North Utica
LATEST NEWS
Gary Hammers Runs for La Salle Mayor
A long-time La Salle businessman and entrepreneur has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor. Gary Hammers believes a change in leadership is needed. Telling WLPO that “someone has to step up and do something to help put an end to city officials working on things that don't make any difference.” Hammers unsuccessfully ran for 1st ward alderman last year—losing to incumbent Bob Thompson. La Salle residents will vote for Mayor next spring.
Streator to use $1 million in sewer reserves to fund oxidation ditch project
The city of Streator will use $1 million from its sewer reserve funds to make up a funding gap on an oxidation ditch project at the wastewater treatment plant. Originally estimated to be about a $2 million project, the lowest bid for the project was $3,149,815. Despite securing a federal grant of $1.2 million earmarked for the project and budgeting $800,000, Streator faced a funding gap to cover the increase in equipment and labor expenses that drove up the cost of the project.
Utica retail plaza work underway
Church Street in Utica is closed from Route 178 to Mill Street. It won’t be closed long, but the Market on Mill project has begun in earnest, and Utica residents will see construction pylons the rest of the summer. “We hope to open Church Street relatively quickly,” Mayor David...
Photos: Utica makes progress on retail plaza area
Crews continue to work on the site of the Utica retail plaza Wednesday, July 24, 2024, near the intersection of Mill and Grove streets. Workers started replacing water lines, adding rock and preparing to redo the Market on Mill area. The project is scheduled to be completed just before Burgoo. (Scott Anderson)
Here’s what’s happening at Somonauk Library in August
SOMONAUK – The Somonauk Public Library, 700 E. La Salle St., will host a number of programs and events in August. Cold Blooded Creatures and Summer Reading Program Awards: 1 p.m. Aug. 8. Attendees will be able to view various types of snakes, lizards, frogs, a tortoise, and an alligator. Summer reading program awards and refreshments also will be provided.
Sandwich alderman proposes changes to city clerk and collector positions
In its history, the position of the city clerk of Sandwich has involved two positions, the second as city collector. But at a city council meeting, alderman Rich Robinson has proposed a change. The clerk’s position only pays $22,000 a year, then adding the city collector's responsibilities amounting to $18.85...
College signing: Ottawa’s Cabella DeBernardi ready to cheer at Illinois State
Ottawa’s Cabella DeBernardi has signed to continue her education at Illinois State University in Normal and her cheer career with the Redbirds. She is pictured here at her signing ceremony alongside her parents with her cheer coaches standing behind.
GOP Legislators Special Guests at Bureau County Candidates' Fundraiser
A couple of GOP heavy hitters are going to bat in Bureau County for two Republican county-wide candidates. Congressman Darrin LaHood and Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain will be on hand at a reception in Princeton on August 7th. Both lawmakers are supporting Kurt Workman for Bureau County Coroner and Daniel Anderson for State's Attorney. You'll have a chance to get acquainted with the legislators and the candidates. The event is happening August 7th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Appetizers and beverages will be available. The event is paid for by the Bureau County Republican Women. LaHood and Spain will not be fundraising at the event.
Ottawa’s Polancic pork tenderloins go national
You soon may be able to find an Illinois Valley staple anywhere in the country. “We are proud to announce that we have officially partnered with U.S. Foods to distribute our famous ‘jumbo’ pork tenderloins,” Polancic’s Meat Market & Tenderloins in Ottawa posted to its Facebook page. “If your restaurant, grocery store or business gets any product from U.S. Foods, talk to your sales rep about ordering our tasty tenderloins from the Streator, IL, 3K division.
Addison man faces Animal Cruelty charges
An Addison man faces Animal Cruelty charges after a several months-long investigation of property located in rural Sandwich. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received multiple complaints of foul odors and neglected animals on the property, and that led to an investigation by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. They discovered several neglected animals, as well as deceased animals that were improperly disposed of. The landowner, 60 year old Mohammad Raza-Ahsan of Addison, faces 2 Counts of Cruel Treatment of Animals, and 3 Counts of Animal Cruelty-Owners Duties. He was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Jail where he was processed and released on the charges. The investigation was led by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and assisted by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Animal Control, and the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office.
La Salle businessman announces 2025 mayoral bid
Businessman Gary Hammers announced his candidacy for La Salle mayor in the 2025 election. Hammers told the La Salle City Council during the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting as he was objecting to an ordinance reducing the amount of time allowed for public comment and an ordinance setting rules of conduct in city buildings.
Ottawa to add 13 surveillance cameras to monitor parks
The Ottawa City Council approved the purchase of 13 surveillance cameras Thursday to be used to monitor city parks against vandalism. The council approved the expenditure of $42,250 to Fox Valley Fire and Safety in Elgin. The cost will be split between the Parks and Recreation and the Ottawa Police departments.
Man, 60, faces animal cruelty charges in DeKalb County
SANDWICH, Ill. (WIFR) - After an investigation lasting several months, a 60-year-old man faces multiple charges for allegedly abusing animals in his care. Mohammad Raza-Ahsan, 60, of Addison, faces two counts of cruel treatment of animals and three counts of animal cruelty - owner’s duties. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s...
Streator Police Make Arrests for Battery, Shoplifting, Failing to Appear
On Friday morning, Streator police arrested 20-year-old Zachary Smith on a charge of battery. The arrest was made at his home. Smith was given a notice to appear in an Ottawa courtroom. Later on Friday, 46-year-old Tracy Cockream of Streator was picked up by police for failing to appear in...
Ottawa's New Summer Festival Just A Few Days Away
The summer festival formerly known as “Riverfest” in Ottawa starts up Saturday with plenty of food, music, and drinks. “Friendship Days” features events in and around Washington Square Park for a full 7 days. This weekend's part of the festival is highlighted by what's being called “Drinkin' with Lincoln”. Check out numerous bands in downtown Ottawa all the while enjoying local food vendors and both beer and wine vendors. Sunday also offers a “Touch-A-Truck” attraction.
Schlesingers to observe 60th anniversary on Aug. 1
MENDOTA – Merv and Kay Schlesinger of Mendota will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The Mendota High School Class of 1960 sweethearts were married Aug. 1, 1964. The Schlesingers live on a third-generation family farm north of Mendota. Kay is a retired teacher from Mendota...
Proposed La Salle Ordinances Tabled After Lengthy Discussion
Two proposed ordinances – one limiting public comment in Council meetings; the other regulating behavior in city buildings – were tabled at Monday's La Salle City Council meeting. A half hour debate criss-crossed between the two ordinances and involved aldermen, Mayor Jeff Grove, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader and...
Pneumonia Cases Prompts Alert At Illinois Veterans Home In La Salle
Have you heard of any Pneumonia cases going around?. A message was sent recently to all residents of the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle and their representatives announcing two or more instances of Pneumonia at the home as of July 12th. By law, the veterans home is required to notify its residents and their representatives when there are two or more instances of an “infectious disease” present anywhere inside the home.
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