North Utica
LATEST NEWS
Ottawa Man Indicted on 5 Counts of Child Porn
A three-time convicted felon has now been indicted on multiple child-pornography charges in Ottawa. Back in April, police in Ottawa received a report of an alleged sex offense involving an adult man and an underage girl. Thirty-eight-year-old Cody Haywood of Ottawa was developed as the suspect. After looking at his phone and social media accounts, investigators in June charged Haywood with 5 counts of possession of child pornography. The victim is said to be under the age of 13.
Ohio Softball Adds Madi McCrady, Former Bobcat, as Assistant Coach for Pitching Staff
The Ohio softball team has announced former Bobcat pitcher Madi McCrady as the new assistant coach, focusing on working with the pitching staff, per head coach Jenna Hall. Madi McCrady played 100 games with 85 starts during her time at Ohio, accumulating 429 strikeouts and a 5.02 ERA. In 2019,...
Pleasant View expansion plan uses universal design & innovative technologies to appeal to Chicagoland elders
Pleasant View, a non-profit Lutheran Life Community in Ottawa, Illinois, announces the expansion of its 62+ senior living community with up to 24 new cottage homes. However, this isn’t your grandma’s cottage. Pleasant View is betting that younger retirees in their 60s and early 70s will gravitate towards innovative smart home technology and universal design capable of growing and adapting to their needs for the decades to come.
Starved Rock Country Community Foundation facilitates $7,000 in arts grants
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, recently awarded $7,000 to support four local nonprofit groups. Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund Administrator René Parks Wendinger said grants were made to:. Community Players of Streator, $3,100,...
3 busted in Princeton drug raid, house boarded up
A house on the 800 block of North Main Street in Princeton was boarded up and no one will be allowed to return after repeated illegal activity there, said Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer on Monday. Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house on...
Vernon Eugene Setchell Jr.
Vernon Eugene Setchell Jr, affectionately known as Vern, passed away on June 7, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born on May 12, 1942, in Mendota, Illinois to Vernon Setchell and Dorothy Spitz. He was a beloved partner, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and exploration.
Steward Man Dies After LaSalle County Crash
MENDOTA - A 47-year-old Steward man is dead after a single vehicle crash Sunday in Mendota. The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office says David Gorman struck a tree after leaving Illinois 251 for unknown reasons just north of the city around 6 PM. He was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office.
Marseilles reaches agreement with CSX to maintain property along rail line
The Marseilles City Council reached a land lease agreement with CSX Transportation and now will maintain the area near the property line. According to Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck, the agreement will have the city trim weeds and maintain the area next to the CSX track from First to Chicago streets.
After whirlwind month, ex-Streator coach Kyle Tutt elevated to be Plano’s new head coach
Kyle Tutt had designs of eventually returning to the sidelines as a head football coach after resigning at Streator last fall. That return came faster than expected. The 38-year-old Tutt, previously head coach at Streator for four seasons, was hired as an assistant and business teacher at Plano in June.
College signing: Seneca’s Austin Aldridge will take the field for IVCC baseball
Seneca’s Austin Aldridge has signed on to continue his education at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby and his baseball career at the NJCAA level with the Eagles. Aldridge was a second-team member of the 2024 Times All-Area Baseball Team. Pictured at his signing ceremony, left to right, are: front row - Crystal Aldridge, Austin Aldridge and Ryan Aldridge; back row - Nick Harsted, Ted O’Boyle and Tim Brungard.
New consignment shop opening in Princeton
After closing her consignment store in Rock Falls, Jenny Chagala is reopening the store in her hometown of Princeton. “Today marks a significant milestone in my journey: I’ve finally secured the building I’ve been dreaming of for years to relocate my consignment shop, and it’s back in my hometown where my heart truly belongs,” Chagala said on the business’ Facebook page July 2.
Vital ICE: A Life-Saving App Offered Free by Norberg Memorial Home
As part of its extensive array of online resources, Norberg Memorial Home proudly offers Vital ICE, a life-saving initiative available to the public. “J.D. and I are thrilled to provide this incredible service free of charge to our community,” said Janice Smallwood, co-owner of Norberg Memorial Home with her husband, J.D. “Anyone with a smartphone can access this valuable app—you don’t have to be our client. When we began the program, we had under 100 users…now we have over 4,300!”
Ottawa council OKs study for possible hotel on riverfront
The Ottawa City Council authorized Tuesday a proposal for a hotel market study by HVS Global Hospitality Services regarding the possibility of a hotel on the Ottawa riverfront. Mayor Robb Hasty explained as the city is “97% done with the feasibility study of the amphitheater itself,” it should provide a...
Ottawa takes down Jefferson Street bus stop
The old bus stop at the corner of La Salle and Jefferson streets in downtown Ottawa was removed Monday, but not for the reason some people on social media might think. Ottawa Police Chief Brent Roalson said the covered bench that once served as a waiting spot for the old mini bus that shuttled residents around town and more recently had been used for shelter by two homeless men has been removed because of its deteriorated condition.
College signing: Ottawa’s Peyton Bryson signs on for Coe College softball
Ottawa’s Peyton Bryson has signed to continue her education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and her softball career at the NCAA Division III level with the Kohawks. Bryson – a pitcher/first baseman for the Pirates and second-team member of the 2024 Times All-Area Softball Team – is pictured at her signing ceremony with her family and Ottawa softball coach Adam Lewis (back row, right).
Tiskilwa man sentenced to 3.5 years prison for thefts
A 31-year-old Tiskilwa man was sentenced July 11 to 3½ years in prison and ordered to pay $13,957 in restitution for theft and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. After an investigation by the Princeton Police Department, Dean W. Blair admitted that in October 2023 he stole a 26-foot trailer filled with commercial sound equipment and a Chevrolet Express van. The value of the stolen equipment was determined to be more than $10,000.
Review, fundamentals at forefront as Marquette begins football camp
The Marquette football team began its initial week of summer camp Monday evening on the practice field just west of Gould Stadium. Crusaders veteran head coach Tom Jobst said this year’s camp is much different than last year in which the graduation of a number of players meant a rather young and inexperienced group.
Howard Fellows Stadium getting face-lift ahead of 2024 season
La Salle-Peru High School’s Howard Fellows Stadium is getting a major face-lift before the 2024 season. The $2.6 million project includes concrete restoration throughout the stadium, remodeled bathrooms, repainting and signage throughout the stadium. “We’re excited to continue making improvements to our facilities,” L-P Superintendent Steve Wrobleski said....
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.