Severe Weather Preparation week is now

It seems we’re in a “tug of war” between winter and spring.

But, the National Weather Service is declaring this week “Severe Weather Preparedness Week” in Illinois. The National Weather Service says to increase your awareness of severe thunderstorms, hail, tornados, flash flooding, lightning and heavy rainfall. It might be a good time to review your safety rules for home, work, school, church or on the road.

If you’re a decision maker at a large facility, it’s time to ensure if you have adequate means to monitor approaching bad weather and sufficient enough shelter. A statewide tornado drill will be held at 10am Tuesday. Additional tips can be found at fema.gov.

Talk show host in Streator Monday

A former U.S. Representative – and now, conservative talk show host, Joe Walsh will be at the Silver Fox in Streator Monday night to speak and endorse Jacob Bramel. Bramel is now running against Streator’s Jerry Long in the March primary to see who will represent the Republican Party later this year.

The nominee will go on to face incumbent Andy Skoog. Skoog was selected to fill the office after it was vacated last year by Auditor General Frank Mautino. Walsh’s endorsement will take place at 6. Activities will continue until 8:30.

Dayton man goes on trial Monday

A 49-year old Dayton man goes on trial for murder Monday in LaSalle County. The News Tribune reports William Horton is accused of fatally bludgeoning his employer, Robert Dowd and cremating him in a rural Ottawa burn pit.

A key part of the trial may be the screening in court of Horman’s April 21st statement to police. Horman later tried to get it disavowed, but Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan, Jr. said it will be admitted into the record.

Dowd was an Ottawa businessman who disappeared in April 2015. Another of his employees, 22-year old Jonathan Beckman of Wedron has provided a statement that seemingly implicates him in Dowd’s disappearance. It remains unclear if any of Dowd’s remains were found.

“Boob-a-Palooza” is this Saturday

The annual “Boob-a-palooza” is Saturday in “Celebrations 150” starting at 4. Again, it’s organizer, Betty Glynn will have bands, food and some presentations. $20 tickets and apparel are available at Rudy’s Liquors in LaSalle. Music by “Joe Majors and Stage 2 Clingers”, “The Craigs”, “Kornfield”, “Marky D” and “303”.

The fundraiser helps “Cops 4 Cancer” by providing funds to families affected by cancer who have difficulty meeting payments for food, electricity or house payments.

Science teacher named Mr. L-P

Did a teacher “blind them with science” to win the “Mr LP” pageant? Saturday night, in Matthiessen Auditorium, judges gave science instructor Ed Yoder the coveted title acknowledging his fundraising and on stage talent, formal wear, Q and A and superfan catagories.

Yoder bested 7 others including instructors Adam Spencer, Aaron Guenther, Justin Berard, Jason Miller, Matt Makeever and Nick Mclaughlin. Superintendent Steve Wrobleski also participated by performing a special LP rap during the “Superfan” competition. Seniors Tyler Towne, Madison Schaefer and Stephanie Bias emceed the event which raised $760 for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

Penney’s offering 1 cent sale items

If a store item is sale priced, you still need some cash to buy it. Would you have a few pennies in your pocket? That may be all you need if you’re shopping J.C. Penney Sunday.

USA Today says the struggling retailer is starting the “Get Your Penny’s Worth” program Sunday nationwide and online to entice you to visit. Penney’s hopes you’ll come looking for the 1 cent items, and still others which are a buy 1 and get the second for a penny. Chief Marketing Officer Mary Beth West said 1 cent items will not be revealed in advance, but are considered “five-star rated” items – including their Arizona brand apparel. “Get Your Penny’s Worth” will occur at various times of the year, West said.

Last year, J.C. Penney closed 40 stores and cut 300 jobs at their headquarters.

Strong winds around before Tuesday storm

Though a wind advisory continues until 4 across LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam Counties, it doesn’t mean winds won’t remain strong. The National Weather Service says 45Mph gusts are expected through late this afternoon posing problems for high profile vehicles and perhaps causing minor damage.

Winds will stay gusty through Monday. By midnight Monday or later, snow, sleet and maybe rain will begin falling. The Weather Service says snow may accumulate Tuesday especially around Interstate 88 in the Rochelle area.