24 years For Ransom Woman

43-year old Ann Marie Getz was sentenced in Grundy County Court to 24 years after pleading guilty in May to aggravated DUI. She faced a maximum prison sentence of 28 years.

Getz admitted to driving drunk when she crashed into a car driven by 27 year old Amanda Jahn of Dwight. Jahn and her 11 month old daughter Kaitlyn and 3 year old son Ryan were killed. The fatal crash happened in November along Route 47 near Mazon.

Local U of I trustee hasn’t been asked to testify

The state’s investigation into politically influenced admissions at the University of Illinois continues and so far, a local man who serves on the university’s board of trustees hasn’t been called to testify.
Bob Vickery said Wednesday he expects the testimony to wrap up this week and says he could still be asked to testify.
Trustee Lawrence Eppley’s resignation letter was accepted by Governor Pat Quinn yesterday.
Vickery said if a member chooses to resign, that’s a personal decision. Vickery said Epply was chairman for six years and he has to understand he’s responsible for all things good and all things bad.
The investigation was prompted by a report by Chicago Tribune.

Salvation Army helps students prepare for school

If you need help getting school supplies for your kids, the Salvation Army could help.
Salvation Army of La Salle and Ottawa is doing a school supply assistance signup August 5th-7th from 9:30 until 11:30. You can sign up at either office.
If you’re accepted to get assistance, you’ll get a card saying when you can pick up supplies. Around 100 students were helped last year in the area.
If you don’t need the assistance, you can help by donating school supplies. They always run out of folders, glue and notebooks.

Next election season begins Tuesday

Time to start thinking about elections again.
Next Tuesday is the first day candidates can begin gathering signatures on petitions to be part of the February Primary Election. Petition kits are available in the La Salle County Clerk’s Office starting Friday. The petitions can be filed in late October.
Fifteen La Salle County Board seats are up for re-election to go along with the county clerk, sheriff, and treasurer.

Welcomeburger opens Riverfest

Something that many Ottawans circle on their calendar each year starts Wednesday.
Riverfest starts officially at 5pm with the 44th annual “Welcomeburger” at Washington Square Park in downtown Ottawa. From tonight thru August 3rd, Riverfest features everything from art show, carnival and flea market to the “Taste of Ottawa” and live music the riverfront.
The carnival starts Wednesday while “the Taste” and live music begins Thursday with bands “Images in Irony” and “Go Figure”.
Everything except carnival wristbands and food at the “Taste” is free.