Old Jimmy Johns Torn Down In Ottawa

The last building standing from the Jordan Block fire in Ottawa is no longer around.

The old Jimmy Johns building on the east end of the downtown block was torn down Thursday morning.  It most recently housed the Community House of Arts in Ottawa, or CHOAS.  CHOAS has since partnered with the Ottawa YMCA.

The city still hasn’t come up with a specific idea for redeveloping the Jordan Block which was hit with a huge fire 14 years ago.

Arson Case Delayed For Westclox Teen

The potential trial for a teen accused of setting Westclox on fire has been pushed back.

During a hearing yesterday, lawyers said that 17-year old Steven Gallacher of La Salle is looking for a private attorney instead of having the public defender.  So a May 21^st trial date is scratched and Gallacher’s next hearing isn’t until May 31^st.

Gallacher is accused of going into Westclox New Year’s Eve night and setting the middle building ablaze.  A 15-year old teen from Peru was charged along with him.  He’s since pled guilty to arson and was given probation and community service.

Runnin’ And Wrasslin’ For Charity In Princeton

Walk, run and wrestle all in the name of charity.

The Easter Seals of La Salle & Bureau Counties is hosting a half-marathon, walk, and kiddie fun run Saturday morning.  The marathon begins and ends at Zearing Park in Princeton.  Other activities like bounce houses and baseball/softball clinics are also at Zearing Park.

Saturday at 5 is when wrestling begins at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.  La Salle favorite Steve Boz is among those scheduled to wrestle in Princeton.  Tickets are 10 dollars a person.

St. Bede Academy Raising Money For Tuition Assistance

Sip on a glass of Glenda the Good Witch punch while bidding on sports tickets, travel deals and more during the St. Bede Academy Auction and dinner.

The auction is the largest fundraiser for the academy with proceeds going to off-setting tuition costs for students.  Their goal is 200 thousand dollars.

All of the events are on campus.  The auction begins with a mass at 5pm.  Doors will open at 5:30pm.  Tickets are 90 dollars and should be reserved no later than today.

The Friday night preview event includes a beer and wine tasting, a silent auction, and live mini-auction.  It runs from 6:30-9pm.  Admission is 10 dollars.

More Homes Moving Off The Market

Home sales are doing quite well in La Salle County.

According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS, 78 homes were sold in March in La Salle County, up from 62 the month before.  Home sales in 2012 in La Salle County are up 35 percent from last year.

In Bureau County, 17 homes were sold in March, down from 19 in February.  For the year, home sales are up 8 percent in Bureau County.

In Putnam County, four homes were sold in March compared to three in March of 2011.  For the whole year, home sales are down 13 percent in Putnam County.

Unemployment Rates For Listening Area Get Better

The unemployment picture in the Illinois Valley is improving according to state numbers.

La Salle County’s March jobless rate was 11.2 percent, down from 12.6 percent in February.  In Bureau County, the March unemployment rate is 9.8 percent, well below the 11 and a half percent figure in February.  Putnam County’s March jobless rate is 11.7 percent, down from 12.6 percent the month before.

It remains to be seen how the upcoming closings of Kmart in Peru and R.R. Donnelly in Mendota will affect local unemployment rates.