John Small
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WLPO-AM (Oglesby, IL),
WLPO-AM (LaSalle, IL)
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Articles by John Small
New registration area debuts Aug 25 at OSF Princeton
OSF Healthcare has been remodeling at its Princeton hospital. In a release out late last week, OSF says as new space has been created for outpatient services like lab, imaging and more. Starting August 25 , patients should enter through the main entrance rather than the Emergency Department when arriving for outpatient appointments.
Facade of Tonica building falls to the ground Saturday
No one was hurt when the top of an older Tonica building collapsed Saturday. Fire Chief Al Stremlau told 103-9 WLPO that about two feet of brick and concrete at the top of the commercial structure simply fell forward on to the sidewalk and into the street. Tonica Public Works set up barricades around the front of the building which sits south and next to Illini State Bank. Stremlau said there was no one around when it occurred. He added that the rest of the building appeared okay.
NWS Quad Cities seeks info on Friday storms
The Quad Cities National Weather Service is seeking information on Friday's severe weather. Several areas are highlighted including southeast Bureau County and all of Putnam County. The Weather Service wants to know what you experienced in this are during the storm. Was there quarter-sized hail or larger, winds of 58 mph or greater and was there damage to trees, downed branches or structures? Pictures are welcome. You can email them at nws dot quadcities @ noaa dot gov.
West Nile Virus confirmed in Marseilles
Marseilles is the county's fifth city to confirm the presence of West Nile Virus. The La Salle County Health Department said mosquitoes collected August 20 were later tested and confirmed to be carriers. Late summer and early fall are common times to see an increase in West Nile activity. In mid-August, the virus was found in the cities of Ottawa, Utica and Peru. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of the Culex or house mosquito, which has fed on infected birds.
Storm Kits available in Putnam County Saturday
Reminder: Flood Clean-up kits are available for those with flooded basements in the area around Mark and Granville from Friday's storms. Kits are made possible by the Red Cross and may be obtained from 10 - 2pm at either the Mark or Granville Village Halls. Bring a State-Issued Photo ID with your current address.
Severe weather spins up tornados, rotating clouds and rain
Strong storms in our area Friday spun up rotating clouds...and a couple of tornados. Video showed a tornado on the ground near Sublette and in Putnam County near Mark. Another storm north of Mendota showed rotating clouds. Mendota's Safe Night Out was somewhat scary as police and firefighters stood outside the Civic Center watching the storm's rotating clouds. Mendota sounded its sirens just after 6.
Friday Night Football: Storms cause more suspensions than scoring
There was more lightning and rain than scoring Friday night. La Salle Peru and Lanphier were held up by thunder, lightning, heavy rain and nearby tornados. Lanphier trailed the Cavs 13 – 0 in the first quarter at Howard Fellows Stadium. They'll resume at 11am Saturday on 103-9 WLPO. Riverdale had its problems with storms. Princeton and Riverdale could get no further than the first quarter and what followed was a long rain delay.
Latest Warnings listed here
The Latest: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for S. Central La Salle County is lifted. Severe Thunderstorm Watch is canceled. BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED Flash Flood Warning National Weather Service Chicago IL 819 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026 The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... West Central La Salle County in north central Illinois... * Until midnight CDT.
La Salle receives Redevelopment Zone status
After the Finance Committee's recommendation Monday night, the La Salle City Council voted to move ahead with emergency sewer repairs near Bucklin and Fifth streets. City Engineer Brian Brown also reported that a program to replace lead lines extending into city homes began Monday. This is part of a statewide effort started well over a year ago. There was good news from Economic Director Curt Bedei. La Salle is now certified as a redevelopment zone - something it's been waiting on for a year.
Young Boy Found After Extensive Search Near Cedar Point
Anxious moments outside Cedar Point Saturday night when a six year old went temporarily missing. Standard Fire Chief Robert Foley told 103-9 WLPO that the family and a sheriff's deputy started looking around 8pm. Standard Fire Department joined in around 9:30. The boy apparently wandered away from his home on North 23rd road after playing with his sister. Nine departments eventually joined in with manpower and drones.
Two Injured In Princeton Fire
Two people received minor injuries Saturday during a Princeton house fire. The fire was in a converted apartment complex on Main Street on the city's south edge. Princeton Fire Chief Scott Etheridge said they arrived shortly after 7pm to find heavy smoke on the first and second floors. Two occupants were removed from the second floor and were in good shape later at the hospital. They were not identified. One pet was found, but another went missing. The flames were extinguished in about 15 minutes.
Six year old found after extensive search near Cedar Point Saturday night
Anxious moments outside Cedar Point Saturday night when a six year old went temporarily missing. Standard Fire Chief Robert Foley told 103-9 WLPO that the family and a sheriff's deputy started looking around 8pm. Standard Fire Department joined in around 9:30. The boy apparently wandered away from his home on North 23rd road after playing with his sister. Nine departments eventually joined in with manpower and drones.
Two receive minor injuries in south Princeton house fire
Two people received minor injuries Saturday during a Princeton house fire. The fire was in a converted apartment complex on Main street on the city's south edge. Princeton Fire Chief Scott Etheridge said they arrived shortly after 7pm to find heavy smoke on the first and second floors. Two occupants were removed from the second floor and were in good shape later at the hospital.They were not identified. One pet was found, but another went missing. The flames were extinguished in about 15 minutes.
Rain to close the weekend; more rain late Tuesday
Another night and a day of rain is in the forecast. The threat of severe weather Saturday night and Sunday is a level one out of five for damaging winds and heavy rain. Flash Flooding may result in areas where multiple storms move over the same areas. The same dreary conditions are expected during most of the daylight hours on Sunday with a dry evening expected. Unfortunately, there's an elevated risk for flooding rain again on Tuesday night.
African serval being sought in Grundy County
Grundy County authorities are looking for a cat that belongs in Africa, but, is now in their county. Grundy County Animal Control said on Facebook, they're looking for a serval. It's a slender, medium-sized wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a golden-yellow coat with black spots. It has the ability to leap 9 feet in the air to catch prey. Animal Control has made contact with the owner, but have not caught the animal. There have been multiple sightings in rural Gardner.
Starved Rock State Park main parking lot closed
Officials at Starved Rock State Park closed their main parking lot and boat ramp area Saturday. This is due, of course, to the rising Illinois River flooding the lot located off the Visitor's Center. If you're coming to the park, follow the signs to overflow parking to access the trails. Trails remain open outside the trail project closures listed on the IDNR webite. The Starved Rock Campground, Lodge and Visitors Center are open and operating.
La Salle Speedway cancels Saturday's I V Showdown
It's tough to get outside work done with all this rain. The weather has also brought to a halt plans for the two-day Illinois Valley Showdown presented by Action Truck Parts, INC at the La Salle Speedway and Event Center. La Salle Speedway and Event Center and the MARS Racing Series said the persistent rainfall this week has left conditions unfavorable for a safe and successful night of racing.
Briel talks issues at Thursday Peru Town Hall
State Representative Amy Murri Briel had lots to say at her Town Hall in Peru Thursday. Briel is bothered by some local residents traveling a considerable distance to see a medical specialist that accepts Medicaid. Many of them make the trip using NCAT – the local transport service – which limits NCAT, said the Ottawa Democrat: Your browser does not support the audio element. One solution to this, says Briel might be the state overseeing the financial viability of hospital's and healthcare systems.
State Rep. Murri Briel Speaks To The Community At Town Hall Meeting in Peru
State Representative Amy Murri Briel had lots to say at her Town Hall in Peru on Thursday. Briel is bothered by some local residents traveling a considerable distance to see a medical specialist that accepts Medicaid. Many of them make the trip using NCAT – the local transport service – which limits NCAT, said the Ottawa Democrat: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Storms race across Starved Rock Country Tuesday morning
Storm damage and heavy rain was left by thunderstorms racing across Starved Rock Country mid morning Tuesday. The crooked line arrived after 9am moving southeast at around 55 mph. Sixty-five mile per hour winds were measured in Mazon and a truck was blown into some powerlines in Morris. Power for about 60 Peru residents was disrupted by a fallen tree. Similar results were reported in Princeton where they received a half-inch of rain. A power pole was snapped in Hennepin along with heavy rainfall.
Severe Weather Monday is a 2 out of 5 risk
Starved Rock Country got its share of heavy rain and winds Sunday night. La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties were under tornado and thunderstorm warnings at one time or another. Two inches of rainfall fell near Earlville and north of Streator from slow-moving storms prompting a Flash Flood Warning. . In Lee County, a possible tornado took down two foot wide tree branches near Amboy and Lee Center. There was no damage reported in Bureau and Putnam Counties.
Sandwich man finds new trouble back on Thursday
As a result of an investigation Thursday in Ottawa, a Sandwich man found new trouble. The La Salle County Sheriff's office reported Jeremy Emery was stopped at Fourth and Jackson in Ottawa around 3am. The 27-year old was charged with having a firearm with no valid FOID card, being a felon in possession of a weapon and Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. Also arrested was 24-year old Trevor Hughes of Millington on a charge of possessing a controlled substance.
Bailey rides in Mendota parade; addresses audience at Civic Center
After appearing in Sunday's Sweet Corn parade, Darren Bailey talked politics at the Mendota Civic Center. Bailey, the Republican candidate for Governor related what his new game plan for this election was. Friends said he needed to know the 80/20 issues: Your browser does not support the audio element. Instead of a 40% turnout last election, said Bailey, that number in November has to be 60%: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Rain likely plentiful this week
There's plenty of opportunity for rain this week. That from the National Weather Service who lists our chances Sunday night as a two out of five for high winds and some hail. There's also an elevated flood risk that may cause flash flooding not only Sunday night, but Monday,too. Along with a flood risk, there's a level two out of five for severe weather and a limited heat risk, too.
Woodhaven Lakes victim of ransomware attack Thursday
Another local business fights off an online attack Thursday. Woodhaven Lakes said on Facebook they caught and quickly stopped a ransomware attack which was encrypting files on their on premise storage devices. Initial analysis said the attack was limited to locally stored Microsoft Office files and documents with no breach to the Property Owners database and information. The affected files are backed up offsite, so Woodhaven Lakes believes recovery of these files will go smoothly.
Open Table Church in Ottawa offering free meal Sunday
There's a good meal being served at Noon Sunday ….and it's free. Open Table United Church of Christ in Ottawa has a menu consisting of BBQ pork chops, sweet corn, mac 'n cheese, cucumber and tomato salad and dessert. The church is at the corner of Jackson and Columbus. If you're coming, use the glass door on Jackson. The church offers a free meal one Sunday a month.
Rural Streator home received heavy damage from Friday fire
A basement fire Friday morning in unincorporated Streator caused damages over six-figures. Reading Fire Chief Tom Metzke said Streator firefighters arrived first at 1522 Kent about 7:35am. Flames were coming out of an east side basement window and moving up the side of the single story wood house. With help from Long Point and Cornell, the fire was under control in ten minutes, but resulted in considerable smoke and heat damage. Two adults and two juveniles got out safely. No pets were involved.
Maren Atherton named Sweet Corn Festival Queen Friday
Maren Atherton of Mendota was named the Sweet Corn Festival Pageant Queen Friday night. Leah Stamberger and Hannah Mannw were runners up. Named Ms. Congeniality was Ella Lewis. The 79th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival contuinues through the weekend with a huge parade and 50-50 drawing, a carnival and beer garden, a flea market, pickleball tournament and live music. Organizers expect in the neighborhood of 40,000 visitors who will consume over 50 tons of sweet corn.
Suburban man found early Saturday near Matthiessen State Park
A lost 75-year old suburban man was found early Saturday by authorities near one local state park. Oglesby Fire Chief Steve Maltas started searching around 8:30pm for the subject who had been squirrel hunting with others near Matthiessen State Park. . The unidentified individual was located about 1:45am near the model airplane field with help from several departments – one as far as Plainfield. The lost hunter was in good shape, but was transported to OSF St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Peru.
Rep. Underwood Worried Voter ID Bill Denies 69-Million Women The Right To Vote
While the current Save America Act is stalled in the U.S. Senate, Republicans may do an end run to get it passed. At her Town Hall Tuesday at La Salle Peru High School, 14th District Congresswoman Lauren Underwood explained that there's an effort to wrap the Voter ID bill into a new budget reconciliation bill.
Underwood worried Voter ID bill denies 69-million women the right to vote
While the current Save America Act is stalled in the U.S. Senate, Republicans may do an end run to get it passed. At her Town Hall Tuesday at La Salle Peru High School, 14th District Congresswoman Lauren Underwood explained that there's an effort to wrap the Voter ID bill into a new budget reconciliation bill.
Resident Questions La Salle City Council On Batteries & Things Fire
With the “Batteries and Things” fire still on everyone's mind, a resident, Nicholas Muzzarelli asked the La Salle City Council Monday night about additional monitoring of the air on-site especially during clean up. He asked when the store itself had been inspected and what the city would do to prevent a similar event from happening again. Aldermen did not respond nor are they required to do so.
Resident addresses La Salle City Council on fire
With the “Batteries and Things” fire still on everyone's mind, a resident, Nicholas Muzzarelli asked the La Salle City Council Monday night about additional monitoring of the air on-site especially during clean up. He asked when the store itself had been inspected and what the city would do to prevent a similar event from happening again. Aldermen did not respond nor are they required to do so.
Mendota Gets Set For 79th Annual Sweet Corn Festival
A lot of sweet corn will be consumed later this week in Mendota. The 79th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival kicks off Thursday and continues thru Sunday. You'll be able to enjoy free sweet corn, live music, a carnival, beer garden, flea market, and a pickleball tournament. The always popular Sweet Corn Queen Pageant is Friday evening while the festival's parade featuring more than 100 entries is Sunday afternoon.
Batteries & Things Ownership Speak Out After Business Was Gutted By Fire
A family who lost a La Salle business to fire Friday is speaking out. Brett Witek took to “Batteries and Things” Facebook to say it was a devastating day and an unimaginable loss. Witek was grateful that no one including their 12 employees were in the building during the blaze. We extend thanks to all emergency responders and are overwhelmed by the prayers and support. He also apologized to neighbors for any disruption, inconvenience or concern the incident may have caused.
IVBL Next Game Is Tuesday Morning At World Series
Rain washed out action Sunday at the Senior League Baseball World Series. The Illinois Valley Baseball League will next hit the field in South Carolina Tuesday morning at 8. They will play the loser of today's game between teams from Delaware and South Carolina. Illinois Valley lost their World Series opener Saturday morning 9-0 to a team from Georgia. The World Series is a double-elimination tournament.
Streator woman arrested Saturday on Aggravated Arson charges
No details on the investigation preceding an arrest of a Streator woman Saturday. 59-year old Margaret Buckley was found in Ottawa and charged with three counts of aggravated arson and remains in the La Salle County Jail.
Witek speaks out after Friday La Salle fire
A family who lost a La Salle business to fire Friday is speakiing out. Brett Witek took to “Batteries and Things” Facebook to say it was a devastating day and an unimaginable loss. Witek was grateful that no one including our 12 employees were in the building during the blaze. We extend thanks to all emergency responders and are overwhelmed by the prayers and support. He also apologized to their neighbors for any disruption, inconvenience or concern the incident may have caused.
National Night Out observed Tuesday in our area
Whatever town you live in, there's a very good chance it's hosting “National Night Out” on Tuesday. Ottawa police want you to find a plastic duck and return it Tuesday to Peck Park for a prize. Canine demonstrations are planned in Spring Valley. Over in Princeton, there's a “Heroes for Life” blood drive competition between the police and the fire department in Zearing Park. Hegeler Park is hosting National Night Out in La Salle with family-friendly activities.
Rutishauser retires as Mendota Fire Chief at Monday Council meeting
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser is calling it a career Monday night during the next City Council meeting. The agenda has Rutishauser being recognized for 48 years of service including 30 as the fire chief. He was hired October 8, 1979 and responsible for founding MABAS 25, a local network of fire departments assisting neighboring departments during emergencies. Rutishauser will step aside for the next chief, Nate Tolley, who joined the department last year.
IVBL drops World Series opener Saturday to Georgia
A big fifth inning powered Vine Ingle of Georgia over IVBL Saturday in the Senior League World Series opener. In that frame, according to Game Changer, Illinois Valley Baseball League's Jack Hermes was rocked for seven runs. Hermes struck out five. His relief, Trent Schinkey had one. Jon Kamnikar, Espen McFadden, Blake Hueneburg and Griffin Kellett all had hits for IVBL, but Georgia's Colton Woodward was hitting all the spots and showed a great off-speed pitch.
UPDATE: Fire destroys well-known La Salle business
The future of a La Salle business destroyed by fire Friday is unknown. Eleven departments assisted after “Batteries and Things” at 365 24th street erupted in flames about 5:30pm. Fire Chief Jerry Jannick said the first units to arrive found the building containing all types of batteries was well-involved. Thick black smoke traveled northwest causing cloudy smelly conditions on the ground.
Heavy rain possible Saturday across the area
Your garden or lawn should get a good drink Saturday. The National Weather Service says heavy rains are possible anytime through the day. The forecast indicates as much as three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall into early evening. Any risk for tornados, hail and high winds is practically zero. Winds will be breezy on into Sunday. Temperatures will be in the lower 70s Saturday and near 80 on Sunday.
IVBL opening at the World Series in S. Carolinia
Sixteen local young men are somewhere they've never been before. The 15 and 16 year olds are in Easley, South Carolina and open up the Senior League World Series this morning at 8am – our time – against Vine-Ingle of Georgia. The Senior League World Series is a double elimination tournament that continues through August 8. The team is comprised of 11 players from La Salle Peru High School and five from St. Bede Academy.
La Salle Tree Inventory To Start Next Month
A northern Illinois arborist will inventory city of La Salle trees over the next two months. Steve Lane of Response Growth Collective spoke at La Salle Library Tuesday night hosted by the Business Association President, Chris Duncan. Lane's job is to examine an estimated 3000 trees downtown, in parks and some residential areas. As he has done for Ottawa and Princeton, Lane's final report will suggest where trees could be planted, pruned....or even removed.
La Salle tree inventory to start in August
A northern Illinois arborist will inventory city of La Salle trees over the next two months. Steve Lane of Response Growth Collective spoke at La Salle Library Tuesday night hosted by the Business Association President, Chris Duncan. Lane's job is to examine an estimated 3000 trees downtown, in parks and some residential areas. As he has done for Ottawa and Princeton, Lane's final report will suggest where trees could be planted, pruned....or even removed.
Ottawa 10-yr old All-Stars face Rochelle and heat Monday
The Ottawa 10-year old Baseball All-Stars are 1-1 in state play on Chicago's south side. Coach Brian Lacke said the boys lost to a good Brookfield team, 8 – 3 Saturday. Late inning heroics fell short in that game for Ottawa. But, their second match, Sunday was a nailbiter, 12 – 11 over Marshall. Lacke's troops saw an eight run lead almost completely evaporate.
Peru Rotary hears from IVBL President on upcoming World Series
Friday's Peru Rotary speaker could not have been better timed. The audience heard from Shawn Zavsza, President of the Illinois Valley Baseball League. IVBL just won the Central States Senior Tourney and now enter the Senior League World Series in South Carolina. Zavsza said this is the first area team to make it to a national championship series since Little League play began in this area 75 years ago.
One person hurt in rollover Saturday north of Ottawa
One person was ejected Saturday night in a one car rollover north of Ottawa. Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown said the accident occurred at East 12th and North 35th road, two miles south of Prairie Center. The sole occupant received face and head injuries after being thrown from the car. The unidentified man was flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove in serious condition. The Sheriff's Office is writing the report. Wallace Fire Department assisted. You'll hear more as it is made available.
Public settles in for Cops 4 Cancer event at Cedar Point Saturday
It makes Cedar Point's Cerri Park come alive each summer. Saturday was the second day of the 23rd annual Cops 4 Cancer Benefit. The weather was agreeable. Young and old sat at tables enjoying food and the musical entertainment....like Day 2 opening act, Jon Swags: Your browser does not support the audio element. Cops 4 Cancer Board member Terry Guisti finds the music for the 2 day summer event: Your browser does not support the audio element.
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