May 18, 2026 | WALLS 102 - Part 6

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Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

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Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

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Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

A fully engulfed storage shed on a rural Ottawa property was destroyed in a fire early this afternoon, with firefighters working to prevent a nearby propane tank from exploding.Seven emergency response vehicles from Ottawa and Grand Ridge responded to the fire at 1235 N 2401st Rd. Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tim Geiger said the department was notified at 11:03 a.m. and arrived at 11:13 a.m.The shed, located on the property of Jim and Nancy Shute and one of their sons, housed lawn mowers, forklifts, bikes, straw, and farm chemicals. Within 15 minutes of arrival, Geiger said the fire was under control. It was nearly extinguished by 12:45 p.m., and all personnel left the property by 1:10 p.m.One challenge was a propane gas tank located feet from the burning structure, Geiger said. The line feeding into the tank had melted, and firefighters cooled the tank throughout the blaze to prevent an explosion.Aggressive afternoon winds pushed flames toward two neighboring structures, an identical shed used to house sheep and a larger storage building containing trailers, farm vehicles, pallets, tires and straw. Neither building ignited, though both sustained flame damage.Nancy Shute said she was unaware of the fire until neighbors, the Masons, stopped and alerted her. She recalled a loud pop at around 10:50 a.m. that knocked out power to her television, which she suspects may have been a lightning strike from morning storms.Geiger said the cause remains under investigation, but could be electrical. No one was injured. Damage was limited to the main structure, the walls of neighboring buildings and surrounding debris.

Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

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Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

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Storage shed fire destroys rural Ottawa property

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North Utica police crack down on unbuckled drivers during Memorial Day travel

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The North Utica Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign running May 15-26 during the Memorial Day travel period.

North Utica police crack down on unbuckled drivers during Memorial Day travel

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North Utica police crack down on unbuckled drivers during Memorial Day travel

The North Utica Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign running May 15-26 during the Memorial Day travel period.“Buckle up every trip, every time,” said Chief James Mandujano. “Seat belts save lives, and we are committed to keeping our roads safe.”Officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement day and night, focusing on seat belt violations. Motorists who fail to buckle up can expect to be stopped and ticketed.Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. While usage has increased to 93% in 2025, unrestrained fatalities remain a concern — especially at night.The “Click It or Ticket” initiative is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.

North Utica police crack down on unbuckled drivers during Memorial Day travel

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