Three Challenge Judge’s Power Line Decision

Three people have filed an appeal to overrule an administrative law judge’s ruling on where Ameren can put power lines from Ottawa to Wedron.

On January 5^th, Illinois Commerce Commission Judge John Albers ruled that Ameren can put up its high-powered transmission lines either along the Fox River or Route 71.  A third choice proposed by a group calling itself the “Fox River Alliance” which takes the lines west of Ottawa was ruled out.

Katie Troccoli and Kirk Smith of Ottawa both filed appeals along with their group’s attorney, Fred Morelli of Aurora.  They think a route going up the Fox will hurt the river’s environmental appeal and also provide safety concerns for helicopters at Ottawa Regional Hospital and skydivers at Skydive Chicago.

Another status hearing is February 3^rd.

IDOT Says No To Spring Valley

Are deer crossing road signs really effective?  That was the question in Spring Valley where city officials wanted IDOT to post deer warning signs along Route 6/Route 89 near Richard Mautino Drive.

But IDOT shot down their request.  City Engineer Jack Kusek says IDOT will no longer place the signs because they don’t consider them effective.

Police chief Kevin Sangston says that stretch of road has become the worst area in the city for car/deer accidents since lights were installed along the curves on the east side.

Thanks to the Newstribune for information in this story.

Peru Cracks Down On Hotel/Motel Staffing

If you’re running a motel or hotel in Peru, you better make sure someone is manning the front desk.

After getting word that one of the non-chain motels was considering leaving the office closed without a person on staff overnight, city officials changed the ordinance so there would always have to be somebody working.

Police Chief Doug Bernabei saw it as a safety concern.  The city council approved the change in the motel/hotel rules last night.

Dense Fog Advisory

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Bureau and Putnam counties until noon today.

Visibilities in some spots could be a quarter mile or less.

A Flood Warning also remains in effect for the Fox River in Dayton.

Local Hospital Planning Big Announcement

St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator has announced a press conference to announce an “exciting new addition”.

Hospital officials aren’t giving details only saying it’s a major addition and will be the first in the Illinois Valley to have this type of addition.

The press conference will happen Thursday morning at 9 at the hospital.