Crash south of Tonica kills woman, injures man

A head-on crash on Route 251 killed a woman from Lostant and left a man from Tonica injured.

71 year old Ester Schafer was pronounced dead at the scene after the accident Tuesday afternoon south of Tonica. 

Investigators think Schafer was heading south when for whatever reason she crossed into oncoming traffic hitting a car driven by Jeffrey Billig of Tonica.  He was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital before being transferred to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning. 

The crash remains under investigation.

Burglary charge for Ottawa man

          Nothing says happy birthday like getting served with an arrest warrant.  Ottawa Police Monday picked up a man thought to have stolen items out of a satellite TV truck. 

          Bradley Zellers was arrested for burglary.  He’s free after posting bond.

Police say they began investigating a couple of weeks ago after getting a call about burglary to a truck used for the installation of satellite TV service.  Police say they found many of stolen items.

Lack of interest cancels fundraiser

Grilling burgers in February apparently isn’t that popular of an idea.  Hopes for a first-time burger grilling fundraiser for the March of Dimes have been dashed by a lack of interest.

Kathy Casstevens was one of the people trying to organize “Burgers for Babies.” It would have been February 1, but it’s been canceled.

          She says they wanted to have 10 chefs but only had five.  The announcement it was canceled came Monday. 

          She says they might try to have it when it’s warmer.

Aggravated battery and other charges for Ottawa man

Typically if something bits your finger it’s a small animal like a hamster, not a 38 year old man.  But that’s allegedly what happened at a home Monday night in La Salle County.

          Police say Tyson Rogers of Ottawa went to a man’s home, punched him, shoved him and bit his finger.  Tyson was arrested for aggravated battery, trespassing and no valid drivers license.  He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

La Salle staying local with wastewater plant bid

Normally when a city bids out a project, they open it up to anyone interested.  But that’s not how the La Salle City Council has chosen to bid out a job involving the wastewater treatment plant.

          The city council decided Monday night to limit bidding between local companies J.B. Contracting and Machinery Maintenance. 

          Before voting on it, alderman George Green said they had great work done by them in the past.

          Mayor Jeff Grove said it shows they’re dedicated to supporting the local workforce.

          The project is being paid for using federal Recovery Zone Bonds.  The city has up to $698,000.  The federal government will reimburse the city for up to 45% of the interest.