rescue at Starved Rock

AM 1220 WLPO is still working a story of a river rescue at Starved Rock Saturday afternoon.  It’s now believed one man jumped into the river from a cliff around 3:30 Saturday.  The unidentified man spent at least five minutes in the water before help arrived.  He is now in an area hospital.  Utica Fire received the call around 3:30.  Conservation police will have more details later.

IVCC to hold Christmas concert

Local college students are in the Christmas spirit and want to share it with you.

Illinois Valley Community College’s choir and show choir will perform in a winter carnival, “The Holidays Around the World” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 in the Cultural Center.  Admission is free.

Any defiance could hurt Blagojevich at sentencing

CHICAGO (AP) – Rod Blagojevich’s demeanor when he steps before a sentencing judge may partly determine how long he spends in prison for corruption.

The impeached Illinois governor has insisted he is innocent of charges including trying to barter the Senate seat Barack Obama was vacating to become president. But legal experts say even a hint of obstinacy at the hearing starting Tuesday could anger the judge.

Prosecutors have requested Blagojevich get 15 to 20 years in prison. His defense says under federal guidelines he should get between 3 1/2 to a little more than 4 years and presented reasons why he should get less.

Many experts say Blagojevich is likely to get around 10 years. More would make it one of the harshest penalties for corruption in Illinois’ history of crooked politics.

Hammers Purchases Former Children Store

If you grew up in La Salle, there’s a chance your mother once bought you a new dress or sweater from Gloria’s Children Shop.  The store has been closed for years and until recently the merchandise remained in the downtown La Salle storefront.

Gary Hammers purchased the two-story building this week. While walking through the now empty space, he  says he envisions for an upstairs apartment.

Water damage has left the ceiling and floor damaged but Hammers says they’ll be able to remove that and install insulation.

He wants to attract a business to fill the first floor that ‘s not quite the same without the racks of clothing.  The old linoleum tile floor will likely be covered when he gets a tenant, and the tin ceiling could be restored.

Hammers owns other buildings on First Street, including the former Jupiter’s and La Salle National Bank.

Crimestoppers Pays Out Reward For Coleman

Having information that helped the police came with a reward for a couple of people who called Illinois Valley Crimestoppers when police were looking for a purse snatcher.

Crimestoppers paid out $100 dollars cash to two people who called in with tips in the arrested of Christoper Coleman of La Salle.  Police think Coleman strong-armed purses away from women leaving two taverns in La Salle last month.  He faces felony robbery charges.