Earlier start time for La Salle City Council meeting

It’s going to be a long meeting for the La Salle City Council.  Instead of beginning at 7pm Monday, the meeting will begin at 5pm so they can hear proposals from companies looking to develop Rotary Park.

They also plan to talk about downtown parking.  Half a year a ago they made changes to street parking and a couple of lots in hopes of fixing some of the problems businesses were facing.

Local Village Clerk Arrested

When hiring someone to take care of your finances, make sure they’re trustworthy.

Nearly a month after resigning as Sheridan’s village clerk, Veronica Clemens was arrested Saturday for theft and official misconduct.  She’s accused of stealing over 10 thousand dollars from the village over a three-year period.

Clemens is accused of using a village credit card for personal expenses like clothes, gas and a towing bill.  She allegedly took money from Sheridan’s Veteran’s Memorial Fund to try and cover the credit card charges.

Clemens was taken to the county jail.

Road Construction In Princeton

A main drag in Princeton will be getting some work done to it.

Resurfacing of Routes 26 and 34, or Main Street is supposed to start today.  The work area goes from Peru to Clark Street.  Besides resurfacing, sidewalk ramps will be replaced at some intersections.

Advanced Asphalt of Princeton is doing the work for over 400 thousand dollars.  They expect to finish by the end of September.

No Prison For Former Neighborhood Watch Leader

Not having a criminal record has helped a former local neighborhood watch director avoid prison.

Troy Westerhold of Streator was sentenced to 46 days in jail and five years in probation for possessing child pornography.  He admitted to having lewd pictures of an underage girl.  Judge H. Chris Ryan chose not to give him prison saying the crime was serious but Westerhold has no rap sheet.

Westerhold was president of the Streator Neighborhood Watch group before getting arrested in March.

LP Band Ice Cream Social

The new school year draws ever closer. The LP Band will perform and serve cake and ice cream this next Sunday in Hegeler Park in LaSalle. The “ice cream social” will be from 1 – 3 at the shelter near the pool. The band, under the direction of Kyle Adelmann will perform their half time show, “Elvis” as well as other selections.

IV-CIL parents evening out

Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IV-CIL) is offering help to parents whose children may have a disability. It’s called “Parents Evening Out” and provides socializing, information sharing, resources, table games and snacks. It will be 6 – 8pm August 18 at the IV-CIL facility on St. Vincent’s Avenue in LaSalle, just south of Racugglia drive. Register by the 17th by calling IV-CIL or on-line at ivcil dot com. IV-CIL is a non-profit service and advocacy agency assisting persons with disabilities. It serves LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties.

Bureau Co fair museum

Does every fair have its own museum? Bureau County Fair started theirs in 2005 and it’s returning. Interesting items like awards or displays from past fairs, ag related items and collections are being sought to display during the Bureau County Fair the 24th – 28th. Security will be provided around the clock while the museum is open. If you have something of interest to show in the museum, contact Nancy Roach at 699-3160.

Chicago bicyclist killed

Authorities have identified a 25-year-old woman who was killed after she fell off her bicycle and was run over by a dump truck in downtown Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as Jacqueline Marie Michon. Chicago police and witnesses say Michon was at a red light between the truck and a sedan Friday night when she lost her balance and fell under the truck. The truck then ran her over when the light changed. Police say someone flagged down the truck driver, who stopped.  Police continue to investigate the accident.

Central States Tourney opens

The Central States Senior League Regional Tournament commenced Saturday. Our local District 20 team, The Peru All-Stars won over Wisconsin 4 – 0. District 20 plays twice Sunday in Oglesby. They face Iowa at 2 and Michigan at 7pm. Play is going on each day at two sites: Washington Park in Peru and Dickinson Field in Oglesby. Other Saturday winners include Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa and Michigan.

Ottawa Riverfest wraps up

Today is the final day for Ottawa Riverfest. LaSalle County Cruisers Car show will occur in the 600 Block of East Norris Drive. “Taste of Ottawa” and “Art in the Park” will continue. The “Riverfest Parade”will step off on Madison Street at 1pm….march to LaSalle street, thru the downtown area to Lafayette Street and end at Rigden Park. 99-3 WAJK is sponsoring closing night entertainment from “Crash” and “Hi Infidelity”.