Felony charges for man and teen in La Salle

A noise in the middle of the night turned out to be a couple of would-be burglars for a couple in La Salle.

          A man and a teen face felony residential burglary charges after police say a couple living in the one thousand block of Gooding Street caught people breaking into their attached garage early Friday morning.

          Police say the homeowner was injured in the process, but they eventually arrested Gary Selvidge and Christian Hass of La Salle.  Hass is only 17.  Selvidge is already on parole.

          Both were taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Oglesby hosts first Harvest Festival

The cool air, the changing leaves- it’s fall in the Illinois Valley.  You can get into the spirit in Oglesby.  They’re holding a Harvest Fest and farmer’s market today.

          You’ll find a scarecrow contest and items for sale.  There’s also a kid’s carnival with petting zoo from 9am until 11am.  Signup for the kid’s tractor pull is at 10:30.

          Later today you can grab a bite at the community dinner sponsored by the Dickinson House Foundation.  They’ll be serving grilled pork chops, German potato salad, applesauce, and dessert from 4:30 to 6:30 for $10. If it’s raining the dinner will be held inside of the Dickinson House.

          There is a beer garden and live music starting at 5pm.

Mackowiak hearing continues

Was accused double murderer Keith Mackowiak of Seneca under the influence when he supposedly confessed to police?  A hearing to find this out continued Friday in La Salle County Court.

          Public Defender Tim Cappellini called one witness to the stand who testified he was drinking Jack Daniels with Mackowiak before he was arrested in July of 2007.  The witness testified that Mackowiak was fairly “buzzed” because of the alcohol.  Cappellini is trying to argue that statements made by Mackowiak to police after he was arrested should be suppressed since he wasn’t in the right mind frame to talk.

          Over the last couple weeks, State’s Attorney Brian Towne called about 40 sheriff’s deputies and jail employees who all said Mackowiak seemed coherent during and after his arrest.

          Mackowiak faces the death penalty if he’s found guilty of murdering Al and Catherine Twardowski in their Seneca home.