Peru Police say gun related call was made up

If you’re going to tell police someone pointed a gun at you, you better not be lying.

Officers think 55-year-old Gerald Dempsey of Peru was lying when he called them Saturday afternoon saying he had a gun pointed at him. Dempsey was arrested for making a false police report.

He was taken to the La Salle County Jail with his bond set at $15,000. Dempsey is due in court Thursday.

Streator woman accused of causing a ruckus after Peru’s fireworks display

At least one woman won’t have very fond memories of the 2016 edition of the Peru fireworks.

Not long after the fireworks ended Sunday night, Peru Police were called about a fight. They eventually arrested 39-year-old Torrie Montoya of Streator for battery. She made things worse by allegedly driving away from a crash along 38th Street and Venture Drive and was also picked up for reckless driving, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and leaving the scene of an accident.

Montoya was let off with a court date.

Streator ready to celebrate new Pluto stamp

Just because some don’t consider it a planet anymore doesn’t mean Pluto won’t be celebrated in Streator.

“Plutofest” runs from 10 until 3 Saturday at City Park in Streator. During that time there will be a “Big Bang Brewfest Homebrew Tasting” and a farmer’s market. You can also check out a children’s discovery museum, live music and a special stamp unveiling to kick off “Plutofest.”

Streator’s own Clyde Tombaugh is credited with discovering Pluto.

Nearly 20 tornadoes touched down evening of June 22nd

With well over a week now to study the damage, the National Weather Service says 18 tornadoes touched down in northern Illinois on June 22nd.

The weather service has divided the twisters into three separate storms. During the “northern storm,” three tornadoes touched down in or near Earlville with two tornadoes in West Brooklyn and another in Sheridan.

During the “central storm,” tornadoes were confirmed in Seneca, Troy Grove, Dayton, northwest Ottawa, Mazon and Clifton. The “south storm” had the strongest tornado in Pontiac along with twisters in Cissna Park and Chatsworth.

Nobody was killed in any of the tornadoes. There were four minor injuries blamed on the Pontiac twister.

Celebrate 4th of July with more fireworks

There are still plenty of opportunities to see fireworks this holiday weekend.

You can check out Independence Day fireworks in Mendota; Princeton; Henry; Hennepin; Ottawa; Leland and Minonk. The La Salle Speedway is also having July 4th fireworks.

Cities like Oglesby and Streator will have fireworks this weekend.