45-year-old Daniel Murphy faces multiple felony charges following two violent incidents in Ottawa. On September 3, police allege Murphy entered an apartment at 1020 Second Street, where he reportedly battered a male victim after the man opened his door. Then, on November 7, officers responded to 1535 Fourth Street, where a 30-year-old man was found with a severe throat laceration; the victim was treated at OSF Saint Elizabeth Peru and released. Murphy is now charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery, felony trespass to residence, and misdemeanor battery, and is being held in La Salle County Jail.
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State officials are reminding Illinois residents to stay vigilant ahead of the busiest shopping days of the year. The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology notes more people than ever are exclusively shopping online. This leaves consumers more susceptible to scammers looking to steal their personal information and, in turn, their money. Officials are warning shoppers to beware of pop-up ads, unfamiliar links, spam emails, and even fake sites that look a lot like the ones they’ve become used to.
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Ottawa Elementary School District 141 is set to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at its upcoming school board meeting on Tuesday, December 17, to discuss a proposed 14% increase in the district’s tax levy, exceeding the 5% threshold that necessitates this hearing. Superintendent Michelle Lee explained that this increase is essential to fully capitalize on the anticipated growth in property values, as the district’s equalized assessed value is projected to rise by approximately 10% this year. The district aims to collect the revenue permitted by this boost in the tax pool while maintaining the current tax rate for residents.
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The Marseilles Police Department will be conducting an active shooter training exercise on Wednesday, November 27th at noon at the Marseilles Grade School. No students will be on campus during the exercise. Only school staff and participating agencies will be on site. The Marseilles Police Department noted that their recent social media post they hope will serve as a reminder for those in the immediate area, there also will be signs posted identifying that there is a training exercise in progress. You will see an increased presence of law enforcement, Do not be alarmed, and do not approach the school.
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The Illinois Farm Bureau is suing to maintain its current status with the American Farm Bureau Federation. In the suit, the state organization claims it was unfairly stripped of its federation membership. The suit was filed earlier this month with the Illinois Eleventh Judicial Circuit. The State Farm Bureau’s membership is set to expire on December 20th, pending the result of the lawsuit.
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State lawmakers are in recess for the rest of the year while several key pieces of legislation still hang in the balance. Many of the votes that went uncast were regarding gun control. Advocates are hoping stricter laws regarding domestic violence offenders and their ability to access weapons will be passed early next year. The upcoming lame duck session runs January 2nd through the 7th.
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The Chicago Bears and three local school districts have reached a tentative agreement on property taxes for the 326-acre Arlington Park property. The deal outlines tax frameworks for scenarios with or without a stadium and awaits approval from the village board and school district boards. While progress continues in Arlington Heights, the Bears are also exploring stadium options on Chicago’s lakefront and in Bronzeville.
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UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones is stepping down mid-next year. Jones has worked in higher education for nearly 47 years. His tenure at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign amounts to the second-longest of any Chancellor since the position was created in the 1960s. Jones’ time with the college will end in June of next year.
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A full lockdown is in effect at the East Moline Correctional Center. The minimum security facility went on lockdown Monday evening. The Illinois Department of Corrections website says no visitors are allowed, but did not provide any details as to what led to the lockdown. There is also no word how long the prison will remain in lockdown.
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A person was shot and killed Monday evening on Interstate 80 near the I-355 entrance in New Lenox. Illinois State Police say the victim was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and later died. Westbound I-80 traffic was disrupted
during the investigation, with some lanes reopening later. New Lenox police assisted in taking a suspect into custody without incident, and authorities confirmed there is no threat to the community. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear.
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Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis took the stand Monday in the corruption trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Solis, a key prosecution witness, secretly recorded conversations where Madigan allegedly discussed using his influence for personal gain. Jurors heard Solis and Madigan reference “quid pro quo” in multiple recordings tied to jobs for Madigan’s law firm. Solis cooperated with prosecutors to avoid bribery charges after his own misconduct was exposed. Madigan faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, and bribery, with Solis expected to testify for several days.
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30-year-old Daniel Vargas Rosas of LaSalle was arrested by Ottawa Police Monday at East Main and Columbus Streets on a Bureau County failure to appear warrant on a charge of resisting arrest.
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44-year-old Sara L. Farrell of Ottawa is charged with battery after an arrest by Ottawa Police Sunday in the 2700 block of Columbus Street.
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Ottawa Police Sunday charged a 65-year-old Ottawa man with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and improper use of registration. Wayne Robinson was stopped in the 100 block of West Superior Street.
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WEATHER:
Today
Increasing clouds, with a high near 39. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight
A slight chance of rain and snow after 9 pm. Cloudy, with a low of around 33. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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OBITUARIES:
Betty E. Tendall, 104, formerly of Seneca passed away Thursday, November 14th at Pleasant View in Ottawa. She will be buried in Oakwood Park in a private family service at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
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Marcia Lynn Rogers (Fish), 79, of Ottawa, passed away November 23rd, at Pleasant View. The services will be private, Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
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Maxine Twait (Haeffele), 95 of Ottawa, IL., passed away peacefully on November 22nd, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home. There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls Varsity Basketball:
Marquette 48, Henry-Senachwine 40: the Mallards lost their Tri-County Conference opener in Ottawa.
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Seneca 53, Putnam County 35: the Panthers lost their Tri-County Conference opener in Granville.
Morris 80, Streator 23: At Morris, the Bulldogs in the loss.
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Boys bowling
La Salle-Peru 2,721, Streator 2,134: At Streator Elks Club, the Bulldogs came up short against the Cavaliers.
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Boys wrestling
Streator 42, St. Bede 34; Streator 50, Putnam County-Hall 24: At Peru, the Bulldogs opened the season with wins over the host Bruins and the Panthers.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bears could be a step closer to securing a location for their new stadium. The team reached an agreement on property tax rates with the Arlington Heights School District yesterday. The property tax rates were a major barrier in Chicago’s bid to build a new stadium on a plot of land they bought in Arlington Heights in February of 2023. However, even with this agreement in place, the Bears released a statement declaring that they are focused on building a new stadium along Chicago’s lakefront. Meanwhile, the Bears are preparing for their game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
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The Chicago Bulls look to get back in the win column when they visit the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 142-131 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday. Chicago is off to a 7-and-11 start this season. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for their game against the Dallas Stars at United Center tomorrow night. The Blackhawks just lost to the Flyers 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 16 points and a 7-12-and-2 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 7:30 PM.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini cruised to a 92-34 victory over Little Rock at State Farm Center yesterday. The Illini led by 32 at halftime before outscoring the Trojans 41-15 the rest of the way. Kasparas Jakucionis led the way with 21 points, while Tomislav Ivisic finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The 5-and-1 Illini go up against number-21 Arkansas on Thanksgiving.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish go up against Rutgers in the Players Era Festival at MGM Grand Garden Arena tonight. The Irish are coming off an 84-77 loss to Elon last Friday. Notre Dame is 4-and-1 to begin the year. Tonight’s game tips off at 9:30 PM Central time.
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In college basketball action yesterday, Chicago State lost to Radford 63-48, and Illinois State fell to George Washington 72-64. Today, Chicago State takes on Drexel.