The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Local News

Related Photos

  • Brian L. Huchel/Commercial-News

    Sunday storms swat Hoopeston

Discussion

June 16, 2008

Storms swat at Hoopeston

BY BRIAN L. HUCHEL and CAROL HICKS

HOOPESTON — Straight-line winds hit the area about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, knocking down trees and power lines.

Power outages were reported across the city and Illinois Route 1 between Main Street and Thompson Avenue remained closed this morning.

“Residents in the northwest, northeast and southeast parts of Hoopeston are still without power (at 9 p.m.),” according to the Hoopeston Police Department radio operator.

Power was restored early this morning to a majority of residents. According to AmerenCIPS, only 178 outages remained in Hoopeston earlier today.

Hoopeston Police Sergeant Jim Goodrum, on duty during the afternoon, saw the storm and winds cross the fields west of Illinois Route 1 and was nearly hit by one of the utility poles as it toppled, blocking Illinois Route 1.

At least four poles fell before the raging winds, with one pole at the corner of Thompson Avenue and Route 1 broken at the top, dangling dangerously above the roadway.

“It was a straight-line wind,” Goodrum said. “I’ve seen them before.”

An Ameren spokesman said eight crews worked on utility poles this morning at the Illinois Route 1 intersection. It was expected to be finished by mid-day.

Peanut-sized hail also fell from the band of storms as they crossed the northern part of the county.

The North Side Park, also known as Cheese Park, on Market and Thompson streets, lost several trees. One fell across part of the play area on the northwest side of the park.

Trees blocked roadways and driveways in several areas around Hoopeston. Floral Hill Cemetery received extensive damage due to trees falling. Local residents were seen after the storm riding around the cemetery checking family grave sites for damage.

One tree, partially uprooted behind Floral Hill Chapel, broke a water line as its roots tore from the ground.

City workers cleared roads that needed cleared and set up road blocks in areas that couldn’t immediately be cleared Sunday night. They will be out today to clear debris.

Text Only
Local News
  • Tropical Storm Beryl strengthens, nears U.S. coast

    Tropical Storm Beryl was wrecking some Memorial Day weekend plans on Sunday, causing shoreline campers to pack up and head inland and leading to the cancellation of some events as the storm approached the southeastern U.S.

    May 27, 2012

  • CASA seeks volunteers

    May 27, 2012

  • Classes transition online

    May 27, 2012

  • AmyandRomanSchweizer1.jpg Dad welcomes baby — while a world away

    Like most fathers, Brandun Schweizer wanted to witness his first child’s birth. There was just one problem, however — he was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.

    May 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • Veterans ask people to pause

    Although the Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and pool parties, veterans’ groups hope people pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as others who have died.

    May 27, 2012

  • Martha Stewart learns family’s roots

    Television viewers have been treated to two series lately dealing with genealogy.

    May 27, 2012

  • Haiti touches her heart Haiti touches her heart

    Janis Ostiguy of Danville experiences many emotions each time she visits Haiti — sadness at the poverty, happiness with the children, warmth for the people and their spirit.

    May 27, 2012 3 Photos

  • Turtles return to race

    Collected turtles are being fed fruits, meat and vegetables and will be ready to go for the 48th Annual Turtle Races.

    May 27, 2012

  • Hiker’s heart is in America's Highlands

    Robert Burns, the immortal Scottish poet, once wrote, “My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here; my heart’s in the Highlands, a’chasing the wild deer; a’chasing the wild deer, and following the roe; my heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.”

    May 27, 2012

  • Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent

    In 1980, John Mendenhall found three 1880 J. R. Scott campaign posters in a home he was restoring.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo