Traffic stop leads to a felony DUI arrest

Usually a DUI arrest means a ride in the back of a squad car and calling a friend for bond money. It was more serious for a man stopped in Peru Wednesday night.

Arturo Rodriguez of La Salle was arrested for felony DUI, attempting to flee and elude police, obstructing identification, and having a suspended license. Rodriguez was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

U2 and Neil Diamond cover bands booked for Riverfest

If you’re a fan of Neil Diamond or U2, you will like the entertainment at Ottawa Riverfest.  The festival includes four nights of live music starting Thursday, July 31 with “Simply Diamond”, a Neil Diamond tribute band from New York.  On Saturday night, a U2 tribute band called “Without U2” will hit the Riverfest stage. They’re from Chicago.

Other music headliners at Riverfest are regional country favorites “Brushville” and Colorado-based funk group “Euforquestra”.

Men accused of vandalism in Morris

Spray-painting a police vehicle will get you in a lot of trouble. One man has been arrested and another is about to be in Morris.

Investigators say Dustin Ralls and Zhenia Buttry of Morris spray-painted several vehicles belonging to the Morris Police Department and Morris Fire Protection District. Police also say they vandalized a crashed car used to deter drunken driving at Morris High School.

Ralls was arrested Thursday for criminal defacement of property but officers are stilling looking for Buttry. If you have information, call the Morris Police Department.

Nearly five inches of rain falls in LaMoille in just 24 hours

If you live in LaMoille, chances you’re trying to dry out.

Heavy rains Wednesday made many roads impassable and prompted a flash flood warning Wednesday night. According to the National Weather Service, over 4.5 inches of rain fell in LaMoille in just 24 hours.

There’s a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend.

Outdoors Expo planned in Spring Valley

If you’re called the “Sauger capital of the world” it makes sense to have an outdoor expo.

Spring Valley is the site of an outdoors expo this Saturday along the 100 and 200 blocks of E. St. Paul Street. Festivities start in the morning with dog and fish shows along with a climbing wall, and vendor booths.

In the afternoon there will be raffles, live music and chances to try your hand at archery and gun range for free.

Utica restaurant to be featured on PBS station

A staple of the Illinois Valley is coming to a television near you.

Cajun Connection will be featured Friday night on the restaurant review show called “Check, Please!” on WTTW Channel 11 out of Chicago. The half-hour show was taped during a visit with “Cajun” Ron McFarlain and his wife Amy in October.

“Check, Please!” starts at 8pm.