Area state lawmakers react to Blagojevich verdict

Sometimes juries make decisions you don’t necessarily agree with, that’s State Senator Gary Dahl’s reaction to the verdict in the trial of ex-governor Rod Blagojevich.

The Republican says he believes Blagojevich, a Democrat, violated the public trust and the law.

Dahl says he had hoped for a strong verdict to send a strong message that Illinois is not business as usual.

Dahl believes the trial has made Illinois look bad but says they need to not worry about the image and put all of their efforts to getting the state back to a business-friendly environment.

State Representative Frank Mautino says he’s surprised that one count was all the jury could agree on.  Mautino says quite a few reforms came out of this before the jury took their stand on the criminal actions and they have to continue.

Mautino says Illinois has had a media circus highlighted by TV shows and talk shows and it all put Illinois in a bad light.  Both Mautino and Blagojevich are Democrats.

Ottawa High School budget includes deficit

The proposed budget for Ottawa High School is full of bleak news.

The upcoming fiscal year 2010-11 budget tentatively includes $15.1 million in revenue compared to $15.4 million in expenditures.  Superintendent Matt Winchester says the planned spending is down 4.8% from a year ago.  They plan to save $625,000 by cuts in supplies and equipment and by cutting personnel through attrition and retirements.

A hearing on the proposed budget is September 20^th at 6:30pm.

Blagojevich vows to appeal 1 conviction count

CHICAGO (AP) – Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich vows to appeal his single conviction against him and says he’s the victim of persecution by the federal government.

Blagojevich spoke to reporters on Tuesday after a jury found him guilty of one count of lying to federal agents. The judge declared a mistrial in the other 23 counts against him.

Prosecutors said immediately after the jury reached its verdict that they intend to retry the case against Blagojevich as soon as possible.

House Fire In Peru considered accidental

A fire that left a house in Peru with heavy smoke and water damage looks to be an accident.

That’s the report from a State Fire Marshall’s Investigator.  Fire fighters were called to the two-story home on Center Street shortly before 7:30am Tuesday.

There was smoke coming from the roof when they arrived.  It looks to have started in the kitchen area and was accidental in nature.

No one was living there and it had a for sale sign in the yard.

Spring Valley Looking At Dog Costs

The cost of owning a dog in Spring Valley could be rising.

Police Chief Kevin Sangston told the city council last night that fees the city collects for its trouble with unlicensed dogs doesn’t cover expenses.  Sangston suggests the council raise the two dollar dog tag fee.

The idea came up after Alderman Walt Marini questioned whether the city should change its arrangements with Bureau County Animal Control to save money when turning over loose dogs.  The city pays 200 dollars per month plus 50 dollars per dog that the county takes in.

Animal control usually holds onto the strays for a few days and then euthanizes the dogs who don’t find new homes.