Illinois Valley

La Salle County coroner candidate withdrawals appeal

Rich Ploch to be unopposed in Nov. 5 race

Dr. Larry Powell (left) was removed from the Nov. 5 ballot for coroner Monday, June 17, 2024. Powell, seen here with La Salle County GOP chairman Larry Smith, filed invalid petitions, a three-member panel ruled.

Dr. Larry Powell (left) will not run for La Salle County coroner. He withdrew his appeal to be placed back on the ballot. Powell, seen here with La Salle County GOP chairman Larry Smith, filed invalid petitions, a three-member panel ruled, initially removing him from the ballot. (Tom Collins)

By Derek Barichello

An Ottawa physician withdrew his appeal Friday to be put on the Nov. 5 ballot for La Salle County coroner.

Dr. Lawrence Powell, a Republican who was removed from the race June 17, will not challenge Democratic incumbent Rich Ploch.

Initially, Powell appealed his removal from the ballot, drawing political opponent Ploch to file a motion to dismiss the appeal. That motion, however, was moot, as Powell withdrew his appeal Friday.

Circuit Judge Troy D. Holland granted the withdrawal Friday with prejudice, meaning Powell can’t make another appeal, essentially ending any bid for the seat.

Ploch now will be unopposed in the La Salle County coroner’s race.

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Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.