Man Accused of Hiding Deb Dewey’s Body Given Stronger Charge at First Court Appearance

A Standard man arrived at his first court appearance today to learn he’d be facing a more serious charge than previously thought.

Sixty-six year old Clifford Andersen found out he’s being charged with concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 Felony. If convicted, he would face between 2 and 5 years in prison, which could jump to between 5 and 10 years if he’s eligible for an extended sentence.

During the appearance, Judge Michael McCusky outlined some of the findings of the investigation. According to the NewsTribune, Andersen is accused of taking the body of Deb Dewey, wrapping it up using a blanket, tarp, and duct tape, and burying it in a shallow grave.

Andersen remains in custody on $750,000 bond. He’s due back in court October 13^th.

Judge Rules La Salle Woman Didn’t Know Mom’s Money was Stolen

Tears could be seen in the seconds after a judge ruled on whether or not a La Salle woman knew her mom was paying her credit card bill with stolen money. However, they were tears of joy.

Judge Daniel Bute took about 10 minutes to explain his reasoning before ultimately declaring 30-year old Ashia Kolodziej “not guilty.” She had been accused of knowing nearly $300,000 that her mother gave her over several years had been stolen from J.B. Contracting.

States’ Attorney Brian Towne begrudgingly accepted Bute’s ruling before saying he would “never believe” that the defendant thought that amount of money “was something her middle-class family could give.”

While today’s ruling was a high point for the family, it’s not all good news. Kolodziej’s mother, Connie Steinbach, remains in prison on a 7-year sentence after pleading guilty to stealing more than $1 million from J.B. Contracting.

New phone scam pops up in Princeton

There is a phone scam going around in Princeton.

The Princeton Police Department is looking into a scam where the caller says he is with either ComEd or the city of Princeton and tells the intended victim that their electricity will be shut off unless a payment is made right away. If you get this call, hang up.

To put you at ease you can always call the city and check on your account status.

Clean up planned along the Illinois River in Ottawa

It’s time for fall cleaning along the Illinois River.

Friends of the Illinois River are doing a sweep in Ottawa Saturday starting at Allen Park.  Cleanup begins at 9 and goes until about noon.

Gloves and garbage bags will be provided as long as they last to volunteers.  This is the 17^th year the group “Friends of the Illinois River” have cleaned up the river.

If you can help out, call Katie Troccoli 228-2058.

Veteran’s banners a big hit in Utica

Following the popularity of veterans’ banners in Oglesby, the village of Utica is looking to do the same thing.

According to the NewsTribune, the village made 50 banners available and all have sold out, many bought within two days. The banners honoring Utica veterans are expected to go up around town by the Burgoo Festival next month.

They’ll come back down after Thanksgiving so that Christmas decorations will go up. Once the banners are down they’ll be handed to the person who paid for them.