IVSO kicks off new season

A St. Bede graduate returns to the area for a performance with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra.

They will present American Celebration Pops Concert Sunday at 3pm at Celebrations 150.  Sara Ptak will be the featured soloist.

Tickets are $10 at the door for adults and $5 for students with an ID or with a season pass.  Season tickets will be available.

Prison for Ottawa woman accused of wanting her husband dead

Nine years in prison for a woman that was accused of trying to hire someone to kill her husband.

The solicitation of murder for hire trial of Christina Dent of Ottawa was to begin Monday, but she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge Friday.

Investigators had said she offered a hitman seven thousand dollars to kill her ex husband.  She was arrested last year.  A first attempt at a trial in May ended in a mistrial.

Crash near Ottawa kills man

An investigation continues into a truck crash that left a man dead.  It happened Friday morning on Interstate 80 near the Ottawa Route 23 exit.   The driver of the truck was killed.  His name has not yet been released.

Petfest 2010 returns to Baker Lake

You can raise money for an area animal shelter while spending quality time with your dog Sunday.

Petfest, a fundraiser for Illinois Valley Animal Rescue, returns to Baker Lake in Peru and features a dog walk, pet product vendors, a bake sale, and games.  You’ll also be able to drop off pet items to be donated to the shelter.

Activities begin at 11am.  The walk begins at 1pm.  Dogs must be vaccinated and on a leash.  Bring bags.

Car shows planned for La Salle and Peru

Don’t be surprised if you see some fancy wheels rolling through La Salle-Peru Saturday.

The Cruisin La Salle 2010 car show is from 3pm until 8pm on 2nd St. in La Salle.  All proceeds benefit La Salle boys baseball and girls softball.

In Peru, the Illinois Valley Rodders Super Cruise-in is on Water Street from 4pm until 9pm.