The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the construction of a new Amazon Last-Mile Delivery Facility in the Ottawa Industrial Park. Spanning 50,800 square feet, this warehouse will enhance Amazon’s regional logistics network by efficiently sorting and dispatching packages for timely delivery to residents and businesses. Construction has begun, signaling a significant step in Ottawa’s economic development efforts. Mayor Hasty expressed excitement about the job creation and infrastructural benefits this facility will bring. Kyle DeGiulio from Amazon emphasized the improved service to the community and their commitment to partnering with the city throughout the development process. Due to a non-disclosure of the sale no other details are available.
Mayor Hasty did say that the City of Ottawa public will soon know full details on the project and an opening date for the facility.
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Sheriff Adam Diss announced that on October 24th, LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested 31-year-old Mark J. Patton of rural Sheridan on four counts of possessing child pornography and possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card. The investigation, conducted by the Sheriff’s Office, was supported by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office High Tech Crimes Bureau and the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office. Patton was transported to the LaSalle County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear in court. The investigators involved are members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
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On Thursday, October 24th, at 1:32 p.m., the Ottawa Fire Department responded to a fire at 1925 Pratt Lane. Upon arrival, crews discovered an active fire in the southwest corner of a single-story residential home. Firefighters quickly entered the building with multiple hoses to combat the flames. Fortunately, a resident was home at the time and suffered minor smoke inhalation but refused treatment on the scene. By 1:46 p.m., the fire was under control; however, firefighters continued with salvage, overhaul, and investigative operations. The fire, which originated in a bedroom, was ruled accidental, with the cause determined to be electrical. The Ottawa Fire Department received support from several agencies, including the Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Central Dispatch, Naplate Fire Department, Wallace Fire Department, American Red Cross, Ottawa Water Department, Nicor, and Ameren.
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Scammers are posing as representatives from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and contacting individuals regarding being registered offenders. Please be aware that the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call, text, or email individuals about outstanding warrants. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself from scams. Don’t let scammers deceive you into providing personal information or making payments under false pretenses. Stay safe, stay aware, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office if you have any concerns or questions.
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The Ottawa American Legion Post 33 is organizing a Veterans Day program on November 1-2, featuring a 24-hour Veterans Honor Guard Vigil. For 15 years, veterans have taken 15-minute shifts at the Veterans Memorial in Washington Square to honor fallen comrades. Family and friends often join, and accommodations are made for those unable to stand. Many overnight and early morning slots are still open, with only a third of the 96 slots filled. Interested veterans, active duty personnel, or those wanting to pay tribute can contact Legion Post 33’s adjutant, John Duback. The vigil starts at 5 p.m. Friday with a ceremony honoring submarine service veterans and includes coffee, snacks, military displays, music by Tunes of Glory bagpipers, and a Saturday closing ceremony at 5 p.m. Duback encourages greater participation, noting the event is sponsored by various local organizations.
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The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Friday that the unemployment rate remained at 5.3 percent in September, despite adding an estimated 7,100 non-farm payroll jobs. The August job figures were revised from an increase of 800 to 6,700. Growth was notable in the private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government sectors, while financial activities, professional and business services, and construction saw declines. Over the past year, non-farm payroll jobs have increased by about 35,400, but the unemployment rate is up 0.6 percent compared to last year and is 1.2 percent higher than the national rate of 4.1 percent, which fell by 0.1 percent in September. September figures are preliminary and may be updated by IDES.
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The Illinois Valley Community College Red Cross Club and Student Nurses Association are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the IVCC gym. Due to recent disasters, there’s an urgent need for donations. This will be the only drive this fall, but others are planned for Winter Break in Ottawa and next spring. Last year, the clubs collected 49 units in January and 41 in February. Appointments are encouraged and can be made at 1-800-RED CROSS or RedCrossBlood.org. Donors this October will receive $10 gift cards and be eligible for additional rewards.
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Jurors in the racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are getting a chance to listen to wiretapped recordings at the center of the prosecution’s case. A series of phone calls played in court yesterday are meant to establish Madigan’s power over the General Assembly’s day-to-day operations. Madgain could be heard speaking bluntly about several topics, including forcing longtime state Representative Lou Lang out of the legislature following sexual harassment allegations. The former House Speaker and longtime confidant, Michael McClain, are charged with conspiring to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes. The calls were captured on an FBI wiretap on McClain’s phone.
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Authorities are revealing a breakthrough in a 45-year-old cold case in Kane County. Police say DNA testing shows 19-year-old Kathy Halle of North Aurora was murdered by serial killer Bruce Lindahl, who died in 1981. Halle’s body was discovered in April 1979, in the Fox River south of the I-88 bridge in North Aurora. DNA also linked Lindahl to the murder of Pamela Maurer of Woodridge in 1976. He may be responsible for several murders and rapes in the western suburbs in the 70s and early 80s.
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Thirty-one-year-old Robert Gula of Streator has been indicted in La Salle County on charges of aggravated unlawful restraint, following his arrest earlier this month by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Gula had been wanted for aggravated unlawful restraint, two counts of domestic battery, and a failure to appear warrant for felony criminal damage to state-supported property, and he has been denied pretrial release.
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37-year-old Michael Magana, also of Streator, was indicted on two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding and driving on a revoked license. According to La Salle County deputies, Magana allegedly fled after they attempted to stop his vehicle near Everett and Broadway Streets, leading them on a chase that ended in a field near the intersection of Routes 23 and 17. At the time of his arrest, deputies reported clocking Magana at 96 mph in a 55 mph zone. Magana is currently out of custody awaiting trial.
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WEATHER:
Friday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 am. High near 60. Light and variable wind becoming north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low of around 37. North northwest wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Sherri Bossen, 56, of Mendota, passed away surrounded by family on October 20th, at the Morris Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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Harold Mercker, 66, of Ottawa, passed away on October 15th at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. A visitation will be on Saturday, October 26th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home. The luncheon will follow at The Knights of Columbus in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Adam Walter Koziel, 53, of Ottawa, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 22nd. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 26th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 25th at the funeral home.
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Cynthia A. Arbisi, 78, of La Salle passed away on October 23rd, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 26 at St. Hyacinth’s Church in LaSalle. Burial will be at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in LaSalle has been entrusted with her arrangements.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Marquette vs Dwight/Gardner-South Wilmington
When: 7 p.m. tonight at Gould Stadium
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Girls tennis
Moreland closes the season at state: In the Chicago suburbs, Pirates junior Zulee Moreland finished 1-2 and closed out her season at Thursday’s IHSA Class 1A State Finals.
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Girls volleyball
Ottawa 2, Rochelle 0: At Kingman Gym, the Pirates earned a 26-24, 25-17 Interstate 8 Conference victory over the Hubs.
Woodland 2, Marquette 1: At Woodland
Moline 2, Newark 1: At Wharton Field House in Moline
Serena 2, Gardner-S. Wilmington 0: At Gardner
Earlville 2, Parkview Christian 1: At Yorkville
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bears are back in action when they visit the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Sunday. The Bears are coming off their bye week, and they’re currently in last place in the NFC North at 4-and-2. The game could feature a battle between the top two quarterbacks from the 2024 draft class if Washington QB Jayden Daniels is healthy after a rib injury last week. Caleb Williams has thrown for 1,317 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions this season for Chicago. Sunday’s game kicks off at 3:25 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls search for their first win of the season when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 123-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans to begin the season on Wednesday night. Chicago is off to a 0-and-1 start this season. Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks aim to avoid their third loss in a row when they host the Nashville Predators at United Center tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. Chicago is in seventh place in the Central Division with five points and a 2-4-and-1 record. Tonight’s game begins at 7:30 PM.
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Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred believes the White Sox are not leaving Chicago despite recent rumors. He spoke to the media as he made his round before the World Series. Manfred said that the proposed location of a White Sox stadium is tough but he believes things are going to work out because Chicago will continue to have two teams. Recent reports say Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has been in talks with prospective owner Dave Stewart about the sale of the team. Stewart has ties to other cities that may desire a team, including Oakland and Nashville.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish go for their fifth win in a row when they go up against number-24 Navy at MetLife Stadium tomorrow. The Irish just beat Georgia Tech 31-13 last weekend, and they improved to 6-and-1 with the win. Notre Dame has not lost against Navy since 2016. Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 11:00 AM Central time.
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Number-21 Illinois looks to topple the top team in the country when they visit number-one Oregon at Autzen Stadium tomorrow. The Illini are on a two-game winning streak after beating Michigan 21-7 last weekend. Illinois is 6-and-1 overall and 3-and-1 in the Big Ten Conference. The Illini’s only win against Oregon was in 1970. Tomorrow’s game starts at 2:30 PM.
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The Northwestern Wildcats will try to get back in the win column when they visit the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium tomorrow. The Wildcats are coming off a 23-3 loss to Wisconsin last weekend. Northwestern is 3-and-4 overall and 1-and-3 in the Big Ten. Northwestern’s last win in Iowa was in 2020. Tomorrow’s contest kicks off at 2:30 PM.
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In other college football action this weekend, Northern Illinois is at Ball State.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER
IVCC 2, Truman 2: The Lady Eagles played to a tie Wednesday in Chicago.
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MEN’S SOCCER
Truman 3, IVCC 0: The Eagles lost a nonconference game Wednesday in Chicago.