Well Known Utica Businessman Running For Circuit Clerk

A local business owner and Utica Trustee wants a county government job.

Andrew Skoog of Utica filed election papers Wednesday to run for La Salle County Circuit Clerk as a Democrat. County Board member Bob Vickrey is running for circuit clerk as a Republican.

The filing deadline for the 2012 election is Monday.

Spring Valley man accused of tampering with prescriptions

Tampering with a prescription is a felony crime. And it’s what police say Dean Smedley of Spring Valley did. Smedley was arrested at his home Wednesday for unlawful acquisition of a controlled substance.
Police say he altered prescriptions that were used at a local pharmacy. He was being held in the Bureau County Jail with his bond set at $25,000.

Crack Cocaine Arrest In Streator

Another day, another drug arrest in the listening area.

Isaac Mackey of Streator was arrested Tuesday in Streator for allegedly selling less than 15 grams of crack cocaine to someone working with TRIDENT. He’s accused of having more crack cocaine with him so he was picked up on two counts of delivering drugs.

Mackey was taken to the county jail. He’s still there on 75 thousand dollars bond.

Man From Ottawa Dies After Jumping Into Fox River

Running from police proved to be fatal for a man in Ottawa.

51 year old Joseph Engel of Ottawa died at Ottawa Regional Hospital last night. He was taken there after rescuers pulled him out of the Fox River and revived him with CPR.

Investigators say Engle jumped in the river after an officer pulled him over for a warrant. The officer says Engle bit him on the hand and when he tried to put on handcuffs. Engle eventually jumped over a wall and into the river.

An autopsy was performed today.

Prosecutors Want Blagojevich In Prison For Several Years

CHICAGO (AP) – Federal prosecutors say Rod Blagojevich should be sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Blagojevich’s public office and background made him aware of the damage of public corruption. They say he deserves stiffer sentences than the 6 1/2 years given to former Gov. George
Ryan and the 10 years given to Tony Rezko, a former Blagojevich fundraiser. Blagojevich’s attorneys are expected to respond with their own recommendation later today.

Blagojevich was convicted of 18 corruption-related counts. He’ll be sentenced next week.

Semi Rollover Near McNabb

At least one person was hurt after a rollover crash this morning in Putnam County.

Emergency crews were called out to Route 600 North and Meridian Road northeast of McNabb just after 7am for a semi and car crash. A dispatcher said the semi rolled over.

One person was taken to the hospital while another refused medical treatment.

Illinois House Disses Occupy Movement

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois House has rejected a resolution in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement, with one lawmaker accusing protesters of “raping and pillaging.”

Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr. called the protesters “un-American.” The Mundelein Republican says he has seen reports of them “raping and pillaging and beating people up and murdering.” Democrat Frank Mautino voted to support the “occupy” resolution while Republican Pam Roth voted against.

It failed 37-58 Tuesday.

La Salle County Tax Bills Going Down

If you live in La Salle County, the county’s portion of your property tax bill should be less next year.

The county board has approved a budget with a tax rate that’s about two dollars less then this past year’s. The county is looking to collect a total of 24 million dollars in taxes next year, about a half million less than a year ago.

Board Chairman Jerry Hicks says many specific levies like the general fund have been capped and can’t be raised anymore.

County Board Races Shaping Up

Day two of candidate filing produced three new contested races for La Salle County Board.

Incumbent Democrat Matt McLaughlin of Peru filed his re-election papers but he’ll face a primary election challenge from Joseph Oscepinski Jr. also of Peru. A day after incumbent Democrat Herman “Bones” Bruns of Streator turned in his papers, Republican Mike Sheridan also of Streator announced his candidacy to take on Bruns. Incumbent Democrat Joe Panzica of Utica announced he’s seeking another term yesterday. He will likely face the winner of a primary election between Republican’s Tamra Bierbom of Utica and Tina Busch of Tonica.

Other incumbents turning in re-election papers Tuesday were Democrats Jill Bernal of Peru, Joseph Savitch of La Salle, Jim Olson of Seneca and Don Jordan of Streator. Republican incumbents filing yesterday were Catherine Owens of Sandwich and Elmer Walter of Grand Ridge.

Illinois House rejects business tax incentives

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois House overwhelmingly rejected a 250 million dollar package of tax breaks meant to help businesses and keep several major companies from leaving the state.

Only eight people voted for the package, while 99 opposed it today.

The financial exchange company CME Group Inc. and Sears Holdings Corp. have threatened to leave if they don’t get some tax relief.

Other companies across the state could benefit from an array of smaller tax credits in the bill. It also includes relief for individual taxpayers and low-income workers.

It passed the Senate earlier.