Bureau County Swine Flu Clinics

On Monday, the health department will give out vaccines from seven until 11 for people 6 months up to 24 years old at the Princeton Moose Lodge.  This is a walk-in clinic.

On Tuesday back at the lodge, vaccines will be given to people between the ages of 25 to 64 from 1:30 until 4.  This is also a walk-in clinic.

Area Township May Change Opinion On Forest Preserve

Petitions have been filed to have voters in Serena Township vote in February whether or not to rejoin the forest preserve district. 

In April, 92 percent of voters in Serena said they wanted out of the district.  People in Fall River Township will also vote in February whether or not to get back into the forest preserve.  Ninety-one percent of voters in that township said they wanted out in April.

Counting Fall River and Serena, 26 townships have voted out of the forest preserve with eight more to decide in the primary election.  Yet in November, the entire county was asked if they wanted a forest preserve and 59 percent said yes.

Trailer Fire In Streator

A Streator man was sent to the hospital after his trailer caught fire late Tuesday night.

Ronald McBride was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation after his trailer was gutted.  The trailer is on Del Monte Court just east of Route 23 on the north end of Streator. 

Grand Ridge fire department responded to the scene just before 7:30 and had the blaze under control within an hour.  The cause is under investigation.

Culver’s opening Ottawa location

A restaurant that’s proven to be popular in Peru is coming to Ottawa.  The owners of the Peru Culver’s plan to build in Ottawa.

          It’ll be built next to the new Fairfield Inn and Suites, near Columbus Street and Etna Road.

Chef’s Auction reaches 9th year

Pasta, ribs, and pecan pie are just some of the dishes that’ll be served during the 9^th Annual Illinois Valley Signatures Chef’s Auction.  It’s a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

          Guests will sample food from 17 area restaurants while making bids during a silent and live auction.  There will also be raffles and games.

          This year’s ambassador family is Mike, Crystal, and Ethan Credi of Peru.

          Miller Group Charitable Trust is the presenting sponsor.  Miller Group Media includes WLPO/WAJK/WKOT Radio and the NewsTribune and AgriNews.

          The dinner and auction runs from 5:30 to 9:30 Thursday at Celebrations 150.

La Salle County facing $10 million deficit

With times being tough, the La Salle County Board is looking at a budget with a $10 million deficit.

          The board Tuesday placed on file its 2009-2010 budget which begins December 1^st.  The tentative budget has projected revenues of $68.6 million and expenditures of  $78.4 million.  Expenses are up about $2 million from the last budget while revenues remain the same.

          Revenues are staying the same because the county plans to bring in over $3 million more in property taxes this year.  The extra taxes won’t come from your property tax bill but instead the reassessed valuation of the Exelon Power Plant.  The county plans on collecting over $24 million from your property taxes. 

          Chairman Jerry Hicks says expenses are up yet again for salary and health insurance while revenues are down in state funding and sales tax money.  Hicks thinks the county’s share of retail sales tax and a public safety sales tax to be down a million dollars from the year before.

          To help cover the budget deficit, the board is dipping into its cash reserve for about $six million.  Despite another deficit year, Hicks says the county’s finances are solid.