Local Headlines

SHABBONA – A Shabbona man was killed while working in a field Tuesday. According to the Dekalb County Coroner’s Office, the man was identified as 72-year-old Larry J. Barshinger. Authorities say Barshinger was working in a field, clearing trees in rural Shabbona, when one reportedly

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today that Illinois will receive an additional $15 million from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to combat the opioid crisis across the state. Since September 2016, Illinois has been

STREATOR – Two men and a 14-year-old teen are in custody after the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team arranged controlled purchases of crack cocaine Wednesday.  In a release, Tri-Dent stated that around 2 p.m. they met with an individual in the 900 block of East Main Street in

MENDOTA- Mendota Police are on the lookout for a man they say struck a woman and took her purse.  Authorities are calling it a Strong-Arm Robbery on Wednesday that took place at a gas station near I-39.   The suspect, shown in a security still released Thursday, allegedly approached the victim

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sue Rezin’s legislation that would allow the Department of Natural Resources to charge a minimal parking fee at Starved Rock failed to pass the full Senate on Wednesday. Senate Bill 1310 needed 30 “yes” votes to pass, but fell short by one vote. Sen. Rezin

HENNEPIN – All employees have been reported safe and a fire was contained hours after an incident at Marquis Energy in Hennepin on Wednesday. According to the Putnam County Illinois Emergency Management agency, Hennepin fire was called along with other area departments to the complex in

PRINCETON – A former Princeton High School coach accused of having sexual relations with a student entered a plea deal on Tuesday. According to Bureau County State’s Attorney Geno Caffarini, the 27-year-old softball coach and custodian, Brik Wedekind pleaded guilty to aggravated

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — Plans are under way to monitor outdoor air quality outside two Lake County plants that use the cancer-causing gas ethylene oxide. The (Waukegan) News Sun reports that the Lake County Health Department said Monday that sampling would begin by June 1 at sites near Vantage

SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley’s city council voted in favor of purchasing the old Spring Valley Hotel property. On Monday evening, an ordinance was passed authorizing the purchase of real estate located at 226-228 East St. Paul Street. The city agreed to pay Bureau County nearly $1300