Ill. Governor urges people to volunteer on King holiday

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and other state officials are urging residents to spend the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday volunteering.

The holiday on Monday has become a national day of service. This year’s theme is “A Day On, Not a Day Off.”

Quinn says volunteerism allows people to “work together to strengthen communities.”

Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle Saddler says research shows communities with higher rates of volunteerism have reduced crime and higher educational achievement rates.

Winter Wilderness Weekend returns to Starved Rock

Instead of spending the weekend inside where it’s warm, you could bundle up and head out to Starved Rock State Park.

Saturday and Sunday is Winter Wilderness Weekend.  There will be guided tours through the park including the ice falls at at 9am and 1pm Sunday.

The tours are free.  You’re also likely to see the bald eagles.

La Salle County sales tax numbers improving

The latest La Salle County Sales tax revenues show a sharp increase.

October is the most recent month the state has sent La Salle County its public safety tax check.  Over $216,000 in sales tax was collected in October, $11,000 more than the previous month and over $17,000 more than October of 2009.  That’s the biggest yearly jump since July of 2008.

La Salle County has collected $29.3 million in public safety sales tax revenues since 1999.