State Gambling Industry needs help

A report from the Illinois Legislature says that despite growth in video gambling, the industry is going through slow times in the state.  The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s annual review found state taxes for all forms of gambling in Illinois fell 5.8 percent in the fiscal year that ended June 30.  The Springfield State Journal-Register reports that state revenue from riverboat casinos and the lottery fell and horse racing revenues were flat. And while video gambling revenue grew, it wasn’t enough to offset other losses.

The slowdown comes while some state lawmakers investigate expanding gambling as a way to ease the state’s financial problems. But Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tim Swoik says he thinks the report shows “we are saturated in Illinois.”

Library hopes for docking station

Princeton Public Library is considering the option of offering a multi-device charging station in their cafe. The library’s Board of Directors believe a charging station would be convenient for patrons and it would accommodate the most popular cell phones, tablets and laptop computers.

EBSCO, a trusted library vendor is spearheading implementation of the service and is currently seeking a local business to sponsor the charging station. If a sponsor is not found, the charging station will not be added to the library’s existing services. If you operate a business willing to help, call the library at 875-13-31.

DNR concerned over sick deer

    Does the health of Illinois deer concern you? The Department of Natural Resources says “Chronic Wasting Disease” has afflicted some of the state’s deer herd. Enough that the Department is having public information programs this Wednesday at Pontiac High School and October 5 at Starved Rock Lodge. They’ll start at 7 with a 40-minute presentation with discussion afterwards. Additional meetings are also planned.

    Doug Dufford is wildlife disease program manager for the DNR. Dufford says the fatal neurological illness is now in 16 northern Illinois counties and debuting in Livingston and Kankakee Counties.

NASA to televise “Super Moon” event

If clouds interfere with the viewing of the “supermoon” event Sunday night, you can see it on NASA TV channel on Direct or Dish.

According to NASA, the moon is at its closest approach to Earth which will make it appear 14% larger. The moon will also be passing through the Earth’s shadow which will create a red or “Blood” appearance.  The combination of these two last happened in 1982. If you miss this show, the next one won’t be until 2033.

Safe water to become costlier

Illinois is framed and bisected by water, including the mighty Mississippi and a 60-mile slice of Lake Michigan shoreline that is a gateway to the biggest source of fresh water on the planet. Yet the problems that strain drinking water systems in other parts of the U.S. also threaten Illinois.
A 2011 estimate by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculated that Illinois would need a staggering $18.9 billion over 20 years to ensure the system can continue to provide safe drinking water.  The vast majority of that is for replacement of pipes that distribute water, which are around a century old in many parts of the state.

Illinois receives the 4th largest allotment of federal aid for drinking water infrastructure. It totaled $667 million from 2011 to 2015.

“Operation Prom-ise” filming Sunday night

If you’re driving down Water Street in Peru Sunday night, you’re going to see a bad 2-car accident, but don’t worry, it’s staged.

“Operation Prom-ise” is filming a short movie about the dangerous effects of distracted driving Sunday night at Water and Putnam Streets in Peru, near the old Red Door Inn.   Over 125 high school students from across the Illinois Valley will partake in the movie. It will be shown in April at LP High School.

“Run for Life” event Sunday

   The weather won’t stop you from joining others cruising about the area Sunday for “Relay 4 Life”. The 12^th annual “Run for Life” event welcomes all vehicles and starts with breakfast at Machelle’s Backstreet at 9am. Drivers will depart starting at 10:30 and will make stops in Benson, Flanagan, Pontiac, Ransom and Gardner. The run ends with a buffet dinner at Celebrations 150 about 5pm. A Silent auction is also planned. Proceeds go to “Relay for Life”.

Firemen at late night fire

   It wasn’t a night out on the town for 13 Peru Firemen about 10:45 Saturday night. They were summoned to a structure fire, believed to be a garage, in the 1100 block of West street. According to a department release, there was extensive damage to the structure. No damage estimate or loss was given. LaSalle Firemen manned the Peru station during the call.

   Streator firemen were needed about 8:30 Saturday night in the 200 block of South Park for a 2 story house fire. Streator Fire Department has not released any details. Streator Firefighters Facebook page says a neighbor alerted a family inside.