Streator Strong
OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
STREATOR STRONG 2026
2
‘It’s in your backyard’: South Streator residents recount frightening moments as tornado touched down Tornado damages multiple homes, leaves at least one injured A tornado had touched down Thursday in an open crop field off East 12th Street near South Streator, leaving those nearby scrambling for shelter. “I was driving home ... and heard about it earlier but honestly just thought it was a regular old tornado watch or warning,” Streator resident Riley Parcher said. “I didn’t think much of it until my wife called and said a tornado actually touched down and I needed to get home or to shelter.” Riley’s wife, Sarah Parcher, said she didn’t take it very seriously until a call from her dad. “I didn’t think much of it either before my dad called and he lives nearby Route 17 near Twin Creeks Road and told me he saw it touch down,” Sarah Parcher said. “He told me, ‘Get to your basement. It’s in your backyard.’ Riley hustled home and got out of his car in time to witness the massive wedge-shaped tornado tearing through the fields behind his house. “We didn’t have any damage, luckily,” Riley Parcher said. “But we know some people lost a lot.” Haley Fleming said she noticed conditions change rapidly after returning home from Aldi around 5:20 p.m. “The sky was completely beige and the winds were picking up,” Fleming said. “I got my kids down into the basement, moved my car and when I came back outside, I could see the debris and the sky just south of here. I said, ‘That’s the tornado.’” Fleming said within minutes after getting back home, the atmosphere became “eerily quiet” and the power briefly went out before returning. “When I came back out, it was right there coming through the cornfield,” she said. “Since then, I’ve just been staying sheltered with my kids and checking on family around town to make sure they’re OK.” As of 9 p.m. on Thursday night, Streator mayor Tara Bedei said there were no confirmed fatalities, despite early reports. La Salle County Sheriff Adam Diss reported multiple houses were damaged with one injury, but it was not life-threatening. In a statement on Thursday night, Streator officials said to avoid the
Photo by Scott Anderson
An aerial view of the tornado damage between North 12th road and Sanbury Drive on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Streator.
Stay Streator Strong! impacted areas to allow emergency crews to work safely. The statement said those areas include Airport Road and the Barlow Addition, including John Street, Saratoga Lane, Sunbury Drive and 12th Street between Otter Creek Road and Saratoga Lane. “We are incredibly grateful for the safety of our residents and the quick action of emergency personnel, both in Streator and regionally,” Bedei wrote in a statement. “Recovery efforts will continue in the coming days, and additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.” Residents are encouraged to monitor the city’s Facebook page for updates or call 815-672-2517 ext. 1242 for any questions.
Shaw Local News Network Senior Reporter Tom Collins contributed to this story.
Profile 1 (over 40 tests) $75
Includes Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipids, Hepatic Function, Complete Blood Count
Why Choose Healthchek? Fact 1 – Healthchek does not require a doctor’s order for any testing we offer. Fact 2 – The Healthchek Profile 1 provides an overall general health status. These are the same tests many doctors order annually. Fact 3 – Our friendly technicians are highly skilled and offer a pain-free encounter.
We do not file insurance.
409 E Main St Unit 4 Streator, IL 61364 Wed thru Sat 9AM-Noon Phone: 219-322-7041 | Website: www.healthchek.net
North Central Behavioral Health brings mobile crisis van to Streator after tornado
North Central Behavioral Health Systems announced a Mobile Crisis Response van will be in Streator through 7 p.m. Saturday to help those impacted by the tornado. The van is stationed at the Elks Lodge, 202 N. Park St., and will also be setting up at City Park while officials waits on clearance to enter the areas most directly affected by the storm. “Our goal is to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, resource connection and behavioral health assistance to community members affected by this disaster,” officials said in a release. “We will work closely with local officials, emergency responders and community organizations to identify needs and provide support where it is most needed.” Available services may include crisis intervention and emotional support,
resource referrals, information about community resources, support for individuals, families and first responders affected by the storm, and assistance connecting residents with ongoing behavioral health services. North Central Behavioral Health Systems announced a Mobile Crisis Response van will be in Streator through 7 p.m. Saturday to help those impacted by the tornado. The van is stationed at the Elks Lodge, 202 N. Park St., and will also be setting up at City Park while officials waits on clearance to enter the areas most directly affected by the storm. “Our goal is to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, resource connection and behavioral health assistance to community members affected by this disaster,” officials said in a release. “We will work closely with local officials, emergency responders and community organizations to identify needs and provide support where it is most needed.” Available services may include crisis intervention and emotional support, resource referrals, information about
Photo by Scott Anderson
A home is leveled from a tornado across from Vactor Manufacturing near Aqueduct Road on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Streator. community resources, support for individuals, families and first responders affected by the storm, and assistance
connecting residents with ongoing behavioral health services.
Established in 1970
STREATOR STRONG 2026 The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Support van stationed at Elks Lodge, City Park Saturday as recovery efforts continue
3
OTT
Serving our community for 76 years
As our community rebuilds and recovers, we’re proud to stand alongside our neighbors every step of the way.
SM-CL2332264
We are accepting cash donations that will be turned over to the General Tornado Fund at City Hall. 302 NORTH PARK STREET, STREATOR, IL 61364
815-672-8488 | www.streatorccu.org
As our community comes together in the aftermath of the storms, our hearts are with everyone affected. 1219 Fulton Street, Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-0478 chzshop1@gmail.com Monday - Saturday 11 am - 7 pm | Sunday - Closed
OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
STREATOR STRONG 2026
4
Four people injured, 11 homes damaged after South Streator tornado Damage assessment, cleanup underway after tornado on Thursday night The tornado that tore through South Streator Thursday evening damaged 11 homes, several of them severely damaged or destroyed, and injured four people, according to city officials on Friday morning. The four individuals were transported to OSF Center for Health in Streator on Thursday night. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening. The damaged areas include Airport Road and the Barlow Addition, including John Street, Saratoga Lane, Sunbury Drive and 12th Street between Otter Creek Road and Saratoga Lane. According to the city, residents in those damaged neighborhoods were allowed to return to their homes Friday morning to retrieve belongings and assess damage. However, officials said A view of a bedroom from a home that sustained severe damage along Sunbury Drive on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Streator. residents must pass through an identification checkpoint at Otter Creek Road and John Street and provide proof of residency before entering the area. Fred Moore, director of La Salle County Emergency Management Agency, urged affected residents to carefully document any damage to their homes and properties, taking plenty of photos to depict the damage. Moore further advised residents to only used licenses contractors to make repairs. Any such contractors must have first been vetted through Streator City Hall. As for the possibility of government aid, Moore said the devastation was sufficiently widespread that there is “potential” for federal disaster designation. “We’ve got resources on the ground right now as far as damage assessment teams going door-to-door, talking to residents and trying to make an early determination on eligibility for federal assistance,” Moore said. Mayor Tara Bedei also said the city is trying to coordinate with Waste Management on bulk debris collection, with more information expected to be released as it becomes available.
Inspectors climb on the roof of a home that sustained severe damage along Sunbury Drive on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Streator.
Photo by Scott Anderson
Photo by Scott Anderson
County officials say Streator narrowly avoided a more tragic outcome At least 70 properties were damaged by last week’s tornado in Streator, according to updated assessments from La Salle County officials on Monday. Specifically, EMA Director Fred Moore said assessment teams have identified about 35 homes and structures with major damage and another 35 with minor damage. The National Weather Service has preliminarily rated the tornado as an EF3. “It depends on whose estimations you’re looking at because everybody estimates a little bit differently based on the criteria that’s set forth for them,” Moore said. “The criteria that we use would be the criteria that the feds would use for declaration purposes.” Moore said this week’s recovery efforts have shifted from emergency response to helping out residents as they begin rebuilding. With that, full utility restoration has been completed for homes that can safely receive service. However, homes with significant
damage may still be without power or gas until repairs are completed and inspections determine it is safe to reconnect service. “If you can have utilities, they are on and functioning,” Moore said. While the property damage was extensive, Moore emphasized that “we’re extremely fortunate” there were no fatalities or major injuries given the scope of damage. Moore said the tornado’s path carried it close to two long-term care facilities after it moved through the south side of town, a scenario that could have resulted in a very different outcome. “If the tornado took that path, we’d be having very different conversations at that point,” Moore said. “We’re extremely fortunate there was no loss of life.” Officials previously reported seven minor injuries from the storm, which Moore confirmed as of Monday. Looking ahead, officials are encouraging residents to complete self-assessment surveys.
Photo by Scott Anderson
A heavily damaged home and garage are all the remains from tornado damage on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Streator. EMA officials said their assessment crews have already evaluated properties in the Saratoga, John Street, Sunbury Drive and Airport Road areas.
However, residents outside those areas who sustained damage are being asked to report their impacts so officials can complete a full damage picture.
STREATOR STRONG 2026 The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Streator damage estimate climbs to 70 properties after EF3 tornado 5
OTT
PROTECTION FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST CALL (815) 672-2018 TODAY FOR YOUR FREE PERSONAL INSURANCE REVIEW. Christina Reynolds Insurance Corp Christina Reynolds, Agent (815) 672-2018 christinareynolds.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441-01 – Rev. 7/25 – 29225693
SM-CL2332401
OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
STREATOR STRONG 2026
6 Photo by Scott Anderson
Streator businesses and organizations are offering support to the community they serve in the aftermath of a tornado on Thursday. “Whether you live here, were born here, raised here, or have since moved away, one thing we know about Streator is that our community always shows up when it matters most,” according to a social media post from Star Ford Inc. in Streator. The car dealership is accepting food, clothing and monetary donations to help those affected by the tornadoes. Donations will be given to local teams to assist families in need. Vactor Manufacturing shared on social media that staff will be working with local authorities to offer assistance, equipment, and support for recovery efforts. Vactor also assured the public that its facility was unaffected and operations are fully up and running. Fisher Auto Parts, 109 E. Main St., had staff at the Reading Township building and Ottercreek Township building Friday with ice water for those affected and is helping with cleanup
efforts. Al’s Place, 1603 N. Bloomington St., is providing meals to families affected by the storms. “No one should have to face challenges like this alone. Streator has always been a community that comes together in times of need, and we’re honored to do our small part to help,” said a social media post. Zoila’s Coffee will be offering help throughout the weekend. The coffee shop at 601 E. Main St. offered free drip coffee to those affected by storms and first responders. Zoila’s thanked the Antolik family for its donation of six cases of water and Central Church of Christ for its donation to allow the coffee shop to continue serving free drip coffee. The Streatorland Community Food Pantry is collecting non-perishable food items and essential supplies. Donations can be dropped off at Streator Home Savings Bank, 132 S. Monroe St., corner of Bridge and Monroe. Most needed items are canned fruits, vegetables, and chicken/tuna, soups, crackers, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oat-
meal, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, toilet paper, paper towels and personal hygiene products. Woodland Community Unit School District 5 is hosting a free bounce house event noon to 5 p.m. Sunday with World Of Bounce, LLC at the school’s football field, 5800 E. 3000 North Road to raise funds for those affected. Sparrow’s Nest Farm will provide a petting zoo. Check Woodland’s social media page for information. Donations will be accepted, including food, hygiene/personal care items and clothing. Donations will be accepted from noon to 3 p.m. and families in need throughout the community can start collecting items at 3 p.m. Streator Elks 591, 202 N. Park St., is accepting donations, including water, clothing and snacks from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the second floor of the lodge. Use the door labeled for the bowling alley on Hickory Street then use the elevator to the second floor. Pickup will be available after noon for those in need. Chix Restaurant and Elevate Real Estate Team - Keller Williams Infinity
partnered to provide one free entree to anyone affected by the tornado through Sunday at the restaurant, 104 S. Everett St. Thread Revival is collecting donations at the store, 322 E. Main St., including, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, new packaged socks and underwear, bottled water and sports drinks, baby essentials, pet food and supplies and nonperishable food items. Staff will coordinate with local relief efforts and items will be delivered to those affected. Small Town Services, Blackstone, is offering free service to tornado victims. Heritage Tractor, 29987 N. 300th Road, is offering free chainsaw sharpening, generators at cost, and accepting non-perishable food items through Saturday, June 20, for the Streatorland Food Pantry. If you’re in the La Salle-Peru area and would like to help, Petals by Peyton Plant Shop & Florist, 552 First St., La Salle, is accepting nonperishable snack and food items, bottled water, toiletries/personal care items, pet food/supplies, other essential items.
7 STREATOR STRONG 2026 The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Streator businesses rally to aid tornado victims Dealerships, restaurants, coffee shops and nonprofits offer donations, meals and free services
OTT
SM-CL2332541
S T A N D I N G WI T H S T R E A TOR
Our Community. Our Hearts. Our Support. To every family impacted by the recent storm, we're thinking of you and standing with you.
OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
STREATOR STRONG 2026
8
2900 Columbus St, Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 581-9674
kiaofottawa.com
Scan to visit our website