Boyle outlines annexation process for Cherry

With a newer building and strong finances, the Dimmick School District is an attractive option for people in the Cherry Grade School District.

School board members in Cherry agreed Monday they would like to annex their school district with neighboring Dimmick instead of the Ladd School District.  Cherry Superintendent James Boyle says the majority of the people surveyed had a lot of positive things to say about Dimmick including their administration and educational programs.

Boyle says he would like to see talks with Dimmick Superintendent Ryan Linnig and their school board.  After that the issue would go to the Regional Office of Education.  Boyle says he would like the process to be winding up by the end of the next school year so students would know where they are going to school.

Boyle says eventually they would talk about the buildings and school property.

There are 60 students and six teachers at Cherry Grade School.

Chocolate festival to benefit CASA

The volunteers who act as the eyes and ears for children caught up in court cases are working for free but the service still needs money.  Court Appointed Special Advocates hold their annual fundraiser Sunday in La Salle.

The “Nothing’s Sweeter than a Child” Chocolate Festival and Silent Auction raises money for CASA, a group that works with neglected and abused children in La Salle County.

The festival is from 1-4pm Sunday at Celebrations 150.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $five for children five and younger.

Woman arrested for marijuana in Peru

Marijuana is what police say they found after searching a house on Main Street in Peru.

29 year old Melanie Thompson of Peru was arrested Monday after members of TRIDENT allegedly found 58 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  She’s charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a felony.

Thompson’s roommates, Ashley Coan and Brooke Henry, were arrested on misdemeanor charges.  They were released with court dates while Thompson was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Cell phone store robbed in Morris

Cell phone stores continue to be a popular target for robbers.

Morris Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Sprint Store Monday night.  Three black men allegedly entered the store, displayed a weapon and took an undisclosed amount of merchandise from the cell store.  Morris officers are looking at surveillance photos.

Investigators think the robbers left in a light colored, four-door car.  If you have information, call the Morris Police Department.

Broken Water Heaters Cancel School At Hall

After being dismissed early Tuesday, school is cancelled completely Wednesday at Hall High School.

Superintendent Mike Struna says they’re experiencing boiler issues which meant no heat or hot water.  He expects new water heaters to be installed Wednesday.

The issues come just a few weeks before voters in the Hall High School District vote on whether or not to pay for a new high school.

State Workers Getting Pay Raises

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – State government workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have voted to approve a three-year contract.

AFSCME Council 31 officials announced yesterday evening that its 35,000 members approved the pact reached Feb. 28 after 15 months of negotiating with Gov. Pat Quinn. Workers won’t get a raise in the first year but have accepted 2 percent salary increases in the last two. Those due incentive “step” increases will get them and ten years’ seniority will bring a $25-a-month longevity increase. But union members will pay an additional 1 percent of salary for health care premiums and other health costs.

Quinn also agreed to provide a 5.25 percent pay increase due in 2011 that refused to pay at the time.

Conceal Carry Talks Continue In Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois House has rejected a measure that would require $1 million in liability insurance for people carrying concealed weapons.

Lawmakers voted 74-34 yesterday against Rep. Kenneth Dunkin’s plan. It was among seven amendments on gun issues that legislators debated yesterday as they consider a court-ordered law allowing conceal-and-carry. Chicago Democrat Dunkin says an insurance policy would cost $500 to $2,000.

Republicans complained that’s too expensive for citizens exercising a constitutional right. And they argued insurance companies don’t write the policies anyway.

The House has begun weekly floor sessions allowing lawmakers to propose gun measures.