Time to skip an hour and spring your clock forward

CHICAGO (AP) – It’s time for a traditional rite of spring, setting the clocks forward for daylight saving time.

Officially, the change comes early Sunday morning, though most folks are likely to reset their clocks before going to bed Saturday night.

It’s also a good time to put new batteries in warning devices such as smoke detectors and hazard warning radios.

Daylight saving time ends Nov. 6.

State Treasurer says he’ll weigh-in on budget direction

While he’s no longer serving in the state legislature, Republican State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says he’s still involved because he has to respond to what the legislature does.

Rutherford says he’s very much weighing in on the direction he’s sees them going or maybe going.  He says he’s spoken with Governor Pat Quinn, a democrat, and has told him he doesn’t agree with a proposed 14-year borrowing plan.

Rutherford says he thinks they’ll be able to reach a consensus and says he would support short-term borrowing in regards to Medicaid payments.

Rutherford was a state senator before being elected treasurer last November.  He was in La Salle Saturday night for the La Salle County Republican Committee Lincoln Day Dinner.

You can hear more from Rutherford by visiting the AM 1220 WLPO News page.

Kinzinger wants no-fly zone for Libya

An area congressman who happens to also be an Air Force pilot wants a no-fly zone over Libya.

Republican Adam Kinzinger has sent a letter to President Barack Obama saying the “U.S. can no longer stand by and watch the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Libya”.  He says a no-fly zone would hinder Qaddafi’s military operations.

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is pushing a resolution calling for the no-fly zone.

Vendor fair to benefit animal shelter

You can support your local animal shelter with a shirt or other Illinois Valley Animal Rescue goods.  The shelter is holding a vendor fair Sunday from 10am – 2pm at the Catholic War Vets in La Salle.   Admission is $1 with the proceeds going to IVAR.

Area towns to celebrate “St. Baldrick’s”

Before March is over, there will be four different St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraisers in La Salle County.

140 people have already signed up to have their heads shaved at the annual St. Baldrick’s event at Jeremiah Joe’s in downtown Ottawa.  Shaving will start at 10am next Saturday.  The fundraising goal is $50,000.

The following day on March 20^th there’s another St. Baldrick’s fundraiser at Senica’s Oak Ridge in La Salle.  Fundraising goal for this event is $29,000.

Muffy’s Tap in Ottawa will hold another St. Baldrick’s fundraiser Marcy 26^th.  They hope to raise $10,000.

The final fundraiser of the month is March 30^th at the Mendota Knights of Columbus.  Organizers hope to raise $5,000.

Rotary beats IVCH in charity basketball game

The score was close but area Rotary Club members were able to earn a victory over the doctors and administrators of Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

The two teams faced off Friday at Parkside School in Peru for the Second Annual Charity Basketball Game.  Rotary won 51-50.

The game raised money for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry and the IVCH Foundation.