Plastics Company Moving Work To Ottawa

West Virginia’s loss could be Ottawa’s gain.

SABIC Innovative Plastics, formerly GE Plastics is moving production of two resin products from West Virginia to their Ottawa plant on Canal Road.  The move means 80 layoffs in West Virginia but Mayor Bob Eschbach doesn’t know yet if it means more jobs for the Ottawa plant.  Regardless, Eschbach says the move can only be positive for Ottawa.

A SABIC spokesperson says the Ottawa plant can manufacture resin products at a lower cost than the West Virginia plant.

Arson suspect charged with theft

A woman from Ottawa charged with setting two houses on fire now is accused of stealing over 100 thousand dollars from her former employer.

42 year old Terri James was in court today where she was charged with a Class X felony of theft.  She’s accused of stealing over 100k from the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ottawa between 2004 and this year.  James was the church secretary.  Because the alleged victim is a church and James was put in a trusting position, prosecutors are able to elevate the theft charge from class 1 to a class X.

Even after the new charge, Public Defender Tim Cappellini asked the judge to lower James’ bond from 200 thousand to 100 thousand dollars.  He argued James has substantial ties to the community, no criminal history and has very limited financial resources.  Judge H. Chris Ryan denied the motion and kept the bond at 200 thousand dollars.

Peru and Ottawa Quizno’s closing at the end of March

If lunch often means a stop at Quizno’s, you’ll be changing your routine come April. The sandwich shops in Ottawa and Peru are closing at the end of the month. 

Al Treest owns both stores which opened three years ago.  He says hundreds of other Quizno’s have closed and he blames changes at the top.  He believes the chain lost its core customer base by going the value menu route.

          Treest says about 16 employees will be affected by the closings.

Former indoor pool users find new indoor pools

Take a drive on Route 251 through the north end of Peru and you’ll likely notice the pile of metal that used to be Crafter’s Village.  The craft mall and indoor tennis court and swimming pool burnt to the ground in early January.

          It’s remains still need to be hauled away.  Peru Building Inspector Frank Taylor says the last he heard is that the insurance company was looking for bids from demolition companies.  After they have someone hired, Taylor can issue a permit for the cleanup. 

St. Margaret’s Health used the indoor pool for physical rehab service.  Gary Kistenfeger with St. Margaret’s says they were without a pool for two weeks before they started using a pool at a local hotel.  He won’t say which hotel, but says they usually see 10 to 15 clients on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Lighted Way had also used the Peru Indoor Pool.  They’ve since started using the therapy pool at the Illinois Valley YMCA.

Man arrested after allegedly pulling knife on coworker

Things got out of hand at Cookie Kingdom in Oglesby.  Police arrested an employee after they say he pulled a knife on another worker.  Jose Martinez of La Salle was arrested for aggravated assault and battery just before midnight Thursday night.  Police say it happened on the work floor.  Martinez is also accused of grabbing the other guy by the throat.  He was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Basic Renewable Wind Energy Technician certificate coming to IVCC

Wind towers are popping across the country-side and soon you’ll be able to learn more about the powerful turbines through a certificate program at Illinois Valley Community College.  A Basic Renewable Wind Energy Technician certificate was approved by the college’s board of trustees Thursday night.

The certificate is for people wanting to become a wind farm technician. 

Sue Isermann is the Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education at IVCC.  She says demand for technicians is strong. And entry-level wages are $24 to $25 an hour.