Milestone birthday celebrated at Illinois Valley Community College

You would rather have a sunny and dry day instead of a rainy and overcast day to celebrate your birthday. The 90^th birthday celebration at Illinois Valley Community College Monday afternoon wasn’t stopped by the rain, though it was moved indoors.

On hand to celebrate was former student and college president, Dr. Alfred Wisgoski. He says college has become more extensive since when he first enrolled in 1949.  Wisgoski was the college president from 1974 to 1996. He told the crowd about how the school’s temporary buildings came to be known as Havard on the Hill.

State Senator Sue Rezin, State Representative Frank Mautino and State Representative Dareen LaHood also spoke.

Cake, cookies and punch were served. A balloon launch was scrapped due to the rain.

LPHS band earns third place

Are you a band parent? The LP Marching Cavaliers Saturday earned third place in Class 3A at a band competition in Pontiac. LP also won best color guard in their class.

The LP Marching Cavaliers are directed by Kyle Adelmann. The band competes next Saturday at the Red and Black Fall Classic at NIU.

Kitchen fire could’ve started with lightning strike

Lightning could’ve started a house fire west of Wyanet.

A mutual aid call was put out around 6:30 Monday morning to help Wyanet firefighters fight a fire at 1575 North Avenue. Firefighters think it may have been caused by a lightning strike. There was smoke coming from the kitchen.

Crews started leaving the scene after a half hour.

UPDATE: Arrest warrant issued for man accused of firing a gun in public

An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of firing a gun in Streator. Police continue to look for 23-year-old Brandon Stewart. They believe he was driving a white, 2006 Nissan SUV when he fired a shot Saturday. The warrant was issued Monday for aggravated use of a weapon.

If you have information about him, don’t approached him. Instead call the Streator Police Department or Streator Crimestoppers.

Weekend cleaning done at L-P after rash outbreak

Did you remember to wash your kid’s gym clothes this weekend?

A thorough cleaning was done Saturday and Sunday at L-P after a recent break out of skin rashes. Superintendent Steve Wrobleski says at least one student has a staph infection.

L-P’s locker rooms and bathrooms were cleaned over the weekend to try and prevent spread of infection. Wrobleski says if any student left their PE clothes in their locker over the weekend, they were taken out and washed.

Students and parents were encouraged to wash gym clothes and any athletic equipment over the weekend.