Talks between the Streator Education Association and the school board’s bargaining team were reportedly brief and tense. According to the teachers’ union, board members entered the meeting unannounced and delivered what they described as a final offer, which the union rejected. The main sticking point remains health care for part-time employees, with the union pushing for coverage for teaching assistants, custodians, and librarians. They argue that the current insurance plan is unaffordable, costing some staff half their salary for single coverage and even more for family plans. The union believes the district’s finances show there’s room to negotiate better terms.
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Streator City Manager David Plyman informed the City Council that Waste Management submitted the lowest of two bids for garbage hauling, with Republic Services as the other bidder. The council is expected to approve a five-year contract with Waste Management at its next meeting on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. While residents currently pay $23 per month for service, future billing adjustments will be discussed separately. The new agreement includes a 12.37% increase in the city’s first-year payment to Waste Management compared to the previous year.
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The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Downtown Association are hosting an information session about the Volunteer Adopt a Garden Bed Program on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Current volunteers and anyone interested in adopting a garden bed can learn more and sign up at the meeting. If you can’t attend, details are available at ottawadowntownassociation.org.
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Democratic Governor Pritzker is blasting Republican President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Speaking at the Illinois Education Association convention yesterday, the governor warned that cuts to federal education funding could “damage the future of the people of Illinois.” His comments came after the State of Illinois joined a lawsuit to stop the educational spending cuts.
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24-year-old Roger D. Miskell of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Thursday at Wal-Mart on a charge of retail theft.
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A homeless Ottawa woman ended up at the LaSalle County Jail after her arrest by Ottawa Police Thursday at the East Norris Drive McDonald’s. 39-year-old Christina M. Rousonelos was wanted on outstanding LaSalle County warrants for failure to appear in court on charges of possession of methamphetamines, violation of pre-trial release, and domestic battery.
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32-year-old Jerry D. States is facing charges of criminal trespass to state-supported property and violation of pre-trial release conditions. The homeless Ottawa man was arrested by Ottawa Police Thursday at the Ravlin Congregate on East Washington Street.
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WEATHER:
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Windy, with a south-southeast wind of 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 3 am, then a slight chance of showers between 3 am and 4 am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 53. Very windy, with a south wind of 30 to 35 mph decreasing to 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
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OBITUARIES:
Brenda Arlette Martinez, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, March 12th, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday, March 16th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 9-3 in a rain-shortened Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch. James Karinchak was charged with the loss in relief, while Cal Mitchell homered. The Southsiders take on Cincinnati today.
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The Chicago Cubs are in Japan for a game against the Hanshin Tigers at the Tokyo Dome late tonight. The Northsiders play a pair of games against NPB teams before opening the regular season against the Dodgers next week. Tonight’s game begins at 10:00 PM.
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The Chicago Bulls elevated their game in the final quarter of a 116-110 win over the Brooklyn Nets at United Center. The Bulls ended the game with a 34-18 run in the final frame. Coby White poured in 31 points to lead Chicago to a fourth consecutive victory. The Bulls remain in tenth place in the Eastern Conference at 28-and-38. They visit the Rockets tomorrow night.
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The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the San Jose Sharks 4-2 in a game between the two worst teams in the NHL at Sap Center. Ilya Mikheyev scored in the second period to get Chicago within a goal before San Jose knocked in an empty-netter in the third. Frank Nazar scored in the losing effort. The Blackhawks are in last place in the Central Division with 49 points. They visit the Canucks tomorrow night.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The number-25 Illinois Fighting Illini are moving on in the Big Ten Tournament following a 106-94 win over Iowa at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Illini pulled away with 57 second-half points. Kylan Boswell, Tre White, and Will Riley each scored over 20 points in the victory. Illinois goes up against number-11 Maryland tonight.
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The Northwestern Wildcats bowed out of the Big Ten Tournament with a 70-63 loss to number-14 Wisconsin at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Wildcats trailed by double-digits through most of the second half. Nick Martinelli had 22 points in the loss. Northwestern dropped to 17-and-16 overall.
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In the Big East Tournament yesterday, DePaul lost to Creighton 85-81. In the A-10 Tournament today, Loyola takes on Saint Louis.