Dates set for Ottawa Riverfest

One of the biggest and longest running summer festivals around will be back in 2011.

Dates for next year’s edition of Ottawa Riverfest have already been announced.  The festival along the Ottawa riverfront will run Wednesday, August 3^rd through Sunday, August 7^th.  The carnival runs each day of the event while the “Taste of Ottawa” goes on the last four days of the festival.

There will also be a Craft and Flea Market, live music and a parade to close things out.

Stockman’s dinner

LaSalle County’s Stockman’s association hopes to unite producers of livestock with consumers. If you’re a consumer, you can attend the Stockman’s Harvest Reward and Recognition Banquet Tuesday at Celebrations 150. Social Hour and silent auction at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 and the auction of Grand and Reserve Grand Champions at 7:30. Tickets are $20 for adults and it’s free for children ten and under. Tickets will be at the door but are also on sale from Farm Credit Services in Ottawa, Centrue bank in Streator, Illini State bank in Lostant, Tonica and Oglesby and First State Bank in Mendota. The Stockman’s group attempts to promote family and youth livestock activities in LaSalle county.

Another raffle for Seneca Bridge demolition

Would you spend two dollars to be the lucky person chosen to bring down the remainder of the old Seneca Bridge? It’s true.  If you buy a two dollar ticket and your name is drawn at Noon Monday, you get to press a button detonating charges that bring down the remainder of the old Seneca bridge.  Money raised will go to the Seneca Historical Guild and Seneca Development Organization.   Tickets are on sale at Seneca Village Hall and area businesses.   The second implosion will be at 7am Tuesday.

 

Drugs lead to accident Saturday night

Drugs may have played a role in an accident north of Sheridan.  It happened Saturday night.   Police say Benjamin Enoch of Serena crashed while on East 2351st road.

Enoch was arrested for DUI of drugs or combination of drugs, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage and unlawful possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis.

 

Hennepin Canal walk

Who knows how long before you’re cooped up inside due to snow? Maybe today’s the day for a walk along a portion of the Hennepin Canal? “Friends of the Hennepin Canal” do that about every month including today. A four mile stretch called the “White Tailed Deer” from Bridge 47 to Bridge 50 will be hiked. There is no fee and you should dress appropriately. Members will meet at Bridge 50 which is north of I-80. For more information, contact Ed Herrmann in Spring Valley or on-line: friends-hennepin-canal.org.

Fill Mayflower – a success

Many people who were out grocery at HyVee this past Saturday bought more than food for themselves.  They also bought a truckload of food for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

5,272 pounds of groceries were donated during an annual collection called “Fill the Mayflower”.  Shoppers also donated $352 to the pantry.

People who donated were eligible for two-week memberships at the Illinois Valley YMCA.  Stevenson Transfer of Ottawa provided the semi trailer. It was also sponsored by AM 1220 WLPO, 99.3 WAJK and 96.5 The Wolf.