Local Headlines

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A monthly survey of rural bankers in parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests banks are growing increasingly concerned about farm loan defaults in 2019. More than 4 of every 10 bankers questioned for the January Rural Mainstreet survey said they expect farm loan

Peru – The LaSalle and Peru police departments are working closely with the Secret Service to investigate cases of counterfeit money being passed around the cities. According to Peru Detective John Atkins, the bills that are being passed around will pass the counterfeit pen test because

DEKALB – The Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a phone scam that claims to be from the Sheriff’s Office. Many residents are reporting receiving a call from a number (815-895-7260) and claiming to be an Officer Warren. The caller then asks the residents for

ROCKFORD (AP) – An Illinois judge acquitted a man of murder Wednesday, more than two decades after jurors convicted him by relying on ballistics that proved to be wrong. Supporters of 53-year-old Patrick Pursley clapped in a Winnebago County courtroom when Judge Joseph McGraw issued his

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge is set to announce a verdict Thursday for three Chicago police officers accused of lying in their reports to protect the white officer who fatally shot black teenager Laquan McDonald. Cook County Judge Domenica Stephenson has scheduled an afternoon hearing for David

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered a review of emerging industries so that state money for workforce training can be best used.  The Democrat visited Southwestern Illinois Community College in Belleville Wednesday. He signed his third executive order since

LASALLE – A Chicago women was charged with forgery after allegedly attempting to use counterfeit money in LaSalle on Monday. According to LaSalle detective Lt. Mike Smudzinski, they were called to a local business for a report of a woman attempting to use a counterfeit hundred dollar bill.

DIXON – The village of Compton confirmed they received permission to begin building a new water tower. According to Compton Board of Trustees member Steve Gilmore, the village was waiting for confirmation from the zoning board to allow the new water tower at the corner of Main and 4th

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (AP) — A 19-year-old suburban Chicago man faces charges accusing him of robbing someone he lured through a dating app. The Kane County state’s attorney’s office said in a Tuesday statement that Steven L. Ward Jr., of Elgin, stole his victim’s cellphone after

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois father and stepmother face sentencing after pleading guilty to murder in the starvation death of their 6-year-old son, who authorities said weighed just 17 pounds when he died. Court records show a Wednesday sentencing hearing is scheduled for Michael L.