Afternoon News Update: March 11

The name of the man who died at South Beloit Behr Iron and Metal has been released. Officials have identified the 39-year-old as Beloit native Alfredo Arrendondo. The incident happened Monday evening after he became trapped in a piece of machinery. A helicopter was called to the scene, but then called off after officials determined the man had died. All operations at the metal recycling plant have stopped, and there is no estimation on when the facility will reopen.
A man’s body has been found in a Rochelle stream. Ogle County officials have yet to identify the body, but believe the male is between 35-50 years old. It’s unknown at this time how long the body was in the water and how it got there. Police say there are no current reports of a missing adult within the county. Anyone with information is urged to call the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department at 815-732-6666
A Maple Park, IL man has died after a car crash in DeKalb County. The accident happened early this morning near Route 38 and Webster Road. Officials say 45-year-old Clarence Janecek III died at the hospital from his injuries, while 41-year-old German Gonzalez is in stable condition. Gonzalez has been charged with driving on a suspended license. The details of the accident remain unclear at this time.
Winter isn't finished just yet. Forecasters say another storm could drop up to three inches in the Rockford area, with five to eight inches falling south of the city. Another factor will be wind gusts, which could approach 40 mph.
The state school superintendent warns that proposed education funding cuts could devastate many Illinois districts. Officials say if the proposed cuts are approved, some districts may not make it through the school year. Lawmakers have unveiled a preliminary plan that shows districts facing a potential $1 billion decrease in the coming fiscal year. The state Board of Education is now asking for a $1 billion funding boost.
Federal scientists say more than 93 percent of Lake Michigan was covered by ice as of Saturday. That eclipsed a 37-year-old record just before temperatures started to warm. As of today, about 77 percent of the lake’s surface area is still frozen over.
University of Illinois officials say more than 270 tickets were issued during last week’s Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Most were due to underage drinking or public possession of alcohol. Authorities say nearly 30 people had to be taken to the hospital, while another 15 were taken to jail. This year, the city limited bar hours and how much alcohol could be sold near campus.

Categories: News