La Salle County

Chester Weger's mini-trial concludes; closing arguments set for May 28 in Ottawa

Chester Weger's mini-trial continues as defense mounts case to overturn conviction

The National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for severe weather across northern Illinois Thursday that could bring with it destructive hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

La Salle Council debates food truck permits; local businesses voice concerns

Here is the list of couples of who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from April 17 through April 30, 2025

Weger, who moved to Missouri earlier this year, did not appear in court during Monday’s proceedings

A packed courtroom turned out for the Chester Weger 'mini trial' evidentiary hearing on Monday, May 12, 2025 at the La Salle County Government Complex in Ottawa.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office handed out more than 200 citations in April during a statewide effort looking curb distracted driving in the region

Illinois Valley Animal Rescue will host a fundraiser celebrating the 11th rescue anniversary of Mayday the Minister, a local rescue dog, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17

Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck and three city employees have filed a defamation lawsuit against Streets Commissioner Michael Scheib, alleging he publicly questioned their integrity and work ethic in a Facebook post

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently awarded a $1,000 community grant for the third annual “Rumblin on the River Showdown,” an elite livestock exhibition for youth ages 5 to 21.

A Sheffield man facing up to 10 years for allegedly threatening an Ottawa shooting allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and was located 100 miles away. David Jones now will be detained, a judge ruled.

Friday wasn’t a happy birthday for Teren Overbeck. The California drug suspect was hoping for another try at pre-trial release, but a judge wouldn’t grant his birthday wish.

The AARP is hosting a driver safety program in Oglesby.

Dalzell residents are asked to support an ailing driver at a Saturday drive-by event.

More than 150 people attended a town hall meeting Thursday night at Streator High School to discuss recent violence in the community and solutions moving forward, including a pair of high school seniors who asked questions about safety.

A Streator man facing bank robbery and firearm charges still needs a lawyer – Charles Spencer will need a new judge, too.

A Marseilles man will be detained after he allegedly refused to put down a handgun Tuesday at Streator City Park and then led police on a foot chase.

A Streator man on probation for arson – he had set fire to the New Brite Spot in Ottawa in 2023 – has been arrested on a new felony. John F. Smith will be held in La Salle County Jail.

Former NBA player Chris Herren appeared Wednesday to Illinois Community College to tell local students about his recovery from substance abuse.

At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band director.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Read our letters submitted by students and parents to The Times for our 2025 Thank You Teachers special edition

Read our letters submitted by students and parents to News Tribune for our 2025 Thank You Teachers special edition

Samantha Munks, a SOAR (Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility) high school teacher in Peru, pushes her students to be their best by inspiring them to dream and supporting them by meeting them at their level.

If you ask Hall High School’s science teacher Nicky Barto what advice she would give to her students about their future career, it would be this:

A Streator man was indicted Tuesday for a Class X weapons charge.

It’s hard to believe that Sunday will be the seventh Mother’s Day since my mom moved back in with my dad in heaven.

Traffic was halted on Interstate 80 Monday night following a deadly collision involving a semi-tractor and a minivan, police said.

Chester Weger’s "mini-trial" is a go and begins next week. He won’t get a ruling until after Memorial Day, however.

His race was tight – decided by just four votes – but Jim Fitzpatrick returns as alderman of the 1st Ward in Mendota.

The Dr. Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship Committee announced the funding of $56,000 worth of student scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year.

Seneca High School on Monday announced the hiring of Nathaniel Meiss as the Fighting Irish's next head varsity boys basketball coach.

Chester Weger’s upcoming “mini trial” remains set for May 12 – for now, anyway – but attorneys in the case first will argue Monday on whether a last-minute piece of evidence can be presented.

A total of 167 school staff members were recognized May 1 at the 37th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony for La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.

In observance of Lyme Disease Awareness month and the warmer weather the area has been experiencing, it’s important to take precautions against tick bites and the illnesses they can carry.

The La Salle County Retired Teachers Association conducted its spring meeting on April 28 at Stage 212 in La Salle.

Two Spring Valley men have pleaded guilty to a felony charge stemming from a non-fatal stabbing in La Salle. A third suspect’s case is on hold while he addresses charges in another county.

The teen charged in the Arthur Street shooting in Streator will be tried as an adult, and detained, even though he’s still a teenager. The victim, meanwhile, is expected to survive.

La Salle County Sheriff Adam Diss has announced his reelection campaign.

An Ottawa woman pleaded guilty Friday to trying to break into an ATM in La Salle, and to shoplifting at the Peru Walmart, and was placed on reporting probation.

An Ottawa man who allegedly fired a gun through his floor – and through his neighbor’s ceiling – was ordered detained until his jury trial, now set for July 14.

The La Salle County Health Department will begin its annual vector surveillance program from May 1 to Oct. 15.

The La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed Wednesday that an individual in Streator, identity not yet disclosed, was taken to the hospital with a gunshot injury. The injuries are not expected to be fatal.

Life without Mother was never easy, and I missed her my whole life.

Tonica Grade School was placed under lockdown following a threat Tuesday. Authorities are calling it “an isolated incident.”

There is something truly liberating about getting in your car and heading out on the open road.

La Salle County's newest circuit judge is headed to the criminal justice complex.

La Salle Police Department promoted Officer Ray Gatza on Monday.

Four Times-area girls basketball coaches, including Ottawa High School's Brent Moore and Seneca High School's Josh Myers, were recently recognized as Illinois Basketball Coaches Association District 12 Coaches of the Year.