Lacon teen accused of killing a cat

A felony animal cruelty charge for a teenage boy accused of killing a cat by setting it on fire in Marshall County.

The 16 year old from Lacon was arrested and arraigned Tuesday morning in juvenile court.  The investigation began Monday evening after someone called the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.  Police says a 17 year old, disoriented cat was given to someone to be put down humanely.  But instead, police say the cat was taken to a home in rural Lacon where it was dowsed in gasoline and set on fire.  It died shortly afterward.

The boy is charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a class four felony.  He was released to a parent.

An investigation continues and more charges are possible.

Illinois unemployment rate fell to 9% in January

Finding a job remains tough, but the statewide unemployment number is showing promise.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell for the 12^th month in a row.  January unemployment was 9%.

The last time the state rate was below 9% was February 2009.

Resale shop accepting donations

If you’re getting an early start on your spring cleaning and have old clothes or household items to donate, Upscale Resale will take them. The resale shop raises money for Freedom House, a place that provides support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Because sales have been good, they’re taking more donations. For more information, you can call the store in downtown Spring Valley.

Area Lawmaker Wants FOID Card List Kept Private

Your state senator has chimed in about releasing the names of FOID card owners.

Republican Sue Rezin calls the idea “a massive intrusion on those who exercise their 2^nd Amendment right to own a firearm”.  She is co-sponsoring a bill that would stop the state police from releasing the FOID card list.

Rezin thinks making the list public threatens the safety of gun owners.

Mardi Gras Back In Utica

It’s time to party again in Utica.

The village is hosting a Mardi Gras of their own, only without the debauchery you see in New Orleans.   The 7^th annual parade is family friendly, lasts about a half hour and features around 30 floats.

The parade starts Saturday at six on Mill Street. Many of the downtown businesses will have live music or specials after the parade.

Cowboy from 96-5 the Wolf will broadcast live from Duffy’s in Utica starting at 4:30.

Area Corn Growers Have Big Year

La Salle County corn growers are second in the state when it comes to corn production.

Farmers in the county grew 54.3 million bushels of corn in 2010. The corn covered 333,000 acres.  McLean County was the state’s top corn-producing county in 2010.  Farmers there produced 60.5 million bushels of corn last year on 357,000 acres.

McLean County was also Illinois’ top soybean producer with 15.8 million bushels from 270,000 acres. Livingston County was the second most productive, with 13.8 million bushels grown on 270,000 acres.