Navy Veteran Winner of Toyata Give-away

http://ping.fm/p/FMfKx – Rod with Camry winner Frank Hrovat of LaSalle and Charlie Downey of Magnolia

It’s a memorable Veteran’s Day for a group of local veterans that were finalists in the “All American Salute to our Veteran’s” car give away.

The contest hosted by Bill Walsh Toyota of Ottawa, AM 1220 WLPO, 99.3 WAJK, 96.5 the Wolf, and the Newstribune sent U.S. Navy veteran Frank Hrovat home with a new 2011 Toyota Camry.

Hrovat, of La Salle, was randomly chosen as the winner Thursday evening during a ceremony at Jeremiah Joe Coffee in Ottawa.  About 300 entries were submitted.  That pool was narrowed down to 10 before the winner was chosen.  Veterans had to be from La Salle, Bureau or Putnam Counties.

Other finalists will receive a U.S. flag that had been flown over the nation’s capital.

Charlie Downey of Magnolia submitted Hrovat’s name.  For that he’ll receive a trip to Washington D.C.

Woman wanted on La Salle County warrants arrested in Galesburg

A woman on parole for a drug conviction is back in jail, accused of selling cocaine and heroin to undercover police.

Bailey Hendrix of Ottawa was arrested Monday in Galesburg on La Salle County warrants for drugs and a parole violation.

Police say she sold them drugs in February and March of this year, shortly after being released from prison.  She’s being held at the La Salle County Jail.

Ottawa boy chosen to be Easter Seals ambassador

The new face of Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties is a two year old from Ottawa.

Giovanni Grandadam is the 2010-2011 ambassador for the organization.  He’s been receiving services from Easter Seals since he was an infant.  His parents are Diana Contreras and Nathan Grandadam.

As ambassador he’ll represent Easter Seals during the telethon and the annual 5K run-walk.

Michigan man accused of having stolen car

A man accused of getting pulled over in stolen car was a long way from home.  Marvin McNeary of Southfield, Michigan was stopped early Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 in Peru.

He was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and a couple of traffic tickets before being taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Body Found In La Salle

What began as a report of someone sleeping in an alley, turned into a death investigation in La Salle.

Police were called to an alley north of 1^st Street behind the Tri-City Frock Shop at 8:50am Thursday.  Once officers arrived, they realized the man was dead.

La Salle Police Chief Rob Uranich says the man was 55 years old.  The death appears to be accidental with no indication of foul play.  An autopsy will be performed Friday morning.

Area Veteran Will Win New Car

Today’s the day one lucky area veteran will win a 2011 Toyota Camry thru Bill Walsh Toyota of Ottawa, AM 1220 WLPO, 99.3 WAJK, 96.5 the Wolf and the News Tribune.

Nominations for veterans opened up October 4^th and around 300 entries were received.  Ten finalists were picked and will have a chance to win the new car today at 5:30 at Jeremiah Joe Coffee in downtown Ottawa.  Each of the non-winning finalists will get a United States flag flown over the Nation’s Capitol.

The person who submitted the winning veteran’s name will also receive a trip to Washington D.C. including air fare and hotel accommodations.

For a list of finalists, go to AM 1220 WLPO.com, 99.3 WAJK or 20inarowcountry.com

Field Catches Fire In Tonica

A fire on the east end of Tonica claimed 10 to 15 acres of farm ground and a piece of farm equipment.

Six different fire departments responded yesterday afternoon around 1:30 for a hay bailer that caught fire off Ed Lambert Road, or County Highway 14.  The bailer eventually caught a hay field on fire and due to windy conditions, the fire crossed the road and set a cut corn field on fire.

Firefighters were on scene for nearly two hours.  No one was hurt.