Local unemployment rates drop

    OTTAWA – Local unemployment rates have dropped significantly since the beginning of Spring. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Statistics, while statewide numbers have been a steady 4.4%, local county rates are nearly half

legislation combating texting while driving takes effect July 1

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s legislative initiative strengthening the law on texting while driving takes effect July 1. The law cracks down on texting while driving by classifying first-time offenses as moving violations. Under the previous

Winningest Illinois High School Boy’s Basketball Coach Dies

The winningest boys’ basketball coach in Illinois history has died. Gene Pingatore gained national attention when he appeared in the 1994 documentary “Hoop Dreams.” He coached at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, a Chicago suburb. At