Cases of flu on the rise in Ottawa

Just because its 80 degrees doesn’t mean the flu season is over.

People visiting Ottawa Regional Hospital who haven’t gotten a flu shot are being asked to wear a surgical mask since hospital officials say there has been an increase in flu activity in Ottawa.  Infection Preventionist Kerry Gerding says lab results at the hospital have shown three times the amount of flu cases this month.

Workers at the hospital who haven’t got a flu shot are also being asked to wear masks when they’re within six feet of a patient, family member, or fellow employee.

Two killed following crash near Seneca

If you’ve been following the story of the crash near Seneca, police say it killed a brother and sister.  La Salle County Sheriff’s Deputies say 16 year old Alison Dunn was heading north on Route 170 toward Seneca just after 7:30am Wednesday when for unknown reasons she crossed into oncoming traffic.

Her car was hit by a semi truck, killing her and 12 year old Deven Dunn.  The man driving the semi, Kevin Corrigan of Seneca was taken to Morris Hospital.

The crash continues to be investigated.

Henry man hospitalized following ATV crash

An ATV ride turned into a hospital stay for a man in Henry.  Police say 30 year old Larry Anderson was found injured Sunday morning, apparently after hitting part of trailer and being thrown from an ATV the evening before.

Henry Police Chief William Calbow says neighbors heard an ATV Saturday evening and found Anderson nearly 12 hours later.

Anderson was taken by ambulance and then by helicopter to St. Francis Medical in Peoria.  His condition is not being released.

He was ticketed for illegal operation of an ATV.

Library Plans Change Course In Ottawa

Plans of a new library in downtown Ottawa are no longer in the works.

Board members of the Reddick Library have decided to try and expand at their current spot on Canal Street rather than build a new library on the old Jordan Block across from the downtown courthouse.  The library board is up against a short timeline to file for a grant and response from the Ottawa City Council was mixed to their idea of relocating downtown.

They’re going after a grant to pay for at least 60 percent of the 9.2 million dollar expansion.  The rest of the money would come from donations and existing library funds.  There’s also a chance of a tax referendum.

Ottawa Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing From School

When you handle the books for a company or school district, you’re supposed to be trustworthy.

Robin Girard of Ottawa was indicted last week for felony theft.  She’s accused of stealing between 10 to 100 thousand dollars while working as a bookkeeper for the Nettle Creek School District in Grundy County.

The alleged thefts happened between July 2010 and October 2011.

Blagojevich Ready To Talk Before Heading Off To Prison

CHICAGO (AP) – Rod Blagojevich on his last full day of freedom will do what he loved doing as governor and in defending himself
unsuccessfully against corruption charges. He will step up to a microphone and talk.

Blagojevich is scheduled to deliver a last statement today, a day before he lands behind bars. His announcement will start precisely at 5:02, enabling prime time news to lead with his remarks.

Attorneys for the ex-governor have said he wants to depart in a dignified way, without a media frenzy.

Romney Backs Rezin

The top Republican in the Illinois Senate says she’s backing Mitt Romney in next week’s primary election.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno Lemont says he’s the best candidate to unite Republicans and win the White House in November. The Romney campaign also announced it has the support of five other Illinois state senators including Sue Rezin of Morris.

Rezin will face the winner of the democratic primary between Kevin Kunkel of Granville and Christine Benson and Tom Ganiere of Ottawa.