Streator Man Charged With Arson In Ottawa

Investigators in Ottawa think they have a man responsible for setting a house on fire last month.

38 year old Richard Goeringer of Streator was indicted this week for arson and burglary.  He allegedly set a house on fire on October 21^st at 1702 Guion Street in Ottawa.  Before he set the fire, Goeringer allegedly removed a large number of building materials from the unoccupied house which was under renovation.

He was actually arrested in Oglesby late last month in relation to allegedly stealing a car in Streator.  He’s also been indicted for stealing the car.

More Swine Flu Vaccine Dished Out

Hundreds took advantage of the latest swine flu vaccine clinic in La Salle County.

883 doses of vaccine were given out yesterday at a La Salle County Public Health Department clinic at the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa.  The next public clinics are Tuesday at Streator Knights of Columbus and Thursday at Mendota Civic Center.  The clinics are free and go from two until seven.

Only people in high-risk groups are receiving the vaccine.

Alleged Drive-By Shooter Indicted

One of three people arrested for a couple drive-by shootings in Ottawa was indicted this week.

20 year old Troy Janes is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm.  He’s still in the county jail on bond of 250 thousand dollars.  19 year old David Payton and a 15 year old boy were arrested for firing shots at two different homes on November 1st.  All three live in Ottawa.

The investigation started when officers say a house in the 500 block of West Washington Street was hit by gunfire.  Later that night, more gunfire reports at a house in the 1500 block of West Madison Street.  In both cases, no one inside the homes was hurt.

Cherry rememebers mine disaster 100 years later

The people who worked in the Cherry Mine and were around 100 years ago are gone, but their many of their stories and memories have been preserved.

          Friday is the 100^th anniversary of the Cherry Mine Disaster that left 259 men and boys dead.  The lives lost are being remembered with a weekend of educational activities and the dedication of a monument in Cherry.

          Bob McCook is the Village President. He’s not sure how many people will be stopping by.

          Events and exhibits will be with in walking-distance of each other at the Holy Trinity Hall, Cherry Grade School, the fire station and the library.  You’ll be able to catch a bus that will take you to the mine site.  The monument, which is being dedicated at 1pm Saturday, is south of the village building on Route 89.

           On Sunday, the library will be open and  there will be a parade to the cemetery and a memorial service at one.

Ottawa Elementary wants 500-student school, referendum could follow

The fate of a new Central Elementary School in Ottawa could be in the hands of voters.

          The elementary school board Thursday night voted to build a new school for 500 students at a cost of just over $25 million.  To fund the majority of that cost, the board will vote Tuesday night whether to ask for an $18.5 million tax referendum.  If the board approves the referendum question, it’ll be on the February 2^nd primary election ballot.

Even though FEMA awarded the district $12.3 million because of the flood, Superintendent Craig Doster says they only have $6.9 million of that available right now.  The rest is being held up by an insurance claim.        

If the referendum passes and the district gets all the money promised to them by FEMA and the state, they could abate taxes raised thru the referendum or just decide not to sell bonds.  All the “ifs” has Doster admitting that the district is taking big risks, but they can’t afford to wait around any longer.