Princeton Apartment Building Burns

How does fighting a fire in these temperatures sound? Several firefighters in Bureau County fought an apartment blaze in 90-degree heat.

The initial call came in just before six Friday evening of a large fire on West Longhaven Street in the northwest side of Princeton.  Ladder trucks from Princeton and Spring Valley were among several trucks fighting the fire that was finally under control in about two hours.  It took firefighters around an hour to gain access inside the second floor of the apartment building.

There are no reports of any injuries.  The Red Cross is involved in helping people displaced.

So far there isn’t a reason given for why the fire started.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking into it.

Firefighters began leaving the fire around 9 o’clock, or three hours after the fire started.

Four-car accident snarls Route 71 traffic

A series of fender benders is how one sheriff’s deputy described a four-car crash on Route 71.  It happened near the Fox River Resort around 4:30pm Friday.  A couple of people were hurt but not seriously.  Traffic was moving again shortly after 5pm.

Hot weather causes area of I-39 to buckle near La Salle

You know it’s hot when the pavement buckles.  Part of the road buckled on Interstate 39 northbound Friday afternoon, just north of the Route 6 exit.

A few people were left with damage to their cars.  IDOT was trying to correct it.  You can still get through.

Carnival and fireworks scheduled for Streator

The Fourth of July celebration continues in Streator with a carnival and dance.  You’ll find most of the action at City Park.  Saturday morning features the 5K Run for Glory at 8am.  The carnival will open at 12pm.

At Streator High School, the 99.3 WAJK Lip Synch competition wraps up at 7:30pm.  The fireworks will follow at about 9:30pm.

Sunday includes a parade and cardboard boat regatta.

Hot temperatures have some events cancelling

Would you sit outside in heat like this?  The concert at the Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle Friday night has been cancelled because of the heat.  Saturday night’s Peru Municipal Band performance has also been cancelled.

The recreation area, Echo Bluff, will also be closed until Sunday because of the heat.

Teen Killed In Farming Accident Near Walnut

          A farming accident has killed a teen in Whiteside County.  The 15 year old boy died Thursday the same day he fell from a piece of farming equipment and was run over. 

It happened on a farm south of Deer Grove.  An investigation continues.  His name wasn’t released.     

Another Day Of Dangerous Heat

Another day of oppressive temperatures in the Illinois Valley.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect until Saturday night for the entire listening area.  High temperatures today and tomorrow will be between 100 and 105.  It’ll feel more like between 110 and 120.

Relief will come Sunday with high’s in the 80s.

School Supply Assistance Available

Going to need help paying for school supplies?  The Salvation Army is always there to help.

The Salvation Army in Ottawa will start taking applications for school supply assistance on Monday.  The assistance is for kids in first thru eighth grade.  The office is open from 10 until noon and 1 until 3 Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If you apply, be sure to bring proof of income and residence and Social Security information.