Ex-Gov. Blagojevich likely to testify this week

CHICAGO (AP) – After promising for a year and a half to take the witness stand, Rod Blagojevich is likely to testify in his own defense at his federal corruption trial this week.

It’s likely to be duel of wits and wills with federal prosecutors.

The ousted Illinois governor will be under oath, unlike in his multitude of TV interviews. And the grilling he gets from government attorneys about charges that he sought to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat will be tougher than anything he faced on a talk show.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Taking the stand, possibly as early as Tuesday, is a high-risk move many lawyers warn could backfire. They say that to win over jurors, Blagojevich must abandon his cocky style.

Local ghost hunters coming to cable in October

Putting together a “ghost hunters” show for the web may be scary – or maybe it’s the inevitable delays? D. M. Youngquist, local author on local supernatural happenings is hunting ghosts for a web-show – a web-show destined for cable outlets. Youngquist, from Tiskilwa, is partnered with Kelly Meagher (muh har) of Marseilles. Youngquist told AM 1220 WLPO news, the duo have filmed nine episodes of “Paranormal Seekers” – the result of hours in Northern Illinois’s best ghost sites – including Duffy’s in Utica. However, the show’s debut has been postponed until October 15 by “747 Productions” . Youngquist isn’t worried. He claims the show has sponsors and will appear on local cable channels including Channel 13 starting October 15. A website is available: paranormal – seekers.net.

Three LaSalle men arrested after disturbance

Three LaSalle men were arrested a short distance from the LaSalle police station after a disturbance around midnight Saturday at “Flamingo Banquet Center”. 56-year old Jose Verdin and 25-year old Oscar Gutierrez were charged with resisting an officer and obstructing an officer. Verdin was additionally charged with aggravated assault and Gutierrez with battery. Both posted one hundred dollars bond and were released. 30-year old Juan Gutierrez was charged with disorderly conduct and was given a notice to appear. No details were given explaining why the disturbance began.

Walt Willey and friends in Ottawa next weekend

Ottawa native and soap opera star Walt Willey is joining with some friends to put on a classic play at Ottawa Township High School next weekend. “Arsenic and Old Lace” will cast Willey and former “All My Children” castmate, Julia Barr along with Howard Johnson, Willey’s high school friend. Two evening and a Sunday matinee are scheduled. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For tickets, call 434-2737. The show is presented in association with the Ottawa Visitors Bureau and Riverfest.

Peru Junior League moves on

Peru Junior League defeated East Moline Saturday 13 – 1.  Nolan Lamboli was the winning pitcher.  Peru is in the Championship game at 5:30 Monday at Milan.

St. Michael Consolidation in Streator

Reverend Monsignor John Prendergast has sent a letter to Streator parishioners stating that as of July 1, St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Streator is established.  Prendergast will be the new pastor.  With that done, Prendergast says the church can establish new committees and start administrative chores needed to do business.  These actions are phase one of a consolidation plan approved by Bishop Jenky.  The second phase is September 29 when Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony’s, St. Stephen’s and St. Casimir will cease to exist – leaving only St. Michael. St. Stephen’s will remain the sole worship center for the parish until a new church is built.   A feasibility study is planned in the fall, but a new building is at least two years away.

DUI and rollover accidents

A Saturday night motorcycle ride ends in the hospital and tickets from the police. 45-year old David York of Somonauk crashed his motorcycle one mile north of Sheridan just after 8pm. York was taken to Valley West Hospital in Sandwich. LaSalle County Sheriff’s office charged him with DUI and other charges. He was given a notice to appear.

No injuries or citations when 22-year old Logan Schmidt of Mendota crashed his vehicle on East 3rd Road, two miles north of Mendota and east of Route 251, about 4am Saturday. Schmidt was southbound when his vehicle entered the ditch causing it to roll. LaSalle County Sheriff’s police investigated.