Civil War reenactment and garden planned for Lock 14

A battle could be coming to La Salle next spring- or at least a battle reenactment.

A civil war reenactment and a period garden are a couple of ideas Ana Koval with the Canal Corridor Association wants to add to the Lock 14 area.

The C.C.A is in talks with a reenactment group out of Rockford to have them in for a weekend long program.  They would also like to plant a garden that would be similar to what you would have seen during the canal boat era.

The La Salle City Council Monday night gave the okay for their plans.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has approved of the reenactment.

Free parking included in downtown La Salle parking change

The word “free” can be enticing, especially when it comes to downtown parking.  La Salle officials hope changing paid city parking lots to free parking will encourage people who work downtown to start using the lots, allowing customers to park closer to businesses.

Tom Ptak is an alderman and a business owner.  He pays $3,000 a year for parking spaces and was the alderman that proposed the changes.

His idea, which will go into effect on November 15, makes parking in the city lots across from city hall, next to the Knights of Columbus and behind Stage 212 free.

Parking on Second Street from Gooding to Marquette will no longer have a three-hour limit and will be reconfigured to create more spaces.

They’re giving the new parking plan a six-month trial run to see if it actually works.

Area Woman Dead After Crash Near Seneca

A few more details have been released about a fatal crash Sunday that killed a woman who used to live in Peru.

Investigators say 52 year old LeeAnn Franklin of rural Seneca was heading north on East 28^th Road, north of the Morris Blacktop late yesterday morning in an SUV when she crashed with an on-coming SUV.  Franklin was taken to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room where she was pronounce dead just after noon yesterday.

Investigators say 22 year old Steven Greenwood of Oswego and a friend were in the other SUV on their way to Seneca.  Investigators think the man may have become distracted while using a GPS.  Greenwood refused treatment at the scene.

It remains under investigation.

Traffic Delays Expected On Plank Road

A heads up if you use Plank Road in Peru.

IDOT says the Plank Road/Interstate 80 interchange will be altered off and on from now until November 12^th.  Replacing the Plank Road Bridge over I-80 will require traffic on Plank Road to be restricted to one lane and controlled by flaggers.

When parts of the bridge are removed at night, I-80 will be closed beneath the Plank Road Bridge from 7pm until 6am.  Traffic will be routed up the off-ramp and back down the on-ramp.  Flaggers will again be on the scene.

The Plank Road/I-80 interchange will be open at all times with full access to businesses in the area.  However you should expect lengthy delays especially on night’s I-80 traffic is diverted.

Sheriff’s Race Has Same Candidates As Past Two Elections

The sheriff’s race in Bureau County is a case of déjà vu.

In both 2002 and 2006, Democrat John Thompson of Ladd won by beating Republican challenger Bill Rosenow of Sheffield.  InTuesday’s election, Thompson will again look to beat Rosenow for third term in office.

Thompson easily defeated Rosenow in 2006 by getting 67 percent of the vote.  One of the biggest differences between the two candidates is the question to build a new jail.  Thompson supports the idea, Rosenow is against it.

Find out results of the Bureau County Sheriff’s race and other contests live tomorrow night on your election connection, AM 1220 WLPO.

Junior High In Princeton Needs Your Vote

Before you vote tomorrow, you can go online today and help a struggling area music program.

Logan Junior High in Princeton is among the finalists for a 50 thousand dollar grant or one of three 20 thousand dollars grants from Clorox.  The cleaning product company has over 13 hundred schools competing in their “Clorox Power A Bright Future” grant contest.  Today’s the last day to vote.  Logan Junior High is currently ranked 178 in votes.

School officials say they need the grant to keep the elementary music program up and running because of late state funding.  Grant writers say that 2^nd and 3^rd graders in Princeton attend music class in an oversized storage closet due to space limitations and a budget shortfall.  The grant would allow the district to build a classroom dedicated to music.

School officials also point out that many parents can’t afford instrument rental for their students.  Grant money would also go towards this.

To vote, go to http://clorox.promo.eprize.com/brightfuture/?affiliate_id=Inbound5

Seven people arrested after a house party in La Salle

It was a popular weekend for parties but most of them probably didn’t get as out of hand as one on LaHarpe Street in La Salle.

Police arrested seven people from Mendota after going to the house early Sunday morning.

Michael Rodriquez and Camelia Lemus were arrested for aggravated battery and resisting police.  Rodriquez was also ticketed for underage drinking.  Both were taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Ticketed for underage drinking were Christopher Carreon, Alex Perez, Gabriella Mandujano, and Fabian Pantoja.  They were given notices to appear.

Juan Figeuroa was ticketed for obstructing police.

Police say they also found drug paraphernalia.  More charges could be on the way.

New Habitat For Humanity Home In Ottawa

Construction has started on the latest Habitat for Humanity Home in the Illinois Valley.

A groundbreaking was held Saturday on the west side of Ottawa at 912 W. Superior Street.  Chris and Estelle Steenbergen and their three children will eventually move into a three-bedroom, ranch-style house next year.  By becoming a Habitat for Humanity family, they agree to help in construction of the home.

The Steenbergen’s are renting a place in Streator until their new home is finished.

Gun Shop Owner Accused Of Ripping Off Customers

Russell Pulfer of Newark was arrested today on three Kendall County Warrants.  He’s accused of taking money from customers and not delivering the merchandise as promised.  Pulfer runs Russell Pulfer’s Gun Shop in Newark.

He is charged with two counts of felony theft and one count of deceptive practice.  All are felony charges.

Pulfer was taken to the Kendall County Jail on 20 thousand dollars bond.

LC Emergency Management offers search and rescue training

Whether it is a natural disaster or an effort to find someone who’s missing, volunteers will be needed.  You can be trained for search and rescue operations during a two-day class being offered through the La Salle County Emergency Management Agency.

The training is free and will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa.  You can register for the training by calling 433-5622 or emailing lasallecogsar@yahoo.com.