Longtime State Rep says he’s resigning early

DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) – State Rep. Bill Black of Danville says he will resign early from his seat.

The News-Gazette reports that Black said Friday he will resign from his 104th House District seat on Dec. 22. Black says his elected Republican replacement Chad Hay of Catlin can be sworn in anytime afterward. Black has had a legislative career for 24 years. The 69-year-old Republican says he would miss any possible Illinois

House sessions during the first week of January. Black is an educator and community college administrator. He

served on committees focusing on education, telecommunications, transportation, railroads and broadband infrastructure.

Program to feature poetry and commentary on rivers and roads

The significance of rivers, roads and trails in American history will be celebrated in verse during a poetry reading at the La Salle Public Library.

“Pathways, Waterways, Poets and Artists” will be presented 6:30pm Thursday by former English instructors Marydale Stewart and Ed Krolak.

Admission is free.

Utica to host Christmas in the Village

Try a sample of chili and take a ride in a carriage- just some of the things you’ll find in Utica Sunday.  Christmas in the Village runs from 1:30 until 5pm.

Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at 2pm.  There will also be activities and crafts.

Some restaurants will be participating in a chili tasting.  The lighting of the Village Christmas Tree is at 5pm in Memorial Park.

Hegeler-Carus Mansion celebrates Christmas

It’s Christmas in 1898 at the Hegeler-Carus Mansion.  The mansion is throwing old fashioned Christmas parties next Thursday through Sunday.

Tickets are$ 20 per person.  You’ll need to call the mansion before hand to make reservations because space is limited.

 

Ottawa Food Pantry fundraiser at roller rink

A musical group named after food is part of a fundraiser for an area agency that helps low income families have food.

Fishsticks & Milk are hosting Roller Rink’n with Lincoln from 4:30pm until 7:30pm Saturday at the Ottawa Roller Rink to raise money for Ottawa’s Food Pantry.

Oh Brother, Oh Sister and Egon’s Unicat will also be playing.

Admission is $3.  It’s $1 to rent skates.