Red Cross prepares for annual dance and auction

Spring time in the Illinois Valley could bring a cold breeze and snow storm or 80-degree highs and severe storms.  It also brings the annual Red Cross Have a Heart Dance and Auction.  Proceeds go to support the Red Cross office that covers La Salle and Putnam Counties.

Sarah Stasik directs the Peru branch and says their volunteers are trained and ready.

The dance is Saturday at Senica’s Oak Ridge in La Salle.  You’ll hear from guest speaker Kent Terry of Marseilles who will talk about the ongoing recovery from last year’s flood.  You’ll also find silent and live auction items, food and live music by The Steve Sharp Band.  Tickets are $50.  The doors open at 5pm.

Learn more about the dance and Red Cross by listening to an interview available at the WLPO AM and FM news page.

Record breaking year for “Boob-a-Palooza”

The 5th annual “Boob-a-Palooza” Saturday night raised a record amount of funds to help the families of cancer victims.

Betty Pape Glynn has been at the helm of the events.   She told “Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO” that $65,000 was raised during the 9 hour event at “Celebrations 150”.

Mark VonDrehle of Peru won a six-night stay in the Virgin Islands for himself and seven friends. Those afflicted with cancer had special recognition during the evening. Money from “Boob-a-Palooza” goes to “Cops 4 Cancer” which disperses these funds to victim’s families to help pay for groceries, utility or house payments, or other needs.

“Cops 4 Cancer” will also have a fundraiser in July to replenish the funds.

Illinois Railway and Wedron Sand handling cleanup

A derailment in the village of Wedron is now in the hands of Wedron Sand and Illinois Railway officials.

Corporal Woolfred of LaSalle Sheriff’s office told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” news that emergency personnel who responded around 10am today returned to base a short while later. Woolfred said between 18 and 25 cars carrying sand derailed before 10am this morning on the Wedron Sand property.

The cars blocked County Highway 21 in Wedron for a brief time, before the road was reopened. Woolfred said he was told some cars were on their side, tilted or even resting against a Wedron Sand building.

Wedron is northeast of Ottawa.

Farm Toy Show returns to Sublette

You don’t have to declare your political party…and you can argue over tractors all you want.

The annual Sublette Farm Toy and Antique Tractor show is now in day 2 of its annual run. About three hundred vendor tables and outside, maybe two hundred tractors lining Sublette’s streets – with Allis Chalmers and Massey Harris the featured tractors.

Breakfast is being served till Noon in the Dinges Center. Food stands, crafts and an operating model train and miniature farm layouts. Show hours are 9 – 3 today.

Shaving raises money for St. Baldricks

Facial hair is worth something if you’re shaving it off for an annual Ottawa St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.

Rita Chovan is the chairperson of the annual “Headshaving” for St. Baldricks at Jeremiah Joe’s in Ottawa. One hundred Twenty people shaved their head – and anything else on their head to raise money to fight childhood cancer.  Chovan estimates $43,000 was raised in person yesterday and thru on-line.

Utica Firemen will have their “headshaving” for St. Baldricks at Senica’s Oak Ridge on the March 30. Sign-up at their business office weekdays or on-line at st. baldricks dot org.

Will ballot questions raise turnout?

Will more people vote Tuesday because of the questions on the ballot?

Marseilles, Wallace and Tiskilwa Fire districts are asking for more money, while the Rutland and Toluca voters will decide whether to consolidate their fire districts. Peru voters will vote on a proposed pool and restricting the number of  aldermen. Waltham voters are being asked if they want mining in their borders.

Voters will be asked if they can accept additional taxes in Spring Valley and Arlington, plus whether it’s time to close Cherry Grade School.

Authorities quiz personnel in flight disappearance

An elaborate flight simulator in the home of one of the pilots of the missing Malaysia airliner is a focus of investigators’ attention.

Malaysia’s Transport Ministry says in a news release today that police have searched the homes of both the pilot and co-pilot. The ministry says police also are investigating all crew and passengers, as well as any engineers who may have had contact with the aircraft before takeoff.