No rush to open medical marijuana cultivation center in Oglesby

Right now, the demand for medical marijuana in Illinois is lagging behind the supply. That’s why the Oglesby medical marijuana cultivation center hasn’t opened yet.

Oglesby Mayor Don Finley says he talked to the company last week, and they told him the facility is pretty much all done, but they haven’t been able to hire anyone or grow any marijuana because there simply isn’t enough people in the state for it. Currently, the state has only approved about 3,000 applicants for medical marijuana use. Finley says a number that small can be served by just one cultivation center.

Until Governor Bruce Rauner approves more applicants to use medical marijuana, the facility in Oglesby is at a standstill. Finley says more applicants are up for approval sometime later this month, and he hopes Rauner approves them.

Heroin overdose forum planned next month in Peru

Whether you call it a crisis or an epidemic, heroin overdoses won’t go away without an open discussion.

The Peru Police Department is hosting a heroin roundtable discussion Tuesday, November 17th at L-P High School. Police officers, school superintendents, hospital presidents and behavioral health officials will all be part of the panel with you welcome to be part of the discussion in the audience. Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says brainstorming could lead to some solutions.

Rod Thorson from the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO morning show will moderate the forum.

Go back in history this weekend with the Shadows of the Blue and Gray

The “Yanks” and “Rebs” will renew their hostilities again this weekend in Princeton.

After a year’s hiatus, the Shadows of the Blue and Gray returns to City County Park this Saturday and Sunday. The encampment opens Saturday at 10 with the Grand Entrance of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln in the early afternoon before the first battle reenactment starts at 3. The first day wraps up with an evening dance and live music. Sunday’s battle reenactment starts at 3 followed by a parade and medical scenarios.

It will cost you $5 to check out Shadows of the Blue and Gray. Boy and Cub Scout troops are encouraged to camp out overnight with the soldiers on Saturday.

Dispatcher has car broken into while working at the La Salle Police Department

Some burglaries take a lot more guts than others.

Manuel Baez of Peru is accused of breaking into a 9-1-1 dispatcher’s car last month while it was parked at the La Salle police station. Baez was arrested Saturday on a warrant for burglary.

He needs $2,000 to get out of jail.

Legendary story of Bonnie & Clyde turned into a musical in Streator

The famous or infamous story of Bonnie & Clyde is being acted out in song in Streator.

“Bonnie & Clyde: A New Musical” plays this week at the Engle Lane Theatre. Mary Whaley plays Bonnie Parker while Christian Tapp takes the lead role as Clyde Barrow. Around 20 other actors and actresses round out the musical’s cast.

Show times thru Saturday are 7:30. Tickets are available at the door before the show.