Water main break closes Ladd School

A water main break in Ladd means part of town will be without water service Wednesday.  It’s also canceled classes at Ladd School.

Water will be turned off around 8am Wednesday while it’s being repaired.  The area affected is East Cedar Street south to Cleveland Street, including the homes and businesses south of Cleveland Street.  Also South Main east to Peru Avenue.  There will be a boil order for that area.

Parents of LP freshmen encouraged to attend meeting

Usually it’s the college freshman that declares a major, but at LP High School it’s something that students will be doing while choosing classes for their sophomore year.

Parents are encouraged to attend a meeting about the school’s student advisement system.

They’ll learn about course options for the sophomore, junior and senior years of schools.  They’ll also receive a folder of information on their student.

The presentation is at 6pm Wednesday in the auditorium.

Stalking is a threat, not a joke

You hear jokes about Facebook stalkers but some people really have people following them and it can lead to dangerous situations.

Kelly Henry is the director of prevention and counseling for ADV and SAS, an organization that deals with domestic abuse and other violence.  She says they see many stalking cases.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month.  They’re using it as a way to explain how serious it can be and let people know what the can do about it.

Henry suggests that people who think they’re being stalked begin keeping track of the incidents incase they report it to the police.  She also says they should tighten the restrictions on social media websites.  If the problem gets bad enough, they can seek a Stalking No Contact Order.

You can learn more by listening to an interview that’s available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Crazy Scene In Cedar Point

A mob scene Saturday morning in Cedar Point results in one arrest and three people hurt.

A call came in at 4 o’clock Saturday morning to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office about a large disturbance outside of Copper Tap Tavern.  When the deputy arrived, he saw a two car accident where several other cars were pulled over and a fight was going involving about 15 people in the street.

After the deputy called for assistance, Tyson Rogers of Oglesby was arrested for DUI, reckless driving, improper lane usage and driving too fast for conditions.  Rogers allegedly hit several people with his car in front of the tavern.  He told police he was followed thru Cedar Point and was trying to get away from a mob.  Deputies say he ended up a cable box and stop sign besides people.

Jerry Faletti of Spring Valley, Amie Alvarado of Oglesby and John Merritt of Hollowayville were all injured.  The incident remains under investigation and more charges are possible.

Tanya Shannon Wasn’t Legally Drunk

Toxicology test results have been released in the death of 40-year old Tanya Shannon of Ransom.

La Salle County Coroner Jodi Bernard says Shannon had a blood alcohol level of .053, below the legal limit of being drunk.  Shannon’s body was found January 3^rd nearly a mile away from a crash scene that killed her husband Dale.

Toxicology reports for Dale Shannon showed his blood alcohol level to be more than three times the legal limit when the couple crashed in Brookfield Township December 5^th.  Dale Shannon was driving the couple’s car.

Financial Issues For Area Resort

With debt totaling 10 million dollars, Grand Bear Lodge in Utica has filed for bankruptcy.

The Chapter 11 filing was done last week in Chicago federal court.  The bankruptcy filing allows Grand Bear officials to stay open and reorganize its debt obligations.  Among the people owed money by Grand Bear is the state and Utica.  The resort owes them around 160 thousand dollars each.

The Enchanted Forest amusement park was not part of the bankruptcy filing.  Grand Bear opened in 2005.

General Manager Joe Hook has not returned a call from the AM 1220 WLPO news department.

Mendota Relay For Life Kicks Off

Plans are underway for the 2^nd annual Relay for Life of Upper Illinois Valley.

A kickoff event is February 10^th from 5 until 7 at Mendota High School.  You can sign up your relay team at the open house and also pick a campsite.  If you sign up on the 10^th, the normal team registration fee is waived.

Last year’s inaugural event had over 80 people help raise 15 thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society.  The relay in Mendota was started after officials didn’t think many people from northern La Salle County were making the trip to the annual Relay for Life in Streator.

This year’s relay happens on July 9^th and 10^th at Mendota Lake Park.

DePue Schools Get Multi-million Dollar Grant

Plans on how to use a multi-million dollar grant will be on display Wednesday at DePue High School.

The district has received a 4.6 million dollar School Improvement Grant that lasts three years.  The district is struggling with meeting the needs of a diverse student body, most notably Hispanics who have to learn a whole new language when taking classes and state tests.

Among the things school officials propose to use the money for is to hire new staff like an intervention specialist and social/emotional learning coordinator.  They also plan to have more professional development opportunities for teachers.

The DePue Community Forum Night starts at 7 Wednesday in the school gym.  A translator will be there to answer questions for Spanish speaking families.