Court strikes down Illinois concealed carry law

CHICAGO (AP) – A federal appeals court has struck down a ban on carrying concealed weapons in Illinois – the only state where carrying concealed weapons is entirely illegal.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals announced Tuesday that state lawmakers have 180 days to write a new law that legalizes concealed carry.

The ruling is a victory for gun rights advocates, who argue that the prohibition against concealed weapons violates the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment and what they see as Americans’ right to carry guns for self-defense.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office says it is reviewing the ruling and would comment Tuesday.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by former corrections officer Michael Moore of Champaign, farmer Charles Hooks of Percy in southeastern Illinois and the Bellevue, Wash.-based Second Amendment Foundation.

Stolen Pickup Truck Found In Peru

Whether it’s your front door, car door or garage door, lock them all up!

That’s the advice of the Mendota Police Department after a pickup truck was stolen Monday morning out of an unlocked garage.  The owner apparently left a spare set of keys in the truck and someone took it for a spin before police found the stolen truck in Peru.

No arrests have been made.  The investigation continues.

Two hurt during crash on Route 251 south of Peru

Two area drivers were taken to the hospital after a crash south of the Illinois River Bridge.

According to Peru Police, Riley Wallace of Granville was stopped on Ben Samek Road when she turned left onto Route 251.  She was hit by the oncoming SUV of Dawn Watson of Peru who was southbound on Route 251.  Both were taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital where they were treated and released.

Wallace told police she didn’t see Watson because another car blocked her view.  She was still ticketed for failing to yield.

Deadline Looms For Food Pantry Meals

Your struggles don’t take the holidays off.  Families in La Salle, Peru, Oglesby and surrounding towns that can’t afford a Christmas dinner can sign up to receive meal items from the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

Tomorrow is the last day for people to sign up to receive items during the Christmas distribution on Saturday.

The pantry is always accepting donations of food and money.  You’ll find them on 136 Marquette Street in downtown La Salle.

Medical Helicopter Crashes On Way To Mendota

A medic helicopter on its way from Rockford to Mendota never made it.

The helicopter crashed in a Lee County field near Compton around 8:30 last night.  Emergency crews responded to the scene near Route’s 251 and 30.  Rockford Hospital officials say the pilot Andy Olson and nurse’s Jim Dillow and Karen Hollis were killed in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board is handling the investigation.