Oglesby is using a lighting contest to get the town decorated for Christmas

Decorating your home for Christmas could involve a little more strategy this year if you live in Oglesby. The city is trying something new and hosting a “Light Up the Night” Christmas lighting contest. 

Mayor Don Finley came up with the idea.  The contest has four categories: traditional, “through a child’s eye”, “oh, holy night”, and the “Clark Griswold Award.”

Jacqueline Smith says signup forms are being sent out in the utility bills next week.  You can sign up to be in more than one category.  Smith says they hope it will get people involved in the community while making the town look nice for Christmas.  They’re also hoping it will draw people to town.

Judging will take place December 18 and 19.  The winners will be announced December 20.

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

Princeton man accused of selling heroin

An undercover drug investigation has man with a long rap sheet back in jail.  Steven Hufnagel of Princeton was arrested last Tuesday for allegedly selling heroin to someone working for TRIDENT.

He was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and was already on parole for a 2011 theft conviction in Bureau County.  Previously, Hufnagel served time for aggravated battery, plus drug and weapons related charges.

He’s being held in the Bureau County Jail with his bond at $30,000.

Spring Valley Man Facing Felony Sex Charge

What you do in your home isn’t anyone’s business unless it involves assaulting a child.

James McKee was arrested at his house in Spring Valley Friday for the Class X felony of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.  He’s accused of having sexual contact with a boy under 13 years old.

McKee was taken to the Bureau County Jail.  A class X felony carries a possible prison sentence of up to 30 years.

Police Ramping Up Patrols For Thanksgiving

It’s a holiday week which means seeing relatives and for many that entails driving somewhere.  Make sure you buckle up when you drive to see grandma and grandpa.

Expect to see a lot more police presence this week with another “Click It or Ticket” initiative.  Peru Deputy Chief Bob Psyzka says his department will have more officers on the roads for Thanksgiving week, especially at night when seat belt use is at its lowest.

Remember, it’s the law in Illinois that everyone wears a seat belt, no matter their age, even if they’re sitting in the back seat.

Cold Weather Sticking Around For Thanksgiving

Yes, it’s northern Illinois in late November, but it’s not usually this cold.

The National Weather Service says the weekend blast of cold was the worst for the Illinois Valley in over a decade.  The coldest spot was Mendota with a low temperature yesterday of 5 above zero.  Streator dipped down to 7, Marseilles 9, and both Peru and Ottawa had low temperatures of 10.

High temperatures this week should be in the 30s with a chance of 40 this weekend.

Let The Election Talk Begin!

CHICAGO (AP) – A sure sign campaign season is underway in Illinois comes as election officials prepare to receive nomination petitions.

Today is the first day the papers can be filed for candidates standing in the March 18th primary. And who gets theirs in first also helps determine who gets their name listed in coveted positions high up on the ballot.

In local races of note Rockford Tea Party leader David Hale plans to challenge incumbent Congressman Adam Kinzinger in the March primary.