Area Firefighters Help With Bar Fire Near Lake Holiday

Earlville and Serena Fire Departments are among those being called to help put out a restaurant fire in Sandwich.

A place called The Warehouse caught fire around 9 this morning.  It’s on east 29^th Road east of Lake Holiday.

According to its address, the fire is near the now closed Mongo’s on Main Restaurant in Sandwich that was owned by Chicago Bear great Steve McMichael.

Murder Trial Takes Extended Weekend Break

The murder trial of Keith Mackowiak is on an extended break.

Judge H. Chris Ryan recessed the trial until Tuesday morning.  Monday is a county holiday for President’s Day so the courts are closed.  Ryan didn’t give any reason why there is no testimony today even though he still planned to talk with State’s Attorney Brian Towne and Mackowiak attorney Gerald Kielian.

Towne called the last of his 49 witnesses yesterday before playing a confession tape of Mackowiak to the jury.  Kielian could call his first witness Tuesday.

He’s made no indication if Mackowiak will take the stand.

Mardi Gras Time In Utica

It’s time to party again in Utica.

The village is hosting a Mardi Gras of their own, only without the debauchery you see in New Orleans.   The 8^th annual parade is family friendly and lasts about a half hour.

The parade starts tomorrow at six on Mill Street. Many of the downtown businesses will have live music or specials after the parade.

Jaimie London from 99.3 WAJK broadcasts live from downtown Utica Saturday starting at 4:30.

Strip Club Tax Proposed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – It could soon cost more to go to the Silver Slipper or Lamp Liter in Ottawa.

A state lawmaker wants to impose a $5 tax on admissions to Illinois strip clubs as a way of raising money for sexual assault prevention. Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson of Olympia Fields says businesses that profit from selling liquor and displaying women should chip in to help protect women.

Club owners strongly object to the plan. They argue the tax could put smaller strip joints out of business and their employees out of work.