Political Debate Over Area Gun Range Heats Up

Which side do you stand on when it comes to the dispute between the state and the Buffalo Range Shooting Park?

In filing a restraining order to keep the range closed, Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office said the range “failed to respond to repeated demands to address safety standards at the gun range”.  The state says Conservation Police first investigated complaints of bullets from the range and passing thru Buffalo Rock and the I&M Canal trail.

However the website of the shooting range tells a different story.  A message on the site says the recent restraining order is in reference to “unsubstantiated claims of projectiles leaving the range and impacting park property”.  The website goes on to say the closure is “nothing more than a malicious extension of the liberal anti-gun agenda in Springfield”.

Deer Hunter In Streator Gets In Trouble

A man from Streator is accused of hunting deer illegally.

Conservation Police have dished out several tickets to Greg Cravatta.  He’s accused of unlawful archery hunting without a valid permit, hunting without a license, unlawful taking of a whitetail deer without a proper stamp, failure to immediately tag a deer upon a kill, and unlawful taking of a whitetail deer.

The alleged illegal hunting dates back to 2010 and was done in Livingston County.

Mesarchik Case Still Unsolved

It was nine years ago today that 7-year old Dalton Mesarchik of Streator was reported missing to the Streator Police Department.  The following day, his body was found in the Vermilion River south of Streator.

The Illinois State Police say the case is still a priority and they continue to follow up on all existing and new leads.  Lieutenant Tad Williams says they’ve investigated 18 hundred tips and nearly 500 pieces of evidence they’ve tested.

There is still a 50 thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people who murdered Mesarchik.

Have a Heart Dance recap

They’re counting the money raised from Saturday’s “Have a Heart” dance at Seneca’s Oak Ridge. Two hundred forty-five tickets were sold to benefit the Illinois Valley Chapter of the America Red Cross with a fundraising goal of 60-thousand dollars. Last year, 52,000 was raised. The event is sponsored by Miller Group Charitable Trust and Miller Group Media – comprised of AM 1220 WLPO, 993 WAJK, 96-5 The Wolf, News Tribune, and Agri-News. A total should be known in a couple of days.

ID in train fatality

The man who was struck by a train in Morris Friday night has been identified. Morris County Coroner John Callahan said 22-year old Abe Black of Morris was identified through finger prints. Callahan said Black was on the CSX tracks two hundred feet east of the Route 47 crossing when he was struck. According to Callahan, the train, based out of Iowa, was equiped with video equipment. That recording will be reviewed by Callahan as soon as possible.

St. Baldricks at Jeremiah Joes

St. Baldrick’s Ottawa area fundraisers this year will get close to last year’s totals. Rita Chovan, Ottawa coordinator, brought the event to Jeremiah Joe’s in Ottawa nine years ago. At that location Saturday, 16 stylists shave one hundred thirty heads in four hours. Chovan thinks she raised 45,000 between on-line donations and store collections Saturday. With 13-thousand from private school events, it makes the grand total close to 60-thousand. That compares to 64,000 thousand last year. There were tears as some heads were shaved Saturday. Chovan said it wasn’t out of fear but …. rememberance. St. Baldricks raises funds to fight childhood cancer through research and other activities. Their website is st baldricks dot org.

Snowmobile driver gets tickets

Here’s a story to talk over the grill today. 33-year old Chad Cole of Oglesby got a bunch of tickets driving over yards and Oglesby streets just after midnight Saturday. He was stopped in the 400 block of North School about 12:30am, but Cole wasn’t driving a car or truck…but rather…a snowmobile. Cole posted bond for criminal damage to property, driving an uninsured vehicle, operating a snowmobile too close to a dwelling before 6am and operating a snowmobile on a roadway AND on private property without permission.

You’re elected…now resign

The old saying goes that in Chicago, even the dead get to vote. As the recent primary proves, even the arrested get elected. One week after facing a federal bribery charge, state Representative Derrick Smith has won the Democratic primary by a landslide. Now Democratic leaders want him to resign amid a U.S. House investigation. But Smith’s supporters say he’s innocent until proven guilty and should stay.

Fall at Starved Rock

Utica Fire Chief Gary Gbur and Sgt. Robert Frazier of the Conservation Police agree on two things. Starved Rock is beautiful and…. you’re safer on its trails. A 19-year Atkinson woman, however, did not take that advice. Danielle Stogsdill followed 20-year old Travis Ashley down the side of Owl Canyon about 3pm Saturday. Stogsdill lost her footing and fell forty feet. Gbur said paramedics and rescuers repelled down and carried the two up the wall and out of the canyon. Frazier said Stogsdill was life-flighted to St. Francis Hospital. She’s reported in fair condition. Ashley will be cited with unlawful climbing and being in a restricted area. Stogsdill could also face charges.

Welcome Olive Garden Monday

How does the recession affect you? Will you forget about that Monday night and attend the Olive Garden opening after 4pm? The Olive Garden at Peru Marketplace is one of 7-hundred fifty in the U.S. The chain is known for their salad and breadsticks, and pasta, but does serve steaks and seafood. General Manager Karen Shelton has found our area most friendly and willing to help. The grand opening is 4pm Monday. Olive Garden will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4 then at eleven Friday, Saturday and Sunday.