IVCC Marks End of Four-Year, $31 Million Project with Cyber Cafe Ribbon Cutting

After seeing the new cyber café and student center, graduate after graduate of Illinois Valley Community College can be heard saying “I wish they had this when I was in school”.

A ribbon cutting for the million dollar addition was held Tuesday morning. Auditor General Frank Mautino was one of the IVCC graduates envious of the new student space. He says helping secure funding for IVCC to grow remains one of his proudest accomplishments as state representative.

The student center and cyber café is near the main entrance and features televisions, game rooms, computers, hi-top tables, couches and a kitchen. It’s considered the final phase of a four year, $31 million construction plan that started with the Peter Miller Community Technology Center.

IVCC President Jerry Corcoran says hopes the student space will have students spending more time on campus and getting more involved in student organizations and activities. Student Trustee Austin Burnette says the new café and student center is “designed by students, for students”.

Multi-vehicle Crash Hospitalizes Two South of Kasbeer

A crash that happened just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday has hospitalized two.

According to the Princeton Fire Department, three vehicles were found south of the Bureau County community of Kasbeer at the intersection of 2400N Ave. and Highway 26 North.

Princeton Fire Chief Chuck Woolley says traffic had to be rerouted because debris from the accident had blocked the road.

The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is not yet releasing any details about the cause of the crash or who was involved.

Iowa Man Arrested in Bureau County for Allegedly Making, Delivering Meth

An Iowa man who tried to avoid a deer Saturday morning is now hoping to avoid time in jail.

Brian Cosgrove was on Interstate 80 by the Bureau and Henry border when he allegedly swerved his semi to try and miss the deer in the road. His truck and trailer rolled over, and Cosgrove sustained minor injuries.

But, after being treated at Perry Memorial Hospital, Cosgrove was arrested on an Iowa warrant for allegedly delivering and making meth. He is being held at the Bureau County Jail until he can be sent back to Iowa.

Mobile home catches fire near La Salle-Putnam County line

A mobile home is gutted and an elderly man displaced after a fire near the Putnam County-La Salle County line.

Fire departments from all over the Illinois Valley helped fight a trailer fire Monday night on Route 18 east of Magnolia. Magnolia Fire Chief Dan Baum says the fire started in the attic or roof area of the trailer and was likely caused by an electrical issue.

The man living in the trailer got out okay and is getting help from the American Red Cross. Firefighters were initially called to the scene at 7:30 last night and were able to head home around midnight.

La Salle fire chief warns about the dangers of space heaters

Space heaters are nice but they can also be a fire starter.

La Salle Fire Chief Andy Bacidore says his city is off to a rough start in 2016 with space heaters blamed for two fires. Bacidore urges you to remember to have your space heater at least a few feet from flammable materials. Also put space heaters only on hard floors.

Something as simple as turning the heater off and unplugging when you leave could prevent a fire.

Business owners agree to work together in Oglesby

For a town to thrive economically, it helps to have businesses working together and not against one another.

According to the NewsTribune, Oglesby has established its first ever business association. Mayor Don Finley says after years of pleading with business owners to band together, over a dozen business owners have heeded the call and will start meeting as the Oglesby Business Association.

Towns like Utica, Ottawa and La Salle have business associations that usually meet on a monthly basis.

Kinzinger challenger having his election petitions challenged

As of right now, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger will have a challenger in the primary election. That could change this week.

Suzy Brown and David Welter both of Morris have filed an objection to signatures that Colin McGroarty of Rockford collected to run for congress. They claim that some of his signatures have duplicate addresses or don’t show up on voters rolls in the 16th Congressional District. The issue will be taken up tomorrow at the Illinois State Board of Elections.

If McGroarty isn’t allowed to run, Kinzinger would run unopposed in the primary and so far Democrats haven’t put forth a potential challenger for the general election.

McGroarty is a precinct committeeman in Winnebago County and works for a consulting firm. Although he claims to not be a member of the Tea Party, McGroarty announced his candidacy at a Tea Party meeting and has admitted he doesn’t believe in paying income taxes.

Winter Wine Walk returns to Utica

A sip of wine will keep you warm on a winter afternoon, especially if you’re in downtown Utica. You’ll be able to taste wines, shop and eat during the Winter Wine Walk next month.

Advanced tickets are on sale now for the event put on by the Utica Business Association. You’ll start at the La Salle County Historical Society Museum and pick up your wine glass and 10 tasting tickets before visiting several other businesses serving food and wine. You’ll be able to walk or take the free shuttle bus.

Advance tickets are 15 dollars a person with the price going up to $20 after February 6th. To order tickets, click Winter Wine Walk

Utica’s Winter Wine Walk is Saturday, February 13th from 11 until 5.