Board okays local Enterprise Zones

    Getting an enterprise zone isn’t easy, but 2 local communities are a step closer.

     In a release Sunday, the Illinois Enterprise Zone Board announced approval of enterprise zones for Ottawa and Streator. According to Director Jim Schultz, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity can not certify the enterprise zones at this time due to the ongoing budget impasse. The Zone Board approved 47 other enterprise zones including 5 in Chicago and 1 in Dekalb County.

Alley approach work Monday in Ottawa

     City of Ottawa Commissioner James Less says contractors begin repairing the approach to the alley between Columbus and LaSalle streets Monday. At that time, the entrance to the alley from Jackson street will be closed to all traffic for 7 days. The current approach will be replaced with concrete. If you need to use the alley during this time, use the Jefferson street approach. Once that work is completed, the contractors will move to Jefferson street and repair the approach on that end. That will require another 7 days closure. If you need to use the alley at that time, use the Jackson Street entrance.

    Once the approach work is all done, the 100 blocks of Jackson and Jefferson will be resurfaced as part of the 2015 street program. Drivers are reminded to use caution during these repairs

Woman hurt at Starved Rock Sunday updated

     It appears storm debris saved a woman during a fall Sunday at Starved Rock. Conservation Police officer, Sgt. Hank Frazier said a 42-year old Waukegan woman was life-flighted to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria after she fell around 4:30 pm. Frazier, who did not identify her, said she wandered too far off the trail between French Canyon and Jacob’s Ladder and fell 40 feet into tree brush. The brush was left over from a 2014 summer storm. She landed on the east side of the canyon where Utica Fire and Rescue members repelled down and pulled her up.

     Frazier says the woman could have fallen another 30 feet had there been no debris. Frazier suspects alcohol played a role in the accident. The woman will be ticketed for being in an unauthorized area.  2 other adults with her will not be cited.

Injured Air Show performer has died

The Cook County medical examiner’s office says a U.S. Army parachutist injured in the Chicago Air & Water Show has died. A medical examiner’s investigator says 32-year-old Corey Hood was pronounced dead just after 4 p.m. Sunday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He didn’t have Hood’s current hometown.

The Army Golden Knights and Navy Leap Frogs parachute teams were performing what is known as a “bomb burst” Saturday when the collision occurred. During the stunt, parachutists fall with red smoke trailing from packs and then separate, creating a colorful visual in the sky.

Veterans welcomed at State Fair Sunday

If you’re a vet or know of someone, Sunday is their day at the Illinois State Fair. Much of what’s planned takes place on the Abe Lincoln stage or nearby. According to a release, music will be provided by “5 Star Brass Quintet”, “144th Army Band”, “Illinois Army National Guard” and “Sound Celebration Chorus”. A Memorial Service starts at 10:30 and will be followed by an official program with guest speaker, Commander Jesse Porter around Noon. Lunch will be served and a Veterans Day Parade will step off at 4pm at Illinois and Grandstand Avenue.

IVCC Fall classes start Monday

Another indication of the change of seasons. Fall semester classes at Illinois Valley Community College begin Monday. All students must have an IVCC photo ID. Photos are taken in Admissions and Records in room C211. Students must provide a current Photo ID and a current student schedule. Ids are required at many offices on campus.

And, if you’re attending IVCC, you are required to register your vehicle with campus security.

Chicago teen allegedly causes accident

     A 16-year old Chicago juvenile caused a crash with a semi on I-80 Saturday with a 55-year old man as a passenger. District 17 Master Sergeant Anthony Kestner said the collision occurred 2 miles east of the Route 23 exit about 2:30pm.

    Kestner alleges the teen drove on the shoulder of westbound I-80 and changed lanes in front of a Sparland man’s truck causing the accident. The juvenile was charged with improper lane usage, driving on the shoulder and no valid drivers license. The older passenger, Anthony Smith of Carol Stream was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol and permitting an unauthorized person to drive.