Rezin named next Illinois Senate Republican Whip

A woman that represents the Illinois Valley in the Illinois State Senate will be the new Senate Republican Whip. Senator Sue Rezin was given the title by Senate Minority Leader Senator Christine Radogno.

Rezin says she’s thrilled to take on the new role which was held by Senator Tim Bivins. Bivins is becoming the new Assistant Senate Republican Leader.

New P.E. and driver’s ed teachers ready to start at LPHS

As students prepare for a new school year, LP High School is preparing a handful of new teachers.

Students will have three new P.E. teachers: James Bragg, Kyle Pytel, and Matt Rebholz. They’ll also teach health and driver’s education. Bragg is also the new head varsity football coach.

Phillip Baughman will teach science and Doug Narczewski will teach automotive technology.

Kristy DeChirico is a new school counselor.

 The first day of school is August 13.

La Salle troopers could help Chicago Police fight violence

Do you think more police is the answer to stopping gun violence in Chicago?

Forty state troopers are headed to Chicago to work with the Chicago PD to patrol four high-crime neighborhoods and try to find violent criminals wanted on warrants. City officials reached out for the help.

Master Sergeant Anthony Kestner with District 17 in La Salle says they’ve haven’t received an assignment yet but he wouldn’t be surprised if his office is asked to take part in the effort. State Police Spokeswoman Monique Bond says troopers will be picked based on proximity to Chicago and if their district can afford to be down an officer or two for a temporary assignment.

District 17 is already sending troopers down to help at the state fair.

La Salle man faces home invasion charge

Nearly one month after a man allegedly forced his way into a house in La Salle, he has been charged with home invasion. Ollie Owens of La Salle was arrested Wednesday.

La Salle Police Chief Rob Uranich says they first arrested Owens after getting called to the house twice on July 13. Their second visit came after Owens allegedly broken into the home and injured two people. At the time he was arrested for domestic battery.

La Salle County prosecutors decided to also charge him with home invasion, a felony.

Owens is being held in the county jail with his bond set at $100,000. His next court date is August 21.

Bid opening delayed for large addition to Peru school

One week before ground is broken for a building addition at Northview School in Peru, the school board will chose the builder.

A bid opening was scheduled for this Thursday but was rescheduled for Monday because contractors wanted more time according to Superintendent Mark Cross.

The bids will be opened at 2pm Monday. The school board will meet at 5pm Tuesday to award a contract.

The district received an $11 million construction grant that they are using to pay for the expansion.

Deputies say knife used in attempted hold-up of Casey’s in Tonica

A knife was the weapon of choice in an attempted hold up at the Casey’s General Store in Tonica.

La Salle County deputies say a 15-year-old went into the Casey’s Tuesday night and demanded money from a clerk while showing a knife. The clerk called 9-1-1 instead and the boy from Tonica was arrested minutes later.

He was taken to the La Salle County Detention Home. Because of his age, the teen’s name hasn’t been released.

Sweet Corn Festival is back in Mendota

Start boiling the water- the 67th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival begins Thursday.

The carnival and around 80 vendors open up in downtown Mendota at 6pm. Friday the carnival opens at 12pm with the beer garden opening in the evening. The Sweet Corn Festival queen will be crowned Friday night as well.

The weekend schedule at the Sweet Corn Festival includes a “Cornapalooza” Run/Walk, bags tournament, and flea market. The grand parade is at 1pm Sunday.