Free tax help available in La Salle

Taxes are due in just about two weeks, and whether you’re totally lost or just need a hand, the LaSalle Public Library wants to help you out.

Wednesday from 9:30 until 5 three tax preparers with the AARP will be at the library on Marquette Street helping low and middle income families, as well as senior citizens, with filing tax returns electronically.

If you’d like help, they’re asking you bring last year’s tax returns, photo ID, a copy of your property tax bill if you have one, and your Social Security or Medicare card along with proof of insurance if not covered by Medicare.

Illinois Valley senator targeting “unethical” lawmakers

An Illinois Valley lawmaker is supporting several bills she says will help put an end to the state’s “dark history when it comes to unethical behavior of elected officials.”

State Senator Sue Rezin’s newest bill would change the way the government gives grants. Among the changes is one where legislators would not be able to announce grants close to an election. The bill comes in response to an audit of former Governor Pat Quinn’s $50 million NRI program which he started right before the 2010 elections.

Rezin is also a co-sponsor of 5 other bills that would disclosure what, if any, relation legislators have to lobbyists, among other things. She says these bills overall are “just another step… to rebuild trust with citizens.”

Electronic recycling pick ups could be in danger

If you got a new TV for Easter, chances are the Easter Bunny didn’t carry your old one away. And in the Illinois Valley and many other places, it can be a hassle to get rid of it.

In years past, you could’ve gone to an electronics recycling event held by the county and gotten rid of it there for free. According to Mike Harsted, LaSalle County’s Director of Environmental Services and Land Use says he’s not sure if the county will even be able to afford one this year, because of changes in laws that used to mean TV makers had to pay for the events.

You can get rid of those old electronics at Advanced Technology Recycling in Peoria or Cimco Recycling in Ottawa, but Harsted says you’ll have to pay $20 to $25 per TV.

Month has now passed since disappearance of Bureau County man

A little over a month has gone by and still no sign of 20-year-old Dillon Scott of Princeton.

On the morning of February 28th, the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office found a green Cadillac that collided with a guardrail near DePue. No one was around the crashed car and a search soon started for Scott who is believed to be the driver. Investigators say he was last seen about a half hour after the crash.

His mother, Becky Tunget says they haven’t given up searching despite frustration. Detective Gary Becket of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigator. Tunget claims police have been little help.

Scott has been entered the National Missing Persons Database. To see his case information click Dillon Scott Missing Persons File