La Salle County man tested positive for West Nile Virus

Spray on some insect repellant if you plan on being outside this weekend. At least one person in La Salle County caught West Nile Virus this summer.

A 61-year-old man became sick in August according to the La Salle County Health Department. Mosquitoes collected in La Salle also tested positive for West Nile virus last month. The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes.

Symptoms to watch for include fever, headache and muscle aches though many people will not show any symptoms. In rare but serious cases, it can lead to West Nile encephalitis and meningitis.

Woman arrested for allegedly shoplifting

When you go shopping in a big box store, assume you are being watched. Melissa Chandler of Peru faces a felony retail theft charge after she allegedly tried leaving the Peru Wal-Mart with a cart full of items Thursday.  The charge was made a felony due to the value of the merchandise.

Chandler was also ticketed for criminal trespassing because police say she was already told to stay off the property.   She was taken to the La Salle County Jail.

 

Bat found in Ottawa tests positive for rabies

Bats are interesting creatures but you don’t want to get too close. A bat recently found in Ottawa had rabies.

La Salle County Health Department officials say bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Illinois. So far this year, 19 bats have tested positive for rabies statewide. They say bats are more active when the weather is warm.

If you think you have been exposed to rabies, immediately get medical treatment. If you find a bat during the daytime or one that’s unable to fly or moving slowly call La Salle County Animal Control or your police department.

Crews repairing water main in La Salle, boil order issued

Another water main break in La Salle brings another boil order.  The most recent break Friday morning was affecting homes on the east side of Creve Coeur, the west side of Bucklin, and both sides of LaFayette from Eighth to Ninth Streets. The south side of Ninth Street from Creve Coeur to Bucklin is also included. There will be a boil order for at least 24 hours. 

A boil order remains for homes on Linden Avenue between Kilmer and Balbo Road.

Delivery truck overturns on I-80 west of Princeton

Some deliveries may have ran a little late after a semi pulling two FedEx trailers crashed near Princeton.

Dimce Postoloski was westbound on Interstate 80 Thursday afternoon when he changed lanes and lost control. He ended up in the median and overturned his semi.

Postoloski was taken to Perry Memorial Hospital. He was ticketed for improper lane usage.

Out of the Darkness Walk shines light on suicide prevention

Taking a walk around Baker Lake in Peru Sunday afternoon could help someone decide they want to live. The La Salle County Out of the Darkness Walk is at 1pm Sunday.

Walkers will be remembering their friends and family members that died because of suicide. They’re also raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you haven’t signed up and formed a team yet, that’s okay. Registration begins at 11am Sunday. You can walk with a team or on your own.

Homeless shelters open doors to those in need

You’ve heard stories about your grandparents offering odd jobs and sandwiches to what were called hobos back in the day. A lot of has changed since then but the need for food and shelter has not.

People you wouldn’t suspect of being homeless rely on the services of Illinois Valley PADS. The shelters in Peru and Ottawa opened for the season Monday and will be open daily until next May 31.

PADS relies on volunteers and donations. You can help them by donating money and items or volunteering your time. A list of items they need is available by clicking http://www.ivpads.com/Howyoucanhelp.html

Who will be in the next hall of fame class at IVCC?

There’s just a few hours left to nominate someone for the class of 2014 IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame.

The hall was established in 2008 to honor academic, fine arts, athletic or career achievements of alumni and former college workers. Fifty-seven and four teams are in the hall of fame so far including longtime Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO Sports Director Lanny Slevin

Inductees will be announced in November. Nomination forms are available by clicking http://www.ivcc.edu/halloffame