Kinzinger among House members supporting border legislation

More money for security and agents along the U.S. and Mexico border is included in a bill passed by House Republicans. Your congressman, Republican Adam Kinzinger, was among those supporting the Southwest Border Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2014. It was passed Friday.

The bill includes money to send National Guard members to the border and money to speed up the processes of returning migrant children to from where they came.

It’s a $694 million bill and Kinzinger says funding for it will be offset by spending reductions and that it will not add to the national debt.

Several Illinois State Police District 17 workers honored

It’s nice being recognized for doing an outstanding job at work. A few people you might know were honored Friday at The Illinois State Police 37^th Annual Awards Ceremony in Chatham.

District 17 Trooper Michael Kasprak received a Lifesaving Medal. The honor is given to State Police personnel whose actions save a life.

District 17 Trooper John Morscheiser II was a Patrol officer of the year nominee.

A man who is likely to answer the phone when you call the District 17 headquarters in La Salle, Tavis Fivek, was a Telecommunicator of the Year nominee.

Free concert Saturday in Pulaski Park

Long before your time and possibly even your parents’ time, crowds would gather at Pulaksi Park in La Salle for concerts. That tradition returns with a concert Saturday afternoon.

Award-winning singer and musician Rick Kelley is performing two hours of “Motown Hits” starting at 11:30am.  The concert is free. You’re encouraged to bring your family and a lunch.

Streator Police arrest a man and woman on drug charges

The fight against drugs in the Illinois Valley continues.

Eric Anderson of Streator was arrested Thursday by Streator Police for possession of a controlled substance. He was also wanted on a warrant and taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Ashley Negray of Streator was arrested Wednesday for possession of a controlled substance. She was also picked up for a warrant and also driving uninsured and on an expired license and was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

IVCC extending time to pay tuition for fall semester

Going to Illinois Valley Community College this fall but struggling to find the cash to pay for it?

IVCC is offering a financial aid extension that requires no money down until August 22nd. To be eligible, you must have financial barriers in paying tuition or making a down payment. Contracts for the financial aid extension are available at both the Oglesby and Ottawa campus.

If you don’t make a tuition payment arrangement by August 22nd, your classes will be cancelled. Fall semester at IVCC begin Monday, August 18th.

Vallas visits IVCC

Less tax revenue would mean less money for education according to the Democrat running for Illinois Lt. Governor.  Paul Vallas visited Illinois Valley Community College Thursday where he accused Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner of pitching a budget plan that would cut nearly $8 billion from the discretionary budget.

Vallas says that loss would leave school districts receiving less state aid. He says colleges and universities we would also lose funding.

Rauner has said he would lower income and a corporate taxes. Vallas supports Governor Pat Quinn’ s plan.