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GOP Legislators Special Guests at Bureau County Candidates' Fundraiser
A couple of GOP heavy hitters are going to bat in Bureau County for two Republican county-wide candidates. Congressman Darrin LaHood and Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain will be on hand at a reception in Princeton on August 7th. Both lawmakers are supporting Kurt Workman for Bureau County Coroner and Daniel Anderson for State's Attorney. You'll have a chance to get acquainted with the legislators and the candidates. The event is happening August 7th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Appetizers and beverages will be available. The event is paid for by the Bureau County Republican Women. LaHood and Spain will not be fundraising at the event.
Calgary Stampeders at Ottawa Redblacks odds, picks and predictions
The Calgary Stampeders (3-3) and Ottawa Redblacks (4-2) meet at TD Place Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (CFL+/TSN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Stampeders vs. Redblacksodds, and make our expert CFL picks and predictions. The Stampeders are coming off a 25-24 win as 4.5-point...
DePue racing community rallies around the Brett Jedwabny family
The DePue boat racing community is tight knit. When some one in the family hurts, they all hurt. The racing community is rallying around the family of Brett Jedwabny, 15, who was severely injured by a freak accident involving a power washer at his home on July 9. He received life-saving treatment locally and was taken to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, where he was put in a medically induced coma.
Princeton seeks volunteers for city commissions
The city of Princeton is seeking community volunteers to serve on the Princeton Historic Preservation Commission, Princeton Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission or the Princeton Public Art Commission. Multiple seats are open on the listed commissions. Commissions typically meet once per month for about an hour with commissioners performing tasks related...
Streator to use $1 million in sewer reserves to fund oxidation ditch project
The city of Streator will use $1 million from its sewer reserve funds to make up a funding gap on an oxidation ditch project at the wastewater treatment plant. Originally estimated to be about a $2 million project, the lowest bid for the project was $3,149,815. Despite securing a federal grant of $1.2 million earmarked for the project and budgeting $800,000, Streator faced a funding gap to cover the increase in equipment and labor expenses that drove up the cost of the project.
Ottawa to add 13 surveillance cameras to monitor parks
The Ottawa City Council approved the purchase of 13 surveillance cameras Thursday to be used to monitor city parks against vandalism. The council approved the expenditure of $42,250 to Fox Valley Fire and Safety in Elgin. The cost will be split between the Parks and Recreation and the Ottawa Police departments.
Here’s what’s happening at Somonauk Library in August
SOMONAUK – The Somonauk Public Library, 700 E. La Salle St., will host a number of programs and events in August. Cold Blooded Creatures and Summer Reading Program Awards: 1 p.m. Aug. 8. Attendees will be able to view various types of snakes, lizards, frogs, a tortoise, and an alligator. Summer reading program awards and refreshments also will be provided.
Gary Hammers Runs for La Salle Mayor
A long-time La Salle businessman and entrepreneur has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor. Gary Hammers believes a change in leadership is needed. Telling WLPO that “someone has to step up and do something to help put an end to city officials working on things that don't make any difference.” Hammers unsuccessfully ran for 1st ward alderman last year—losing to incumbent Bob Thompson. La Salle residents will vote for Mayor next spring.
$30,000 raised for Ottawa Friendship House in UAW Region 4 golf fundraiser
Ottawa Friendship House raised $30,000 during Saturday’s UAW Region 4 golf fundraiser at Seneca’s Oak Ridge Golf Course. The money was raised for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This event not only underscores the generosity of the community but also highlights the special relationship between UAW Region 4 and Ottawa Friendship House, a bond that has flourished for more than five decades, Friendship House Executive Director Tony Barrett said.
Guest column: Changes are coming for Ottawa
My wife Julie is a nurse. More than that actually. Her name tag reads “Julianne, BSN, RN Supervisor Nursing/Patient Care Ambulatory Services.” She is employed by OSF Healthcare. It is necessary to divulge that information before I continue. I’m fairly certain my opinion will come across as biased....
Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp overcome 6-run deficit, beat Normal in 11 innings
Louis Perona drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 11th inning Wednesday to give the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp a 9-8 walk-off victory over the Normal CornBelters at Schweickert Stadium in Peru. The Shrimp fell behind 6-0 through 2 1/2 innings before rallying. Kyle Gibson hit a sacrifice...
Man, 60, faces animal cruelty charges in DeKalb County
SANDWICH, Ill. (WIFR) - After an investigation lasting several months, a 60-year-old man faces multiple charges for allegedly abusing animals in his care. Mohammad Raza-Ahsan, 60, of Addison, faces two counts of cruel treatment of animals and three counts of animal cruelty - owner’s duties. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s...
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...
Ottawa's New Summer Festival Just A Few Days Away
The summer festival formerly known as “Riverfest” in Ottawa starts up Saturday with plenty of food, music, and drinks. “Friendship Days” features events in and around Washington Square Park for a full 7 days. This weekend's part of the festival is highlighted by what's being called “Drinkin' with Lincoln”. Check out numerous bands in downtown Ottawa all the while enjoying local food vendors and both beer and wine vendors. Sunday also offers a “Touch-A-Truck” attraction.
Schlesingers to observe 60th anniversary on Aug. 1
MENDOTA – Merv and Kay Schlesinger of Mendota will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The Mendota High School Class of 1960 sweethearts were married Aug. 1, 1964. The Schlesingers live on a third-generation family farm north of Mendota. Kay is a retired teacher from Mendota...
Proposed La Salle Ordinances Tabled After Lengthy Discussion
Two proposed ordinances – one limiting public comment in Council meetings; the other regulating behavior in city buildings – were tabled at Monday's La Salle City Council meeting. A half hour debate criss-crossed between the two ordinances and involved aldermen, Mayor Jeff Grove, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader and...
Pneumonia Cases Prompts Alert At Illinois Veterans Home In La Salle
Have you heard of any Pneumonia cases going around?. A message was sent recently to all residents of the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle and their representatives announcing two or more instances of Pneumonia at the home as of July 12th. By law, the veterans home is required to notify its residents and their representatives when there are two or more instances of an “infectious disease” present anywhere inside the home.
Preparations winding down for SCF Queen Pageant
MENDOTA – Preparations by the candidates are winding down as the 77th annual Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant is fast approaching. Fourteen young ladies will participate in this year’s pageant set for Friday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. on the First State Bank stage on Washington Street in downtown Mendota.
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