Two Hospitalized After Crash North of Streator

A hard crash north of Streator sent two people to the hospital Monday afternoon.

A call went out just after two o’clock to Streator and Grand Ridge Fire and Emergency crews about an accident along Route 23 that had left a pick-up truck on its hood about a half-mile north of Streator.

According to the Streator Fire Department, the drivers of the two cars were the only people in the cars at the time of the crash. They have both been taken to a hospital in Ottawa, and the crash scene has been cleared up.

The department said they did not yet know what led to the crash. We’ll continue to update the story as more information is released.

Summer help needed in Oglesby

If you have a teenager that’s looking for a summer job the City of Oglesby is hiring.

The Parks and Rec Department needs certified lifeguards at the pool along with instructors for youth tennis, arts and crafts, volleyball, baseball, basketball and cheerleading clinics. Workers are also needed for park maintenance and umpires are needed for men’s softball.

Job applications are available at the Oglesby City Clerk’s office and the city’s website. Applications are being accepted through April 1st.

Apply here Oglesby Summer Help

First murder trial of new year in La Salle County gets underway

A jury of seven men and five women will decide the fate of a Dayton man who could be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jury selection wrapped up Monday morning in the murder trial of 49-year-old William Horman. Opening statements in front of Judge H. Chris Ryan start tomorrow morning with the trail expected to wrap up this week.

Horman is accused of murdering his boss Robert Dowd last year and then burning his body. Prosecutors think Horman had a business partnership with Dowd fall through before the murder. Dowd owned a truck wash in Ottawa.

Horman is charged with murder, concealing a homicidal death and home invasion. He’s looking at up to 60 years in prison if convicted of murder.

A co-defendant in the murder, 22-year-old Jonathan Beckman of Wedron is due back in La Salle County Court March 10th. He’s being held on two million dollars bond.

State representatives ready to meet you

The Illinois Primary is now just two weeks away so its time you start learning more about the candidates.

Republican candidates for state representative Jacob Bramel of Marseilles and Jerry Long of Streator are both having “meet and greets” Monday night. Bramel will be joined by former Congressman Joe Walsh at the Silver Fox in Streator starting at 6. Long will be available for questions starting at 6 at Sunfield Restaurant in Ottawa.

The winner between Long and Bramel will face Democrat State Representative Andy Skoog of La Salle in November.

Popular cancer benefit returns to La Salle

It’s Booba-Palooza week in the Illinois Valley.

The annual fundraiser that raises money for families dealing with cancer starts at 4 this Saturday at Celebrations 150 in La Salle. There will be live music up until midnight along with a cash bar and raffles. On the more serious side there will be a survivor tribute ceremony and a “Wall of Warriors” with photos of people who’ve fought cancer.

This is the 7th year for Booba-Palooza. So far it’s helped to raise over half a million dollars for families in the Illinois Valley through Cops 4 Cancer. Cops 4 Cancer helps families fighting cancer pay for things like food, rent and utilities.

Snowstorm should just skim the Illinois Valley

It looks like March will come in like a lion for the Illinois Valley.

A wintry mix is expected to start Monday night and change to all snow when temperatures drop below freezing. Right now the forecast calls for an inch or less of snow in La Salle-Peru and Ottawa with a couple inches possible in Mendota.

There could also be a small amount of ice building up on roads and sidewalks.

Facebook continues to be a tool for law enforcement

You’ve heard of “Taco Tuesday” but what about “Fugitive Friday?”

Trying a new way to nab bad guys and girls, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office rolled out “Fugitive Friday” last Friday on their Facebook. Each Friday the sheriff’s office will put a picture of one of their most wanted.

The first fugitive listed on “Fugitive Friday” was Daniel Lara who is wanted for aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Severe Weather Preparation week is now

It seems we’re in a “tug of war” between winter and spring.

But, the National Weather Service is declaring this week “Severe Weather Preparedness Week” in Illinois. The National Weather Service says to increase your awareness of severe thunderstorms, hail, tornados, flash flooding, lightning and heavy rainfall. It might be a good time to review your safety rules for home, work, school, church or on the road.

If you’re a decision maker at a large facility, it’s time to ensure if you have adequate means to monitor approaching bad weather and sufficient enough shelter. A statewide tornado drill will be held at 10am Tuesday. Additional tips can be found at fema.gov.

Talk show host in Streator Monday

A former U.S. Representative – and now, conservative talk show host, Joe Walsh will be at the Silver Fox in Streator Monday night to speak and endorse Jacob Bramel. Bramel is now running against Streator’s Jerry Long in the March primary to see who will represent the Republican Party later this year.

The nominee will go on to face incumbent Andy Skoog. Skoog was selected to fill the office after it was vacated last year by Auditor General Frank Mautino. Walsh’s endorsement will take place at 6. Activities will continue until 8:30.

Dayton man goes on trial Monday

A 49-year old Dayton man goes on trial for murder Monday in LaSalle County. The News Tribune reports William Horton is accused of fatally bludgeoning his employer, Robert Dowd and cremating him in a rural Ottawa burn pit.

A key part of the trial may be the screening in court of Horman’s April 21st statement to police. Horman later tried to get it disavowed, but Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan, Jr. said it will be admitted into the record.

Dowd was an Ottawa businessman who disappeared in April 2015. Another of his employees, 22-year old Jonathan Beckman of Wedron has provided a statement that seemingly implicates him in Dowd’s disappearance. It remains unclear if any of Dowd’s remains were found.