NEWS NOTES ON WGFA for Thursday, May 29, 2008 >

Kankakee boy hit by car…. plea deal in Pontiac sex assault case…. Local police blotter…..Bukowski hired by Kankakee school board…..

Illiana weather—it’s warming up. High today near 74, mostly sunny. Light wind from the east at 5 mph. High near 82 Friday with 70% chance of T-storms.

–more area news found on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• A seven-year-old Kankakee boy was flown to Loyola Medical Center at Maywood after he was hit by a car Wednesday. Kankakee Police report the boy darted into traffic on Curtis Avenue. The victim was hit by a southbound car driven by Keith Armstrong of Kankakee. The impact sent the boy airborne for about 30-feet. The boy was treated at Riverside Hospital, then airlifted to Loyola.
• The seven-year-old Joliet boy hit by a stray bullet in his Joliet home last Thursday has been released from a hospital. Davarius Gadson was with two of his uncles when they got into a dispute with alleged gang members. One of the gunman’s bullets went thru a glass door, striking the child in the chest. Police have made no arrests.
• A Pontiac man accused of sexually assaulting a child decided against a jury trial and accepted a plea deal Wednesday. 24-year-old Matthew Marcin pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. A judge sentenced Marcin to concurrent seven-year prison terms. He’ll have to serve 85% of the time.
• Watseka Police arrested 31-year-old David Miller of Watseka Tuesday. Miller was charged with possession of a controled substance and drug parahernalia.
• Iroquois County sheriff’s police returned from Ozark, MO with Jennifer Fowler. Fowler was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for delivery of a controlled substance.
• Sheriff’s police also arrested 31-year-old Benjamin Hardwick of Stockland. He was charged with criminal damage to property.
• A veteran school superintendent will lead the District 111 school board in Kankakee. Rick Bukowski, retired from the Central School district #4 in Iroquois County, will serve district 111 on an interim basis. He replaces embattled school chief Brian Ali, who resigned. Bukowski will lead the district while the school board searches for a permanent replacement.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

Colleen Callahan announced this week’s Featured Farmer of the Week at Jay and Jon Goldenstein of Gilman and Danforth.

~ Continually work to improve their farming operation.

~ Show dedication and support to their churches and communities.

~ Most importantly, they demonstrate the importance of family values.

~ Jim and Carol Dexter write in their nomination letter “We thank them for all that they do”.

NEWS NOTES ON WGFA for Wednesday, May 28, 2008 >

George Ryan’s appeal denied….Indiana homicide investigated…..More answers needed about Kankakee body found in a field….. Five now charged in Danville murder…..

Another chilly Illiana morning—Mostly sunny today, high near 67. Overnight low was at 44. Warm-up continues this week.

–area news found on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• An appeal for clemency from President Bush is former Governor george Ryan’s last chance to avoid serving his full prison sentence now that the Supreme Court has denied his final appeal. Ryan’s lead attorney, former Governor Jim Thompson, says he will ask for the remainder of the sentence to be commuted because Ryan has suffered enough. Ryan was convicted of fraud, racketeering and corription charges in 2006. He was sentenced to six and-a-half years in prison. The 74-year-old has served about seven months of that sentence. U-S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says the Supreme Court decision proves Ryan received a fair trial.
• A forensic anthropologist is being asked to get involved in a Kankakee investigation to identify a body found in a field. Kankakee County sheriff’s police and the coroner’s office continue to investigate what caused the death of a person found in a field in the eastern part of the county last Friday. An autopsy was inconclusive as to what caused the death.
• A Newton County, Indiana homicide has authorities asking for the public’s help in solving the crime. Indiana State Police report 54-year-old Robert marshall was found fatally shot in the head early Saturday in his home. Detectives said Marshall was last seen alive about 10:30 pm Friday. Police said there was no sign of forced entry or robbery at the hosue at 5985 E and 1156 N Road. Anyone with info is asked to call 219-696-6242.
• Five men are now charged with first degree murder in Danville. 29-year-old Comonte Sanders of Champaign is charged with murder and armed robbery for the fatal shooting of Kenneth Sims last Thursday. Four other men are also charged with murder and armed robbery. They’re all being held without bond.

“Your Illiana News Source” — WGFA …. since 1961

ILLIANA NEWS NOTES ON WGFA for Tuesday, May 27, 2008 >

Investigation continues of body found in Kankakee County…. Memorial Day services….. Heroes welcome for returning guardsmen….. ATV accident in White County, IN…..

A shortened work week following Memorial Day—unseasonably cool today, high near 63. An isolated T-storm is possible. Northeast winds at 10-15 mph.

– More area news found on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• A forensic anthropologist may provide more insight into efforts to identify a body found in Kankakee County. County Coroner Bob Gessner said an autopsy performed on the remains Sunday was inconclusive as to what caused the death. Gessner said he was unable to determine the sex of the remains. A dog dragged home parts of the remains Friday. Later, authorities found about 90% of the body from a field near Route One, just north of Route 17. Kankakee County Sheriff’s Police will check Missing Persons reports from the region.
• A formal arraignment hearing is expected today in Vermilion County for a Danville man accused in a Danville murder last week. 29-year-old Comonte Sanders is accused of murdering Kenneth Sims of Danville. Sanders was arrested Friday after a brief stand-off with police. Four other men were also arrested in connection with the death.
• An ATV accident injured two persons on White County, Indiana road 1000-W near Wolcott. 26-year-old Jennifer Harris of Monticello, IN was operating the ATV with a six-year-old passenger when both were thrown off the vehicle into a field. The extent of injuries wasn’t known. Conservation officers said helmets were not worn and speed was a factor in the crash.
• The American Legion’s Senior Vice-Commander William Hudson was the guest speaker in Watseka Monday during a Memorial Day Service at Legion Park. Hudson spoke about the never-ending need to educate the country’s younger generations about the real meaning of Memorial Day. Hudson said America needs to make sure all veterans get the proper care they deserve. The Legion Park ceremony was hosted by Watseka American Legion Post 23 and V.F.W. Post 7450.
• Several other area communities paid respects with Memorial Day services. The Hoopeston American Legion and VFW is extending a ‘Thank You’ to those that assisted in placing memorial Flags at Floral Hill Cemetery in preparation for the Memorial Day services. More than 1050 flags were placed on veterans graves this year. The flags will be taken off the graves Thursday, beginning at 9 am for anyone interested in volunteering.
• It was hugs and tears and a welcome home for almost 200 of Illinois’ citizen-soldiers in Springfield Sunday. The 2337th Transportation Company arrived to a parade and huge crowd. The troops spent more than a year in Iraq. Family members of soldiers in one Illinois National Guard company got to greet their veterans in person at a Memorial Day weekend event in North Riverside.
• 94.1 FM, WGFA — “Your Illiana News Source”

WGFA NEWS for Friday, May 23, 2008 >

Memorial Day services announced….Race fans gather at Indy….. Red Cross fundraiser, citizens help needed….. I-DOT, state police urge safety this weekend…… IHSA honors St. Anne’s Beaupre…..

Scattered showers yet this morning, then mostly cloudy, high near 65. Weekend outlook calls for a sunny Saturday, high near 74. Sunny Sunday high near 80. Memorial Day 40% chance of showers, high near 80.

–News links offer more area notes at WGFARADIO.COM –

• A local Marine who died in Iraq will be honored this weekend at the Boys State Track Meet in Charleston. The late Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre of St. Anne will be recognized during opening ceremonies of the Illinois Boys State Track and Field Meet Saturday at Eastern Illinois University. The IHSA plans a special recognition to mark the 5th anniversary of Beaupre’s death. Ryan was a member of the 1991 Bishop McNamara 1600-meter relay team, which won the Class A championship. Captain Beaupre died March 21, 2003 in the opening hours of the Iraq War. He was a helicopter pilot for the U-S Marines, the chopper went down near the Iraq-Kuwait border, killing Beaupre, three other U-S Marines and eight British marines onboard.
• A Memorial Day observance in Watseka is one of several area Memorial Day events this weekend. American Legion Post 23 leads the observance Monday, May 26th at the Veterans Memorial in Legion Park. The service begins at 11 am. The American Legion’s Sr. Vice-Commander, William Hudson, is the guest speaker.
• Veterans and the public are invited to cemetery services Monday in Danforth, Gilman, Onarga and Thawville. The Gilman and Onarga American Legion Posts are leading the programs.
• The annual Memorial Day Service at Sugar Creek Chapel east of Milford is planned Sunday, May 25th, at 2 pm. The Donovan American Legion Post #633 is having its Observance at the Donovan Park at 2 pm. The Legion Auxiliary hosts a social time afterwards. The Hoopeston American Legion and VFW and respective auxiliary organizations conduct a traditional Memorial Day Service at Floral Hill Cemetery Monday at 10:30 am. A free luncheon follows.
• Iroquois County residents are being asked to support the American Red Cross. Mailings countywide are asking for donations to support the many services thru the Red Cross Chapter. The annual March campaign was delayed due to the continued Red Cross work assisting flood victims. Citizens and businesses collectively donated $65,000 to recovery efforts following the floods. But Red Cross expenses surpassed $230,000 in assisting victims. Donations can be sent to Red Cross at 214 E. Walnut Street in Watseka. Donations can also be delivered to the Red Cross chaper office during the month of June.
• Illinois State Police, I-DOT, and local police are remding motorists to “Click It or Ticket” this weekend. The public safety campaign advises the motoring public to “Stay Alive” by obeying safety laws while on the roadways.
• The Indianapolis 500 is Sunday at the famous brickyard. Race coverage is featured on 94.1 FM, WGFA.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM — since 1961

Solve Memorial Day Driving Issues - http://www.traffic.com or 1-866697-7232

Memorial Day Websites

http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm

http://www.jatruck.com/stonewall

http://www.wwiimemorial.com

http://thewall.-usa.com

The White House Commission on Remembrance is an independent government agency whose missions include:

Promoting the spirit of unity and remembrance through observance of The National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day;

Ensuring the nation remembers the sacrifices of America’s fallen from the Revolutionary War to the present;

Recognizing those who served and those who continue to serve our great nation and reminding all Americans of their common heritage.

http://www.remember.gov

http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/danvilleil.asp

SOME TOP NEWS STORIES ON WGFA for Thursday, May 22, 2008 >

GAS PRICES top the $4 mark…..Farm Bill reaction, House overrides President, Senate expected to follow suit….. Dotty Lagesse, Athena winner….. Principal Miller headed to Grant Park….. IV Cellular scholarship winners…..

Illiana Weather— Mostly sunny, high near 71.

–AREA NEWS available online at wgfaradio.com –

• The much-feared $4-per-gallon threshold reached the local area. Gas prices here are now over the $4 mark and experts fear it’s just climbing higher each day. Many area stations are now listing regular unleaded at $4.09.
• Memorial Day services are planned in area communities. American Legion and VFW Posts have respective events on their calendars. Details on WGFA News.
• The Iroquois County Law Enforcement Association is hosting the “Father/Son, Mother-Daughter .22 caliber Rimfire Rifle Shoot Saturday at the Iroquois County fairgrounds at Crescent City. The shooting program begins at 9 am.
• The Watseka Model Yacht Club conducts the 3rd annual Watseka One-Meter Regatta Saturday. The sailing competition begins at 10:15 am at Lakeview Park in Watseka.
• The Village of Wellington is flushing fire hydrants beginning Tuesday, May 27th at 9 am. Local residents may experience some rusty water for a few days, but the water is safe for household use.
• The Executive Director of Hospice of Kankakee Valley is being recognized as this year’s Athena Award winner. Dotty Lagesse was honored Wednesday at Olivet Nazarene University’s Chalfant Hall. The Athena Award recognizes “personal and professional achievement” among women. Lagesse has helped guide Hospice of Kankakee Valley from two employees and a $55,00 budget to 60 staff members, 100 volunteers and an annual budget of $4.5 million.
• Some area high school students are among the winners of scholastic scholarships. Illinois Valley Cellular has announced the scholastic winners, 13 of them from over 200 candidates nominated by 35 high schools within the territory covered by IV Cellular. Local winners include: Ashley Henson of Iroquois West, Kevin Zebarth of GCMS, and John Patrick Block of Tri-Point. Each of the winners win a $1,000 scholarship.
• Congressman Tim Johnson is applauding passage of the Farm Bill. Johnson voted for an override of President Bush’s veto of the $290 billion farm bill. The House vote was 316-108. The Senate is expected to consider the bill today. Johnson said the legislation maintains a strong safety net imposing important reforms and allowing rural areas to flourish.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

ILLIANA NEWS NOTES ON WGFA for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 >

Health Walk at IMH… Community Day today at Indy…. Gas Leak…..Livingston Wind Farm hearings….. Alternative schooling…..

Mostly sunny today, high near 66. Northwest winds at 5-15 mph.

–More area news on news links at wgfaradio.com –

• A handful of Iroquois County school districts are showing interest in an alternative education center. Crescent-Iroquois, Donovan, Iroquois West, Milford and Watseka are involved in discussions. The Sheldon school coud be a possible location for classes. The Regional Office of Education reports the success rate of such a program is 80 percent. It’s a program for at-risk students, targetting those students coming up short in the traditional classroom setting. Students can earn a GED, earn college credit and get help in seeking employment.
• Improvements continue at the middle school in the Iroquois West district. The school board this week approved three gymnasium project contracts. Precise Painting won a $16,800 contract to repaint the middle school gym. A $10,760 contract was approved by the school board with Valley Enterprises to reseal the gym floor. The board also OK’d a $55-hundred dollar project for flame-retardant curtains from School Speciality.
• The Pontiac City Council is setting up an incentive program for real estate agents to steer companies to the city’s industrial park. A commission schedule provides added incentive for agents to lure potential users to the park. Direct mailings will be made to agents.
• Livingston County officials are wrapping up their wind farm hearings today. The hearing continues at 7 pm at the Pontiac Township High School. It’s day six of the hearings for mthe proposed Streator-Cayuga Ridge South Wind Farm. The project calls for construction of 155 turbines scattered across 15,000 acres between Odell and Emington. It would be the first phase of a wind farm with 450 turbines on 46,000 acres spread across Livingston and LaSalle counties.
• A gas leak in Watseka triggered a minor evacuation Tuesday. A few neighbors near 5th and Ash Streets were asked to leave their homes for a couple of hours after city employees clipped a bleeder-valve while doing some landscaping work on the city berm. Public Works Superintendent Marvin DeLahr said Nicor employees were called to shut the valve off after the accident around 3 pm. No injury was reported.
• The annual Health Walk at Iroquois Memorial Hospital today invites citizens to find time to walk a friendly mile thru Legion Park. The walk continues from 6 am til later this afteroon. Walkers are asked to begin and end the walk at the IMH Garden. The event is part of National Employee Health and Fitness Day .
• Today is also Community Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Special offers are lined up for fans at the famous 2 and a-half mile oval. The big 500-mile race on Memorial Day features Scott Dixon leading the pole.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA