Due to the extremely cold temperatures expected today, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office lobby is now providing children’s hats and gloves for those in need in the LaSalle County area. There is also a donation box for anyone who wishes to contribute new winter items. Additionally, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is supporting new mothers by offering essential items such as diapers, wipes, cozy blankets, and baby toys, which can be picked up at 707 E. Etna Rd, Ottawa. The Sheriff’s Office kindly requests that everyone take only what they truly need.
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Illinois Valley Animal Rescue (IVAR) announced on Facebook earlier this morning that they are in desperate need of heavy blankets, comforters, and quilts. These types of blankets are essential during the winter to provide extra warmth to the dogs housed at the facility. If you have any that you no longer use, IVAR would gladly accept them. Please refrain from donating items filled with down or feathers, as the dogs tend to tear them apart, making them nearly impossible to clean. They can be dropped off at the boxes located outside the shelter at any time, or during normal business hours.
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There will be a change in leadership at OSF HealthCare. The Peoria-based healthcare organization announced that CEO Bob Sehring is planning to retire in April 2026. Michelle Conger will assume the role of president of OSF HealthCare on January 1st and will then succeed Sehring as chief executive officer when he retires.
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LaSalle County has received a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, as announced by David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. This “multiplier” ensures equitable property assessments across counties, preventing tax disparities in overlapping districts like schools and fire protection. In Illinois, property is assessed at one-third of its market value, while farmland is assessed based on productivity. For the 2024 taxes (payable in 2025), La Salle County’s assessments are at 32.94% of market value, aligning with last year’s factor. The tentative factor may change after a public hearing or if new evidence is presented. It’s important to note that the multiplier does not affect total tax bills, which are set by local taxing bodies according to their funding requirements.
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The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum will host two upcoming events, with proceeds benefiting the new building fund. On Saturday, December 14th, a documentary about the life of Jesus in Washington Square will be screened at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 and available at the door, with the museum opening at 10 a.m. The following day, Sunday, December 15th, Mollie Perrot will present the last history lecture of the year, discussing Ottawa’s mansions and showcasing new photos of “The Oaks,” the home of General W.H.L. Wallace. Admission is $10, and some seats are still available. Mollie Perrot will be on the morning Meeting live this coming Friday at 9:15 to discuss the upcoming events and more.
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Nexamp is set to present its proposal for a 22-acre community solar farm to the County’s Zoning Board next week, which could provide significant savings for Ameren customers in the Utica area. Developer Matt Kwiatkowski outlined the project at a recent City Council meeting, noting it will be located west of the roundabout and 1,230 feet from Route 6. Residents and current Ameren customers will have the opportunity to subscribe, and earn credits for their utility bills. Additionally, attorney Seth Uphoff confirmed that Utica Solar will contribute to local property taxes. If approved, the solar farm could begin operations by 2026.
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State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) expressed her deep disappointment regarding Meridian Health Plan of Illinois’s decision to remove Northwestern Medicine from its network starting January 1st, a move that will leave many residents in Kendall County and the surrounding areas without crucial medical services. She urged both organizations to resume negotiations to find a resolution that prioritizes the healthcare needs of the community, emphasizing her commitment to closely monitor the situation and explore all possible avenues to safeguard access to essential medical care for those depending on Meridian Health and Northwestern Medicine.
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The Illinois assault weapons ban will remain intact while a federal appeals court reviews challenges to its constitutionality, following a decision by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. This law, enacted in January 2023 in response to mass shootings, prohibits the sale and manufacture of various firearms, including AR-style rifles and high-capacity magazines. Although the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law against state constitutional claims, broader challenges concerning the Second Amendment remain unresolved. A federal judge previously ruled the law unconstitutional, his decision was stayed by the 7th Circuit, which emphasized the necessity of maintaining legal consistency across the state as similar cases unfold.
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The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update on a death investigation that was launched after human remains were found in rural Kewanee in March. A workup of the skeletal remains was conducted at the Human Osteology Laboratory at the Illinois State Museum. An archaeologist determined the remains belonged to a Caucasian male who was five-foot-six to five-foot-nine between the ages of 30 and 53 years old. The person would have been in good physical shape and had previous trauma to their head. A cause of death couldn’t be determined.
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The Illinois Flag Commission is revealing its finalists for the state flag redesign contest. Members of the commission chose ten finalists out of nearly five thousand submissions. Starting next month, the public will be able to vote online for one of the new designs, or one of three former flag designs. Afterward, the Illinois General Assembly will decide on whether to adopt a new flag or keep the current flag design.
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Governor Pritzker is appointing Gia Biagi to be the next Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Her appointment is pending state Senate approval. Biagi previously served as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. She is taking over for Omer Osman, who is retiring from IDOT after 35 years with the agency.
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is declaring victory after an Oregon federal court granted a preliminary injunction in his lawsuit challenging the proposed 25-billion-dollar merger between Albertsons and Kroger. The ruling halts the merger of the largest supermarket chains in the country pending an administrative trial before the Federal Trade Commission. That includes Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s in the Chicago area. Raoul, the FTC, and a bipartisan coalition of eight other attorneys general filed a lawsuit in February challenging the merger, arguing it would present a significant risk of reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide.
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The Illinois Supreme Court is ruling that the former Sangamon County deputy charged in the killing of Sonya Massey will remain behind bars for the time being. The state’s high court entered an order yesterday that will keep Sean Grayson in jail until the Supreme Court decides if it is taking the case. The ruling comes after Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser asked the Illinois Supreme Court to review an Appellate Court’s decision to release Grayson ahead of his trial.
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An Illinois man is accused of attacking U.S. Representative Nancy Mace. Police say James McIntyre assaulted the South Carolina Republican last night on Capitol grounds. He is charged with Assaulting a Government Official. Mace posted on X that she would be okay. She has stirred up controversy over her views on Transgender issues.
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The U.S. Postal Service is investigating after a staffer of State Representative Barbara Hernandez fell ill after opening a letter sent to her Aurora office. The incident happened Monday, leaving the employee hospitalized. The staffer has since been released. The building was evacuated out of an abundance of caution, but investigators are still not certain whether or not the letter contributed to the employee’s sickness.
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One person is dead following a one-vehicle crash in Normal. Police say the accident happened yesterday morning at the intersection of College Avenue and Veterans Parkway. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.
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60-year-old Keith Boyden of LaSalle was cited by Ottawa Police Tuesday for driving on a revoked license, driving an uninsured vehicle, and no valid registration. Boyden was stopped at Superior and LaSalle Streets.
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46-year-old Jimmy Hamilton of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Tuesday on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear in court.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a temperature rising to near 30 by noon, then falling to around 17 during the remainder of the day. Wind chill values are as low as zero. Blustery, with a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph becoming west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Snow showers are likely with scattered flurries before 3 pm, then isolated snow showers between 3 pm and 4 pm, and scattered flurries after 4 pm. Cloudy, The chance of precipitation is 60%. A new snow accumulation of around an inch is possible.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 4. Wind chill values as low as -13. Blustery, with a west-northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Jacob Lee Sauer, 37, of St. Augustine, FL, formerly of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, December 4th, at the Community Hospice Bailey Family Center for Caring. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 12th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Maria Rose Durdan, 72, of Ottawa, passed away on October 20th, at her home after battling Type 1 Diabetes for almost 63 years. A visitation will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home on January 18th, from 2 PM – 4 PM. The Celebration of Life will follow at 4 PM.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Shepherd Boys Basketball
7th grade lost to Bureau Valley 34-26. Leading the way for Shepherd: Judah Morris with 10 points, Jackson Mayszak with 9 points, Briley Reynolds with 4 points, and Jack Markey with 3 points. 7th grade is now 3-13.
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8th grade lost to Bureau Valley 41-31. Leading the way for Shepherd: Keandre Miller had 12 points, Luca Fernandez had 5 points, and Henry Farabaugh and Jude Willet both had 3 points. 8th grade is now 10-6.
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Girls Basketball
Morris 60, Ottawa 55 – At Morris
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The OTHS Freshman girl’s basketball team improved to 6-0 on the season and 2-0 in the conference, with a 41-6 victory over Morris. The Freshman’s next game is Friday vs Lasalle -Peru.
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Boys Basketball
Newark 59, Earlville 55
Streator 57, Reed-Custer 54
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PRO SPORTS:
One of the top players in Cubs history is battling cancer again. Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced yesterday that his prostate cancer has returned. Sandberg was diagnosed with cancer in January, but he was deemed cancer-free in August. Sandberg added that the cancer has spread to other organs and that he will undergo more intensive treatment. Sandberg played with the Cubs from 1982 until 1997. The ten-time All-Star was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2005. In other club news, the Northsiders received the number-17 pick during the MLB Draft Lottery yesterday.
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The Chicago White Sox are getting some help in the outfield. The team signed Mike Tauchman to a Major League contract yesterday. The one-year deal includes a 1.95-million-dollar base salary and includes up to one million dollars in incentives. The 34-year-old hit .248 with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 109 games with the Cubs last season. In other club news, the Sox earned the tenth pick during the MLB Draft Lottery yesterday.
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Patrick Williams is on the mend. The Bulls announced yesterday that the forward participated in a non-contact practice yesterday. Williams will partake in a scrimmage today. Williams has missed ten games with injuries this season. He’s averaging just under ten points and five rebounds in 15 appearances this year.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their road game against the New York Islanders tomorrow. The Hawks are coming off a 2-1 win over the Rangers on Tuesday. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 20 points and a 9-17-and-2 record. Tomorrow’s game starts at 5:30 PM
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The Chicago Bears will begin practicing for their Week 15 contest against Minnesota today. The Bears visit the Vikings on Monday Night Football. Chicago is coming off a 38-13 loss to the 49ers on Sunday. The Bears are on a seven-game losing streak and are in last place in the NFC North at 4-and-9. Monday’s game kicks off at 7:00 PM.
In other Bears news, Arlington Heights officials have approved a property tax deal with the Bears. Mayor Tom Hayes called this a significant step. The Village Board voted last night, bringing the team closer to possibly building a new stadium on the old Arlington Park racetrack property. The deal will save the team over five million dollars a year. The Bears must decide to build a new stadium by 2027, or tax increases will take effect.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini bounced back from their first conference loss of the season with an 86-80 upset victory over number-22 Wisconsin. Kylan Boswell hit a three early in the second half to give Illinois the lead, and the Illini were able to keep Wisconsin at an arm’s length from there. Kasparas Jakucionis finished the victory with 24 points, while Tre White had 23. Illinois is now 7-and-2 overall and 1-and-1 in Big Ten play. The Illini host number-one Tennessee on Saturday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to get a winning streak going when they host Dartmouth at Purcell Pavilion tonight. The Irish snapped a five-game losing streak by beating Syracuse 69-64 last Saturday. Notre Dame is 5-and-5 overall and 1-and-0 against the ACC. Tonight’s game tips off at 6:00 PM Central time.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul fell to Providence 70-63.