LaSalle Cities See Increased Video Gaming Activity in September

Video gaming machines in the Illinois Valley saw more use in September than August.

Ottawa still holds the title for most money put into machines, with more than $1.7 million played. Streator had a slight increase in activity with a little more than $1.5 million.

In Peru gamblers played $1.4 million while La Salle had a little more than a million put into machines in the city. Across those four cities, gamers cashed out a little more than $1.4 million less than they put in.

Over in Bureau County, Princeton actually saw a drop in gaming. About $760,000 was played there in September which was down from the almost $780,000 the month before.

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“Nightmare On Fairgrounds Road” Not Laughing at Recent Clown Craziness

You know it’s unusual when a place set up to scare you has to break character to give you reassurance.

That’s what’s happening though at the “Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road” in Princeton. The annual haunted attraction at the Bureau County Fairgrounds posted a message on social media earlier this month to address the clown madness that has been flaring up around the country.

The Facebook post claims that “Copycat mentality has hijacked the clown character and turned it into a real-world menace.” While they went on to say they will still continue to feature clowns as part of the show, they’re asking you to refrain from wearing clown makeup if you go to the show.

If you want to check the show out for yourself it runs from 7:00 to 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays in October, and admission is $10.

Streator police investigating possible fire/burglary connection

The problem of Streator’s frequent fires  is now compounded by burglaries in the same areas. Deputy Police Chief Robert Turner said firefighters went to a vacant burning structure at 1208 Wasson around 3:20am Wednesday.  While there,  the company got a second call around 4:25am  at 707 Bazore.

To add to the trouble, Turner said multiple burglaries have occur in the 600 block of Bazore, 700 block of Barnhart and 500 block of East Morrell.  Turner doesn’t know if the fires and burglaries are related, but, is asking for information. If you know something about these incidents, contact Streator Police, Fire Department or Crime Stoppers.

Thousands of dollars pouring in to support widow and daughter of crash victim

If you want to know the kind of impact Daniel Nelson of Wyanet had in his short life, look no further than how much money has been raised to help his wife and daughter.

In just one day, a “Go Fund Me” page called “In Honor of Danny Nelson” has raised over $25,000. Nelson was killed Tuesday afternoon in a crash south of Manlius.

The organizer of the “Go Fund Me” page says donations will be given to Nelson’s widow Rachel to use at her discretion. The Nelson’s have a six-month-old daughter.

If you’d like to donate to the Nelson family, click Nelson Go Fund Me

Fall Colors Weekend likely to bring big crowds to Starved Rock

If the busiest time of year for Starved Rock State Park is Columbus Day Weekend, Fall Colors weekend can’t be far behind.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, more than 49,000 people were at Starved Rock State Park last weekend. They’re expecting big crowds again this weekend as tens of thousands come to check out the changing leaves.

If you’re planning on heading out to the park, keep an eye out for temporary closures that may result from the large crowds. You can follow the IDNR Facebook and Twitter pages to keep updated on any closures.

At the park this weekend you can check out guided hikes of the canyon trails and overlooks that will begin at the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

Counterfeit bills making their way around Princeton

There is some fake money floating around in Princeton.

The Princeton Police Department is warning you to be on the lookout for $20 that has red and white Chinese writing on them. The bills are counterfeit. The cash is apparently showing up at Princeton businesses.

Investigators say the phony money is being sold on EBAY as training currency.

Cell phone use could’ve led to fatal crash that killed assistant Princeton basketball coach

A semi driver from Buda is blamed for causing Tuesday afternoon’s fatal crash near Manlius.

Forty-year-old Casey Horner was driving a semi on Route 40 just north of Interstate 80 when he collided with 29-year-old Daniel Nelson of Wyanet. Nelson was killed in the crash while Horner was okay. He has been ticketed however with using an electronic device while driving, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and improper lane usage.

Just last year Horner was given tickets in Bureau County for failing to give notice about an accident and driving uninsured.

Fire causes thousands of dollars in damage at popular Naplate restaurant

If you’re a fan of Mariachi’s in Naplate, you’ll have to make other dining plans for awhile.

An estimated $50,000 in damage was done to the Mexican restaurant during a Wednesday morning fire. The blaze started in the basement and spread to the dining area.

Naplate and Ottawa firefighters had it under control in about a half hour. Nobody was hurt. The cause of the fire is considered electrical.