Associated Press Says Pensions Top Illinois Story In 2013

CHICAGO (AP) – The Illinois General Assembly’s much-delayed agreement on fixing a $100 billion pension funding shortfall was the overwhelming choice among the Associated Press as the top Illinois story in 2013.

Second on the list was the legalization of gay marriage in Illinois. That was followed in third place by Illinois becoming the last state in the nation to allow concealed carry of firearms.

The deadly tornadoes that swept across Illinois in November killing seven people and Chicago’s continuing battles with violence rounded out the top five.

Peru Police And Others Out To Stop Holiday Drunken Drivers

For those of you brave enough to drive this weekend, keep in mind there will be extra police presence with Christmas around the corner.

Peru Deputy Chief Bob Pyszka says his department is aggressively looking for drunk drivers and people not buckled up which includes anyone in the back seat.

Peru and other departments are putting more officers on the roads this holiday season thanks to federal traffic safety funding.

Former L-P Wrestling Coach Posts Bond

The former L-P wrestling coach who faces sex charges is out of custody.

30-year old Matt Fletcher of Peru appeared in court Friday in Ottawa and soon after posted 15 thousand dollars bond to be released from jail.  He was arrested Thursday night on two counts of child pornography and a single count of solicitation of sexual abuse.

Matt Baker, LP’s Director of Communications, says school administrators received information about Fletcher Monday, the same day the coach and paid greeter resigned.  The school board accepted his resignation Wednesday.

Fletcher will be arraigned in La Salle County Court January 2nd.

Peru Wendys Ready To Reopen

Starting Monday, there will be one more place to dine in Peru.

The Wendy’s off Route 251 in Peru will reopen to business Monday morning at 9.  The restaurant has undergone major renovations since it closed just before Halloween.

To ramp up excitement for the reopening, the store is offering “Free Combo for a Year” cards to the first 30 customers they serve inside Monday morning.

Food Pantry Brightens Up Christmas For The Needy

Hundreds of families in the Illinois Valley will get their Christmas meals today thanks to your generosity.

The Illinois Valley Food Pantry’s Christmas distribution is going on today from 10 until 3 at the pantry in downtown La Salle.  Eligible families were supposed to have signed up for a meal by this past Wednesday.

The pantry is always accepting food and monetary donations.  They will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years.

Much Anticipated Winter Storm Rolls In

When looking ahead to this weekends storm, wintry mix appears to be the best description.

Sleet and freezing rain is expected to develop this afternoon across the Illinois Valley.  It could change over to all rain or drizzle through this evening.  Snow comes in towards the end of the storm with a couple inches possible.  Far northwest Illinois is expected to get the heaviest snow.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Bureau and Putnam County while a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for La Salle County.