Liquor commission tickets five area businesses

It’s probably been awhile since you were carded before buying alcohol, but there was a time when your age wasn’t so obvious.

Five businesses in Putnam County were ticketed for allegedly selling alcohol to people under 21 during a sting Wednesday by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

Ticketed were Bellino’s Tavern in Standard, Country Corner Convenience Store in McNabb, Da Rajun Cajun Bar and Grill in McNabb, Marko’s in Mark and Pagan O’Leary’s in Granville.  Eight other businesses passed the test.

La Salle announces fall leaf vac schedule

Soon the green leaves will turn to orange and then brown. La Salle will begin leaf pickup with the leaf vac October 13.

It will be in the fourth ward on Mondays, the third ward on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the first ward on Thursdays and the second ward on Fridays.  You’re not allowed to burn leaves or any yard waste in La Salle.

Bureau County boy and his family contribute to the Hall Township Food Pantry

Pumpkins are a fun plant to grow, especially for children. But instead of carving his pumpkins for Halloween decorations, eight-year-old Jack May of rural Princeton sold his to raise money for the Hall Township Food Pantry.

May had help of his parents, Jim and Jeannine, and brother, Jake. They were at the pantry in Spring Valley Wednesday to donate 80 pounds of pumpkins and gourds and $150. The money will be used to buy food for pantry clients.

Heroin bust in Streator

An alleged drug dealer from Chicago was busted in Streator.

Officers with Tri-Dent arrested Ricky Gibson Thursday for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He’s accused of having more than a gram of heroin. Officers say they had been watching Gibson for awhile.

He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Fire that shut down flights in Chicago was intentionally set

CHICAGO (AP) – A fire at an Aurora air traffic control facility that shut down the city’s two airports was intentionally set by a contract employee according to investigators.

The early morning fire forced the evacuation of the control center. Emergency crews found a man in the basement with a self-inflicted wound and took him to a hospital.

The man was a contract employee of the Federal Aviation Administration. Aurora’s police chief says it was not a terrorist act and that the investigation is being run by the FBI.

Car show in Oglesby raising money to fight cancer

There is not a drop of rain in the weekend forecast, which is perfect for the people putting together the annual Cruise Against Cancer car show.

You’ll be able to see cars, old and new, at the Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby from 4-8pm Saturday. Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO will be there from 4-5pm.

Dash plaques will be awarded.

Scarecrow Festival returns in Ottawa

Here’s a sure sign that fall is here, it’s time for the annual Scarecrow Festival in Ottawa.

The 28th edition of the festival is Saturday from 10 until 4 in the downtown area. There will be superhero themed scarecrows around town along with a petting zoo and vendors. Awards will be given out to the best scarecrows.

A Zombie 5K Walk/Run is also part of the Scarecrow Festival this year. The race starts at Fox River Park Friday night at 6.