An Ottawa murder trial has been rescheduled for the spring. Twenty-five-year-old Nicolaus J. Phillips from Spring Valley was set to stand trial on Monday for first-degree murder, facing a potential sentence of up to 85 years for the 2023 shooting of Eric Clements in Ottawa. However, during an unexpected hearing on Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court, the trial was postponed based on a defense motion. Phillips is now scheduled to appear on February 27 for a motion hearing, and depending on the outcome, his trial is set to commence on May 5.
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The Streator Police Department’s 2024 Crime Statistics show a mix of outcomes in community safety. There were no homicides, but four shootings were reported, one resulting in an arrest. The data includes 14 sexual assaults, four instances of sexual abuse, and significant property crime with 37 burglaries, 43 vehicle break-ins, and 37 vehicle thefts. Theft incidents reached 309, alongside 80 physical domestics, 126 other domestic incidents, and 190 verbal disputes, leading to 19 domestic battery arrests. There were also two aggravated assaults, 55 batteries, one robbery, and one armed robbery, with 12 firearms recovered, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance safety in the Streator community.
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Travelers in Mendota should be on the lookout for new signage at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street. Recently, the Mendota City Council approved a proposal from the Mendota Police Department based on a traffic study conducted at that location. The study indicated that replacing the existing yield signs with stop signs would enhance safety. Following this recommendation, the council has decided that drivers traveling northbound and southbound will soon need to come to a complete stop at this intersection. All motorists are encouraged to stay vigilant while navigating through this area.
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OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the addition of Eryn Goetze, APRN, to its obstetrics and gynecology team. Eryn will enhance women’s health and midwifery services in Ottawa and Peru. She holds a nursing degree from Baylor University and is board-certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, ensuring high-quality, individualized care.
To schedule an appointment with Eryn or any member of the OSF obstetrics and gynecology team, please call (815) 431-0435.
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Midshipman Sarah Peters, hailing from La Salle, performed a heartfelt tribute at a memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter held in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. An accomplished alto vocalist and alumna of La Salle-Peru High School, she is currently in her second year at the U.S. Naval Academy, the same institution from which Carter graduated. Additionally, Peters is an active member of the USNA Glee Club.
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The final meeting of Ottawa First, the organization known for organizing fireworks displays, took place on Wednesday night, marking the end of an era. Original members Patrick Feehan, Bob Carretto, LouAnne Carretto, and Jay LeSeure gathered alongside founder Larry Johnson for the bittersweet occasion. The group expressed their gratitude to the greater Ottawa community for its unwavering support over the years and extended best wishes to the Ottawa Downtown Association, which is set to continue the tradition of hosting the Fourth of July fireworks show.
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An 18-year-old man, identified as Keith Raulerson, was found unconscious on the back patio of his home in the 100 block of East Second Street in Wyanet, prompting an investigation into his death as suspicious, according to Bureau County Sheriff James Reed. Raulerson was discovered by his mother on December 21 and was later pronounced dead at OSF St. Clare in Princeton on December 22, as reported in a news release from the sheriff’s office. Notably, he had abrasions on his face and various other marks on his body. Authorities are seeking information from anyone who may have seen Raulerson in the Wyanet area between December 19 and December 21, urging them to contact the sheriff’s office for details.
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Michael Madigan is attempting to clear his name by taking the stand in his racketeering trial. During his second day of testimony yesterday, the former Illinois House Speaker distanced himself from co-defendant Michael McClain and former Chicago Aldermen Danny Solis, who secretly recorded Madigan for the FBI. Madigan could be cross-examined by prosecutors as early as Monday. The trial is expected to stretch into the end of the month.
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Governor Pritzker is planning to sign a bill that would take guns out of the hands of accused domestic abusers in Illinois. The state House passed Karina’s Bill this week, sending the measure to the governor’s desk. The measure would require law enforcement to confiscate guns within 96 hours from people who have an order of protection granted against them. The law is named after Karina Gonzalez. The Chicago woman and her teenage daughter were shot and killed by her husband in 2023, shortly after she filed for an emergency restraining order against him.
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The Illinois General Assembly approved legislation requiring guns to be removed from the homes of accused abusers when their FOID card is revoked after an order of protection is granted. Named “Karina’s Bill” after a domestic violence victim, the measure closes a loophole by clarifying law enforcement’s responsibility to remove firearms. The bill also allows judges to issue search warrants for gun seizures when there’s probable cause of immediate danger. Passed by wide margins in both chambers, the bill now awaits Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.
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Illinois lawmakers are beginning a new two-year term. A new Illinois General Assembly was sworn in yesterday in separate ceremonies for the House and Senate. The inauguration ceremonies follow a tension-filled lame-duck session that saw Democratic Governor Pritzker clash with members of his own party. The governor supported a bill that would regulate hemp products in Illinois. However, that measure failed to advance.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is responding to Governor Pritzker’s criticism that the mayor “doesn’t have good relationships” in Springfield. Johnson said he has personal relationships with individuals in Springfield that go far deeper than a political office, adding that they predate his time as mayor. His response comes after the governor accused the mayor’s administration of not reaching out very often. The pair have been clashing recently over a proposed bill that would have regulated hemp products in Illinois.
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The office of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is revealing the list of rejected personalized license plates in 2024. Over 300 vanity and personalized license plates were shot down after being deemed too obscene or defamatory. Illinois vehicle owners pay extra for a new vanity or personalized plate. Currently, there are more than 811-thousand vehicles registered in the state with vanity or personalized license plates for Illinoisans.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL RT-18 & E 10th RD. (Eagle TWP) Gregory Devon (34) of Streator was cited for speeding 78 mph in a 55 mph zone
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop early Wednesday at 609 Everett St. in Streator. 22-year-old Cheyenne Pratt of Streator was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while Driver’s License was suspended. A passenger in the vehicle, 22-year-old Layton Pinney was arrested for possession of controlled substances, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen fraudulently obtained checks. Both were transported to La Salle County Jail and later released with a notice to appear in court.
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A Wyoming, Illinois man, 46-year-old Matthew Jones, was stopped by Ottawa Police Wednesday in the 700 block of Hitt Street and cited for driving on a suspended license.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -1. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Thursday Night
Snow, mainly after midnight. Temperature falling to nearly 20 by 8 pm, then rising to around 26 during the remainder of the night. South southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Ann (Maierhofer) Bowers, 85, of Ottawa, passed away on January 7th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Daniel Owen Jones, 83, of Tonica, passed away on January 3rd. A private memorial service will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home.
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James F. Wilcox Jr., 86, of Utica, passed away Tuesday, December 31st, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. A service with military honors will take place at the graveside in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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Francis “Barney” Sesto, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, January 5th, at Pleasant View. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. and the Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 9th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Interment will follow at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Kathleen Elizabeth Schulz, age 73, of Ottawa, born in Springfield, Oregon, passed away on Thursday, January 2nd, A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9th, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at noon at the funeral home. Private burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Donald L. Billings, 92, of Wedron, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5th, at OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota. A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, January 10th, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Military Honors will be rendered by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 at 3:00 pm at the funeral home.
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Lorraine (Sellers) Angell, 82, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, January 4th, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Girls basketball
Ottawa 64, Oak Forest 25: At Kingman Gymnasium
Marquette 58, Newark 27: At Newark
Earlville 51, Lowpoint-Washburn 24: At Earlville
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Tonight:
Marquette is at Henry
Streator is at Lisle
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OTHS Freshman girl’s basketball team improved to 9-0 on the season and 3-0 in the conference, with a 50-11 victory over Oak Forest. The freshmen are next in action on Monday vs Princeton.
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Boys basketball
Serena 56, Reed-Custer 47: At Serena
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Boys bowling
Mendota 3,442, Streator 2,910: At Mendota
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PRO SPORTS:
Connor Bedard had a pair of points as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 at United Center. The Avs got on the board in the first period to secure an early lead, but Bedard assisted on a game-tying goal from Ilya Mikheyev later in the frame. After Frank Nazar scored to put Chicago on top in the second, Bedard scored his 11th goal of the season to put the game away in the third period. The Hawks are still in last place in the Central Division with 30 points and a 14-25-and-2 record. Chicago visits Detroit tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Bulls trailed for most of the game during a 129-113 loss to the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge FieldHouse. Chicago went down by as many as 34 points late in the third quarter. Zach LaVine scored 31 points in the losing effort, while Coby White chipped in with 19. Chicago dropped to 17-and-20. The Bulls host Washington tomorrow.
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The Chicago White Sox are adding an All-Star to their starting rotation. The team signed lefty Martin Perez to a one-year, five-million-dollar deal yesterday. Perez was an All-Star in 2022, and he spent last season with Pittsburgh and San Diego. Perez was 5-and-6 with a 4.53 ERA in 26 starts last year.
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Josh Blackwell is ending his 2024 season on a high note. The Bears return man was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week yesterday. Blackwell had a 94-yard punt return touchdown during Chicago’s 24-22 win over Green Bay in Week 18. He was the third and final Bears player to win the award this season joining punter Tory Taylor and tight end Cole Kmet.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
FOOTBALL
The number-five Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to earn their spot in the National Championship when they go up against number-four Penn State in the CFP Semi-Final tonight. The Irish beat Georgia 23-10 in the Quarterfinal on January 2nd. Notre Dame has not lost a game since September. Tonight’s game kicks off at 6:30 PM Central time.
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BASKETBALL
The number-15 Illinois Fighting Illini are on a five-game winning streak following a 91-52 rout over Penn State at State Farm Center. The Illini led 45-21 at halftime and still outscored the Nittany Lions 46-31 in the second half. Ben Humrichous poured in 21 points in the victory, while Tre White and Morez Johnson Jr. each scored 20. Illinois improved to 12-and-3 overall and 4-and-1 in Big Ten play. The Illini host USC on Saturday.
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Notre Dame Hoops Fall To NC State (Raleigh, NC) — The Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell to NC State 66-65 at PNC Arena. Markus Burton missed a game-winning jumper at the buzzer after NC State took the lead with a free throw. Burton led the Irish with 15 points. Notre Dame dropped to 7-and-8 overall and 1-and-3 in ACC play. The Irish visit number-four Duke on Saturday.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, DePaul lost to Seton Hall 85-80, Loyola beat La Salle 79-68, Bradley fell to Drake 64-57, Illinois State went down against Evansville 69-51, and Valparaiso edged Indiana State 98-95. Meanwhile, Northwestern hosts number-14 Michigan State on Sunday