John Small, WLPO-AM (LaSalle, IL) Journalist Profile

Articles

La Salle Vrbo homes....Owners owe city tax money

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

La Salle City Council believes they're missing out on tax money from rental homes under Vrbo and others. The city has an agreement with AirBnb, so those La Salle homes do pay a required 5% tax on each renter using one of their properties. But, there may be residences under Vrbo and other companies that aren't aware of the city's tax. At least, for now, La Salle is giving them the benefit of the doubt. The city will be searching out …..and reaching out to these homeowners to get them to start paying.
La Salle City Council split over noise ordinance; Mayor Grove breaks tie

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

On a split vote, the La Salle City Council revised its noise ordinance Tuesday, but left one concerning food trucks alone. While the noise ordinance applies to all, it is bars with live music where it seems to get used. In last night's public comments William Hocking, owner of Detour, said police pay his business a great deal of attention on the weekend. But, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski later disputed that: Your browser does not support the audio element.
La Salle Police conduct death investigation Sunday evening

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

La Salle police were summoned to a residence on Tonti street Sunday evening for a death investigation. Tragically, a 25-year old man was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police stated that no foul play is suspected and there is no threat to the public. An autopsy will be performed.
Woman suffers life-threatening gunshot wound early Sunday in Streator

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

An unidentified female sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound in a Streator residence around 4am Sunday. Streator Police were summoned to the home in the 500 block of South Illinois. The woman went to OSF Streator and was later transferred to another facility for treatment of her wound. Streator police say this is an active investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Streator Police Active Investigations Unit.
Music / Art Fest continues Sunday in La Salle

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

The city of La Salle is celebrating creativity, culture, and community this weekend. The 9th annual La Salle Music & Art Festival continues Sunday at Pulaski Park starting at noon. There will be plenty of food to enjoy, art to check out, drinks to gulp down at a beer tent, and of course a wide variety of live music. Three more bands will take to the Pulaski Park stage today: “Tailgate Confessions” at 4:30; “Steve Sharp Band” at 6:30 and “Snapshot at 8:30.
Bosnich second at state; others win at Track and Field finals

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A St. Bede junior, with proven athletic talent, showed it again Saturday at state. Lily Bosnich placed second in Illinois in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. Bosnich has played volleyball, basketball and softball for St. Bede Academy. It was during her freshman year she got the final out giving her team a state softball championship. There was more talent on display at the state level Saturday. La Salle Peru's Elli Sines placed 5th in the 100 meter hurdles.
La Salle police say scammers are posing as Ameren reps

1 week ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

There are people who will try anything to separate you from your money. According to La Salle police, scammers are posing as Ameren reps. They call homes or businesses claiming your power will be shutoff within the hour unless a payment is made immediately. These thieves are demanding the victim make a payment through Western Union, Bitcoin or the good old gift card. This is a scam, says La Salle Police. If you receive such a call, do not give any personal or payment information over the phone.
Over $300G raised for Marquette at May Merriment

2 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Totals are in for Marquette Academy's 43rd annual May Merriment fundraiser. The numbers are certainly eye-opening. On their Facebook page, organizers announced$313,000 had been raised for the Academy. The school thanks anyone who donated,volunteered, sponsored, attended or helped in any way. It goes on to say thank you to the sponsors, the committee and anyone who pitched in to make the event a celebration of what makes Marquette special.
Horizon House thoroughly remodels 40 year old Plank road offices

2 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A local well-known charity has revamped its home office on Plank road in Peru. Horizon House's year-long United Future Building Project is complete. The social service agency provides services and support to people with disabilities. Development Director, Carol Fesco was beaming Saturday after the second of two open houses in three days. Fesco said the interior was stripped to the bare floor and studs, then built under a new design.
Streator teen has dual graduations this weekend

2 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Madelyn Wahl is graduating twice this weekend. Wahl is a Streator High School senior who receives her diploma Sunday. But, Saturday, she lined up with about 200 other students to receive her associate of arts degree at Illinois Valley Community College. Besides sports, she took dual credit and online classes to get to her goal of an Associate of Arts degree. We asked Madelyn how she had the right homework for the right class: Your browser does not support the audio element.