Office Depot to cut customer service jobs in Ottawa

Concerns that Office Depot would close its call centers in Ottawa and Peru are justified.  The office supply company is ending its customer service operations in Ottawa.  The move will put 130 people out of work in July.

Office Depot spokeswoman Karen Denning says the Ottawa location will still have approximately 140 finance support employees.  She says the customer service work will be consolidated into other locations, including Peru.  Employees will be eligible for severance and outplacement services.

Office Depot recently merged with Office Max.  It’s headquartered in Florida.

Ottawa Building Trades Teacher Talks With WLPO

The man at the center of attention with the Ottawa High School protest says its much bigger than his job and building trades classes.

Dave Keely joined Rod Thorson during the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO morning show Thursday.  He says the school board seems to just want to cut its way out of a budget deficit.

Keely says he spent the last two weeks trying to find ways to save his program but the board “took the easy way out” and just cut it.

He’s a 1987 Ottawa alum and has a son that’s a freshman at the school.

Oglesby receives grant for Vermilion River boat launch

When the Vermilion River is flowing you’ll find cars lining Ed Hand Highway near Oglesby.  It’s a popular spot for rafters and kayakers to get on and off the river.  A parking lot and boat launch are in the works.

Oglesby is receiving a $152,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to build them. Mayor Don Finley found out about the grant Wednesday.  He says the lot and ramp will go where IDNR recently performed mine reclamation work.

Finley says a ramp will provide faster access to the water for Oglesby River Rescue.  Oglesby is one of six towns receiving money for boating access.  The grant program is funded by the state’s marine motor fuel tax and boat and canoe registration fees.

Teacher Cuts Have Some Riled Up In Streator

Ottawa isn’t the only school district dealing with angry people after a school board vote.

A Facebook page called “Streator District 44 Parents & Community Unite” was created after the Streator Elementary Board voted to cut four teachers while giving contract extensions and raises to administrators.  The page has over 700 “likes”.

A few people on the page are trying to organize a picket outside the Streator Elementary administration building.

Support Growing For Ottawa High Demonstrators

In less than two days, a Facebook page supporting the protest at Ottawa High has gained over 35 hundred “likes”.

“No Raise, Save Dave” was started Tuesday after the Ottawa High School board voted to cut Building Trades Instructor Dave Keely.  The page has been used to plan out the ongoing protest which is expected to continue today across the street from the high school.

Union members have joined suspended students and their parents in protesting the cut.

Brief Warm-up Ushers In Spring For The Illinois Valley

If you’re searching for reasons to be excited other than basketball brackets you can celebrate the fact that Spring has officially arrived according to calendars.

While Thursday will be in the 40s, Friday will feel like Spring with a high expected in the low-60s.  Unfortunately the warm up will be short lived with highs Saturday in the 40s and 30s on Sunday.

Monday and Tuesday will bring the chance of snow.

New Opening Date Targeted For Love’s In Oglesby

If you’re wondering when the new truck stop in Oglesby is opening, the wait is almost over.

Mayor Don Finley says Thursday, April 10th is the grand opening date for the Love’s Travel Stop along Interstate 39.  The truck stop will include a Hardees.

The opening has been pushed back a handful of times mainly because of the weather.  Finley says they’re interviewing potential employees this week.