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

Articles

Buda man fatally injured Saturday now identified

1 day ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

The identity of a Buda man fatally injured Saturday in Bureau County has been released. Bureau County Coroner Kurt Workman said the 82-year old man was identified as Jerry Spears of Buda. Spears was involved in a crash on 1250 North Avenue about a half mile west of the village. Traveling westbound, Spear avoided an oncoming tractor but struck the implement behind it. He sustained fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead at OSF St. Clare's in Princeton. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Barichello leaves news beat for Streator Chamber position

1 day ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A former Shaw News Editor has been chosen Executive Director of the Streator Chamber of Commerce. 41-year old Derek Barichello is a Streator native and served as the news editor of the Times, News-Tribune and Bureau County Republican for the past four years. Barichello took over the new post on Monday. He adds that he wants to share Streator's stories about its shops and its manufacturing.
La Salle business denied permits; Council to review "music" and food truck ordinances

2 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

La Salle City Council will revisit two ordinances after denying a business owner's requests Monday night. Over one hour's time, the Council approved Lacey Anderson's paperwork for a food truck at the Hegeler Carus Mansion summer concerts. However, requests by Detour Tap's William Hocking for Special Event Permits for a food truck and an extra hour of music this month and next were decisively voted down. Hocking's Detour Tap operates on the same site as the former Nick's on 6.
Buda man fatally injured Saturday after collision with farm implement

2 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

An 82-year old Buda man was fatally injured in a collision Saturday west of Buda. Bureau County Sheriff James Reed said the man's Nissan SUV was westbound on 1250 North Avenue just after 3pm. The SUV cleared an oncoming John Deere tractor, but struck the implement being towed. The driver had to be extricated and later passed away at OSF St. Clare's in Princeton. The tractor's driver was a 64-year old Sheffield man. The names of those involved are being withheld pending family notification.
Dixon artist part of new NCi Artworks exhibit on display now

3 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A Dixon man with no formal training has some impressive pictures on display now at the Westclox Building. Each month, NCi Artworks opens a new exhibit, and, the latest is from Ryan Jandrey. A reception was held Friday evening welcoming Jandrey and artist Matt Jagitsch. Jandrey uses charcoal and graphite to convey 3D forms on a two dimensional surface. He told WLPO by email that his work as a trainer helped develop a better understanding of the human form which he applies toward his pictures.
Princeton mail carriers collect over four tons of food Saturday

3 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Food collected by Princeton mail carriers Saturday surpassed last year's total by about eight hundred pounds. Union mail carrier's Deborah Vancleve said they weighed about 8700 pounds at the Bureau County Food Pantry surpassing last year's 7900 pounds. Vancleve hoped to have a final total later this week. The community gave an estimated $28,300 in food. The food drive was supported by Sullivan Foods, Wyanet Carpet and Extreme Rentals.
Weger "mini trial" starts Monday

4 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

That “mini trial” for Chester Weger is a go for this week. The 86-year-old's lead lawyer Andy Hale had two motions go against him in court last Monday afternoon. Hale asked for a 2010 speech from the late Tony Raccuglia given at a conference to be part of the evidence in this week's evidentiary hearing. Hale claimed the lead prosecutor in Weger's 1961 murder trial talked about how he thought the convicted murderer's confession wasn't valid.
Recalling Utica 2015 Mother's Day; rescuer Robbyn Partain comments

4 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

Walking into thick black smoke from a fire is scary. But, under those conditions ten years ago, firefighters Robbyn Partain and Andy Brown used their training to rescue a man trapped in a burning downtown Utica apartment. It was early on Mother's Day 2015 15 departments took on a fire at 149 Mill street, home, at that time, to Second Floor Antiques. In the midst of the fire, Partain and Brown rescued an unresponsive man, later identified as 58-year old Roy Lance.
Kids and parents find fun fishing in Peru Saturday

4 days ago | starvedrock.media | John Small

A day to catch some rays...and some fish at Peru's Baker Lake. The Better Fishing Association's annual learning and angling event for kids was held Saturday under a blue sky and a bright sun. BFA offers free food and booths that show children all aspects of the sport. Twelve year old Trenton of Ottawa didn't catch anything but was glad he came Leon and Oliver – with help from Tyler, their dad, caught some blue gills. It was retired DNR worker, Ken Clodfelter that amazed his audience with live fish.
The Post

2 weeks ago | thepost.co.nz | John Small