Judge Rules On Ottawa Power Line Issue

An administrative law judge didn’t make any friends Tuesday with some grass roots groups in the Ottawa area.

Illinois Commerce Commission Judge John Albers ruled that Ameren can put up its high-powered transmission lines from Ottawa to Wedron either along the Fox River or Route 71.  A third choice west of Ottawa was ruled out.

People along the Fox River route calling themselves the “Fox River Alliance” pushed for the western alternative.  They think the Fox River route will affect Skydive Chicago and hurt the natural habitat and wildlife along the river.

The Route 71 choice has a separate group of locals rallying against it.  They call themselves the “Route 71 Resisters”.  Putting lines up Route 71 was Ameren’s first choice.

Another hearing on the power lines is set for January 21^st.

Ice Causing Evacuations In Dayton

Around 20 homes have been evacuated in Dayton because of ice jamming.

La Salle County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Jobst says families all evacuated on their own.  He says the problem is getting worse, not better.  Jobst has called the American Red Cross to offer shelter for evacuated families but he doesn’t believe any have utilized the service yet.

The National Weather Service believes the Fox River at Dayton will reach 30 feet sometime Thursday, putting it nearly 20 feet above flood stage.

Area Bank Branches Sold

A troubled bank has sold some of its local branches.

AMCORE Bank announced Tuesday that they’ve reached an agreement with Midland States Bank of Effingham to sell 12 branches and two stand-alone driveups.  Branches locally that are being sold include ones in Mendota, Peru and Princeton.

AMCORE Chairman and CEO William McManaman says “the sale of these branches demonstrates our rebuilding efforts continue to move forward”.  Last month, AMCORE was ordered by the feds to submit a Capital Restoration and Disposition Plan that meet regular requirements or face a federal takeover.

Back in April, AMCORE cut 116 jobs, reduced pay for executives and decreased their contributions to employee 401 K’s.

St. Margaret’s Health considers options after loosing pool

Crafters Village was more than just a place to buy knickknacks.  Many people used the indoor pool, including St. Margaret’s Health physical therapy patients.

Gary Kistenfeger is the Director of Physical Rehab and Services for St. Margaret’s.  He learned of the fire Monday night.  He says normally they would have 10 to 15 patients using the pool on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

He says the pool was a good service for their patients.  He says they’re looking at their options.

Fire fighters received help during Crafters Village blaze

Fighting a fire as large as the one that consumed Crafters Village and the Peru indoor pool requires a lot of help.  That’s what Peru Fire Chief Jeff King says his department and others received Monday night.

King says eight departments came with engines and manpower.  The Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service had five ambulances ready and more emergency responders covered an accident that happened just yards away on Route 251.

King says they used three school buses as warming centers and many area restaurants brought food.  A couple of area businesses provided equipment.

The last engine left the scene just after 3am Tuesday. Fire fighters were there since about 7:30pm Monday.  King says he believes non one was there when it was reported.

He says the building was well engulfed by the time they arrived and their focus was on protecting a professional building to the east.

There were two injuries to fire fighters.  One twisted his ankle while another fell on the ice and hit his head.

Investigators are there Tuesday morning trying to determine the cause.

NewsTribune Video of the Fire:

See NewsTribune photos from the blaze here.

Area deacon dies unexpectedly

La Salle Catholic Churches have lost a deacon.  Ron Rager died unexpectedly Monday at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.  Rager had served at La Salle’s three parishes and also for IVCH’s pastoral services. 

          Tentative services have been scheduled for later this week.  You can hear them during AM 1220 WLPO’s In Memorium.  You can also find them in AM1220WLPO.com obituaries.

Woman on parole for drug conviction arrested on drug charge

A new drug charge for a woman already on parole for a drug conviction.  Debra Rodriguez of Streator was arrested last Thursday after an investigation into drugs that started in September during a parole check.

          Rodriguez was picked up on a warrant for possession of cocaine after things taken from her place were tested at a police lab.  She was being held at the La Salle County Jail.

Oglesby commissioner considers wind tower

The wind tower craze in La Salle County could soon include Oglesby.

          Oglesby Electric Commissioner Don Finley mentioned Monday that he’s looking into building wind towers to help save electric costs.  Finley referenced Geneseo’s positive reviews of their two turbines off Interstate 80 which started producing energy in October. 

          Geneseo paid nearly $10 million for their turbines.