Pot-belly pigs rescued by IVAR

While they mostly have dogs and cats, the shelter in La Salle is called Illinois Valley Animal Rescue because they take in various animals from time to time.

Thursday, IVAR’s Humane Investigator rescued two pot-belly pigs.  The shelter is working to get a temporary foster home for the pigs until hopefully they get adopted.  If interested call IVAR.

The pigs are about a year old and weight 75 pounds.

Women arrested after scuffle at the gym

Tempers flared at the Illinois Valley YMCA.  Two women and two 17 year old girls were arrested after a fight Thursday  afternoon.  Sally Arteaga of Peru and Mayra Aguirre of La Salle, and one of the girls were arrested for disorderly conduct.  The other teen was arrested for battery after allegedly hurting one of the women.  They were given notices to appear in court.

Backlash Continues With Ottawa Doctors Leaving

A new Facebook page has started protesting the departure of two popular doctors in Ottawa.

A page called “Ottawa Against OSF” was formed a few days ago in response to OB/GYN’s Jamil and Idries Abdur-Rahman leaving Ottawa for Waukegan.  Many of their patients believe the twin doctors are being forced to leave because of philosophical differences like offering contraception and vasectomies.  One of the brothers posted on a Facebook page called “Save the OB Twins” that they were told they weren’t “OSF team players”.  Hospital officials say they wish the brothers luck and it’s their choice to leave.

Between the two Facebook pages, they’ve received over a thousand “likes”.

Strip Club’s Getting More Expensive

A trip to the local strip joint will likely cost more starting next week.

An adult entertainment surcharge goes into effect January 1^st as a way to try and raise money for sexual assault prevention.  Strip club owners have the option of either charging a three dollar cover charge or pay an annual tax of 5 to 25 thousand dollars based on the clubs revenues.

The so-called “pole tax” passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

Over 100 New Laws Take Effect January 1st

Over 150 new laws take effect January 1^st in Illinois.  Some of them may have you scratching your head.

For instance there’s a new bill that allows ambulances to not have to pay tolls when responding to an emergency.  Another new law prohibits sex offenders being involved in holiday events with kids such as handing out candy during Halloween, or working as Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

While you don’t get paid much, a new law January 1^st allows you to waive jury payments.  If you go out on a sailboat in Illinois, everyone on the sailboat must now be wearing life jackets according to a new law.

Last but certainly not least, Illinois lawmakers passed a law making it illegal to possess, sell, or trade a shark fin.

Over 200 Vacant Homes Torn Down In Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – The city of Chicago has demolished more than 250 vacant buildings this year in an effort to eliminate potential gang hangouts in high-crime neighborhoods.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the demolitions are part of a joint initiative between Chicago police and the city’s Department of Buildings. The city has focused on vacant and dangerous buildings that could become havens for drug use and prostitution.

Buildings are targeted for demolition based on recommendations from the community and the number of calls for service received.