Longtime baby doctor dies at the age of 91

You’ll always remember the doctor that delivered your babies.  Many moms and dads are remembering longtime obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. William Farley.

He died Thursday in his home at the age of 91.  According to Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Farley had delivered more than 15,000 babies over 57 years.

Farley is remembered for offering “a fifth one is free” deal on deliveries.

His funeral services are pending in the Mueller Funeral Home in Peru.

Starved Rock State Park to host Fall Colors Weekend

The leaves are definitely no longer green at Starved Rock State Park, which is a good thing for the people coming for Fall Colors Weekend.

You’ll be able to take free guided hikes Saturday and Sunday.  They’ll leave the Visitor’s Center at 9 and one and will be led by members of the Starved Rock Foundation.

Guided hikes that include a lunch are also being offered for $17 a person.

Race for mayor of Spring Valley grows

The mayor of Spring Valley wants to keep his seat but he’ll be facing competition.  Cliff Banks will complete his first term next spring and has taken out a petition to run for re-election in the April election.

Former Bureau County Sheriff and current alderman Jack Narczewski and former alderman Walt Marini have taken out petitions for the seat.  Marini Thursday announced his plans to run.

Petitions for any of the races on the April 9 ballot must be returned by Christmas Eve.

Drunk Driver Blamed For La Salle Power Outage

A widespread power outage in La Salle is being blamed on a drunk driver.

Jessyca Rietgraf of La Salle is accused of hitting a power pole around two this morning in the area of 3^rd and Hennepin Streets, knocking out power to over 900 customers.  She then went up Route 351 and smashed into tables outside the Twisty Freeze in La Salle.  Rietgraf was arrested at her home for DUI and several traffic tickets.

She was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

Ameren Promising Similar Natural Gas Costs This Winter

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) – Ameren officials say they’re expecting natural gas prices this winter will be similar to last season.

Ameren gas supply manager Ken Dothage says prices will stay about the same this winter because of an increase in the North American gas supply. But there is a caution.

Ameren officials say last year was an unusually mild winter and natural gas bills were lower. They say you can expect to use more natural gas this year if temperatures return to normal.

Cocaine Bust In Streator

Area drug officers think they’ve nailed a cocaine dealer.

Jose Castillo Jr. of Streator was arrested at his home yesterday for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.  He’s accused of having over 40 grams of cocaine.  Elizabeth Moncevalles was also arrested at the same home for possession of cannabis and paraphernalia.

Both were taken to the La Salle County Jail.