Three men from Waukegan have been arrested on use of fraudulent checks. According to the Mendota Police Department, three men allegedly were responsible for numerous commercial burglaries throughout La Salle, Bureau, Whiteside and DeKalb Counties, in which they stole dozens of business and payroll checks. Authorities say the men forged the checks and then presented them to banks throughout northern Illinois. Authorities say the men were involved in an intranationally connected burglary ring that was connected to banks throughout nine states and are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial institution fraud. Investigation continues in each of the nine states attorney’s offices. Thirteen law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation.
Extra Patrols for Memorial Day Weekend
Extra Law Enforcement will be out and about for Memorial Day Weekend. Authorities say police in Mendota, LaSalle, and Peru are adding extra patrol cars through Monday night. State Police says the Memorial Day holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods for motorists. ISP will especially be enforcing speeding, DUI, seat belts, and distracted driving to push for zero fatalities.
IDOT Puts hold on Traffic Work for Memorial Day Weekend
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation has decided to put a hold on all non-emergency roadwork. IDOT says that with thousand of motorists traveling this weekend, they want to reduce congestion and improve the traffic flow. One area that will not see a halt in construction work is Interstate 80 in Bureau County. These areas will remain closed, with only one lane in both directions due to bridge repairs.
House Approves Legislation for Concealed Guns
An Illinois House panel has approved legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns. The measured was endorsed by the House Judiciary Committee yesterday and goes to the full House today. The measure would require the Illinois State Police to issue concealed carry permits to qualified gun owners.
Illinois Askes for Federal Aid
The Illinois congressional delegation is asking President Barack Obama to make federal aid available to local governments in LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and 22 other Illinois Counties impacted by floods earlier this month. The delegation sent a letter to Obama yesterday saying the state has found about $40 million in damage in those counties. The federal government already has authorized assistance for families and businesses.
Unemployment Numbers
Unemployment numbers are down across the area except for Putnam County. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, unemployment numbers fell in April from 2012 to 2013 in La Salle County to 9.7 percent from 10.2 in 2012. Officials say Bureau County was down three-tenths of a percent to 8.4, but Putnam County was up one-point-six percent to 10.9. Officials say overall non-farm payroll employment lost one-hundred jobs, with the biggest loss being in retail trade, down 350 jobs. State unemployment held at 8.7 percent.
More Trails Open at Starved Rock
Starved Rock State Park has reopened all of their trails since the April 18th floods. Officials say the Ottawa-Kaskasia Canyon and the Tonti Canyon Bridge remain closed. At Matthiessen State Park, officials say the Lower Dells Trails remain closed as repairs are still under way, no timetable has been given for them to be open. Officials have reopened the mountain bike trail along with the horseback trails and the Vermilion River Area south. Officials say if you encounter a trail that is not passable, turn back.
Streator Memorial Day
Memorial Day promises to be a busy one in Streator. The program starts at 10:30 AM on the West Main Street bridge, where an assembly and posting of color guards will take place. Navy veterans will also be casting a wreath into the Vermilion River to honor those lost during World War II with the Streator High Band performing the Navy Hymn. A procession will take place then to Veterans Plaza, where the program will continue with a moment of silence. A wreath will also be placed in the plaza in honor of those lost through the all U-S involved wars. The day concludes with a Memorial Day address and a salute to fallen comrades by firing squad.
STHS Graduation
The Class of 2013 will be collecting their diplomas this weekend at Streator Township High School. Assistant Principal Nick McGurk says the ceremony will take place this Sunday at 2pm in Pops Dale Gymnasium. The event will be broadcast live on the school’s website.
Unemployment Down Slightly
Christopher Harris
Testimony resumes today in the trial of a man accused of killing five members of a central Illinois family. Defense attorney Daniel Fultz says his client, Christopher Harris, will take the stand in his own defense after prosecutors rest their case. Graphic photos were shown yesterday during the testimony of a pathologist.
1 Year old Son
A Chicago-area couple has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of their 1-year-old son. Cook County prosecutors say Lakesha Baker and Michael Scott, both of Maywood, entered their pleas yesterday. Baker and Scott are accused of killing Bryeon Hunter last month and dumping his body in the Des Plaines River.
Obama Flooding
The Illinois congressional delegation is asking President Barack Obama to make federal aid available to local governments in LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and 22 other Illinois Counties impacted by floods earlier this month. The delegation sent a letter to Obama yesterday saying the state has found about $40 million in damage in those counties. The federal government already has authorized assistance for families and businesses.
Monk Alleged Attempted Abduction
A Benedictine monk from Wisconsin who allegedly tried to abduct four Illinois girls has been released on bond. A Lake County judge lowered 57-year-old Thomas Chmura's bail from $150,000 to $50,000. The judge has restricted Chmura to living with his father in suburban Chicago.
