Starved Rock State Park Spring Cleaning Project Still Needs Volunteers

If you were planning to get out to Starved Rock State Park to enjoy this week’s sunny weather, you can do that while helping out everyone who enjoys the park.

Wednesday afternoon a group of volunteers are planning to meet at Starved Rock Lodge to do some spring cleaning along the park’s trails. The effort is being led by Todd and Sonya Chipman from LaSalle, who were able to get X-ercise Science, Carus Corporation, and Mean Metal Guns and Down Rage Tactical in Spring Valley. The three businesses all contributed to buy supplies.

All that’s needed now are volunteers, according to the Chipman’s. If you’d like to help you can meet them in the main parking lot of Starved Rock Lodge at 4:30.

New Bill Would Give Money to Local Governments to Promote Nuclear Safety

Back in February, the LaSalle County Board asked state lawmakers to release money for nuclear safety drills. It appears one finally heard their request.

The County Board asked lawmakers to release some tax money that was set aside to help counties participate in the drills that must be passed for nuclear energy providers to continue operating. State Senator Sue Rezin’s new bill would put $650,000 toward that purpose for local governments across Illinois.

The county said they only need $16,000 to participate in the drills Exelon would be holding in June. The money would help to cover a number of nuclear safety programs up through the end of June of this year.

The safety drills that will be going on in Marseilles are also expected to be held in June.

Weekend heroin arrests in Princeton

A couple apartments in Princeton have been allegedly housing drug dealers.

On Friday night, 32-year-old Johnathon Goreth was arrested in his home for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. He’s accused of dealing heroin multiple times to undercover drug agents in Princeton.

The following night in Princeton, 34-year-old Zachariah Williams was arrested at his apartment for dealing heroin. He’s accused of dealing the drug near DePue.

Both Goreth and Williams were hauled off to jail in Princeton. Bond amounts for both have been set at $70,000.

La Salle library ready to trade fines for food

Food for fines, that’s the deal being offered up this week at the La Salle Public Library.

Between this Tuesday and Saturday, you can eliminate up to $25 in overdue fines by “paying” the fines with a food donation. The “food for fines” idea is part of celebrating National Library Week.

Each food item you donate to the library equals a dollar towards fines. All the food collected goes to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

Senate candidate ready to debate

Do you enjoy debates or are they just a waste of time? A candidate for state senate representing the Illinois Valley wants no less than four debates before the November election.

Democrat Christine Benson of Ottawa has sent a letter to her Republican opponent, Senator Sue Rezin asking to debate in Grundy, La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. Rezin hasn’t sent an answer publicly and Benson has asked for a response by May 1st.

Benson is a retired school superintendent and lost to Rezin in the 2012 election by less than 600 votes.

Benefit planned for ailing Peru sergeant

A man who swore to protect and help you now could use help from others.

A benefit is happening Saturday, May 28th at the La Salle Knights of Columbus Hall on behalf of Peru Police Sergeant Jason Brokaw. About two months ago, the 42-year-old started experiencing lower back and leg pain. He eventually went to a doctor who found lesions on his spine.

While in Peoria, Brokaw has been battling spreading paralysis caused by inflammation of his spinal cord. It’s a mystery as to what’s causing it.

There will be live music, raffles, food and drinks to help raise money for Brokaw and his family at the May 28th benefit. For tickets you can stop by or call the Peru Police Department.

Two Peru women hurt in Utica crash

With warmer months arriving, traffic picks up in and around Starved Rock State Park. This is especially true at the busy intersection of Route’s 6 and 178 in Utica.

Deputies say 21-year-old Melanush Koseian of Des Plaines ran a stop sign and hit 81-year-old Marylyn Donahue of Peru Saturday afternoon. Donahue and her 82-year-old passenger Marie Newcomer also of Peru were taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital. Nobody else was hurt.

Koseian was given a ticket and a court date.

Young theater talent on display in the Illinois Valley

If you’re a fan of local theater, this is a big week for you.

Starting Thursday, the theater department at Illinois Valley Community College performs “Young Frankenstein-the Musical.” Show times are 8 o’clock for the Thursday through Saturday performances and 2 o’clock on the next two Sundays.

Starting Friday, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed at L-P. Show times Friday and Saturday are at 7 with a Sunday matinee starting at 1.

Pictures released of gas station robber

You’re help is needed in tracking down a gas station robber in Grand Ridge.

Just before 10:30 Friday night a masked man came into the station along Route 23 and demanded money. He eventually ran from the store and hopped into a silver, Pontiac Grand Prix. Investigators say the robber didn’t display a weapon and no workers were hurt.

You can see surveillance photos of the robber on the WLPO Facebook page.