Churches Closing In Streator

Consolidating of catholic churches in Streator has started.

Reverend Monsignor John Prendergast sent a letter out to catholic parishioners Thursday saying that as of July 1^st, St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Streator was established with Prendergast as pastor of the new parish.

Prendergast says the new parish is the initial phase of implementing the consolidation plan approved by Bishop Jenky.  By establishing the new St. Michael parish, Prendergast says they can establish parish council’s and committees and do administrative moves like opening checking accounts and applying for a Tax Identification Number.

The second phase of the consolidation will happen on September 29^th when Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony’s, St. Stephen’s and St. Casimir will cease to exist.  Only the St. Michael Parish will remain.  Prendergast says St. Stephen’s will remain as the sole worship center for the parish until a new church is built.

Church officials say a feasibility study into a new church will start in the fall with the idea being that it’ll be at least two years before a new church is built.

Two Bikers Collide Outside Streator

A biker from Streator was flown to Peoria last night after wrecking with another bike.

According to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Jordan of Streator and Jerry Osterdock of Cornell were both driving south on Route 23 just north of Streator when the handlebars of the bikes bumped as Osterdock was changing lanes.  The bumping caused Jordan to lose control and wreck his bike.  He was flown to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  Osterdock wasn’t hurt.

Osterdock was arrested for DUI and improper lane use and taken to the county jail.  Jordan is also facing a DUI charge along with possession of cannabis and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

The accident happened just before midnight Friday.

Dangerous Heat Expected

Sunday brings no change in  temperatures.  Across LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam Counties, the temperature will read 91 this afternoon, but it will feel like 103.  There’s a small chance of some showers and thunderstorms after noon.  Check  on elderly neighbors.   Leave pets where they have water and shade.