The National Weather Service is confirming that at least three tornadoes hit central Illinois. Severe storms swept through the region Friday night into early Saturday morning. The National Weather Service says preliminary findings of a damage survey determined one EF-2 tornado started south of Neoga and ended a couple miles south of the Charleston/Mattoon airport. Two EF-1 tornadoes were also located around three miles north of Mattoon and in Paris, Illinois.
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Ottawa’s Green Street will have traffic reduced to one lane from Chapel Street to Canal Road on Monday, March 17. This is due to ongoing concrete work at the box culvert location, which is anticipated to be finished by 2 p.m. Motorists in the area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. should be aware of flaggers directing traffic and should plan for extra travel time.
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Construction is set to resume on a parking lot in downtown Ottawa on Monday, March 17, at the northeast corner of East Main and Columbus streets, which will require the closure of the right turn lane on the north side of the 100 block of East Main starting at 8:15 a.m. Drivers in the area are advised to exercise caution and be mindful of construction equipment and personnel during the work. The lane closure will be in effect on both Monday, March 17th, and Tuesday, March 18, with plans to reopen it to traffic by 3 p.m. each day.
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The Ottawa Fire Department responded to a reported fire over the weekend at 1424 Erie St., arriving at 4:51 p.m. to find smoke coming from the ridge vents and flames on the north side of a single-story home. Crews launched an offensive attack through the front door while a primary search confirmed no victims were inside, with bystanders and Ottawa Police verifying all residents were safe. The fire was under control by 4:55 p.m., and firefighters continued salvage, overhaul, and investigation efforts. No injuries were reported. The fire originated in the kitchen, caused by an open flame from the stove burners, and was ruled accidental. The Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Central Dispatch, Ottawa Water Department, Nicor, Ameren, and State Farm Insurance assisted at the scene.
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Illinois Valley Pads received a major boost from the state with a $2 million grant toward the construction of its new shelter in Ottawa. While the funding marks a significant step forward, it covers only about half of the project’s estimated $4 million cost. In their announcement Friday, PADS officials expressed excitement about the progress but emphasized that additional support is still needed to furnish and equip the facility, staff essential services, expand parking, and enhance landscaping. They say the state’s investment brings them closer to creating a safe, stable, and hopeful space for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Those interested in contributing can contact PADS through their Facebook page.
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Six fire departments in La Salle, Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall counties will receive state grants to purchase firefighting and ambulance equipment. As part of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program, the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department $16,927; the Ottawa Fire Department $10,198; Tonica Volunteer Fire Department $10,650; Sheridan Community Fire Protection District $10,747; Toluca-Rutland Fire Protection District $25,992; and Mineral-Gold Fire Protection District $24,991. Statewide, $4 million was distributed to 178 fire departments and EMS providers, with grants of up to $26,000 each.
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Two Seniors were recognized by Ottawa Sunrise Rotary for their many accomplishments and career goals. Aric Threadgill from Ottawa Township High School plans on majoring in engineering and attending the University of Illinois. Morgan Nelson from Marquette Academy will be attending Illinois Valley Community College to become an early childhood teacher. The Sunrise Rotary Club selects two students each month October through April. In May two of those students will be awarded a $1000 scholarship.
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Thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources award more than 7,000 students from 32 counties will explore Illinois state parks, museums, and natural areas this year, learning about nature and conservation through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded over $99,600 in grants for 113 field trips, including $785 to United West Elementary in Monmouth for a kindergarten visit to Starved Rock State Park in Utica.
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The matriarch of one of Chicago’s wealthiest and most powerful families is dead. Marian “Cindy” Pritzker died Saturday at the age of 101. Her late husband, Jay, built the Hyatt Hotels chain and she was the aunt of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Mrs. Pritzker headed the Chicago Public Library Board and co-founded the Pritzker Architecture Prize with her husband.
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office is suing Prestige Feed Products. A lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court accuses the company of allowing excessive odors and causing air and noise pollution from its animal feed manufacturing plant in Mount Prospect. The suit claims nearly 150 residents living near the facility have logged over one thousand separate complaints of nauseating odors from the plant since June 2023. Prestige’s facility uses equipment and machinery to dehydrate raw soy and cheese-based materials into animal feed ingredients.
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The LaSalle County Highway Department is set to begin bridge repairs on E. 16th Road in Farm Ridge Township starting Thursday, March 20, 2025. This bridge is situated 2 miles northwest of Grand Ridge, just 0.2 miles north of N 2250th Road. The project is expected to take one week, depending on weather conditions. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes to avoid the construction area.
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Construction is set to begin on I-80 in Henry County. Crews will start working today on I-80, from the Rock River to south of U.S. Route 6. Work includes removing and replacing the bridge decks on multiple structures, including over the Rock River and over Cleveland Road in Colona. The nearly 25-million-dollar project is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.
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A teen is accused of bringing a loaded gun to Peoria Manual High School. Police say officers were called out Friday to the school on South Griswold Street on a report of a student with a handgun in his backpack. The school was placed on lockdown and School Resource Officers detained the 15-year-old student until police arrived. Officers searched the teen’s backpack and located a loaded handgun. The teen was arrested on multiple gun charges.
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Grundy County Deputies arrested Christina M. Moreno, 43, and Jesus G. Martinez, 42, both of El Paso, Illinois, after a pursuit near Gardner. Woodford County had attempted to stop their vehicle earlier, but it fled. Grundy Deputies used stop sticks, then boxed in the vehicle after Moreno rammed an unmarked pickup and a squad car. Both were taken into custody. Martinez, wanted in three counties and now with 20 arrests, faces charges including contempt, larceny, DUI, and possession of meth. Moreno, with 27 prior arrests, was charged with aggravated fleeing and criminal damage before being turned over to Woodford County for her 28th arrest.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & N 32nd RD (Rutland TWP). Laura Moline (40) of Ottawa was given a written warning for speeding and was released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 3476 IL Rt-71 (Rutland TWP). Daniela Padilla (29) of Cicero was cited for speeding 81 MPH in a 55 MPH zone 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-23 & N 17th RD (Bruce TWP). Alejandro Lopez (36) of Streator was given a written warning for speeding and was released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-23 & N 2250th RD (Farm Ridge TWP). Alban Hoti (24) of Plano was cited for speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-18 & E 9th RD (Richland TWP). Christina Peceny (29) of Streator was cited for speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of E 15th RD & N 31st RD (Wallace TWP). Nicholas Maggos (27) of Ottawa was cited for Failure to obey a Stop sign and was released from the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & I-80 (Rutland TWP). Hongsheng Yu (55) of Flushing, NY was given a written warning for no license plate light and was released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & I-80 (Rutland TWP). Yawo Goka (23) of Cedar Rapids, IA was given a written warning for no license plate light and was released at the scene.
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LaSalle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of IL Rt-71 & N 31st RD (Rutland TWP). Cambren Powell (32) of Champaign was given a written warning for an expired registration and was released at the scene.
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29-year-old Connor Merboth of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police at 1100 East Norris Drive Saturday on a charge of aggravated battery.
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An Ottawa woman was sent to the LaSalle County Jail after an Ottawa Police arrest Sunday. 29-year-old Taylor Bohler was wanted on an outstanding LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of retail theft. She was picked up at 1100 East Norris Drive.
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48-year-old Amy Hartgrove of Peru is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of cannabis by an adult in a motor vehicle. Hartgrove was arrested by Ottawa Police Saturday.
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A homeless Ottawa man is charged with battery, resisting arrest, and violation of pre-trial release conditions. 39-year-old Ralph S. Learned was arrested by Ottawa Police Friday at Chestnut and West Jackson Streets.
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47-year-old Shawn P. Kennedy of rural Ottawa was arrested at the Ottawa Police station Friday on a failure to appear warrant.
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35-year-old Joseph E. Kelly of Ottawa is charged with theft, criminal trespass to land, and criminal damage to property after Ottawa Police investigated an incident Friday in the 1200 block of Phelps Street.
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54-year-old John E. Noonan of Ottawa was arrested by Ottawa Police Saturday in the 1500 block of Chestnut Street on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs.
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An Ottawa man was picked up by Ottawa Police Sunday at Superior Street Laundry. 31-year-old Michael R. Pertell was wanted on a LaSalle County warrant for failure to appear in court.
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WEATHER:
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low of around 42. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Joan Elaine (Mennie) Harvey, 92, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away on March 12th, at Pleasant View, surrounded by her family. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Vince Bernardini, Jr., 75, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, March 7th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. John Walker, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa, officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa.
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Robert “Bob” Gibson, 86, of Seneca, passed away Wednesday, March 12th, at Morris Hospital. The family will receive friends at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20th, from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral services at 4 p.m. Cremation rights have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
BASEBALL:
Marquette vs Lexington at 4:30 pm
Ottawa @ Seneca at 4:30 pm
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SOFTBALL:
Marquette Vs Lexington at 4:30 pm
Ottawa opens the season on 3/19 on the road at Dixon.
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are parting ways with a former All-Star. The team cut outfielder Joey Gallo from the team yesterday. Gallo struck out 11 times in 20 at-bats this Spring. In other team news, the Southsiders beat Texas 7-6 in Spring Training action yesterday.
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The Chicago Cubs took down the Yomiuri Giants in an exhibition game at the Tokyo Dome. Travis Shaw drove in a pair of runs, while Jameson Taillon earned the win after giving up just one run on four hits in four-and-a-third innings. The Cubs begin the regular season with a game against the Dodgers in Japan tomorrow.
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The Chicago Bulls lost a close battle with the Houston Rockets 117-114 at Toyota Center on Saturday. Nikola Vucevic hit a three with under a minute left to get the Bulls within two, but they gave up a second-chance lay-up on Houston’s ensuing possession. Coby White scored 23 points in the losing effort. Chicago still has a four-and-a-half game lead over Toronto for the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls visit the Jazz tonight.
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The Chicago Blackhawks gave up three goals in the third period of a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Saturday. The Hawks surrendered the first three goals of the game before Alex Vlasic finally got them on the board. Wyatt Kaiser also lit the lamp in the losing effort. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 49 points. The Blackhawks host Seattle tomorrow night.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Illinois Fighting Illini are going dancing. The Illini earned a six-seed in the NCAA Tournament yesterday following a loss to Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament on Friday. Illinois will take on either Xavier or Texas in the First Round at 8:45 PM on Friday.
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In other college basketball action this week, Illinois State takes on Presbyterian in the College Basketball Invitational on Saturday. In the NIT on Wednesday, Loyola plays San Jose State, and Bradley goes up against North Alabama. In the women’s NCAA Tournament, eight-seed Illinois takes on Creighton on Saturday, and Notre Dame has a three-seed heading into their first-round match-up against Stephen F. Austin on Friday.