New “Safe Home Program” to Assist Emergency Agencies if You’re Not Home

If there’s an emergency and crews need to get into your home, would they have a tough time? A new program in Ottawa is looking to make that process a little easier.

The Ottawa Police Department is announcing a new “Safe Home Program.” The program works by having you provide information for first responders like where your spare key is, your garage code, or emergency contact info.

The information is then stored in their computer aided dispatch system, should an emergency occur at your home while you aren’t there. The Program currently serves Ottawa Police and Fire, Marseilles Police, Ambulance, and Fire, and the Wallace Fire Protection District.

It’s a free service available to anyone, and you can call the Ottawa Central Dispatch Center to enroll or if you have any questions.

Man Accused of Trying to Hire Hitman’s Final Pre-Trial Hearing Friday

A homeless man with ties to Peru and LaMoille could be standing trial in his murder-for-hire case on Monday.

Cody Smith is due in court Friday for a final pre-trial hearing. He’s accused of trying to hire a hitman to have 3 witnesses to a sexual assault he allegedly committed killed.

At a prior court date, a doctor’s evaluation was presented to the court that said Smith was fit to be tried for his alleged sexual assault of a child. If convicted, Smith is looking at possibly more than 100 years in prison which would have to be served because the nature of the crimes does not allow time off for good behavior.

Smith is still in custody, where he would need to come up with $220,000 to be released.

Streator police looking for missing teen

A 17-year old Streator girl is now officially missing, according to the Streator police Facebook page. Taylor Miller was last seen leaving Streator High School about 10:45am Tuesday and has not been seen since.  The bulletin by Streator Detective Wood says Taylor’s mom has not heard from her daughter, Taylor has no phone and it’s not known who she is with at this time.

Taylor is described as white, 5’ 5”, about 125 pounds, blue eyes and brown hair.  She also has 2 piercings above her lip.  If you have information about Taylor Miller’s whereabouts,  call dispatch at 815 844 -0911 or investigations at 815 672-6267.  Taylor’s picture and information can be seen on the Facebook pages of Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO,  99-3 WAJK and 96-5 The Wolf.

William Webb Convicted of Robbing Streator Circle K, Shooting at Officer

The Rockford man who robbed a Streator gas station back in August may now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Judge Cynthia Raccuglia told 51-year old William Webb “like life, the State’s case isn’t perfect.” The imperfections weren’t enough to hold off a guilty finding though, on the charges of armed robbery and attempted murder against him.

Webb had been accused of robbing Streator’s south side Circle K back in August at gunpoint, before shooting at a Streator police officer as Webb tried to escape.

The trial wasn’t his first brush with the law. He was on parole for a murder in Winnebago County at the time this crime was committed.

He faces between 20 and 80 years in prison for the crime, 85% of which must be served. Webb will find out exactly how much time he’ll spend behind bars at a sentencing hearing March 2^nd.

“Virtual” doctor’s visits being promoted in the Illinois Valley

Have you ever wanted an easier way to talk to your doctor, especially when winter weather makes travel tough? One healthcare provider in the Illinois Valley may have a solution.

OSF Healthcare is showcasing their “TeleHealth Services” this month at two of their facilities in LaSalle County. According to a statement, a “virtual visit” can help connect you to specialized caregivers via videoconferencing technology.

OSF is having a demonstration of their “virtual visits” for local business leaders tomorrow at OSF Center for Health – Streator. They’re also planning a similar event at Ottawa’s OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center next week.

Library in Peru accepting toys for the less fortunate

The next time you visit the Peru Public Library, bring with you a new, unwrapped toy.

The library is a toy drop off site for the Christmas 4 Kids project that’s organized by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office. Toys are needed for kids up to 16 years of age. The gifts will be eventually given to kids in La Salle County who are involved with the Youth Service Bureau, PADS shelter and DCFS.

Deputies will take nearly 50 children shopping this Saturday.

Film crew and Culver’s founder planning Friday stop in Ottawa

A lot of restaurants strive to provide service that’s better than what you get elsewhere. One Ottawa burger joint now has the stats to back their claim.

Culver’s of Ottawa is a national finalist in the Culver’s Crew Challenge. More than 500 Culvers locations compete in areas of quality, service, cleanliness, hospitality, and community outreach. The national finalist label means the Ottawa restaurant is in the top 5.

Making it to this stage means Culver’s of Ottawa is guaranteed $10,000 in prize money to share among the restaurant’s employees. Should they take the national title, that amount will jump to $50,000.

To add to the excitement Culver’s founder Craig Culver will be at the Ottawa restaurant this Friday morning along with a film crew.

Fired Ottawa High teacher and coach still fighting for to get his job back

The legal battle between former Ottawa High School teacher and coach Tim Burgess and the Ottawa school board is far from over.

Burgess’ defamation lawsuit against the board came up for discussion Monday in front of Judge Troy Holland. Holland set a status hearing on the lawsuit for January 6th.

Also late last month Burgess filed a motion to reconsider Judge Joe Hettel’s decision in October which upheld the board’s decision to fire Burgess early last year. He was fired after allegedly making disparaging remarks about another teacher.

Rate increase approved for ComEd while rate decrease coming for Ameren

There is some good news if you’re an Ameren customer and some bad news if you pay a ComEd bill.

The Illinois Commerce Commission Tuesday approved lower electric distribution rates in 2017 for Ameren while at the same time approving a five percent delivery rate increase next year for ComEd. Neither company has said specifically how much more or less you’ll be paying but the new rates will be in effect starting with the January bill.

The rate decrease is expected to cost Ameren about $14 million in revenue while the rate increase should mean $127 million more in revenues for ComEd.