AOL Involved In Ottawa Blogger Case

After hesitating at first, internet giant AOL will cooperate in the Ottawa Times blogger lawsuit.

An attorney with AOL told Ottawa Attorney George Hupp this morning that they would turn over information about the blogger known as “Fabfive”.  Hupp had filed a motion to find AOL in contempt of court if they didn’t cooperate.

Hupp is suing the “Fabfive” blogger on behalf of Don and Janet Maxon of Ottawa as the couple believes the blogger committed libel by allegedly they tried bribing city officials in support of a bed and breakfast.  Hupp thinks Carol Miller of Ottawa is “Fabfive” and she was ordered to give a deposition to Hupp this past Wednesday.

“Fabfive” released a retraction earlier this month in regards to the ongoing lawsuit.  The blogger says they’re post about the Maxon’s allegedly bribing city officials to support a bed and breakfast was just opinion and not meant to be taken as a fact.

Police and ambulance handle crash in LaMoille

A rollover crash in LaMoille has one man life flighted to Peoria.

According to the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, Barrett Galloway of La Moille was westbound on Route 92 when he failed to yield while turning onto Route 34.  He crashed into Tony Martin of Walnut whose pickup then went sideways and rolled four times.

Martin and his passenger, Mindy Martin were taken to Mendota Community Hospital.  Tony was flown to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Galloway wasn’t hurt but was ticketed for failing to yield and driving without insurance.

Alleged Pot Growing Operation Busted In Naplate

An elderly man from Naplate is accused of growing pot in his basement.

TRIDENT officers say they arrested 71 year old Joseph Ernst Sr. Tuesday at his house in Naplate.  Drug officials say they found 14 marijuana plants growing in Ernst’s basement.  They also allegedly found a number of things used to grow marijuana.

Ernst Sr was taken to the county jail where he’s since posted bond.

Doll Thief Gets Probation

A woman accused of stealing four valuable dolls from Mann Made in Ottawa has pled guilty to the theft.

34 year old Jessica Roden of Compton was sentenced to 24 months probation and two days in county jail.  She’s already served the jail time.  Roden also has to undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluation.

She was arrested on a warrant in April for stealing the dolls worth over 500 dollars.  Ottawa detectives say after catching Roden and her car on surveillance, they visited her home.  Detectives say they found one of the four dolls in Roden’s house during the initial visit.  They found the other three the next day.

Expect extra police patrols for Labor Day weekend

If you’re hitting the interstate this weekend, be prepared to see plenty of police.

As part of a statewide traffic enforcement project, State Police will be out in full force starting Friday afternoon. Troopers plan to focus on things like drunken driving and seat-belt usage.

District 17 trooper Craig Graham Graham says his department will be do random seat belt checkpoints in the area this weekend.  State police policy is no written warnings for seat-belt use.

The extra patrols run through Monday evening.

A few parks closed this weekend

If you want to spend some time this weekend at a state park, be aware there are park closures.

Heavy rain has wreaked havoc on the Hennepin Canal State Trail with Lock 26 to Interstate 80 impassable and closed.  The Hennepin trail is also closed in the area of Lock 3 because of flood damage.

At Buffalo Rock State Park, the proposed archery deer hunting area will not open this year until the safety issues of projectiles coming in the area is resolved.

At Illini State Park, River Meadows, Ancient Oaks and Wildcat Bog day use areas are closed.  Also Sunrise Council, a CCC shelter is in disrepair and closed.

On the I&M Canal, there’s a washout of the trail two miles west of Buffalo Rock and two miles east of Utica.