Tractor Trek departs June 25th in Bureau County

Do you like to leave the area for a drive?  Some are happy to drive their own county – on a tractor. Bureau County Farm Bureau’s 5^th Annual Tractor Trek is June 25^th driving the many roads of the county. The drive is rain or shine.

Pre-registration forms are due back with the Bureau County Farm Bureau by June 10.  There is a $50 registration fee. The exact route for the day has not yet been determined.  If you’d like more information before taking your tractor on the road,  call the Bureau County Farm Bureau at 875-6468…..or Dave Doty at 303-55-49.

 

Wanted man found in LS garage

 

You likely drive past many local houses and garages everyday.  Did you ever consider that one of them might be housing a man on the lam for 10 years?

At age 41, LaSalle police say James Skowronski  was wanted for not showing in court on a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon.  He’s now 51 years old and – on Sunday –  is still in the county jail after his arrest.

Last Thursday, a tip led officers to Skowronski – either hiding or living in a garage behind a residence at 1244 4^th . Bond, according to the county jail, is $150-thousand dollars.  Skowronski is listed as being from Peru, but also is considered homeless.

Man flees after downstate shootout

A man, possibly wounded last night downstate, is being sought for the attempted murder of a police officer. Illinois State Police said Sunday that 35-year old Dracy “Clint” Pendleton and a Mahomet police officer exchanged gunfire about 10:45pm Saturday night. The officer was hit in the arm, but Pendleton is also believed to be wounded and may seek medical attention.

Pendleton is described as a white male, 35 years old, 5’ 10”, 155 lbs, blue eyes and blonde hair. He may be carrying an AK-47 and driving a stolen 2007 white GMC Pick-up truck with the license number 16 55 33 B.  The Champaign County States Attorney has issued an arrest warrant for Pendleton for the attempted murder of a police officer. If you think you’ve seen this man, you’re asked to call 217- 384- TIPS or visit 373 tips.com.  You don’t have to give your name.

State-backed cleanup continues despite budget woes

With the State hung up on a budget,  programs like “Adopt a Highway” become even more important in keeping roadsides cleaned.  Scot Speegle is the Coordinator for the program and is based in Chicago.  He told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” there are about 400 groups in the state who care for their own 2 mile stretch of highway over a 2 year period.

Speegle says interested groups have to register with his agency, which is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation.  4 cleanups a year are required, but the volunteers  choose their own dates.  “Adopt a Highway” groups get trash bags and wear orange vests while cleaning their roads. Participants must be at least 10 years of age.

If you’re interested in joining “Adopt a Highway”,  google it for their website or call 312- 793- 2794.

Ottawa bridge inspection starts Monday

A whole lot of people – maybe you – use Ottawa’s Veterans Memorial Bridge on the weekdays. Starting Monday through Thursday,  the bridge will be undergoing an inspection by the Illinois Department of Transportation during the business day.  The traveling public should expect delays – at certain times – due to only one lane being open.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution driving through the work zone.

Prom weekend for LP and St. Bede

For neighboring schools St. Bede and LaSalle Peru, this weekend was prom weekend. Named Saturday night as LP Prom King was Tyler Towne.  Madison Held was named LP Prom Queen.

St. Bede does not select royalty at their prom.