Unexpired La Salle County Board seat up for grabs during the March Primary Election

The La Salle County Board isn’t the most powerful governing body in the land but it has had its share of excitement with countywide zoning, sand mines and sales tax referendums.

If you live in the Streator area and would like to represent the 26^th District run in the March 18 Primary Election.  An unexpired two-year term will be up for grabs due to the resignation of Democrat Ronald Dittmer.

Filing for the primary begins Monday, November 25 in La Salle County Clerk JoAnn Carretto’s office and runs through Monday, December 2.

In the meantime, the seat will be filled by another democrat appointed by County Board Chairman Jerry Hicks.

LPHS to once again sell boys’ basketball season tickets

If you’re already looking forward to the first LP High School boys basketball game of the season, you’ll be happy to know you can buy season tickets.

After taking flak from devoted Cavalier basketball fans, the school board Wednesday night rescinded their vote to stop selling season tickets.  They were trying to save money but they say they’ll look for another way to cut expenses.

The first boys’ basketball game is November 26 against Plano in the Cavalier Classic tournament.

 

La Salle hires engineers for the next phase of Rotary Park

You could take your dogs out to La Salle Rotary Park if you don’t mind it being a little wet.  The park off of the Troy Grove Blacktop has a dog park, playground, shelter and pond but more features are in the works.

The Newstribune reports the La Salle City Council Tuesday night agreed to hire RHMG Engineers for the second phase of the park and road work.

It’s costing nearly $106,000. The city has a state grant for the work.  The La Salle Rotary Foundation will be contributing the 50% match.  The work is expected to start next spring.

Ottawa already making plans for the next wine and jazz festival

You’ll be able to enjoy another Two Rivers Wine and Jazz Festival next June.  The annual celebration in Ottawa features, wine tasting, lobster and music.

Plans are already underway for the fourth festival.  The city council Tuesday night agreed to split ticket sales with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintner’s Association.

Mayor Bob Eschbach says despite the weather, the city made $11,000 profit from the festival in June.

Last year tickets sold for $15 a piece.  The city will receive 55% of the ticket sales while the vintner’s association will receive 45%.

The vintners are one of the event sponsors, giving $17,000.

 

Craft sale to benefit La Salle County Child Advocacy Center

          The last thing you want for your child is for them to be the victim of sexual abuse but if it happens there’s a local agency that exclusively serves children and their families.  The La Salle County Child Advocacy Center helps an estimated 100 children a year according to its Executive Director Laurie McLaughlin.

McLaughlin says they provide a confidential and safe place for the children to be interviewed for criminal investigation.  They work with the police departments, states attorney’s office, and the Department of Children and Family Services.

The house doesn’t even having a sign advertising what services they provide for the family’s safety and confidentiality.  The victim’s family pays nothing for the service.

McLaughlin says they stay afloat thanks to state grants, the Illinois Valley United Way and fundraisers.  Their next fundraiser is a craft and vendor fair Saturday from 9am-3pm at the Oglesby Elks.

You can learn more about the center and the fundraiser by listening to an interview that’s available at the WLPO AM and FM news page.

Missing Earlville teen found dead

Teenagers can feel pressure too.  A 14-year-old boy reported missing by his family Monday was found dead the following morning.

The body of James Wood of Earlville was noticed by Burlington Northern Sante Fe employees Tuesday morning.  Investigators say Wood’s body was on a gravel road near the tracks in Earl Township.  They believe he shot himself.  An autopsy has been scheduled. 

If you are considering suicide you can call the National Suicide hotline or 911.