Area Congresswoman Asking for President’s Help

Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson is among a group of Illinois politicians reaching out to the president for help in Magnolia and Streator.

Halvorson and others signed a letter to support Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a federal disaster declaration for five Illinois counties including La Salle and Putnam.  Quinn’s already declared the counties state disaster areas.

Halvorson and the governor are seeking federal help with disaster unemployment, crisis counseling and small business administration disaster loans.

Relay Cut Short

Mother Nature wasn’t kind to hundreds who showed up ready to stay overnight at Streator’s City Park.

After delaying the start of the 14^th annual La Salle County Relay for Life an hour due to weather, organizers were able to hold opening ceremonies and a survivor’s lap before another round of storms forced the cancellation of the relay at around 8:45.

During opening ceremonies, this year’s relay was dedicated to late Streator Mayor Ray Schmitt who died earlier this year.  Schmitt was credited with being a big backer of Relay for Life.

Concert for a Cause Gets Rained Out

While one of their hit songs is “Riding the storm out”, thunderstorms washed away last nights scheduled performance by REO Speedwagon.

After two opening acts played at the “concert for a cause” at Cedar Point Sportsmen’s Club, concert organizers were forced to cancel the REO Speedwagon show.  The show reportedly won’t be rescheduled.

Proceeds from REO are going to Leepertown Elementary in Bureau.

Railroad History on Display in Mendota

The 12^th annual Railroad Crossing Days gets going today in Mendota.

You can get a guided tour of a locomotive, caboose and vintage dining car at the Union Depot Railroad Museum today.  There will be train demonstrations and exhibits, Amtrak ticket drawings, live music, and concessions.

Mendota’s Railroad Crossing Days run Saturday from ten until five and Sunday from ten until four.

Freedom Run Time in Marseilles

It should be a beautiful day for a motorcycle ride.  Thousands of bikes are due to arrive in Marseilles today for the 8^th annual Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run.

The freedom run of bikes will head out for Marseilles from the Grundy County Fairgrounds.   They’re expected to all roll into downtown Marseilles in time for a ceremony at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial along the Illinois River.  590 new names will be memorialized at the ceremony.  The names going on the wall are of U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Cowboy from 96-5 the Wolf will broadcast live from the Freedom Run.  Illinois Veteran’s Affairs Director Dan Grant will be the memorial’s featured speaker.

Festivities will continue into the night with live music and food and drinks.