Mesarchik anniversary arrives with no break in the case

It was twelve years ago that 7-year old Dalton Mesarchik of Streator was found dead. His murder remains unsolved.

Mesarchik’s body was found in the Vermilion River south of Streator. Investigators recovered a hammer they think was used in his murder but despite the evidence and thousands of leads, no one has been arrested in the case.

A State Police Task Force is still in place and investigating the Mesarchik case. A $50,000 reward is being offered if you provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

For more information on the Mesarchik investigation, click http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/unsolveddetails.cfm?ID=47

Pantry in Spring Valley will provide Easter meals to less fortunate

Have you made plans yet for Easter dinner?

The Hall Township Food Pantry will distribute Easter Dinner baskets on Wednesday from 10 until noon and between 5 and 7. The pantry is on North Terry Street in Spring Valley.

Over a thousand people visit the pantry monthly. The Hall Township Food Pantry covers Spring Valley, Seatonville, Arlington, Bureau, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Hollowayville and Ladd.

Illinois National Guard soldier accused of trying to help the enemy

CHICAGO (AP) – An Illinois National Guard soldier and his cousin have been arrested for allegedly wanting to help the ISIS terrorist group.

Guard Specialist Hasan Edmonds was arrested Wednesday before he allegedly was going to fly to Egypt to eventually join ISIS. His cousin Jonas Edmonds was also arrested Wednesday at his home in Elgin. He’s accused of plotting to carry out a terrorist act in the United States.

Governor Bruce Rauner put out a statement saying “on behalf of all citizens of Illinois, I thank all members of our National Guard as well as the FBI for protecting our state and defending our country”.

July trial date for Oglesby woman facing embezzlement charge

An Oglesby woman accused of embezzling a million dollars from her employer has a new court date.

Connie Steinbach had a status hearing Thursday morning and Judge H. Chris Ryan set a trial date of July 20th with a final pre-trial hearing of July 16th. Steinbach was arrested last November for allegedly writing checks on her own behalf for over six years while working at J.B. Contracting in La Salle.

She’s out of custody after posting $10,000 bond.

Kinzinger-backed budget would increase military spending and dump Obamacare

Congressman Adam Kinzinger wants more defense spending and no more Affordable Care Act.

The Republican signed off on a budget resolution that he says provides additional funds and resources above the president’s request for the Department of Defense. Kinzinger earlier in the week praised the president’s decision to keep more troops in Afghanistan.

The budget proposal cuts over $5 trillion in spending over the next decade and includes steps to fully repeal Obamacare.

Earthquake rattles parts of northern Illinois

LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill. (AP) – The U.S. Geological Survey has reported a minor earthquake northwest of Chicago.

The federal agency says the tremor Wednesday night was centered near Lake in the Hills and measured 2.9 on the Richter scale.

People in Crystal Lake, Huntley, Woodstock and Elgin felt the quake.