Sen. Rezin’s park bill needs Gov.’s signature

In an effort to try and keep roadsides clean, groups and organizations often “adopt-a-highway” in Illinois.  There’s now an idea to start an “adopt-a-park”.

State Senator Sue Rezin is sponsoring the bill that would allow people or groups to adopt a park or part of a park to collect litter.

Rezin says the DNR budget keeps getting cut so they could use helping hands.

Like on roads, signs would be put up saying this person or group adopted a part of a state park.

The bill will be sent to the full Senate this spring.

Streator Community Players bringing comedy to the stage Sunday

Planning a secret rendezvous?  A comedy coming to the stage at Engle Lane Theatre in Streator will have you thinking twice and laughing.

“Move Over, Mrs. Markham” is the story of a couple that allows another couple to use their place but then things start to go badly.

It’s directed by Joseph Ennenbach who says it’s good way to get laughs during a night out.

It features Michelle Vrtis and Larry Kelsey and many others from the local theater scene.  Ennenbach says it’s one of the most experienced casts with which he’s worked.

“Move Over, Mrs. Markham opens with a matinee at 2pm Sunday and continues Monday through Saturday with night performances at 7:30.

10th Annual Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run ready to roll Saturday

A tradition of remembering American troops killed in the Middle East that began in 2003 continues Saturday in Marseilles.  You’ll see hundreds of people arriving by motorcycle for the 10^th Annual Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run.

Ray Prokaski is the president of Freedom Run.  He says the run leads to a special ceremony at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial along the Illinois River.

The ceremony includes the reading the names of the military members killed in the past year who are being added to the memorial.  There will also be several guest speakers.  Michelle Benavidez, who along with her husband, have walked from Colorado to visit the wall, will be singing the national anthem.

If you would like to ride in the run, arrive at the Grundy County Fairgrounds in Morris after 6am.  They’ll leave for Marseilles at 10:30am.  The ceremony at the wall begins at one.  They’ll be accepting a $15 donation and you’re encouraged to decorated you bike with American flags.

You can learn more about the Freedom Run by listening to an interview available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Brick Thrown Thru Bedroom Window Of L-P Board President

Someone or some people still have a problem with L-P School Board President Jim Quesse.

La Salle Police Chief Rob Uranich says a brick was thrown thru Quesse’s bedroom window this morning just after one.  Broken glass actually flew onto Quesse but Uranich says he didn’t hear of any injuries.  The chief calls the brick throwing a “cowardly act” saying someone could’ve been seriously hurt.

Last month, Quesse told police his tires were slashed.  Other people involved in a controversial decision to let go of coaches Bill Booker and Jake Burke have also complained of retaliation.

Donation Jar Thief Avoids Prison

Stealing a donation jar is low but apparently not low enough to go to prison.

Andrew Noriega of Davenport, Iowa was given two years probation after he pled guilty to a donation jar theft in Sheffield.  Surveillance video showed Noriega stealing a donation jar from a Casey’s General Store.  The money was being raised for new playground equipment at Sheffield’s Veterans Park.

Besides probation, Noriega will have to pay fines, 500 dollars restitution and do 50 hours of community service in Sheffield.

Unemployment Rate Continues To Fall In Illinois

CHICAGO (AP) – Unemployment continued to drop slowly across Illinois in May, partly due to job growth in manufacturing.

Unemployment fell to 8.6 percent in May. It was the ninth straight monthly decrease and was down from 8.7 percent in April. Illinois manufacturers added 4,800 jobs in May. Manufacturing has been one of the strengths of the state’s economy.

The federal government reported earlier this month that the May national unemployment rate was 8.2 percent. That was up slightly from April’s 8.1 percent.