Skydiver killed identified
OTTAWA – The identity of the skydiver killed near Ottawa on Saturday has been released. LaSalle County Coroner Richard Ploch announced that 38-year-old Brenton Watkajtys of Chicago was the individual found deceased in a cornfield in Dayton
Rabid bat bites DeKalb county resident
SYCAMORE – A rabid bat has bitten a DeKalb county resident. The DeKalb County Health Department confirmed that the person who was bit on Saturday in Sycamore is now receiving treatment. Officials say it was the second
Project Success announces structure and service expansion
SPRING VALLEY – Project Success of Bureau County is expanding. In an announcement, officials say work has begun on a structure that will connect to the Hall Township Food Pantry located north of the present
South Streator fire quickly extinguished
SOUTH STREATOR – A structure fire south of Streator was quickly extinguished by the Reading Fire Department on Sunday. Around 4:30 PM Reading, Cornell and Long Point Fire Departments responded to the 2000 block of Aquaduct Road
ISP Announces rollout of Next Generation 911
MORRIS – More counties across the state are getting tools for first responders to speed up communications using a new generation of technology for dispatchers. Next Generation 911 moves resources to a stronger, advanced technology network that
NIU reports first case of Monkeypox
DEKALB – The first case of Monkeypox has been discovered among the students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. On Thursday NIU President Lisa Freeman announced that the student who tested positive is isolating and receiving health
Application period open for Open Space Land Acquisition grants for community park projects
SPRINGFIELD – A long-standing grant program that helps communities cover the cost of local park development will offer up to 100% funding assistance for distressed communities for the first time in the history of the program. Applications
Tickborne Heartland Virus is reported in Southern Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – An older person who resides in Southern Illinois recently tested positive for Heartland Virus, the third reported case in Illinois since 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced. The first two Heartland virus cases
July shows LaSalle County with highest unemployment rate in the area
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in July, continuing on a downwards trend. The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s monthly data release shows In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in
Secretary of State Jesse White tests positive for COVID-19
CHICAGO – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has tested positive for COVID-19. The 88-year-old reportedly has mild symptoms and is conducting work from home while in quarantine. Secretary White is double vaccinated and twice boosted and