Raise money for a local animal shelter at Pet Fest

Cats aren’t big fans of walking on leashes, but if your cat can survive a car ride to Baker Lake in Peru and wear a leash, they can enjoy Pet Fest.

The second largest annual fundraiser for Illinois Valley Animal Rescue is from 11am-3pm Sunday. You can donate by voting for your favorite dog or cat at Hy-Vee in Peru. The male and female pets that raise the most money will be announced at the fest.

At Pet Fest you’ll find people selling food and pet items and people that offer pet-related services. There will also be games for kids and a memorial balloon launch.

You can bring your pet to Pet Fest as long as it is on a leash, is friendly and has its shots.  Learn more about Pet Fest by listening to an interview that’s up at the WLPO AM and FM news page.

Fall Colors Weekend returns to Starved Rock State Park

If you haven’t visited Starved Rock State Park recently, this could be a fun weekend. It’s Fall Colors Weekend and there are plenty of color to see at the state park in Utica.

Hikes will begin at the Visitor’s Center at 9am and 1pm Saturday and Sunday. Special hikes that include a lunch will be offered for $17. You’ll need to make reservations at the lodge if you would like to be part of that. Otherwise, hiking at the park is free.

You may want to get to Starved Rock early this weekend because parking will be at a premium.

Seneca trucker killed in rollover near the Bureau County line

A semi rollover that snarled traffic on Interstate 80 has turned out to be a fatal crash.

54-year-old Mark Billings of Seneca died in a Henry County hospital Monday after a crash west of the Henry-Bureau County line.

Billings was heading east on Interstate 80 Monday morning when he left the road and overturned. Eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed most of the day during the clean up.

More information released on Route 6 motorcycle crash near Utica

A motorcyclist from Minooka is still recovering after a crash over the weekend in Utica.

State troopers say Robert Poundstone of Ottawa was headed west on Route 6 Sunday night when Mark Collofellow of Minooka pulled out in front of him from the Cajun Connection. Collofellow is listed in fair condition at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. A 94-year-old passenger of his from Joliet along with Poundstone were taken to area hospitals.

So far no tickets have been issued. The crash is still under investigation.

La Salle girl will get rare treatment for childhood cancer

A girl’s battle with cancer that has captivated the Illinois Valley will soon start a new chapter.

According to the Facebook page called “Rally for Lily”, Lily Rosploch of La Salle has been accepted into a phase 2 study at Chicago’s Comer Hospital. She’s expected to begin a new cancer treatment on the 27th lasting through Halloween. Doctors will try a mix of chemo drugs that have only been used on a few children worldwide.

Rosploch is fighting Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer. She’s previously been treated at St. Jude’s in Memphis and Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

Debate number two for Quinn and Rauner

CHICAGO (AP) – Republican Bruce Rauner and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn will debate for a second time as they battle to become Illinois’ next governor.

The candidates are scheduled to meet Tuesday night at Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History. The debate is expected to focus on issues important to African American voters.

Black voters in Chicago and its suburbs have been credited with helping Quinn to a narrow victory in 2010. Rauner has been aggressively trying to win over those voters in advance of the Nov. 4 election.

Tuesday’s debate will be broadcast on WBBM television and radio.