No New High Capacity Wells until at least September, According to County Board

There won’t be any new high capacity wells in LaSalle County, at least through September.

The LaSalle County Board last night voted to extend the moratorium for the fourth time. It started back in July of 2014, and with last night’s vote it will be extended into the fall of this year. The reason given for the extension, which was the subject of debate, was the delayed completion of a study that will look at the impact new wells would have.

The discussion centered on the impact the moratorium was having on potential jobs that could be had with new well projects. Despite the debate, the vote to extend was unanimous.

Flying Your Flag Today? Remember to Keep it at Half-Staff

It’s Flag Day today, and if you’re flying your flag make sure to have it at half-staff.

Flags are going to be at half-staff throughout the state until sunset on Thursday. That was the order of Governor Bruce Rauner, who asked they be lowered after the deadly terrorist attack at an Orlando nightclub on Sunday.

Rauner says that includes state flags as well as U.S. flags. The governor also spoke out about the attacks he called deplorable and a senseless tragedy.

LaSalle County Remains at “Elevated” Risk of Thunderstorms Tuesday

You might have seen and heard thunder and lightning overnight, and it looks like those storms could be sticking around today.

The National Weather Service has LaSalle County at an “Elevated Thunderstorm Risk” for today and tonight. The risk carries with it a “Limited” risk of hail and high winds.

More storms could be in store for tonight also. The National Weather Service says more storms could develop into tonight but they should clear up by tomorrow morning.

The Body of a Long Point Man who Died in the Vermilion River Sunday has been Identified

A man who was found dead in the Vermilion River near his canoe Sunday has been identified

Thirty-one year old Mark McCoy of Long Point was found after an extensive search on Sunday. Nine agencies were a part of the search for McCoy, including Ottawa River Rescue and Department of Conservation crews. The search came after a call was made about an empty boat on the Vermilion River.

McCoy’s body was pulled from the water around 7:00 Sunday night, when the Livingston County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The County Coroner and Livingston County Sheriff’s Police are still investigating the incident.

Decision on State Investigation into Mautino Campaign Spending Pushed Back a Month

The unresolved questions about a former Illinois Valley State Representative will continue waiting on their answers.

Yesterday, the state elections board delayed saying whether it would continue with its investigation of Mautino. The State Auditor General is being investigated for alleged campaign spending violations from when he represented the 76^th District. Mautino requested the investigation be postponed pending a federal investigation.

The state elections board expects to decide July 11. It is waiting to find out from the U.S. Attorney’s Office if the state investigation is necessary.

Firefighters Pulled Trailer Apart to Fight Semi Fire

Traffic was moving slow on Interstate 80 East yesterday due to a semi fire.

According to the NewsTribune, tires on the truck’s trailer caught fire as it was passing under the I-39 overpass just before noon. The driver reacted by unhooking the trailer to keep the tractor safe. Heavy smoke could be seen up to two miles away.

Fire crews had a tough time with the blaze, and they would have to pull the trailer apart to get to the fire. La Salle Fire Chief Andy Bacidore said one fireman was cut in the process.

Emergency crews left the scene just after 1, 90 minutes after the initial call was received.