La Salle County Spelling Bee to be held Saturday

How well can you perform when put on the spot?  The top spellers from La Salle County’s grade schools are gathering at Ottawa High School Saturday for the annual La Salle County Spelling Bee.

The winner will go on to compete in the Grand Finals at the WEEK TV studios in Peoria on March 21.  The winner will also receive $200 plus a $100 gift certificate to the Book Mouse in Ottawa.

The spelling bee begins at 9am in the Ottawa High School Auditorium.  You are welcome to watch. 

Area Shelter Has Money For Rent And Utility Bill Assistance

If you or someone you know needs help with rent and utilities, there’s money available.

Illinois Valley PADS has been awarded over $20,000 in federal funding to help needy people with rent and utility bills.  The funding will be available until May 31st or until it runs out. It’s for people living in the western part of La Salle County.

Call PADS in Peru to make an appointment to find out if you’re eligible for funds.

Cold Weather Freezes Ottawa Pipes

The cold temperature has caused some big problems in Ottawa. Many of the city’s water lines are freezing.

The water lines on the West side of town are the most at-risk, but the water department is asking everyone in Ottawa to run their water periodically to prevent the pipes from freezing.

If you are experiencing problems with your water, call the water department and let them know.

Ottawa Man Hurt After Colliding With Snow Plow

An Ottawa driver is lucky he wasn’t hurt badly after a collision with a snow plow.

Brian Doermann was on Route 23 in DeKalb County Saturday afternoon when he drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic and was clipped by a snow plow driven by Robert Ott of Hinckley.

Doermann was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital with minor injuries.  The plow driver wasn’t hurt.

Fundraiser to benefit local people with MS

There’s local support if you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects your central nervous system.  A non-profit group created by a local woman who has MS has come along way since its formation last spring.  Now Illinois Valley Legion Against Lesions is ready to hold its first big fundraiser.

Jacci Pavy says the fundraiser is March 1 to kickoff MS Awareness Month.

The fundraiser goes from 3-11pm at the Peru Eagles Lodge and will feature food, raffles, and live music.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  You can buy them at Big Boys Tires and the Eagles.

You can learn more about the organization and MS by listening to an interview with Pavy at the WLPO AM AND FM newspage.