Illinois lawmakers vote down ‘cupcake’ bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois lawmakers have halted a so-called “cupcake” bill introduced after a young girl’s home baking operation was shut down.

The Senate voted 32-17 Tuesday to block a proposal that would have paved the way for home kitchen businesses making less than $1,000 per month under certain rules. The measure would require sellers to be trained, pay fees, label ingredients and tell consumers the product was made in a home.

The Madison County Health Department shut down 12-year-old Chloe Stirling’s cupcake business in Troy. Supporters say the measure would have created a pathway to open such home kitchens.

Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis was among opponents. The dairy magnate says the proposed rules would have sidetracked his own entrepreneurial spirit at a young age.

Streator Police investigate robbery and truck theft

White Ford pickup trucks are everywhere but only one of them was stolen from a dealership in Streator. Police were looking for two men thought to be responsible for the robbery of a tobacco store and the theft of a truck from Star Ford on North Bloomington Street shortly before 3pm Tuesday.

The men reportedly used a knife to rob the store before stealing the truck.  The truck was described as a white 2007 F150. The men were described as white and wearing clothing as average as the truck they were driving.

If you have any information, call the Streator Police Department.

Free weddings being offered Saturday in Ottawa

The grass is green and the flowers are blooming at Washington Park in Ottawa creating a beautiful backdrop for your wedding vows. Several local ministers are performing free wedding ceremonies from 1pm to 5pm Saturday at the park.

If you would like to have them officiate your wedding, you’ll need a marriage license from the La Salle County Clerk. Pastor Carl Hardie of the Ottawa Church of Christ says the serve is open to bride and grooms that were never been married or were in a marriage where they were faithful to a spouse who cheated.

In the past, couples have kept the ceremonies simple with just one or two guests and others have brought their families and have dressed up.

Memorial Day weekend includes violence in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – Six people have been killed and at least 10 others wounded in shootings and other violence across Chicago over the long Memorial Day weekend.

Among the dead was a 17-year-old who was shot in the jaw Saturday night in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Officers also shot and killed a man after he lunged at them with a knife.

Police say the officers were responding to an emergency call from paramedics who were confronted by the man on Saturday night in the Englewood neighborhood.

Friends and family rallying behind Tonica woman fighting cancer

Fighting cancer isn’t cheap. You’re help is needed to help Denise Flower in her fight against colon cancer.

A benefit called “Empower Flower” is this Saturday from 3 until 10 at the Tonica Fire Department. Flower has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. She lives in Tonica, works at Midland States Bank in Peru and is an L-P grad.
Saturday’s benefit includes live music, raffles, a silent auction and 50/50 drawing and a dinner. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Tickets are available at Hy-Vee in Peru, Rudy’s Liquors, La Salle County Travel, Midland States Bank, Illini State Bank of Tonica and Gregg’s Automotive.

Peru’s role in murder case featured on Lifetime Movie Network

Did you see one of Peru’s finest on national TV Monday night?

Peru Police Department Sgt. Sarah Raymond was featured on the Lifetime Movie Network’s show “Murder in Enchanted Hills”. Raymond gave her memories of arresting two teenage boys at the Peru Walmart back in 2010 who were involved in a murder.

Colt Lundy and Paul Gingerich had just shot and killed Lundy’s stepfather in Indiana when they stopped in Peru for some energy drinks and to use a coin machine for cash on their way to Arizona. Raymond and other officers showed up because Walmart employees got suspicious of the boys being out so late. Peru officers eventually found a gun and marijuana in their car which led them to contact police back in Indiana and realize the boys were in big trouble.

Lundy and Gingerich were eventually each given 25 years in prison for killing 49-year old Phil Danner.

Cancer fight continues in La Salle County

Have you organized your team yet for the annual Relay for Life of La Salle County?

The relay to benefit the American Cancer Society is once again in Streator this year at the high school. Already 40 teams have registered and online fundraising is nearing $50,000.

This year’s relay will start at six Friday night, June 13th and end at six Saturday morning, June 14th. There will be survivor and caregiver laps, a fight back ceremony and plenty of games throughout the night.

Cheryl Canale is the local coordinator. For more information, click http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=58040