Swine flu numbers continue to rise

          Two more people in La Salle County have been hospitalized because of swine flu since last week.

          The health department tracks deaths and hospitalizations on their website.  The last count was updated Tuesday.  The two most recent cases were a 30 year old man and a two year old boy.

          Overall, 20 people in La Salle County have been hospitalized because of the virus.  One person in La Salle County has died from it.

          The number of people hospitalized in Illinois with swine flu since April has topped 2,000.  There have been 64 deaths.

Route 89 clear after morning crash

You shouldn’t find any problems taking Route 89 in and out of Putnam County.  An accident that had happened on the hill near the Bureau County line has been cleared.  It didn’t seem to be serious.

Shoppers flood Route 251 in Peru

Black Friday traffic on the north end of Peru has things slow-going, especially heading southbound on Route 251.

Traffic is backed up around the intersections with I-80 and May Road. 

          If you’re still planning on heading out this morning, Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says North Peoria Street and 36^th Street might be easier ways to reach the mall.

IVAR selling shirts, cookbooks

    While you’re busy with Christmas shopping, an area animal shelter is hoping you’ll keep them in mind. 
    It’s not that they want you to adopt a pet, though they probably would like that, they have items for sale at Crafters Village in Peru.  Illinois Valley Animal Rescue has a booth including IVAR hoodies, shirts, 2010 calendars, grocery bags, and cookbooks.