Rail Crossing Construction Resumes Monday in Ottawa

Construction on a number of railroad crossings in Ottawa is chugging along this week.

While the Illinois Railway is repairing 10 crossings in and around the city, there are five to avoid this week. From Monday morning until Wednesday, the Post and LaSalle Street crossings will be closed.

On Wednesday the DeLeon Street and DeSoto Alley crossings will be closed. They should be opened back up by Friday the 14^th.

The city says contractors will have detour signs posted to help you around the construction.

State preparing for huge crowds this weekend at Starved Rock

If you guessed that Columbus Day weekend was traditionally the busiest weekend of the year at Starved Rock State Park you’d be correct.

Because of the expected rush of people, the state is preparing for the possibility of temporary closures of the park this weekend when and if all parking spots are filled. You can check for updates on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Facebook and Twitter accounts.

No parking is allowed along park roads or highways. Parking at Starved Rock Lodge will only be for folks who have reservations.

Traffic Troubles Land Men in Jail Early Saturday Morning

Two men are behind bars after taking the wheel while allegedly under the influence.

LaSalle County Deputies stopped 30-year old Alejandro Fuentes at the intersections of Second Street and Bloomington in Bruce Township. He had been pulled over for speeding in addition to squealing his tires and improper lane use. Fuentes would also be arrested for DUI and not having a valid driver’s license.

A Florida man will also be spending more time in LaSalle County than he had planned. At about 3:30 Saturday morning, deputies found 74-year old James Housby from Jacksonville allegedly parked at the I-80 and I-39 exchange. He was arrested for DUI and improper parking on the roadway.

Both men were taken to the LaSalle County Jail where they’re being held in lieu of bond.

Life Flight Called to Rollover Crash Sunday in Vermillion Township

A helicopter would have to be called to the scene of a rollover crash last night in Vermillion Township.

Tonica Fire crews were first called shortly before 10:00 to the one-vehicle accident at North 1950^th and East 8^th Roads. When they arrived, responders found a pickup that had rolled over and off the road.

Crews would have to pull the driver out of the vehicle, which they say was badly damaged. In addition to the helicopter, assistance would have to be given from the Leonore Fire Department and Oglesby Ambulance, along with LaSalle County Deputies.

One person had to be flown to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Crews had the accident scene cleaned up around 11:15.