SHINE Gala to feature local student talent

Hanna Bressner of Streator started taking flute lessons when she was four. She is one of eight local performers and artists chosen to perform during the SHINE Gala.  It’s sponsored by NCI ARTworks and accepted submissions from students from junior high through college. Only the most talented were chosen to perform.

Chris Coughlin is with NCI ARTworks. She says students at the gala will be performing music, dance and painting. 

The SHINE Gala is Thursday at Senica’s Oak Ridge. Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm. Tickets are $12 and include food. You can buy them at the door or have them reserved. There will be a cash bar.

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

Space travel exhibit opens Saturday in La Salle

Since you were a child space exploration has driven science and imaginations. There is still a lot to explore. “Journey to Tomorrow,” a traveling NASA exhibit explains the technology and challenges of space travel.

It opens Wednesday at the La Salle Public Library. Donna Blomquist is with the library and says the exhibit is for everyone.

The exhibit is in a truck trailer in the parking lot. Once you step inside you’ll watch a short movie about space exploration. You’ll be able to visit work stations and other features at your own pace. Staff from NASA will be on hand to talk about the exhibit. Inside of the library you’ll find a life-size model of the Mars’ Curiosity Rover.

The exhibit runs Wednesday through Saturday and will be open from 11am to 7pm daily. Admission is free.

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

Starved Rock gains national recognition for fishing availability

Many things make Starved Rock State Park a family destination.  The website “takemefishing.org” ranked the top 100 family-friendly places to fish and Starved Rock State Park was number 12.

Qualities that put Starved Rock so high include being close to Chicago, having plenty of types of fish, having boats ramps and is in a park that offers things like playgrounds, campgrounds and picnic areas. To make the top 100 list for fishing, Starved Rock also had to be recommended by anglers themselves.

Four other fishing spots in Illinois made the list. To see the list click http://takemefishing.org/community/americas-top-family-fishing-and-boating-spots/

Same-sex marriage arrives across the Illinois Valley

Monday is the day same-sex couples can finally get legally married across the Illinois Valley.

Despite State Representative Frank Mautino and Senator Sue Rezin voting no, the Marriage Equality Act passed last year. La Salle County Clerk JoAnne Caretto says getting a marriage license under the new law will be no different than opposite-sex marriage licenses including the same $30 cost.

Caretto says with anything new, it takes some adjustments with brand new software and forms for same-sex marriages. Same-sex licenses won’t include a space for maiden name and you will also get to choose if you want to be listed on the license as the groom, bride or spouse.