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‘Blues Brothers Con’ this year will be dedicated to Judy Belushi Pisano, the late widow of John Belushi, organizers announce
JOLIET, Ill. — The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) announced Monday that it will dedicate this year’s “Blues Brothers Con” to the late Judy Belushi Pisano, who died earlier this month at age 73 after a long battle with cancer. Belushi Pisano was the widow of the late John Belushi, the Chicago native who achieved […]
Will County, IL – Joliet Slammers Transform into Ghostbusters-Inspired ‘Slimers’ for One Night Only
Joliet, IL – The Joliet Slammers will honor their new ownership and the classic Ghostbusters films by rebranding to the Joliet Slimers for one night during their game on Thursday, July 25, against the Gateway Grizzlies. The special edition jerseys, featuring a unique slime-drip design, will be auctioned off...
Streator Police Make Arrests for Battery, Shoplifting, Failing to Appear
On Friday morning, Streator police arrested 20-year-old Zachary Smith on a charge of battery. The arrest was made at his home. Smith was given a notice to appear in an Ottawa courtroom. Later on Friday, 46-year-old Tracy Cockream of Streator was picked up by police for failing to appear in...
Hard Rock Casino announces 3rd and final opening weekend concert
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has announced the third performer who will join Joan Jett and Brad Paisley on the casino’s opening weekend. Akon will take the stage on Friday, August 30th at the casino’s venue, Hard Rock Live. The singer became known for his single “Locked Up” in 2004, and collaborations […]
Teenage driver arrested after injuring herself, killing another in crash on Springfield Road
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A 16-year-old girl was arrested Monday for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving after injuring herself and killing another during a crash in East Peoria. According to an incident report from the East Peoria Police Department Monday morning, the crash...
Massive debt and abuse allegations: Inside the divorce of a Peoria city councilman
The estranged wife of Zach Oyler testified in divorce proceedings that the Peoria city councilman had physically and emotionally abused her during their marriage. Heather Oyler said under oath in Peoria County Court that Zach Oyler had been abusive, echoing accusations she made on her blog earlier this year. She also reiterated a claim that Oyler hid her in their home so she could not be found by investigators while he was being prosecuted in a domestic...
Woman, two teens injured after head-on collision on Route 2 in Byron
BYRON, Ill. (WTVO) — A woman and two teen girls were injured after another driver caused a head-on collision while trying to pass a car in a no-passing zone along Illinois Route 2 in Byron on Saturday. According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Anthony Anderson, 64, of Rockford, was piloting his Nissan Sentra northbound […]
Prairie Chicken Arts Festival wraps up annual two-day event: Photo gallery
The annual Kewanee Prairie Chicken Festival wrapped up Saturday and offered the public plenty of events. The Chalk Art Competition began on Friday and the winners have been announced. Awards went to youth competitors, adult amateur competitors and professional artists, who took part in the event. The winners are:. People’s...
Frustrated With High Water Bills? Public Forum Tonight In Bolingbrook Hosted By Illinois Commerce Commission
This week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has scheduled two public forums on Illinois American Water’s proposed $152 million rate hike. This will be an opportunity for private water customers frustrated with high bills to air their concerns about a proposed water and wastewater increase of up to nearly $30 per month.
6 Animal Rescues Housing 50+ Abandoned Dogs From Belvidere
After 50+ dogs were abandoned at Hammertime Dog Park in Belvidere, the Boone County Animal Services found rescues for all of them. Here's how you can donate!. On Monday, July 15th, over 50 dogs were dumped at Hammertime Dog Park in Belvidere, Illinois. After the news dropped, the community came together to help the Boone County Animal Services support these pups while they await forever homes.
Rockford could backtrack on former Kmart, U-Haul property vote
Rockford Ald. Gina Meeks, D-12, is having second thoughts about her vote to reject a plan to redevelop a former Kmart property. And she may not be alone. Rockford City Council voted 10-2 to deny a special use permit and code variations sought by Orput Companies Inc. for the redevelopment of the U-Haul-owned 15-acre property at the corner of State Street and Mulford Road.
Peoria Makers Art Market lets artists show off their work
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — More than a dozen vendors came out for the 2nd Peoria Makers Art Market. At the Friendly Valley Tavern in Peoria, artists showed off all their goods on the outdoor lawn without having to pay a vendor fee. Ranging from jewelry to artwork and woodworking,...
Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams Performs Impromptu Mini Concert in Her Illinois Hometown
Rockford's Founders Commission's second annual DIAMONDS event shined a light on mental health with Rockford native Michelle Wiliams who surprised the crowd with a live performance. Famous people weren't all born in New York or L.A., they grew up in the same mid-size towns that you and I did. Sometimes...
LP to Peoria runners hand $65,000 check to St. Jude Telethon Saturday
Forty-two experienced runners completed the 60 mile trek to Peoria Saturday for the annual St. Jude Run. They started at 5am from St. Bede, ran in fine weather and covered the distance in about eleven hours. Every runner – on average – covers about three miles. Organizer, Kelly Schaefer is a Speech Language Pathologist for Peru schools. She told 103-9 WLPO that running into the Civic Center during the annual telethon means a lot - especially to new runners:
All-star cast of former players turn out for Coach Jimmy Isaacson Field dedication
An all-star cast of former players representing four decades joined family, friends and city dignitaries Sunday at H.T. Custer Park where the baseball diamond was officially named in memory of late longtime coach Jimmy Isaacson. On May 6, the Galesburg City Council unanimously approved naming the baseball diamond at H.T....
Rivian hosts 3rd annual Family and Friends Day at Normal plant
Electric automaker Rivian hosted its third annual Family and Friends Day on Sunday, with attendance at around 6,000 people, and company leaders speaking optimistically about the company's future plans. This year, the employee morale booster comes amid ramped up production at the plant. Vice President of Manufacturing Tim Fallon said...
Central Illinois runners relay to Peoria for children’s hospital
MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — People from all across the Midwest laced up their shoes and ran to Peoria last week. The annual event raises money and awareness for the Children’s Hospital. One of 32 groups in Illinois began their leg of the race on Friday in Monticello. They ran relay-style to Peoria, which is home […]
Record $11.6-million raised during St. Jude Telethon
PEORIA, Ill. – The 47th annual St. Jude Telethon on WEEK-TV has raised a record amount of money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The telethon signed off late Saturday night with $11,659,937 raised, surpassing last year’s total of $11,094,238. The Memphis-to-Peoria run and the 36...
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