NEWS:
An extensive criminal operation was recently disrupted in La Salle County, where authorities reported the theft of 30 firearms from an Ottawa home, along with significant drug activity linked to the operation. Streator resident Darryl D. Gullens faces multiple felony charges, including calculated criminal drug conspiracy, which could result in up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Following a series of controlled buys and search warrants executed across several counties, law enforcement seized nearly half a pound of cocaine and numerous stolen goods valued over $50,000. Prosecutors revealed that many suspects were committing these crimes while on pre-trial release, prompting criticism of current legislation. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests anticipated.
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Two men from Streator have been charged in connection with a residential burglary that occurred in rural Cornell. 30-year-old Christopher L. Martinez is wanted for charges including residential burglary, theft exceeding $500, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. 28-year-old Anthony J. Preidis faces similar charges. The investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office began after deputies responded to a break-in on October 28. Security footage helped identify the suspect vehicle, which was tracked using Flock cameras. The Streator Police later located and stopped the vehicle, leading to the identification of Martinez and Preidis as two of the three suspects involved. The investigation is still ongoing.
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26-year-old Leeonta Patton of Oglesby is facing multiple serious charges, including armed habitual criminality, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession and delivery of controlled substances. These allegations stem from a shooting incident that occurred on July 28 in downtown La Salle, where a 25-year-old man from Ottawa was shot in the chest near Doc’s Pub. The victim survived, however, both he and witnesses have not cooperated with investigators. Following a search warrant executed earlier this month at an address on East Walnut Street in Oglesby, Patton was apprehended and is currently being held at the La Salle County Jail.
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Monday, the Ottawa Police Department conducted electronic cigarette/tobacco compliance checks at several retail establishments. Of the 15 businesses that were checked, 2 were found in violation and given citations for the Sale of Tobacco to a Person under 21. Those found in violation were: Columbus Smoke Shop, 1116 Columbus St, and Dab City Tobacco and Vape, 373 W. Stevenson Rd.
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A longtime foot soldier for Michael Madigan is testifying against him in the former Illinois House Speaker’s racketeering trial. Ed Moody testified yesterday that Madigan arranged for him to receive a consulting contract from ComEd worth over 354 thousand dollars without doing any work for the utility. Instead, he was being paid to continue campaigning for Illinois Democrats. Madigan and Michael McClain are charged with conspiring to participate in an array of bribery and extortion schemes.
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The city of Ottawa has submitted an application for a $650,000 Community Development Block Grant aimed at assisting 10 homeowners with significant renovations. If the grant is approved, it will provide eligible low to moderate-income homeowners with the opportunity to receive up to $60,000 in-home repairs through a five-year forgivable loan. To qualify, applicants must own their property and reside within city limits. Mayor Robert Hasty has indicated that the city anticipates a response regarding the grant status in approximately six months. Should they receive funding, the subsequent step will involve accepting applications from local homeowners and ensuring that proposed renovation projects meet the necessary guidelines. Those projects awarded funding will have a two-year window to complete their renovations.
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A conservative group is attempting to take action against an Illinois law that requires mail-in ballots to be counted for 14 days after Election Day. In a filing this week, the organization Judicial Watch asked the US Supreme Court to reverse federal court rulings that upheld the law. The request comes less than a month after a federal appeals court in Louisiana ruled that Mississippi’s law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted after Election Day violated federal law.
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Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would expand treatment for chronic pain sufferers. The state Senate passed a measure that would allow physicians to make prescriptions for controlled substances without strict limitations based on dosage amounts. The state currently has policies that restrict doctors from prescribing opioids. The bill now returns to the House.
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Two students at Lanphier High School in Springfield face charges after getting into a fight at the school. Police say the brawl broke out yesterday in the school cafeteria. The School Resource Officer spotted the two male students fighting. The officer deployed his Taser, which stopped the brawl. Both students were treated and released from the hospital and were arrested for aggravated battery.
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Mendota Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Meriden St and Main St. As a result of that stop the driver, Jayden E Gordon, 20, 846 Harmon Rd, Harmon, IL, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Gordon was transported to the Mendota Police Department where he was processed and released with a mandatory December 9, 2024 LaSalle County court date.
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33-year-old Blake Miller of Ottawa was stopped by LaSalle County Deputies Tuesday just after 9:00 a.m. in Farm Ridge Township near Illinois 23 and North 18th Road and cited for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. He was released with a notice to appear in court.
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WEATHER:
Today
Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 5 pm. High near 40. Windy, with a west wind of 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight
A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before 9 pm. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Mary Ann Phelps, 79, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, November 19th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa. According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
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Anna Mae (Quiring) Hamalle, 92, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, November 18th, at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Carol M. “Mimi” Mussatto, 86, of Marseilles, passed away on Tuesday, November 19th, at her home surrounded by her family. Memorial visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 23rd at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles. A celebration of life will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles.
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John J. Meyer, 93, of Marseilles, passed away on Tuesday, November 19th, at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 25th, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 24th, at the Mueller Funeral Home, with the Knights of Columbus in attendance. Additional visitation will be held from 9 to 10:15 a.m. on Monday, at the funeral home.
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Robert (Bob) Cotner, of Seneca, passed away on November 16th. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 22nd at 2 pm at Refuge Coffee & Co. located in The Lumberyard @ 113 W. William St, Seneca. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls Varsity Basketball tonight:
Ottawa @ East Peoria – 530 pm
Marquette @ Flanagan-Cornell – 7 pm
Herscher @ Streator – 530 pm
Serena @ Seneca – 7 pm
St.Bede @ Pontiac – 7 pm
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bears could be without their starting running back in Week 12. D’Andre Swift missed practice yesterday with a groin injury. Three other players were also out with injuries, while offensive lineman Teven Jenkins was a limited participant due to an ankle injury. The Bears host Minnesota on Sunday.
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The Chicago Bulls struggled to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo during a 122-106 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. The Bulls surrendered 41 points to the Greek Freak in the losing effort. Chicago secured an early two-point lead in the first quarter but trailed throughout the final three frames. Zach LaVine had 27 points in the losing effort, while Torrey Craig finished with 15. The Bulls dropped to 6-and-10. Chicago hosts Atlanta tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks aim to avoid their fourth loss in a row when they host the Florida Panthers at United Center tonight. The Blackhawks are coming off a 3-2 home loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 13 points and a 6-12-and-1 record. Tonight’s game starts at 7:30 PM.
The Blackhawks and the Blues will wear throwback uniforms when they play the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field next month. The NHL official outfitter Fanatics unveiled both teams’ attire today for the outdoor matchup. The Hawks jersey features stars from the city of Chicago flag and pinstripes. It also includes lace-neck collars and cream-colored accents. The Winter Classic takes place on December 31.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini got off to a slow start during their 100-87 loss to number-seven Alabama at Legacy Arena. Illinois trailed by 14 at halftime and never got back into the game despite outscoring the Crimson Tide 49-48 in the second half. Kylan Boswell scored 17 points in the losing effort, while Kasparas Jakucionis scored 15. The 3-and-1 Illini host Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday.
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In other college basketball action yesterday, Northern Illinois was crushed by Elon 75-48. Today, UIC goes against James Madison, Valparaiso goes up against Lindenwood, and Bradley takes on Texas State.