Several Tickets Issued In Peru During Snow Emergency

You can’t say that you weren’t warned.

As part of a citywide snow emergency, Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says 24 vehicles that were snow covered and hadn’t been moved off a city street since the snow started over the weekend were given tickets Monday.  Bernabei also is praising the majority of people who got their cars and trucks off the street so plows could do their work.

The parking restrictions are no longer in effect.

Many schools and offices to remain closed Tuesday

Hopefully your children are enjoying the extended Christmas vacation.  Many schools cancelled classes for Tuesday, including LP High School, Ottawa High School and all Putnam County Schools.

You can find an updated list of closings and cancellations by clicking on the red banner.   La Salle County non-essential government and court offices will also be closed.

Illinois sees 11,000 concealed carry applications

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois officials say they’ve received more than 11,000 applications for concealed carry permits.

The online application system to apply for permits was officially launched in Illinois on Sunday. On Monday, Illinois State Police said they had received 4,525 applications for concealed carry permits within 24 hours. The other 6,500 applications came from firearms instructors who the state let apply early for permits to help test the functionality of the online application system.

 In July, Illinois became the last state in the nation to approve legislation allowing residents to carry concealed weapons.

 Illinois lawmakers have projected there will be between 350,000 and 400,000 applications for permits this year.

 State Police have up to 90 days to approve or deny applicants, provided their applications are complete.

Frozen pipes leaves IVAR without running water

Sometimes leaving the faucet running isn’t enough to prevent pipes from freezing.  Frozen pipes at Illinois Valley Animal Rescue in La Salle had the shelter’s Chris Ellberg asking for donations of water so they dogs and cats could have something to drink.  The pipes froze Monday.

They also needed water for cleaning and volunteers to help with laundry.  Ellberg says they have about 30 dogs and 100 cats at the shelter.  An interview with Ellberg is available at the WLPO news page.

Roads remain patchy with ice and snow

Take it slow if you have to be on the road Monday night and early Tuesday.  Roads that are sheltered from the strong winds are clearer than exposed roads where you’re likely to find drifting.  Roads in towns are better than rural roads.

The La Salle County Highway Department pulled their snow plows late Monday afternoon due to mechanical issues.

Interstates 80 and 39 are also patchy with ice and snow with the exception of I-39 between La Salle and Rochelle where it’s considered snow and ice covered. Stretches of Routes 92 and 34 in Bureau County are closed.

State Police say if you don’t have to be out, stay home. More road conditions are available at IDOT’s website.

Wind Chill Warning In Effect For Entire State

Dangerous wind chills have set in across the Illinois Valley and won’t be gone for awhile.

A Wind Chill Warning is in effect until noon tomorrow.  Wind chills could fall to as low as 40 to 50 below in some spots.  The National Weather Service says these wind chills are the lowest in at least two decades.  Frost bite and hypothermia can happen in a matter of minutes when its this cold.

Today’s high is expected to be around 13 below with it reaching around 4 above Tuesday.