L-P School Board to act on a “road map” for the high school campuses future

A big vote is planned Wednesday night that will shape the future of L-P High School.

The board is expected to decide to move forward or not with a “Master Facility Plan” that could involve a major construction project at the high school. If the board approves the long-range plan, they’ll then vote on whether or not to apply for a state construction grant.

Superintendent Steve Wrobleski says the goal is to bring the school up to a “21st Century learning environment”. He says the last major work to the school was in the ‘60s.

Wednesday night’s board meeting starts at 6 inside the high school.

Out of service ambulance will be put to use by IVCC students

If you’re going to have an Emergency Medical Services class, it’s a good idea to have an ambulance to train with.

The Ottawa City Council backs a plan to donate an ambulance to Illinois Valley Community College. The college will use it to train students in their EMS program.

Ottawa Commissioner James Less says they were just going to sell the ambulance for scrap but he’s happy to help the college out instead.

Fire alarm had first responders rushing to elementary school in Peru

The end of the school day at Washington Elementary School in Peru provided some tense moments.

The Peru Fire Department sent a truck to the school Tuesday afternoon after the fire alarm went off at Washington. The school was evacuated for a short time.

Superintendent Mark Cross says it turned out to be an accidental alarm caused when the maintenance staff was cleaning and dust set a smoke detector off.

Rep. Kinzinger reacts to Schock’s resignation

Count Congressman Adam Kinzinger as one who is sad to see fellow Republican Congressman Aaron Schock go.

Kinzinger who like Schock is seen as a young, up and coming star in his party says he came to know and respect Schock. He called him a tireless advocate for the country’s future and was always looking at ways to end partisan gridlock.

Kinzinger joined Congress in 2011, two years after Schock took office.

Parenting Magazine calls Starved Rock a great family vacation destination

There’s no doubt Starved Rock State Park is a regional destination. But would you consider it a national destination?

“Parenting Magazine” came out with a list of 51 spots for mini-family vacations that are both cheap and fun. Representing Illinois on the list at number 13 is Starved Rock State Park.

The magazine calls Starved Rock one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois and boasts about its outdoor activities like fishing, picnicking, horse back riding and waterfalls.

Peru gains deed to abandoned hotel property along Interstate 80

Another old hotel that’s turned into an eyesore in Peru could be demolished soon.

La Salle County Circuit Judge Troy Holland has issued a judicial deed for the Peru Inn, formerly Econo Lodge property to the city of Peru. The city has been fighting to have the property declared abandoned so they can take ownership of it and have it torn down.

The old hotel is on May Road just north of Interstate 80. It closed in 2007. A judge this past January declared it dangerous.

Faulty heating unit closes Spring Valley McDonalds

The Spring Valley McDonalds is open for business after a smoky start to the day.

Firefighters were called out to the fast food joint at 5:30 Tuesday morning for smoke in the lobby. Investigators think a faulty heating unit on the roof sent smoke into the restaurant. Everyone was evacuated until the building was aired out. Firefighters left the scene just before 6:30.

The manager was told to call the health department and have the heating unit fixed before they open back up for business.

WLPO hosting Oglesby and Utica mayoral forums

In just three weeks, polls will be open for the April 7th consolidated election.

If you don’t want to wait around or will be gone that day, absentee voting is already available. You can request an absentee ballot by mail or vote inside your county clerk’s office using an absentee ballot. You don’t have to give a reason why you’re voting absentee.

The April 7th election will include city council and school board races. A mayoral forum featuring Oglesby candidates will air live tomorrow night at 7 on Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO. On Thursday it’ll be a Utica mayoral forum starting at 7 on Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO.

Longtime Tonica trustee remembered before Monday night’s meeting

The Tonica Village Board will be one member short for the foreseeable future.

The board met for the first time Monday night since the death of trustee Rich Higgins who died last week after a battle with cancer. According to the NewsTribune, Tonica Village President Kevin Sluder may wait until after the April election to name a replacement.

The board started Monday night’s meeting with a moment of silence on behalf of Higgins.

Mendota adds to its squad car fleet

Do you feel safer knowing a police car is parked in your neighborhood?

According to the NewsTribune, new squad cars have arrived for the Mendota Police Department and the officers assigned to them will be able to take them home. Alderman John Pierson says he hopes by people seeing the squads it’ll make the town safer.

He thinks the squads will last longer too since officers will feel more responsible for them being able to keep them at home.