A fire that broke out in South Ottawa Sunday afternoon just before 2:30 has been determined accidental, according to the Ottawa Fire Department. The blaze at 118 East Van Buren Street began in the downstairs kitchen when food and a wooden cutting board left on the stove were ignited. Officials say the family’s dog inadvertently turned on the stove while attempting to reach the food, sparking the fire. The family was not home at the time of the incident. One civilian, who had entered the burning home in an attempt to rescue the family’s dog, was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital by a family member. Firefighters found the dog in an upstairs closet, safely rescued it, and returned it to the family waiting outside. The dog was unharmed and reunited with its family. One firefighter was also treated on scene for a minor illness due to over-exertion but did not require any additional medical treatment.
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A smoke alarm in a Streator apartment complex alerted a resident to a fire on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to a bedroom and brought it under control within five minutes. No injuries were reported, but the apartment sustained moderate fire and smoke damage. The displaced residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is still under investigation. Nine firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, with support from other local agencies.
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A Palos Heights man was granted pre-trial release from custody Monday morning following an incident on Friday involving a reported hijacked vehicle on U.S. 6 near Marseilles. Responding to a report the stolen vehicle had crashed and was on fire, a Marseilles officer confronted Frank C. Lennon who failed to comply with the officer’s requests and attempted to walk past the officer. Lennon then attacked the officer as another Marseilles Police Officer arrived and assisted in taking Lennon into custody. Lennon has charges of criminal damage to state-supported property, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, two counts of aggravated resisting a peace officer, attempted motor vehicle theft of a police vehicle, and disarming a peace officer. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate investigation regarding the initial motor vehicle theft.
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Streator Police have detained a person of interest after a report of gunfire late Sunday night. The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on the 200 block of East Grove Street. A motorist repeatedly screeched their tires, which caught the attention of nearby residents and led to an altercation. According to the police, the individuals in the vehicle fired multiple shots at a residence on East Grove Street. The residents then chased the suspect vehicle, resulting in more gunfire as shots were fired at the pursuing vehicle. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the gunfire. The person of interest was taken into custody at 12:43 a.m. Monday and the investigation is ongoing. Police have mentioned that charges are pending but have not been filed as of 2:00 p.m. on Monday. This incident comes after multiple reports of gunfire early Saturday morning in Streator, which included an injured man found on the 1300 block of North Wasson Street, damage to a house and vehicle on the 400 block of South Everett Street, and the discovery of eight shell casings at Broadway and Elliott Streets.
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Jury selection begins today in the long-awaited racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan and longtime confidant, Michael McClain, face charges accusing them of conspiring to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes. The 82-year-old was the longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history before he resigned in 2021. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
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The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging Illinoisans to take action to protect themselves from seasonal illnesses with the start of the respiratory virus season. That includes COVID-19, flu and RSV. Residents are advised to get vaccinated for those viral diseases if they are eligible.
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Governor Pritzker continues to lead a trade mission in Japan. The governor and an Illinois delegation met with Japanese business leaders yesterday to promote Illinois’ leadership in manufacturing and innovation, and to explore opportunities with global businesses. Pritzker also announced a 20-million-dollar expansion in northeastern Illinois by Japanese company Sysmex. The expansion will create over 100 new jobs and retain nearly 550 existing jobs across the state.
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More than 30 colleges and universities will be represented at Illinois Valley Community College’s 51st annual College and Career Night from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the gym. High school and college students, parents, and community members who are exploring college options can speak to representatives of different colleges and universities, including IVCC, about programs and transfer options. The event draws prospective students who can expect to learn about application and admissions requirements, transfer information, fees, tuition, scholarship and financial aid information, college services, student support and campus life, and information about majors. More information is online at ivcc.edu.
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WEATHER:
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 74. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low of around 44. West wind around 5 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Michael M. Vasquez, age 75, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4th, with his loving family at his side. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Thursday, October 10th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM. Services will conclude with Military Honors by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard.
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Gerald “Jerry” Eich passed away on October 3rd, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family at the Pavilion of Ottawa. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 10-11:30 AM at the chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:30 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at the graveside.
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Amy Jo Linton-Smith, 64, of Marseilles, passed away Friday, October 4th, at The Pearl of Orchard Valley in Aurora. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, October 12th, at the First Congregational Church in Marseilles. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. Saturday at the church. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home is entrusted with cremation rites. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery at a later date.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
FOOTBALL
Marquette takes on Aurora Central Catholic at home on Friday at 7 pm.
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Boys golf
Ottawa captures 2A sectional title, advances to state meet
Streator’s Neumann falls one shot short of state berth:
No state advancers from Rockford:
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Girls golf
Ottawa’s Orlandi sees season end at Normal:
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Girls volleyball
Marquette 2, Fieldcrest 1: At Bader Gymnasium
Henry-Senachwine 2, Streator 0: At Henry
Woodland 2, Gardner-South Wilmington 0: At the Warrior Dome in rural Streator
Seneca 2, Wilmington 0: At Wilmington
Earlville 2, Leland 1: At Newark
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Boys soccer
Ottawa 3, Illinois Valley Central 1: At Ottawa
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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 begin their 2024-25 campaign with a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center tonight. The Hawks haven’t been to the postseason since 2020, and they’ve finished in last place in the Central Division each of the last two seasons. Chicago had just 52 points and a 23-53-and-6 record last season, their worst record since the Eisenhower administration. Tonight’s game starts at 9:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls open up preseason play when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse tonight. The Bulls are trying to get back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 this year. Chicago went 39-and-43 during the 2023-24 season. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bears will be without one of their top defensive players when they take the field in London this Sunday. The team announced that safety Jaquan Brisker will miss Chicago’s Week Six game because of a concussion. Brisker suffered the injury during the Bears win over the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday. The 25-year-old has 40 tackles, a sack, and an interception in five games this season. Chicago takes on Jacksonville this Sunday.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
IVCC Mens Soccer: The Eagle lost at Joliet Junior College 2 to 1
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IVCC Volleyball: The Lady Eagles travel to Carl Sandburg College tonight.