Congressional Candidates Claim Victory In Fundraising

If the 11^th district congressional race comes down to who raised the most cash, it should be an exciting Election night.

Democrat Debbie Halvorson and Republican challenger Adam Kinzinger both said today their 3^rd quarter fundraising totals is the most successful quarter to date.  Halvorson reported raising 503 thousand dollars between July 1^st and September 30^th while Kinzinger pulled in over 436 thousand dollars.

Halvorson and Kinzinger both say the fundraising numbers show their poised to win next month.

Drug Bust Near Lostant

A Texan may not get back home for a long time after being pulled over yesterday in Lostant.

Lostant Police and their K-9 handler checked out Epifanio Villanueva of San Antonio on Interstate 39.  TRIDENT came out to investigate and allegedly found cocaine and cannabis in a number of places inside Villanueva’s car.

He’s charged with a Super X felony of unlawful possession of controlled substance and a Class 1 felony of unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

Villanueva was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Teen indicted for foot chase that left an officer injured

A teen accused of leading police on a foot chase through a neighborhood in Peru has been indicted on felony charges.

Robert Marzian Jr. of Peru was indicted Tuesday for aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery, and resisting police.

The chase happened in late September.  During it a Peru Police officer seriously injured his arm.

Marzian is free after posting bond.

Catlin Park Hunting Policy Not Sitting Well With Some

The best way to lower the deer population at Catlin Park outside Ottawa remains a debated issue.

The La Salle County Board’s decision to allow only bow hunters in the park Mondays through Thursdays has Toni Spires of Marseilles saying it’s the wrong move to make.  Spires is a member of the Mathiessen Park Committee for Multi-Use Trails.  She says she’s been inundated with calls saying that they should ride while hunting is going on in the park.  Spires says October is one of the bigger riding months especially since the park is closed from November to May.

Spires told the county board if liability is the biggest fear of mixing hunters with horse riders, the state has an Equine Liability Act that makes the riders solely responsible for any injuries.