Wisconsin man spins out on I-39 Sunday

A Madison, Wisconsin man found the Abe Lincoln bridge deck a bit too slippery late Sunday morning.  According to the State Police, 23-year old Johathan Gholson was northbound going over the bridge when he lost control on the snow covered road.  Gholson spun around and struck the cement wall. The driver was taken to IVCH by Oglesby Ambulance. No tickets were issued, but the cause of the accident was listed as going too fast for conditions.

 

IRS wants you to be careful with your $$$

It seems a Federal Agency so good at getting your money, wants to make sure you don’t loose any to computer hackers. The IRS claims this week as “National Tax Security  Awareness Week”. During the week, the Feds will share information with taxpayers to educate them on how to protect themselves from identity theft and tax scams.

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen says taxpayers are entering a period where many will be using sensitive financial  and tax data on their computers.  Tips include: always using security software with firewall and anti-virus protections, learning to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves, protect your personal data.  Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card and make sure your tax records are secure.

 

Feasibility study shared Wednesday in Ottawa

A recreation and community feasibility study in Ottawa has reached its final stages, but if you live in Ottawa, you can still comment.  Commissioner James Less said the final presentation of the study will be given Wednesday at 6  in Reddick Library at 1010 Canal street. Representatives of Sports Facilities Advisory will explain the report’s contents.

If you live in the city and haven’t offered an opinion, you’re welcome to do so at the gathering. The study is a collaborative effort being funded by the City, Ottawa Township High School, OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Ottawa Y. If you desire more information, contact Tami Huftel at extension 240 at City Hall.

Governor and legislators continue money talks Sunday

Illinois legislative leaders differed on the outcome of their latest meeting with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan says in comments distributed by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services that there was no budget discussion Saturday. Senate GOP leader Christine Radogno  and House GOP leader Jim Durkin say the group is “close to common ground” on workers’ comp – an issue Rauner has tied to the budget.

Cope gets 7 years for Peru burglary

A homeless man who staged a hunger strike in jail received an 7 year sentence Friday for burglary. Roy Cope pled guilty to trying to steal a car from a Peru dealership back in July.  In exchange for pleading guilty to burglary, the charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle was dropped.  44 days into a hunger strike at the county jail,  it took a court order to feed him via a feeding tube.  If convicted, he could’ve been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.