Local News Tidbits
 

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May 26, 2007

DUI and numerous other charges filed against Buckley woman after high-speed chase.  Leigh Ann Smith was arrested after leading police on high-speed chase on Rte 45, then into downtown Paxton where she hit two parked cars. As local police officer got out of his car to confront her, she backed her vehicle, barely missing the officer and his squad car.

Paxton Swim Pool Opens May 26.  2007 hours will be Monday-Friday noon-1pm for adult swimming, 1-6pm for open swimming; Saturday & Sundays 11am-1pm for family swimming and 1-8 pm for open swimming. Pool will close Labor Day.

Strong wind gust blows man off railroad car.  Gerald "Jerry" Harris died May 21 of injuries he sustained in the accident that occurred on May 15 during severe storm. Mr. Harris, who was manager of Ludlow Coop Grain Elevator, was working on top of a railroad car at the Ludlow Coop's Paxton location. High winds blew him off the car, 15-20 feet to the ground below.

May 17, 2007

Paxton Majestic Theater Group is looking for new permanent location. They have approached the Park District about potential purchase or long-term lease of Park District land. The group has been performing most recently at the Paxton Bowl Annex. Originally the group performed at the Paxton Majestic Theater prior to it being put up for sale.

PBL High School & Junior High School were put on lockdown May 15th. A threatening message was found on a bathroom wall in the high school. Students were dismissed one by one after undergoing searches and passing through metal detectors. Investigation is continuing and there will be police presence during school hours and other school events.

Woman drives car through business' window. Loretta Wolfe of Paxton has been charged with felony criminal damage to property, reckless driving & reckless conduct. Police said they have reason to believe she intentionally drove her car into the building. A customer at Market Street Barber shop sustained a dislocated shoulder & an employee of the business sustained minor injuries.

School Board approved naming new school track in honor of Fred Guyot, former PBL teacher and track coach.

PRIDE presented five year downtown streetscape plan to City Council. The plan includes solar powered street lamps, new flower planters, and painting existing light poles black. City agreed to support the effort.