Future Of Ottawa Mansion Up For Debate

Is there a certain point where money issues trump historic or sentimental value?

Economic development consultant Linda Miller told a crowd last night that she is putting together a redevelopment plan for the 155-year old Reddick Mansion in Ottawa. Miller says the mansion’s revenue is dropping significantly after tenants like the chamber of commerce moved out.  She also says mansion officials are charging too little for museum tours and membership fees.  Mansion President Diane Sanders told Miller they did make enough money last year to meet basic expenses but don’t have cash for big improvements like a new elevator.  The mansion needs one to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ideas Miller gave to make more money was to book more weddings and receptions, open a restaurant or coffee shop inside, rent out office space or make it a bed and breakfast.  The bed and breakfast idea drew groans from some in the audience.

Miller didn’t give a timeframe on when she would have a redevelopment plan ready for the Reddick Mansion.

Grass Fire Outbreak

Fire departments from all over the listening area were busy Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly after one o’clock, Marseilles firefighters were dispatched to a grass fire on North 2879^th Road.  That’s just north of the city.

Minutes later, Hennepin and Granville firefighters were called to a timber fire just behind the steel plant.  The fire was called in by a picketing worker at the plant.

Just before three o’clock, Bureau firefighters were dispatched to a grass fire outside Princeton.  About a half hour later, West Brooklyn firefighters were called to a grass fire along Route 30.

Police and coroner investigate La Salle infant’s death

Despite attempts to resuscitate an infant in La Salle, a three-month old baby was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.

Police received a 911 call at 4:19am Wednesday from a woman asking for an ambulance for a baby that was not breathing.

A police officer arrived not even a minute later and found the reported father performing CPR on the child.  The officer than tried before paramedics took over.  The baby was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital where it was pronounced dead.

Police say there were no signs of injury or trauma.  An autopsy was scheduled for later Wednesday.

It’s being investigation by the La Salle Police Department, La Salle County Coroners office and DCFS.

Smokers Hurt La Salle County’s Health Ranking

Bureau County is the healthiest county in the listening area according to a University of Wisconsin study.

After taking in factors like employment, adult smoking and obesity rates, and access to healthy foods, Bureau County was rated as the 23^rd healthiest county in Illinois.  Putnam County is ranked 41^st in the health rankings while La Salle County is 65^th.

A few areas that hurt La Salle County’s health rankings were a 12 percent unemployment rate and 30 percent of adults saying they smoke.  La Salle County scored well with access to recreational facilities and healthy foods.

La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties all have 27 percent adult obesity rates.  Putnam County has the highest number of uninsured adults locally at 19 percent.

Search Continues For Missing Marseilles Woman

The search resumed Wednesday for a Marseilles woman who was last seen March 18^th.

Searchers gathered to look for 43-year old Susan Schultz.  Investigators are concerned because Schultz has a history of mental and physical disabilities.  She also has diabetes and would be in need of insulin.

Schultz is described as five foot six, weighing 200 pounds with brown hair and glasses.  If you have information, call the Marseilles Police Department.

Schultz was reported missing Wednesday by her mother.

Mautino predicts a balanced state budget

A balanced budget approved on time may not seem likely in Illinois but State Representative Frank Mautino thinks it’s possible.

The Democrat says he doesn’t think lawmakers will need to go into overtime this session, unlike past years.

He says house appropriation committees have been meeting during the weeks when the General Assembly isn’t in session so they’ll be running on time at least on the house’s side.

Mautino says it will be a balanced budget but with a lot of cuts.  He says making it more difficult is that for the first time in a number of years, it’ll be based on real revenue rather than a borrowing plan or the sale of state property.

You can hear more from Mautino in an interview available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Heroin related charges for Ladd man

Heroin charges for a man already on parole for a drug conviction.  Mathew Marusich of Ladd was stopped Tuesday in Peru.

Police say he was wanted on a warrant for two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance-heroin. Police say they also found three bags of what they think is heroin, adding a new charge to the counts against him.

Marusich was taken to the La Salle County Jail with bond for the warrant set at $50,000.

Chocolate Festival returns to Celebrations 150

Chocolate lovers, a fundraiser this Sunday is chance to use your weakness for a good cause.  The annual “Nothing’s Sweeter than a Child” Chocolate Festival features chocolate treats and a silent auction.

Proceeds go towards La Salle County CASA.  It’s Sunday from 1-4pm at Celebrations 150 in La Salle.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $five for children.