Chickens getting the heave ho in Mendota

Mendota is a rural town, but not rural enough to allow chickens inside city limits.

According to the NewsTribune, the Mendota City Council decided Monday night to ban chickens and other animals like swine, donkeys and ducks within city limits. The decision was made after Jennifer Skaggs asked the council to allow backyard chickens a few months ago.

Just in the past few years, chickens have also been banned within La Salle, Utica and Wenona.

Oglesby leaders turn down new business proposal

Oglesby won’t be getting a new business after all near the four corners intersection.

The city council voted 5-0 Monday night to deny TC Enterprises a rezoning request. The plastic recycling business would have been located at the former Dahlgren’s property and would have created 12 jobs.

Tod Misener of TC Enterprises made a final attempt to persuade the council, saying his business wouldn’t be bothersome to neighbors, but the council stuck with the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation that was made last week to keep the property in the same classification. ZBA members didn’t think the new business fit into the city’s comprehensive plan.

Commissioner Tom Porter said he couldn’t go against the ZBA’s recommendation, saying that’s why they have the ZBA in the first place.

Raises approved for several city workers in Peru

About 25 city of Peru employees should see more money in their next paycheck.

Non-union employees are getting two percent raises over the next two years. The raise matches up with what the Peru City Council approved for city workers covered by unions.

Non-union employees include office staff, meter readers and sergeants and commanders with the police department.

Man arrested after crash at Love’s

A crash at the Love’s Truck Stop in Oglesby early Saturday morning resulted in charges against the driver.

Christopher Cofield of Rockford was arrested around 4 Saturday morning following a crash at Loves Truck Stop. He was arrested for DUI, possession of cannabis 50-300 grams, and possession of a controlled substance.

Cofield was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Burglary spree hits homes, businesses and a school in Tonica

A burglary spree in Tonica is under investigation.

Tonica Police Chief Dave Woolford says officers were called out several times Thursday night into Friday morning for burglaries in homes, businesses, a school and unlocked vehicle. In each case Woolford says the burglar was only in search of cash.

It all started when a woman living in the Manor Court Apartments says she startled the burglar in her home. The only description she was able to give was of a large man with dark clothes.

After that, someone broke into the Tonica Lumber Yard, Tonica Nursery and Tonica Grade School. Money was taken from the nursery.

The thief then got inside two homes and took money while also getting cash out of an unlocked vehicle. Woolford says the only forced entry was with the three businesses.

If you have any information about the Tonica burglaries, call the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

Colon cancer the focus of a 5K run/walk in Ladd

Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. You can help raise awareness of the disease by putting on your running shoes and heading to Ladd Saturday.

The Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk starts at 9am at the Ladd Community Center. Same day registration starts at 7 while you can register online through this Wednesday.

The goal of this year’s Get Your Rear in Gear is $20,000.

Fore more information click here http://events.getyourrearingear.com/site/TR/Events/General?pg=entry&fr_id=2690