Alleged Marijuana Dealer Arrested In La Salle

A man from La Salle is the latest alleged drug dealer to be arrested by TRIDENT.

Members of the drug enforcement group searched Ischmael Diaz’s home in the 700 block of 11^th Street on Thursday.  Once inside they allegedly found marijuana and other drug materials.  Diaz was arrested on the charge of unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

He was taken to the county jail.

Accused Arsonist Has Trial Delayed Again

42 year old Terri James of Ottawa was supposed to head to trial Monday.  However Public Defender Tim Cappellini argued for more time to into restitution that James may have to pay.  Judge H. Chris Ryan agreed to give him extra time and set August 9^th as the new trial date.

James was arrested in March after fires broke out at an abandoned house on Leland Street and a home on Catherine Street in Ottawa.  Prosecutors think she was trying to destroy evidence showing that she stole over 100,000 thousand dollars from the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ottawa where she was a secretary.

James remains in the La Salle County Jail on 200 thousand dollars bond.

Truck driver ticketed after I-39 accident

Hauling an over-sized load is probably a little tricky.  Police say a semi pulling an over-sized load hit a hydraulic truck crane while trying to pass it on Interstate 39.  It happened shortly before 6:30am Friday on I-39 northbound south of Oglesby.

Steven Ewins of Carlock was ticketed for improper lane usage.  No one was hurt and there was little impact to traffic.

Superintendent excited to receive concert donation

The students at Leepertown Elementary probably aren’t huge fans of REO Speedwagon, if they’ve even heard of the group.  But chances are they’ll love the new computers their school will be receiving thanks to a concert that was rained out.

Leepertown School Superintendent Amber Harper is deciding what equipment they should purchase with the $13,000 donation from the “Concerts for a Cause.”

The concert was organized by Merry Noonan of Lou’s LaGrotto in Peru.

Harper says the district doesn’t have a large technology budget.  The 13 thousand is comparable to what that could spend in two years. She’s deciding on what to order and will than pass that along to Noonan.  Harper’s hoping they’ll have everything ready for the new school year.

Another “Concert for a Cause” is August 14 at the Cedar Point Sportsmans Club. It’s Lady Antebellum.  It’s sponsored by 96-5 the WOLF.  Tickets remain on sale.

Music and Family Fued events at Ladd Summer Fest

Music and food continues at Ladd Summer Fest today.

The Templeton Family Band performs at 4:30pm, food stands and the beer garden open at 5pm, and Ladd Family Feud is at 6:30pm.

Ladd Summer Fest wraps up after a full schedule of activities Saturday in War Memorial Park.

Marshall-Putnam Fair continues

It’s Boot Kickin’ Friday at the Marshall-Putnam Fair.  An antique machinery show is in the parking lot all day today.

The afternoon includes a lot of children’s activities.  The evening brings at demolition derby at 7pm.

The fair continues through Sunday.