Mautino Forcing Hand Of Buzzi Unicem

Buzzi Unicem may have to reopen its stretch of the Vermilion River whether they like it or not.

State Representative Frank Mautino plans to file a bill January 21st declaring the river a navigable waterway, forcing Buzzi’s stretch of the river to reopen to recreation.  After two people drowned last June near Buzzi, the company closed its stretch of the river and put up trespassing signs saying the river was unsafe and not a public body of water.

Mautino says changing the state statute removes all doubt.

Boy Hurt Sledding

A sledding incident at Allen Park left a boy hurt and two grown-ups arrested.

Ottawa Police say that back on Friday, a 5-year old boy slid into a car driven by Theresa Yedinak who is living at a homeless shelter.  Officials say Yedinak and her passenger, Christopher Ramsom of Ottawa pulled the boy from underneath their car and sped away.  Yedinak and Ramson were arrested the next day at an Ottawa hotel.

Yedinak was picked up for driving with a revoked license and leaving the scene of an injury accident.  Ramson was arrested for obstructing justice and possession of a controlled substance.  He alleged had medication that wasn’t prescribed to him.

The boy meanwhile was taken to Ottawa Regional Hospital for cuts and bruises.  He was eventually released.

Grant to fund planting of trees in Ottawa

The road leading you to Ottawa should be getting green thanks to a state grant for more trees.

Ottawa has received a 337 thousand dollar Illinois Green Streets Program grant.  It’ll pay to plant trees along state and federal routes in and out of town, including Routes 23, 71 and 6.

City officials announced yesterday they had received the competitive grant.  They’ll be working with IDOT to decide where the tress will be planted.

Mr. LP contest returns to LPHS

Do you know a boy that has what it takes to be Mr. LP?  The annual contest at LP High School is Friday. 

Contestants are judged on talent, formal wear, fundraising, interview, beach wear, and superfan.  Money from the event goes to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry and IVAR.

It’s held in Matthiessen Auditorium.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  The pageant starts at 7pm.  Admission is a two dollar donation.