Illinois Valley Clubs to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence with Luminary Walk Thursday

You probably knew October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but did you know it’s also a month for calling awareness to another tragedy?

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one organization that works to end domestic violence has a way you can get involved. The Zonta clubs of Streator, LaSalle-Peru, and Ottawa are getting together Thursday for their luminary walk at the city’s Washington Square Park.

Linda Hiltabrand is the President of the LaSalle-Peru Zontas, and she says the group’s multicultural heritage is a strength.

Hiltabrand went on to say the luminary walk is a great, free way to get involved with the organization.

The event starts at Washington Square Park at 6:30. The walk will go from the park to First United Methodist Church where a ceremony will take place.

Coroner, Police Work to Identify Body Found in Field Monday Night

An investigation is underway into the case of a dead body found north of Marseilles.

La Salle County deputies found a woman’s body Monday night in a field along East 24^th Road, south of Route 71. So far the victim’s name hasn’t been released.

An autopsy was done Wednesday.  You’ll hear more details as they become available.

Marseilles Nuclear Station Licensed to Run Through at Least 2042

A major employer and taxpayer in the Illinois Valley received some good news.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 20-year license extension for the Exelon power plant near Marseilles. That means both units of the power plant are cleared to run until at least 2042.

According to Exelon, the plant has more than 800 full-time workers and contributes $1 billion to the state’s economy each year. The plant also means millions of dollars of property taxes that gets funneled into schools, cities and other taxing districts.

Bow-and-Arrow Shooter Could Learn Fate Friday in LaSalle County Courtroom

The Varna man convicted in a 2015 bow-and-arrow murder could learn how much time he’ll spend behind bars Friday.

Twenty-two year old Bradley French was due to be sentenced last month; however his lawyer had filed a motion asking for a new trial. He believes that the jury that convicted French of murdering 38-year old Joshua Scaman on Father’s Day of last year may have been biased.

The hearing on that motion and French’s potential sentencing were pushed back to Friday. He faces between 20 and 60 years in prison for the murder conviction.

Ottawa Police stumble upon man wanted for attempted murder

A man wanted for attempted murder is accused of breaking into cars in Ottawa.

On Tuesday Ottawa Police were called about a man going into unlocked cars on Dakota Drive which is on the southeast side of town. When confronted, officers say 20-year-old Tyrell Bismillah of Chicago ran away. He was eventually caught up with and arrested for burglary, obstructing justice and resisting a peace officer.

Once officers looked up Bismillah’s history they found that he was wanted in Cook County for attempted murder and burglary. Also he was let out of prison last October after spending about a year in prison for a burglary conviction in Cook County.

After his latest arrest Bismillah was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Stroll downtown Ottawa while checking out art and sipping on some wine

If you want to draw a crowd in the Illinois Valley, put together a wine walk.

The 2nd Annual Wine and Art Walk in downtown Ottawa is this Friday. The walk will begin and end at the Ottawa Boat Club where walkers will pick up a “passport” that shows a map of participating businesses. You’ll be able to sample wine, enjoy live music and view art throughout the walk.

The Wine and Art Walk runs from 5 until 9. For more information click Ottawa Wine and Art Walk

Senator Rezin denies rumors that she’s moving out of state

If State Senator Sue Rezin wins her seat back November 8th, you should expect her to stick around for her entire term.

A Rob Fanti of Ottawa sent a letter to the editor that was published by the NewsTribune claiming that the Republican Rezin plans to move to North Carolina with her husband putting his Morris business up for sale preparing for the move. Rezin took to her Facebook page to say “I said it back in June and I’ll say it again, don’t believe the crazy rumors you hear on the campaign trail!” She went on to say “I look forward to another full term fighting for you in Springfield.”

Rezin is fighting to keep her 38th District senate seat with a challenge from Democrat Christine Benson of Ottawa. Rezin narrowly beat Benson four years ago.

In regards to leaving during a term, Rezin herself got her first break in the state senate when Gary Dahl resigned his seat before his term ended in 2010.

Four hurt in Grand Ridge crash

Four people were hospitalized after four-vehicle mash up in Grand Ridge.

The problem started Monday morning when a semi driver from Kansas, Matthew Longowa was on Route 23 and having troubles turning onto Main Street. He signaled Alicia Jackson of Grand Ridge to go in front of him from Main onto Route 23. When Jackson tried to get on Route 23 she was hit by Emily Blumenshine of Ottawa who was driving past the semi. The impact sent Jackson’s SUV into a La Salle County deputies’ truck which was stopped at a stop sign.

Blumenshine and a child riding with her along with the deputy and Jackson were all taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Longowa, the semi driver wasn’t hurt but was ticketed for improper parking on a roadway.

State’s attorney candidates continue sparring in La Salle County

Just a day after missing a campaign event due to a “family emergency,” the challenger for LaSalle County State’s Attorney made her presence felt.

Republican Karen Donnelly held a brief press conference Tuesday afternoon to comment on a State Board of Elections finding regarding the way her opponent La Salle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne has spent drug forfeiture money. According to Towne, the board dismissed four complaints against him while finding that one was filed on “justifiable grounds.” Donnelly believes that was a big strike against Towne.

After the press conference, Towne fired back with a statement criticizing the personal direction the campaign has taken. He went on to call the complaints “outlandish,” claiming the person who initiated the complaints is “under indictment for perjury.”

CVS Pharmacy still in the works for Ottawa

The Ottawa City Council has cleared the way for a CVS Pharmacy to come to town.

The council Monday night approved zoning amendments for the pharmacy to be built near what’s now Family Video on Norris Drive. The video store and four houses will be torn down to make way for the CVS that will include a drive-thru pharmacy.

Fencing, landscaping and parking are all part of the CVS construction plans.