RV overturns on Interstate 39 outside of Oglesby

Two people were taken to the hospital after an RV overturned near Oglesby.

State police and Oglesby paramedics were called out around 3 o’clock Friday afternoon for the crash on southbound Interstate 39 south of the Oglesby exit. The RV was hauling a car.

You’ll hear more information about the crash as it becomes available.

Illinois ID Will Get You Through Airport Security Until 2018

If you had been concerned about whether or not your Driver’s License would continue getting you through airport security, you can rest easy for at least 2 years.

According to a statement by the Illinois Secretary of State, the Department of Homeland Security announced this afternoon there will be no security changes at airports until January of 2018 at the earliest. That means Illinois Driver’s Licenses and ID cards will continue to be accepted as primary forms of identification for domestic air travel.

The Secretary of State also said the office will continue to work with Homeland Security and The Illinois General Assembly on the REAL ID Act.

Mendota Man Arrested for Allegedly Selling Crack, May Have Ties to Another Dealing Duo

A Mendota man who was arrested yesterday for allegedly selling drugs may be involved with a mother-daughter team that was arrested almost one month ago.

Jamal Roach was arrested on I-39 yesterday after a traffic stop by the TRIDENT drug enforcement group. He is accused of selling crack cocaine to undercover police multiple times.

After his arrest, TRIDENT searched his home, which was the same address where more than 3 ounces of crack were found when the home was searched in December. It was then the home of Kimberly and Ada Bragg, who were arrested last month for also allegedly selling crack cocaine.

According to TRIDENT, Roach and Kimberly Bragg are involved in a relationship. Yesterday’s search turned up about 10 grams of crack.

Roach was taken to the LaSalle County Jail where he is being held on $1 million bond. A 16-year old was also arrested for truancy and was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.

A Village by Any Other Name is Still Planning for Growth

While some things may need to change as a village gets bigger, at least one thing will stay the same: The name.

According to the NewsTribune, the Village of North Utica rejected the idea of shortening the name, but that wasn’t the only idea discussed at the town hall Thursday night. The consulting firm Teska presented their ideas for the village’s comprehensive plan, which is a guide for how they believe the village should grow.

The firm said some of their ideas had widespread support. Some of those ideas include traffic signals at the Route 6 and 178 intersection; cleaning up the I&M Canal and repairing the towpath; and establishing a border agreement with LaSalle and Ottawa.

While the ideas received feedback last night, nothing was finalized. The soonest the plan could get a recommendation from the planning commission is January 26^th, and final action would take place February 10^th.

Earlville School Board sticking with superintendent as he awaits court proceedings

If you search administration on the Earlville School District website you still see Wade Winekauf listed as superintendent. But how much longer will that last?

The school board met Thursday night but made no decision on Winekauf’s future in Earlville. He has been working from home since he was arrested Thanksgiving weekend for unlawful restraint and domestic battery. He has since posted bond and is due back in court January 27th.

Besides being a school superintendent, Winekauf was also a part-time police officer in Polo.

Three people hurt after a crash in northern La Salle County

A two-car crash northeast of Sheridan sent a driver and two young passengers to the hospital.

Deputies from La Salle County were called to the crash just after six Thursday night on a county road. Jerry Hudson of Aurora collided with Matthew Wilson of Somonauk. Wilson was okay but Hudson and a 16-year-old boy in his car were taken to Valley West Hospital. A six-year-old boy riding with Hudson was taken to Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora.

Nobody was ticketed.

Price at the pump holding steady in the Illinois Valley

If you’re heading out on the road this weekend, the cheapest gas in the Illinois Valley is in Peru and La Salle.

Some stations in Peru and La Salle are selling unleaded for as low as $1.75 and $1.77 a gallon. Unleaded in Spring Valley, Utica and Oglesby is going for a $1.79 a gallon while Ottawa and Princeton are at the high end with $1.89 gas.

The statewide average for unleaded is right at two bucks. That’s up four cents from a month ago but 12 cents cheaper than at this point last year.

Newly expanded emergency room coming together in Spring Valley

In an environment where minutes matter, up-to-date facilities can help make all the difference. Saint Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley is holding an open house to celebrate the completion of the first phase of their ER overhaul that began in June.

Linda Burt is the Vice President of Quality and Community Services for Saint Margaret’s Health. She says the $5.5 million dollar expansion will be the new heart of the ER. Once both phases of the project are complete the ER will be able to serve nearly twice the number of patients it could previously.

The Open House will be next Thursday, January 14th, from 5 until 7.

Special Olympians descend on the Bureau County Fairgrounds

Even without snow, the games must go on in Princeton.

The Special Olympics District Winter Games are Saturday at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Events start at 10 in the morning. One competition that won’t happen is cross-country skiing since there’s no snow.

There’s no cost to check out the Special Olympics District Winter Games.

Winter storm to impact the Illinois Valley over the weekend

If you have travel plans this weekend, keep in mind a winter storm is on its way.

According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, snow is expected to fall in the Illinois Valley late Saturday afternoon through Saturday night. Right now Ottawa could see 3 to 4 inches with the La Salle-Peru area looking at 2-3 inches. Princeton and spots to the west of there could only see an inch or two.

During the snowstorm, winds will pick up which could cause blowing snow. After the snow moves out, cold weather moves in with the temperature reaching single digits Sunday night.