Category Archives: WCMY News
Convicted--Donald Fredres faces life sentence
Judge H. Chris Ryan doesn't have any leeway when he sentences 38-year old Donald Fredres for murder. The law says Fredres must get a life sentence at a hearing scheduled for July 1st. The only other o...
Apr 29, 2022 Don Fredres, 38, Sandwich, accused of killing his former in-laws in their Sheridan home walks into the courtroom at the La Salle County Government Complex on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Ottawa. Shaw Media photo for LaSalle County courts coverage pool
Committee recommends $100 per meeting for county board member pay
The LaSalle County Board Salary and Labor Committee is recommending $100 per meeting as the pay for board members starting in December. That would be a change from $60 per day on meeting days. Someone...
Apr 29, 2022 WCMY file photo of a LaSalle County Board meeting. In this one in June 2021, people who wanted LaSalle County's parks to stay open showed up to make their feelings known.
New memorial marker in Marseilles honors laborer who died and creation of a union
An Illinois Historical Society roadside marker has been unveiled in Marseilles. Laborers Local 393 held an event for the unveiling of the marker with several guest speakers like Mayor Jim Hollenbeck a...
Apr 29, 2022
State rests; defense calls no witnesses in Sheridan murder case
In his interview with police, the jurors heard Donald Fredres's own description of how he shot Gregory and Brenda Barnes. Fredres also mentioned how he shot Greg Barnes first. He told detectives durin...
Apr 28, 2022 Don Fredres, 38, Sandwich,
DNA on gun came from Fredres; forensic analyst can't say who fired it
Donald Fredres's DNA was on the gun linked to the murders of 62-year olds Brenda and Gregory Barnes. The forensic analyst who testified about that this morning said she couldn't determine when the DNA...
Apr 28, 2022
Health department asks for COVID relief funds for security upgrades
Among the projects LaSalle County Board members are considering spending COVID-relief funds on is a security improvement at the county health department. Director Julie Kerestes would like safety glas...
Apr 28, 2022
IVCC board approves new computer purchases as part of an annual plan
The Illinois Valley Community College Board approved spending about $453,000 to purchase new computers through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. It will include 350 desktops, 80 faculty laptops...
Apr 28, 2022
Defense attorney zeroes in on evidence shortcomings in Sheridan murder case
Thirty-eight year old Donald Fredres of Sandwich had gunshot residue on his left hand the day after his former parents-in-law were shot and killed and his ex-wife was shot at. A forensic scientist tes...
Apr 27, 2022
Ottawa is Blooming hosting meeting for America in Bloom contest
Residents interested in helping the city of Ottawa with the America in Bloom contest is asked to come to an organization meeting. Ottawa Is Blooming will host the meeting this Saturday starting at 10a...
Apr 27, 2022
Dark colored Cadillac registered to Fredres found to have 9mm ammunition
During the second day of Donald Fredres' murder trial; four people discussed evidence found while picture that they took were shown. Crime Scene Investigator Daniel Erickson says he found evidence in ...
Apr 27, 2022 Don Fredres, 38, Sandwich,