Families and friends remember Dalton Mesarchik

          Will justice be delivered for Dalton Mesarchik?  Investigators and family believe so.  Family, police investigators, and friends gathered Saturday night in front of Streator City Hall to remember the seven year old boy who was kidnapped and bludgeoned on March 26, 2003.  His killer has not been caught.  

Dalton’s mother, Michelle, stressed the importance of justice.  She also asked the audience to do more to keep children safe.

          Illinois State Police Lt. Tad Williams told the crowd that they continue to work on the case and have followed leads even outside of Illinois.

A $50,000 reward remains for information that helps them solve the case.

Mendota firefighters tackle burning barn

A converted corn crib was reduced to four walls after a fire around noon Saturday about near the the Lee and La Salle County line.

Mendota fireman Brian Fisher says they arrived at 4729 East 6^th Road slightly after noon. Fisher said the contents – mostly appliances and kitchen items were destroyed along the ceiling and a deck. The crib is a $25,000 loss. No problems fighting the blaze, according to Fisher.  Fisher said Troy Grove, Earlville and Paw Paw sent equipment and men.

Foul play not suspected in Streator man’s death

Foul play isn’t suspected, but police hope an autopsy might explain how a  Streator man died along Route 23 north of town. 51-year old Michael Holt was laying in an apparent makeshift camp site among some trees West of Route 23 according to La Salle County Sheriff Tom Templeton.   Holt was found by a person out walking  Saturday morning.  Investigation continues by the Sheriff, County Coroner Jody Bernard and State Police Crime Scene services.

Waltham student collects food and money for Hall Food Pantry

          It’s another successful food drive in the books for 13-year old Adam Claggett.

          The Waltham 8^th grader wrapped up his annual Easter food drive yesterday and collected over 2,400 pounds of food and over $3,1000 for the Hall Food Pantry.  The cash raised includes $750 matched by Cargill.

          Claggett also does a Thanksgiving food drive each year for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. 

Ottawa school principal shaves his head for St. Baldrick’s fundraiser

          Want to get children motivated to raise money? Tell them if they raise enough, their principal will get his or her head shaved.

          Students at Jefferson Elementary in Ottawa needed to raise $1,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to have Principal Ron Moir shave his head.  They ended up raising $2,600.

          Art teacher Matthew Sanders also agreed to have his head shaved.