Moment of silence planned for Peru alderman

When the Peru City Council meets Monday evening, they’ll be missing an alderman.  69 year old Ron Wren died Friday morning after briefly being hospitalized at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

One of the first items on Monday’s meeting agenda is a moment of silence for the fourth ward alderman.  Wren’s medical trouble began minutes after Wednesday’s council meeting, when he collapsed and was taken away by ambulance.

Wren was chairman of the Electric Committee and Buildings and Grounds Committee.  The Mueller Funeral Home in Peru is handling Wren’s arrangements.  You can find his obituary by visiting the AM 1220 WLPO obituary page.

Aldermen Joe Mikyska, Dave Potthoff and Bob Ankiewicz spoke with AM 1220 WLPO about Wren.  You can hear their comments by visiting the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Stop on I-80 yields 112 pounds of cannabis

A stop for improper lane usage turned into a serious drug charge for a man stopped by Utica.  Police pulled over John Griffiths of New Jersey Friday morning on Interstate 80.

Police say they searched the car after a police dog smelled drugs.  Police say Griffiths had 112 pounds of what they think is marijuana.

He was charged with possession with intent to deliver and was being held in the La Salle County Jail.

Website to list Ill. Civil War anniversary events

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Do you plan on remembering the 150th anniversary of the Civil War?  You can find a list of events going on in Illinois online.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency says a website will launch Tuesday and include a comprehensive events calendar from 2011 to 2015. It will be continually updated.

The website also will have a timeline of Illinois and the Civil War, downloadable articles, curriculum material for teachers and suggestions for further reading.

Click hear to visit the state’s website.

Mark mayor “very pleased” with court decision in Hartney question

The Village of Mark has some businesses but most of their sales tax money comes from Hartney Fuel Oil.  And it will continue to be that way after a court ruling Wednesday.

Hartney sued the Illinois Department of Revenue because the state was claiming sales tax generated by Hartney should go to a town in Cook County, not Mark. After a two-year legal battle, Judge Scott Shore Wednesday side with Hartney.

Frank Niewinski is the mayor of Mark.  He says he’s very happy with the outcome of the trial.  He believes Hartney’s attorneys did a good job presenting their case and that the judge ruled accordingly.

Niewinski says he hopes the company continues to do business in Mark and calls them a good asset to the community.

Man faces felony charge for home break-in

A break-in at a home in Mendota maybe solved.  Police arrested Waylon Shaver of Mendota Friday for felony residential burglary.

He’s suspected of stealing from a home in the 1800 block of Stroble Avenue Thursday.

Shaver was being held in the La Salle County Jail with his bond set at $50,000.

Forum scheduled for Streator municipal candidates

April will be here before you know it and city officials in Streator want you to get to know your candidates.

The Streator Area Downtown Business Association is hosting a candidate’s forum Wednesday, March 23^rd at 6 inside the Bruce Township Hall.  All 11 city council and mayoral candidates are being invited.

Topics will include economic development and beautification efforts.