Beverages debut in Ottawa Saturday

When a new store opens, you probably would investigate. Would you do the same for new beverages? According to their Facebook pages, “Radium City Brewing” launches 3 new beers Saturday at the “Red Dog Grill” at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa.

“Breaking Blonde Ale”, “Time Traveler IPA” and “Fashionably Late APA” will be served after 4pm along with musical entertainment. The Ottawa brewery was hoping to unveil a 4th beer – “Mash Confusion Wheat Ale”, however; it will be unveiled soon at “Shakers” and “Red Dog Grill”.

Chicago area man hurt laying cycle down

    Even if you’re driving a motorcycle you have to pay attention. A Chicago area man got some head injuries late Saturday morning after his bike went down on a northbound stretch of Route 34.

   Corporal Woolford is with the Sheriff’s office. He told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” Byron Goessele’s Honda 1300 VTX hit loose gravel 3 miles east of I-39 and went onto the shoulder. The Lakemoor man wasn’t wearing a helmet and was forced to lay the bike down. In doing so, Goessele hit his head on the pavement and the bike hit the guardrail. The Lakemoor man was treated for injuries at OSF St. Paul’s Mendota. He was not ticketed.

Rauner ready to suspend funding for dozens of state programs and services

CHICAGO (AP) – Governor Bruce Rauner says he’s gearing up to suspend funding for many state programs and services next month since there’s been no budget agreement.

Rauner’s office on Friday detailed dozens of grants and services that could be stopped July 1, since the budget lawmakers approved is short billions of dollars. They include capital projects and some types of Medicaid payments.

Lawmakers are at a budget standstill. Legislative Democrats approved a spending plan but admit it’s at least $3 billion short of revenue and want Rauner to approve new taxes. But Rauner says he won’t sign it. He wants lawmakers to consider his agenda.

Four cities across Illinois Valley holding Farmer’s Markets Saturday

If you like locally grown, fresh produce, you’re in luck.

Four cities across the Illinois Valley are holding farmers markets Saturday.

Ottawa is holding its grand opening for the summer of its Old Town Farmers Market. The market is open from 8 to 12:30 on Jackson Street and features door prizes and raffles. The first 150 people will get a free bag.

Mendota is holding its farmers market from 8 until noon in the Amtrak Station parking lot. The market will be open rain or shine and is held every Saturday from now until October 10.

Streator’s market is from 9 until 1 on Park Street across from Walgreen’s and Princeton’s is from 8:30 until 2 on South Main Street.

Associated judges in the Illinois Valley get reappointed

Five associate judges in the Illinois Valley have been reappointed for another four years.

La Salle County judges Daniel Bute, Karen Eiten and Michael Jansz will begin new, four year terms in July along with Bureau County Judge Cornelius Hollerich and Grundy County judge Sheldon Sobol. Circuit Court judges decided on reappointments by secret ballots.

Only 8 of 384 associate judges in Illinois were not reappointed. None of the judges denied reappointment is in the Illinois Valley.

Raises handed out at IVCC

Despite tough budget times, raises are being handed out at Illinois Valley Community College.

The IVCC Board of Trustees this week approved a 2.5 percent salary increase for President Jerry Corcoran along with Vice presidents Cheryl Roelfsema and Deborah Anderson.

Part-time faculty and coaches not covered by a union also are getting 2.5 percent raises.