Princeton Bank Falling Off NASDAQ

Have any stock in Princeton National Bancorp, Inc.?

The parent company of Citizens First National Bank is taking its stock off the NASDAQ market but it’s not by choice.  The Princeton-based company was told in April that it had 45 days to maintain a required 10 million dollars Stock Holders Equity.  The Princeton stock will officially disappear from the NASDAQ scroll June 29^th.

The stock will then begin trading on a Securities and Exchange Commission market.

 

Westclox Trial Delayed Again

If you were hoping for quick justice in the Westclox arson trial, you’re probably disappointed.

The trial of 17-year old Steven Gallacher of La Salle has been delayed again.  Instead of starting Monday, the trial date’s now August 27^th.  The delay isn’t surprising since Louis Bertrand just became Gallacher’s lawyer late last month.

Gallacher has been in the La Salle County Jail since he was arrested January 1^st, just a few hours into the Westclox fire.  A 15-year old boy from Peru already pled guilty to starting the fire and was given probation and community service.

More People Finding Jobs In The Illinois Valley?

The unemployment scene in the listening area is trending in a positive direction.  Jobless rates for La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties in May were all lower than the month and year before.

La Salle County’s latest unemployment rate is 9.8 percent, compared to 10.2 percent in April and 10.1 percent a year ago.  Bureau County’s May jobless rate is 8 percent, compared to 8.6 in April and 9.1 percent a year ago.  Putnam County’s May unemployment rate is 8.6 percent compared to 9.2 in April and 9 and a half percent a year ago.

Illinois’ latest unemployment rate is 8.4 percent, above the national number.

LCB staff earns five Silver Dome Awards

Early one morning last October AM 1220 WLPO’s Rod Thorson, Jeremy Aitken and John Spencer reported on the fiery train derailment near Tiskilwa.   The coverage of that disaster earned them a Silver Dome Award.

The Illinois Broadcaster’s Association announced the winners of their annual awards Wednesday night in Normal.  Staff of La Salle County Broadcasting won five first place awards.

96.5 The Wolf’s Cowboy in The Morning Show took first place for Best Local Broadcast Team, 99.3 WAJK’s Jaimie London took first for Best Radio Personality, and News Director Jennifer Nagle took first for the 99.3 WAJK feature, “Straight Up with Jennifer.”

The man who writes the commercials, Jeff Stiel, won first place for Best Humorous Commercial.

La Salle County Broadcasting was competing in the small market radio category.

LPHS pipe organ damaged but restorable

Tucked away on the north side of Matthiessen Auditorium’s stage is a pipe organ.  You probably wouldn’t notice it since most of it is hidden in the wall, but it’s been there since 1929.

The Aeolian piece has caught the attention of organ expert Jeff Weiler who has thoroughly looked over the instrument.  He told the school board Wednesday night that it is the jewel of the auditorium and as far as organs go, it’s of national importance.

The organ has suffered water damage and after years of being mostly unused has gone out of tune.  There are also issues with the wiring and missing piece.  Still, Weiler says the damage is restorable.  The original designs were located in an archive in New Jersey and the school has kept complete records of its history.

School officials favor having the organ repaired so it could be played again and in the long tem, maybe restored.

Superintendent Steve Wrobeski says the district alone can’t afford to restore it but it would be worth a capital campaign.  He says if they restore it, it should be used.

Superintendent News At Waltham And Bureau Valley Schools

One area school superintendent has been given job security while another is resigning.

Waltham Elementary Superintendent Robert Abney got a two-year contract extension last night.  He will get three percent pay raises each year.

At Bureau Valley, Superintendent John Bute is resigning according to the NewsTribune.  The school board plans to talk about it at a special meeting tonight.

Leaky Roof At Hall High School

While they’re looking at costs of building a new high school, school board members in Hall have to deal with a leaky roof.

According to the NewsTribune, garbage cans are set up to collect leaking rainwater in the gym balcony where the weight room is.  There’s another roof leak near the gym’s new scoreboard.

The district is planning to repair the rubberized roof thanks to a 50 thousand dollar state grant.  The school does have to match the grant amount.

Another Major Expansion Planned At IVCC

Trustees at Illinois Valley Community College aren’t content just waiting for the new technology center to be built.  They’re going after more money for another construction project.

The board last night approved a request for state money to renovate Jacobs Library and expand the school’s fitness center.  The work would cost about ten and a half million dollars.

IVCC would be on the hook for just over two million dollars of the cost.

Catholic Churches Rally Against Contraception Coverage

Is you’re church planning anything special for the “Fortnight for Freedom”?

Catholic bishops across the country are asking parishioners to “promote, protect and pray for religious freedom” during the two-week rally starting today.  The main issue is a federal mandate making most religious employers to provide health insurance coverage for contraceptives.

In a letter sent throughout the Peoria diocese, Bishop Daniel Jenky said religious freedom is under attack by the federal health coverage mandate.  He says providing contraceptives is “directly contrary” to the Catholic mission.

Illinois’ Top Lawyer Won’t Defend Gay Marriage Ban

CHICAGO (AP) – Opponents of a gay marriage ban in Illinois don’t have to worry about a fight from attorneys who would normally be responsible for defending the state’s laws.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez both have refused to defend the ban, saying it violates the state constitution. That sets up a scenario where a judge quickly could strike down the 16-year-old law.

But supporters of the ban aren’t giving up. Peter Breen of the Thomas More Society says he’s trying to ensure the law is defended.