Ill. not ready for ‘Obamacare’ target

CHICAGO (AP) – An Illinois Democrat who has led work on implementing a key part of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul now says the state won’t be ready to run its own insurance exchange by a Nov. 16 deadline.

Rep. Frank Mautino says Illinois must consider a new option – a state-federal partnership – to get its online insurance marketplace ready for its first year if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the law this week.

That would put Obama’s home state among a majority of states limping unsteadily toward implementing the law. The court is scheduled to rule on the reforms Thursday and they could be overturned or dismantled.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says Illinois is prepared for the high court’s decision and is making progress toward implementing the law.

Hall Township Food Pantry in need of cereal

With the children home for summer vacation, the Hall Township Food Pantry is running short on the popular breakfast food.  Pantry staff members are hoping you’ll think of them when grocery shopping and buy an extra box of cereal to donate.  They say cereal has become a commodity that they can’t keep on their shelves.

You’ll find the Hall Township Food Pantry on North Terry Street in Spring Valley.

Music Lineup Announced For Riverfest

A classic rock group from the 70’s, an American Idol contestant and tribute bands of the Beatles, Journey, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sublime will play this year’s Ottawa Riverfest.

Main stage music starts Thursday, August 2^nd with “Liverpool Legends”, a Beatles tribute band.  Friday’s headliner is Head East.  Saturday Kevin Chalfant and the Journey Experience take the main stage with American Idol contestant Paige DeChausse closing things out Saturday night.

Opening acts include a CCR tribute band on Saturday and Sublime tribute group Sunday.

IDOT Worker Killed While Mowing In Bureau County

A Granville man is dead after a mowing accident along Interstate 80.

The Bureau County Coroner’s Office says 64-year old William Meyers was killed when his tractor tipped and pinned him underneath.  Meyers was pronounced dead at the scene near Ladd.  He was working for the Illinois Department of Transportation.

An autopsy is scheduled today.

Small Plane Crashes Near Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) – A single-engine plane crashed near Rockford, killing the only person on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash in a farm field several miles southeast of  Chicago-Rockford International Airport.

The plane was flying from DeKalb to Rockford.

Streator Mourns Death Of Police Lieutenant

Flags throughout Streator are flying at half staff this week in memory of Lieutenant Robb Hawthorne.

The 24-year veteran of the Streator Police Department was killed at the scene of a crash Sunday afternoon on Interstate 80 near Ladd.  Investigators say Hawthorne was driving westbound in his Chevy HHR when an airborne SUV crossed the median and hit him.  Hawthorne died at the scene.  Everyone else involved in the crash is from out of state.

Arrangements for Hawthorne are pending with the Winterrowd Funeral Home in Streator.

Marseilles Man Busted For Alleged Crime Spree

A man from Marseilles is accused of a robbery spree in southern Illinois.

Jacob Ingersoll was arrested Thursday in West Frankfort after being accused of robbing a convenience store and Hardees at knife point, and attempting to break into a restaurant all within 24 hours.  He was arrested at a home where police say he had drugs.

Ingersoll faces two counts of armed robbery, burglary, attempted burglary, and possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver.  He’s being held in the Franklin County Jail.