Tax before they strip?

Illinois legislators are looking at an unexpected source of money to reverse cuts in sexual assault services – strip clubs. The idea is to impose a $5 tax on every customer and create a fund to prevent sexual violence and counsel victims. Supporters say strip clubs contribute to crime and violence, so it makes sense. The proposal awaits a floor vote. But the legislation raises questions, among them: Do strip clubs contribute to crime, particularly violence against women? Sponsor Sen. Toi Hutchinson is careful not to go too far in linking the clubs and violence.Some studies suggest there’s a correlation between strip clubs, alcohol and violence against women. But not every study reaches similar conclusions, and some people are against blaming strip clubs for general increases in crime.

Heart Dance this Saturday

The Illinois Valley Chapter of the Red Cross hopes you’ll have a heart this Saturday. Miller Group Charitable Trust and Miller Group Media are presenting sponsors for the annual “Have a Heart Dance and Auction” at Seneca’s Oak Ridge. Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres, seafood and dessert bars with doors opening at 5:30. Steve Sharp and “Wake the Sheep” will perform from 8 – 11pm. Donation is fifty dollars each or one hundred dollars per couple. Chef Tim Bucci of the Joliet Junior College School of Culinary Arts will be on the program as well. Contact the Red Cross in Peru if you’d like to attend.

St. Baldrick’s in Ottawa Saturday

Almost 16-thousand eight hundred dollars. That’s the amount raised so far for the St. Baldrick’s hair shaving Saturday at Jeremy Joe’s in Ottawa. That word from local organizer, Rita Chovan. Top individual money raiser is Julie Threadgill with 22-hundred eighty dollars. Chovan says the top team, so far, is Team Annabelle with 35-hundred seventy-five dollars pledged. 993 WAJK’s Jon Shap will broadcast live from the Saturday event at 807 LaSalle Street. If you’re interested in donating or being a shavee, visit Stbaldricks dot org.

Talking with Thornton

It will come down to Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum in the Illinois primary this Tuesday. Susan Thornton is the chairman of the LaSalle County Republicans. She told AM 1220 WLPO news she plans to be with the Romney campaign today (Sunday) in Peoria and believes Newt Gingrich hasn’t campaigned enough in the state. Thornton believes Newt Gingrich should bow out to help Republicans regain the White House in November. A four man race, she says, could hurt the party. Thornton also told AM 1220 WLPO news, Republicans have to look to the future reaching out and electing young people. Thornton thinks Santorum’s conservative leanings could chase away women and Independents this November if he wins the party’s nomination. Thornton believes the party must on the economy and jobs now putting social issues to the side for now.

Romney calls for firings

Mitt Romney is telling President Barack Obama to fire his top energy advisers. The Republican primary front-runner is pointing specifically at Energy SecretarySteven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Lisa Jackson, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator Romney called them Obama’s “gas hike trio” and accused them of “working like crazy” to raise gas prices yesterday in the St. Louis suburb of Collinsville, Illinois.

Santorum in Dixon Monday

If you want to get close to one of the Republican presidential candidates, your best chance could be Monday. Rick Santorum is planning a noon rally in Dixon in front of the Ronald Reagan statue along the city’s riverfront. It’s called a “Rally for Rick”. Santorum also has stops planned Monday in Rockford, Moline and East Peoria. Candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have spent time in the suburbs while Ron Paul held a rally earlier this week at U of I.

Delaney’s reopening

Cooks, waitresses and dish hands all took on different roles in the past two weeks at a popular Oglesby eatery. While Delaney’s Restaurant closed for what the owners call a “facelift”, employees helped with cleaning and other preparations ahead of a Monday morning opening. The dining area has been repainted and booths against the outside walls rest on a platform. Changing tables have been installed in both restrooms, Marc Delaney says they will re-open at 6am Monday. Regular hours will be 6 – 10pm daily. It was 20 years ago this month that Delaney’s opened.

30th Annual Farm Toy Show

They estimate seven thousand people may have visited Saturday…but Sublette is gearing up for more today. The 30th annual Farm Toy Show will have a breakfast in the morning, full size antique tractors on display, giveaways, train displays and vendors in several buildings from 9 – 3. Bean Stephenitch, one of the show managers, says, as far as the weather, it’s one of their better shows.