By JOHN FLESHER AP Environmental Writer Government officials say a company hired to extinguish a fire that gutted a northern Illinois chemical plant used foam containing toxic compounds that have contaminated many U.S. waters. The U.S. Environmental

SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure schools can more safely resume in-person learning, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced it is expanding access to no-cost and low-cost COVID-19 testing to elementary schools across Illinois. Schools can choose

MENDOTA – New digital display speed reminders are coming to Mendota. The City of Mendota Department of Public Works has been busy install new solar powered speed limit signs on West Main Street adjacent to Strouss Park.

EARLVILLE – A number of incidents involving vandalism have been reported at an Earlville park over the past few weeks. Mayor Mark Actis said that recently someone drove into Dodge Park and did donuts, destroying portions of

  UTICA – Officials have confirmed the local presence of a dangerous algae above the 8 parts per billion health advisory established by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency collected samples on June 10th

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Illinois for 2021. The first batch to test positive was found in Skokie. No human cases

  SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security is urging residents to be wary of phishing schemes that could be part of criminal rings attempting to exploit unemployment systems nationwide. Authorities say fraudulent text messages, emails,

ROCKTON, Ill. (AP) — Fire suppression efforts continue at a chemical fire near the Illinois-Wisconsin state line as public health officials lifted an outdoor mask mandate for those within a 3-mile radius of the Chemtool plant. Winnebago

OGLESBY – A California company has announced they will now be managing the Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center at Starved Rock State Park. Nolan Capital, Inc., a family business headquartered in Hermosa Beach, already is managing

CHICAGO (AP) — The Illinois Senate has adjourned without taking up a major overhaul of energy policy aimed at making Illinois a renewable-energy state by 2050. Lawmakers returned to Springfield this week amid negotiations on Gov. J.B.

MENDOTA – A rental box-truck towing a trailer was involved in two collisions Monday in Mendota.  Around 1 PM Mendota Fire and Police were called to a motel off of US Route 34 near I-39 for a

OTTAWA – The massive fire at Chemtool Inc. in Rockton Illinois will continue into its second day, but firefighters from North Central Illinois will be helping crews with the task.   The Mutal Aid Box Alarm System

MENDOTA – One firefighter was injured and multiple departments were called to the scene around 6 PM after a large pile of pallets and a truck caught fire Monday night.   Mendota and Troy Grove Fire Departments

MENDOTA – A loaded firearm was discovered in the lobby of a building in downtown Mendota.   A tenant of a building in the 800 block of Main Street discovered the firearm and contacted police on Monday. 

PERU – Peru Police have released still images of a video they say may show a vehicle involved in a possible abduction Monday morning. Shortly before 5 AM authorities say a person living near 7th and Plum

OTTAWA – LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton announced his retirement Monday at the LaSalle County Board Meeting.   In an emotional statement, he thanked the county for their support over the years.   Templeton said his last

ROCKTON, Ill. (AP) — Emergency crews are battling massive fires at a northern Illinois chemical plant that exploded into flames. The Monday morning explosion that sent huge plumes of thick black smoke into the air prompted officials

    PERU – A possible abduction occurred in Peru, Illinois Monday morning and authorities are seeking help from the public in locating a possible victim and those involved. Although early in the investigation, Peru Police Chief

MENDOTA – The Mendota FFA chapter were recognized during the 93rd annual Illinois FFA State Convention, winning chapter and group honors. Jack Beetz was recognized for Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency in the state and received his

SPRINGFIELD- Authorities warn that blue-green algae blooms may be occurring and it could cause adverse health effects in people and pets.  With the temperature of lakes, rivers and streams across the state on the rise, the potential