Dwight Man Arrested after More Than Tripling Speed Limit Near Streator

A Livingston County man was in an incredible rush through Streator when he was caught by police.

Dustin Rhode from Dwight was stopped shortly before 6:30 Tuesday morning. According to police, the 34-year old Rhode was on North 15^th Road when he was clocked doing 80 MPH in a 25 MPH zone.

LaSalle County Deputies arrested Rhode for Reckless Driving, Speeding More than 40 MPH over the Posted Speed Limit, and running two stop signs. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and given a court date.

Flood warning issued for the Illinois River through La Salle and Peru

Drive over the Illinois River in Peru and you’ll see the all too familiar scene of water spilling into fields along Route 251.

The stream rose above its 20 foot flood stage Thursday morning after heavy rain Wednesday night. The river is expected to crest at a foot above flood stage Friday morning before slowly falling back below its banks by Sunday.

The Illinois in Henry and Ottawa is also on the rise but is not expected to go over its banks.

More Illinois Valley police departments dealing with scam phone calls

Earlier this week, you heard about Peru and Ottawa Police Departments warning you about IRS scam calls. Now the state police and Streator Police Department are putting out warnings about phone scams.

Both departments say scammers have figured out a way to call you with a number that shows up on caller ID as the actual Streator PD or state police phone number. In Streator’s case, the scammer says they are from the IRS and want you to pay up. In the state police’s case the scammer is asking for a donation or will claim you’re wanted on a warrant and you have to send money.

The state police won’t ever call you soliciting for money and the IRS won’t ever call to demand an immediate payment.

St. Bede graduation to be streamed worldwide

While it can be frustrating at times, there’s no denying technology does some amazing things.

When the St. Bede Class of 2016 accepts their diplomas Sunday afternoon, anyone can watch the proceedings from anywhere in the world. The academy is streaming live the commencement Sunday at 2 along with the Graduation Mass Saturday night at 7.

To watch the ceremonies, click here St. Bede Graduation Link

Ottawa bomb maker begins prison sentence

Messing around with pipe bombs and other illegal explosives has an Ottawa man now in prison.

Forty-four-year old Richard Knott has been sentenced to two years in prison for unlawful use of a weapon. He was arrested in February at his home in Ottawa after a visit from the Ottawa P.D., U.S. Marshalls, state police, the Kane County Bomb Squad and the ATF.

Knott allegedly had a pipe bomb and had other explosives inside his house. Investigators don’t think he had ill intentions with the explosives.

Knott started his prison sentence Wednesday and could be out in a year.

Oglesby students help to shine light on food allergies

It’s not unusual for students at a catholic school to wear matching outfits. It was all about coordinating colors Wednesday at Holy Family School in Oglesby.

Students and teachers wore teal to bring awareness to food allergies. One in 13 children in the United States has a food allergy.

Holy Family students were sent home with information about food allergy risks for children. This week is “Food Allergy Awareness Week”.

L-P leaders begin process of trying to win over voters for November referendum

Everyone wants the best learning environment possible for students. Voters in the L-P High School District may have to ask themselves how much they’re willing to pay for that learning environment.

A piece of mail was sent to homes in the district this week saying the district is considering a bond question on the November ballot. Taxpayers would be asked to pay on average over $200 more in property taxes per year for the proposed $67 million project.

Right now the plan is to build an addition onto the southeast side of the current high school building along with installing air conditioning, removing asbestos, renovating classrooms, beef up entrance security, improve Matthiessen Auditorium and put in new windows, sprinklers and roofing.

If you want to talk to school leaders about their plan, go to the high school this Saturday at noon for an informational meeting.