Ballot Positioning Determined By Drawing Numbers

Joanne McNally of Mendota has won the lottery!  But not the type of lottery your probably thinking.

McNally’s number was picked by the La Salle County Clerk to be first on the primary ballot, above her challenger and fellow Republican, Stephen Carlson.  The drawing was done yesterday.  McNally is trying to unseat Carlson on the La Salle County Board.

Some studies say candidates improve their chances of winning an election by as much as 10 percent by being first on the ballot.

Jordan block returns to city control

The Jordan Block in Ottawa is going back in the hands of the city.

          The Ottawa City Council this week approved an agreement with Heritage Harbor officials to extend water and sewer through their marina development in exchange for giving the Jordan Block back to the city.  The block has been primarily green space since the remaining burnt out buildings were demolished. 

          The sewer and water line work means about two and half million dollars in bonds.  The marina and city will split the cost.

          Besides extending water and sewer to the multi-million dollar Heritage Harbor project, the city also will bring more sewer and water capacity to the industrial park off Route 6.

Project Santa looking for volunteers and money

While many are making plans for Thanksgiving dinner, a group of volunteers are thinking ahead to Christmas.  The folks with Project Santa are preparing to begin stocking stuffing 8am Monday, November 9.

          Heidi Milner coordinates the program.  She says they need money for shipping.

          Milner says they have a lot of items to put in the stockings but could still use people to join them at the Catholic War Vets in La Salle to put everything together.

          The stockings are made throughout the year by different volunteers and groups. 

          Milner says they’re hoping to fill and mail 6,000 stockings.

Bureau County Metro Center fees to increase

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to use the Bureau County Metro Center to shed weight, be prepared to shell out more cash.

          The Princeton Park Board is raising membership fees at the center by 5% starting January 1^st.  The last time membership fees were raised was 2001.

          Park Board officials say the increase is needed to cover expenses and keep from having to cut staff or programs.