TON-08-22-2014 by Shaw Media

Volume 141 No. 26

Friday, August 22, 2014

The Tonica News

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Felton trial delayed again Alleged gunman to defend himself at Dec. 1 trial By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

OTTAWA — It’s been just over a year since Richard Felton, with accomplices Jimmy Members and Jeremy Wade, allegedly broke into the home of a 92-year-old Ottawa woman, restraining

her and ransacking the house. It was a little over a week later that Felton was alleged to shoot Wade on the Sandy Ford Bridge outside Leonore, causing Wade to fall into the shallow river below. Felton will spend a little more time in jail as he prepares his own defense. He’s dismissed his lawyer

and will defend himself against charges of home invasion, residential burglary, attempted murder and battery. In doing so, Felton waived his right to a speedy trial. Felton announced the decision on Aug. 12 in a court appearance. In anticipation of the request, prosecutors were ready to hand over evidence for him to search through. Felton’s work is cut out for him, since the

court date was moved 110 days to Dec. 1. During that time, he will have to sift through 975 pages and 67 DVDs of evidence and statements from the robbery and the shooting. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled on Nov. 21. If convicted of all four charges, Felton faces the possibility of 91 years to life in prison. Yet to be determined is whether the Dec. 1 jury will hear all four felony

charges or whether separate juries will hear each case. Felton has asked all charges be brought before the same jury. Prosecutors have said if the cases are separated, the home invasion trial would be first considering the life expectancy of the 92-year-old woman. Felton has also requested copies of the recorded calls Wade made from LaSalle County Jail. Felton said he’s suspicious of

the deal Wade made with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony. Judge Cynthia Raccuglia said she would listen to the recordings herself to determine whether they should be turned over for use as evidence. Members has already been convicted of home invasion in the case. State statutes for the sentence include a fine of up to $25,000 or 6 to 30 years in prison or both.

Sewer plant closer to reality in Tonica By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Water was the main topic again at the meeting of the Tonica Village Board on Aug. 18. However, the news was good for a change. The village is another step closer to starting work on the new sewer plant. Village engineer Jack Kusek set a special meeting for the opening of bids at 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Village President Kevin Sluder cautioned while the bids will be opened on Sept. 10, an actual decision will probably not be made until the regular board meting on Sept. 15. Flooding issues also received some discussion. Opinion is slightly divided on the results of the visit from representatives of the United States Army Corps of Engineers earlier this month. Sluder told the board representatives Chris Haring and Anthony Heddleston had indicated there was little more the village could do that is either not already done or in the planning stages. “What they said validated my feelings on the matter. We’re in good shape,” Sluder said. “We’re still going to work on the Oak Street bridge which has been in the planning stage for three months, but other than that, we’re great.”

Village Board Page 3 Vol. 141 No. 26 One Section - 8 Pages

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Tonica Grade School third-grade teacher Lynn Anderson (left) helps A.J. Coons unpack his back pack into his desk during the Back to School Bash on Aug. 14.

TGS hosts back to school event By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Tonica Grade School hosted its first Back to School Bash from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Tonica parents and students were invited to come meet teachers and staff as well as have a grilled meal. Tonica Grade School staff had put finishing touches on their individual classrooms and were ready to invite their 2014-15 classes in to unpack their back-

packs in desks and in some cases hall lockers. New staff which includes: Lindsey Bienemann, autism Grades 3-6; Joel Studebaker, music; Karen Jones, middle school science; Lauren Bruck, fifth grade; Amy Mareta, second grade; and Sarah Makeever-Shumway, speech pathology. Mareta also had worked here as an aide for seven years and has been hired now as a permanent teacher. Superintendent John Suarez was excited about the event. “The students and family can come and meet their new teach-

ers and staff tonight as well as unload their back packs ahead of time. It is such a time saver to have this event tonight. We have so many kids that struggle off the bus with heavy backpacks that first day of school, now they don’t have to do this. Families are also invited to go and have grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink. This is a nice community event,” he said. Suarez pointed out the newly painted gym floor with logos which include the words Tonica, Braves and TGS which the community has yet to see. The school

building has been cleaned up and floors polished for the upcoming school year. Third-grade student A.J. Coons was excited to unpack his backpack. Avery Anderson, also in third grade, was happy to see her friends. “I have a great new ruler that is rubber. I broke my hard one last year so it didn’t work. It is nice to be back at school. I like Mrs. Anderson,” he said. “I always like lunch. That is where I get to see my friends,” Anderson said.

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