2nd Annual Penguin Plunge

Final numbers aren’t in from the “Penguin Plunge” at Heritage Harbor near Ottawa Saturday. However, Tammy Barry, sales director and event organizer told AM 1220 WLPO news they easily exceeded their 25-thousand dollar goal. Barry said one hundred fifty jumpers entered the Illinois River Saturday afternoon after raising almost 35-thousand dollars for the “Make a Wish Foundation”. On-line totals will be added in Monday. Barry estimated 800 people turned out to watch, enjoy music and snacks. The water temperature was 39 degrees. Barry said many persons, despite their frigid plunge, have promised to return on January 4 for the next “Penguin Plunge”. According to Barry, she learn sometime next month from “Make a Wish” how many LaSalle County kids can be helped from the fundraiser.

Our Bridal Show next Sunday

Lots of reasons to sign up and attend the 33rd Annual Illinois Valley Bridal Show next Sunday at the Mendota Civic Center. It’s sponsored by AM 1220 WLPO, 99-3 WAJK and 96-5 The Wolf. Brides registering on line by Thursday have a chance to win five hundred dollars toward a gown at Bridal Elegance. In addition, one bride will win five hundred dollars to spend at any of the forty-four bridal show sponsors. JVL Jewelry is also giving away two wedding bands worth eight hundred dollars. Miss Illinois, Megan Ervin will also be at the Bridal Elegance booth. Register on any of the stations website and like the Illinois Valley Bridal Show on Facebook.

President Obama takes Oath

After a bruising first term, President Barack Obama is raising his right hand today in a private White House ceremony to be sworn in for another four years. The former Illinois State and U.S. Senator will be publically sworn in by placing his hand on a Bible once owned by Abraham Lincoln tomorrow at noon Eastern.

Let there be NHL hockey

Chicago is getting into the spirit as the Blackhawks hit the ice for the first time in a season cut short by the four-month NHL lockout.
 
     The InterContinental Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile lit up its landmark dome in the team’s black and red colors Saturday night as the Blackhawks battled the Kings in Los Angeles.
 
     The team will host a special red carpet event to launch its home-opener on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. That event will take place on the 100-level concourse of the United Center from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Bridgeforth sentenced

It’s prison time for a man from Streator who set fires in both La Salle and Livingston County.

Joshua Bridgeforth pled guilty this week to arson and burglary and was given five years in prison. He was also given five years for arson in Livingston County but will serve the sentences at the same time.

Bridgeforth, Deanna Cherveny, Luke Berg, and Cory Hafer were all arrested in August by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for multiple burglaries and arsons in northwest Livingston County. Soon after, the four were also charged with setting fire a vacant home west of Streator on Route 18 in La Salle County in May and later again in December.

As of now, Cherveny, Berg, Bridgeforth and Hafer haven’t been linked to any other suspicious fires in Streator.

Lostant family loses home

Another area family has been displaced by a fire.  Lostant firefighters got a 911 call around seven Saturday night about a house ablaze on North 16 Road, a mile North and two miles East of  Lostant.  No one was injured.  The house sustained major damage. The Red Cross was called to help the family who was living at the house. Firefighters were at the scene for a couple hours.

Farm fire displaces family

Lostant firefighters responded to a fire in a two story farm house near Lostant Saturday evening a little after 6 pm. The fire at 674 16th Road was contained to an
upstairs room but there was considerable water and smoke damage to the entire house. Betty and Brian Cain  and their six children were home at the time but were able to get out safely. One cat died in the blaze. The Lostant fire department was assisted by Tonica and Wenona fire departments who remained on the scene for several hours.
Lostant fire chief Andy Forest said the State fire marshals office will investigate on Monday and that the Red Cross was able to place the family in a motel.

House Burns In Lostant

Another area family has been displaced by a fire.

Lostant firefighters got a 911 call around seven Saturday night about a house ablaze on North 16^th Road, a few miles east of Route 251.  No one was injured by the farm house suffered major damage.

The Red Cross was called to help the family who was living at the house.  Firefighters were at the scene for a couple hours.