Brian Towne launches re-election campaign

The man in charge of putting bad guys and girls behind bars in La Salle County wants to keep doing the job.

Democrat Brian Towne announced over the weekend that he will seek re-election next year as La Salle County State’s Attorney. He first became state’s attorney in 2006, taking over for Joe Hettel. The two times Towne has won re-election, he ran unopposed.

The 47-year-old says while felony crime has fallen 33 percent since he was elected, there is still work to be done. He says drugs is the biggest cause of crime in La Salle County.

Former manager of Majestic Theatre in Streator wants to buy and reopen the building

Have any interest in buying an old movie theater? An auction is scheduled the morning of August 12th to find a buyer for the foreclosed Majestic Theatre in Streator.

The theater was closed last summer after the owner put it up for sale. The owner had a falling out with the manager of the Majestic, Katie Troccoli of Streator who has started a GoFundMe account to try and raise funds to buy and reopen the theater.

The Majestic first opened in 1907.

“Lollapalooza” is continuing after storms

Organizers of Lollapalooza say they are reopening the music festival after the threat of a storm prompted them to evacuate attendees Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service had issued severe thunderstorm warnings in areas west and north of the city, but the storms passed quickly. The festival started Friday and ends Sunday evening.

Ag museum needs items to display

A museum needs items of significance in order to draw an audience.. That’s why the Bureau County Fair is asking you to loan ag and fair related items or collections for display the last week in August. If you have antique or some unique item that you can lend, contact Nancy Roach at 815 659 3160.

Fair spokesperson Tracy Brenneman says the museum has become a fan favorite in its 10 year history. Security will be provided around the clock

Reptiles and Helicopters at Spring Valley Tuesday

A “Life Flight” helicopter and reptile demonstrations – 2 of the things you’ll find at the City of Spring Valley’s “National Night Out” Tuesday in Kirby Park.

There’s a lot to see and do between 5 – 8pm including an hour of free swimming at 5, games from Peru Target, a Command Vehicle,  a Bounce House, The Sheriff’s department and the city’s fire department will provide displays and activities.

County roads closed for culvert work

The good weather is no doubt helpful to LaSalle County Highway Department as they continue road repairs. Starting Monday, west of Mendota, a half mile stretch of East 1st road, north of Route 34, will be closed for a week for culvert replacement. Also,  in South Ottawa township. North 2703rd road, the old “Gentleman road, will be closed east of the Timber Ridge Subdivision. Road crews will close down County Highway 16, known as Ted Lambert road, for only 8 hours Monday to replace a culvert. The project is ¾ of a mile south of the Ben Samek road intersection.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes around these sites. There will be no detours posted.

NWS says unsettled weather is coming

More opportunities for rain are in this week’s forecast starting Sunday afternoon. The Romeoville National Weather Service office says storms Sunday night may contain winds in excess of 60 mph., quarter-sized hail and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. The Quad Cities office expects the same but includes the possibility of an isolated tornado in Bureau and Putnam Counties.

A cold front moving through the area Sunday is the reason for the changing weather. The first two workdays are expected to be dry but slight chances for rain are in the forecast the rest of the week.