Fallen Soldiers Tree Memorial dedicated during Veteran’s Day ceremony

Two years after the first trees were planted, Governor Pat Quinn officially dedicated the Fallen Soldiers Tree Memorial in Marseilles.

Quinn visited Marseilles Friday afternoon.  He calls the area on the west end of Illini State Park a solemn place.  He said the over 200 oak trees in the memorial represent heroes.  Quinn also urged everyone to thank a veteran everyday not just on Veteran’s Day.

Steve Massey of IDOT was the man behind the memorial.  He says he always wanted to give something back to his country.  Massey asked visitors not to take the memorial and its surroundings for granted, saying the solid ground was fought for by veterans.

The trees represent Illinois soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Spring Valley to host “Christmas in the Valley”

The Mayflower hasn’t even reached shore, but it’s time for “Christmas in the Valley.”   Crafts, kid’s stuff, and other activities will be set up at different spots including the mini park, library, city hall and St. Margaret’s Gift Shop Saturday morning and afternoon.

 

Police search for purse snatcher

A bar parking lot at closing time can be sketchy.  A woman leaving Jake’s Pour House on 9^th Street in La Salle early Thursday morning had her purse grabbed by a man that came up from behind her.

Police officers from La Salle and Peru searched the area using their dogs but couldn’t find the robber.  If you have any information call Illinois Valley Crimestoppers.

Treasurer Trying To Reunite Veterans With Their Medals

If you know a veteran living in Ottawa named Phillip Courtney, the state has something belonging to him.

Courtney is one of 70 people that State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says are rightful owners of around 200 war medals, awards, ribbons and dog tags.  These things are considered unclaimed property and are being kept inside a vault in Springfield.

If you know Courtney or any other veteran’s who could have missing military items, call the state treasurer’s office.

Major Cash Seizure In Peru

Some drugs and a whole lot of cash found this morning after a car was pulled over in Peru.

Police say they stopped Miguel Castellano-Mosedo on Interstate 80 for a minor traffic issue.  A search of his car allegedly turned up over a gram of cocaine and 40 thousand dollars.  Castellano-Mosedo was arrested for possession of cocaine.  The cash will be forfeited and its future decided in the La Salle County Circuit Court.

Castellano-Mosedo is from New Jersey.  He was taken to the county jail.