Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act includes money for Peru

They’ve got a hydroelectric plant and soon Peru could have a wind turbine. One million dollars towards a 2.5 megawatt wind turbine for Peru is included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.  It’s passed both the U.S. House and Senate and still needs to be signed by the president.
U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson announced the funding Thursday.  She says it shows how serious Illinois is in its efforts to become a true leader in green energy and in creating green jobs.

Two teens face charges after a shooting in La Salle

A shooting in La Salle has three teens in trouble.  Police were called to a home in the 800 block of 9^th Street Wednesday night for a loud noise.  They found a shattered window on a house and soon had three boys they were questioning.

          Two boys, a 15 year old from Oglesby and a 13 year old from La Salle were taken to the La Salle County Detention Home.  They face charges of aggravated discharged of a firearm, mob action, and felony criminal damage to property and possession of a gun without a FOID card.  More charges are pending.

          A 13 year old boy from La Salle wasn’t charged but that could change as the investigation continues.

Area hospitals make changes because of swine flu

As more cases of swine flu are being reported, a couple of area hospitals have changed their visitor policies, asking that people leave their children at home.

 St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator doesn’t want parents bringing children 12 and younger with them to visit at the hospital.  Ottawa Regional Hospital doesn’t want children 16 and younger visiting. 

The hospitals say they’re trying to protect their patients. 

People as young as six months old and up to 24 years old are considered high risk for catching swine flu.  Also considered more prone are pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants, and people with health conditions that make them more susceptible to flu.

          The La Salle County Health Department says as of Tuesday, four people in La Salle County have been hospitalized for swine flu, three of which were children.  There has been one swine flu related death in La Salle County- an 18 year old woman.

House Fire In Ottawa

Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a fire yesterday at a two-story house on the east side of Ottawa.

Ottawa firefighters responded to 1702 Guion Street at around 7:30 yesterday for a fire at an unoccupied home.  The fire started on the main floor around the stairwell.  Firefighters had it under control in about 20 minutes.

Chief Jim Duback doesn’t know what caused it.

Hall Offering Swine Flu Shots

Hall High School students who want a swine flu shot can get one at the school on Monday.

Nurses will be giving out the vaccine to students who have a signed permission slip from their parents.  The students are being given the permission slip today.  Forms are also available on the school’s website.  Hall’s school nurse says so far they haven’t had above normal absences because of sickness.