A firearm was discovered in a locker at Ottawa High School on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in two students being given juvenile referrals by the police. The student suspected of bringing the weapon into the school, along with another student who was believed to have knowledge of it, was taken to the Ottawa Police Department for further investigation. Following the investigation, both students were given juvenile referrals for unlawful use of a weapon, as they were found to be in possession of the same firearm. The student suspected of bringing the weapon into the school was taken to the La Salle County Juvenile Detention Facility, while the other student was released to their parent. Superintendent Michael Cushing issued a statement to parents within the district, informing them of the situation. Cushing emphasized that, based on the information available at the time, it appears to be an isolated incident. The Ottawa Police Department also stated that the incident is believed to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the students, staff, or community. The matter remains under investigation by the OTHS administration and the Ottawa Police Department, with assistance from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office. Information on the incident was not sent out to parents until well after the school day had ended at around 5 pm.
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EPA workers were conducting cleanup and sampling efforts in La Salle when a man emerged from a home on the 1000 block of 3rd Street, raising alarm by carrying an assault rifle. The man, speaking in both Spanish and English, reportedly pointed the firearm at the ground while addressing the workers. Authorities responded to the scene, interviewing a 53-year-old man who was later released, though charges are pending. He is expected to face felony counts of disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and obstructing identification.
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The Ottawa City Council took significant steps on Tuesday to advance several local projects, including soil remediation efforts and property annexation. The council authorized an agreement with Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental to assist in applying for a Brownfields grant aimed at remediating soil contamination at 429 W. Lafayette St. The property, believed to have once been a coal depot, has remained vacant for years. The council also approved the annexation of a property located at 2128 Fields Place, owned by Debra Norby. Following a public hearing with no objections, City Attorney Christina Cantlin explained that Norby sought annexation to address a failing sewer system and connect to city water and sewer services. With financial concerns resolved, the annexation was granted. The council approved several bids and requests, including a water main extension project, the purchase of a winter cover for Riordan Pool, an addendum to a mural agreement, and a request for a fundraiser event.
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Two individuals linked to a recent crime spree in Streator are now behind bars. Ashley Moats, 32, was ordered detained on Tuesday and faces up to seven years in prison for burglary, the most serious of multiple charges she faces in La Salle County Circuit Court. Streator police arrested Moats on Monday for trespassing and a failure-to-appear warrant, which led to the revocation of her pre-trial release. Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Alison Kerestes highlighted a string of missed court dates and multiple new charges Moats accrued shortly after previous releases. Judge Michael C. Jansz expressed concern over her continued offenses, noting that “GPS monitoring is generally the last line of defense.” Despite Moats’ attorney arguing for her release due to transportation and phone issues, the judge denied her request. Moats will return to court on Oct. 11 for further proceedings. Meanwhile, her alleged accomplice, Nicholas J. Huber, is also in custody, facing new burglary and aggravated battery charges. Local police have referred to the pair as “Bonnie and Clyde” in connection with a series of retail thefts and property crimes.
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A motorist involved in a single-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on U.S. 6 near the Illinois Cement entrance in La Salle was transported to a Peoria hospital with injuries. The crash occurred at 2:32 p.m. when a westbound vehicle, driven by 39-year-old Chad Ceretto of Peru, veered into the eastbound lane and struck a culvert. No immediate update on Ceretto’s condition was available. La Salle police stated that Ceretto would be cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid the accident.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the most common cancer diagnosed in women, aside from skin cancer. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The good news is that when detected early, most women can survive the disease. A mammogram, the screening test for breast cancer, can detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. To combat this, the LaSalle County Health Department offers free mammograms and Pap smears through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) grant. Women aged 21-64 residing in LaSalle or Grundy counties may qualify for free screenings. The program also assists insured women by helping cover deductibles. Take advantage of this life-saving opportunity. Early detection matters. Call (815) 433-3366 for more information on free screenings. Your health is important to you and your family.
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The LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is joining Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October to highlight the growing importance of online security. This year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” emphasizes critical behaviors such as creating strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, keeping software up to date, and recognizing phishing scams. LaSalle County EMA Director Fred Moore stressed that cybersecurity is a public safety issue, urging residents and businesses to enhance their digital defenses. Throughout October, the EMA will release educational videos and resources to help the community adopt better cybersecurity practices. For more details, visit the LaSalle County EMA website or download their smartphone app.
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Once again, Chicago is rated as the top big city in the country. Conde Nast Traveler magazine named the Windy City for the eighth year as the Best City in the U.S. San Diego came in second. Milwaukee, New Orleans, and Washington D.C. round out the top five. The magazine factored in architecture, museums, food, and nightlife when ranking the cities.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics says suspension or expulsion from school can have a devastating impact on mental health. Their study shows that suspension or expulsion for bad behavior can undermine the early childhood development of preschoolers. In older kids, it can take a toll on long-term mental health, leading to dropping out, alcohol and drug use, carrying a weapon, and run-ins with the law that lead to jail. The pediatrician’s group recommends increased access to mental health services for students and remote learning for kids who are suspended or expelled.
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Illinois families are encouraged to apply for utility bill assistance. Eligible families can receive bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. Income-eligible families can apply online or in person.
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FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Kewanee today. The center is designed to help residents kickstart their recovery after severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from July 13th through the 16th. Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance. The center will be located at the Henry County Office of Emergency Management on Walter Payton Memorial Highway.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. Light and variable wind becoming south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Shirley (Nelson) Hackler, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, September 29th, at her Pleasant View. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. TODAY, at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Burial will follow. Visitation will be held an hour before the time of service at the cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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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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LOCAL SPORTS:
On Monday the 7th Grade Lady Rams defeated Channahon 18-6.
Cam Lawsha has 7 points and 8 rebounds. The 7th grade is now 2-2.
The 8th grade Lady Rams defeated Channahon 18-14.
Kennedy Kane 8 pts 7 Rebounds, 7 steals – 8th Grade is now 4-0.
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Girls volleyball
LPHS 2, Ottawa 1
Streator 2, Herscher 0:
Mendota 2, Hall 0:
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Boys soccer
Reed-Custer 5, Streator 3: At Braidwood
Mendota 9, Dixon 2: in Dixon.
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Girls cross country
Ottawa places 8th at El Paso: At the El Paso-Gridley Invitational
Boys cross country
Ottawa finishes 10th at El Paso: At the El Paso-Gridley Invitational
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GIRLS SWIMMING
La Salle-Peru co-op 83, Morrison 11: the Cavaliers to a victory in La Salle.
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GIRLS TENNIS
Ottawa 9, Rochelle 0:
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You can find high school sports scores in our area on the WCMY Scorestream at 1430 wcmy.com/highschoolsports/
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Blackhawks surrendered five goals in the second period during a 7-2 preseason loss to the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. Jason Dickinson scored to give Chicago an early 1-0 lead, but the Wild scored the next six goals of the game. Connor Bedard also lit the lamp in the losing effort. The Hawks are 0-2-and-1 in exhibition play. Chicago hosts Minnesota on Friday.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
IVCC Men’s and Women’s Soccer
Both take on Harper College today and tonight at home in Oglesby.
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IVCC Women’s Tennis
The Lady Eagle lost to Moraine Valley in Streator.