Peru to name baseball field after Burris

A Little League Field in Peru is being named in honor of a longtime supporter.  The city council following the recommendation of the recreation board Monday agreed to name the Little League Field at Washington Park after Bill Burris.

Alderman Dave Potthoff says Burris was a coach and umpire and is very deserving.

Leaf burning with restrictions is okay in Peru

Burning leaves is allowed in Peru if you follow the rules.  Peru Fire Chief Jeff King says a man accused of starting his neighbor’s fence on fire wasn’t burning yard waste though.

The owner of the fence called the fire department early Monday evening. King says a man had stuff burning in a barrel and it spread.

King says leaf burning is allowed in April but only during certain hours and days.

If you prefer bagging yard waste, bags are collected on Mondays.

Local cities, counties and townships to receive extra money for roads

The clock ticks while you sit in your car waiting for the sign to flip from stop to slow. You’ll find road construction projects all across the Illinois Valley this year. The state is giving area counties, townships and towns extra money for projects. The funding comes from the Illinois Jobs Now! Construction Program.

Bureau County is receiving $99,000, Putnam County is receiving $20,000, and La Salle County is receiving $285,000. That doesn’t include the money that will be given to townships and cities.

Dave Blanchette with Governor Pat Quinn’s office says the money is being distributed based on Motor Fuel Tax allotments and is in addition to normal MFT payments. Quinn is stressing how the money could be used to fix roads damaged by winter weather.

Ottawa man arrested for alleged relationship

Age matters when it comes to sex. A man in Ottawa was arrested Friday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a teenager. 23-year-old Edward Whitney was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and was released after posting bond. The investigation began in January. Police say the teen is between 15 and 17 years old.

Chocolate festival to raise money for CASA

Hundreds of children get caught up in legal cases. When this happens in La Salle County a court appointed special advocate is there to represent the child’s best interest in court. You can help make sure La Salle County CASA can continue to train these volunteers during their big annual fundraiser.

“Nothing’s Sweeter than a Child” Chocolate Festival and Silent Auction is Sunday at Celebrations 150.

Judy Terando with CASA says they have about 30 volunteers.  The volunteers handle on case at a time and report to the judge.

The festival is from 1-4pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children five and younger. Terando says families are encouraged to attend. For the price of admission you can sample all of the chocolates including brownies and cupcakes.

Learn more about CASA by listening to an interview that’s up at the WLPO AM and FM news page.

Man in Streator arrested after shots fired report

A report of shots fired had officers from all over converging on Streator.

Officers from Streator, La Salle and Livingston Counties along with the state police all went to a house on the west side of Streator just before one Monday morning. Streator Police Chief Kurt Pastirik says a 53-year old man was arrested without incident.
The investigation is ongoing and Pastirik says more information will be released.

Theatre boot camp offered in Princeton for aspiring actors and actresses

Boot camps are meant to challenge you. There’s one coming up in Princeton that will make you a better actor or actress.

A six-day Theatre Boot Camp is at Festival 56. Company co-founder Laura Brigham will lead the camp for high school students.
Students perform scenes from musicals, dramas and comedies throughout the week of the boot camp. The final day they’ll put on a performance in front of acting professionals.

The camp runs July 7th thru the 12th. It costs $250 per person and there are some partial scholarships available.

To sign up, click http://www.festival56.com/theatre_boot_camp

Gas prices in the Illinois Valley differ by as much as 20 cents per town

While surveys show gas going up statewide, the price at the pump in the Illinois Valley hasn’t moved much lately.

According to GasBuddy.com, the cheapest gas around is in Ottawa where you can get a gallon of unleaded for between $3.46 to $3.49. Prices in La Salle and Peru are anywhere between $3.55 to $3.69 a gallon.

The state average for unleaded is $3.87, up a dime from last week.

Machete attack investigated in La Salle

A man from La Salle is accused of a machete attack.

La Salle Police were called out to a fight Saturday night. They say Robert Atkinson attacked three people, slicing the hand of person with a machete. The three victims were treated and released at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

Atkinson was arrested for aggravated battery and battery. He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.