Republicans come together for “New Beginning”

Republicans hold no statewide offices in Illinois but a couple of the candidates who would like to change that made a stop in La Salle County.

The New Beginnings Dinner Friday night at Celebrations 150 featured appearances by gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Bill Brady and his running mate, Jason Plummer.

Brady talked to the group of 150 before dinner saying lawmakers need to have a balanced state budget.  He also touched on education, saying the education system doesn’t work.  He says he wants parents to have options through charter schools, tuition credits and scholarships.

He also says he’s leading in the independent poles.

He was joined by congressional candidate Adam Kinzinger who faces Democrat Debbie Halvorson in November and State Senator Gary Dahl.

Local Extension Offices Consolidating

After weeks of rumors, University of Illinois Extension officials have announced a restructuring of county offices.

Under the new organizational map, Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam County extension offices are combining into one administrative office.  The changes are expected to officially take effect next year.  Extension officials say each county will still have a local presence and the consolidation is just an effort to cut administrative costs.

U of I Extension leaders say they have to cut seven million dollars from their budget because of no state money.

Accused Thief and Arsonist Will Have Mental State Examined

Judge H. Chris Ryan gave the go ahead for 42 year old Terri James of Ottawa to be evaluated before her trial date of June 7^th.  The defense is wondering if she’s mentally fit to stand trial for arson and theft.

James was arrested in March after fires broke out at an abandoned house on Leland Street and a home on Catherine Street in Ottawa.  Prosecutors think she was trying to destroy evidence showing that she stole over 100,000 thousand dollars from the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ottawa where she was a secretary.

James remains in the La Salle County Jail on 200 thousand dollars bond.

La Salle County tax bills in the mail

If you’re wondering what property taxes will be this year, your answer will soon be arriving in the mail.

La Salle County Real Estate Tax Bills are being mailed out by Saturday.  The first installment will be due June 22 with the second installment due September 2.

You’ll be able to pay online using a credit card or by sending a check payable to the La Salle County Collector.  You could also sign up to have it automatically taken from your checking or savings account.

Peru officials want something done with 1st property

A house in the 2000 block of 1^st in Peru needs to be renovated or torn down.

Alderman Dave Waldorf says they’ve been working with the property owner for several years, but nothing has happened.  He wonder’s if the home, which apparently has a bulge, is safe.

The city council Wednesday asked attorney Doug Schweirckert to write a letter of demolition/condemnation or renovation.

NUI president to be keynote speaker at IVCC commencement

It’s the season for caps and gowns.  Graduation is Friday evening at Illinois Valley Community College.

The nursing pinning ceremony is earlier at 5:30pm in the Cultural Center.

Commencement will be in the gymnasium.  Giving the keynote address will be Northern Illinois University President John G. Peters.  The ceremony starts at 7:30p.m.   About 170 students are graduating.

Before attending the graduation, Peters will be at the Ottawa Boat Club, where he’s expected to make an announcement regarding the City of Ottawa.