LPHS budget includes a nearly $4 million shortfall

There is more to a high school budget than pens, paper, and keeping the lights one.  LP High School officials plan to spend nearly $23 million this school year.  Nearly $13 million will be for paying teachers and staff and $2 million for the building and utilities.  The Board of Education Wednesday night approved the budget.

Superintendent Steve Wrobleski says that has them expecting to spend about $4 million more than they’ll make and that has him concerned.

Healthcare, a decrease in state funding and tax dollars and the cost of a proposed athletic complex are reasons for the deficit.  Wrobleski says they’ll be watching their money and trying to trim the deficit without affecting learning and teaching.

Truck stolen from Ladd Elevator

Tractor-trailers don’t drive themselves.  Someone stole a white semi and grain trailer from Ladd Elevator in Bureau County.

Elevator manager Jim Gentert says the truck was there at 6:30pm Tuesday but gone when they arrived at work Wednesday this morning.  The Bureau County Sheriff’s Department was notified.

The trailer was empty and Ladd Elevator was on the semi.  Gentert says he doesn’t expect the truck to be returned.

Bridge projects included in IDOT’s 5 year plan

New bridges for Route 178 near Utica and Route 89 near Spring Valley are two of the larger projects the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning for La Salle and Bureau Counties.

IDOT representatives were at Peru City Hall yesterday presenting the Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Program for 2014-2019. People were able to look at maps of La Salle, Bureau, Dekalb and other surrounding counties and see what transportation projects have been budgeted.

IDOT Program Engineer Tom Magolan says they’re still trying to decide if the bridges near Spring Valley and Utica would remain open while replacements are being built.

Missing from the five-year plan was a proposal to redo the Route 251 and May Road intersection in Peru.  The intersection has had its share of crashes.  Magolan says it’s still a priority but they don’t have the money.

Weather conditions bad for burning

Today won’t be a good day for burning.  Strong winds and low relative humidity has led to a Red Flag Warning from 12pm  until7pm Wednesday.  The National Weather Services says that when the conditions are like that, there’s an explosive fire growth potential.

Volunteers needed for Oglesby Harvest Festival

Harvest Fest will be a big deal when it returns to Oglesby Saturday, October 6.  You’ll be able to shop at the farmer’s market and take your kids to the Dickenson House for games, hot dogs and a bonfire.  You’ll also be able to put your skills to the test in the Scarecrow Scramble, a scavenger hunt like competition based on the TV show, The Amazing Race.

A day packed with that many activities will only be possible with a few hard working volunteers.  If you would like to help set up and take down the farmer’s market, man an event on the Scarecrow Scramble or help at the Dickenson House sign up at City Hall.   Volunteers will also be needed to grill hot dogs.

Or if you would rather dress up and compete in the scramble, applications are also available.

Learn more by listening to an interview available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.