Absentee Ballots Could Determine Hall High School Referendum

Too close to call is a cliché used a lot in elections but the Hall High School Referendum is definitely too close to call.

With all 16 precincts counted, there are three more yes votes than no votes for the 32 million dollar referendum for a new high school.  However “Hall Yes” committee member Hildi Grivetti says there are still over 20 absentee votes not counted.

According to the Bureau County Clerk’s Office, any write-in votes will be counted today and results will be made final April 24^th.

Harl wins re-election in Peru

Four years ago the voters of Peru thought it was time for a change- not so much this election.  Mayor Scott Harl was able to hold on to his seat, capturing 35% of the vote.  Challenger Mike Hart received 27% of the vote.  Former mayor Don Baker had 26% of the vote and challenger Jim Giordano had 12%.

Re-mapping made for a strange situation for the first and second wards.  Current 1^st ward alderman Tony Ferrari will be joined by Becky Mueller.  The other current 1^st ward alderman, Mike Radtke, ran for a seat in his new ward, ward two, defeating incumbent Sherry Masyzak with 67% of the vote.

Longtime 3^rd ward alderman Bob Ankiewic lost his re-election bid to Mike Sapienza.   The challenger received 57% of the vote.

4^th ward alderman Jim Lokusis keeps his seat after beating out Steve Weberski and Justin Loger.  Lokusis was appointed to the seat to replace the late Ron Wren.  He received 53% of the vote.

Marini wins Spring Valley mayor’s race

          New leadership is on the way for Spring Valley.  Alderman Walt Marini defeated incumbent Cliff Banks by 41 votes.  Alderman Jack Narczewski trailed with 15% of the vote.

          In the race for city council, Mike Hermann beat Todd Schmollinger with 63% of the vote.  It was a close race for 2^nd Ward alderman but incumbent Chuck Hansen was able to beat out Fred West by three votes.  Ed Zeglis, Jr. came in third followed by Jille Lee Emerson.

          In the 3^rd Ward Mark Actis beat Joe Piacenti with 58% of the vote. 

          In the 4^th Ward, Dave Pellegrini was the top vote getter with 49% of the vote.  Ken Bogacz followed with 29% of the vote.  Julia Messina has 28% of the vote.

Esmond wins race for Utica Village President

          Fred Esmond will remain the Village President of Utica.  Esmond beat out his challenger, village trustee Jim Schrader.  Esmond had 65 percent of the vote.  It was Schrader’s second run for village president.

          In the village trustee race, the top vote getter was Joe Bernadoni.  Gloria Alvarado and Kevin “Chops” Stewart also secured seats on the board. 

AM 1220 WLPO offers Election Night Coverage

The polls closed at 7pm Tuesday.  AM 1220 WLPO Election Night Coverage begins at 8pm.  Jeremy Aitken will have updates ever 15 minutes during Cardinals baseball.  Check back to this site to find stories and interviews at the end of the night.

Man accused of selling cocaine in Oglesby

A home on Mormon Street in Oglesby was searched as investigators looked of a suspected drug dealer.

Members of TRIDENT arrested Eddie Mentgen for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver after searching his home Friday.

Another man living there, Consuelo Santos was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and was given a court date.

Mentgen was being held in the La Salle County Jail.  He’s on parole for burglary convictions in La Salle and Grundy counties.

Annual job fair returns to IVCC

A nice suit and copies of your resume are good to have if you’re looking for a job.  40 companies are expected to have representatives at the annual Illinois Valley Community College Job Fair Wednesday.

If you plan on going dress in business attire, go easy on the make-up and jewelry and hid your tattoos.  It’s suggested you bring at least 10 copies of your resume.  You should be prepared to explain why you are the best person for the job.

Representatives will be there from area hospitals, nursing homes and manufacturers.

The job fair is from 10am-2pm Wednesday in IVCC’s gym.

Ambulance involved in crash at Dalzell Blacktop and Shooting Park Road

Three ambulances were called to a crash involving an ambulance and another vehicle.  It happened at 11:15am Wednesday at Shooting Park Road and the Dalzell Blacktop.  The ambulance involved belonged to the La Salle Fire Department.  Two people were taken to St. Margaret’s Hospital.  The ambulance was towed by Senica’s.

As that crash was happening, there was another accident on Plank Road north of Intestate 80.  A car rolled and hit a power pole.  The man in that crash was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

You’ll hear more as it’s made available.

Many Repeat Referenda Questions In La Salle County

A couple referenda questions are getting a second try today in La Salle County.

Everyone in the county will be asked to vote yes or no on a one cent or one percent school sales tax for construction projects.  People who have a rural address in La Salle County will be asked again to vote for or against electric aggregation.

Streator voters are being asked to vote on electric aggregation as well today after saying no to the idea in November while voters in the Minonk and Wallace Fire Protection Districts are voting on a proposed tax levy for ambulance service.

Also voters in the Leland and Somonauk School Districts are voting today on proposed sales tax increases to help school budgets.