Memory loss home expected to bring jobs to La Salle

The old Heritage Health nursing home in La Salle is reopening but with a more specific clientele.

The La Salle City Council will vote tonight on a special use permit for Heritage Enterprises to remodel the closed nursing home on Chartres Street and open it up as a memory care facility to take care of the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems. Construction could start next year with 25 full time jobs being created.

The building will be remodeled into 40 apartments. The kitchen will also be upgraded.

Skydiver falls to his death not far from Skydive Chicago

Drifting off course proved to be the difference between life and death for a skydiver who went down north of Ottawa.

Paramedics from Marseilles and La Salle County deputies were called just after 10 o’clock Sunday morning about a skydiver who went down with a head injury. The victim who hasn’t been named yet apparently hit a large sign where his parachute got tangled.

The man was flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where he was pronounced dead.

Travel headaches Monday on Ottawa’s Route 6

There could be some traffic headaches this week in Ottawa.

Starting Monday morning, the railroad crossing across Route 6 near Casey’s will close for construction. The closure could last a full week. Last week, the crossing on Boyce Memorial Drive was closed for repairs.

Detour signs will be posted.

Garzanelli’s kitchen goes silent Sunday night

Lots of people who have made Garzanelli’s a regular eating habit know their favorite supper club is going away.  “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” news talked with a few regulars Saturday night.  One couple said the restaurant has good food and good people.  They will be missed.  They wondered about several eateries closing in the past year.  Vicky from McNabb said she and her friends ate at the long time Oglesby establishment once or twice a month.

Garzanelli’s will close its doors Sunday night.  Owners Pete and Anna Caretto said on Facebook that health issues among the key leadership members has made it difficult to continue.  Caretto did say they are dedicated to ensuring the tradition of Garzanelli’s carries on and are willing to work with a new stakeholder.  The selling price is $575,000 dollars.

Tonica intersection goes “ALL-STOP” Wednesday

Do you go use the Route 251 and Ray Richardson roads during the week?  The 2 roads meet on the north side of Tonica and have been the scene of several accidents lately.  The Illinois Department of Transportation has decided to make this intersection an ALL-WAY stop starting this Wednesday. This location has seen at least 3 accidents in the past 7 days.

Persons using this portion of Route 251 regularly are urged to use caution especially on Wednesday or later.

Saturday recycling leaves frustrated residents on Plank Road

Perhaps the long lines of cars on Plank Road Saturday will indicate to the cities of La Salle and Peru that electronic recycling is popular.  Peru police said the event Saturday collected 40,000 pounds of electronics at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport by 10am.

Several people were frustrated about spending a lot of time in traffic on Plank Road and unable to get rid of the electronics they were carrying.  Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei said both cities will be looking at having more recycling programs in the future.

Princeton Library plans Health Fair Saturday

Are you on a blood sugar rollercoaster with your eating? Do you want to get off? Princeton Public Library has an answer.  Their first ever Health Fair will be 10 – 3 this Saturday. Besides vendors, several programs will be presented.

Topics are Heart Healthy Living,  Alzheimers and Dementia, Management of Chronic Disease,  Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace,  Short Term Rehabilitation, managing caregiver stress, reducing diabetes risk and as mentioned, keeping your blood sugar steady.   Groups participating include Liberty Village, Perry Memorial Hospital, Alzheimers Association,  Home Instead Senior Care and Patient Innovation Center.  The Library will follow up with health programs this week.