Teen suspected of starting a fire in Amboy

Just as two teens were accused in the Westclox fire in Peru, a teen is suspected of starting a fire that’s destroyed a business in Amboy.

A laundromat and attached apartment and shed were destroyed by the fire Wednesday evening.  Amboy Fire Chief Frank Stenzel says it was ablaze by the time they arrived and took them almost 40 minutes to knock down.  The Illinois State Fire Marshall Office determined it was suspicious.  A 14 year old has been arrested.

In the case of the Westclox fire, a 15-year old boy from Peru pleaded guilty last month to aggravated arson.

Another teen, 17-year old Steven Gallacher of La Salle, goes to trial March 5^th. 

Free ‘Lincoln Tomato’ seeds to capitol visitors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – There’s even a tomato named for the 16th president and you can get some seeds this week for free.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer “Lincoln Tomato” seeds to visitors of Springfield’s Old State Capitol from Sunday through Presidents Day.

The Lincoln Tomato is an heirloom variety dating to its 1920s development in Rockford. The giveaway has its roots in Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s visit to the historic site last year as part of the department’s 150th birthday.

President Abraham Lincoln signed a law making the Agriculture Department a cabinet-level position in 1862.

The agency is offering the seeds as part of a national challenge to encourage gardening.

Historically themed “Peoples Gardens” will be planted on the old capitol square this summer.

Mr. LP to be crowned tonight

Tired of beauty pageants?  You might get a kick out of the competition at LP High School Saturday night.  A group of boys will be vying for the Mr. LP title.

The annual pageant takes into account talent, formal wear, question and answer; and fundraising.

It’s being held at 7pm in Matthiessen Auditorium.  Doors will open at 6:15pm.  Tickets are $3.  Proceeds from fundraising will be split between the Illinois Valley Food Pantry and Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.  Door money will go to the student council.

Water main break and boil order affecting service in Peru

Little or no water pressure means there’s a main break somewhere.  Crews in Peru were repairing a large water main break in the area of 12^th Street and Westclox Avenue.  It was discovered Friday night.

Because of the break, many of the homes on east end of town are included in a boil order.  The area spans from Pulaski Street east to the city limits and from 7^th Street north to Shooting Park Road until further notice.