Ailing Utica Leader Gets Honorary Street Name

The next time you drive down the main drag in Utica you’ll be passing through on Fred Esmond Avenue.

According to the NewsTribune, the Utica Village Board last night passed a resolution honoring the long time village president as he battles throat cancer.  Not only is Mill Street now have the honorary name of Fred Esmond Avenue, but Saturday, September 21^st in Utica has also been declared “Fred Esmond Day”.

Esmond reacted to the gestures with a smile and tears but had to use a legal pad to express words.

Former trustee and current La Salle County Circuit Clerk Andy Skoog called Esmond the best mayor Utica has ever had.

Hefty Bond For Peru Smoke Shop Owner

The man hauled away from the Peru Smoke Shop earlier this week faces a hefty bond.

Abdel Rahman of Tinley Park was in La Salle County Court yesterday and was ordered to jail with bond of a million dollars.  He was arrested Tuesday for delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.  Peru Police say Rahman was dealing synthetic cannabis at the smoke shop.

Arrested at the same time was the owner of the Spring Valley Smoke Shop Ibrahim Romi of La Salle.  Romi posted 15 hundred dollars bond and was released from the Bureau County Jail.

Slevin to receive IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award

From the Cavaliers to the Bruins, retired WLPO AM and FM Sports Director Lanny Slevin covered a lot high school sports.  Slevin is being recognized by the Illinois High School Association when he receives the IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award.

Slevin is one of several sports writers and broadcasters receiving the award.  Recipients were nominated by IHSA member schools.

Slevin will receive the award during half-time of the St. Bede-Rockridge football game October 5.

Student in Toluca says she was followed to school

 You’ve taught your children to stay away from strangers and for good reason: they could be up to no good.  Police in Marshall County Wednesday morning were looking for a gray car after a student at Fieldcrest Middle School claimed she was followed.

          The 10 year old in Toluca told her principal two men in a gray car pulled up next to her and asked her to come over.  When the girl refused and continued on her way, the men followed her.

          The girl described the driver as white with a white tank top.  The other man was described as having a dark complexion.  The car might have tinted back windows.

          The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is investigating and has told neighboring police departments.

La Salle man indicted on a sexual abuse charge

          Among the people indicted this week in La Salle County was a man accused of sexually abusing a child.  Phalen Bertalot of La Salle was arrested in August for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.  He remains in jail with his bond set at $1 million.

          Predatory criminal sexual assault is a Class X Felony with a possible prison sentence of 6 to 30 years. 

IVAR seeking permission for new building in La Salle

          It’s easy to run out of space when you’re taking in animals from all over the Illinois Valley.  The stray animal shelter in La Salle could be expanding if it receives permission from the city officials.

          Chris Ellberg of Illinois Valley Animals Rescue explained the plans for a new building to the La Salle City Council Tuesday night.  IVAR wants to place a manufactured building on the lot next to their shelter on Industrial Drive.  Elberg says it would be used for offices, a medical clinic, lobby and showroom.  She says they were hoping to have it up before the snow falls.

          City officials says they’ll see if the building requires any variances or zoning changes and refer it to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board.

Price Going Up For Working Out At Peru Y

Whether it’s a home, business or YMCA, when you make additions it costs money.

The Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru is raising its membership rates by $2 a month starting in October.  In a newsletter, CEO Dave Potthoff says in order to provide the best programming, facilities and services the rate increase is needed.

The Y in Peru has recently added a new whirlpool and exercise equipment.  They’re also now offering free group exercise classes and free family nights on Fridays.

Family memberships at the Y will now be $49.50 with individual memberships costing $43.50.  If you have trouble paying, the they offer financial assistance.

This article was edited to correct the price of a family and individual membership.