Christmas morning fire damages Peru home

It was a warm and toasty Christmas morning at a home in Peru but not in a good way.  Firefighters were called to a home on 3^rd Street Sunday for an upstairs bathroom fire.

While the fire was extinguished quickly, the home was left was some damage.  The cause appears to be accidental.

Crime Tip Line For Students Set Up In Ottawa

If a student at Ottawa High School notices a problem, there’s a new way to tell police about it.

The school is working with the Ottawa Police Department in using a tip system called Tip 411. It’s a lot like Crime Stoppers where students can give police tips but remain anonymous.

One difference from Crime Stoppers is that Tip 411 won’t mean cash rewards for student tipsters.

Holiday Closures Continue Today

Closures for the Christmas holiday will continue through part of this week.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says all driver services facilities will remain closed on Monday. He says they’ll reopen Tuesday.

State officials say you can still visit the Secretary of State’s website to change an address, register to become an organ and tissue donor or renew license plate stickers by mail.

There’s also no mail today because it’s a federal holiday.

Annual Christmas Tree Pickup In Ottawa

Ready to put Christmas in the rearview mirror and rid yourself of the tree?

The city of Ottawa is once again offering a Christmas tree disposal program for people living in Ottawa. You can bring your trees to the Riordan Pool parking lot Saturday, January 7th. Trees will be taken from 9a-3p but can be left in the pool parking lot in advance.

The city provides bags to whoever wants to take chips for mulch. The disposal is free.

Area Shelter Voted Best In Illinois

Awards keep rolling in for area animal shelters.

Earlier in the month, Chris Ellberg with Illinois Valley Animal Rescue won a five thousand dollar “Hometown Hero” contest with Culver’s. Now there’s word that Friends of Strays shelter in Princeton has won a thousand dollars for being voted the top Illinois Animal Rescue site.

The cash can be used for care and rescue of pets.