Truck knocks down utility lines in Peru

You have to be careful when you’re driving a big truck.  Police believe a bucket truck of some sort knocked down power and other utility lines around 4pm Monday on Calhoun Street.

Surrounding homes were without electricity, phone and cable until the lines were repaired.

 

March for Babies raises $185,000

A little rain didn’t hold back support for the annual “March for Babies” event in Peru.   Around 900 people walked yesterday raising more than $185,000 for the March for Dimes.   The top corporate team fundraisers were Advantage Logistics, Technisand and HCC.

Streator Man Accused Of Robbing Gas Station

It didn’t take Streator Police long to arrive at a gas station that was robbed.

Christopher Wyatt of Streator was arrested for armed robbery minutes after he allegedly went into a Circle K, showed a knife and stole cash, cigarettes and alcohol late Sunday night.  Streator Police arrested him outside of the store.

Wyatt was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Ottawa Man Still Missing

Why would a man from Ottawa not return home?  That’s the question on the minds of many as police and family members look for Chris Strobel.

The husband and father of two children was last seen early Saturday morning walking in downtown Ottawa.  Police Chief Brian Zeilmann says after a huge search Sunday, Monday was all about police work.  He says Strobel’s family told police he skipped family functions Saturday afternoon that he would never miss.

If you have information about where Chris Strobel could be, call Ottawa Police.

 

Gas Prices Not Going Up

The price of unleaded gas in the Illinois Valley is either cheaper or the same in most spots.

The cheapest gas according to GasBuddy.com is at Sapp Brothers in Peru at 3.61 a gallon.  Gas is either 3.62 or 3.63 a gallon in Princeton, Ottawa and Grand Ridge.   The unleaded price at most spots in Peru is 3.69 a gallon while gas is over 3.70 a gallon in Spring Valley.

The state average for unleaded gas is 4.03 a gallon.

Fire Knocks Radio Station Off Air

A fire has knocked a local radio station off the air.

WSOG Catholic Radio which broadcasts from St. Bede Academy will be off the air for the foreseeable future according to the station website.  A grass fire Friday morning near Cedar Point damaged a building that housed equipment for the radio station.

According to the NewsTribune, Operations Manager Jim Perona thinks it could be months to replace burnt equipment.

Oglesby Turns Down Tractor Adventure

It looks like Oglesby didn’t think playing host to the annual Heritage Tractor Adventure was worth the cost and effort.

For the second straight year, Morris is the host city for the tractor ride that goes from June 8^th thru the 11^th this year.  The 11^th annual tractor adventure will include stops in Marseilles and Seneca.

Back in January, the Oglesby City Council debated whether or not to host the event.  Council members Dennis Yborra and Dom Rivara thought a ten thousand dollar commitment was too much.  Commissioner Tom Porter also was concerned about having needed volunteers.

Oglesby did host the tractors in 2010.

DUI tickets after crashes in Mendota

Alcohol won’t make you a better driver.  Police say two people involved in accidents this weekend in Mendota were arrested for DUI.

Taylor Olsen of Mendota was arrested early Saturday morning after a crash in the 200 block of 9^th Street.  Olsen was given a handful of tickets including DUI and not wearing a seat-belt.  He was taken to Mendota Community Hospital and was released with a court date.

Sunday morning police arrested Garrett Carver of Mendota after a crash in the 1500 block of West Main Street.  Carver was arrested for DUI and was given a court date.

El Train Derails In Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – An elevated Chicago train derailed, causing delays for other trains.

Chicago Fire Department officials say there were no reports of injuries. They say one car  derailed around 11:30 yesterday morning on the elevated tracks in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood.

There were about 40 people on the car.

Jay Leno Gets Own “Day” In Illinois

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is giving late-night comedian Jay Leno his own day.

Quinn proclaimed Sunday as “Jay Leno Day” in honor of the comedian’s work with an Illinois-based empowerment group dedicated to helping children and families.

Omni Youth Services of Buffalo Grove provides counseling, mentoring and substance abuse treatment for at-risk youth and their families. Leno serves as one of the empowerment group’s partners.

The late-night entertainer was in Chicago on Saturday for a special performance to commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary.