H.O.P.E. rummage sale for schools.

Living in the same house for awhile….you tend to collect things – some of which you don’t need or want. If you’re near Streator, perhaps your unneeded household items can help Streator High School. H.O.P.E. – Help our Public Education will have a rummage sale in the National Guard Armory in Streator August 28. Now is the time to donate by bringing items to the former “Rent –A-Center” at 22 Northpoint Plaza either August 14 or August 21 from 8 – 4pm. After that, bring donations to the Armory from 8 – 3pm August 23 – 25. All proceeds help Streator Township and Woodland High Schools during a shortfall in state funding. Financial contributions can be made to Streator area banks, Credit Unions or Streator Home Building and Loan. If you want to volunteer during the rummage sale, call 672- 49-19.

IVCIL offer parents nite out

Does your child have a disability? Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living wants to give you a night off from child care. “Parents evening out” is 6pm Thursday in the IVCIL conference room in north LaSalle. This is a support group for parents of children with any type of disability. The evening offers an opportunity to socialize, share information and experiences, play some table games and have a snack. If you are interested in joining….sign up by this Wednesday afternoon by contacting Marla at IVCIL

Freedom House art show

All artistic media is welcome for the “Freedom House” art show October 2. Freedom House is searching for artists with original pieces to participate. Paintings, pottery, photography, metalwork and fine jewelry will be considered for the show. Artists need to set prices for their own art work. The proceeds will be donated to “Freedom House” to provide services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Applications are available at freedom house illinois dot com, by visiting their facility at 440 Elm Place in Princeton or by calling 872-00-87.

Huge Crowd Watches Concert For a Cause

After being rained out Friday night at the Illinois State Fair, Lady Antebellum singer Charles Kelly told the Cedar Point Sportsmen’s Club crowd that they would “give a little extra since we had last night off”.  Judging from smiling faces in the crowd, Lady A delivered.

An estimated crowd of six thousand or more turned out for the latest Lou’s La Grotto Concert for a Cause featuring the country crossover band.  After opening acts Brush Fire and Logan Mize, Lady A took the stage just a few minutes before 9 bursting into the song “Stars Tonight”.  After a few more songs including a cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin”, Kelly remarked on his band’s quick success saying he “never could’ve dreamed he’d play in front of so many people”.

Soon after Lady A’s cover of John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. In the USA”, the group finished their little over an hour long set with their latest chart topper “Run to You”.  The song most everyone was waiting for, “Need You Know” led off the group’s encore.  Lady A wrapped things up around 10:15 with the Beatle’s classic “Hey Jude”.

There’s no word yet on how much money was raised to benefit JFK Elementary in Spring Valley.

96-5 the Wolf was presenting sponsor of the show.

among today’s events

The local charity Operation Claus is having a benefit hog roast today. The roast starts at 3 at Fat Daddy’s Bar in Seneca. Tickets will be sold for a motorcycle raffle. The winner will be announced September 12th when the 4th annual Operation Claus toy run occurs. The charity has raised over 20 thousand dollars in it’s first three years.

By now, you’ve probably seen the signs around town for a “Memory Walk”. The annual event is sponsored by the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Alzheimer’s Association. Last year’s walk raised 21 thousand dollars to help fight Alzheimer’s disease which affects someone new every 70 seconds. This year’s walk starts at 1 at Baker Lake in Peru. Prizes are awarded to individuals and team’s who raise the most money.

Today is the last day of the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. The grand tradition closes with two regular events…a 1pm parade and immediately after, the serving of free Del Monte sweet corn. The “Jesse White” tumblers return again this year followed by “Blue Saints” Drum Corps and the “Golden Knights Drill Team”. A sweet corn eating contest will be held at 4:30pm. An all day tennis tourney is at Mendota High School on Route 52.

Seatonville / Hollowayville boil order

The Seatonville Water Department has issued a boil order for all residents of Seatonville and Hollowayville until further notice.  Rick Piontek from the Seatonville Water Department told AM 1220 WLPO news the wells lost electric power Saturday.  That caused pressure to dro enough that a boil order had to be issued.