LaSalle Deputies Looking for Information on Troy Grove Burglary

While Mendota police look for the man behind a burglary at Holland & Sons, a Troy Grove burglary is also under investigation.

LaSalle County Deputies are looking for any information related to an incident that happened on August 30^th. According to police, a number of tools were stolen from Schmidt Inc. The store, also known at Smitty’s Repair, reported “several” power tools were taken.

Police say the burglary happened shortly after 7:00 in the morning. If you have any info that might help, police are asking you to call 434-8730.

Wet Weather Complicates Construction Plans on Vermilion River

Wet weather can cause construction delays on the roads, and the same is true for projects on the rivers.

The Vermilion River at the Ed Hand Bridge in Oglesby was expected to be closed Friday and Monday. The closure was so that structural steel can be placed for the new bridge construction project. However, due to heavy rain, the construction has been rescheduled.

Now, from Monday to Wednesday of next week the river will be closed in that area. That means that you won’t be allowed near the bridge from 7:00 to 4:00 over those three days.

The Ed Hand Bridge was closed for replacement back in April. The replacement is expected to be completed early next year

Two Years After Arrest in LaSalle County, Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

More than 2 years after his arrest, a Chicago man has finally learned how much time he’ll be spending behind bars.

This morning, 48-year old Donnie McElroy pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. In exchange for his plea, the DUI charge which was also pending against him was dropped.

State Police arrested McElroy back in August of 2014 after allegedly finding cocaine in his car. According to police, he had claimed he was taking the drugs to Iowa where he planned to sell them.

As part of the agreement, McElroy was sentenced to 6 years in prison, and 3 years of probation. He will also get credit for the 740 days he has already served in the county jail.

The sentence was close to the minimum possible for McElroy, who faced up to 30 years in prison due to his extensive criminal history.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s planned in downtown Ottawa

You can take the first step to a world without Alzheimer’s.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Illinois Valley is going on Saturday morning at the Jordan Block in downtown Ottawa. A ceremony starts at 8:45 with the walk to follow at 9.

So far, almost 30 teams made up over more than 200 walkers have signed up. The fundraising goal is $30,000.

To learn more or sign up for Saturday’s Alzheimer’s walk in Ottawa, click Ottawa Alzheimer’s Walk

Mendota P.D. searching for clues in burglary and arson

Your help is needed in finding a thief in Mendota.

Back on Tuesday night, the Mendota Police Department says a white or Hispanic man burglarized Holland and Sons in Mendota.  He’s accused of stealing a couple blowers, two cement saws and a couple chain saws.  The thief was driving a mid-sized, dark colored 4-door passenger car.

Tips are also being taken about who is behind a car fire on the east side of Mendota that is considered arson. Just after 12:30 Tuesday morning, police and firefighters were called about a car fire in the 400 block of 8^th Street, not far from Lincoln Elementary School.  Investigators think the car was intentionally set on fire.

If you know who committed the crimes, call Mendota Crime Stoppers at 538-7777.  You could get a reward of up to a thousand dollars.

 

Two injured after crash on the west end of Peru

Two crashes within five minutes of each other on the Dalzell Blacktop snarled traffic for a little more than an hour Friday morning.

Just past 6 o’clock, a car hit a deer. Nobody was injured. Moments later, two vehicles collided on the blacktop near Shooting Park Road. One person involved in the crash was taken to St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley while another person was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

There’s no word yet on if fog played a role in the crashes.

Ottawa is at the center of the skydiving universe

Skydivers from across the globe are making their way to the Illinois Valley.

Skydive Chicago in Ottawa is hosting the 2016 World Parachuting Championships. Teams from nearly 40 countries are expected to compete.

On Sunday, Ottawa High School will be the location for the World Parachuting Championships opening ceremonies from 4 until 6. There will be a 9/11 tribute, a flyover and skydivers bringing a huge American flag down from the sky.

Skydivers will compete in several categories including: formation skydiving; freefall style; and speed skydiving.

Miller Group Media and IVAC team up for a career fair

Are you considering a new career and don’t know where to start? Try the Illinois Valley Career Fair.

The fair is happening Tuesday, September 20th inside the Peru Mall. Manufacturing, sales, medical services, and retail will all be there waiting to talk to you. You can also get help writing a resume and how to improve your interview skills.

Start your search for a new career on the 20th from 10 until 3.

Pay raises coming for 40 support staff workers at IVCC

Labor tensions should subside at Illinois Valley Community College.

After a closed door meeting Thursday night, IVCC board members agreed to give 40 support staff members a 2 percent raise this year and a 2.5 percent pay raise for back pay dating back to last year. In exchange for the raises, the teacher’s union is agreeing to drop an unfair labor practice charge.

The trustees and support staff union will continue working on a new contract beyond this fiscal year.