Former Peru Hy-Vee employee killed in crash

A car crash near the Iowa-Nebraska state line killed two brothers, one of which had lived and worked in the Illinois Valley.

30-year-old Eric Poole of Atlantic, Iowa and 19-year-old Nathan Poole of Omaha, Nebraska were found dead outside of a car that apparently lost control and rolled on rural stretch of Iowa highway according to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department. The crash was discovered early Sunday morning.

Eric Poole had worked at the Peru Hy-Vee.

Salvation Army store to open in Peru

Whether you’re looking for cheap clothing for your children or something with vintage flare, your best bet is a secondhand store. Another secondhand store is opening in Peru.

The Salvation Army will be moving into the old Joann Fabrics in the old Kmart building. It will be west of Dunham Sports.

Peru Economic Development Director Bob Vickery announced the plans Monday night. He says there are still 40,000 square feet available in the building. He didn’t say when the store is to open.

Parents and eighth graders invited to an academic night at LP High School

The transition from grade school to high school is a big step in your child’s life. If you have an eighth grader that could be going to LP High School next year you’re encouraged to be at the Eighth-Grade Academic Night.

It’s from 6-8:30pm Wednesday in Matthiessen Auditorium. School officials and students will talk about the classes offered to freshman. They will also take your questions.

This program replaces the traditional eighth grade open house.

Minimum wage increase and school funding possible topics during veto session

Voters in Illinois would like to see a minimum wage increase but do state lawmakers? Legislation to raise the minimum wage could come up for action this week in Springfield.

The second half of the fall veto session begins Tuesday. Republican State Senator Sue Rezin says if legislative leaders call for the minimum wage bill, it’s because they have the votes to pass it.

Rezin doesn’t support the legislation but agrees with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner’s plan which calls for benefits for businesses.

Rezin says increasing the minimum wage is a huge burden to small businesses. She also anticipates discussion on Senate Bill 16, public school funding reform.

The fall veto session is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Rauner will be sworn in as governor January 12.

National Weather Service predicts a cold but not overly snowy winter

If you’re already tired of cold weather, keep in mind that winter doesn’t officially start for another three weeks.

The National Weather Service out of Chicago has put out its winter outlook for the Illinois Valley and it’s a cold outlook. The weather service says there are several signs pointing to an increased potential for a colder than average winter. When it comes to snow however the outlook for the Illinois Valley is near or below average snowfall this winter.

Meteorologists looked at things like winters after cold Novembers in writing up their outlook.

There’s a new sheriff in town for Bureau County

For the first time in over a decade, John Thompson won’t be the sheriff in Bureau County.

Thompson retired and his replacement Jim Reed will be sworn today at the Bureau County Courthouse. The Democrat Reed won last month’s election over Republican Alan Beaber.

Republican Courtney Mabry is also taking over as Bureau County treasurer from Nina Urbanowski who didn’t seek re-election. Mabry beat Democrat Rick Wilkin in last month’s election.

History made in Putnam County over the weekend

HENNEPIN, Ill. (AP) – Putnam County has a new top prosecutor.

Hennepin attorney Christina Mennie is the new Putnam County state’s attorney. She’s the first woman state’s attorney in the county.

The Putnam County Board unanimously approved her selection at a special meeting on Saturday. She succeeds Jim Mack who was prosecutor for a decade before he was elected county judge in the Nov. 4 election.

Mennie’s appointment runs through the 2016 election.

More Christmas activities scheduled in La Salle

The lighting of Rotary Park was only the start of the Christmas season in La Salle. You’ll find more lights and kids’ activities during La Salle’s “A Miracle on First Street”.

The city and downtown businesses have activities planned from 8am until sunset Saturday. At Ax Church on Gooding Street, kids will be able to make crafts at Santa’s Workshop.  They will also be able to get a free fire truck ride at City Hall and listen to Christmas stories and music at the La Salle Public Library.

At Santa’s house on First Street, kids can have their picture taken with Santa and Stage 212 will have a free showing of a Christmas movie.

The tree lighting at City Hall and open house is at 4:30pm.

The activities were coordinated by the La Salle Promotional and Advisor Committee.