Interchange Replacement WRAP
Rev 0
09/09

The state is looking to replace the interchange at I-80 and Route 178 in Utica.  The Radio Group’s David Kuharski has more…

NP090910WRAP  Interchange Replacement WRAP  1:10.8 — {bite}

Speaking less than a mile from the interchange under bright, blue sunshine early yesterday afternoon—Governor Pat Quinn discussed the merits of the project, highlighting safety and economic benefits…

NP090910QUINN  Governor Pat Quinn  oq: “…175 jobs.”  :10 — {bite}

IL Governor Pat Quinn (D) discusses the interchange replacement project at I-80 and Rt 178. To his right (pictured left) is State Rep. Frank Mautino (D) Spring Valley

D-Construction out of Coal City has been awarded the contract, and the work out at the site has already begun.  Officials say the project should be completed by the fall of 2012.  The current interchange was built in 1961 and driving over it, one can see that it’s been resurfaced multiple times.  Governor Quinn says the decision was based on improving safety.  I-Dot Region Two Engineer George F. Ryan gave a preview of what it will look like once completed…

NP090910RYAN  George F. Ryan  oq: “…like today.”  :13.5 — {bite}

Officials are also hoping that it might spur economic development in the area, citing the nearby industry and tourism.  Reporting, I’m David Kuharski

Pictured above is IL Gov Pat Quinn discussing the $14.9 mil interchange replacement project at I-80 and Rt 178. Appearing with the governor, with a Catepillar bulldozer serving as a backdrop, are IL DOT Sec Gary Hannig (far left) and State Rep. Frank Mautino (D) Spring Valley (second to last on the right)

State Representative Frank Mautino (D) Spring Valley talks about the interchange project and infrastructure improvements made in his 76th District with the help of Gov. Pat Quinn (pictured on the right) and IL DOT Sec. Gary Hannig (pictured on the left)

TC - HIT AND RUN UPDATE
9/9/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

The victim of a hit-and-run incident near Ransom last month was recently released from the hospital.  An official at Saint Francis Hospital in Peoria says 37-year-old Greg Tadej was released from their facility on September 2nd.  The hit-and-run happened in the early morning hours of August 4th in the area of Route 170, when a vehicle reportedly struck Tadej.  There have been no recent updates from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office on the case.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

Wiley Burglary
Rev 0
09/09

Ottawa police believe they have a suspect in the burglary of wireless phone store last December.  According to the Ottawa Police Department, detectives were able to lift fingerprint evidence from the scene of that burglary, where 60 phones worth about $12,000 were allegedly stolen.  Investigators say that fingerprint evidence was sent to the state crime lab.  Meanwhile, a witness in the area was interviewed and from those leads, detectives say they developed Dashonti J. Wiley as a suspect.  Following an interview with the 19 year-old, the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with one count of burglary, a class-two felony.  At last check, Wiley remained in custody at the Kankakee County Jail for an unrelated matter.

TC - STREATOR SCAM REPORTED
9/9/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

Streator Police are alerting the public about a scam recently reported to them.  Authorities say an individual alerted them that they had received a letter last week containing a notification that they were selected as a winner, along with a treasurer’s check for $3,980.  Authorities say the letter also stated that the individual was approved for a lump sum payment of $125,000, but would have to pay thousands in taxes through Western Union, and the treasurer’s check amount would be deducted from their winnings.  Scott Mulford of Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office says there is one thing the public should be aware of when receiving a scam like this…

(NS090910SCOTT :06.3 …in a lottery.) — {bite}

Mulford says scams are becoming more prominent and complicated, calling it a ‘never ending battle’.  He says the office’s Consumer Compliants Department received over 25,000 scam calls last year alone.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

Oglesby Fire WRAP
Rev 0
09/08

Fire has gutted the inside of an Oglesby home.  The Radio Group’s David Kuharski has more…

NP090810WRAP  Oglesby Fire WRAP  :49.8 — {BITE}

The Oglesby Fire Department reports the fire in the 400-block of Richards Street was reported at about 5:15 Monday evening.  Arriving firefighters found the front of the south-facing home fully engulfed in flames.  Complicating matters for crews were a combination of strong south winds and weak water pressure nearby the home.  That forced firefighters to run supply lines from a block away.  It would take crews from Oglesby, LaSalle and Tonica about 45 minutes or so to knock down the fire, which spread on the strong winds into the attic through a pair of ceilings.  Fortunately no-one was home at the time and no-one was hurt.  Reporting, I’m David Kuharski

ANCHOR TAG

At last check, investigators hadn’t determined the fire’s cause, but they believe it originated in the front of the home.

I-V-C-H FastCare
Rev 0
09/08

Look for another option when it comes to after-hours medical care.  Illinois Valley Community Hospital reports it will open a clinic at the Peru Walmart next month.  The clinic, which will be manned by a nurse practitioner, will be located at the front of the store.  I-V-C-H’s Gene Vogelgesang says the FastCare Clinic will work with patients suffering from minor medical issues like sore throats, ear infections, skin rashes and allergies.  Currently he says when more simple medical matters arise there’s few options… 

NP090810VOGELGESANG  Gene Vogelgesang  oq: “…dollar fee.”  :12.9 — {bite}

Vogelgesang adds that the hospital has hired two new nurse practitioners to cover the clinic’s operating hours of 8:30 in the morning until 8:30 at night Monday through Friday.  The walk-in clinic will also be open Saturdays from 8:30 until 5:00 and Sundays 10:00 until 5:00—as well as holidays from 10:00 until 2:00.  The clinic will charge a flat-rate fee of 57-dollars per visit, and insurance can be billed.  Construction, according to Vogelgesang, could begin yet this week.

TC - HOPE YARD SALE RESULTS
9/8/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

The biggest yard sale in Streator in some time helped raised thousands of dollars for the area’s two high schools.  Pastor John Schmidtke says he estimates possibly over 2,000 people went to the Streator Armory on August 28th, raising $12,725, with more money coming in.  Schmidtke says the outpouring of support shows a dedication in Streator to public education, given the tough economy and families cutting back.  Based on the population of the two schools Schmidtke says Streator High will receive $11,198 and Woodland will receive $1,527.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

Mautino’s Biz
Rev 0
09/07

It’s a busy time for State Representative Frank Mautino, even though lawmakers aren’t in action down in Springfield.  The Spring Valley democrat, who represents much of Bureau and LaSalle Counties, says he’s been working on securing emergency funding for municipalities and school districts which are seeing their coffers run dry without their state aid.  He notes that some of the cities and districts have had a hard time just paying their workers.  Mautino, who is the Assistant Majority Leader in the General Assembly, points out that he’s also working on a bill which would regulate sludge haulers.  Right now there are no rules on how the sludge is applied and that’s created quite the stink—literally—for residents living downwind of farmland where the sludge has been laid out.

TC - LACO ROLLOVER
9/7/2010
START 6:00 A.M.

A rollover crash early yesterday morning has sent an Iowa man to the hospital.  The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office reports the wreck happened at around 3:45 A.M. on I-80, near mile marker 92.  According to deputies, 65-year-old Donald Frahm of Dunkerton, Iowa lost control of his vehicle after he lost traction on the wet pavement.  Frahm drove into the north ditch, where his vehicle rolled over at least one time.  Frahm was taken to Ottawa Regional Hospital.  There were no citations issued.  (Contributed by T-J Carson, The Radio Group)

Harvest Reminders
Rev 0
09/07

A beautiful and dry end to the summer has allowed some farmers the chance to begin their harvest ahead of schedule and a local law enforcement official has a reminder for motorists.  State police trooper Craig Graham urges drivers to be careful on the roads as they’ll be sharing them with heavy farm machinery.  He points out that the combines and tractors don’t move very fast and, more importantly, don’t stop very fast… 

NP090710GRAHAM  Trpr Craig Graham  oq: “…sees you.”  :15.8 — {bite}

The keys to keeping your trip safe, Graham says, are give the machinery plenty of space and be especially careful when passing.

I-V-C-C St. Francis Deal
Rev 0
09/07

Nursing students at I-V-C-C now have another tool at their disposal for securing a bachelor’s degree.  The college has signed a partnership agreement with Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria.  Under the two-plus-two program, qualifying students who’ve completed 62 credit hours of pre-nursing coursework could advance to Saint Francis, where after completing 62 more hours in their nursing major they could obtain a B-S-N degree and Registered Nurse certification.  All along the way those recruited into the program would receive advisement from staff of both schools.

Negrete Arrest
Rev 0
09/03

Bond is set at a 1.5 million dollars for a rural Shabbona man charged with sexually assaulting a child.  The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports 29 year-old Jamie Negrete is charged with six counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and six counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child.  According to Sheriff Roger Scott, the alleged incidents occurred between 2006 and this summer.  The allegations came to light last month when a walk-in report was made at the sheriff’s office.  At last check, Negrete remained in custody at the DeKalb County Jail.

Reopening the Vermillion
Rev 0
09/03

State Representative Frank Mautino (D) Spring Valley

The reopening of the Vermillion River could still happen this year.  That’s according to state Representative Frank Mautino, who’s been working to broker a deal between the state and Buzzi Unichem.  The Spring Valley lawmaker says all that remains before workers can begin making safety improvements to a stretch of the river, which runs through Buzzi’s property…

NP090310MAUTINO  Frank Mautino  oq: “…this year.”  :12.6 — {bite}

The cement company closed the river, which has a renowned reputation for its fishing and rafting, last Summer following a pair of drownings.  Under the deal worked out, Buzzi won’t be held liable for future incidents and the state will install signage and buoys along the river steering users to safe waters… 

NP090310MAUTINO2  Frank Mautino 2 oq: “…this fall.”  :07 — {bite}

Mautino says preparations have been made in anticipation of the work and once the deal is signed, the project can begin.  In fact, with the water level low, Mautino says now is the prime time to get it done.  As far as the deal goes, Mautino doesn’t believe either side has any major sticking issue which would prevent its passage.

Labor Day Safety
Rev 0
09/03

The Illinois State Police have some reminders to ensure this Labor Day Holiday weekend is a safe one on the roads.  Trooper Craig Graham of the district 17 office in LaSalle urges motorists to give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination.  He notes that building extra time into a schedule can take speeding and impatient driving out of the picture.  Trooper Graham also reminds drivers to remember their first task to driving their vehicle, not talking on a cell phone or texting.  In fact, there’s a new law on the books this year in Illinois which prohibits drivers from talking on a cell phone and driving through construction zones…

NP090310GRAHAM  Trpr Craig Graham  oq: “…they’re driving.”  :14 — {bite}

Graham also reminds families to make sure everyone is buckled up properly.  He adds that you’ll see plenty of troopers out on patrol this weekend, as its an all-hands on deck weekend for them.

New Bathroom
Rev 0
09/02

They’re hoping to have a new bathroom up-and-running at the Ottawa PADS shelter by the time the facility opens for the coming cold weather season.  PADS Executive Director Carol Alcorn says up until last season they only had one individual bathroom for the men using the shelter…

NP090210ALCORN  Carol Alcorn  oq: “…your house.”  :10.1 — {bite}

The new 26-by-eight-feet bathroom will have a shower stall, two sinks, urinal and bathroom stall.  The improvement at the Ottawa shelter is just a part of a larger expansion.  Last season the shelter worked with 109 individuals.  PADS expanded the facility by 18-hundred square feet, adding 12 beds and an educational room… 

NP090210ALCORN2  Carol Alcorn 2  oq: “…have space.”  :04.4 — {bite}

Alcorn says the additional space greatly alleviated the over-crowding they had been experiencing.

TC - STREATOR ARMED ROBBERY
9/2/2010
IMMEDIATE

Streator authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving a Monday evening armed robbery.  The Streator Police Department reports the incident happened at 8:00 at the Cigarette Express.  Investigators say there were two suspects, with the first suspect allegedly showing a small, black handgun.  He was wearing a dark colored hoodie and blue jeans and stood about five-feet to five-feet, five-inches, and weighed about 180 to 200 pounds, while the second suspect is reportedly about five-feet, nine-inches and weighed around 170 pounds.  Authorities say both suspects were wearing black ski masks, and left on foot in an unknown direction with an undetermined amount of cash.

Semi Rollover
Rev 0
09/02

A rollover crash involving a semi in eastern LaSalle County has injured a Colfax man.  The Illinois State Police report the crash happened Wednesday morning, just before 5:30, at mile post 99.  That’s where troopers say a 2000 Freightliner tractor-trailer was heading east when it left the road to the left in the construction area, through an uneven shoulder and into the ditch.  Before coming back onto the highway, the rig rolled over.  The driver, 52 year-old Michael Petersen was treated and released at Morris Hospital.

Real Estate Taxes Due
Rev 0
09/02

It’s pay day for LaSalle County today.  That’s because today is the deadline for property owners to pay the second installment of their real estate taxes.  If you don’t pay on time, you’ll face one-and-a-half percent penalty tomorrow.  How can you pay?  The LaSalle County Treasurer’s office reports you can drop of a check at their drop box at the Governmental Complex on Etna Road.  You can also drop those off at most all banks in the county.  Payments via credit card can also be made online.