Cause of Tire Shop Fire Unknown

The cause of Friday morning’s fire at Big Guy and Sons Tires in Ladd remains under investigation.

Ladd fire officials say the state fire marshall’s office is helping to find a cause.  At this point, firefighters don’t think the fire is suspicious in nature.

The initial fire call came into the Ladd Fire Department at 7:02 this morning.  Several other fire departments assisted.  The building  is a total loss.  A nearby garage also took on some minor heat damage.

People from as far away as Grand Ridge reported being able to see the thick black smoke.

Lengthy Power Line Debate Should Be Over

After years of wrangling, Ameren finally has direction on where to put high-powered transmission lines from Ottawa to Wedron.

The Illinois Commerce Commerce Commission this week sided with Administrative Law Judge John Albers to have 138 thousand volt transmission lines go up Route 71, much to the dismay of the Route 71 Resistors but much to the enjoyment of another landowner group, the Fox River Alliance.  In a 38-page ruling, Albers says going up Route 71 instead of going along the Fox River costs less, has less impact on the environment, and effects less landowners.

The ruling should end all questions and court battles about Ameren’s power line proposals.  Besides putting lines from Ottawa to Wedron, the power company is also putting lines up going from La Salle to Wedron.  This path largely follows Interstate 80.

River Rising Again

After overnight rain, the Illinois River is back on the rise.

As of this morning, the river’s stage at La Salle is 24.8 feet, well above the 20 foot flood stage.  The river’s expected to climb to 25 feet today with additional rises possible in the near future according to the National Weather Service.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Illinois River at La Salle.