It had to be years ago when I first heard someone refer to a vacation as an escape. It was clever and pushed the right buttons. I mean, yeah, taking time off is kind of an escape.

The Ottawa baseball team used a three-run, seventh inning home run by Rizon Contreras to top Kaneland in an Interstate 8 Conference game on Friday, while the Marquette and Earlville softball teams earned wins. Plus, more results from around the Times area.

Hall beat Putnam County in baseball, St. Bede topped Hall in softball, the Mendota baseball and softball teams each won in five innings and more in Friday's NewsTribune roundup.

After struggling against Morris for the past four years, La Salle-Peru won Friday to take two of three from Morris in an Interstate 8 Conference series.

The Rochelle softball team used a solid start and a five-run sixth inning to pick up a 10-7 victory over Somonauk/Leland on Friday afternoon in Somonauk.

At 9:11 p.m., a severe squall line capable of producing tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage was located along a line extending from near Grand Ridge to near South Streator to Flanagan to near Gridley, moving east at 45 mph, the weather service said.

A tornado warning was issued at 7:45 p.m. Friday for Bureau and Putnam counties, though officials in both had no immediate confirmation of a touchdown. A rotating cloud may have set off the alert.

The class is designed to help individuals better understand advance care planning and make informed health care decisions that reflect their personal values and goals.

Morris Hospital will hold a Camp 911 safety program for children entering third through fifth grades from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 12, at Morris Hospital YMCA, 2200 W. Dupont Ave.

Springtime Symphony, a bird hike with the park’s naturalist, will be at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 9 at Starved Rock. Registration is required.