Mendota police asking for help in finding stolen ATV’s

If you happen to notice three fairly new looking John Deere Gators parked in your neighbor’s yard, start asking questions or just call Mendota Crime Stoppers.

One used and two new Gator ATV’s were stolen from Holland and Sons John Deere in Mendota at approximately 10pm Wednesday.  If you know anything about who stole them, call Mendota Crime Stoppers at (815) 538-7777. A tip that leads to an arrest could earn you up to $1,000.

Cocaine investigation leaves two Ottawa men facing charges

Visit rural Ottawa and the last thing to come to mind would be cocaine trafficking, though a house outside of town was searched during an investigation by TRIDENT.

19-year-old Damien Johnson and 33-year-old Robert Davis of Ottawa were arrested Thursday for cocaine related charges. Police say Davis was also wanted on warrants.

Johnson was being held in the La Salle County Jail with his bond set at $1 dollars. Davis was awaiting a bond hearing.

 

X-Derby races return to Marseilles

Thrill seekers are excited about the 2nd Annual X-Derby in Marseilles.

For $30 you can ride in a so-called “gravity kart” down the Rutland Street hill Saturday, August 23. You’ll reach speeds of 35 miles per hour, go down a 10-story decline and steer through a couple blind turns. Your guaranteed at least two trips and can win a trophy if you have the best time.

Part of the proceeds go to the Marseilles Rotary Club. You can sign up for the X-Derby the day of the races.

Listen to an interview about the X-Derby on the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO news page by clicking http://wlpoamandfm.com/news/

Plans underway to rebuild the Sandy Ford Bridge

Do you get nervous driving over the Sandy Ford Bridge between Leonore and Streator? The aging bridge is about to be replaced.

The La Salle County Board has started the planning process for a new Sandy Ford Bridge. La Salle County Engineer Larry Kinzer says the bridge was built in 1952 and is starting to show its age.

The county received a $2.9 million federal grant that will pay for most of the bridge replacement. That grant money though won’t be available to use until 2018.

When construction starts, it’ll take at least a year for the new bridge to be ready.

Criminals in La Salle County will soon pitch in cash to help child abuse victims

Unfortunately many crimes involve children as victims. Anyone convicted of crimes in La Salle County will soon start paying to support child abuse victims.

The La Salle County Board has approved a $10 fee in which anyone found guilty of a crime in the county will pay to support a Children’s Advocacy Center. The center acts as a safe haven for children to talk about their issues with social workers, doctors and police.

La Salle County Sheriff Tom Templeton says this fee will go a long ways in keeping the Children’s Advocacy Center open. Right now its supported solely on grants.

The new fee takes effect September 1st.