La Salle considers ban on leaf burning

Are you a bagger or a burner?  The people of La Salle have options when it comes to what do with leaves.  They can use the leaf vac service, bags their leaves or burn them, though some people think it’s time to do away with burning.

The Public Health Committee went back on forth on the topic Monday evening.  Alderman John Duncan says the committee agrees that leaf burning brings health concerns and fire hazards.

One idea is to limit burning to specifics days.  Another is to issue permits to allow burning for properties that can’t be reached by the leaf vac.

Duncan says they want to hear from people in La Salle before they change the rules on burning.  The committee will talk about it more when they meet before the council meeting on January 9^th.

Drive-thru coffee shop planned for La Salle

Coffee lovers, you’ll soon have another option for grabbing a cup of joe and you won’t even have to get out of your car.

The parking lot on Joliet Street in La Salle south of Save-a-lot will be the new home of Bean Box Espresso.  The self-contained shop specializes in drive-thru coffee.

The city is selling the lot to Holly Iversen for just less than $20,000.  No word yet on when it will open.

Quinn urges Illinois Senate to act on tax breaks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Gov. Pat Quinn says he commends the Illinois House for passing tax breaks.

Quinn said in a statement Monday afternoon that he encourages the Illinois Senate “to take swift action” on Tuesday. The House approved two tax measures on Monday. One allows tax breaks for businesses, including big names that are threatening to leave Illinois. The other measure was aimed at poor and middle-class families.

Quinn says the package will “bring much-needed relief” to families and help employers “put more people back to work.”

The tax package includes aid for Sears and financial exchanges such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. It also includes broader tax breaks, like a credit for research and development and a more generous method of writing off losses.

Winning lottery ticket sold in Princeton

One million dollars would sure be nice.  That’s how much a Bureau County woman has won from the Illinois Lottery scratch off ticket, Cash Spectacular.

The $10 ticket was purchased on December 3 at Beck’s West in Princeton.  The woman’s name hasn’t been posted yet.  Store manager Woody Partain says they’ve had winners before been never for that much.

Rash Of Vehicle Vandalism In Peru And La Salle

Here’s something that will get your blood boiling. Having your car or truck vandalized.

Peru and La Salle Police are investigating several reports of vehicles being damaged Saturday night into Sunday morning. Investigators say someone or some people were breaking side view mirrors all over town. Police say a white, older 90’s model Dodge Durango was seen driving away from one of the scenes.

If you have information, call Peru or La Salle Police of Illinois Valley Crime Stoppers.

Boy Shot With BB Gun In Oglesby

Would you trust a young teenager with a bb gun?

A 13 year old boy in Oglesby was arrested Saturday evening for shooting another boy in the leg with a bb gun. It allegedly happened in the 400 block of East Walnut Street.

The teen was arrested for battery and reckless conduct. He was released to his parents.

Streator Woman Killed In Wisconsin

WAUPUN, Wis. (AP) – A head-on crash in Wisconsin killed a woman from Streator.

A sheriff’s report says 39-year-old Christopher Leurquin of Wisconsin and 22-year-old Thea Mojzych of Streator were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the crash happened late Saturday in the town of Waupun.

Leurquin lost control of his car, swerved into oncoming traffic and slammed into Mojzych’s car. Mojzych’s passenger, Rodrick Harris of Oak Park was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.

The sheriff’s report says neither speed nor alcohol is considered a factor in the crash.

Food Pantry Gearing Up For Christmas Distribution

You’ve got 13 days left to prepare for a Christmas feast. At the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in La Salle, they’re preparing to provide 750 families with Christmas meals.

Executive Director Donna Hess says the Christmas menu is similar to the Thanksgiving offering. Suggested food donations include instant potatoes, stuffing, canned corn and fruit and ham.
Wednesday is the last day families having a hard time can sign up to be part of the Christmas distribution. The distribution will be Saturday from 10 until 3.

The pantry is closed December 24th thru January 2nd.

Time To Light Tree Of Hope

800 bulbs equal 40 thousand dollars for Horizon House.

The strands of lights have been hung on the Tree of Hope on Plank Road and the first strand will be lit later today. Carol Fesco with Horizon House says they light stands on the tree as they receive donations. For every 50 dollars that is donated, they’ll light a bulb.

Rod Thorson will broadcast from the Tree of Hope lighting ceremony this afternoon.