything happening on Saturday. And, the festivities don’t end on Saturday as the City of Ottawa Special Events office presents the Fall Festival starting with a parade at Noon on LaSalle Street featuring vibrant floats and performers. From 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, the Jordan Block, Court Street, and Lincoln Place will feature vendors, food trucks, face painting, kids crafts, balloon artists, circus performers, a magician, a mini train, and the main stage in the Jordan Block will have music by the Outer Limits Band and a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers. Detailed information and maps can be found on the Facebook page Ottawa Fall Fest and Parade.
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During Thursday’s Marseilles Elementary School District 150 Board meeting, a proposal to raise the salary of school resource officer Eric Yacko was discussed. Marseilles Commissioner Melissa Small urged the board to increase Yacko’s salary to $65,000, aligning his pay with other officers in the region and state. Currently earning $42,000 annually, Yacko is praised for his dedication and positive influence on students. Small noted that the average salary for school resource officers in Illinois is $80,000, making Yacko’s current pay significantly lower. The board agreed to consider the proposal after further review.
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John Deere is responding to a threat made by former President Donald Trump. 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. The company said they aren’t moving production to Mexico, but are strategically leveraging their footprint in Mexico. John Deere added that less than five percent of U.S. sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 were manufactured in Mexico.
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OSF HealthCare employees, in collaboration with OSF HealthCare Foundation, unveiled on Tuesday “Faith’s Closet,” a legacy project dedicated to the memory of Faith McNamara, an Emergency Department nurse who lost her courageous battle with cancer on August 10, 2023. ‘Faith’s Closet’ will continue her legacy by providing clothing to patients in need upon discharge from the Emergency Department. The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa and Peru, OSF Center for Health in Streator, the OSF HealthCare Foundation, as well as donations given to the OSF Foundation by Faith’s family and friends and the generous contribution of artwork from the Open Space Art Gallery & Studio.
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The infant mortality rate is down in Illinois according to the most recent data. The Illinois Department of Public Health released a new report that shows the statewide rate decreased to five-point-six deaths per one-thousand live births in 2021, compared to six-point-five per one-thousand in 2018. The Illinois infant mortality rate is slightly above the national rate.
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Champaign-Urbana health officials are reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus in Champaign County this year. The affected person is a Champaign resident in their 60s. They tested positive for the infection in September. Champaign County is the third county in Central Illinois to record at least one human case in 2024.
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A 21-year-old Marseilles man accused of killing his father may face a trial delay, with the possibility of a jury trial slipping into 2025. Logan Petre appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court on Tuesday for an unscheduled hearing on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder. The court set a status hearing for Oct. 31, as a mental health evaluation is still pending, making it unlikely the case will proceed this year. Petre, who was initially released on bond before allegedly killing his father, now faces additional charges for an inmate assault while in custody. His father, Leo Petre, died from asphyxiation following a beating in their Marseilles home on Father’s Day weekend. While mental health concerns have paused the legal timeline, the challenge of arranging witnesses as the holiday season nears raises further doubts about the trial taking place before year’s end. If convicted, Logan Petre could face a prison sentence ranging from 20 to 60 years, with the potential for additional penalties tied to other felonies.
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A Hennepin man has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor following a 2021 incident at the Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru, where he pulled a gun during a confrontation. 42-year-old Mark J. Judd originally faced a felony charge for unlawful use of a weapon, which could have carried a three-year prison sentence. However, the charge was reduced during a court hearing in La Salle County, and Judd was sentenced to two years of conditional discharge and 90 days in jail. Judd will begin serving his sentence on November 4th, with credit for time served. Surveillance footage confirmed Judd drew his weapon after being approached by two men. Both men also faced charges in connection to the incident, with one pleading guilty to battery and the other’s assault charge dismissed.
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A Streator man has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to making threats against La Salle County judges and attorneys. 36-year-old Joseph A. Call entered his plea during a virtual court session on Thursday, with Associate Judge Brenda Claudio from Kankakee presiding. Local judges were recused from the case due to being targets of the threats. Call admitted to threatening three judges, the public defender, the state’s attorney, and two assistant state’s attorneys. The threats, which were made via social media on May 3rd and May 6th, sparked concern among local officials. Following the plea, most of those targeted declined to comment. However, La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro released a brief statement on behalf of himself and his two assistants, who were among those threatened.
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Another staff member at FCI Thomson prison is recovering after being exposed to an unknown substance. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says the staffer came into contact with the substance while picking up incoming mail yesterday. The employee was given Narcan and taken to the hospital for possible exposure. They have since been released. There have been three other similar incidents at the prison since August 18th.
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Mendota Police Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Meadowview Drive for a report of a disturbance. After a brief investigation, 60-year-old Dantonette T. Boston of Mendota was arrested for Battery. She was released with a notice to appear in court.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 12th St and Stroble Ave. As a result of that stop the driver, Tyler D Gulley of Mendota, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. The 28-year-old Gulley was released with a court date.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Breezy, with a northeast wind of 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Tonight
A 50 percent chance of rain after 1 am. Cloudy, with a low of around 63. Breezy, with a northeast wind of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Saturday
A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly before 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night
A 10 percent chance of rain before 7 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 63. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
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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. TODAY 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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Janet L. Simon, 93, of Ottawa, passed away September 24th, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. The visitation will take place Tuesday, October 1st, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Ottawa Funeral Home. At 11:00 am the prayer service will be officiated by Pastor Jennifer Amy-Dressler.
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Chad Allen Elliott Abram, 34, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, September 24th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5th, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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HS SPORTS:
FOOTBALL
Tonight: Ottawa at Sycamore at 7 pm
Saturday: Marquette at St. Bede at 1 pm
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Boys golf
Ottawa 155, Mendota 171: At the Mendota Golf Club
Streator finishes 2nd at Pontiac: At The Oaks at River’s Edge Golf Course
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Girls volleyball
Henry-Senachwine 2, Marquette 0: At Bader Gym
Willmington 2, Streator 0: At Streator
Serena 2, Hinckley-Big Rock 0: At Hinckley
Newark 2, IMSA 0: At Newark
Indian Creek 2, Leland 0: At Leland
Bureau Valley 2, Mendota 0: At Leland
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BOYS SOCCER
Mendota 8, Sterling 0:
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PRO SPORTS:
The White Sox continue to evade being on the wrong side of history after shutting out the Angels 7-0 to sweep their three-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field. Chris Flexen picked up the victory after striking out seven batters over six and a third scoreless innings. Andrew Vaughn and Lenyn Sosa each drove in a pair of runs. Chicago is now 39-and-120, still tied with the 1962 Mets for the most losses in the modern era. Garrett Crochet starts for the Southsiders against the Tigers tonight.
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The Chicago Cubs begin their final series of 2024 when they host the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field today. The Cubs are coming off a series loss to the Phillies earlier this week. Chicago is in second place in the NL Central at 81-and-78.
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Former Bulls star Derrick Rose is retiring after 16 seasons. The ex-MVP recently asked the Memphis Grizzlies to let him out of the final year of his contract earlier this week. Rose told ESPN that knowing he gave his all to the game, he feels confident in his decision. He was the number one overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, won the Rookie of the Year the same season, and was an All-Star the next three seasons while with the Bulls.
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The Chicago Blackhawks look for their first preseason win when they visit the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena tonight. The Blackhawks lost to Detroit at home 4-2 on Wednesday. Chicago is off to a 0-and-1 start in exhibition play. Tomorrow’s contest gets underway at 6:00 PM.
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Two former first-overall picks are set to square off on Sunday when the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Chicago selected rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his career has gotten off to a shaky start. The 22-year-old has completed under 60 percent of his passes for 630 yards and two touchdowns but has also tossed four interceptions. Chicago is currently last in the NFC North at 1-and-2. Sunday’s game kicks off at noon.
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The Chicago Sky are parting ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. The team reportedly fired the coach after finishing the season 13-and-27 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Star rookie Angel Reese took to X to say she was “heartbroken” upon learning of Weatherspoon’s firing.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish go for their third win in a row when they host number-17 Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium tomorrow. The Irish are coming off a 28-3 win over Miami of Ohio last weekend. Notre Dame is off to a 3-and-1 start this season. The Irish are 2-and-2 all-time against the Cardinals. Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 2:30 PM Central time.
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The number-21 Illinois Fighting Illini look to stay undefeated when they visit number-eight Penn State at Beaver Stadium tomorrow. The Illini took down Nebraska 31-24 in overtime last Friday. Illinois is 4-and-0 overall and 1-and-0 in the Big Ten. Penn State has won four of its last five games against the Illini. Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 6:30 PM.
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In other college football action this weekend, Northern Illinois visits NC State, and Illinois State hosts North Dakota State.
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WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Highland 3, IVCC 0: The Eagles lost in an Arrowhead Conference match in Oglesby.