Local Headlines

Stained glass windows undergoing repairs at Mendota church

May 6, 2021 Local Headlines, North Central Illinois Update

MENDOTA – The stained glass windows at a Mendota church are going to be getting a restoration beginning this week. The First Presbyterian Church on 5th Street will have crews working to remove and repair the 155-year-old glass artwork. A generous local donor contributed around $30,000

ISP moving forward with upgrading to a new Next Generation 911 Statewide Network

May 6, 2021 Local Headlines

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police and the Office of the Statewide 911 Administrator announced a new upgrade to Illinois’ 911 network. The new statewide Next Generation 911 (NG911) network will be Internet-based to be more reliable, reduce response times, and

Multiple fire departments called to Hennepin Wednesday

May 5, 2021 Local Headlines

HENNEPIN – First responders were called to the scene of an incident that required mutual aid on Wednesday morning in Putnam County. A box alarm was dispatched around 6 am for a fire located at Marquis Energy in Hennepin. According to the Hennepin Fire Department, Bureau, Spring Valley,

Should off-highway vehicles be allowed in LaSalle? Council continues debate

May 5, 2021 Local Headlines

LASALLE – City officials are still mulling over the debate on whether to allow “off-highway” vehicles in LaSalle. Discussion continued between alderman, residents, and Police Chief Mike Smudzinski on the issue to allow residents to ride around in off-highway vehicles like

Fourth of July Fireworks planned in Ottawa

May 5, 2021 Local Headlines

OTTAWA – Fourth of July fireworks are back this year in Ottawa. Mayor Dan Aussem approved an agreement with Central States Fireworks on Tuesday for the independence day festivities downtown. The city is partnering with Ottawa First, a nonprofit organization of volunteers that raise

Motorcycle Awareness Month: Start seeing motorcycles

May 5, 2021 Local Headlines

UNDATED – May is motorcycle awareness month and area cities across LaSalle County made proclamations to recognize its significance. As the weather gets warmer, more motorcycles will be seen on roadways, requiring all motorists to be on alert. According to the National Highway

Fire damages business in rural Mendota

May 5, 2021 Local Headlines, North Central Illinois Update

MENDOTA – An early morning fire Wednesday damaged a business in rural Mendota. Around 2 AM the Mendota and Troy Grove Fire Departments were called to the 400 block of North 3973rd Road for a maintenance shop on fire at Mendota Agri-Products. The three-alarm fire drew departments from Peru,

Solon elected IVCC Board Chair

May 4, 2021 Local Headlines, North Central Illinois Update

OGLESBY- Everett Solon of Streator was elected Illinois Valley Community College board chair at a special reorganizational meeting Monday. He joined the board in 2013 and was reelected April 6. Solon had served as vice chair since April 2017 and was formerly on the Streator High School board

Illinois Secretary of State wants Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue replaced

May 4, 2021 Local Headlines, North Central Illinois Update

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is calling for a new statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is urging an improved statue of the late civil rights leader be placed in a more prominent location on the Capitol grounds. White first met Dr. King when the future

American Rescue Plan brings $72.8 million to area counties including LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam

May 4, 2021 Local Headlines

UNDATED – Roughly $72.8 million from the American Rescue Plan funding is on the way to area counties including La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam. That total amount includes about $24.2 million for cities and villages and over $48 million coming to counties. LaSalle County will