Skydivers help raise money for Illinois Valley children

The donations are still being counted but from all indications the 35th Annual Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties Telethon was a success.

President and CEO of the Illinois Valley Easter Seals office Susan Bursztynsky says their goal was to raise $50,000 and they should at the very least come close to that. A new part of raising funds this year was to offer a $50 tandem jump at Skydive Chicago for any donor who raised at least $500. Bursztynsky says they had four people take advantage of the skydiving.

Sunday’s telethon was the first year for the fundraiser to be held at Skydive Chicago outside Ottawa.

Ottawa liquor store owner donates thousands towards scholarship campaign at IVCC

The co-owner of an Ottawa liquor store is making sure that scholarships stay available at Illinois Valley Community College.

Jim Ferrero, co-owner of Herman’s Package Store in Ottawa has donated $9,500 to the IVCC Scholarship Campaign. He made the donation in honor of his brother Joe who died in 2013 and co-owned Herman’s with him.

The Ferrero’s became friends with IVCC President Jerry Corcoran while the three studied at the University of Illinois. Corcoran used to work at the liquor store.

Women hurt after ATV accident outside of Marseilles

A late night ATV ride ended with the driver headed to jail and the passenger going to the hospital.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office got a call just before three Sunday morning about an ATV accident south of Marseilles. Christina Lambert of Marseilles fell off the ATV and onto a gravel shoulder. She was taken to Morris Community Hospital.

The man behind the wheel of the ATV, Chad Bolotto of Marseilles was arrested for DUI, illegal transportation of open alcohol and no valid insurance. Bolotto was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Mendota “Click it or Ticket” campaign continues

Mendota police are in the middle of a “Click it or Ticket It” campaign ending on May 25th. According to the law, all occupants of a car or truck have to use a seatbelt. The fine is the same, too – $60.

Studies show a person not belted in in the back seat can become a projectile in a 30 mph crash. It’s a good chance they will hurt someone in the front seat. The release said it’s like falling from a 3 story building. Officers will be also looking for intoxicated drivers. You’re advised to get a sober driver, if you plan on drinking.

LaSalle City Council schedule changing

There is no LaSalle City Council meeting this Tuesday. It has been moved to May 26th. The Finance Committee meeting also has been moved to that date and will start at the same time of 6:30pm The Council voted May 5 to change its regular meetings from Tuesdays to Mondays at 7pm. The changes go into effect with the meeting scheduled for June 8. The Council will meet every other Monday.

Chances for severe weather downgraded

The Storm Prediction Center has taken the risk of severe weather down a notch. It’s calling for a “Slight” chance of severe weather across much of Illinois Sunday afternoon and tonight. It appears strong winds, heavy rainfall and quarter sized hail may occur in SOME storms Sunday.

The chance for a tornado is small, but cannot be ruled out. Computer models indicate the south winds are pumping in a lot of moisture which can produce heavy rains in some storms today.