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North Central Illinois Update

A look back at the 2004 Utica Tornado
From the archives of Studstill Media UTICA – On April 20th, 2004 a tornado swept across Putnam and LaSalle County, injuring dozens and claiming 8 lives in the village of Utica.
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18 years later questions remain unanswered in Mesarchik murder
STREATOR – Questions remain unanswered in what happened to 7-year-old Dalton Mesarchik, who was reported missing on March 26th, 2003. The next day his body was found along the Vermillion River south of Streator, but no suspects
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With the time change comes reminder to check your smoke detectors
OTTAWA – The American Red Cross is reminding residents nationwide that with the time change set for this weekend, that you should take the opportunity to test your smoke detectors. If they fail to respond after installation
Continue Reading »Anniversary of Pluto Discovery on this date in 1930
STREATOR – Today is the anniversary of the discovery of Pluto by a man born in Streator. It was February 18th, 1930 photographic evidence of Pluto was discovered by Clyde W. Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff,
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Lt. Governor launches Ag Equity and Food Insecurity Initiative
SPRINGFIELD Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has launched the Agricultural Equity and Food Insecurity Initiative, called #AgConnectsUsAll. During the month of February, the emphasis of #AgConnectsUsAll will be on diversity and equity. According to federal data, Black Farmers
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Illinois Fire Safety Alliance offers tips for Burn Safety Week
MOUNT PROSPECT – The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance are providing important tips to prevent burn injuries from occurring during Burn Prevention Week. This year’s observance is February 6-12 with the theme, “Burning Issues in the Kitchen!” “The
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Illinois Fire Departments warn residents about Carbon Monoxide
SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the State Fire Marshal of Illinois, in an effort to keep residents safe, wants to remind those in the state this winter to have their furnaces checked and to make sure carbon
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50 years since Oglesby teen vanished
OGLESBY – A teen walked out of his Oglesby home fifty years ago and vanished. In the five decades since 16-year-old Dermot F. Kelly went missing authorities have had no clues to his whereabouts, aside from his
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Area health departments remind everyone about food safety this holiday season
OTTAWA – Area health departments are reminding everyone responsible for cooking holiday meals or dishes to be mindful of proper food handling procedures. The CDC notes that although anyone can get a foodborne illness, pregnant women and
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Illinois DNR awards grant to expand LaSalle County off road park
MARSEILLES – Another grant has been given by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to expand a LaSalle County off-road park. It was announced Friday that a $350,000 grant was given to James W. Lowry, Jr for
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DNR reminds public about ATV use on canal trail
OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding those along the I&M Canal Trail that motorized vehicles like ATV’s and Side by Sides are not allowed. They note that operating an off road vehicle on
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Red Cross offers safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays
CHICAGO – The American Red Cross is offering safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays. They suggest besides testing your smoke detectors each month, that you should also use caution when heating your home, especially
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State Treasurer begins campaign to return lost war medals
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Treasurer has announced a campaign to try to locate the owners of important unclaimed property, Purple Heart medals. Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs says that eleven Purple Hearts are being held by the
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Scoopy Doo and Orange Crush to hit the streets this winter
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the names of their two newest snowplows, Orange Crush and Scoopy Doo. The winning names were submitted by fairgoers at this year’s Illinois State Fair. The event drew
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IVCC audit finance committee discusses COVID-19 funds
OGLESBY – The Illinois Valley Community College board audit finance committee meeting on Monday proposed a few ways to spend some of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. A full-time COVID-19 specialist paid in part by the
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Grand Ridge asking for grant support
GRAND RIDGE – The mayor of Grand Ridge is asking for village residents to write a short letter or email in support of a project to improve the community. The North Central Illinois Council of Governments could
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Secretary of State Police to conduct disability parking stings
SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Secretary of State Police will be conducting parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season and ticketing individuals who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons
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Applications for utility relief now being accepted
CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will be offering low-income families utility relief. The Help Illinois Families program will have $295 million available for households across the state and is accepting applications now
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Turkey Preparation Key to Safe Thanksgiving
OTTAWA – With Thanksgiving approaching the CDC wants to remind those in charge of cooking to be aware of some tips to keep the holiday safe and healthy. They say that you should thaw your turkey in
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Peru Schools to make crisis teams available after crash kills two students
PERU – Crisis teams will be available for classmates at two Peru elementary schools after a Tuesday crash killed two students on I-80. Superintendent Jamie Craven in an email to parents informed the district that Leanna
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