Unidentified man found along Canal

    He placed a distress call to the police around 4:30am Wednesday. The News Tribune reports authorities found him 2 hours later along the I & M Canal, apparently close to the City of LaSalle. The unidentified man was found by a small fire. LaSalle police are handling the investigation and likely have a lot of questions for this individual. No other information is being released at this time.

OSF St. Elizabeth Gets an “A”

The fall 2015 Hospital Safety Scores came out last month and Ottawa’s OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center topped the list.  OSF St. Elizabeth got an “A”, the highest ranking possible from the Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog.  Every year, the national nonprofit organization rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries and infections.  OSF St. Elizabeth President Ken Beutke said:  “Our ‘A’ rating is a testament to the hard work of our hospital’s Mission Partners.  Each and every day, they are called to serve our patients with the greatest care and love.”

Streator ER Shows Signs of Life

Streator is one step closer to having continued access to emergency services.  The Senate passed a bill yesterday that will let OSF operate a stand-alone emergency room after it takes over St. Mary’s Hospital next year.  Senator Sue Rezin, who spearheaded the legislation, says that:  “Streator and its surrounding area are too big to not have an emergency room.  Without this important piece of legislation, those who need help the most and need it quickly, would have to travel 20 to 30 miles to the nearest emergency room.  That is too long and too risky, especially when people’s lives are on the line.  In addition, this would help maintain jobs, doctors and high tech technology for this area.”  The bill now heads to the House for consideration.