U.S. Senate candidate remembers Lincoln-Douglas debates

The Republican candidate running for President Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat wanted to relive the Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Ottawa with a debate against his Democratic opponent.

But instead, U.S. Congressman Mark Kirk appeared at Washington Park on the anniversary of the debate and was on-hand for the La Salle County G-O-P Headquarters grand opening Saturday.

Kirk says he backs small businesses and is pushing a small business bill of rights.

He wants to keep ballots secret in union elections, allow you to purchase health insurance from any where in the county, and lawsuit reform.

He faces State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the November election.

Hundreds apply for new Illinois health insurance

CHICAGO (AP) – Hundreds of Illinois residents have submitted applications for a new federally funded health insurance program for people with medical problems.

Enrollment opened Friday for the program, an early benefit of the new national health care reform law.

Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith says about 370 applications were submitted during the first few hours.

An application form is at http://www.insurance.illinois.gov.

The program works like any health plan. Enrollees pay monthly premiums ranging from about $110 to $650 depending on a person’s age, where they live and whether they use tobacco.

Legal residents who’ve been uninsured for at least six months are eligible. Applicants must show they’re uninsured because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Police to crackdown on drunk drivers now through Labor Day

Are you going out for a few drinks tonight?  Don’t be surprised if you see a few squad cars on patrol.

In the days approaching Labor Day weekend, the Peru Police and other departments will be doing extra patrols looking for drunk drivers.

They’re focusing on late night and overnight hours.

Ottawa pool open for the weekend

If you’re looking for a place to go swimming this weekend, at least one public pool remains open.  Riordan Pool in Ottawa will be open Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am until 6pm.

The La Salle, Oglesby and Spring Valley pools have closed for the season.

Walk, Run, Bike returns to Baker Lake

You can help out the Illinois Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross while getting some fresh air.

The annual Walk, Run, Bike is Sunday afternoon at Baker Lake in Peru.  Registration is at noon.  It begins at 1pm.

21 teams have signed up so far and more teams or individuals can sign up tomorrow.  You can go around the lake as many times as you like.

They’re hoping to raise $37,000.  Proceeds help their general operations.