Duckworth to lead delegation to Paralympic Games

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama has chosen U.S. congresswoman and Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth to lead a presidential delegation to the Paralympic Winter Games in Russia.

According to a White House statement released Friday, the delegation will attend athletic events, meet with U.S. athletes and attend the opening ceremony, which is March 7 in Sochi.

Duckworth is a Democrat who represents Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

She was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2004 when she lost both her legs and partial use of one arm in an attack.

LPHS warns of “donation” seekers

It’s not uncommon for a club or team at LP High School to ask for donations, though it would seem that someone has been asking for donations for an unofficial fundraiser.

Communication Director Matt Baker says the school received reports of a group of young people going door-to-door in Peru for the band and/or choir. He says those were not legitimate requests.

If you’re uncertain about a donation request on behalf of LPHS or a related organization, you can call the high school. 

Mobile home taxes due April 30th

If you own a mobile home, your property tax bill is in the mail if you haven’t already gotten it.

Mobile Home tax bills were sent out last Friday according to La Salle County Treasurer Don Lamps.  Payments are due by April 30th.

Checks should be written to the La Salle County Collector and mailed to the La Salle County Treasurer.  There’s also a drop box in the east parking lot of the Etna Road Government Complex in Ottawa.

The penalty for late mobile home payments is $25 a month.

Police called to a fight in Mendota

A fight overnight on Main Street in Mendota left a man facing charges.  Police were called to it minutes before 1am Saturday.  They arrested Kevin Clark of Compton for battery and obstructing justice.  He was released with a court date.