Drug Dealing Duo Indicted Tuesday

A pair of alleged drug dealers who were busted on Election Day have been indicted by a grand jury.

The indictments were handed down Tuesday for 26-year old Derek Dill and 32-year old Jennifer Almanza. The pair were arrested as part of a several-month investigation by the Tri-DENT drug enforcement group.

According to agents, Dill and Almanza had allegedly sold heroin to undercover agents multiple times in Streator and Ottawa. Dill was indicted on 2 counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance while Almanza was indicted on 1 count.

Almanza is due back in court for December 1^st, while Dill’s arraignment will be the next day. They’re both still in custody at the LaSalle County Jail needing $50,000 cash to get out.

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Streator Man Indicted on Charge He Allegedly Sold Heroin at Ottawa Pool

A Streator man with a lengthy criminal history is behind bars again on new charges

A grand jury indicted 59-year old James Merritte Tuesday afternoon on one count of delivery of a controlled substance. According to Ottawa Police, Merritte allegedly had been selling heroin in the parking lot of the Riordan Pool in the city.

He’s no stranger to law enforcement. In addition to being a registered sex offender, Merritte was on parole for a 2011 conviction for selling heroin.

Merritte remains at the county jail in Ottawa where his bond was set at $500,000. He’s set to appear in court with his lawyer December 1^st.

Bow-And-Arrow Murderer Receives 30-year Sentence in Court Tuesday

The man behind a Father’s Day killing that took place in the Illinois Valley Community College parking lot won’t get out of prison until he’s in his 50’s.

Judge H. Chris Ryan sentenced 23-year old Bradley French to 30 years in prison Tuesday afternoon for the bow and arrow murder of Joshua Scaman of Oglesby. French’s lawyer had asked for the mandatory minimum of 20 years.

In considering the options, Judge Ryan said he “just couldn’t take that chance” that French would get in trouble again after being given a minimum sentence. He also said La Salle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne’s request of 45 years was “too much,” before settling on the 30-year sentence.

Towne said after the hearing that “no number will ever be enough” when a loss of life is involved. He went on to say he respects the judge’s decision.

French’s lawyer plans to appeal the sentence in the hopes of, at least, getting it reduced.

Chicago Carolers to Sing at LaSalle Public Library

After Thanksgiving, you may be looking to get into the Christmas spirit. A musical event at the LaSalle Public Library may help you with that.

On Saturday, December 3^rd, the library is holding a two-hour caroling event as a part of the “Miracle on First Street Holiday Celebration.” Carolers from the Chicago quartet The Frozen Robbins will be performing a number of holiday favorites.

Children who attend will also receive a book as a gift. The free program is open to the public and made possible through the City of LaSalle and the LaSalle Public Library.

Arrests made in Spring Valley shooting range burglary

Officers in Spring Valley think they’ve caught who burglarized a shooting range.

Thirty-year-old Patrick Cook of La Salle and a 17-year-old boy from Spring Valley were arrested Tuesday for their alleged role in burglarizing LZ Resale in Spring Valley back on November 11th. Cook was picked up on a Bureau County warrant for burglary while the teen was arrested on a juvenile warrant for violating his probation.

Cook was hauled off to the Bureau County Jail while the teen was taken to the detention home. Cook needs $5,000 bond to get out of jail.

Illinois Valley funeral homes looking to send holiday cheer to troops

You can help send troops and veterans a little taste of home for holidays.

The Mueller Funeral Homes in Peru, Ottawa, La Salle, and Oglesby are taking part in an initiative called “Christmas Stocking for Soldiers.” From now thru December 2nd stop at a Mueller Funeral Home location during the week and take home a free Christmas stocking. You’re asked to decorate the stocking and stuff it with goodies. You’ll be given a list of recommended things to stuff in the stocking.

The stockings will be shipped at the funeral homes expense to troops abroad or delivered to veteran’s homes and hospitals.

La Salle ready to roll out huge Christmas light display

If you’re having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit, take a drive through Rotary Park in La Salle.

The city’s “Celebration of Lights” display kicks off Tuesday night. City crews say there are upwards of 200 displays in the east end park for you to drive thru the park and see. Money raised from last year’s display has led a new archway opening to the park along with a paved road and additional parking.

There’s no coast to check out the “Celebration of Lights” but donations are accepted. St. Bede Academy will benefit from part of tonight’s donations.

The display is open Sundays thru Thursday from 5 until 10 and from 5 until 11 on Fridays and Saturdays. The lights will stay lit thru January 2nd.

Grassroots fundraising helping to repair Oglesby swimming pool

If you were fearful that the Oglesby swimming pool would close for good, you can breathe easier today.

According to the NewsTribune, Mayor Don Finley says fundraising efforts led by the group Save the Oglesby Pool were successful enough that the city will seek bids for repair work at the pool. Finley says upwards of $50,000 has been raised to repair the aging pool. He hopes that’s enough to keep the pool open next year and beyond.

Finley says contributions of all sizes have made the difference.