Sterling Man Arrested, Charged With Six Sex Crimes with Children

A man could be spending the rest of his life in prison if convicted on multiple sex charges involving kids.

25-year old Aaron Jones from Sterling was arrested Wednesday night in Dixon and faces six charges of Predatory Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says this is part of an ongoing investigation they are working on with the States’ Attorney’s Office and child advocacy groups.

Jones was taken to the Lee County jail where he’s being held on $1,000,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 180 years in jail.

Ottawa woman killed in midday crash

A tragic story is developing out of Ottawa. A woman was killed in a crash where her driver was allegedly driving under the influence.

Ottawa Police were called to Champlain Street just before noon on Wednesday for a two car crash. They say 31-year-old Sara Halm of Ottawa failed to yield while turning and crashed into the car of 30-year-old Samantha Orozco of Ottawa. Riding with Orozco was 31-year-old Shalane Stevens also of Ottawa.

Stevens was rushed to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa where she was pronounced dead. Her driver Orozco was ticketed for DUI of drugs and driving without a valid license and no insurance. Halm meanwhile was ticketed for failing to yield.

The fatal crash is still being investigated.

Knife and lawn tractor involved in alleged domestic spats in La Salle County

A couple domestic calls ended up with women getting hauled off to the La Salle County Jail.

Early Wednesday morning, Susan Cain of Streator was arrested at her home for aggravated assault. She’s accused of attacking a man living with her with a knife.

On Wednesday night deputies from La Salle County checked on a problem in Rutland. Rose Wilburn of Rutland was arrested for DUI, leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended or revoked license. She allegedly hit someone else’s car and other property while drunk on a lawn tractor.

Sheridan soldier makes waves in Cuba

Before President Barack Obama was putting Cuba in the news by visiting, a La Salle County soldier was making history in the island country.

Staff Sgt. Aleah Castrejon re-enlisted earlier this week for an additional six years with the Illinois Army National Guard. She chose to mark the occasion by re-enlisting during an underwater ceremony at a U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.

Castrejon first signed up for the military in 2004. Since then she has served tours in Iraq and Egypt and her is set to finish up in Cuba next month. Castrejon says she initially wanted to serve six years and get out but the military became a consistent part of her life.

You can check out photos of Castrejon’s underwater ceremony by going to the WLPO Facebook page.

Construction planned on the east end of Oglesby

You can expect to see orange barrels throughout this year if you do any driving on County Highway 23, or Ed Hand Highway in Oglesby.

The LaSalle County Board agreed to spend more than $1.7 million on a number of county highway projects this year. The largest amount is $500,000 going toward the eventual replacement of the Ed Hand Bridge over the Vermilion River in Oglesby.

Over $200,000 has also been allocated to doing road improvements on Ed Hand Highway from Route 71 to the bridge.