IVCC theater department presents “Nickel and Dimed”

A drama about working Americans is this weekend’s show at Stage 212 in La Salle.

The Illinois Valley Community College Theatre Department is putting on “Nickel and Dimed” Saturday nights in downtown La Salle.  The play takes a look at the lives of working poor in America.  Dr. David Kuester directs.

It starts at 8pm.  Admission is ten $10 for adults, five dollars $5 for seniors and students. It’s free with an IVCC ID.   Learn more about the play by listening to an interview available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Crack Cocaine Bust In Streator

A correction to a story you heard earlier on AM 1220 WLPO- a man from Rockford accused of selling crack cocaine to Streator was Maurice Bowden, not Michael Bowden.

Officers were TRIDENT arrested Bowden Thursday after they say he sold crack to someone working with the police.  Bowden was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Police Still Looking For Clues In Strobel Disappearance

Although they call it puzzling and frustrating, the Ottawa Police Department is putting out a renewed call for information about where Chris Strobel is.

The department sent out a message this morning saying they’re looking for information about the hours and minutes preceding Strobel’s disappearance last Saturday morning.  Officers say any piece of information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, could be the needed piece to the puzzle.

If you have information, call Ottawa Police or Crime Stoppers.  You can also text tips to the Ottawa PD by dialing 847411 and use word Ottawa.

Car Rolls Into Illinois River

A car was pulled out of the Illinois River in Spring Valley but fortunately no one was inside.

Police along with a tow truck driver were called to Barto Landing just after 9 this morning after a sports car plunged into the water.  The driver of the car apparently got out to check something when the car rolled in.

Dive teams were called but not used.

Streator Man Gets Decades In Prison For Murder

A new trial meant the same outcome for Streator’s James Alvarado.

The 45-year old was given a 45 year prison sentence yesterday for shooting and killing his wife Angela back in 2006.  During his first murder trial in 2007, Alvarado was also given 45 years but he later appealed for a new trial and was given one.

During a fight at the couple’s home in 2006, Alvarado says he blacked out and when he came to, his wife was dead.  She was shot once.

Alvarado has been in prison a little over five years already which will be subtracted from his 45-year sentence.

Severe Weather Chance Again Today

Batten down the hatches again today as more severe weather is possible.

The National Storm Prediction Center has almost the entire state of Illinois under a slight risk for severe storms.  According to the National Weather Service in Romeoville, a cold front will move across the area this afternoon making the atmosphere unstable.  Scattered storms are likely to pop up along and ahead of the front.

The weather service thinks the best chance for severe weather is along and south of Interstate 80.

Drew Peterson In Court Today

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) – Drew Peterson is due to return to court for the first time in nearly two years.

A status hearing is scheduled for today in Will County in the former Bolingbrook police officer’s murder case. He is accused of killing his third wife. It’s the first step toward a trial that is expected to begin this summer. His trial was postponed as attorneys battled over what evidence could be admitted.

Peterson was set to stand trial in the summer of 2010. But prosecutors appealed a judge’s decision to forbid them from
presenting certain hearsay evidence. Last month, the appellate court in Ottawa ruled the evidence could be presented.

Storms Left Many Without Power

It was a good night to have a flashlight near by. The severe storms that brought showers and lightening left many Ameren customers without electricity.

People living on Crosat Street in La Salle just after midnight Friday noticed that a power line was sparking. Firefighters were at a home in the 200 block where a service line was brought down.

Close to 800 customers were without service in Marshall County. One company on the north end of Peru briefly lost power.

Power has been restored to all spots.