By the time they reach high school each student should’ve already had a chicken pox shot. Jenny Barrie of the LaSalle County Health Department says the vaccine manufacturer recommends a second dose.

If you have questions, call your family doctor, the L-P high school nurse (815) 223-1721 or the LaSalle County Health Department (815) 433-3366.

Cooper’s truck when off the road.  He was ticketed for not slowing down to avoid an accident.

It happened to someone in Streator this week.  They reported it to the police.

Bureau County’s December unemployment was 10.2%.  In La Salle County it was 11.6% and in Putnam County unemployment was 10.6%.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the Ottawa-Streator area saw new jobs in Educational and health services and leisure-hospitality, but it wasn’t enough to off-set the losses in manufacturing and government.

It’s being performed at Stage 212 and is directed by directed Ellen Marincic.  Performances are this weekend and the following.  Tickets are available at the Stage 212 box office.

The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Starved Rock Lodge are both hosting eagle viewing events from 9am until 5pm Saturday and Sunday.  Park Ranger Kevin Eubanks says they’ve been averaging around 12 bald eagles by the dam.  The colder it gets, the more show up.  He says one positive of the warmer weather is the eagles on the river have been more active flying around.

Besides bald eagle viewing, there will be indoor bird demonstrations, Native American dancing and children’s activities.  Everything is free except for food being sold by non-profits.

The store came under fire late last year following an investigation by the Newstribune.  In December, a group of animal lovers picketed the business from the outskirts of the mall property.

A call to the business wasn’t answered.

The “red ash” area is undergoing some changes as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans to back fill a steep slope north of Lehigh Park and remove the old mine tressle.

Jim Gregg is with the Mine Lands Reclamation Division.  He says the red ash will be moved to even out the slope and covered with soil.

On the north side of the Vermilion, in Matthiessen Park, Gregg says four old mine openings will be blocked off will a rock-fill material.  He estimates one of the openings leads to a 32-foot drop.  They’ll also remove old mining foundations and structures.

The work is being done by Miller and Son Construction for $272,000.  It’s scheduled to be completed by September.

Peru Building Inspector Frank Taylor says the restaurant has a tentative opening date of March 26^th.  They’re planning to start hiring workers in mid-February and there will be a two-week training period before the restaurant opens for business.

Taylor says he was inside the Olive Garden last week and they were putting kitchen equipment in.  The signage went up a few days ago.

Potential families can stop in and take a look Saturday from 10 until 2.  The home is at 912 West Superior Street.

Income requirements for the Ottawa home range from 35 to 60 thousand dollars based on size of family.  The family needs to have between 3 and 6 members.

Selected families do have to pay a mortgage but it’s at no zero interest.  They also have to do so many hours of “sweat equity” in helping to build a different habitat house.

31 year old Lisa Loyer of Graymont died September 12^th after falling from a moving SUV driven by Daryll Stutzman of Streator.  Late last year, a Peoria County Coroner’s Jury ruled Loyer’s death a homicide.  Last week, prosecutors in Livingston County agreed and officially charged Stutzman with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.

They believe Stutzman was driving drunk when Loyer fell out.  The SUV had no doors.

Stutzman is out on bond.

La Salle firefighter Steve Smith had surgery on his leg New Year’s Day after being hurt battling the huge blaze.  Smith says he could start physical therapy in 2 to 4 weeks.  When he does, he can start bending the injured leg again, 15 degrees at a time.  The leg is still in a brace.

Besides being a La Salle firefighter and EMT, Smith is also a guard at the Sheridan Correctional Center.  He would like to go back to both jobs in March or April but realizes its up to his doctor to clear him.

Dr. Richard Fessler performed the emergency surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He said Wednesday that he is still hopeful about Kirk’s long-term prognosis. He says the 52-year-old senator is being monitored closely.

Kirk’s stroke affected his left side, particularly movement of his left arm and his face. Surgeons removed a piece of Kirk’s skull Sunday to alleviate pressure from swelling. Doctors say the Illinois Republican is expected to make a full mental recovery, but may not regain full movement, even after rehabilitation.

Maps of four possible scenarios have been on display at the Peru Municipal Building.  They’re also available at the city’s website.

The city council briefly talked about the maps Wednesday night but it will be several weeks before they could approve any changes.

If you’re interested in checking out the proposals, click here.