A Servant’s Heart, an Ottawa nonprofit, hosted its annual Christmas dinner Monday to feed the community.

The Utica Village Board adopted a tax levy of $91,191, which was just less than the 5% limit allowed without a hearing under the Truth in Taxation Act.

Cesar D. Jimenez-Preciado told police he was hauling hemp. Police said it field-tested positive for cannabis. Lab results favored Jimenez-Preciado and his charges were dismissed.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported Monday the state’s overall respiratory illness level has moved up, causing the public an increased risk of exposure over the holiday season.

Auditions for Illinois Valley Community College’s Spring musical, “Hello, Dolly!” will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. 

The Morris Police Department has arrested Jerrell Blake, 35, Morris, as a suspect in the killing of James Arellano, 25, Morris, who died at 3:12 a.m. Monday due to a gunshot wound.

Two people who fled Illinois State Police on Friday were taken into custody in La Salle, Trooper Shafer McKune said.

Plans for the new hospital in Ottawa could be heard as early as January.

The Streator Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2024 Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest, awarding several local residents and businesses.