Fire damages a garage in Oglesby

Fire left a garage in Oglesby damaged.  Crews from Oglesby and Tonica were called to the fire just before 5pm Monday.

The blaze was in the rear of a garage in the 100 block of East 3^rd Street, which is just north of the Dickinson House.  No one was injured.

No word on what caused the garage fire.

Peru Council receives lesson on dog pulling

Dog athletics or abuse?  A proposal for a dog pulling event at Baker Lake in Peru has city officials cautiously considering the request.

Tom Rodriguez hopes the city council approves a request to hold the First Annual Pull for Humanity on May 14.  He explained to the council Monday night how the dogs are trained and conditioned like athletes to compete by pulling things like tires.  He says it’s not abuse and leaves the dogs better trained.

Connie Powell of the Galesburg area was along to explain what dog pulling is.  She says it’s something her family does together and that there are rules to protect dogs from harm and abuse.

Rodriguez says he wants the event to grow attention to the activity and benefit animal rescue organizations.

Some on the city council seem skeptical.  Alderman Tony Ferrari says he doesn’t want to support pittbulls and says he doesn’t think pulling is a sport.

Supporters of the event say dog pulling is open to a variety of breads.

The council will vote on Rodriguez’s request at the next meeting, one week from tomorrow.

Red Cross Dance Is Huge Success

A fundraiser the Illinois Valley chapter of the American Red Cross brought in more money than last year’s event.

Illinois Valley Chapter Executive Director Sarah Stasik says in its fifth year, the Have a Heart Dance and Auction netted nearly 10 thousand dollars more than last year’s dance. Stasik says after the bills are paid, they will have raised over 45 thousand dollars.  The dance was Saturday night at Senica’s Oak Ridge.  300 tickets were sold.

She attributes the increase to a larger donation from presenting sponsor, Miller Group Charitable Trust, and strong auction bids. Miller Group Media includes AM 1220 WLPO, 99-3 WAJK, 96-5 the Wolf, The Newstribune and AgriNews.

Heroin Bust In Spring Valley

Drug investigators say they were able to buy heroin from a Spring Valley woman.

Members of TRIDENT arrested Heather Graves Friday for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.  Investigators say she sold them heroin in Spring Valley.

Graves was taken to the county jail.

Area Man Picked Up For Punching Cop

A man from Hollowayville is accused of hauling off on a cop.

David Ponsetti was arrested Sunday night for aggravated battery to a police officer for allegedly punching an officer in the head.  The officer didn’t require treatment.  Ponsetti was also picked up for obstructing a peace officer and taken to the Bureau County Jail.

Cardia Smith of Spring Valley was arrested at the same incident for battery for allegedly hitting another woman.  She was released with a court date.

Scheri could be named Spring Valley fire marshall

Spring Valley’s former fire chief could receive a couple of new job titles.

The city council could name Gene Scheri as chief emeritus, an honorary position, and as fire marshal, a paid position.

Scheri was recently replaced by Todd Bogatitus as chief following a vote by firefighters.

The Spring Valley City Council meets at 7pm Monday.

Public meeting scheduled to gather ideas for Reddick Mansion

The Reddick Mansion has been a home, library, and a place for events.  If you have any ideas for the future of the landmark in Ottawa, bring them to a meeting Wednesday evening.

The city and the Peoples Economic Development Corporation are creating a comprehensive strategy for future uses of the mansion.  It’s part of the creation of a Downtown Ottawa Preservation Program.

A public meeting is being held at 6pm Wednesday in City Hall.  You’re welcome to bring your ideas.

Somonauk man arrested for domestic battery

Trouble in a trailer park in Somonauk has left a man arrested for domestic battery.  La Salle County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Country Side Estates Trailer Park early Sunday morning.

Loudon Hersleb was arrested for domestic battery and was taken to the county jail.  Police say an investigation continues and more charges are possible.

Police and firefighters search for missing Marseilles woman

The next step in the search for a missing woman from Marseilles is a ground search of the towpath.

Police and firefighters have been looking for 43 year old Susan Schultz since she was reported missing Wednesday by her mother.  Investigators searched the Illinois River near Marseilles over the weekend.  Schultz hasn’t been seen since March 18.

Police Chief Jim Hovious says a group will begin searching the area along the towpath 10am Wednesday.  They’ve been told Schultz used to walk in that area.

Investigators are concerned because Schutlz has a history of mental and physical disabilities.  She also has diabetes and would be in need of insulin.

Schultz is described as five foot six, weighing 200 pounds with brown hair and glasses.  If you have information, call the Marseilles Police Department.