Public meeting scheduled for Rt 89 Bridge replacement

The Route 89 Bridge over the Illinois River is still scheduled to be replaced. You can see the latest plans for a new bridge during an Illinois Department of Transportation public informational meeting in Spring Valley.

IDOT wants to build a replacement bridge east of the existing bridge so you’ll be able to cross the river during construction. They also want to raise the roadway approaches to reduce flooding and extend sidewalks to Barto Landing.

Learn more about their plans and leave comments during the informational meeting Wednesday, April 9 from 4-7pm at Spring Valley City Hall in the community room.

State health officials warn against illegal cheese

Careful before slicing into a block of cheese that came wrapped in tin foil. An illegally produced, Mexican-style cheese is thought to be the source of salmonella sickness in 100 people across Illinois, including La Salle County.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Thursday issued a warning about the mystery cheese. It’s unclear where the cheese is being made. The cases of salmonella poisoning span nine years and have left people hospitalized.
Health officials suggest buying cheese that was produced by a licensed dairy farmer. If you know where the cheese is coming from, call your health department.

Signs of salmonella poisoning include fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea.

La Salle Woman Accused Of Child Abuse

When a child shows up injured at a hospital, questions need to be answered.

Vanessa Kite of La Salle was arrested at her home Wednesday afternoon for aggravated battery to a child. La Salle Police were called to Illinois Valley Community Hospital on Tuesday for a 4-year-old boy who had severe bruising on his head and rest of body along with cigarette burns on his chest.

After talking with the states attorney’s office and Department of Children and Family Services, investigators issued a warrant for Kite’s arrest.

She’s being held on $75,000 bond.

Money Approved For Final Repairs To Marseilles Dam

Almost a full year after the record setting flood, repairs still continue at the Marseilles Dam.

Through the help of Congressman Adam Kinzinger, the Army Corps of Engineers is releasing $35 million for phase two of the repairs. This will essentially finish repairs at the dam after several barges slammed into it last April.

Several property owners, the city of Marseilles and Marseilles Elementary School District are suing Ingram Barge Company of Tennessee saying their barges contributed to the costly flood.

Reality TV Star Continues Support For Building Trades At Ottawa High

The battle to bring back building trades at Ottawa High School continues to get the attention of reality TV star Mike Rowe.

The man behind “Dirty Jobs” has put together a video called “I am a Woodshop”. The video starts with a message saying its dedicated to Ottawa students who protested the cutting of industrial arts.

You can check out the full video on the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO Facebook page. Last week Rowe took to his own Facebook page to say it was a big mistake to drop building trades and said “Let’s Save Dave”, a reference to Building Trades Instructor Dave Keely.