One boil order ends while two others begin in La Salle

There’s been two new water main breaks on the west side of La Salle.

A boil order is in effect for everyone living on 10th Street to 10th Place from Bucklin to Wright Street. Repairs are being made and samples will be tested before the boil order is lifted. Another break affects anyone living along 9th Place from Bucklin to Wright.

Meanwhile a boil order has been lifted in La Salle covering parts of La Harpe and Sterling Streets.

IVCC tackles problem of skilled worker shortage

There’s a new engineering option at Illinois Valley Community College.

The IVCC trustees have approved a new degree in engineering technology. Dean of Workforce Development Sue Isermann says the degree will prepare students for entry-level employment in technologically advanced production jobs in all sectors of manufacturing. Some of the jobs could entail fields like wind energy and welding.

The degree comes from advice of advisory groups and the use of two grants.

Penguin Plunge in Ottawa is state’s biggest Make-A-Wish fundraiser

If you were one of nearly 300 brave souls that plunged into the chilly Illinois River in Ottawa for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you were part of the state’s biggest Make-A-Wish fundraiser.

Final fundraising numbers will be announced next Thursday at the “After Plunge Party” at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa. As of January 3rd when the Penguin Plunge happened, over $85,000 had been raised. This year’s goal is $100,000.

The average “wish” is $7,500.

Winter Wilderness Weekend returns to Starved Rock

Instead of spending the day inside where it’s warm, you could bundle up and head out to Starved Rock State Park.

Winter Wilderness Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday. There are free guided tours leaving out from the visitors center at 9am and 1pm. The hikes take you to several canyons and you’re likely to see ice falls.

There’s also a pretty good chance to see bald eagles.

Gas continuing to stay below $2 mark

If you’re hitting the road this weekend the cheapest gas in the Illinois Valley can be found in Princeton.

Stations in Princeton are selling unleaded for as low as $1.69 a gallon. You can get gas in La Salle and Peru from between $1.75 to $1.79 a gallon while its between $1.85 to $1.99 in Ottawa and Streator. All stations in Mendota are selling as for $1.95 a gallon.

The average price of unleaded in the state is $2.05 a gallon, down seven cents from a week ago.