Skoog Sends Robocall Reply to Illinois House Republicans

Your phone may be busy this weekend, even if you weren’t expecting it.

State Representative Andy Skoog has put out a “robocall” of his own, defending his actions in Springfield which have recently come under fire by Illinois House Republicans. The Republicans launched the calls on Thursday, which blast legislators in seven districts the GOP is hoping to win in November.

Skoog’s is one of the seats being targeted. In his response, Skoog warns voters that “you may have been given false information.” The Democrat is looking for his first full term in office after he was picked to replace current Auditor General Frank Mautino.

Republican Jerry Long of Streator is Skoog’s opponent. You can click here to listen to Skoog’s call that went out on Friday.

Jobless rates improve in the Illinois Valley

The job market improved in April, and not just for the Illinois Valley. Unemployment fell in every county in the state last month.

LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties all had their unemployment rates fall by more than the rate statewide also. In LaSalle and Bureau Counties, unemployment fell 1.1 points to 7.2 and 6.4 percent respectively. Putnam County’s rate fell 1.5 points, bringing it to 5.8 percent, which is lower than Illinois’ rate.

Unemployment in the state fell to 6.2 percent while the national rate is even lower, at 4.7 percent.

Oglesby decked out in Red, White and Blue for Memorial Day

Drive through Oglesby this Memorial Day weekend and you’ll likely notice the city’s support for veterans.

The city has put a banner up at City Hall which lists the names of men and women from the area who have died in the line of duty. That’s just the latest banner supporting veterans to go up in the city. The city sold out of banners they planned to put on light poles in the city as a tribute to veterans.

Becky Clinard is Oglesby’s City Clerk, and she says the program’s success makes her even happier to live in the city. Clinard says the banners are actually part of the city’s Summer Fun Fest parade June 10th, but they show the city’s patriotism year-round. She says they knew the banners would be a success when they sold more than 75 in just the first few days.

Gas prices head up everywhere except Streator

Happy Memorial Day from gas stations in Streator! According to GasBuddy.com, the cheapest gas in the entire state right now is in Streator.

You can find unleaded for $1.99 a gallon. The next lowest spots in the Illinois Valley are Granville and Marseilles with $2.19 a gallon gas and Peru at $2.20.

Statewide the average for unleaded is $2.49 a gallon, up a dime from last week.

Teenager flown to Peoria after becoming pinned underneath a car

A scary scene played out in rural Peru Thursday afternoon.

Paramedics and officers rushed to help a 16-year-old boy who became pinned underneath a car. Deputies think the boy was working on a friend’s car with it being held up on a jack. The car rolled off of the jack, pinning the teen underneath.

The boy suffered head and chest injuries and was flown to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. There’s no word yet on his condition.

Run and walk in Ladd will raise awareness for colon cancer

Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. You can help raise awareness of the disease by putting on your running shoes and heading to Ladd Saturday.

The Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk starts with the 5k time run at 9 at the Ladd Community Center. A 5k walk starts about five minutes later. You can register starting at 7. It’s $30 for adults and $20 for anyone 12 and under.

You can find out more information about “Get Your Rear in Gear” by clicking Get Your Rear In Gear

Rep. Skoog targeted by the GOP with “robocalls”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – You could soon get a “robocall” courtesy of Illinois House Republicans.

They have launched automated phone calls blasting Democrats who voted for a state spending plan they say would lead to a $7 billion budget deficit. The House GOP’s campaign organization started the so-called “robocalls” Thursday to voters in seven legislative districts where Republicans hope to unseat incumbents in November.

Democrat Andy Skoog of La Salle is one of the “robocall” targets. He’s facing Republican challenger Jerry Long of Streator.