Winter Weather Preparedness Week arrives

Exactly what is ahead for the Winter Season is anyone’s guess.  But, the National Weather Service has designated this week as “Winter Weather Preparedness Week.  You need to evaluate whether or not you’re ready in your car or around your home for blizzards, wind chill, blowing/drifting snow and ice.  The Weather Service is urging you to carry a disaster kit in your car and have a disaster plan at home allowing you to survive several days without power.

It also means having ample batteries, a battery powered radio, ample non-perishable food,  ample heating fuel and a backup heat source, a working smoke detector and plenty of food for pets. You can see more at weather.gov slash lot slash winter prepare.

UW agency introducing 2-1-1 help for residents

When spring arrives, a new referral phone line will go live, courtesy of United Way of Eastern LaSalle County.  United Way’s 2-1-1 is an easy toll-free number connecting people with the community’s network of health and human services. United Way of Eastern LaSalle County will introduce the phone line December 1 to health and social service providers, emergency management and disaster response agencies, local government, law enforcement, regional offices of education and health care providers. The meeting will be in Central Intermediate School.

The 2-1-1 line will be a key tool in times of a natural or man-made disaster, but does not replace regular 9-1-1.

“Super Moon” a rare viewing experience this weekend

The Moon is about to do something that’s pretty rare.  NASA says an “extra-supermoon” will be viewable through the weekend, but it is especially recommended viewing about 5:15am our time Monday.  At that time, the earth’s orbiting buddy will be roughly 221-thousand miles away.  It will appear 14% larger and be much brighter shining 30% more light on Earth.

NASA’s Noah Petro says the moon should rise about sunset. Petro suggests viewing at sunset or shortly after it’s dark Sunday night or early Monday morning.

 

5 Chicago Nursing home residents OD on heroin

The Chicago Tribune reports State and federal health officials are seeking penalties over $100,000 against a North Side nursing home after 5 residents overdosed on heroin inside the facility in February.

Residents of Continental Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were hospitalized and recovered, but at least 2 used heroin again hours after they were returned to the facility, even though they were supposed to be on close watch, State public health inspectors allege. 1 of the 2 overdosed again.

Serena Rail Crossing Closing for Repairs Monday

You’ll want to give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re planning on taking Route 52 through Serena.

The Illinois Railway crossing in the city will be closed so the crossing can be rebuilt. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the closing will last for the next five days.

You’ll be able to get around the construction using Route 71, Interstate 80, and Route 23. IDOT is urging you to use caution and expect delays even while taking the detour.

 

 

Train show coming to Bureau County Fairgrounds Saturday

Do you admire model train layouts and wish you had one? You can get help and materials this Saturday at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Model train layouts will be operating along with new and used train equipment for sale including HO and N scale.   Farm toys – new and used and in all different scales – will be on sale.

Admission is $4 for adults and ages 10 and under are free.  Show hours are 9 – 3.  And for the ladies, the Princeton Christmas Walk will be going on downtown at the same time.