“Red Coats” celebrates 25th anniversary

Visit Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru and you’ll likely see a one of “the Red Coats” helping someone to their car.

The Volunteer Escort Service group has been making it easier for people leaving the hospital since 1987.  Thursday they celebrated their 25^th anniversary.

A plaque including the names the 140 people who have been part of the group was dedicated in the hospital’s East Addition.

Person taken to IVCH after a machine accident in La Salle

A machine accident had paramedics called to ABC Wire in La Salle.  The initial report came in shortly before 12pm Thursday for a person who had possibly suffered significant injuries.

A woman at the company declined to comment.

Lt. Brian Zeller with La Salle Fire and Ambulance says the person was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital.  You’ll hear more as it’s made available.

January was a popular month for Starved Rock State Park

Winter might be the tourism off-season for many destinations, but not at Starved Rock State Park.

Bald Eagle Watch Weekend helped the park attract $112,000 visitors last month.  Kathy Casstevens Jasiek with Starved Rock Lodge says that’s the third-best January on record.

Online Drive To Keep Peru Jewel Open

Are you upset about Jewel closing in Peru?  You can show your displeasure by signing an online petition.

A petition has been started on www.change.org to save the Jewel store in Peru.  As of this morning, 18 people had signed the petition which says the Illinois Valley needs the Jewel for employment and groceries.

The petition is directed at Jewel’s parent company, SuperValu.

Major Pot Bust Near Peru

Another day, another large pot bust on Interstate 80.

Cara Ringland of California was pulled over Tuesday afternoon near Peru.  She was allegedly hauling over 160 pounds of cannabis and was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

Ringland was taken to the county jail.  The arrest was made by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s new drug squad.

Congressional Battle Heats Up

Money may not win an election but it sure helps.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger is declaring a fundraising victory over his primary election opponent, fellow congressman Don Manzullo.  Kinzinger’s camp say they raised nearly 286 thousand dollars the last three months of 2011, or 68 percent more than Manzullo.

Kinzinger says he has more than 651 thousand dollars in his campaign war chest.