First Lady pitches Quinn candidacy

First lady Michelle Obama rallied support for Governor Pat Quinn and other Illinois Democrats Saturday, while Republican Bruce Rauner was telling voters it’s time for a change. The Moline Dispatch reports Obama told a crowd of about 1,400 in Moline that backing Democrats would ensure children have a strong future. Rauner made stops in Quincy, Lawrenceville, Carmi, Harrisburg and Marion. The events are part of a 3-day statewide swing he’s calling the “100 Years is Enough Tour.”

Morris man arrested in copper theft

Police like a case that can be quickly solved. One happened early Saturday morning before 3am at Buckman Iron on Canal Street in LaSalle.

At the scene, LaSalle officers spotted someone in the scrap yard area. The thief also saw the police and fled before he could be caught. However, the thief’s exit was so quick he left behind the U-Haul he was loading with copper sheeting.

An investigation revealed the alleged thief was 39-year old Jaime Canchola of Morris, who was found at the Days Inn in Oglesby. Canchola was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and for $2800 in damage to a Buckman garage door.  The Morris man allegedly lifted  480-pounds of copper sheeting was $1500. Canchola was taken to the county jail to await a bond hearing.

Chicago Emmys have local ties

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences was passing out Emmys in Chicago Saturday night – and there were 2 local connections.

A WTVP Peoria documentary on Roger Amm, vocal music instructor at Ottawa Township High School won an Emmy for Outstanding Crafts Achievement in audio. The recipient, Kane Farabaugh thanked his former teacher, Amm, for being a wonderful inspiration. Amm retired last year after 32 years at Ottawa, 18 state music championships and working with 2500 students.

An ad for LaSalle County Convention and Visitors Bureau was nominated in Outstanding Achievement for Commericals. Kathy Casstevens, Marketing Director at Starved Rock Lodge and Kathy Knoblauch of Knoblauch Advertising were listed as producers of the ad. Unfortunately, it lost to an ad from the Big Idea Company on beating Ovarian Cancer.