Illinois continues to be in the deep freeze. The National Weather Service says high temps will only reach the single digits today, with wind chills as low as 30 below zero in some parts. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect throughout the state. Anyone who must go outside should dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves. Most area schools are closed for today, utilizing a snow day or E-Learning. Some businesses, community centers, and city offices are closed as well. If you need a warm place to go, we have a list of warming centers available on the 1430 WCMY FaceBook page. If you do need to go out today please call ahead.
You will find a full list of closing and detailed information at https://1430wcmy.com/closings/
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Water main breaks are impacting Marseilles and LaSalle. In Marseilles, a water main break at Main and West Bluff Streets was being repaired late yesterday. The City of LaSalle has announced that city workers will repair a water main break at Illinois and Roosevelt Streets this morning. Repairs are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., with possible water service interruptions starting around 8:30 a.m. Residents are advised to avoid the area while the work is underway to ensure safety and expedite repairs. Please check with the City’s FaceBook page for more information and boil order if needed.
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*The La Salle County Coroner has identified the man who jumped into the Illinois River from the Route 89 bridge Thursday afternoon as 71-year-old Nicolass Vanwingerden of Granville. According to Coroner Rich Ploch, emergency crews, including river rescue teams, were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. when a passerby reported seeing Vanwingerden exit his vehicle and leap from the bridge into the water. Rescue teams located him in the river, and he was transported to OSF in Peru.
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State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, introduced House Bill 1301 to address rural healthcare challenges, including hospital closures, financial pressures, and staffing shortages. The bill establishes a Rural Hospital Task Force within the Illinois Department of Public Health to investigate these issues, propose solutions, and improve healthcare access in rural communities. The task force will report findings to the General Assembly by January 2027. Briel, representing La Salle, Bureau, and DeKalb counties, noted recent closures in Spring Valley and Peru as examples of the urgent need for action to ensure equitable care for rural residents.
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The La Salle City Council accepted the retirement of Sgt. Chris Hass and promoted Officer Luke Radtke to sergeant on Monday. Hass, who joined the department in 2005 after serving as a K-9 officer in Mendota, was recognized for his leadership as a training officer and supervisor. Police Chief Mike Smudzinski confirmed the department remains fully staffed, with Radtke now leading the night shift and embracing his new role. Alderman Jordan Crane expressed confidence in Radtke’s ability to succeed in the position.
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The Spring Valley City Council has finalized an agreement with 10/33 Ambulance Service to ensure continued operations, potentially requiring a sales tax increase to cover rising costs. The closure of St. Margaret’s Hospital in June 2023, a key revenue source for 10/33, heightened financial challenges. Mayor Melanie Malooley-Thompson emphasized the city’s commitment to securing the best terms for residents while exploring funding options to minimize taxpayer impact. She praised 10/33’s longstanding service and highlighted collaborative efforts with local leaders to finalize the deal.
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Carus has announced the completion of its “Rebuild Project,” marking a major milestone just over two years after a devastating fire in the shipping area of its La Salle chemical plant. Since the January 11th incident, the company has implemented significant upgrades, including state-of-the-art fire sprinkler, detection, and alarm systems; a redesigned packaging and pallet system; and an advanced water containment system to safely manage and recycle water on-site. Other enhancements focus on fire safety, energy efficiency, and exceeding environmental regulations. Carus CEO Andy Johnston highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support, acknowledging the patience shown during the rebuild’s additional noise and traffic.
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Governor Pritzker is scheduled to sign a bill that would require people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be paid the full minimum wage in Illinois. The governor is signing the Dignity in Pay Act into law in Chicago. The measure will end Illinois’ certificate program, which allows some employers to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage.
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Donald Trump is granting pardons to roughly 15 hundred people who were convicted in the January 6th riots. That includes more than 50 people from Illinois who were accused of storming the U.S. Capitol as Congress was certifying the 2020 election results. That means those individuals will have their federal rap sheets wiped clean. Trump had pledged clemency for all the convicted rioters.
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Governor Pritzker is responding to President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Pritzker released a statement saying Trump’s executive order to strip birthright citizenship from people born in this country is unconstitutional. He said this is only the beginning of the Trump administration’s trying to undermine the rule of law, adding that he will stand against unconstitutional actions. Birthright citizenship gives legal rights to citizenship for all children born in a country’s territory.
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Protesters in Chicago are taking a stand against President Trump as he begins his second term in office. Hundreds of demonstrators held a rally yesterday in Federal Plaza during the bitterly cold weather on the same day as Trump’s inauguration. The group then marched to Trump Tower to protest against Trump’s position on issues including immigration and women’s reproductive rights.
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Chicago’s immigrant community is quite concerned about the fears of mass deportations. President Donald Trump’s team is now reconsidering plans for immigration raids this week in Chicago. The action was taken after incoming border czar Tomk Holman said those plans were leaked. Priests on Chicago’s Southwest Side held a Mass yesterday to stand in solidarity with local immigrants. Meanwhile, the Little Village Community Council will continue to reach out to the public and educate them on what to do if they come in contact with immigration authorities.
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The Rockford Police Department is responding to questions about President Donald Trump’s plan to deport migrants. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd says the enforcement of civil immigration laws is the primary responsibility of federal agencies, adding that the Rockford Police Department doesn’t participate in civil immigration-related investigations or actions. Redd says they only consider someone’s immigration status in cases where there is a reasonable belief that the person has committed serious crimes that threaten public safety.
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The Chicago Police Department is responding to questions about President Donald Trump’s plan to deport migrants. CPD released a statement saying they are banned by the Welcoming City Ordinance from participating in civil immigration enforcement operations or assisting in the civil enforcement of federal immigration law. That means they don’t assist federal immigration authorities with enforcement action solely based on immigration status. CPD doesn’t document immigration status and doesn’t share that information with federal authorities.
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Indiana legislators would like to revamp the Indiana-Illinois border to absorb part of Illinois. Proposed Indiana House Bill 1008 would create a border adjustment commission to research the probability of adjusting the boundaries between the two states. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, who sponsored the measure, says he decided to draft the bill after he learned in November that seven Illinois counties voted to secede from the state. They include Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Madison, and Perry counties. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has denounced the proposed measure calling it a stunt.
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The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is mourning one of its own. Deputy Shamone Duncan was killed by gunfire over the weekend while vacationing in Turks and Caicos. The 50-year-old grandmother’s only son, Shamon Payton, says they were attending a party in a restaurant when people downstairs from them started arguing and then gunfire rang out. Duncan, who was a 21-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, was hit by a stray bullet. One other person was killed, and a third person was injured.
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An investigation is underway after an ATM skimmer was found at Farmers National Bank branch in Geneseo. Police say device was located Sunday. Investigators began searching through security camera footage from the bank and identified a vehicle that was later found abandoned in a parking lot. Authorities used additional security footage that shows multiple suspects fleeing the first vehicle into another awaiting car. Geneseo police coordinated with Missouri Highway Patrol near Fredericktown, Missouri. The suspect vehicle was stopped and one adult and two juveniles were taken into custody. They were found to have skimming devices in their possession.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 211 Spring St (Bruce TWP) Chad Stevens (44) of Streator was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and received a written warning for driving without headlights when required. Stevens was transported to LaSalle County Jail and later released with an NTA.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & E 25th RD (Miller TWP) Timothy Less of Ottawa was given a written warning for speeding and then released from the scene.
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WEATHER:
…EXTREME COLD WARNING IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY…
Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 32 below are possible.
Tuesday
Sunny and cold, with a high near 4. Wind chill values as low as -28. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night
Increasing clouds, with a temperature rising to around 7 by 5 am. Wind chill values as low as -17. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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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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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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LOCAL SPORTS:
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Marquette 51, Roanoke-Benson 43: At Roanoke in the semifinals of the Tri-County Conference Tournament, the Crusaders defeated the host Rockets and earned a date with St. Bede in Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. championship game.
St. Bede 59, Seneca 57: Savannah Bray scored 17 points Monday to help the No. 4-seeded Bruins to an upset of the No. 1 Fighting Irish in a Tri-County Conference semifinal in Roanoke.
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Little Ten Conference Tournament
Indian Creek 56, Earlville 29: The No. 5-seeded Red Raiders lost to the No. 4 Timberwolves in a Little Ten Conference Tournament quarterfinal in Earlville.
Serena 53, Hiawatha 15: At Earlville in the Little Ten Conference Tournament on Monday,
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls had a dominant third quarter during a 112-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. The Bulls trailed by two at halftime before outscoring the Clippers 36-16 in the third. Zach LaVine poured in 35 points during the win, while Josh Giddey added 18 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists. Chicago improved to 19-and-25. The Bulls visit the Warriors on Thursday.
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The Chicago Blackhawks failed to hold a one-goal lead in the third period during a 4-3 overtime loss against Carolina at United Center. Ryan Donato scored in the final minute of the second period to give Chicago a 3-2 lead, but Jordan Staal tied the game with under seven minutes left in regulation. The Hurricanes won the game with a Sebastian Aho goal in the first minute of OT. Philipp Kurashev and Tyler Bertuzzi both scored in the losing effort. The Hawks are in last place in the Central Division with 34 points and a 15-28-and-4 record. They host Tampa Bay on Friday.
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The Bears have their new head coach. Chicago is reportedly finalizing a deal to give Ben Johnson the job. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator agreed to the deal just two days after Detroit lost to Washington in the NFC Divisional Round. Johnson takes over for Matt Eberflus, who was fired midseason following a loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving. The 38-year-old coach spent the last six seasons in various roles with Detroit.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish couldn’t complete a 24-point comeback attempt during a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Irish trailed 31-7 in the third quarter before scoring a pair of touchdowns and converting a pair of two-point plays. However, Ohio State iced the game with a field goal in the final minute. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard was 22-of-31 for 255 yards and two TDs in the losing effort. The dual threat also rushed for 40 yards and another score. Jaden Greathouse finished with six receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns. The Fighting Irish finish the season at 14-and-2.
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>>College Basketball Round Up
The Illinois Fighting Illini are trending upwards. The Illini jumped three spots from number 20 to number 17 in yesterday’s coaches poll. Illinois beat Indiana and only lost by two against number-eight Michigan State last week. Illinois has two home games this week. The Illini host Maryland on Thursday and Northwestern on Sunday.
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In college hoops action yesterday, Chicago State lost to Fairleigh Dickinson 58-48. Tonight, DePaul hosts Creighton, Bradley is at Belmont, Illinois State welcomes Indiana State, and Northern Illinois visits Western Michigan. Northwestern hosts Indiana tomorrow, while Notre Dame’s next game is against Virginia on Saturday.
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*If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and resources. You are not alone.