New unemployment numbers out for the Illinois Valley

Have you searched for a job recently? Jobless rates in the Illinois Valley are stagnant.

La Salle County’s July unemployment rate is 6.3 percent, compared to 6.4 percent in June. The jobless number is down half a percent from a year ago.

In Bureau County, the July unemployment rate is 5.8 percent, the same as it was in June. The jobless rate is about a half of a percent lower than last year.

Putnam County has the Illinois Valley’s lowest unemployment rate at 5.5 percent, up from 5.3 percent in June. The county jobless rate is down almost a full percentage point from 2015.

Semi full of food rolling into DePue

Have you run into some hard times paying back to school expenses? The Hall Food Pantry is looking to help stock your kitchen.

The pantry is bringing in a semi from the River Bend Food Bank Saturday as part of a mobile food distribution at the DePue Lakefront Park Shelter. The semi will be packed with food that will be available to anyone at least until the truck is empty.

Registration for the food starts at 10:15 with food distribution starting at 11. The mobile food bank will go on rain or shine.

New Lawyer Needed for Teen Accused of Firing Gun During June Melee

A teen that allegedly fired a gun during a brawl in Peru will likely have a new lawyer the next time he’s in court.

According to the NewsTribune, defense attorney Ed Kuleck appeared with 19-year old Mitchell Hampton from Riverdale in court Thursday, where he told Judge H. Chris Ryan he would be unable to represent Hampton due to a conflict. Kuleck was allowed to withdraw, leaving Hampton without a lawyer and a trial set to start next month.

Hampton is believed to have fired a gun during a fight that took place after a basketball game back in June. He reportedly told police after the incident that he fired the gun in the air, and not at anybody. Despite that, he faces 3 felony charges: Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and Aggravated, Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

He remains in the LaSalle County Jail on $1,000,000 bond. He’s due back in court September 9^th.

Ottawa Stabbing Victim Believed to Have Self-Inflicted Wound

Police are investigating a reported stabbing which took place Wednesday afternoon, but not for the reasons they initially thought.

Emergency responders were sent to Pierce Street in Ottawa for a reported stabbing which took place around 3:30. According to police, the victim claimed he had been approached while walking in the area and was stabbed after a disagreement.

He would need to be taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center for treatment of the wound. However, it was then police learned that the injury was actually self-inflicted.

Ottawa Police say they are reporting the incident to the States’ Attorney’s Office and possible charges may be filed against the man.

Car Believed Stolen After DeKalb Double Murder Found in Chicago

A car that is believed to have been stolen after a mother and son were murdered has been found.

According to police, the 2010 white Chevrolet that belonged to 85-year old Patricia Wilson and 64-year old Robert Wilson of Sycamore was found near the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Police from the city say the car was unoccupied, and it has been taken back to DeKalb where it is being investigated.

Investigators from several agencies have been working intensely on the case since the victims were found last Monday. The DeKalb County Crimestoppers group has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible to $25,000.

If you have any information you can call the Crimestoppers at 895-3272.

One serious injury with latest Interstate 80 crash

Traffic snarled on Interstate 80 eastbound Thursday after the latest semi crash.

Early Thursday afternoon, emergency crews responded to the scene of an accident involving 2 semis near Ottawa. Initial calls had an individual possibly ejected from one of the semis. A woman who was seriously injured in the crash was flown to Peoria after being taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Cars were at a standstill for several hours on the interstate, backing up at times to near the Utica exit.

Man from Lonestar State arrested twice in same day in the Illinois Valley

A man from Texas has pulled off the feat of getting arrested twice in the same day. Both times he had a run in with Spring Valley Police.

Just after 8 Wednesday morning, 22-year-old Jordath Graves was arrested for possession of pot. He was released with a court date.

About 11 hours later, Graves was arrested again for criminal trespass to property. He couldn’t post bond and was hauled off to jail.

On Monday, Graves was arrested in La Salle for allegedly stealing from Becks.

Republican congressman looking for new interns

Do you have an aspiring politician in your home? Being an intern for a congressman is a great way to get a start in politics.

Republican Adam Kinzinger has openings for internships in the summer, fall and spring at both his Ottawa and Washington, D.C. offices. Ottawa interns will learn how the office and legislative process works. D.C. interns will lead capitol tours, answer phones, and attend briefings and hearings.

Preference is given to Illinois applicants. For more information about internships with Congressman Kinzinger, click Kinzinger Internships

Maintenance planned on bridge over the Illinois River in Ottawa

Getting in and out of downtown Ottawa from the south side will be slow going starting Monday.

Crews will be doing routine maintenance on the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. Traffic will be down to one lane each direction at different times of the day.

The lane closures should end after next Thursday.

Search continues for missing Ladd woman

You’re help is needed in finding a missing woman.

The Ladd Police Department considers 62-year-old Deborah Dewey to be a missing person. She hasn’t shown up to work and her family hasn’t talked to her since Monday morning. Dewey drives a 2007, silver Buick Lacrosse.

For a picture of Dewey and other details you can click Dewey Information