Reforestation of Woodhaven Lakes begins

Four months after a devastating tornado, campers at Woodhaven Lakes are still trying to get some normalcy back.

The past few weekends, staffers have been planting trees to replaces thousands that were destroyed in the June 22nd tornado. A couple weeks ago, there was a tree sale where property owners at Woodhaven could buy trees at a reduced price. In return property owners agreed to replant the trees on their campground property.

Over 2,000 trees were sold to property owners while another 60 were bought and donated back to the Woodhaven Lakes Association to plant in commons areas.

Salvation Army puts out call for coats and bell ringers

You can give the gift of warmth by helping a child in need.

The Salvation Army of Ottawa has a coat drive going now thru November 12th. Gently used or new coats can be dropped off at the thrift store on Madison Street in Ottawa.

With Christmas now under two months away, it won’t be long before the Salvation Army bell ringers will be back out. If you’re willing to be a volunteer bell ringer this holiday season in Ottawa or Peru, call 433-0798.

Towne says “no” to Weger request

At some point this week, LaSalle County States Attorney Brian Towne will be in Springfield explaining to a parole board why Chester Weger should remain in prison. Weger was convicted of killing Lillian Oetting at Starved Rock in 1960. 2 other women were murdered but Weger wasn’t charged in their deaths.

The parole board is now taking testimony as part of Weger’s 20th parole hearing. 1 year ago, the board voted 9 – 3 to keep Weger in prison.

The 76-year old Oglesby man is the longest serving inmate in Illinois. Towne said after talking to people directlly involved with the case, reading transcripts and examining DNA, there’s no doubt Weger should stay in prison.

Self Defense classes return in January

Over 5 months, 150 women have learned self defense courtesy of the Peru Police Department. According to their Facebook page, the classes were taught by Sergeant Sarah Raymond and Detective John Atkins at the Illinois Valley Y, Freedom House in Princeton, IVCC and the IVCH Womens Health Fair. Raymond and Atkins are certified instructors through the Illinois Police Training Institute.

According to the department, more classes are coming after the first of the year. If you’re interested in getting training, contact Sergeant Raymond through the Peru Police.

Scares offered before bedtime Sunday night

    Nothing like a good scare to keep you up all night. You can get that good scare in 2 locations. Utica Fire Department haunted house is open 6 – 9pm Sunday night and next Friday and Saturday from 7 – 11pm. “Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road” is also delighted to scare you Sunday night and next Friday and Saturday from 7 – 9:30.

    The Halloween scare artists at the Streator Community Center are taking Sunday night off, but will be back this Thursday and Friday from 7 -10 and on Halloween from 7 – 11pm.

Water main repairs in Peru completed

     A water main break along Airport Road in Peru has been fixed. It took Peru workers all of Sunday morning to make repairs. A portion of Airport Road was closed for a time. About 20 residences are affected by a boil order and each have been contacted by the Water Deparrtment after repairs were completed.