1 Front Volume 142 No. 2
Friday, December 18, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Who let the dogs out? Dangerous dogs and the consequences By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — Knives and mace are becoming more commonly carried in Lostant in response to potentially dangerous dogs roaming about town. Lostant Village Board member Jack Immel brought the issue up for discussion at the village board meeting Monday, Dec. 14, saying the dog situation could cause harm to
residents. Board member Dave Mertes agreed with Immel’s assessment of the danger around town. “You’ve been attacked twice,” Mertes said. “My neighbor’s been attacked more than once.” The village has been looking for a way to remedy the issue. “We have to do something,” Mertes said. “I don’t know what. And everywhere you look you hit legal
roadblocks.” Residents are taking precautions to defend themselves. Immel listed a number of people he knows of who have begun carrying defense in case they encounter vicious canines as they walk throughout the village. “You have every right to protect yourself from that threat,” Immel said. However, even self-defense can only go so far. “I was informed that
Immel said there is something residents can do in the case of a hostile canine. “If somebody gets attacked by a dog, even if it doesn’t bite them — maybe it just chases them — you should report it to the police.” The board will continue to look for ways to take care of the issue. In other news: • An ordinance was discovered which could soon see abandoned vehicles being removed. The only issue is whether the legisla-
you can defend yourself,” Immel said, “but if you go far enough to kill the dog, you can be held liable.” Part of the issue is how vicious dogs are handled. According to what they’ve been told by the LaSalle County Animal Control officer, the animal needs to bite people a minimum of three times before it is considered vicious. “After three, they get a bad letter,” Immel said. Mertes noted that does not sound like much of a consequence.
tion is in effect. “It says it was passed and approved,” Police Chief Darin Crask said. “But it’s not signed, so I don’t know.” The village is looking at past minutes to verify the ordinance is in effect. • Immel noted the derelict tennis courts. “That one whole section has come down,” he said. “That sounds like a safety issue to me.” The school is in charge of maintaining the courts and will be contacted.
Skoog named new state rep
Vol. 142 No. 2 One Section - 8 Pages
329045
OTTAWA – Andy Skoog (D-LaSalle) was sworn in as state representative of the 76th District on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Illinois Valley Community College Community Technology Center, located at 815 N. Orlando Smith St. in Oglesby. He will replace former state Rep. Frank Mautino, who was recently named Illinois auditor general. “As a small-business owner for more than 15 years, I understand the decisions and sacrifices that go into balancing a budget, managing a payroll and creating local jobs. As LaSalle County Clerk, I’ve worked cooperatively with both sides of the aisle while making cuts and increasing efficiencies to save county taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Skoog said. “By bringing this common-sense approach to state government and making the voices and the values of middle-class and struggling families heard, I hope to work in a bipartisan manner to move our state forward. I will review the state budget line by line, stand up for small businesses and middle-class families, and promote policies to create and retain local jobs with good wages. It will be an honor to represent a district I have lived in my entire life and raised my family in.” The 76th District includes portions of LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam and Livingston counties. For more information, contact Friends for Andy Skoog at 815-200-9027.
PCR photo/Dave Cook
IVCC geology instructor Mike Phillips was recently named as the recipient of the Illinois Community College Faculty Association’s 2015 Leo Welch Instructor of the Year Award.
Digging the Earth
IVCC geologist named Instructor of the Year “No huge hoses to deal with. The type of tools used was amazing. I absolutely loved it!” Michelle Frandin, Ottawa
“The use of water was minimal and the smell is fresh. Pet odor is gone! Old carpet looks 100% improved.” Kathy Zurinski, McNabb
By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
OGLESBY — We all walk the same planet, but rather than take it for granted, some people are willing to go a bit further. They want to know more and are willing to dig for the information. Others are not only willing to dig, but also want to share what they’ve learned and hope-
“The cleaning process was excellent and the carpet and the drying was so quick. I was very happy with the hardwood floor cleaning.” Deborah Molinero, Varna
Expect Different!
Phillips Page 2
Low Moisture Cleaning Technology
• No hoses • No rising • No open doors • Quick 90 Minutes or Less Drying Time
McNabb, IL (309)740-4470 KID PET Safe
and
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fully encourage the same enthusiasm in those they’re teaching. IVCC geology instructor Mike Phillips is one such person. On Oct. 30, Phillips was named as the recipient of the Illinois Community College Faculty Association’s 2015 Leo Welch Instructor of the Year Award during the association’s
(815)882-2150 for more info, got to: www.oxygreenillinois.com