La Salle County declared “Storm Ready”

When severe weather hits La Salle County, you’re in good hands according to the National Weather Service.

Geno Izzi with the weather service office out of Romeoville was in Ottawa Tuesday to officially declare La Salle County a “StormReady” community. Izzi says through its emergency management department, La Salle County has shown its prepared to respond before, during and after severe weather.

The county received a large sign and also a plaque for being declared “StormReady”. La Salle County is one of just over a thousand counties nationwide with this designation.

Popular Chicago-based pizza franchise coming to Ottawa

If you like deep dish, Chicago-style pizza, this should get you excited.

Rosati’s Pizza is planning to open a sports pub in Ottawa. It’ll be north of Interstate 80 on West Stevenson Road.

Rosati’s was established in Chicago in 1964. They have over 150 restaurants in 13 states.

Pohar Parkway coming to Rotary Park in La Salle

It has taken a lot of work to change a grassy reclaimed quarry into a city park. Many volunteers and contractors have been involved in La Salle Rotary Park but one man stands out- John Pohar Jr.

The late owner of John Pohar and Sons provided a lot of free and low-priced work for the developing park on the east side of La Salle. The park board wants to remember Pohar by giving the road running through the park the honorary name, John Pohar Jr. Parkway.

Pohar died in January. After his death Aldermen Jim Bacidore suggested that the city name something in Pohar’s memory, but Alderman Jon “Doc” Lavieri says the park board beat him to it.

Lavieri says Pohar was modest and didn’t ask for the recognition, but his family has approved of the honorary naming. The La Salle Council will need to approve the naming, perhaps as soon as their next council meeting.

Bureau County Fair organizers tease upcoming concerts

After a sold out Beach Boys concert last summer, who will play the Bureau County Fair grandstand this year.

Organizers of the fair say they have booked three artists for two concerts during this year’s fair. Normally the entertainment lineup at the Bureau County Fairgrounds includes only one concert.

The concerts are expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

More measles cases diagnosed in Illinois

ELGIN, Ill. (AP) – If you’re keeping track, the diagnosed cases of measles in Illinois is now up to 11.

A Cook County Department of Public Health spokeswoman says the most recent case involves an infant associated with KinderCare in Palatine. Eight other infants and one adult from the day care have also been diagnosed. The adult is not an employee.

A student at Elgin Community College has also been diagnosed with measles. A notice on the college website says the student attended classes Feb. 3 and 5 and visited the library Feb. 3.