FEMA Officials Urges Flood Victims To Apply For Help

There’s still time to ask for the federal government’s help in getting back on your feet after the historic flooding.

Dave Stuflick with the Federal Emergency Management Agency talked about flood assistance with the La Salle County Board last night.  He says the drop dead date of signing up for flood assistance is July 9^th. Stuflick says you shouldn’t worry about there not being enough money to go around, you can get up to 31 thousand dollars in help from the federal government.

Stuflick says event if you have flood insurance, you are still eligible to apply for help from FEMA.  You also can get flood assistance no matter your income.

To apply for flood assistance, go to either  http://www.fema.gov/ or http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Quinn asks lawmakers to combine 2 pension plans

     CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is asking lawmakers to approve both rival plans on how to solve the state’s nearly $100 billion pension crisis. But it’s unclear if legislative leaders will agree.

      Quinn made the request Monday in a meeting in Chicago with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

      The governor convened the meeting after the legislature adjourned May 31 without taking action on pensions. Madigan and Cullerton championed their own solutions, but neither passed.

      Quinn proposes that lawmakers vote on a bill that combines the two proposals at a June 19 special session. Madigan’s plan would be the primary plan and Cullerton’s would serve as a “back-up” in case Madigan’s is rejected by the courts.

      Madigan expressed concerns Monday that the Quinn proposal would be too complicated.

Oglesby Police Called To Handle Man With A Knife

Tense moments in Oglesby after a domestic call involved a knife.

Police were called to a home in the 700 block of Mormon Street Sunday evening and arrested Rigoberto Gutierrez for aggravated assault and domestic battery.  Gutierrez lives at the house where he was arrested.

He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

House Fire In Earlville

No one was home when a home caught fire overnight in Earlville.

A heavy amount of water, smoke and fire damage was done to the two-story house in the 500 block of Stilson Street.  The 911 call was made just after 10 Sunday night.  Mendota, Paw Paw and Leland Fire Departments provided mutual aid.

The cause of the fire is under investigation although its believed to be suspicious.

Barn Fire In Ladd

How did you spend your Sunday morning? Firefighters from Ladd and Cherry were called to a fire.

A 911 call came in Sunday morning just after 9:30 for a barn fire north of Ladd at the intersection of Route 89 and 1700 N. Avenue.

No one was injured.  More information as it becomes available.

Annual Marseilles Freedom Run Needs Volunteers

When Marseilles is filled with thousands of visitors this weekend for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run, it doesn’t happen without the help of volunteers.

Organizers of the memorial service for veterans have put out the call for volunteers for this weekend and beyond.  Volunteers are needed to direct traffic Saturday and also people are needed to help set up for the memorial service Friday night or Saturday morning.

Beyond this weekend, Freedom Run officials are looking for a gardening club or organization to maintain landscaping at the wall.  That would include watering plants and weeding.

If you can volunteer, contact Denise Carson via her email at startraveler54@sbcglobal.net

Sheridan Teen Tries To Rob Cab Driver

A teen from Sheridan will spend the next few years of his life in prison for trying to rob a cabbie.

Matthew Pausche was sentenced to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery.  The 17-year old admitted to trying to rob a taxi driver in Sandwich by knifepoint.  It happened in April.

Pausche was taken to Stateville Correctional Center.  He does get 46 days knocked off his sentence for time already served in jail.