Latest Headlines from 98.9 WJEZ

Two hospitalized after crash

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:13:49 GMT

Two people have been released from the hospital after a two-vehicle accident near Cullom Friday afternoon. Livingston County Sheriff’s Police say 35-year-old Mona Rogers, of Cullom, was driving a 2006 Buick LaCrosse south on County Road 33 Hundred East, approaching the intersection with Route 116, when the car collided with an eastbound Dodge Journey, driven by 21-year-old Alicia Brockett, also from Cullom. Rogers told police she could not stop and slid through a stop sign. Rogers was cited for driving too fast for conditions. Both women were treated and released from St. James Medical Center in Pontiac.

Weekend fires under investigation

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:11:59 GMT

The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of a two-story house fire, which occurred in Fairbury Saturday morning. The house, at 904 East Locust Street, sustained major damage according to Fairbury Fire Chief Leroy McPherson. No one was injured and one person was home at the time. Meanwhile, no one was injured, but a cat was lost in a weekend house fire on Pontiac’s south side. Firefighters were called to the home at 100 Diller Street early Saturday. Officials say the house, owned by Aimee Pierce, sustained moderate damage to its basement and some first floor walls. A furnace may have caused the blaze. Firefighters did rescue two dogs, two cats and a hamster from the residence.

ALERT: Winter Weather Advisory in effect

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:55:44 GMT

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for snow, which is in effect from 9 p.m. this evening through 10 a.m. Wednesday. Severe blowing and drifting snow with possible ground blizzard conditions in rural areas can be expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Total snowfall accumulations could reach anywhere from 5 to 9 inches. Travel is likely to be significantly hampered during the snow storm through Tuesday night. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibility. Stay with WJEZ for the latest weather updates and cancellations.

Chamber to present annual awards

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:49:14 GMT

The Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce will hand out numerous awards during next month’s annual banquet. Chamber President Cheri Lambert says several students will be recognized this year. CLICK FOR SOUND Awards will also be presented for Volunteer of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Agri-business Person of the Year. Plus, the Kiwanis Club will honor an educator. The chamber banquet starts at 5:30 p.m. on March 11.

District 90 board meets tonight

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:45:50 GMT

The Pontiac Township High School District 90 Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. in the PTHS Media Center and will hear presentations from Betty Murphy and Gary Brunner on the physical education and health departments. The group will also discuss the Fiscal Year 11 budget and staffing issues, the Fiscal Year 2009 levy, state aid projections, referendum results and facility plans.

Assembly to focus on positive choices

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:44:18 GMT

Making positive choices will be the focus of an assembly planned for this afternoon at Dwight Township High School. A group of teenagers from the Chicago area, known as the “MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe” will be featured, along with numerous other guests, according to Dwight Junior High School Principal Mark Pagel. CLICK FOR SOUND MWAH! stands for “Messages Which Are Hopeful.” The 11-member ensemble combines real life drams with contemporary music and audience interaction. A constant focus will include what’s happening with today’s youth and their families…especially in the Dwight area. The program begins at 1 p.m. in the Dwight High School Auditorium at 801 South Franklin Street. The group also performed at Prairie Central Junior High last week.

Inmate charged with attempted escape

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:59:07 GMT

A Pontiac Correctional Center inmate is accused of trying to escape from the maximum-security lockup last year. An attempted escape charge has been filed against 23-year-old John Anderson Junior who is currently serving a prison term for predatory criminal sexual assault in Cook County. Authorities say Anderson displayed a dummy, using a jumpsuit and mattress padding, on his cell bed while he hid under the bed, intending to escape. If convicted, Anderson could face an additional ten years in prison because of his prior conviction.