LaHood’s son on trial

Nineteen Americans, including the son of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, from Peoria, face trial in Egypt for allegedly being involved in banned activities and illegally receiving foreign funds. Security officials say the Americans are among 43 people who’ve been referred to trial before a criminal court as part of an investigation into groups promoting democracy and human rights. Egypt’s military rulers have accused “foreign hands” of being behind protests against them.

St. Baldrick’s March return

Going bald before warm weather might be a good idea. But, many are doing it this March to fund research into childhood cancers. Rita Chovan works with St. Baldrick’s foundation – the volunteer driven charity that asks everyone to shave in support of children who lose their hair undergoing cancer treatments. Chovan says adult cancer treatments can’t be used for a child. Three year old Anabelle Threadgill of Ottawa was treated for a tumor with funds from St. Baldricks. Private school money raisers will be held in Seneca and Ottawa Township high schools and Wallace Grade school in the first half of March. A public head-shaving event will be 10am March 24th at Jeremiah Joe’s in Ottawa. You can register at st.baldricks dot org.

Mendota basement fire

You arrive home after 10:30 Saturday night and discover smoke. This is what happen to renters living at 807 Chicago street in Mendota. They called Mendota firemen and then got out of the house. Four trucks and fifteen firemen – some from Troy Grove – extinguished a fire in part of the basement. Mendota fireman Randy Simpson was at the scene. Simpson said a wooden counter top was burning and sent smoke throughout the two story older style house. Simpson believes the cause was electrical. Firemen helped air out the house and left about 12:15am. The names of the renters and the owner of the house could not be released immediately.

Mackowiak trial starts Monday

A man accused of killing an elderly Seneca couple four and one half years ago will see his trial start Monday. Mackowiak – now 44 years old – is accused of bludgeoning Catherine and Al Twardowski to death during a break-in of their residence. Mackowiak got the public defender excused from the case in 2010, but, according to the News Tribune, Ryan appointed Joliet attorney Gerald Kielian to represent Mackowiak. Mackowiak was on the verge of getting Kielian removed but changed his mind Friday in a hearing before Judge Ryan. Mackowiak could face life in prison if convicted.

Governor handles his cinnamon

Gov. Pat Quinn has not only survived a “Cinnamon Challenge,” but, he did it on live radio. Quinn appeared Friday with Jonathon Brandmeier. The governor says that in a “weak moment” he accepted the challenge to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon. The “Cinnamon Challenge” is an old stunt that’s been revived by people who are posting their attempts to complete it on YouTube. A video shows an apparently unfazed Quinn downing the cinnamon, chewing for a while then taking a swig of water. When prompted, he even manages to recite one of his phrases: “The will of the people will be the law of the land.” At an event later in the day, Quinn said he’s sure he’s a better man for it.

Halverson challenging Jackson, Jr.

A former congresswoman and one-time Mary Kay saleswoman is giving Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. the first Democratic challenge of his career. Debbie Halvorson, who is white, is taking on the son of the iconic civil rights leader in a district that has been held by a black congressman for three decades. Halvorson believes Jackson is vulnerable because of recent ethics scandals and a new political map that adds more rural areas and white voters to Jackson’s district on Chicago’s South Side. Halvorson has hired an African American community relations consultant, scored endorsements from ministers and is visiting up to five black churches every Sunday. The primary is shaping up as one of the most heated contests in the March 20 primary.

LS City Council – Chickens

Between the wastewater treatment plant and a request to break curb, there’s the issue of raising chickens in LaSalle. All can be found on Monday’s City Council docket. At the last meeting, the council reversed itself and voted to allow the raising of chickens, but also passed the issue to the Public Health and License committees for their recommendation. Those committees will report Monday night and may suggest keeping things as they are or ban the fowl from the city. The council will vote also to authorize payment to Sjostrom and Sons in the amount of 1-hundred eighty-eight thousand dollars for Waste Water treatment plant system improvements. Nico Valaris will be appointed temporary Deputy Clerk at Monday night’s meeting.

Teen hits Mom

Apparently it was Mom who called LaSalle police Friday afternoon when her 19-year old daughter was out of control. Tia Rose of LaSalle was arrested for striking her Mother in the face and kicking her in the leg. Rose was taken to the county jail.