Area sheriff’s office hopes humor leads to warrant arrests

It’s not unusual for police to use Facebook to catch people wanted on warrants but the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has taken a very unique approach.

A message went up on their Facebook Thursday night saying “do you have an active arrest warrant, we’d really appreciate it if you came down to 1102 Cornell Lane in Yorkville to turn yourself in”. That’s the address of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.

The humorous message goes on to say “no car, no license, no worries, give us a call and we’ll be happy to pick you up”. Operators at the sheriff’s office are standing by.

Closing arguments Friday in home invasion trial

A Chicago man facing up to 60 years if convicted of an Ottawa home invasion chose not to take the stand in his own defense.

According to the NewsTribune, Richard Felton and his attorney James Reilly hope that a jury of 10 women and 2 men will believe he wasn’t the mastermind of a 2013 break-in where a 92-year-old woman’s hands were tied with rope and her legs were bound by zip-ties. Reilly pinned the crime on Jeremy Wade who agreed to testify against Felton in exchange for a 10-year prison sentence.

The prosecution called over 20 witnesses including the elderly victim. They’re banking on scientific evidence that shows Felton’s DNA on zip-ties used on the victim.

Closing statements will begin Friday morning.

Spring must be near, La Salle Lake almost ready for fishing

A popular fishing spot in La Salle County is about ready to open in time for warmer weather.

The La Salle Lake near Marseilles opens for the season Sunday, March 15th. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, expect long lines at the lakes entrance during the first two weeks its open. The lake will be open 6 in the morning until sunset, seven days a week.

Remember that you need to renew your fishing license for this year by April 1st. Licenses are $15 and can be ordered from the DNR website.

Alleged residential burglar found at gas station next to Peru PD

If you’re wanted on a warrant it’s a good idea to stay as far away from police departments as possible.

Peru Police say they saw Daniel Reeves of Peru hanging around the Amoco station next door and knew he was wanted on a warrant. Reeves was picked up Wednesday afternoon on a Bureau County warrant for residential burglary.

He was taken to the Bureau County Jail.

Salvation Army opens new store in Peru

If you enjoy shopping at second hand stores, you can now shop until you drop at a new Salvation Army store in Peru.

The ribbon was cut Thursday morning on a new store and donation center of the Salvation Army. It’s inside the old JoAnn Fabrics location next to Dunham’s Sports.

The store and donation center is open Monday through Saturday. You’ll find clothes, furniture, electronics and jewelry.

Donation drive underway to help Oglesby photographer pay legal fees

One week after Steve Patterson of Oglesby was acquitted of conservation charges for removing a couple eaglets, a fund to help him pay legal bills has topped $9,000.

The “Good Samaritan Recovery Fund” has been set up at gofundme.com. As of Thursday morning, over $9,100 had been raised. Organizers hope to reimburse Patterson for his total legal fees of $20,000 that mounted up during two trials.

The donations are being directed to Patterson’s lawyer, Tom McClintock of La Salle.

Illinois Valley musicians come together for Cops 4 Cancer

An album featuring top musicians in the Illinois Valley will benefit the Cops 4 Cancer charity.

Oglesby artist Dylan Torres rounded up over 200 local musicians to record “Help! Cops 4 Cancer”. The album will include well-known cover songs and will be released Saturday at Boob-a-Palooza at Celebrations 150 in La Salle.

Boob-a-Palooza organizer Betty Pape Glynn says you’ll be able to hear some of the music on the CD performed live Saturday night. Copies of the CD will be available at Boob-a-Palooza for $15.

Boob-a-Palooza runs from 4 until midnight with plenty of food and other activities to go along with live music. Tickets are $20 at the door or available now at Rudy’s Liquor in La Salle.

Latest Easter Seals fundraiser deemed a big success

The generosity of the Illinois Valley has shown through again.

Over $30,000 was raised at this past weekend’s Black & White Ball for the Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau County. It was the sixth annual fundraiser to help the Easter Seals pay for things like critical care and children’s programs.

Easter Seals helps children with or without special needs.