mail carriers food collection

Illinois Valley Food Pantry has almost five tons of food for their clients this summer, thanks to area mail carriers. Tim Filipiak, a carrier, has organized the annual drive in LaSalle, Peru and Oglesby for almost its entire run. Filipiak told AM 1220 WLPO news, mailmen collected 95-hundred pounds of food Saturday and says, it’s not bad considering the recession. Results from the previous two food drives have been up and down. Donna Hess, executive director of the I V Food Pantry, says this collection is a big boost to the pantry since Easter donations weren’t as large as had been hoped.

Train Nearly Hits Alleged Drunk In Marseilles

Playing chicken with a train is a deadly proposition.  Marseilles Police say a man is okay after tempting fate.

It all started around 10:30 Friday night when police got a call about a loud bang followed by a train stopping on the tracks.  The engineer told police he thought he hit someone after seeing a man walk on the tracks, “flip off” the train and then heard a thump after being unable to stop.

A search was done in the area but no body was found.  After interviewing people around Marseilles, they accused Dustin Smith of rural Marseilles for causing the scene.  He was uninjured but arrested for trespass to railroad property and unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Smith was released with a court date.

More Changes Could Come With L-P Athletics

Next week’s La Salle-Peru High School board meeting could be a tense one.

Last month, the entire varsity baseball team showed up at the board meeting in uniform concerned that their head coach, Bill Booker was losing his job.  No board action was taken.

Action though is expected when the board meets this Wednesday night.  Members of the baseball team have told AM 1220 WLPO that the decision has already been made by administration to remove Booker as head baseball coach and assistant varsity football coach.  They say assistant football coach Jake Burke would also be removed.

Official action by the L-P board will coming during Wednesday’s meeting which starts at 6.

Governor Quinn Goes Public On Gay Marriage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois politicians from both parties have been nearly silent in response to President Barack Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage.

Many prominent Illinois Democrats already back gay marriage, while Republicans say their top election issue is the economy. Neither side sees much political value in putting the spotlight on same-sex marriage.

One exception to the general silence was Gov. Pat Quinn, who came out firmly in favor of gay marriage. In past years, the Chicago Democrat has backed civil unions while hedging on how he felt about gay marriage.

New State Health Director Stumping For Cigarette Tax Increase

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois’ new chief doctor plans to tour the state to discuss public health and to voice his support for a proposed cigarette tax increase.

Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck will share his goals for the Illinois Department of Public Health at meetings around the state.  Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Hasbrouck to the head the health department last month.

Hasbrouck says he believes the governor’s proposed cigarette tax can help prevent chronic disease. The governor wants to increase the cigarette tax by $1.