Minivan catches fire at La Salle truck stop

Those dining at Denny’s in La Salle Saturday morning had an up close look at a fire.

A minivan in the restaurant’s parking lot along Interstate 80 caught fire. La Salle firefighters showed up around 6:30 and were able to have the fire out in under an hour. The minivan is a total loss.

Nobody was hurt.

Crash involving Earlville man blamed on texting while driving

Here’s a stark reminder of the dangers with texting while driving.

Deputies in DeKalb County say 30-year-old Corey Ryckman of Earlville crashed into a utility pole Friday night after taking his eyes of the road to text. The crash happened on a county road outside of Leland.

Ryckman lucked out in that he wasn’t hurt. He was ticketed for improper use of an electronic device.

Grand Ridge 7th grader wins “Bee”

Does the word “ravioli” have 2 “i ‘s”? The answer is “yes”. Shelby Dovin, Grand Ridge 7^th grader knew that. That gave her an edge and the championship in the Regional Spelling Bee Saturday in Ottawa.

Jessica Haywood is Administrative Assistant in the Regional Office of Education. Haywood said Dovin receives a plaque, a “Book Mouse” gift certificate and $200 cash. Dovin, daughter of William and Kellie Dovan, will now compete in the grand finals, sponsored by the Peoria Journal Star, on 1pm. March 18^th on WEEK TV. Laura Yegge, Seneca 6^th grader receives a 2nd plaque, “Book Mouse” gift certificate and a $100 cash prize. She is the daughter of Todd and Darcy Yegge.

Haywood said the event, in Ottawa Township High School auditorium, was well attended.

Advisory now for 3 county area

It appears all 3 counties in our listening area will see snowfall before the weekend is out. The National Weather Service has Bureau and Putnam Counties under a “Winter Weather Advisory” from 9pm Saturday until 6pm Sunday. LaSalle County has a “Winter Weather Advisory” Sunday 6am till Midnight.

The Weather Service thinks 3 to 5 inches could fall here by late Sunday night. Winds will be fast enough to cause travel problems.