Illinois Sailor Killed In Colorado Movie Massacre

AURORA, Colo. (AP) – A U.S. Navy sailor from Crystal Lake was among those killed by a gunman at a Colorado movie theater.

The parents of John Larimer released a statement that Navy officials notified them about midnight that their 27-year-old son was one of the 12 killed. The family says that Larimer’s brother Noel is working with the Navy to bring his body back home to Crystal Lake.

The Navy says another sailor was treated and released for injuries sustained at the theater.
Larimer is the fourth victim identified by family members so far.

Major Traffic Changes Near Peru Mall

If you’ve ever shopped in Peru, you know that traffic easily backs up north of mall.  The city is trying something different in hopes of easing congestion.

Starting Monday, there will no longer be a stop sign for westbound traffic coming from Route 251.  Traffic coming from the mall or from places like Hobby Lobby and Target on Venture Drive will still have to stop and can only turn right towards Peoria Street.  Traffic going eastbound on 38^th Street from Peoria Street will still have to stop but can now only go straight or turn right into the mall.  You will no longer be able to turn left onto Venture Drive towards Target and Hobby Lobby.

Every black Friday Peru Police usually monitor the four-way stop between the mall and Hobby Lobby because traffic backs up so much.  Mayor Scott Harl says it will “pose a learning curve for drivers”.

Grant To Help Pay For Better Response To Starved Rock Emergencies

When an emergency happens at Starved Rock State Park, it can be chaotic for first responders.  A big reason why is communication troubles.

Exelon presented the Utica Fire Protection District a three thousand dollar grant yesterday to help buy new radio equipment.  The fire district is trying to raise eight thousand dollars.

Fire Chief Gary Gbur says his department has one type of radio and the park staff and conservation police use different frequencies.  This usually leaves cell phones as the best way to coordinate.  But as you probably know, cell signals are very limited in the park.