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

Articles

"Tractor Trek" travels Bureau County roads Saturday to raise money

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Seventy-six tractors and their drivers will travel Bureau County roads Saturday as a fundraiser. Jill Frueh, Bureau County Farm Bureau manager says its their 13th annual “Tractor Trek”. Tractor drivers will criss-cross the county and get in some breaks, as well. Rider fees help the local Farm Bureau Foundation to raise money for their “Ag in the Classroom” and scholarships for students hoping to continue their ag education.
Marquette Crusaders vying for State Title Saturday

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Does a smashed windshield from a home run count for anything in high school baseball? The Marquette Crusaders scored big Friday in the Class 1A State Baseball semi-finals in Champaign topping Lexington 16 -1. They now face a very difficult opponent, Father McGivney at 1pm Saturday at the University of Illinois. The Lexington Minutemen jumped out to an early 1 – 0 lead, but in the second inning, Todd Hopkins Crusaders went to work.
Local Food Pantry seeks $$$ to pay for freezer repairs

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

After replacing a freezer compressor, Hall Township Food Pantry now has to pay for those repairs. The Pantry told their story on Facebook. They said that during this past Wednesday's food distribution the compressor quit. St. Bede Academy stepped up to store the frozen items for the time being. John Service and Sales found and installed a new compressor. The cost is steep - $11,300. Now, Hall Township Pantry is thinking....if 1,000 people each gave $11.30, that expense would be covered.
Kid's Free Fishing Tournament Returns To Lock 14 In La Salle

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

It's almost time to go fishin' on the canal in La Salle. The Better Fishing Association is putting on the 38th Annual Kid's Free Fishing Tournament Saturday at Lock 14 in La Salle. Registration starts at 8 with the fishing tournament starting at 9. The tournament is for boys and girls in two age groups, 4-12 and 13-15 years old. Bait will be provided by tourney participants are asked to bring their own tackle. Prizes will be awarded and snacks and drinks will be provided.
Utica resident portrays Calamity Jane during village's Wild Bill weekend

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

If you use re-enactors for your event, it helps when one lives in town. Sarah Sampson of Utica helped role-play “Calamity Jane” at this weekend's “Wild Bill Days”. This year, Sampson joined a group who act out characters of the 1800's – some who settle matters with a gun. Sampson says that in the mid 1800's, Calamity Jane, traveled the frontier helping the military, working saloons and even treating the sick. Her real name was Martha Jane Canary.
Rural Peru salvage yard fire out; twelve departments assisted

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A fire that burned in a rural Peru salvage yard early Saturday is out. Extinguishing flames and hot spots at the North 35th road site took Fire Chief Jeff King and twelve departments all night. Peru's crew was sent to the Dimmick Township site just before 11pm. Upon arrival, King said they found a salvage yard, its contents, land and two structures burning.
Ottawa PADS moving to old YMCA while new shelter is built

3 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

The former Ottawa Y will house the Ottawa PADS group – until PADS new shelter is built. The City of Ottawa has approved PADS relocating during the construction phase which may take two years. Only the second floor of the Y will be used. To prepare for the adjustment requires renovations to the roof and HVAC and electrical systems. In addition, a kitchen install and creation of sleeping areas will be needed. Estimated cost for the re-do is around $80,000. The lease with the Y has been signed.
Rural Peru salvage yard continues to burn on North 35th road

4 weeks ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A rural Peru salvage yard and two buildings continue to burn at this hour. Peru fire personnel were summoned to 290 North 35th road in Dimmick Township shortly after 11pm. Fire Chief jeff King says his department and, at least eight others have been on the scene since then battling the fire. There appeared to be household appliances stacked up in the northwest corner of the property. Around midnight, the area was smoke filled with flames burning some distance from the road.
La Salle Vrbo homes....Owners owe city tax money

1 month 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 month 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.