Longtime Community Leader Passes Away

The man largely credited for founding the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation and Endowment Board has passed away.

86 year old William “Bill” Strong died Sunday at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.  His public service history is lengthy.  He is credited with being a founding member of the IVCC Foundation, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Illinois Trust and Savings Bank.  He also found time to be on the La Salle County Board, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra Board and past president of Jaycees and Rotary Clubs in Ottawa.

You can hear funeral arrangements for Bill Strong on AM 1220 WLPO’s In Memoriam.

Fire knocks out power McNabb Elevator office

A basement fire has farmers in the McNabb area holding onto their grain.  The fire started shortly before 10am Monday in the office building for the McNabb Elevator.

McNabb Fire Chief Phil Brester says an electric stove shorted out.  Electrical panels were damaged, knocking out power to the scale and the computer system.  The fire, which was contained to the basement, wasn’t a threat to the nearby grain bins.

Operators of the elevator hope to have the scale working Tuesday.

Marquette Principal Retiring

More changes at Ottawa Marquette High School.

Just weeks after head football coach Jim Eustice was let go, longtime principal Ronald Spandet has announced his retirement.  Spandet plans to retire after June 30th of next year.

He’s been principal at Marquette for 10 years.

Woman dies after crash in Marshall County

A crash near Varna has left one woman dead and another hospitalized. 

          82 year old Laura Woodrum of La Salle died Saturday in St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  She was flown there after a one-car accident Tuesday on Route 89 near Varna.

          Police say Woodrum was riding with 80 year old Betty Stalker of Peru when Stalker’s car hydroplaned off the road.

          The Marshall County Sheriff’s department is investigating the crash.

Ottawa apartment fire damages basement

Several people had to find another place to stay after a fire broke out in the basement of their apartment building.

          Fire officials are investigating what started the fire shortly before 6pm Sunday evening on Main Street in Ottawa.  The building is broken down into three apartments.  The fire stayed in the basement.  There was some smoke damage to the apartments.  Investigators don’t think it was arson.

Road name, TIF district up for discussion in La Salle

What to name the road leading to the new sewage plant?  The question will come up again tonight when the La Salle City Council meets at 7pm. 

          The council briefly touched on the subject during their last meeting.  Alderman Diz Demes suggested they open the name up for suggestion.  Alderman Gary Schroeder thought they should name it after former mayor Art Washkowiak.

          The tax levy will also be up for discussion along with a TIF agreement with the owner of the Subway restaurant on 3^rd Street.

“Scrooged!” to be performed at IVCC

A Charles Dickens classic is coming to the stage at Illinois Valley Community College.  Students will be performing “Scrooge!”, the musical version of “A Christmas Carol”.

          It’s directed by Norman Engstrom.

          Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm in the IVCC Cultural Center.  Tickets are $8 or free with an IVCC student ID.

Woman nearly crashes into Illinois River

An experience that will put the fear of God into you- a woman who reportedly fell asleep at the wheel nearly landed her car in the Illinois River.

          La Salle County Sheriff’s Deputies say Deborah Konya of Seneca was on Route 71 south of the river in South Ottawa Township Sunday evening when she fell asleep while driving.  Police say she woke up and hit the gas instead of the break and drove through over 350 feet of thick underbrush and tree stumps before reaching the edge of the river.

          She didn’t need treatment and wasn’t ticketed.

Man arrested for drugs in Streator

Wearing a seat belt could save your life.  And apparently it could have prevented a man from being arrested for drugs in Streator.
Policed Thursday stopped Gregory Marshall Jr. of Chicago for a seat belt violation.  He ended up charged with possession of cannabis and possession with intent to deliver two grams of heroin.
He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Felony theft charge for Mendota man

A man wanted for stealing something was picked up at his home.  Police Friday morning arrested Luis Flores of Mendota on a La Salle County Warrant for class three felony theft.  He was taken to the county jail with his bond set at $25,000.