Without Debate, Ottawa Council Approves ADM Sand Hauling Expansion

Despite plenty of opposition, Mississippi Sand will be able to ship out sand from a barge terminal along Route 71 in Ottawa.

Without a single comment, the Ottawa City Council last night approved a zoning change, conditional use permit and annexation agreement with Archer Daniels Midland to add on to their existing property along the south side of the Illinois River in order to ship out silica sand.  Mayor Bob Eschbach again said that the sand will be shipped somewhere and this option is better than having trucks hauling the sand thru downtown Ottawa to an ADM barge terminal on the east end of town.

Eschbach did tell sand mine opponents that he’s willing to speak to a professor in Wisconsin who has done studies about air quality around silica sand mines.

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Bone marrow drive being held in Dalzell

          You don’t have to know Dave Bernbabei to try to save his life.  A bone marrow drive is being held Wednesday at the Dalzell Fire Station.  Bernabei has been fighting a form of blood cancer and could benefit from marrow transplant.

          The marrow drive was set up by his supporters in Team Dave and The Be the Match Foundation.   The marrow drive is from 2-7pm.

Peru approves sale of Water Street property

You can hang a “sold” sign on the former Peru ESDA building.  The property on Water Street is being sold to Andrew and Brenda Rice who have said they would like to turn it into a restaurant.

The city council agreed to the sale Monday night.  The new owners will have to make some improvements to the building for the sake of flood prevention.

The building is near Brandy’s and Waterstreet Pub, two other restaurants.  City officials are hopeful it will generate new sales tax dollars.

Armed Security Closer To Happening At IVCC

Illinois Valley Community College could soon have an armed Oglesby Police officer patrolling the campus four hours a day, five days a week.

That’s the proposal from Oglesby to provide police presence at the college.  IVCC President Jerry Corcoran says having an officer work with an existing security company will only make the campus safer.

The armed officer would issue parking tickets, respond to medical emergencies and also respond to any conflicts.  The full IVCC board will likely make a decision at a later date.

New Representative Picked For Eastern La Salle County

Voters living in places like Seneca and Sheridan will soon be represented in Springfield by a man of the law.

Kendall County deputy John Anthony of Plainfield has been picked by party committeemen and women from Grundy, La Salle, Kendall and Will counties.  He’ll replace fellow Republican Pam Roth as 75^th District State Representative whose term officially ends in January of 2015.  Roth is moving to Texas because her husband accepted a job there.

Anthony is said to be the first African-American to represent the 75^th District.