Area Jobless Rates Still High

Jobless rates in the Illinois Valley remain high.

La Salle County’s March unemployment rate was 11.9 percent, up from 11.5 percent last March.  In Bureau County the March jobless rate was 10.3 percent, up from 10.1 percent last year.  In Putnam County, the unemployment rate improved from 12 percent to 11.9 percent.

Illinois’ March jobless rate was 9.4 percent, compared to the national rate of 7.6 percent.

Unemployment rates count those who are out of work and looking for work.

Bureau County officials are collecting storm damage information

People in Bureau County were left with messes after the heavy rains last week.  If you live in Bureau County and had property damage because of the rains between last Wednesday and Thursday you’re encourage to make your city or village clerk aware.

Your local clerk’s office has assessment forms.  Emergency Services Coordinator Kristine Donarski says they need all of the information about damaged homes and businesses quickly so they can ask for federal disaster assistance.

The last day to give them your information is Monday.

Teen’s death investigated in Mendota

The death of a 16 year old boy is being investigated in Mendota.  Police officers and firefighters found Dallas Holland dead after being called late Wednesday morning to a home on Burlington Street.

An autopsy was scheduled.  Investigators were awaiting the results of toxicology reports.  The Mendota Police Department and La Salle County Corner are working with the school and DCFS for the investigation.

Route 89 Bridge Back Open To Traffic

It’s now a little easier driving across the Illinois River.

As of 10:30 Thursday morning, the Route 89 bridge in Spring Valley was reopened to traffic after being closed for a week due to flooding.  Route 351 between downtown La Salle and Oglesby remains closed.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, a stretch of Route 18 remains closed over the Henry bridge.

Barge Issues Grow In Marseilles

Believe it or not, not enough water in Marseilles could have barge traffic stopped for weeks.

According to a release from the U.S. Coast Guard, due to damage done to the Marseilles Dam, water levels on the Illinois River will drop below the minimum depth needed for commercial traffic on the river.  The Coast Guard thinks the closure to barge traffic could last weeks.

Meanwhile three tug boats on Tuesday removed the first sunken barge near the Marseilles Dam.  Work on other stranded barges continues.

The Coast Guard says none of the barges have polluted the river in Marseilles.  Just to be safe, the Coast Guard has asked that the entrance to Illini State Park remain closed.