Silica Mine Delay
Rev 0
12/23

A proposed silica sand mining operation west of Ottawa has hit a snag.  Originally Texas-based Proppant Specialists was to appear Tuesday night before the LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Use permit.  However, Mike Harsted of the county’s Environmental Services and Land Use Department says the state attorney general’s office contacted the industrial sand producer to make sure their plans would not adversely impact the former Brockman Landfill One site—and the surrounding area.  Under Proppant’s plan, the $25 million project would be constructed on 340 acres of land near the old landfill and Buffalo Rock State Park.  Harsted says Proppant opted to answer the A-G office’s questions before seeking the special use permit.

Weather Advisories
Rev 0
12/23/10
 
The National Weather Service reports a dense fog advisory remains in effect for Bureau, DeKalb, Lee, LaSalle, and Putnam Counties until 9 this morning.  They report visibility maybe less than a quarter mile in many locations, and in addition, freezing fog could produce slippery conditions on the roads.  Then starting at midnight, a Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect until 6pm Friday for Bureau, Lee, and Putnam Counties.  As much as five inches of snow could fall, with isolated higher amounts.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

Wind Farm Issues
Rev 0
12/23/10
 
Issues and problems regarding the state of wind farms in Bureau County, like a possible moratorium on future development, will be addressed at the next regular meeting of the Zoning Committee on January third.  County Zoning Officer Kris Donarski says at this time the Big Sky Wind Farm is in the process of mitigation against current complaints that have been filed.  Big Sky is one of four wind farms located in Bureau County, along with Crescent Ridge, Providence Heights, and Walnut Ridge.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

I-V-C-C Lottery
Rev 0
12/23

The ballot picture for the I-V-C-C Board of Trustees is becoming clearer—but one question remains unanswered.  The college reports a lottery was conducted recently to determine the order of candidates, which will appear on the ballot.  Come April 5th it will read Brandon Evans of Oglesby, Michael Driscoll of Ottawa, David Mallery of Hennepin, Larry Huffman of Peru, and Everett Solon of Streator.  Of the five, Driscoll, Huffman and Mallery are incumbents.  All have filed for three six-year terms.  Filing for the single two-year term were former Spring Valley Mayor Jim Narczewski and David Mallery, who has until the 28th to decide which seat he’ll pursue.

Streator Revival
Rev 0
12/23

An effort is underway to revive Streator’s spirituality.  Pastor John Schmidtke of the Streator Evangelistic Association says they’re planning a revival for a five week period between February 27th and March 27th.  Meetings will be held every night for the five weeks at First Baptist Church of Streator…

NS122310SCHMIDTKE  John Schmidtke  oq: “…to God.”  :10.9 — {bite}

The revival coincides with the 100th anniversary of a revival held in Streator.  Schmidtke, who serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, says much like their planned revival—the revival of 1911 spanned five weeks in the late winter… 

NS122310SCHMIDTKE2  John Schmidtke 2  oq: “…it now.”  :09 — {bite}

Every night three-to-four thousand people were in attendance—and the choir carried 300 members.  There were even parades.  Schmidtke admits their effort may not achieve those marks, but if they can rewaken the community—then it will have been successful.

Car Fire
Rev 0
12/22

Streator firefighters battled a car fire Monday.  According to the Streator Fire Department, the car’s owner spotted their Chevy Cavalier on fire in an alley in the 300 block of West Grant Street just after noon and called 9-1-1.  Four firefighters on an engine responded to the scene and found the car’s front end fully involved.  45 minutes later they had put out the fire, cleaned up and cleared the scene.  Fortunately there were no injuries, but the car is a total loss.  The fire’s cause is undetermined.

Ottawa P-D Coat Drive
Rev 0
12/22

Ottawa residents in need of winter jackets for their children are getting a helping hand from the workers at the LaSalle County Generating Station.  The Ottawa Police Department reports it will distribute winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves daily from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.  The items were donated by the Exelon employees.  The size range varies but most of the items would work for children ages three to eight.  Keep in mind, there are a limited number of items.

Another Blow
Rev 0
12/21

Yes, that was lightning you saw during last night’s heavy snow.  The National Weather Service confirms there were reports of thunder snow between the I-88 and I-80 corridors.  That same weather marvel created headaches for motorists.  The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies were busy with several cars in the ditch.  But, with the exception of some fender benders on the interstates, it was a relatively quiet night.  The snow tallied up to anywhere from three to six inches across LaSalle County.  Originally, an inch or two of snow had been expected.  More snow is possible later this week.

Streator WIC Closing
Rev 0
12/21

Those families receiving WIC benefits in the Streator area will have to travel further for their appointments.  The LaSalle County Health Department reports the Streator Women, Infants and Children site will close December 31st.  Department officials say the move was made to save money by consolidating services.  Come next month WIC recipients will have to drive to Ottawa for their appointments.  The department notes that if you already had an appointment scheduled, nothing will change except for the location.  The Ottawa WIC office is located at 1806 Seneca Drive.

Bomb Threat Arrest
Rev 0
12/21

An arrest has been made following last week’s bomb threat at Pontiac Township High School.  The Pontiac Police Department reports 33 year-old Donald Bowen has been charged with three counts of Falsely Making a Terrorist Threat.  According to investigators, the Pontiac man allegedly called the school Tuesday, just after noon and told officials a bomb inside the school would detonate in 45 minutes. Authorities aren’t sure why he allegedly made the threat.  Days later on Friday police officers arrested Bowen.  At last check he was in custody at the Livingston County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

LSCO Census Poverty Rates
Rev 0
12/21/10

LaSalle County’s poverty rates have increased in 2009 from the previous year according to data complied by the Census Bureau.  Poverty estimates for all ages jumped from 10.4% in 2008, to 12.5% in 2009.   Estimates for those under the age of 18 increased from 15.2% in 2008, to 20.7% in 2009, while rates for those ages 5-through-17 were 16% in 2009, up from 2008’s 13.2%.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

I-V-C-C Benefits
Rev 0
12/21

I-V-C-C plans on shopping around for the health insurance benefits it offers to its employees.  The college’s Board of Trustees met last night and signed off on administrators going out for proposals from benefit providers.  According to the college, it costs the school $2.8 million annually to provide its workers with health insurance.  School president Doctor Jerry Corcoran says their current provider has provided good service, but “…we believe it is in our best interest to explore other options.” The college is seeking R-F-P’s for medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance.

Wintry Week
Rev 0
12/19

Could we see a white Christmas?  If the weather forecast holds true, not only will there be a white Christmas but there will be plenty of wintry weather this week too.  A winter weather advisory will go into effect this afternoon at 4:00 for LaSalle, Grundy, Lee, DeKalb, and Livingston Counties.  National Weather Service forecaster Geno Izzi explains where the storm will come from…

NS122010IZZI  Geno Izzi  oq: “…this afternoon.”  :19.2 — {bite}

Izzi says we could see an inch or two of snow this evening—followed by freezing drizzle overnight.  By tomorrow temperatures are forecasted to rise above freezing, eliminating the threat of freezing precipitation.  Later this week another system is forecasted to track through the Midwest—off to our south.  Accumulating snowfall is a possibility.

Looking for more info about this week’s wintry weather?  Click on the graphic below…

Rezin Replacement
Rev 0
12/20

Regional G-O-P leaders have begun the process yet again to find a legislative replacement.  Earlier this fall leaders tabbed Shane Cultra to take over for state treasurer-elect Dan Rutherford in his former 53rd district.  A week ago Saturday some of the same people chose Sue Rezin to take over for retired State Senator Gary Dahl in the 38th district.  Now comes the process of finding Rezin’s replacement in the 75th district.  Grundy County G-O-P Chair John Hanson says prospective candidates have already inquired about the opening and he expects questionnaires to go out in the coming days.  Among the information officials are seeking, Hanson says are the candidate’s background…

NS122010HANSON  John Hanson  oq: “…to Illinois.”  :17.1 — {bite}

Sometime early in January Hanson believes county republican leaders will come together with those same candidates to pick a replacement.  As of Friday party leadership has 30 days to find someone.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

LaSalle Health Care Now Heritage Manor-LaSalle
Rev 0
12/20/10 

Heritage Enterprises Incorporated will be taking ownership of LaSalle Healthcare at the beginning of the new year. Heritage’s Director of Marketing and Communications Melissa Beaver says the merger will help strengthen the community by promoting each other in a shared market as sister facilities…

NP121710merger      : 11             OC: get that care.  – {bite}

Beaver tells us service will not change, but as they move forward together, they’ll determine the strengths and how to continue to provide the best care possible. Heritage Enterprises owns or manages 37 facilities throughout the state, including one in Mendota.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

Shannon Investigation UPDATE
Rev 0
12/17

Authorities have released the toxicology results from the autopsy of Dale Shannon.  The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office reports the 41 year-old’s blood alcohol level at the time of the wreck a week ago last Sunday was point-two-six-six—or over three times the legal limit of point-zero-eight.  Shannon as you know was killed when investigators say the Dodge Neon he was driving struck a utility pole near the LaSalle Generating Station backwards.  His wife, Tanya, who was believed to be in the car at the time of the crash, has been missing ever since. 

TC - TANYA SHANNON UPDATE
12/17/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

Local authorities say they are unsure of when the search for Tanya Shannon will continue.  LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton says that while the length of the search is frustrating the department, there are bigger concerns…

(NS121710TTEMP :15.5 …in our mind.) — {bite}

Search crews have used dogs, foot searches, and air methods to find Tanya Shannon.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

The Snow Report
Rev 6
12/17/10
 
Authorities were busy yesterday morning, working three serious crashes on the area’s interstates.  State Police report one known fatality from a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-80, one mile east of Route 40 in Bureau County, but at this time no further details have been released.  State troopers also responded to a rollover crash on I-39, near Troy Grove on Thursday, and while there were injuries, at this time, no further information is available.  Another wreck on I-80, near I-180 snarled traffic further during the midday hours yesterday.  (Contributed by Brent Brown, The Radio Group)

House Vote
Rev 0
12/17

Federal lawmakers from around our region were unanimous in how they voted on a bill to extend Bush-era tax cuts.  Representatives Debbie Halvorson, Bill Foster, Tim Johnson and Aaron Schock were among the 277 congressmen and congresswomen who voted in favor of house bill 4853 last night.  Halvorson and Foster, both democrats, are in the waning days of their two-year terms as both were defeated in November.  Halvorson, who represents the 11th Congressional District, which spans from the Indiana border through LaSalle County and down to Bloomington, was defeated by Adam Kinzinger.  Foster, who represents the 14th across DeKalb and Lee Counties, lost to Randy Hultgren.  Schock represents the 18th, which covers Putnam County—while Johnson represents the 15th—which includes Livingston County.  

TC/DBK - MORRIS DEATH UPDATE
12/17/2010
START 12/16 4:00 P.M.

Grundy County Coroner John Callahan

More details about the death of a Morris man found in the snow Monday have been released.  The Grundy County Coroner’s Office reports preliminary autopsy results on Bruce Quillen show his death was consistent with exposure to the cold.  Investigators say at the time the 47 year-old was wearing a leg brace and was partially paralyzed from a car wreck 20 years ago.  The coroner believes those disabilities combined with the slippery ice and snow on the ground and bitter cold temperatures led to Quillen’s untimely death.

TC - LACO BROADBAND NETWORK
12/17/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

Broadband access is inching closer to happening in LaSalle County.  LaSalle County Board members viewed a presentation yesterday from NIUNet, about the Illinois Broadband Opportunities Partnership Network.  Herb Kuryliw of the group talked about some of the benefits a broadband network could have in the county, including potential cost savings…

(NS121710HERBK :18.4 …in the future.) — {bite}

Kuryliw says the broadband network could save LaSalle County taxpayers around $3.9 million dollars each year.  The proposed network would include numerous LaSalle County towns with around 870 miles of fiber line, with Kuryliw saying they have obtain grants to help cover the proposed $68.5 million cost.  Kuryliw expects fiber installation to begin in March, with the project taking two years to complete.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

TC - DAHL LEAVES SENATE
12/17/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

Former State Sen. Gary Dahl (R) Granville

Former State Senator Gary Dahl says one of his proudest accomplishments from his time in Springfield was what he did for the 38th District.  The Granville Republican resigned last Friday, with Sue Rezin sworn in Tuesday evening to take over the post for the remaining two years on the term.  Dahl says that despite all the accomplishments, there is still unfinished business to be done with everyone in the Capitol, specifically fixing the state’s deficit.  He likened the problems in Springfield it to a phrase he heard from a friend…

(NS121710GDAHL :08.3 …hit the iceberg.) — {bite}

Dahl says the one thing he will take away from his days as a Senator are the friendship and relationship he formed.  He says he is unsure if he would return to politics in the future.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

Kelley Arrest
Rev 0
12/17

An Ottawa man has been charged with sexually abusing a child.  The Ottawa Police Department reports Jeramie Kelley was arrested Tuesday after an officer spotted him sitting in a parked car and knew the 32 year-old was wanted on a warrant charging him with felony Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.  Investigators say they were alerted to the alleged abuse in October involving a child under the age of 13.  At last check, Kelley was in custody at the LaSalle County Jail, held on a 50-thousand dollar bond.