Popular parks will cause traffic headaches

Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are doing a booming business this holiday.  The Conservation police’s Sgt. Phil Wire told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” all parking was gone in the early afternoon, forcing Starved Rock to close their south and west entrances temporarily during the early afternoon. Wire said that this morning, cars were lined up through  Utica to the fire station, then from the 4-way stop, up the overpass and out onto westbound i-80 for 2 miles (Milemarker 83).  The eastbound lanes,  not so much, says Wire.  In the Matthiessen dells, visitors couldn’t get out. Cars were parked everywhere lining the entrance and down Route 178.

Wire says to expect traffic snarls Memorial Day from 10:30 to 3:30pm.  The big draw, he said, are and will be the falls –until they dry up sometime in June.

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Utica priest officially retiring

How does a Catholic church acknowledge their retiring pastor?  You can find out by attending an open house and reception from Noon – 3 Sunday at Utica Knights of Columbus.

Monsignor James J. Swaner celebrated the 55^th year of his ordination as a priest Saturday.  Bishop Jenky, CSE of the Peoria Diocese will officially grant Swaner senior status at Noon June 8th.  A mass was held earlier Sunday morning.

Princeton hosts film examining farm life

There’s a new film getting a showing in Princeton this summer.  It’s not likely to be a blockbuster, but, does take an intimate look at the lives of 20-something farmers and ranchers.

“Farmland” is a film produced by James Moll.  The audience for the June 18^th showing will learn  about these high-risk/high-reward jobs and the passion for a way of life that has been passed from generation to generation. Bureau County Farm Bureau is helping to bring the film to the Apollo Theatre.  Showtime is 10am and it’s free.  It will be followed by a time for questions.  Tickets must be obtained in advance by call the Bureau County Farm Bureau.

City of Ottawa seeks fire fighters

The Ottawa Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is accepting applications to establish a Firefighter Eligibility Register.  Applicants must be 21 years old and must not have reached their 35^th birthday as of June 15, 2016.  They must have a high school diploma or G.E.D., possess a valid drivers license, be in excellent physical health, of good moral character and a United States citizen.  There are other conditions.

More information is available on the Ottawa Firefighters Local 523 Facebook page.  Application packets may be picked up at Ottawa City Hall or from city of Ottawa dot org.  Completed application packets must be returned to Ottawa City Hall by 4:30pm June 15.

11 year old Peoria girl goes missing Saturday night

An 11 year old Peoria girl is missing and is believed to have run away. Peoria Police say CeCe D. Doby was last seen about 7pm Saturday night near Cityscape Apartments in the 600 block of Romeo Garrett Avenue.

CeCe Doby is black, 5 feet 2 inches tall,  about 90 to 100 pounds, with short straight hair. She was last seen wearing a pink tank top, white and pink shorts and pink flip flops.  If you believed you have seen her,  call the Peoria Police Department.

Rotary Park LaSalle preps for festival

The next weekend will be the first music and art festival to be held in LaSalle’s Rotary Park. The showcasing of local musicians and artists is a fundraiser for the Rotary Park Foundation.

Between June 3 and 5,  the music will play from Rick Soens, Crossroads, Lizzy Neal Band, Steve Cerqua,  Higgins Brothers, Second Chance Band and 3 Day weekend. Alcohol and Food vendors will be on hand. Admission is $5.