Republicans and immigration

 A leading GOP senator says Republicans are “in a demographic death spiral” and won’t win the White House if they stop an immigration overhaul. South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, who helped write a bipartisan immigration bill under debate in the Senate, tells NBC conservatives would doom the party by blocking it. But another of the bill’s Republican authors, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, tells ABC he wants some changes in the bill.

Dekalb tattoo artist on TV

– A northern Illinois tattoo artist is one of 16 contestants on a reality TV show competing for a $100,000 prize.   Chris May owns Proton Tattoo in DeKalb and will compete on the Spike network’s “Ink Master” show.   Hosted by musician Dave Navarro, the third season of the competition will begin airing next month.  May tells The (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle that producers ran contestants “through the wringer” while taping episodes, which featured challenges to test cast members’ tattooing and artistic skills.   But he thinks he impressed them with his quick wit, thanks to his time studying at The Second City in Chicago.

Seneca Shipyard Days

A lot of ship building went on in Seneca during World War 2, hence, the town’s “Shipyard Festival” days. During most of the four day festival, replicas of a Full Scale LST and a Shangri La Aircraft carrier will be available for viewing along with an historical display at the library. Late evening music includes former “American Idol” contestant Paige Dechausee on Friday. The festival has a carnival, “Spay it Forward” hot dog eating contest, Hogan elevator tours, petting zoo, bean bag tourney, stage coach ride and “Taste of Seneca”. Check the schedule at seneca shipyard days dot com.

LaSalle house is total loss

The porch fire was obvious to LaSalle fire when they arrived late yesterday (Saturday) to 2314 ½ St. Vincent’s. Lt. Brian Zeller with LaSalle Fire department said the fire spread and burned 75% of the older two story house making it a total loss. The fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes with help from Utica, Oglesby and Peru Fire and ambulance. The house was unoccupied and the owner has not been located. The cause is undetermined.

Hotel employee charged for in-room assault

Authorities in Will County say a hotel employee in the village of Monee (moh-NEE’) has been charged with criminal sexual assault after he allegedly hid in a woman’s room and attacked her. The Herald-News in Joliet reports that 34-year-old Dipeshkumar Shah of Bridgeview also faces two counts of home invasion. Authorities say Shah entered a guest’s room Thursday, waited for her to return and then sexually assaulted her.

Explorer LaSalle’s ship found?

 A team of explorers has begun a close examination of a northern Lake Michigan site that may be the resting place of a 17th century ship belonging to the French explorer LaSalle. U.S. and French experts began opening a pit yesterday near Poverty Island, Michigan.

Cause undetermined in LaSalle house fire

it took 30 minutes to put out a fire in the rear of a older two story home in LaSallelate saturday afternoon. Lt. Ron Data with LaSalle FIre department said three other departments assisted with teh fire located in the back of a unoccupied home at 2314 1/2 St. Vincent’s in LaSalle. The cause is undetermined and the owner has yet to be located. no utilities were hooked up to the house, according to Data. Utica, Oglesby and Peru departments were assisting along with Peru ambulance.

LaSalle man hurt after cycle crash

Tickets are possible for a LaSalle man thrown from his motorcycle early Saturday in the 100 block of 12^th street in Peru. Peru police Commander Anderson told WLPO AM + FM news 24-year old Christopher Johnson of LaSalle lost control westbound down a hill. Johnson was thrown onto the road while the cycle veered into a yard before stopping. Commander Anderson said Johnson is in St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria with possible head injuries. Alcohol is suspected and other tickets could be given to the LaSalle man later.