Marseilles Elementary School District 150 is addressing an incident that took place during a game on Thursday. Unverified accounts indicate that a janitor grabbed a child by the arm as the child attempted to enter through a locked door. Witnesses reported that the janitor was seen yelling at the child. In response to the situation, law enforcement has been informed, and the district is fully cooperating with any ongoing investigations related to the incident. Further details are being gathered as the district aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
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A home in the 100 block of South Wasson Street in Streator was hit by gunfire Thursday afternoon, marking the fifth shooting incident in the area since Saturday. Police responded quickly to reports of shots fired in the 300 block of South Wasson Street, just before 5 p.m., but no injuries were reported. The gunfire follows a series of recent incidents, including a man wounded by gunshots Saturday on North Wasson Street, damage to a residence and vehicle on South Everett Street, and shots fired on East Grove Street, where an arrest was made. The latest shooting remains under investigation.
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Ottawa’s Smoketober Fest & BBQ Competition returns this Saturday at the downtown Jordan Block, offering an afternoon of food, drinks, and entertainment. The 3rd annual event runs from Noon to 5:00 p.m., with various food choices for purchase, a BBQ competition involving nearly 30 back-yard chefs preparing chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, along with bourbon tastings, and live music. Cooking begins Friday night in preparation for the main event.
Also on Saturday, the inaugural 5K Run/Walk for Hope steps off at 8:00 a.m. in Washington Square Park, sponsored by Arukah Institute of Health. Registration opens at 7:30. That event is followed by the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in support of suicide prevention. Registration starts at 11:00 with the walk beginning at 1:00. Both events aim to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the impact of suicidal thoughts within the community. Karen Rhodes from the 2nd Cup will be broadcasting live during the event from 11 to 1 pm.
And it’s the LaSalle County Historical Society’s 54th annual Burgoo Festival this weekend in Utica. Traffic in and around downtown Utica will be impacted with several road closures in place from 1:00 a.m. Saturday until 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Church Street from 178 to Vine, Canal Street from 178 to Vine, Mill Street from 178 to Grove Street, and Vine Street from Church to Canal will be closed to traffic. Parking along Illinois 178 will be prohibited. Handicap parking will be available all weekend at the West Canal Street lot, with a free shuttle service running from the Celebrations 150 parking lot on U.S. 6 west of the Illinois 178 roundabout during festival hours.
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The La Salle County Board has approved a $757,635 bid to purchase a command vehicle for the Emergency Management Agency, aimed at coordinating multi-agency responses. The decision follows a July discussion where EMA Director Fred Moore highlighted the urgent need for a centralized unit, citing appeals from 13 first responders. The vehicle will be stored at the county’s government complex and dispatched when needed, particularly for incidents lasting hours or even months, like the Westclox fire. The purchase will be funded by the public safety tax, not property taxes.
The La Salle County Board voiced firm opposition Thursday to a proposal from Vistra Energy to transport toxic coal ash from the Hennepin Power Plant to the county landfill. Vistra is closing its ash pond and has two options for the Illinois EPA: cap the pond or remove the ash and haul 710,000 cubic yards—nearly 400 tons—of the material to the landfill. The latter, which would take years and strain local roads, sparked concern from the board, especially since coal ash contains harmful compounds that pose health risks, according to the CDC. Chairman Don Jensen is leading the board’s resistance as the EPA gathers information.
During Thursday’s La Salle County board meeting, Sheriff Adam Diss received unanimous approval for an intergovernmental agreement with Kane County to house up to 100 of its inmates in Ottawa. Under the deal, La Salle County will be compensated $65 per day for each inmate. Kane County will handle inmate transportation for court appearances, while La Salle County will be responsible for any emergency medical transport, though that provision is still under negotiation. The jail, with a 300-inmate capacity, has ample space due to the Safe-T Act, and even with the additional inmates, only about half of the facility’s cells are expected to be in use.
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A La Salle County Grand Jury has handed down multiple indictments, including charges against 22-year-old Elijah Aguirre of Ottawa, who is accused of violating the conditions of a stalking no-contact order. Aguirre, who was previously arrested on the same charge for three consecutive months, remains out of custody awaiting his next court date. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Wyatt Hall of Leland is currently in custody after being indicted on charges of domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery. In a separate case, 30-year-old Donald Hicks of Ottawa has been indicted for violating the Sex Offender Registration Act and is also out of custody as he awaits his next court appearance.
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The Ottawa Fire Department has implemented HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud to improve road safety and protect first responders. This digital alert system notifies drivers in real-time when emergency services are nearby, enhancing compliance with Illinois’ Move Over laws. By sending alerts directly to drivers’ in-vehicle systems, including those in newer models of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge, Safety Cloud reduces the risk of collisions by up to 90%. The service also integrates with navigation apps like Waze and Apple Maps, giving motorists up to 30 seconds of Marseilles Elementary School District 150 is addressing an incident that took place during a game on Thursday. Unverified accounts indicate that a janitor grabbed a child by the arm as the child attempted to enter through a locked door. Witnesses reported that the janitor was seen yelling at the child. In response to the situation, law enforcement has been informed, and the district is fully cooperating with any ongoing investigations related to the incident. Further details are being gathered as the district aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
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Ottawa’s Smoketober Fest & BBQ Competition returns this Saturday at the downtown Jordan Block, offering an afternoon of food, drinks, and entertainment. The 3rd annual event runs from Noon to 5:00 p.m., with various food choices for purchase, a BBQ competition involving nearly 30 back-yard chefs preparing chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, along with bourbon tastings, and live music. Cooking begins Friday night in preparation for the main event.
Also on Saturday, the inaugural 5K Run/Walk for Hope steps off at 8:00 a.m. in Washington Square Park, sponsored by Arukah Institute of Health. Registration opens at 7:30. That event is followed by the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in support of suicide prevention. Registration starts at 11:00 with the walk beginning at 1:00. Both events aim to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the impact of suicidal thoughts within the community. Karen Rhodes from the 2nd Cup will be broadcasting live during the event from 11 to 1 pm.
And it’s the LaSalle County Historical Society’s 54th annual Burgoo Festival this weekend in Utica. Traffic in and around downtown Utica will be impacted with several road closures in place from 1:00 a.m. Saturday until 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Church Street from 178 to Vine, Canal Street from 178 to Vine, Mill Street from 178 to Grove Street, and Vine Street from Church to Canal will be closed to traffic. Parking along Illinois 178 will be prohibited. Handicap parking will be available all weekend at the West Canal Street lot, with a free shuttle service running from the Celebrations 150 parking lot on U.S. 6 west of the Illinois 178 roundabout during festival hours.
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The La Salle County Board has approved a $757,635 bid to purchase a command vehicle for the Emergency Management Agency, aimed at coordinating multi-agency responses. The decision follows a July discussion where EMA Director Fred Moore highlighted the urgent need for a centralized unit, citing appeals from 13 first responders. The vehicle will be stored at the county’s government complex and dispatched when needed, particularly for incidents lasting hours or even months, like the Westclox fire. The purchase will be funded by the public safety tax, not property taxes.
The La Salle County Board voiced firm opposition Thursday to a proposal from Vistra Energy to transport toxic coal ash from the Hennepin Power Plant to the county landfill. Vistra is closing its ash pond and has two options for the Illinois EPA: cap the pond or remove the ash and haul 710,000 cubic yards—nearly 400 tons—of the material to the landfill. The latter, which would take years and strain local roads, sparked concern from the board, especially since coal ash contains harmful compounds that pose health risks, according to the CDC. Chairman Don Jensen is leading the board’s resistance as the EPA gathers information.
During Thursday’s La Salle County board meeting, Sheriff Adam Diss received unanimous approval for an intergovernmental agreement with Kane County to house up to 100 of its inmates in Ottawa. Under the deal, La Salle County will be compensated $65 per day for each inmate. Kane County will handle inmate transportation for court appearances, while La Salle County will be responsible for any emergency medical transport, though that provision is still under negotiation. The jail, with a 300-inmate capacity, has ample space due to the Safe-T Act, and even with the additional inmates, only about half of the facility’s cells are expected to be in use.
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A La Salle County Grand Jury has handed down multiple indictments, including charges against 22-year-old Elijah Aguirre of Ottawa, who is accused of violating the conditions of a stalking no-contact order. Aguirre, who was previously arrested on the same charge for three consecutive months, remains out of custody awaiting his next court date. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Wyatt Hall of Leland is currently in custody after being indicted on charges of domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery. In a separate case, 30-year-old Donald Hicks of Ottawa has been indicted for violating the Sex Offender Registration Act and is also out of custody as he awaits his next court appearance.
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Several more Big Lots stores in Illinois are closing. That includes stores in Country Club Hills, Franklin Park, and Round Lake Beach. The closures come after the American discount retail chain filed for bankruptcy last month. The company announced this month that 58 stores across 26 states will close, this will not affect the local Big Lots store in Peru.
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A 25-year-old Mendota man was cited for speeding after a traffic stop in LaSalle County. Deputies pulled over John Hernandez in Waltham Township near Route 52 and East 10th Road. Hernandez reportedly drove 78 mph in a 55 mph zone, resulting in a speeding citation.
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54-year-old Lawrence H. Fleming has charges from Ottawa Police following an incident in the 700 block of West Main Street Thursday. Fleming was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a property accident.
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Several more Big Lots stores in Illinois are closing. That includes stores in Country Club Hills, Franklin Park, and Round Lake Beach. The closures come after the American discount retail chain filed for bankruptcy last month. The company announced this month that 58 stores across 26 states will close, this will not affect the local Big Lots store in Peru.
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A 25-year-old Mendota man was cited for speeding after a traffic stop in LaSalle County. Deputies pulled over John Hernandez in Waltham Township near Route 52 and East 10th Road. Hernandez reportedly drove 78 mph in a 55 mph zone, resulting in a speeding citation.
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54-year-old Lawrence H. Fleming has charges from Ottawa Police following an incident in the 700 block of West Main Street Thursday. Fleming was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a property accident.
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WEATHER:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Saturday
A slight chance of showers between 1 pm and 4 pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low of around 40.
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OBITUARIES:
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 noon 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
Aurora Central Catholic (3-3) at Marquette (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday at Gould Stadium – Nonconference game.
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Girls volleyball
Ottawa 2, Kaneland 1: At Maple Park
Marquette 2, Dwight 0: At Bader Gym in Ottawa
St. Bede 2, Henry-Senachwine 1: Tri-County Conference match in Peru.
LPHS 2, Morris 0: Interstate 8 Conference match Thursday.
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Soccer
The 43rd Little Ten Conference Soccer Tournament wrapped on Thursday evening at Hinckley-Big Rock High School. Championship–Indian Creek d Somonauk-Leland-Newark Coop 3-2 (OT/PKs) This is the fifth time overall, and the first time since 2005, the tournament championship has gone to kicks to determine the winner. Indian Creek had appeared in the championship three times previously but had never won the tournament before this season.
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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 NFL continues its London series when the Bears and Jaguars meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The 3-and-2 Bears are going for their third win in a row after crushing Carolina 36-to-ten last weekend. First-overall pick Caleb Williams threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. The Jags enter at 1-and-4
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The Chicago Blackhawks search for their first win of the season when they visit the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre tonight. The Hawks dropped their season opener 5-2 against Utah on Tuesday night. Chicago is off to a 0-1-and-0 start this season. Tonight’s game gets underway at 7:00 PM
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The Chicago Bulls continue preseason play when they host the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center tomorrow night. The Bulls won their preseason opener 116-112 over the Cavs on Tuesday. Chicago is 1-and-0 in exhibition play. Tomorrow’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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A former White Sox infielder who gained national attention for his height is dead after a bout with cancer. Five-foot-three Harry Chappas played for the Sox from 1978 to 1980. Bill Veeck, team owner at the time, was questioned by the press whether he wanted the shortstop on the roster as a novelty. Chappas made the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1979 under the headline “The Littlest Rookie.” He was 66.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
23rd-ranked Illinois hosts Purdue tomorrow. The Fighting Illini are coming off their first loss of the season in week five against 5th-ranked Penn State. Illinois is 3-and-0 at home so far this season. Illini and the 1-and-4 Boilermakers will battle for the Cannon.
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The Northwestern Wildcats aim to avoid their third loss in a row when they visit Maryland at SECU Stadium tonight. The Wildcats lost to number-20 Indiana 41-24 last weekend. Northwestern is 2-and-3 overall and 0-and-2 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats are 3-and-1 all-time against the Terrapins. Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM.
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Number-12 Notre Dame goes for its fourth win in a row when the Fighting Irish host Stanford tomorrow. The Irish had a bye last week but are coming off a 31-24 win over Louisville on September 28th. Notre Dame is off to a 4-and-1 start this season. The Fighting Irish have won four of their last five meetings with the Cardinal. Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 2:30 PM Central time.
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In other college football action this weekend, Northern Illinois visits Bowling Green, and Illinois State hosts Missouri State.
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IVCC Men’s Soccer: At Morton College 2:00 PM