State buys land to expand Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is expanding to the west.

Governor Pat Quinn was at the park Saturday morning to announce the state has acquired 51 acres of land west of Route 178 that used to be the White Oak Campground north of Grand Bear Lodge.

The state worked out a private deal for the land at a cost of $900,000. Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller says the new land includes more canyons, and a chance for habitat and trail development. It also includes Native American archeological sites.

No rats but still no classes at Jackson School in La Salle

There will again be no preschool next week at Jackson Elementary in La Salle after a teacher claimed to see a couple rats in her classroom back on September 18th.

The good news is that Superintendent Dan Marenda says they continue to see “absolutely no evidence of any type of rodent in or around the building”. Marenda says traps are being watched in several locations and they hope to have inspections done by exterminators and the La Salle County Health Department next week. He says they plan on doing a “top to bottom” cleaning again of classrooms next week.

While Jackson remains closed, four preschool classes are moved to Northwest and Lincoln schools.

As temperatures plummet, remember heating assistance is available

With frost in the forecast, it’s a good reminder that there’s help available for heating your home.

If you’re a senior or have a disability, or are just getting by financially supporting your family, you can apply for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LI-HEAP. To qualify, a single person must make $17,505 a year or less. A family of four is eligible if your income is below $35,775.

To apply, contact the Tri-County Opportunities Council by clicking http://www.tcohelps.org

Marseilles kart race rescheduled to later this month

A race down Rutland Hill in Marseilles washed out by Mother Nature back in August has been rescheduled.

Over 30 thrill seekers signed up for the 2nd Annual X-Derby in Marseilles back in August but rain washed it out. The X-Derby has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 25th.

For $30 you can ride in a so-called “gravity kart” down the Rutland Street hill. You’ll reach speeds of 35 miles per hour, go down a 10-story decline and steer through a couple blind turns. Your guaranteed at least two trips and can win a trophy if you have the best time.

Part of the proceeds go to the Marseilles Rotary Club. You can sign up for the X-Derby the day of the races.

For more information click http://xderby.com.

Deputies on the look out for drivers texting while driving

Seen anyone texting while driving lately? Officers are writing tickets for it.

La Salle County deputies nailed two drivers Friday morning on Norris Drive in Ottawa for allegedly texting while driving. Jose Camacho of West Chicago and Cari Hill of Grand Ridge were each given tickets. They were both released with court dates.

First offense for texting while driving gets you a $75 ticket.