IDOT, State Police Offer Tips Ahead of Winter Weather

With snow in the forecast for the weekend, do you feel prepared to be driving in it? Two Illinois agencies are working together to help you “Get it Together” as winter weather picks up.

The Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation are reminding you of some simple rules that could make all the difference when driving in potentially hazardous conditions. Among them are common tips such as wearing a seatbelt and avoiding using electronic devices.

They’re also including some winter-specific tips. They say “Don’t crowd the plow” if you happen to be driving near one.

They also recommend you slow down in snowy conditions and avoid using cruise control in possibly icy conditions. Also, remember “Scott’s Law,” which reminds you to slow down and get into the lane away from an emergency vehicle you may see along the road.

As winter weather picks up, if you’re curious about travel conditions you can check them by going to www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Two Arrested on Drug Charges by LaSalle Deputies Thursday

If you get caught dealing drugs or having them in your possession in the Illinois Valley, you can expect some big trouble.

LaSalle County Deputies arrested two people yesterday for that very thing. Shortly before 11:00 they would arrest 29-year old Sara Carter from Ottawa on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

A few hours later, deputies would head to Streator where they would arrest 22-year old Demond Duncan. He was taken in on a warrant for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Both of them would be taken to the county jail in Ottawa. Duncan will need to come up with $50,000 to get out, while Carter needs $1,000 to be released.

Five People Accused of Stealing Indicted by Grand Jury Tuesday

With the holidays on the horizon, a lot of people are looking for a discount, and some people try to avoid the law to get it.

A grand jury indicted five people this week for trying to take things that don’t belong to them. Among the people indicted were 46-year old William Sulkey for 3 counts of retail theft and 23-year old Lena Watson for unlawful use of a debit card. Also in trouble is 49-year old Lisa Schrader who was indicted for one count of retail theft.

The alleged would-be thieves weren’t just trying to take from stores. Nineteen-year olds Michael Thornton and Fernando Alvarado were each indicted for burglary and residential burglary, respectively.

Both Thornton and Alvarado are still in custody at the LaSalle County Jail where they would need to come up with $2,000 and $7,500 to be released.

Families, Children Among those in Need at Illinois Valley Shelters

When you think about someone without a home, you probably think about an individual, not a family.

However, there are some families right here in the Illinois Valley that rely on the services of shelters, such as PADS. As a result, according to Jacqueline from Peru PADS, there are some 25 children who are also having to rely on the services of homeless shelters.

Jacqueline says homelessness is a big problem, but even little contributions help a number of needs the shelters have. She went on to say items like bottled water are especially helpful, because it is a need of everyone staying at the shelter. They’re also in need of things like foam and liquid hand soap, and non-alcoholic decongestants and sinus medications.

You can drop off donations weekdays between 7:00 and 3:00. If you don’t want to do the shopping, they’ll also accept gift cards.

Gas Prices Slightly Higher Across Illinois Valley

Gas prices edged slightly higher again this week in the Illinois Valley.

According to GasBuddy.com, you can still fill up for less than two dollars a gallon in Ottawa, Oglesby, and Streator. Peru has gas for $2.00 even while you’ll pay between $2.05 and $2.09 a gallon if you fill up in Princeton, Utica, La Salle, or Mendota.  Meanwhile, the highest prices in the state are still in Chicago where you’ll pay more than $3.00 a gallon.

The statewide average for unleaded is $2.23 a gallon, up a penny from a week ago, and slightly higher than it was at this time last year.

Snow Expected Across Illinois Valley this Weekend

Another weekend snowstorm appears to be in the forecast.

Accumulating snow is expected tomorrow afternoon into the night, and again Sunday across the Illinois Valley. According to the National Weather Service out of Chicago, between 4 and 6 inches are expected to fall across the Illinois Valley.

Whatever snow falls won’t be going anywhere for a while. High temperatures next Tuesday thru Thursday could be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.