Group gathers in Streator to support survivors of domestic abuse

          Talking about domestic violence helps the victim and it makes it easier for prosecutors to have the abusers convicted, that’s the observation of a judge who has heard many abuse cases.

          Thirteenth Circuit Judge Cynthia Racugglia told the crowd at the annual Luminary of Hope Wednesday how open conversation about abuse and awareness has made people serving on the juries more likely to see it as a crime and not just a problem that should remain in the home.

The walk and program in Streator included survivors, students, councilors, lawmakers and even several dogs.  And for the first time in a long time it wasn’t cold and raining.  It was organized by Zonta International Clubs in La Salle County.

Next October’s walk will be in Peru.  The group plans to continue holding the walks until domestic abuse is no longer an issue.

La Salle is buying a second leaf vac

          If your town has a leaf vac you have the luxury of raking your leaves to the curb instead of trying to stuff them into bags and purchasing stickers. 

          The city of La Salle, it seems, likes having a leaf vac, especially since they’ve outlawed leaf burning.  And most of the aldermen are willing to spend money to make sure a leaf vac will be available in the coming weeks.

          The city is buying a $63,000 Titan leaf vac that should arrive next week.  It will be more powerful than the one they have that’s about 20 years old. The old one is currently being worked on and just had its tires replaced.  It also broke down for at least a week last fall.

          Alderman Tom Ptak doesn’t think they should borrow more money since they have been spending and borrowing for a number of projects but he and two others were out-numbered Tuesday night.

          You should find out next week the schedule for the leaf vac route.

Oglesby Commissioner Wants A New “Community Center”

What do you think about a recreational spot in Oglesby that can host everything from a soccer game to a wedding?

According to the NewsTribune, Commissioner Paul Danekas wants to build a type of community center near McPhedran Park.  He thinks it could have a football and soccer field along with space to host weddings.

Danekas has his eyes on five acres west of McPhedran Park.  He’s hosting a volunteer meeting on the 21^st at 5:30 to gather your input on a new Rec area.

IVCC Planning To Celebrate Homecoming

Homecoming isn’t just a high school thing.

Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby will celebrate its first homecoming in decades on Saturday, November 2^nd.  Tracy Morris with the college says the homecoming is a chance for IVCC and LPO alums to “come back to the hill for a weekend full of activities”.

Homecoming festivities on the 2^nd will start with tours of the Peter Miller Community Technology Center.  After that will be a cookout and men’s and women’s basketball games.

If you wear LPO or Apaches apparel you’ll get into the games for free.