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Reimagine Mendota Holds Open Houses to Get Input on Development in City
If you live, work, or just spend time in Mendota, your input is needed on the next phase of development in that city. The organization called Reimagine Mendota has been working since last year to identify needs and wants for a renewed downtown and broader community. Open houses are scheduled to share the broad findings, and to get your input on what the city should focus on. Elements under consideration are a community space or pavilion, a sports complex, parks, a pool, and new businesses.
Oglesby Chief Shares Back-To-School Safety Message
With summer winding down, back-to-school safety is on the mind of Oglesby's top cop. Police Chief Michael Margis has put out a letter to his city, saying it's his priority to ensure all students, parents, and community members are prepared for a safe and successful transition back to school. Chief Margis says it's crucial they all work together to maintain a secure environment for the children.
Marseilles Pair Arrested on Multiple Charges in Ottawa
Two people who are familiar to law enforcement, and who live at the same address, were arrested on Tuesday of last week in Ottawa, near the Route 6-Route 71 split. Joshua Davis of Marseilles was hit with charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and possession of adult-use cannabis by a driver. His passenger was 32-year-old Amber Katrein of Marseilles. She was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of meth, obstructing justice. She also had been wanted for a parole violation. She's being held in the La Salle County Jail.
OSF HealthCare expands orthopedics services to Peru
OSF HealthCare is proud to announce the expansion of its OSF Medical Group—Orthopedic Services to Peru. This strategic expansion will bring advanced orthopedic care closer to Illinois Valley residents, ensuring they have access to high-quality medical services within the community. The new Peru orthopedic office is located at 920...
New Details On Streator City Park Shooting
If you've been following the story about a weekend shooting at City Park in Streator, more details have been released. Investigators say at around 4:45 Saturday afternoon, two men had an apparent dispute at the park. One man left, only to come back with several others. Police believe the man who left and came back, walked up to the man he argued with earlier and fired several shots from a semi-automatic handgun. The victim, according to Streator police, was wounded "at least twice". The accused shooter fled the scene in a blue coupe that was later found abandoned on the south side of Streator.
Ohio High Schools Embrace Esports as a Varsity Sport
Ohio high schools are increasingly adopting esports as a varsity sport, reflecting a nationwide trend towards recognizing competitive video gaming as a legitimate and valued extracurricular activity. Esports, which involves organized multiplayer video game competitions, has gained popularity among students and educators alike for its potential to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital literacy skills.
Steward man killed in crash on Route 251
MENDOTA – A 47-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle accident on Route 251 north of Mendota on July 14. David T. Gorman of Steward was southbound on Route 251 north of Mendota when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported to OSF Saint Paul Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by the LaSalle County coroner.
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.
Guest column: Changes are coming for Ottawa
My wife Julie is a nurse. More than that actually. Her name tag reads “Julianne, BSN, RN Supervisor Nursing/Patient Care Ambulatory Services.” She is employed by OSF Healthcare. It is necessary to divulge that information before I continue. I’m fairly certain my opinion will come across as biased....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
La Salle-Peru High School to begin registration for 2024-2025 school year
Registration for La Salle-Peru High School opens soon. L-P requires all students to register online using the Forms link on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is available now. Parents who have not set up a parent account in PowerSchool will need to do so as soon as possible.
Photos: Ottawa Recreation closes season with summer carnival
(From left) Wes Rosengren, Waylon Glover, Wyatt Glover and Cassius Caupto cool off Thursday, July 25, 2024, while eating snow cones during the Ottawa Recreation Summer Carnival on at Rigden Park in Ottawa. The carnival featured games, activities, bounce houses and more. It was the last event of the season. (Scott Anderson)
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