Activists in Chicago protest terror charges

     CHICAGO (AP) – About a dozen NATO summit demonstrators have turned up outside a south Chicago courthouse where three fellow activists are to appear on terrorism conspiracy charges.

     The three men were arrested Wednesday in a nighttime police raid on an apartment building in the Bridgeport neighborhood. They’re accused of trying to make Molotov cocktails ahead of the two-day summit that starts Sunday.

     Six others arrested with them have been released without charges.

     They were staying at the home of William Vassilakis. He was among those outside the courthouse Saturday and said the charges against the three men are “bogus.”

     He called the police action a “scare tactic” to dissuade people from protesting.

     State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy are planning a press conference Saturday to detail the case.

“The Fantasticks” takes the stage in Streator

Put a little musical theater into your week.  “The Fantasticks” runs Sunday through Saturday at Engle Lane Theater in Streator. It’s directed by Deana Brown.

Tickets are $20 for adults and$ 10 children 12 and younger.   Monday through Saturday performances start at 7:30pm.  Sunday shows are at 2pm.

Companies that Shaped the Illinois Valley topic of Sunday lecture

A lot of what shapes a community is the businesses in it.  You can learn about the businesses that built the Illinois Valley during a program Sunday at the Hegeler Carus Mansion.

The Companies that Shaped the Illinois Valley is being presented by local historian Dr. John Piano.  It’s part of The Way We Worked Lecture Series.

The hour long program starts at 4pm.  They would like a $3 donation.

Felony DUI arrest following crash near Grand Ridge

When you’re behind the wheel you’re responsible for more than just your own life.  A man from Marseilles faces a felony DUI charge and more after a crash near Grand Ridge Friday afternoon.

Sheriff’s Deputies say William Trumbo had two children in his car when he crossed the center line and side swiped another car.  Trumbo was given tickets for endangering the life/ health of a child, not having them buckled in or in car seats and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Trumbo and the man police say he hit were taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.