Varna murder defendant takes witness stand

Much like the first day, the second day of 22-year old Bradley French’s murder trial showed two different sides of the Varna man.

A tired and, at times, confused French was shown talking to police when the prosecution played almost two hours of a recorded interview between police and French. During the interview, which was shown Wednesday morning, he said he saw 38-year old Joshua Scaman attack the window of a car where his friend was locked inside. He then said “that’s when I took him down,” shooting and killing Scaman with a bow-and-arrow in a parking lot at Illinois Valley Community College.

After the prosecution rested in the afternoon, French took the stand. He talked about how he believed his life was threatened by what he described as an enraged Scaman. French broke down to tears on the stand, saying that he never meant to kill anyone.

State’s Attorney Brian Towne used his chance to question French to point out the stark differences in French’s interview and testimony. The defense is expected to continue building their case Thursday.

Arrest in Amboy involves nearly 50 counts of child pornography

An Amboy man faces a whopping 49 counts of possession child pornography.

Fifty-three-year-old Lenny Law was arrested Monday by Amboy Police. Each count has to do with allegedly having child porn on a computer.

Law is in the Lee County Jail needing $10,000 bond to get out.

Illinois Valley senator looking to name new Spring Valley bridge

While you may be two years away from driving on it, you may soon have a name for the new Route 89 Bridge in Spring Valley.

State Senator Sue Rezin is sponsoring legislation that would officially name the new bridge. If passed, it would be called the “Illinois Veterans Memorial Bridge.”

Rezin says she was happy to get behind the move, which was suggested by several groups in the Illinois Valley. She said it’s nice to see something members of both parties can agree on.

Construction on the new bridge began back in March and there is still quite a bit of work to do. According to an IDOT Engineer, the earliest the bridge could be completed is in two years.

Applicants are being accepted for Labor of Love

Do you know anyone who needs home repairs but can’t either afford it or is physically unable to do it themselves? The “Labor of Love” could be an option.

The annual “one-day blitz to repair and rehabilitate the homes of the poor, elderly and disabled” is put on by the United Way of Eastern La Salle County. They are taking applications for “Labor of Love” projects through Wednesday, August 24th.

Homeowners who are elderly, low-income, disabled or who are military spouses are all eligible. The improvements include things like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and yard work.

For more information about the “Labor of Love,” click Labor of Love