Princeton’s new water treatment plant

Construction is set to start on a new water treatment plant in Princeton.

The News-Tribune reports that the new 4 million-gallon-per-day plant should be finished by fall of 2013. The city’s existing plant was built in 1930 with updates in 19 64 and 1999.

The cost is $23.5 million.

Duckworth promotion

Tammy Duckworth now holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. The Illinois National Guard promoted the Iraq War veteran and congressional candidate yesterday at a ceremony in Springfield. The Hoffman Estates Democrat is seeking office in the newly drawn 8th District in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

Operation Christmas Child

No one wants a child empty-handed on Christmas Day. There are many locally, but one claims to be the largest Christmas project in the World. Grace Bible Fellowship on Shooting Park Road in Peru is collecting for “Operation Christmas Child” – an effort claiming to have hand-delivered 86 million gifts to kids worldwide since 1993. The goal is to fill empty shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. The collection will reach its peak the week of November 14. Grace Bible Fellowship is accepting donations during work hours weekdays, 10 – 3 Saturdays and 1 – 3 Sundays. Operation Christmas Child is a project of the Christian group “Samaritan’s Purse”.

Streator Unlimited

A benefit to help “Streator Unlimited” allows you to meet vendors and Ottawa’s Gene Enke known as “The Cakerator”. “Food for Thought” is 11 – 3 Saturday in Streator High School. General admission is $15 and each ticket holder will receive a “goodie bag”. Thirty vendors will participate. If you want to be a vendor at the show, call Carrie Hrasch – 673-2050.

Eagle release

A northern Illinois wildlife rehabilitation center is preparing to release two baby eagles into the wild after the pair survived an 85-foot fall from their nest. The Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will hold a ceremony for the male birds at Starved Rock State Park in Utica. They will be released on November 12th.

Food for Fines

Got a fine to pay for an overdue book…well, some libraries are trying to cut you a break. Libraries in LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Spring Valley, IVCC, Mendota and Putnam County will accept canned or boxed non-perishable food to eliminate or reduce your fine. “Food for Fines” will be in effect the first two full weeks of the month. Each food item will be considered equal to a dollar in library fines…with a limit to $25 accepted. Donating food may not be used for lost or damaged books or replacement of cards. Food must be in its original container. Illinois Valley, Hall Township, Mendota and Putnam County Food Pantries will benefit from the donations

Sample wines Friday

LaSalle and Peru Fire departments invite you to sample wines this Friday evening at Seneca’s Oak Ridge. Wines from across the world will be at your fingertips starting at 6pm for a charge of $15 per head. Tickets can be obtained at Rudy’s Liquors or either Fire Department. Tickets at the door will be $20.

Vet’s parade in Utica

 

In a few short years, the Village of Utica has managed to organize memorable Veteran’s Day parades. Today’s should be no exception. Veterans can enjoy a breakfast till Noon at the Community building. Military vehicles and a “flyover” are part of this year’s parade ending at the Danny Carey Memorial for a memorial service. Lanny Slevin and Rod Thorson will ride in the parade starting at 1pm in Utica.