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Fernando Martinez enters the courtroom on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at the La Salle County Governmental Complex in Ottawa. Martinez was sentenced to 28 years in prison for an Ottawa home invasion, during which shots were fired. (Scott Anderson)
An Ottawa man was sentenced Thursday to 28 years in prison for an armed Ottawa home invasion during which shots were fired.
When offered a chance to address his sentencing judge, Fernando Martinez acknowledged some misconduct: “I know I made mistakes.”
“I’m ready for whatever,” Martinez said. “It is what it is.”
Martinez, 21, was convicted in La Salle County Circuit Court of home invasion, a Class X felony carrying six to 30 years in prison with a mandated 20-year addition for use of a firearm.
Actually, Martinez pleaded guilty Thursday to two unrelated burglaries (a vehicle in Ottawa and a tavern in Grand Ridge) and was sentenced to five-year sentences. Both, however, will run concurrently with his time for the armed home invasion.
Fernando Martinez enters the courtroom on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at the La Salle County Governmental Complex in Ottawa. Martinez was sentenced to 28 years in prison for an Ottawa home invasion, during which shots were fired. (Scott Anderson)
Assistant Public Defender Heidi Nelson asked Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. to hold Martinez’s time to the minimum 26 years, citing his troubled background. Martinez, she said, had suffered abuse and the death of his mother, which made him turn to drugs.
“To say Fernando has had a complicated upbringing is an understatement,” Nelson said.
Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Matt Kidder asked for 30 years, citing a “nonstop” streak of crime beginning when Martinez was a juvenile and ending with “the tear he was on in 2023,” when he committed the home invasion and two more burglaries.
“For a young man, he’s been a busy individual,” Kidder said, “and has a pretty awful criminal record for someone who’s just turned 21.”
Kidder further noted that Martinez is eligible for a newly enacted law that makes him eligible for parole after 10 years in prison.
Ryan didn’t acknowledge the new statute giving Martinez a crack at probation after a decade in custody. The judge did, however, acknowledge that Martinez had some rehabilitative potential as well as a criminal history that precluded a minimum sentence.
Martinez said he intends to appeal his conviction and sentence.
Notably, Martinez never cooperated during any stage of the investigation launched Nov. 2, 2023. That night, an Ottawa woman said an intruder put a gun to her head and demanded the combination to a safe. She said she didn’t know the combination, and the gunman struck her behind her left ear.
The woman was, however, able to send text messages to her live-in boyfriend, who raced home with two companions in tow. He entered the home with a .38 pistol and fired at one of the intruders. Not long after, Martinez was found at Morris Hospital being treated for a gunshot wound to his arm.
At trial, Martinez argued that there was no direct evidence linking him to the break-in.
His defense was undercut by a pair of damning videos. While at Morris Hospital, Martinez initially told a Grundy County sheriff’s deputy, whose body camera recorded everything, that he’d been shot at a party in Mazon. When the story fell apart, Martinez became combative and defiant.
Hours later in Ottawa, a home surveillance system recorded Martinez handing off a pistol and a shopping bag to a cohort. Inside the bag was an Xbox video game console with a serial number that matched a console taken from the crime scene.
Two related cases were settled late last year.
A second intruder, Michael Boaz of Ottawa, pleaded guilty to home invasion and was sentenced to 16 years. He is scheduled for parole in early 2032.
Kaylee Neitzel – who drove Martinez to the hospital, lied to police and tried to thwart the investigation – pleaded guilty to one count of felony obstructing justice. She was placed on probation.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Looking to celebrate Independence Day? Here are some of the festivals, parades and fireworks planned from Wednesday, July 3, through Sunday, July 7, in La Salle, Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties. Among the activities, Sheridan will host its annual Toilet Bowl Races at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in its downtown. (Tom Sistak For Shaw Media )
Looking to celebrate Independence Day? Here are some of the festivals, parades and fireworks planned from Wednesday, July 3, through Sunday, July 7, in La Salle, Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties.
[ Guide to fireworks in La Salle, Bureau, Putnam and neighboring communities ]
[ Leland to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parade, Italian beef fundraiser ]
Leland will be celebrating Independence Day on Wednesday and Thursday with a parade, fireworks, and – Italian beef.
Kicking off the festivities, there will be an Italian beef dinner 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Lions Club Pavilion. A beef sandwich, drink, chips and brownie will be $13, with all the money raised going to the fireworks.
The fireworks will begin at dusk Thursday behind the school. There will be vendors and a DJ beginning at 5 p.m.
Earlier Thursday, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. Line up begins at 9 behind the school.
[ Hennepin to celebrate July 4 with full day of activities ]
Hennepin is set to mark its 47th annual July 4 celebration, featuring a day full of activities highlighted by the Thunder on the Illinois fireworks show.
The fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on the Illinois riverfront.
Additionally, the Bob Rehn Memorial Walk and Movin’ for Music 5K Run/Walk are scheduled to begin at 7:30 and 8 a.m., respectively, from the Hennepin pool, 326 Milan St.
The John Brouwer Memorial Cruise-In will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Ernest Bassi Park, featuring cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. Registration begins at 10 a.m.
A full slate of activities with food vendors, a beer garden and family activities is set to begin at noon at Walter Durley Boyle Park.
Regal Beagle will perform live music before and after the fireworks from the courthouse stage, 120 N. Fourth St., scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The Thunder on the Illinois fireworks 50/50 raffle tickets are available at North Central Bank, 126 E. High St.; CYR Financial, 220 E. High St.; and the Putnam County Library, 214 N. Fourth St.
Fireworks on riverfront at dusk.
[ Newark to host July 4 parade, activities ]
Newark will celebrate Independence Day with a parade and several community activities.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. The grand marshal will be Homegrown Meat Co. and Ice Cream Shop. Lineup for the parade begins at 8 a.m. at the Newark High School, 413 Chicago Road. Immediately following the parade there will be a flag raising ceremony at Town Park.
Beginning at 10 a.m. there will be a makers market organized by Wilder Farmer’s Market and children’s activities sponsored by Newark BP/Subway. Activities will include face painting, a scavenger hunt with prizes for winners, and a bounce house.
The tractor show is schedule 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along with lunch in the park for the Friends of the Library. Lunch options are pulled pork, hamburgers, grilled chicken breasts, hot dogs, soda pop and chips.
A pedal tractor pull, ice cream social at Newark Lutheran Church and egg drop organized by the Newark Fire Department round out the activities.
[ Ottawa announces July 4 parking plan for fireworks ]
Fireworks at dusk from King Field at Ottawa High School.
[ Peru to host July 3 fireworks ]
Peru will once again host its fireworks display Wednesday, July 3, on Water Street.
The Rock the River fireworks display will begin at dusk.
Food vendors Big B BBQ, Maria’s, Dog House, Rosati’s and Mickey’s Massive Burritos will be set up on the grounds. There will be an alcohol-free fun zone for children to play games.
A trolley service will be provided by Starved Rock Trolley from Fourth/Calhoun and Fourth/Putnam from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Valley Katz will perform 7 to 11 p.m. at South Shore Boat Club, She’s a Maybe from 7 to 11 p.m. at Riverfront Bar & Grill followed by DJ Chuck Dog and Tim Ajster Band from 7 to 10 p.m. at Bridgetender’s Pub.
The city of Peru announced temporary parking restrictions for July 3. Go to the city or police department’s Facebook page for details on the restrictions.
[ Princeton fireworks set July 4 at Zearing Park with live entertainment, food, vendors ]
Princeton has a party fit for the whole family planned for the Fourth of July.
The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton Park District have partnered to provide entertainment Thursday at Zearing Park leading up to the fireworks at dusk.
The celebration will be on the south side of the park. The Bluewater Kings Band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Food will be available starting at 5 p.m. from Farmer Smoked BBQ, Maria’s and the Boy Scouts. There also will be cotton candy for sale, said Jenica Cole, the chamber’s executive director. The Princeton Park District will be serving alcoholic beverages. No outside alcohol will be permitted. Balloon twister Mr. Cinnamon will entertain children.
[ Sheridan to celebrate July 4 with activities, including toilet bowl race ]
Sheridan again will be a place to be in La Salle County for Independence Day.
The Sheridan Community Club’s annual day full of activities will include a parade, toilet bowl races, children’s activities and fireworks at dusk.
Additionally, there will be a craft show and a car and tractor show with all activities taking place downtown.
Parade registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the lineup is on Church Street for a noon start. Contact Dale Thibault at 815-325-7477 or di.green13@yahoo.com for information.
Toilet races registration begins at 2 p.m. To race, safety forms must be signed by each team member prior to the race. Bring your own toilet. You can race independently or with a group. You can’t have a motor on your toilet. You can’t pick up your toilet and run. Your toilet needs to be on wheels. The person or team with the fastest toilet bowl will win the Golden Toilet Trophy. Message the Sheridan Community Group on Facebook with questions or to preregister.
The Friends of Robert W. Rowe Library, 120 E. Si Johnson Ave. will host its book sale 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3, before the sale’s final day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 4. All items are 25 cents.
For more information on Sheridan’s July 4 activities, go to https://www.facebook.com/sheridancommunityclubinfo
The group is seeking volunteers 8 a.m. to noon Friday, July 5, in helping clean up after the celebration. Gloves and bags will be provided.
For those who need an extra dose of fireworks, or missed the displays Wednesday and Thursday throughout the region, Utica will be hosting its family friendly event at Carey Memorial Park. Fireworks begin at dusk. There will be food and drinks while supplies last, face painting, bounce slides, an obstacle course and other activities beginning at 5 p.m.
[ Walnut Days set July 5-7 ]
The Walnut Days Celebration is scheduled Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7, featuring several activities, a parade and fireworks.
A raffle for a Side X Side is a fundraiser for the fireworks show. Tickets are $25 or five for $100. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing is before the fireworks display Sunday. For tickets contact Jesse Willstead at 815-262-3603 or Jen Butler at 815-716-0110, or they can be purchased at Shell, Didley’s, Walnut Leader, Cafe, the Shed, Roots or the Walnut Library.
For more information or details about the festival, go to walnutdays.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments.
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments:
Eric Eagelston, 24, of Wyoming, Illinois (two counts of aggravated DUI);
Christopher Ottinger, 32, of Mendota (failure to report);
Letayveon Hastings, 20, of Warrenville (three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding);
James Wolkow, 52, of Ottawa (domestic battery);
Sebastian Aguilera, 19, of La Salle (unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver);
Angel Castillo, 19, of La Salle (unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver);
Luisa Herrera, 28, of Streator (unlawful delivery of methamphetamine);
Jerimiah Turner, 40, of Streator (three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance).
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Mendota names Jason Martin as new police chief – Shaw Local  Shaw Local
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The Princeton City Council authorized Monday the sale of 1117 N. Church St. to the company that operates Elm City Axe Boards for $80,000. (Derek Barichello)
The city of Princeton sold a surplus property and helped a local business in the process.
The Princeton City Council authorized Monday the sale of 1117 N. Church St. to the company that operates Elm City Axe Boards for $80,000. The property appraised at $90,000 and was advertised to bidders. Elm City’s bid was the lone bid and within the range for the city to accept it.
The city will move its brush pit at the site to an easier location for access and clean up before Elm City takes sole possession of the property.
Mayor Ray Mabry called the property sale a win-win because Elm City anticipates expanding its business, improving its building and adding jobs. The sale of the property also figures to add about $2,300 to the property tax collection from the lot, Mabry said.
Elm City supplies some of the leading axe houses around the country with cottonwood target boards, the company said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house on the 800 block of North Main Street in Princeton. (Shaw Local File Photo)
A house in 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, Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer said Monday.
Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house, police said.
Robert L. Rigby, 36, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony carrying three to seven years in prison, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (heroin), a Class 4 felony carrying one to three years.
Alfred L. Alm, 49, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years in prison.
Desiree J. Adams, 44, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
All three were charged after the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, assisted by the Princeton Police Department and the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at the residence.
All suspects were released with a notice to appear in Bureau County Circuit Court.
Kammerer said Monday that Princeton police will work with agencies such as the Arukah Institute of Healing to help anyone who is homeless, but those individuals also must be cooperative.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Safe Journeys – What to Know About Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and educating communities on ways to prevent sexual violence. Sexual assault is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. By understanding the scope of the problem, recognizing available resources, and encouraging open discussions, individuals and communities can work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.
Sexual assault is alarmingly common, with statistics showing that one in three women and one in six men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, an estimated 80% of sexual assaults go unreported, often due to fear, shame, or lack of support. Survivors may struggle with emotional, physical, and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulty in relationships. Raising awareness about these realities is crucial in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence.
Prevention and education play a key role in reducing sexual violence. Schools, workplaces, and communities can take action by promoting consent education and creating policies that support survivors. Understanding that consent must be clear, enthusiastic, and continuous helps shift cultural attitudes and prevent harmful situations.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence. By fostering a culture of respect, consent, and support, communities can work toward a future where all individuals feel safe and empowered. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out to Safe Journeys can be the first step toward healing and justice.
Safe Journeys provides free confidential services, including short-term shelter for people who are unsafe due to domestic violence, along with supportive counseling and other support services to those in need. Please reach out immediately if you need help.
Safe Journeys has offices in Streator, Ottawa, Peru, Mendota, IVCC, and Pontiac. Please visit www.safejourneysillnois.org, email us at info@safejourneysillinois.org, or call our 24 hour support line at 815-673-1555.
Funding is provided in full or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Route 251 south of Mendota was shut down about four hours Friday night after a vehicle struck from behind a vehicle that had halted from mechanical issues. There was no shoulder. (Scott Anderson)
Route 251 south of Mendota was shut down about four hours Friday night after a vehicle struck from behind a vehicle that had halted from mechanical issues. There was no shoulder.
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser said in a Sunday report first responders were dispatched about 7:30 p.m. to the scene. One patient was taken to OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota and then transferred to a Rockford medical center. A condition report was not available Sunday. A second motorist was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Peru, with minor injuries.
Illinois State Police handled the call and an ISP reconstruction unit was called.
Mendota and Troy Grove responded as did Peru EMS. La Salle County Emergency Management Agency was requested for traffic control while the road was closed. A Life Flight medical helicopter was requested to the scene but was unable to fly because of weather conditions.
Route 251 was reopened around 11:30 p.m.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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MOLINE, Ill. — UPDATE: THIS SEVERE THREAT HAS PASSED THROUGH THE REGION. You can find storm and damage photos on News 8’s Near Me page. 
A Weather Impact Alert from the StormTrack8 team is in place Monday evening due to high heat and a significant chance of severe storms. The National Weather Service has increased the severe weather threat to a 4 out of 5 for nearly all of the viewing region, with damaging winds that could reach 70+ mph being the primary threat. 
The News 8 viewing region is also under a heat advisory throughout Monday evening, as heat indices are forecasted to reach 100 to 110 degrees.
But severe storms are the main cause for Monday’s StormTrack8 Weather Impact Alert. The bulk of the severe weather will come through the region from 5-9 p.m., with the main impact coming from strong winds. Watch the latest forecast from the News 8 Storm Track 8 team above.
8:31 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warnings continue to move east with the line of storms
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Peoria, McLean, Tazewell, Woodford, Logan, Marshall, Stark, Fulton, Mason, Knox, De Witt Counties until Jul 15 9:30PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/Z650tzxkNJ
8:26 p.m. | Those in the Milo area asked to take cover due to strong winds with embedded rotation, NWS says
Parts of southern Bureau County, especially Milo area, and much of Putnam County look to get very strong winds with embedded rotation. Take cover ahead of these storms in the lowest level! #ILwx https://t.co/OOALO0HzK9
8:25 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues for Sterling, Rock Falls area
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Sterling IL, Rock Falls IL and Walnut IL until 8:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/dfNMq6UlNV
8:20 p.m. | Tornado warning for Bureau and Putnam counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Bureau, Putnam counties until Jul 15 9:00PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/GmFqEfD4rY
8:10 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning until 9 p.m. containing 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Princeton IL, Spring Valley IL and De Pue IL until 9:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/RZblQn6GMd
8:09 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Bureau and Putnam counties 
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Bureau, Putnam Counties until Jul 15 9:00PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/lN2wmutAhL
8:02 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Kewanee IL, Monmouth IL and Geneseo IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/Pevco6ASSM
7:59 p.m. | Tornado warning in effect for Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Stark and Marshall counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Stark, Marshall counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/3TPwyeSjar
7:52 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning until 8:45 p.m. 
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Whiteside, Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Scott Counties until Jul 15 8:45PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/EfP9PXLwIq
7:49 p.m. | A storm near the Sterling, Rock Falls area contains wind gusts up to 80 mph
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Clinton IA, Sterling IL and Rock Falls IL until 8:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/SV080D0zHK
7:48 p.m. | A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for multiple of our hometowns
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for McDonough, Des Moines, Lee, Hancock, Henderson, Van Buren, Clark, Henry, Warren, Scotland Counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/689dus4cnN
7:47 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning for southern parts of region
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Burlington IA, Macomb IL and Fort Madison IA until 8:30 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/wn6IkLv57g
7:47 p.m. | Tornado on the ground near Andover
Received several reports of a tornado on the ground near Andover by I-74. Take cover now! https://t.co/t5nWKT2mSR
7:45 p.m. | Tornado warning in effect for Henry, Whiteside and Bureau counties
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Henry, Whiteside, Bureau counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/riRKnA5mdD
7:40 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for East Moline IL, Kewanee IL and Monmouth IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/XMaJqLiczU
7:39 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Knox, Fulton and Stark counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Knox, Fulton, Stark Counties until Jul 15 8:15PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/skFgaFAI7x
7:37 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Freeport IL, Lena IL and Stockton IL until 7:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 90 MPH! pic.twitter.com/n7AnaJpyEb
7:29 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continued for northern parts of the viewing region
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Clinton IA, Sterling IL and Rock Falls IL until 8:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/P7nDZX6khh
7:29 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Mount Pleasant, Mediapolis and Columbus Junction.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Fairfield IA, Mount Pleasant IA and Wapello IA until 7:45 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/9FQlcYnfWc
7:27 p.m. | Low Driving Visibility 
With these storms, we can verify the visibility in the severe winds and very heavy rainfall is less than one eights of a mile. Motorists in advance, including I-80, I-88, and I-74 in Illinois be prepared, and if you can wait the storms out somewhere, do so! #ILwx
7:26 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning including East Moline, Kewanee and Monmouth
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including East Moline IL, Kewanee IL and Monmouth IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/t5oBgUFWyb
7:23 p.m. | Thunderstorms producing winds of 80 to 100 mph
Text: Thunderstorms are producing damaging winds of 80 to 100 mph, isolated tornadoes. Significant wind damage has been reported. Be prepared to act quickly and shelter indoors this evening! pic.twitter.com/09F2BJY2dT
7:21 p.m. | 74 mph Wind Gusts at NWS Office, Davenport.
Received a 74 mph wind gust here at our NWS office at the Davenport IA just 2 min ago.
7:15 p.m. | Tornado Warning for Moline, Rock Island and Davenport.
Tornado Warning including Davenport IA, Moline IL and Rock Island IL until 8:00 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/YyTgWdQ7GE
7:15 p.m. | Winds in excess of 70 mph headed toward the Quad Cities
[July 15 7:14 pm] Strong storms are expected to reach the following cities at the times listed. Winds in excess of 70 mph, torrential rain, and frequent lightning will be possible! Take cover!

745p: ~Burlington
800p: ~Sterling Rock Falls
815p: ~Princeton IL
830p: ~Macomb IL
7:10 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Galena, Mount Carroll and Stockton.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Freeport IL, Galena IL and Lena IL until 7:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 90 MPH! pic.twitter.com/ZR9L6HkxQ9
7:08 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Fairfield, Mount Pleasant and Wapello. 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Fairfield IA, Mount Pleasant IA and Wapello IA until 7:45 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/MykqLGrK3D
7:02 p.m. | Tornado Warning for Clinton, De Witt and Camanche.
Tornado Warning including Clinton IA, De Witt IA and Camanche IA until 7:45 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/MpoYorlOfe
[July 15 6:07 pm] Strong storms are expected to reach the following cities at the times listed. Winds in excess of 70 mph, torrential rain, and frequent lightning will be possible!

Iowa City: ~6:30 pm
Iowa side of QCA: ~715-745 pm
Illinois side of QCA ~730 – 815 pm
One of the most important actions to take under a heat advisory is to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities. However, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. 
Here are some other tips to keep in mind during high heat:
It’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion in order to act accordingly. Here are some from the American Red Cross:
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place. Remove tight clothing and spray them with water. Wet cloths or towels can also be applied to the skin. In addition, immersing the person in cool water can help. 
According to the Red Cross, heat strokes usually occur when signs of exhaustion are ignored. Changes in consciousness, high body temperature and vomiting are all signs of heat stroke. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 and work to cool them down with the tips mentioned above. 
____________________________________________
Stay tuned for more from News 8 as our StormTrack8 weather team starts to roll out our new Weather Impact Alert system. It’s part of our effort to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date forecast information. 
Need tips on how to stay safe during severe weather? Check out the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Safety Guidelines here. 
Stay weather aware by downloading the Storm Track 8 mobile app to get live weather alerts sent straight to your phone. 
Follow the StormTrack8 weather team on social media:

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We may never know what caused a car to crash into an unoccupied home off of Route 6 in Princeton, Illinois Monday night. The car hit the house causing a fire engulfing the entire structure.
The Bureau County Coroner identified the man found in the car as 33-year-old Nicholas Stocking of Princeton, Illinois. But because of the nature of the flames, the cause of death is undetermined.
Looking back days later, Princeton Fire Chief Chuck Woolley says the way they fought the fire wouldn’t have changed dramatically even if they knew the car was lodged inside.
“Initially it might have been altered somewhat. But we would of initially had to have knocked the fire down getting to it. But once we discovered it, it was obviously too late,” says Woolley.
Chief Woolley says the department’s first priority is to get the fire under control, but they usually try to conserve evidence as best as possible after. The vehicle was already totaled by the time it was discovered.
The man who previously owned the home died days before the incident, leaving oxygen tanks inside. These posed a real danger to fire crews.
“There were fairly large explosions that shook the ground from blowing up. They were kind of like missiles,” says Woolley.
The icy cold weather also made things harder.

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