Arrest made in Ferguson shooting

An arrest has been made in the shooting of 2 officers outside the Ferguson, Missouri, Police Department.

Investigators say 20-year-old Jeffrey Williams is charged with 2 counts of first-degree assault, among other things. He’s being held at the St. Louis County Jail.

The officers were shot early Thursday during a protest after Ferguson’s police chief resigned in the wake of a scathing federal Justice Department report. The officers were released from the hospital later that day.

Police crime solve via Facebook

They did it last weekend and they’re doing it this weekend.

Peru police are turning to Facebook to solve another retail theft occuring at the north end of town. A store security camera captured clear images of a young man, perhaps, 17 – 26 years old who, police, consider an alleged suspect.

The crime occurred Saturday in a north end retail store. If you have a tip that could help, call Peru Police Department. If you want to remain anonymous, call Illinois Valley Crime Stoppers 1-800-340-4045.

Ottawa man campaigns for Cubs song

The son of an Ottawa sporting goods owner needs your vote. Well, rather his Cubs victory song.

Frank Polancic is a Chicago realtor who has written songs on the side for 15 years. Polancic’s song, “Everybody Loves the Cubs” is in the quarter finals of a contest to find a new victory song to play at Wrigley Field.

Polancic, an OTHS and IVCC grad, told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” news the tune is a solid victory song. He’s asking you to listen to it, and, if you like it, vote for it at chicagotribune.com/cubs songs.  The website indicates voting will continue all week, but Polancic isn’t entirely sure when this round ends.

IVCC to host Lincoln exhibit

Abraham Lincoln served at Fort Wilbourne atop a rocky cliff in 1832 just south of Shippingsport Bridge. And, ironically, a Lincoln exhibit is coming to IVCC March 24th for a 5 week stay.

“Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” opens the 24th with “Civil War era hors d’oeuvres” and a ribbon cutting at the Peter Miller Technology Center. History instructor Amanda Cook Fesperman says after that there’s bag lectures, Lincoln-theme courses and trips, IVCC Choir Civil War music and the presentation of an original play about Lincoln.

Fesperman and head librarian Frances Whaley co-wrote the grant provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Owls take over Starved Rock Sunday

If you’re into owls, head out to Starved Rock State Park Sunday.
Owl Prowl weekend continues with programs in the lodge starting at 10, noon and 2. Representatives from the “Hoo” Haven Wildlife and Education Center in Durand will have owls in the lodge as part of a presentation.  Its $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 10 and younger.

Sublette Toy Show at 3 Sunday

The 33rd annual Sublette Farm Toy Show wraps up Sunday.
You can check out tractors and equipment of all sizes along with a train layout in downtown Sublette from 9 until 3. There’s also a craft show, pancake and sausage breakfast along with food vendors.
Admission is free.

LaSalle Lake opens; expect lines

A popular fishing spot in La Salle County is now open.
The La Salle Lake near Marseilles opened for the season Sunday. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, expect long lines at the lakes entrance during the first 2 weeks its open. The lake is open 6 in the morning until sunset, 7 days a week.
Remember that you need to renew your fishing license for this year by April 1st. Licenses are $15 and can be ordered from the DNR website.

Princeton man hurt after fire

A Princeton man went to the hospital after his mobile home caught fire in Princeton early Friday evening.

Commander Carrington is with the Princeton Fire Department.  His men were called to 2215 Crestview Drive – along I-80 and 1  1/2 miles west of Wal-Mart – around 7:30pm.  Upon arrival, they saw heavy smoke coming from the mobile home. The fire was contained to the kitchen area which received heavy damage.

The occupant, Shannon Cooper went to Perry Memorial Hospital by ambulance.