beware…the coyote

Authorities in northern Illinois are alerting residents that they could encounter an increasing number of coyotes during the mating season over the next few months.
 
     They say pet owners should be particularly aware because the animals are opportunistic and can go after easy prey.
 
     An alert from the city of Wheaton said pet owners should keep their animals on a leash as a precaution. It also suggested people use what experts call “hazing techniques” such as loud noises and threatening gestures.
 
     The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Naperville police issued a similar advisory, adding that cats and dogs should not be left unattended in yards.  The warnings follow a number of recent coyote attacks on dogs in the Chicago area.

solving a “cold case”

An employee in the University of Illinois’ refrigeration shop has helped solve a “cold case” of sorts.   The Champaign News-Gazette reports Mike Porter was draining the Freon from a large freezer when he noticed a wad of what looked like dirty paper towels. When he unrolled the towels and looked more closely Porter discovered a woman’s wallet.  Porter says that’s when he called his boss to report a “cold case.”   The wallet was stolen from a university employee’s office 12 years ago. Barbara Meyer, who is now retired, says a woman was arrested for the theft. But the wallet wasn’t found until Porter’s discovery last week.  Still tucked inside were credit cards, a $100 gift card and a few phone numbers. The only thing missing was $80 cash.

LP coffee meeting

How often do you talk with board members of your high school? LP High School Superintendent Steven Wrobleski and two board of education members will chat with the public at 6:30pm this Wednesday at Liberty Estates – 1107 31^st Street in Peru. Coffee will be served.

tax help at library

If you are a senior citizen or a member of a low or middle income family, the word “free” always sounds good. AARP is providing an experienced tax preparer to help you file tax returns every Tuesday afternoon at LaSalle Library through  April 9.  You are asked to bring last year’s tax return and if needed, a copy of your tax bill. All tax forms will be filed electronically.  Appointments may be made by calling the library.

fix the system

 Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is promising efforts to fix flaws in a system that allowed a convicted murderer from Indiana to mistakenly go free after a Chicago court appearance. He and other Illinois officials have acknowledged clerical errors that led to Steven Robbins being released after his court date in Chicago instead of being sent back to Indiana, where he was serving 60 years for murder. Robbins was caught late Friday night, without incident, as he watched TV in a home in Kankakee.

calling the Feds

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is calling on President Barack Obama to return to Chicago and approve federal intervention to address the soaring number of deadly shootings. At a press conference yesterday, Jackson said Chicago is in the midst of a crisis unlike any other city and that Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the police department can’t handle it on their own.

conceal and carry is coming

A state representative from Chicago says lawmakers across the state must work together to craft a rational and “common sense” concealed carry law. Democratic state Representative Ken Dunkin told an audience at a town hall meeting in Chicago yesterday that concealed carry “is coming” to Illinois.

yes, the cops are watching TODAY

“Drive like a winner”, that’s the message from state police based in LaSalle.  Trooper Craig Graham says police will be on the lookout today for drunk drivers and people driving without seatbelts as part of a Super Bowl traffic crackdown. Graham says 19 people were killed last year in crashes in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties and many of those involved alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt.  A DUI can cost you upwards of 19-thousand dollars.