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Articles by John Small
City of La Salle will acquire and demolish Hotel Kaskaskia
A wrecking ball will bring down an historic La Salle landmark. By a 6-1 vote Monday night, La Salle aldermen approved purchasing the Hotel Kaskaskia property from Troy Heather Construction of Peru for $20,000. Alderman Diz Demes was the lone dissenting vote. Alderman Bob Thompson was absent. The city will demolish the site using either state, federal or TIF funds. In a La Salle YouTube podcast, Mayor Jeff Grove said this: Your browser does not support the audio element.
2027 Starved Rock Calendars now available
If you missed out on the last Starved Rock and Matthiessen calendar, well, now's the time to buy one. The 2027 calendar is available throughout Starved Rock Country and online. More than 350 photos were submitted for consideration. Those entering pictures included professional photographers, tourists, and avid hikers. The final features are images from 13 different contributors with a mix of recreation, landscapes, nature and wildlife. The front cover features Tonti Canyon at Starved Rock.
Peru Halloween event draws crowd Saturday
The weather likely drew a crowd at Washington Park Saturday for Peru's Halloween event. The turnout was good and there was plenty to see and do. Aerial truck rides were a big hit. A ghost rider and a blow up alien were some of the attractions. Of course, there was plenty of treats, too.
Ottawa Healthcare Committee supports incumbent Briel / attacks challenger Bishop
A committee concerned with the closure of Ottawa's hospital is throwing support behind incumbent state lawmaker, Amy Murri Briel. City Commissioner Tom Ganiere is speaking for the seven-member group that includes Mayor Rob Hasty and Jay McCracken, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Ganiere's letter to area media recaps OSF's plans to move some healthcare services to Peru and build a new smaller hospital with limited services across from the current one on Norris Drive.
Fire Destroys Shed And Damages Other Property In Marseilles
A rural Marseilles shed containing a boat and lawn mower was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon. Marseilles Assistant Fire Chief Larry Cowie said his department was called to the site on East 2425th road, south of town around 4:30. Upon arrival, they found the 10 X 30 steel building fully involved. The flames were contained to its interior, but a house and garage received some heat damage. It took forty minutes to extinguish it.
Fire destroys rural Marseilles shed Wednesday
A rural Marseilles shed containing a boat and lawn mower was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon. Marseilles Assistant Fire Chief Larry Cowie said his department was called to the site on East 2425th road, south of town around 4:30. Upon arrival, they found the 10 X 30 steel building fully involved. The flames were contained to its interior, but a house and garage received some heat damage. It took forty minutes to extinguish it.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday in Ottawa and Princeton
A familiar drug collection event is returning Saturday in two area locations. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is happening at the Princeton Police Department and at the La Salle County Governmental Complex in Ottawa. Hours are 10 – 2pm. The event provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs to prevent abuse, accidental poisoning and environmental harm. Items accepted include prescription pills, tablets, patches and olher solid dosage forms.
Repairs at Ottawa's Howard/Arch intersection start Monday
An effort to make an Ottawa street better begins Monday. Gillan Construction will be doing concrete pavement patching at the north side of Howard and Arch street intersection beginning Monday, October 19. The site will be entirely closed to regular traffic from Monday to sometime this Friday. Residents on Howard Street will have access to their driveways by using Maryland Avenue.
Oglesby Harvest Fest draws a crowd Saturday
Oglesby closed off part of West Walnut street Saturday for the city's annual Harvest Fest. A sizeable crowd walked among the vendors and stepped inside Senica Square. Inside, there were kids watching goats in a pen. Some children were dressed for Halloween. Adults and kids were playing games. Parking spaces were filled for several blocks. The weather was chilly, but sunny with a blue sky. The event was sponsored by "We Are Oglesby." See video on our 103-9 WLPO Facebook page.
Two hundred attend "No Kings" rally in Ottawa Saturday
Two hundred persons joined the “No Kings” rally in Ottawa's Washington Park Saturday. Under cool, sunny blue skies, one could find speakers, music and sign waving. Several drove by honking raising a crowd response. Signs saying “ Demand Education not Deportation”, “Make Good Trouble” and “No Data Center” could be seen. Katie Troccoli is the Chairperson of Illinois Valley Indivisible. She said the gathering was to encourage people to vote early or on November 3.
"No Kings" rallies in Ottawa and Princeton Saturday
Illinois Valley Indivisible is back to rally in Ottawa's Washington Square Saturday. Hours are 1 – 3. The latest is called No Kings: Vote Early. The group, headed by Andrea Sugg, says this is the next step of reclaiming our power after a year of mass mobilizations . It's a day of nonpartisan voter participation and making sure every eligible voter is ready to make their voice count. “No Kings” rallies are planned across the nation including Princeton's Rotary Park at 11am this morning.
Serious touch of cold weather arrived Friday night
Mother Nature is giving our area another reminder about cold weather. A frost advisory was in effect overnight into Saturday with temperatures dipping down to the middle 30's Saturday morning. Drivers were scrapping car windows. Patchy frost Is possible again Saturday night before a warm up this coming week. Given some time, the upcoming dry week will reach the middle 70's by Wednesday.
Ottawa Chamber of Commerce names Tucker new Executive Director
The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce has looked within to find its next Executive Director. After an extensive search, Caitlyn Tucker, the Chamber's Member Services Coordinator for three years, will now helm the organization. She'll take over for Jay McCracken, who will retire at the end of the year.
Commerce Commission: ‘Not helpful’ to regulate Taiki Wai’s earnings ‒ yet
Under-funding water networks is in no-one’s long term interest – Wellingtonians know this first-hand, says John Small.Kevin Stent / The Post Dr John Small is chairperson of the Commerce Commission. OPINION: Let’s start with the obvious, before getting technical – Wellingtonians are concerned and indeed angry about their region’s water services and the actions of Tiaki Wai.
Fatal I-39 Accident Victim Identified as Cicero Man
A single-vehicle accident on Interstate 39 Sunday morning took the life of a young man from Cicero. Eighteen-year-old David Ortega had been a passenger in a vehicle that crashed on I-39 southbound near mile marker 82 in Lee County. It happened at about 5:20 Sunday morning. Ortega been transported by EMS to OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota. La Salle County Coroner Richard Ploch released the victim’s name on Tuesday. Ploch says a forensic investigative autopsy was conducted on Monday.
La Salle Council okays Settlement with Kaskaskia Development Monday night
Despite passionate arguments Monday, La Salle City Council approved a Settlement with Kaskaskia Development for its property, the Hotel Kaskaskia. The vote was 5 – 2 with Aldermen Demes and Thompson against it. The agreement removes Kaskaskia Development as a defendant in La Salle's lawsuit alleging code violations and the unsafe conditions in and around the hotel. Troy Heather, who operates a construction business, will now be the defendant and the apparent new owner.
Efforts underway to address La Salle Kaskaskia property
Another effort is underway to develop the Kaskaskia property in La Salle. The City Council will act on a resolution Monday night that, for its part, approves an agreement for a change in defendants in the city's lawsuit against Kaskaskia Development. If all conditions are met, Troy Heather LLC would be the sole defendant in the lawsuit and Kaskaskia Development L.L.C would be removed.
Burgoo Festival still draws well in Utica
The promise of burgoo stew was one reason to visit Utica this past weekend. The crowds found plenty more that was entertaining, too, at the annual festival. Amanda Carter, Executive Director of the La Salle County Historical Society commented on two big features that won visitors over: Your browser does not support the audio element. Carter thought Saturday had a larger crowd than Sunday. In case you're scoring at home, the Burgoo stew was served Sunday starting at 9 and ran out about 1:45.
IVCC Ladies Tennis wins regionals; going to nationals
The Illinois Valley Community College Women's Tennis Team is going to Nationals in May. Based on strong performances in singles and doubles in Park Forest this past weekend, the Lady Eagles received 20.5 points against eight other schools in the NJCAA D2 Region 4 tourney. IVCC Coach Julie Milota was named Region 4 Coach of the Year. Over two days, each girl had three matches per day.
One person fatally injured Sunday on I-39 at Paw Paw
Few details are available about a fatal accident Sunday on I-39 at the Paw Paw exit. Illinois State Police's Preliminary Report says the single vehicle accident happenedabout 5:20am in the southbound lanes. One occupant was ejected and laterpronounced dead. Lanes were blocked for about four hours. How many occupants were involved, their names and exactly what happened is not known at this time. You'll hear more as it is made available.
Burgoo stew: Prep happens after dark
The Burgoo Festival is one of the state's big annual autumn events. That's in the daytime. Have you ever experienced Burgoo after dark? During this time, volunteers stand by huge cauldrons heated by fire stirring the pioneer mix. Burgomeister Tim Freed from HyVee cooks like a boss determining when to add this …..and that. Chef Tim told us about the ingredients: Your browser does not support the audio element.
UPS man bitten by dogs last week in Ottawa
An unidentified UPS driver is recovering from dog bites he received last week in Ottawa. An Ottawa police officer report stated he was dispatched to the 500 block of East Joliet about 4:30pm October 1 regarding a dog bite. Upon arrival, the officer noted a gray/white pitbull shepherd mix, a black lab and a third dog, a brown mix breed were running at large. The animals were later contained in the house. Sheila Mayhew, who admitted to owning the dogs and the UPS employee met with the officer.
Past owner of Peru's Igloo passes at age 88
One of the owners of Peru's Igloo Restaurant has passed. Joseph Louis Mazzorana died October 8 at the age of 88. The Igloo was opened July 4, 1937 by Louis and Stephanie “Pat” Mazzorana. Their son, Joe later operated the eatery for several decades observing a strict scratch-cooking tradition. Young people would bunch up in a booth for a pork and fries after the game.
Ottawa Twp High School bringing back bass fishing sport
How often does a high school end a sport ...only to bring it back a decade later? Ottawa Township High School is giving bass fishing another go.The school announcing on Facebook that there will be Bass Fishing Team Informational Meeting Tuesday, October 20. The last bass fishing season at Ottawa was during the 2013-14 school year with student anglers Cahill Horner, Jake Less, Brandon Simmons and Travis Denham.
Streator "Chat With The Chief" Happening Tuesday
In Streator, it's time for another “Chat with the Chief”. Chief Robert Wood will be available from 5 – 6:30pm Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge at 218 North Sterling. Any resident can stop by and ask questions, share ideas and learn what is happening with the Police Department. There will be no formal presentation or set agenda. According to the Police, they want to have an open conversation with residents. Wood was sworn in as Chief on August 17. He has been with the department for twenty years.
Compassionate Friends chapter draws crowd for annual walk
Good weather and a good turnout for a Sunday walk in Peru. Two hundred fifty persons joined River Valley Chapter of the Compassionate Friends and hiked around Baker Lake. Compassionate Friends is nationwide organization that offers support to parents who have lost a child. Chapter Leader Rita Studzinski sought support about 25 years ago when she lost an adult daughter to cancer.
Fall Festival Parade livens up Ottawa streets Sunday
The popularity of an event might be measured in the difficulty of finding a parking space. In Ottawa Sunday, the town's Fall Festival Parade drew a big crowd under an blue and sunny autumn sky. Parade units moved down La Salle Street from Jackson to the Jordan block and included tricked out semis and large trucks, a confetti-shooting motorized vehicle, a train on wheels, plus school dance clubs and football players. Inflatable pumpkins were seen riding on several parade vehicles.
Two crash victims airlifted Sunday from Starved Rock entrance
A visit to Starved Rock State Park Sunday was marred for some by a collision. Illinois State Police say a motorcycle and two passenger vehicles crashed at the Park's south entrance off Route 71 about 3:30pm. Two occupants were airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries. Traffic was backed up on an interior park road and on Route 71. You'll hear more as it is made available.
Robotic-assisted surgical technology now at OSF Peru
OSF Healthcare Peru has added robotic-assisted surgical technology for a wide range of minimally invasive procedures. In their press release, it says the Intuitive da Vinci 5 integrated robotic surgery plaftorm gives surgeons greater precision while supporting patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.
MASS faces possible closure with shortage of funds
A local agency that helps seniors finds itself asking for help. Mendota Area Senior Services or MASS has posted about the financial difficulties they face and the decision to cut services or possibly close. On their Facebook, MASS says grant funds and donations have slowed considerably. They add that they're required to pay monthly bills upfront and wait months to receive grant money. The cost of fuel is hurting, too.
Carle Health closing Spring Valley/ Henry clinics; Dr. Cote practice moving to Peoria
A popular local Carle Health physician is moving his practice to Peoria. Carle Health has decided to close the Spring Valley office of Dr. Mario Cote at month's end. Carle is also closing the office of Dr. Thaw Tun in Henry. Although there's no opening date, Dr. Cote will operate from Carle Health Pear Tree Lane Clinic just off War Memorial Drive and across from the Sam's Club. There will be a new office staff.
Dr. Cote Closing Spring Valley Office; Practice Moving To Peoria
A popular local Carle Health physician is moving his practice to Peoria. Dr. Mario Cote will close his Spring Valley Clinic at month's end. Also closing is the clinic of Dr. Thaw Tun in Henry. Although there's no opening date, Dr. Cote will operate from Carle Health Pear Tree Lane Clinic just off War Memorial Drive and across from the Sam's Club. There will be a new office staff.
Cote closing Spring Valley office; Practice moving to Peoria
A popular local Carle Health physician is moving his practice to Peoria. Dr. Mario Cote will close his Spring Valley Clinic at month's end. Also closing is the clinic of Dr. Thaw Tun in Henry. Although there's no opening date, Dr. Cote will operate from Carle Health Pear Tree Lane Clinic just off War Memorial Drive and across from the Sam's Club. There will be a new office staff.
La Salle City Council extends agreement with Stark County Ambulance Service
At Monday's La Salle City Council, aldermen approved extending a current agreement with Stark County Ambulance Service. The agreement begins this Thursday and covers three years. First year cost to La Salle is about $780,700 with an additional $24,000 in each successive year. Per the agreement, Stark County Ambulance Service will provide six licensed paramedic personnel positions exclusively to La Salle. Two personnel will be on duty 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
One person hurt Monday in 5 vehicle accident near Utica
One person was hurt Monday the result of a five vehicle crash on westbound I-80 near Utica. Illinois State Police say it involved two truck tractor semi-trailers and three passenger vehicles at Milemarker 82, a mile east of the Utica interchange around 1pm. The accident report said one person went to an area hospital with injuries. Traffic was backed up and moving very slowly for a period of time. Just how the accident happened or the identities of those involved has not been released.
Cote closing Spring Valley office; Practice movng to Peoria
A popular local Carle Health physician is moving his practice to Peoria. Dr. Mario Cote will close his Spring Valley Clinic at month's end. Also closing is the clinic of Dr. Thaw Tun in Henry. Although there's no opening date, Dr. Cote will operate from Carle Health Pear Tree Lane Clinic just off War Memorial Drive and across from the Sam's Club. There will be a new office staff.
Princeton Gets Recognition From America In Bloom
A Bureau County community is getting recognized by a nationwide non-profit. The city of Princeton received special recognition for its community vitality from America in Bloom. Princeton received the honor through its AIB advisors, Alex Pearl and Debbie Hamrick, who spent time this summer in Princeton meeting residents and officials.
Culvert work near Marseilles starts Monday, the 28th
If you use the Joe Hettel road in Fall River Township, part of it will be closed starting Monday, September 28. Don Ernat, La Salle County Engineer said Hettel Road, or County Highway 15 will be closed for a month for a culvert replacement. The work site is one half mile south of County Highway 55 and about two miles south of Marseilles. Motorists are advised to find an alternate route around the construction site.
Princeton gets recognition nationwide non-profit
A Bureau County community is getting recognized by a nationwide non-profit. The city of Princeton received special recognition for its community vitality from America in Bloom. Princeton received the honor through its AIB advisors, Alex Pearl and Debbie Hamrick, who spent time this summer in Princeton meeting residents and officials.
Will County man arrested for discharging firearm at Morris Drive-thru
A Will County man faces charges for allegedly discharging a firearm outside a Morris restaurant early Sunday. Morris Police are charging 23-year old Richard Facchina of Manhattan with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm. About 1:30am, authorities responded to a Taco Bell at 1816 North Division. What they were told was that Facchina was in the drive-thru causing a disturbance. While leaving, Facchina is alleged to have discharged a firearm out the window.
Marseilles woman arrested by deputy Saturday in Ottawa
A Marseilles woman is in La Salle County Jail after a run-in with the law Saturday in north Ottawa. The driver, Shannon Stamper was stopped by a deputy at Route 23 and Etna Road. The 32-year old Stamper was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Violation of Pretrial Release. A passenger, 40-year old Nicholas Young of Marseilles was charged with Illegal Transportation of Alcohol and given a notice to appear.
Cause of rural Mendota shed fire is undetermined
The cause of a rural Mendota shed fire Friday is accidental but undetermined. Mendota Fire Chief Nathan Tolley said they responded after 6pm to 476 North 45th road. What firefighters found upon arrival, shortly after 6pm, was a fully engulfed building. Despite defensive measures and help from six additional departments, the structure was a total loss. Some hay bales at the back of the building had to be pulled a part for safety. Another shed close by with hay bales was saved.
One person hurt in 4 vehicle collision near Wenona
One person received minor injuries from a multi vehicle collision Friday southwest of Wenona. The accident occurred on Route 17 and 2900 East Road in Marshall County around 3pm. Unofficially, four vehicles were involved. The person with minor injuries was taken to a hospital. You'll hear more as it is made available.
Peru Bluff street house fire considered suspicious, say Police
The cause of a Peru house fire about a week ago is considered suspicious. Peru Police posted on Facebook that they are investigating the incident that occurred early Saturday, the 19th, in the 1400 block of Bluff street. A person of interest was seen in the area just before the fire started. Investigators want to identify that person. If you live in that area, authorities are asking you check your video surveillance between 5 and 6am.
Mendota House Fire Displaces A Dozen People
A dozen people were displaced after safely escaping their Mendota home during a fire Tuesday. Mendota Fire Chief Nathan Tolley says his department responded to the 900 block of Jefferson Street shortly after 1 Tuesday afternoon. Once there, they found light smoke upstairs and in the roof. Troy Grove, Peru and La Salle came to the scene and helped bring the blaze under control in just under an hour. The fire damaged the first and second floors making the home uninhabitable.
Mendota house fire displaces twelve Tuesday
Twelve persons are sheltering elsewhere after safely escaping their Mendota home during a fire Tuesday. Fire Chief Nathan Tolley said his department responded to 907 Jefferson shortly after 1pm. Once there, they found light smoke upstairs and the roof. Troy Grove, Peru and La Salle came to the scene and helped bring the blaze under control in just under an hour. The fire damaged the first and second floors making the home uninhabitable. The cause is considered electrical and accidental.
Maitri Recovery Awareness Event Moves Indoors
Rain forced the 3rd annual Maitri Recovery Awareness event inside the Knights of Columbus in La Salle Sunday. Up on the third floor, visitors found resource tables, kids activities, speakers telling of recovery and a cookout. The message was REAL: that is Restoring Every Aspect of Life. Several organizations were on hand including Grace McCormick of Safe Journeys: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Intersection closure in Ottawa starts Monday
In the city of Ottawa, there's a temporary closure starting Monday. The Erickson and State Street intersection will be closed from Monday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 29th. The reason for the closure is to allow Gillan Construction to replace the concrete pavement at that intersection that was removed as part of the city's Erickson Street Water Main Replacement Project.
Maitri Recovery Awareness held indoors Sunday
Rain forced the 3rd annual Maitri Recovery Awareness event inside the Knights of Columbus in La Salle Sunday. Up on the third floor, visitors found resource tables, kids activities, speakers telling of recovery and a cookout. The message was REAL: that is Restoring Every Aspect of Life. Several organizations were on hand including Grace McCormick of Safe Journeys: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Plentiful rain floods roads; prompts Flash Flood Warnings
It seems Starved Rock Country got all the water it wanted over the past four days. The National Weather Service says torrential rain fell across lower Lee and the far north portion of La Salle County. Radar estimates indicated three, and as much as five inches fell there. As a result, a Flash Flood Warning was issued late Saturday night until 8am Sunday. At about the same time, another was issued for the northwest corner of Bureau County.
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