Overturned Semi Closes Part of Interstate 80
Yesterday morning around 6am, a semi was overturned on Interstate 80 in the LaSalle-Peru area closing down I-80. At the time of the accident, a hazmat team had been called out for a chemical spill, with no major concerns. Illinois State Police say that they did reroute traffic to route 6, because it was unclear as to how long the cleanup would take. By yesterday afternoon all Eastbound traffic in that section of Interstate 80 was flowing normally, but the Westbound side was still closed.
Streator Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident
Autopsy results are pending for a Streator man who died in a motorcycle versus tractor accident. According to Saint Francis Communications Director Amy Paul, the body of 65-year old Jerry Trenor is now at the Peoria County Coroner’s office. According to Illinois State Police Trooper Craig Graham, Trenor was attempting to pass a tractor on Illinois Route 178 just south of Route 71 Wednesday afternoon when he hit the left front tire of the tractor while it was turning into a farm field. Authorities say Trenor was ejected from his motorcycle upon impact. He was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital and then transferred to Saint Francis where he was pronounced dead just after six o'clock.
Marseilles Elementary School Delayed Opening
After sustaining around three million dollars worth of flood damage, not all facilities at Marseilles Elementary are expected to be ready for fall classes. This according to Superintendent JoEllen Fuller who hopes to have a portion of the school open for classrooms and says there are plans to use temporary modular units on campus for classrooms so students do not have to travel out of town. She expects to have more definitive plan by June 17th. Currently students are attending classes at the Marseilles Church of the Nazarene, Seneca Elementary School North Campus, and the old Seneca High School.
Flood Damaged Homes in Marseilles Getting Paid
Through generous donations, Marseilles residents who houses suffered significant damaged in last month’s flood could be receiving a payout through the city. City Officials report that households with the worst flood damage will be receiving a $150 dollar payout in the form of a stipend from the city. Officials say the payout come from funds donated to the city, equaling roughly $34,000.
Oglesby to add Supermarket
The City of Oglesby will be getting a new supermarket next year. That’s according to Mayor Don Finley, who said after talking with County Market owner Rich Niemann. Finley says it will be the first supermarket in the city in nearly 17 years. He also said that the store will be beneficial to keep citizens from having to go out of town for grocery shopping. The store will be located on West Walnut Street and is expected to add around 70 jobs in Oglesby. There is no timetable currently for construction. .
Funeral Services for William Zadkovich
Funeral services are set for a Streator man involved in a fatal car vs motorcycle accident this past weekend. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says 41-year old Bill Zadkovich was driving his motorcycle late Saturday night when he was allegedly struck by a vehicle being driven by 19-year old Mason Erschen of Streator. Zadkovich was later pronounced dead in Saint Mary’s Hospital. Today visitation for Zadkovich will be held at the Solon-Telford Funeral home from 4-8pm, and tomorrow funeral services will be held at 11am at the Solon-Telford Funeral home.
Streator Redevelopment Plan
Streator is looking at utilizing an updated comprehensive and redevelopment plan this year. Scott Harrington and Jessica Schmiedicke (Sch-mid-key) from Vandewalle and Associates presented the plan to the council at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole Meeting. The representatives said that Streator’s weaknesses were from a lack of electronic, appliance, clothing and full service restaurants while the area has plenty of grocery stores and bars within a 15 minute radius of the city. Harrington said those outside of that radius typically commute elsewhere for their business. Harrington says they will be back in August to speak with the council again. Information on the project can be found on the City of Streator website.
Rockford Airport Awarded
The Chicago Rockford International Airport has been named Illinois' 2013 Primary Airport of the Year. State officials presented the honor yesterday at the annual Illinois Aviation Conference luncheon in Moline. The airport's accomplishments include completing two phases of runway construction and Rockford AirFest 2012.
