North Central Illinois Update

METAMORA – The Illinois State Police are warning the public of a ransom scam. They say last week it was reported a person received a call from an unknown number claiming that a relative was being held for ransom. “In the heat of the moment, these calls can be terrifying,” stated ...Read more

LASALLE – The Illinois Valley Food Pantry has seen an increased need in the community for assistance throughout LaSalle and other towns, but the building they took over in 2018 is already getting cramped. Executive Director Mary Jo Credi said that the 4500 square foot building on Wright ...Read more

GENESEO – The man who was shot and killed at a car wash by law enforcement in Geneseo allegedly had an explosive device in his truck.   The Illinois State Police say 30-year-old Jeffery Ryan Blunk had fled a traffic stop on foot after a collision with a Henry County Deputy, where he ...Read more

SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley Police Chief Kevin Sangston will be retiring this month after a 31-year career, and he was honored at the Monday night City Council meeting. Mayor Walt Marini said that police officers must exercise authority, leadership, compassion, empathy, critical thinking, ...Read more

MARSEILLES – A Marseilles man was seriously injured after a Monday evening crash.  Around 6 PM the Marseilles Police Department were called to the area of 300 Broadway Street where they found a vehicle had struck a home, injuring 51-year-old John A. Hrouda.  He was airlifted to a Rockford ...Read more

PRINCETON – The Bureau, Putnam, & Marshall County Health Departments reported seven new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. They also announced they will be offering drive through testing at the Bureau County Health Department on Wednesday’s in September by appointment only. Please call to get ...Read more

STREATOR – The Streator Area United Way held a meeting Tuesday night where they learned that they are over one-fifth of the way to the goal they set for pledged fundraising in 2020. So far they have taken in $55,494 of the nearly $270,000 they hope to raise. Josh Biros, 2020 Campaign ...Read more

STREATOR – Illinois American Water has announced they will be flushing water mains and fire hydrants in the Streator area over the next few weeks until mid October. Streator, Ancona, Dana, Kangley, Leonore, Longpoint, Ransom and Reading will see crews sending a rapid flow of water through ...Read more

SPRINGFIELD – The travel and leisure business in Illinois is still suffering from the pandemic, with employment down 22% from one year ago in the industry.  The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports that statewide, the weekly  jobless claims are still up over 300% from this ...Read more