Drugs not fall that killed soldier

A coroner has determined that a former Marine from Illinois who survived a suicide bombing in Iraq died of a combination of heroin and alcohol. Tyler Ziegel died after a fall in December. But Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll says it was the combination of drugs in his system and not the fall that killed him.

IEPA says electronic recycling is helping

Electronics manufacturers have recycled 50 percent more electronic waste since Illinois made it illegal to dispose of the material in landfills. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Andrew Mason says it’s clear that the ban as well as outreach to communities and manufacturers has had a positive impact.

Best cars on display near Utica

It’s the car show season, and, of course, there’s one today. JC Whitney is hosting street rods and machines, corvettes and motorcycles from 9 – 4, just west of the Routes 6 and 178 intersection. Food, music and “Motorsports Unlimited” will film the event. Free registration 9 – Noon.

Crash sends cyclist to Rockford

The driver’s name and why he crashed his cycle aren’t known, but the driver is now in a Rockford hospital with serious head injuries. Terry Eutis is an engineer/ paramedic with Mendota Fire Department. He told AM 1220 WLPO news a driver lost control of his motorcycle and rolled it on North 46 road, northwest of Mendota near the Lee County line Saturday afternoon. Eutis said the driver wasn’t wearing a helmet and was first taken to Mendota hospital then Rockford Memorial. The driver was ejected apparently before the cycle rolled several times.