Football Fever In Ottawa

One thing is for sure, Ottawa knows how to throw a pep rally.

Hundreds flooded downtown Ottawa last night for a citywide pep rally celebrating undefeated football seasons for both Ottawa High and Marquette Academy.  After a short parade from the square, the teams and fans filled the old Jordan Block for a pep rally.

Ottawa Mayor Bob Eschbach spoke while wearing a navy blue and gold shirt and red tie.  He was overwhelmed by the crowd.

After both coaches and cheer squads revved up the crowd, a surprise fireworks display closed out the festivities.

Marquette Academy opens their playoffs Friday night at home against Luther North while Ottawa hosts Normal Community Saturday afternoon.  You can hear the Pirates game on 96.5 the Wolf.

Students to perform “Spooky Improv” at IVCC

If you’re tired of watching the same scary movies before Halloween, try some “Spooky Improv” for a change.

Theater students at Illinois Valley Community College will bring your favorite Halloween characters and monsters to life in a funny performance with a few surprises and audience interactions.

The Show Choir will also perform seasonal favorites.  The night will be family friendly.

The “Spooky Improv” begins at 7pm Saturday in IVCC’s Fireplace Lounge.  Signs directing you to the room will be posted.  Admission is free for IVCC students with an ID.  For everyone else it’s $5 a ticket.

New drug charge for a man on parole for a drug conviction

18 bags of heroin is what police say they found after searching the home of a man that’s on parole for a drug conviction.

Justin Sessler of La Salle was arrested after parole officers searched his place on 8^th Street.  Sessler was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and was being held in the La Salle County Jail.

Man Hit By Car Walking On Route 34

A man from the Quad Cities was hit by a car south of Leland.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office says 65-year old Robert Schaecher of Moline was walking on Route 34 west of Route 23 last night when he was hit by a car driven by Mark Treschak of Streator.  Schaecher was flown to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford.

The crash is still under investigation.

Ottawa Rallying Behind Unbeaten Football Teams

Two teams, one town.  That’s the message for a rally today in Ottawa.

Fans of Ottawa High and Marquette Academy will join in a citywide pep rally starting tonight at 6:30 in Washington Square.  From there, the teams, cheerleaders and band will make their way to the Jordan Block for the pep rally.

Ottawa Mayor Bob Eschbach and coaches from both football teams are expected to be among the speakers.

Opening On La Salle City Council

An alderman is leaving the La Salle City Council.

John Duncan told the council and mayor Tuesday night that he is leaving for personal reasons.  Duncan was elected as third ward alderman last year.  His replacement is expected to be appointed at the next city council meeting.

Mayor Jeff Grove says because of the timing of the resignation, the remaining two years of Duncan’s term will be up for election in April 2013.