Utica’s Mayor Passes Away

In his twelve years as mayor of Utica, Fred Esmond got plenty of experience dealing with the state and Uncle Sam. due to the numerous floods and one historic 2004 tornado.

That punishing storm forced Esmond and his village to tear down homes and re-route a highway carrying heavy trucks and Starved Rock bound tourists. Board member Gloria Alvarado was first elected in 2005. She chuckled but agreed Esmond could probably write a “how to” book about the office of mayor. Alvarado said he loved his work, the village and put in the hours required for the job – and then some.

Esmond passed away Wednesday in IVCH. He had been diagnosed with cancer. Esmond is survived by his wife, Sandy and two daughters. Burgess Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

No Functioning Government Means No Pay For Kinzinger

As long as the government shutdown continues, your congressman won’t get a paycheck from Uncle Sam.

Republican Adam Kinzinger is having his congressional pay withheld until the federal government reopens.  Kinzinger says it’s a matter of fairness since members of his staff and other federal employees are on furlough.

As defined in the Constitution, members of Congress are paid with mandatory funds, not discretionary funds based on annual appropriations.

Eight Illinois Valley Teachers Get Big Surprise

Would getting a thousand dollars make your day better?  Eight teachers in the Illinois Valley were surprise winners of a thousand dollars to spend for their classroom.

It’s all part of OfficeMax’s “A Day Made Better” campaign where teachers are nominated by their principals to receive a grand for classroom supplies.  OfficeMax employees surprised the winning teachers in their rooms’ yesterday morning.

Winning teachers are: Kelly Becker of Lincoln Elementary in Mendota; Lisa Carrier of Jefferson Elementary in Ottawa; Marie Fogarty of Grand Ridge Elementary; Judi Gage of Milton Pope in Marseilles; Jacki Knowles of Ladd Elementary; Laurie Leslie of Marseilles Elementary; Alexis Rebholz at Northview Elementary in Peru; and Lori Tipton of Northwest Elementary in La Salle.

Questions Arise In La Salle After Man Is Found Dead Inside Car

Autopsy results are pending for a 27-year old La Salle man found dead inside of a parked car.

Andrew Hurst was pronounced dead at the scene after La Salle Police and the county coroner found him in the 400 block of Marquette Street.  The coroner says there’s no sign of trauma or foul play.

Investigators are waiting for autopsy and toxicology results.

New Tennis Courts Unveiled For L-P

It may not be centre court of Wimbledon but players and parents alike are impressed with the new tennis courts for L-P.

The lady Cav’s tennis team played the very first match at the new athletics complex on Chartres Street in La Salle.  The nearly $5 million dollar complex also includes a track and soccer field.

L-P Superintendent Steve Wrobleski says weather has slowed construction down by 6 weeks.  The school borrowed nearly 4 million dollars to pay for the complex.

By the way, L-P beat Dixon 5 to 0 in the inaugural match.