Childrdens’ Clothing Swap returns

Correy Sparling learned to stretch a childrens’ clothing budget and you can do the same this week. It’s called the Illinois Valley Childrens’ Clothing Swap inside First United Methodist in Mendota. From 10 – 2 Thursday through Saturday, you can bring in your childrens’ clean clothing and trade item for item. Clothing you trade must be free of stains and holes.

If you have nothing to trade, for $2, you can get a bag of clothes containing about 10 items of your choice. The Swap also trades coats, socks and baby’s blankets. . If you have questions, you can call the church weekdays between 8 and Noon.

Utica Village President forum set

Candidates for Utica Village President were heard last week on “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO’s” Village President’s Forum. However, Monday night, you can compare your views with those same 6 candidates at a forum sponsored by the “Business Association”.  It starts at 6 in the community building and features Rick Maltas, former village employee, William CIccone and Mike Brown, former village trustees and current trustees, James Schrader, Kevin Stewart and Matthew Jereb.

Rt 251 repairs start Monday

Lots of startups come with Spring. Among them is road construction commencing Monday – weather permitting – in the city of Peru. The Illinois Department of Transportation has scheduled a portion of Route 251 for milling and resurfacing from north of May road south to US Route 6. Work on traffic signal detector loops and reconstruction of existing sidewalk ramps are also planned.

Motorists should use extreme caution in the work zone and be alert for flaggers and other workers. IDOT says the work should be completed by the end of June.

Ted Cruz running for President

Ted Cruz will announce Monday that he plans to run for president. The Texas senator will become the first high-profile Republican formally to enter the 2016 presidential contest. His intention to jump into the race was confirmed by Cruz strategist who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity so as not to preclude the formal announcement.

Chovan shares St. Baldrick results

Rita Chovan can take a break now after the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser Saturday at Jeremiah Joe’s in Ottawa. Chovan said between 70 and 80 people shaved their heads to raise money for child cancer research. The current amount raised is $43-thousand, but another 7-thousand is expected. Chovan says the results are on par with any other year. The number of shavees was down, though. Chovan says St. Baldrick’s will return again at this time next year.

Firemen called to Princeton Shell station

Bureau County Sheriff’s office is not releasing any information regarding an incident early Sunday at the Shell Station, next to McDonald’s in Princeton. Princeton Fire Department’s Lt. Davis said fire personnel were dispatched to the station around 3:13am. Davis said 1 person was injured and taken to Perry Memorial Hospital. A Facebook page said it was a burning gas pump. Lt. Davis denied that account.

Aurora man’s condition improve after fall

An Aurora man receives critical injuries Friday, has surgery in Peoria 14 hours later and is in good condition Sunday. 18-year old Christopher Stewart fell 90 feet to the floor of “Wild Cat Canyon” at Starved Rock State Park late Friday afternoon. District Conservation officer Hank Frazier says Stewart was trying to break off some ice at the rim of the canyon when he lost his footing and fell.

Stewart was life-flighted to Peoria and had surgery Saturday at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. The Center’s housing supervisor said he is in good condition. A woman with him, 18-year old Tara Watkins of Aurora was charged with having marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Sgt. Frazier reminds everyone alcohol or drugs are not allowed on any park trails.

Weather remains in flux

As the cowardly lion in “Wizard of Oz” might say, “unusual weather, we’re having!”.
The National Weather Service says to expect about an inch of snow by mid-morning Monday. A thunderstorm may occur Tuesday evening with snow showers by Thursday evening.
Daytime temperatures will step up everyday starting with 38 on Monday,  47 on Tuesday and 58 on Wednesday. Then they’re forecast to reverse and be only at 39 for a high on Friday.