Cold weather is forcing President-elect Trump’s inauguration ceremony to be moved indoors today. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will now be sworn into office in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The inaugural parade and a watch party will be held at Capital One Arena. This will be the third time a presidential inauguration is held indoors, the others being for President Taft and President Reagan. You will hear the inauguration of incoming President Donald J Trump live on WCMY inside the 10 am hour. Several Illinois Democrats are skipping President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration today. The Sun-Times reports US Representatives Robin Kelly, Delia Ramirez, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Mike Quigley, Sean Casten, Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jan Schakowsky, and Eric Sorensen won’t be attending the country’s 58th presidential inauguration. Representatives Brad Schneider, Bill Foster, Lauren Underwood, and Nikki Budzinski are attending. US Senator Dick Durbin will be in attendance, but fellow US Senator Tammy Duckworth will not be.
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In other news, President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign pledge of mass deportations may be about to become reality. Citing sources familiar with the planning, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the incoming administration intends to kick off a large-scale immigration raid the day after Trump takes office. It’s expected to target Chicago with help from as many as 200 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Trump has in the past stated that his goal is to carry out the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history.”
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On January 17th, the Grundy County 911 Center received multiple reports of a loud boom or possible explosion near Dresden Road. Deputies, with assistance from 911 dispatchers, contacted nearby industrial plants, where employees confirmed hearing the noise but reported no issues. The Dresden Lock & Dam also acknowledged hearing the sound but found no problems at their site. On January 18th, Sheriff Briley spoke with the site Vice President of Dresden and an employee of the lock and dam, both of whom confirmed no issues at their locations. The source of the noise remains unknown, and no further reports have been filed as of January 18th. While various causes have been speculated on social media, none have been verified as accurate.
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The Catholic schools of Oglesby, LaSalle, and Peru will unite under one system with a new name, colors, and mascot, and possibly a new building. Announced over the weekend by parish pastors, the plan addresses financial challenges caused by declining church attendance, smaller households, and shifting demographics. Discussions began in early 2024, involving priests, principals, and community leaders, who recognized the value of Catholic education and school choice.
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LaSalle Peru High School confirmed on Friday that its cloud-based student information system, PowerSchool, was affected by an international data breach. Superintendent Dr. Stephen Wrobleski assured families in a Friday letter that the school’s internal network remained secure. PowerSchool is investigating the breach and offering two years of free identity protection, including credit monitoring. Those impacted will be notified shortly, and a dedicated phone line will be available for inquiries.
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A kitchen fire in Ottawa early Friday morning filled a home in the 300 block of Taylor with heavy smoke but was swiftly brought under control. Fire Chief Brian Bressner said crews arrived to find significant smoke, but the stovetop blaze was extinguished within minutes. The fire, determined to be accidental, caused an estimated $1,000 in damage to the stove. Fortunately, the home remains habitable, and additional fire assistance was canceled.
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Winds fueled a fire in Deer Park Saturday, destroying a garage and home near Matthiessen State Park. Grand Ridge Fire Chief Tim Geiger said crews responded around 1 p.m. to the 900 block of North 2401 Road, where flames spread quickly due to the garage’s proximity to the house. Firefighters contained the blaze within an hour, but the home’s roof partially collapsed. The homeowner discovered the fire upon returning and all animals escaped safely. The fire, believed to be accidental, remains under investigation with help from the Wallace and LaSalle Fire Departments.
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The Rotary Club of Ottawa Sunrise selected the Seniors of the Month for January. Makayla Backos attends Marquette Academy and Illinois Valley Community College. She will graduate from both schools in May and plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Evelyn Jeppson was selected from Ottawa Township High School. Jeppson is involved in a multitude of clubs and music opportunities. Achieving a degree in music therapy is Jeppson’s career goal.
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The Streator City Council approved no-parking ordinances for Bronson and East Stanton streets to improve traffic flow and safety. Parking is now prohibited on the south side of Bronson Street from North Bloomington to North Shabbona streets, addressing issues caused by vehicles parked on both sides of the truck route. Similarly, parking is banned on the south side of East Stanton Street from North Park to North Shabbona Streets, where vehicles have been parking outside designated spaces since the road’s 2012 reconstruction. Most council members supported the measures, with one dissenting vote.
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On Wednesday, representatives from Open Table United Church of Christ and the Ottawa Center for the Arts (OCA) officially completed the sale of the church building. Originally built as First Congregational Church between 1870 and 1871, the historic property at 910 Columbus St. stands across from Washington Square. It offers a range of spaces, including offices, a kitchen, restrooms, and meeting areas on the ground floor, with a second-floor sanctuary that can accommodate nearly 400 people. Under the terms of the agreement, the church will continue its ministries through a rental arrangement while the OCA develops its programs.
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The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of the state’s concealed carry license and open carry ban following the conviction of Tyshon Thompson, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison for carrying a firearm in public without a concealed carry license, despite holding a FOID card. Thompson argues the law violates the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which struck down restrictive “may-issue” licensing as unconstitutional. His attorney claims Illinois’ dual-license requirement and extensive training process mirror a may-issue framework and lack historical precedent. The state defends the law as a constitutional “shall-issue” system, consistent with Bruen. The case also challenges Illinois’ open carry ban, with the defense arguing it unlawfully restricts the Second Amendment. A decision has not yet been announced.
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Sangamon County, its sheriff’s office, and central dispatch have reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice following an investigation into the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman experiencing a mental health crisis. While the DOJ found no evidence of discrimination, the agreement mandates reforms, including enhanced training for deputies and dispatchers on de-escalation and mental health crises, improved demographic data collection, and expanded collaboration with Memorial Behavioral Health for mobile crisis services. The county will also review citizen complaints and work with the “Massey Commission” to address policing inequities, with all changes to be implemented within a year.
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The Justice Department is suing Walgreens, accusing the pharmacy giant of dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions. The DOJ says Walgreens contributed to the nation’s opioid epidemic by filling illegal prescriptions for addictive painkillers and other drugs. The suit alleges the company knowingly filled those prescriptions from 2012 until the present, saying they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not valid. The 300-page lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
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A former Yorkville doctor, 73-year-old Edgar Archbold, has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for the sexual assault of a minor who was both his patient and employee. Archbold pleaded guilty in October, just before his trial was set to begin. With the sentence requiring him to serve at least 85 percent of the term, it is expected to effectively be a life sentence due to his age. The case came to light in April 2023, when the victim, after enduring months of abuse, bravely disclosed the crimes to her mother, fearing retribution for herself and her family. Archbold later admitted to several instances of abuse during a phone call, which was recorded by Yorkville police as part of their investigation.
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An 18-year-old La Salle man, Jose Godina, is out on pre-trial release after a reported shooting incident Saturday at 2nd and Crosat in La Salle. Around 12:30 p.m., police responded within a minute to a caller who reported someone shooting at their vehicle. Officers quickly identified Godina as the suspect, and he admitted to the incident, claiming he used a BB gun. The weapon, described as a Glock-style BB gun, was handed over to police by Godina’s younger brother. Godina has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property and was issued a notice to appear in court.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E19th RD (Otter Creek TWP) William Easton (42) of Streator was cited for operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 3rd RD (Hope TWP) Cala Michael (37) of Wenona was cited for operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended and was released from the scene with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident in the area of IL Rt-52 & E 2351st RD (Serena TWP) when a Juvenile driver (17) of Ottawa was cited for failing to yield at a stop intersection and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident in the area of E 18th RD & N 36th RD (Serena TWP) resulting in one injury. Sheridan EMS transported the injured party to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
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33-year-old Juan F. Diaz of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Friday at 408 Houston Street on a charge of battery.
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29-year-old Justin F. Holofchak of Streator was arrested Friday by Ottawa Police at Wal-Mart on a charge of retail theft and violation of conditions of pre-trial release.
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18-year-old Leila Stahl of Ottawa has charges of obstruction of a peace officer, possession of alcohol, and unlawful possession of cannabis. She was arrested Saturday by Ottawa Police at Superior and Canal Streets.
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39-year-old David M. Pierce, Junior is charged by Ottawa Police with driving under the influence of drugs and failure to signal after a traffic stop in the 900 block of Pierce Street Saturday.
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A 32-year-old Ottawa man faces charges of driving under the influence, speeding 26-to-34 miles over the posted limit, illegal transportation of alcohol, and unlawful possession of adult-use cannabis. Ottawa Police arrested Dwayne J. Thomas at Christie and Campbell Streets Sunday.
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WEATHER:
Cold Weather Advisory, until noon CST today. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to noon CST Tuesday.
M.L.King Day
Occasional flurries after 3 pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 12. Wind chill values as low as -16. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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Monday Night
A slight chance of snow showers before 9 pm, then occasional flurries between 9 pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around -5. Wind chill values as low as -23. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
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OBITUARIES:
Anthony “Tony B” Bianchi passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 16th at his home in Ottawa. Tony B worked for WCMY for 5 years, covering various on-air shifts, and hosting the Tony B afternoon show. In addition, he hosted WCMY sports for the station and recently was a live Play-by-play announcer for Mendota High School Football. Visitation will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home chapel in Joliet on Friday, January 24th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service for Anthony David Bianchi will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25th, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet, Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
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Catherine “Kate” Schwarz, 68, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, January 14th, at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, at St. Mary’s Church in Utica. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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Margaret “Marge” Garling, 92, of Morris, passed away Saturday, January 18th, at Serenity Estates of Morris with her family by her side. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 22, from 10:30 am until 11:30 am at First Baptist Church in Morris. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:30 am, at the church. Burial will be in Saratoga Cemetery in Morris. Ottawa Funeral Home has handled the arrangements.
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Nobuko “Peggy” (as she was known to her friends) Goetz, surrounded by loved ones, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13th. Interment will be private at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.
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William Ross Henry, 62, of Ottawa, passed away on January 4th. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Catch all the action tomorrow night with an exciting high school basketball doubleheader! First, at 5:30 PM, Hunter O’Dell brings you live coverage as the Ottawa Lady Pirates face off against the Princeton Tigresses. Then, at 7:00 PM, Andrew Evola takes over as the Ottawa Pirates boys battle the Princeton Tigers. Don’t miss a moment!
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Ottawa Dolphins Place 1st at ILVY Quad Meet
127 Swimmers competed from 5 teams
The Ottawa Dolphins had 52 swimmers participate
Team Scores
· Ottawa Y Dolphins – 919
· Illinois Valley Y Dolphins – 714.5
· Kankakee Area YMCA Stingrays – 388
· Dixon Family YMCA Dolphins – 107.5
· YMCA of RRV Stingrays – 91
Personal Best Swims
· 53/165 (32%) personal best swims
· 2 swimmers swam all their events in their personal best times. Congratulations to Clayton Budnick and Marcos Hagenbuch.
Triple Event Winners
Cole Bressendorf, Brennen Heaver, Dawsynn Kettman, Lewis Kuiper
Double Event Winners
Lillian Clayton, Evelyn Hansen, Atley Strow
Single Event Winners
Jeremiah Abernathy, Hayden Bressendorf, Caden Brown, Clayton, Dax Hawkins, Declan Hawkins, Ryland Heaver, Quinn Kohut, Guinevere Kotecki, and Bryce Marks.
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PRO SPORTS:
Former White Sox manager Jeff Torborg is dead at the age of 83. Torborg spent ten seasons in the MLB as a catcher before becoming a manager. He led the Southsiders from 1989 until 1991. He was named the AL Manager of the Year after leading the team to a 94-and-68 record in 1990.
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The Chicago Bulls faded away in the second half of a 113-102 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. The game was tied at halftime before the Bulls were outscored 34-24 in the third quarter and never led in the second half. Zach LaVine poured in 27 points in the losing effort, while Nikola Vucevic added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-and-24. The Bulls visit the Clippers tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights at United Center on Saturday. Seth Jones broke a 3-3 tie with a goal late in the second period, and Tyler Bertuzzi added an insurance goal in the third. Bertuzzi scored twice in the victory, while Lukas Reichel and Taylor Hall also lit the lamp. The Hawks remain in last place in the Central Division with 33 points and a 15-28-and-3 record. Chicago hosts Carolina tonight.
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The Chicago Bears interviewed five more candidates for their head coaching vacancy over the weekend. On Friday, the team spoke with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. On Saturday, Chicago met with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. The Bears also interviewed Tennessee State head coach Eddie George yesterday.
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A seven-billion-dollar development plan near the United Center set to be built in three years is a step closer to becoming a reality. The Chicago Plan Commission unanimously approved the 1901 Project, which was organized by the owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks. The plan will include a music venue, a parking garage, a hotel, and five thousand residential units, 20 percent of which will be affordable housing. The proposal now goes to the Chicago City Council Zoning Committee and then the full City Council, which could vote on it next month.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The biggest game of the College Football Playoff takes place in Atlanta tonight. Number-five Notre Dame battles number-six Ohio State in the National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Fighting Irish advanced after Mitch Jeter kicked the game-winning field goal to take down number-four Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame hopes to claim its 12th national title in school history and first since 1988. Tonight’s game kicks off at 6:30 PM Central time.
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>>College Basketball Round Up
The number-20 Illinois Fighting Illini have dropped two of three following an 80-78 loss to number-12 Michigan State at Breslin Center. The Illini stayed within one possession throughout most of the second half, but the Spartans were able to pull away with some free throws late. Will Riley had 19 points off the bench in the losing effort. Illinois dropped to 5-and-3 in the Big Ten and 13-and-5 overall. The Illini host Maryland on Thursday.
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The Northwestern Wildcats lost to the number-19 Michigan Wolverines 80-76 at Crisler Center yesterday. Matthew Nicholson hit a free throw to tie the game with 14 seconds left in regulation, but the Illini were outscored 15-11 in the extra frame. Brooks Barnhizer scored 21 points in the losing effort, while Nick Martinelli finished with 20. Northwestern dropped to 2-and-5 in the Big Ten and 11-and-7 overall. The Wildcats host Indiana on Wednesday.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a disastrous second half during a 77-69 loss to Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday. The Irish led by nine at halftime before getting outscored 44-27 the rest of the way. Markus Burton poured in 28 points in the loss. Notre Dame is 2-and-5 in ACC play and 8-and-10 overall. The Fighting Irish take on Virginia next Saturday.
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In college hoops action on Friday, DePaul beat Georgetown 73-68. On Saturday, Loyola was edged by Dayton 83-81, Bradley took down Murray State 74-61, UIC earned an 81-74 win over Valparaiso, Chicago State won against Le Moyne 88-72, Illinois State edged Missouri State 74-68, and Northern Illinois went down against Central Michigan 71-66. Tonight, Chicago State hosts Fairleigh Dickinson.