ILLINOIS-The temperature is falling to frigid levels across the our area, and the ASPCA is reminding pet owners that the cold weather can also be dangerous for our four-legged family members.

Below are some safety tips to keep in mind as the temperature drops:

GALESBURG, Ill.--The Galesburg man who set fire to the city’s salt storage facility in July 2012 pleaded guilty to criminal damage to state property on Wednesday.

Nicholas D. Wells was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with credit for 45 days served, and ordered to pay $500 in restitution.

An arson charge was dismissed pursuant to the plea.

On Sunday, July 29, an officer saw Wells sitting on a bicycle next to the storage facility. The officer noticed the northeast window of the building was on fire. When he asked Wells about the fire, Wells admitted to starting it with a lighter and gasoline.

Wells was convicted of criminal damage to property in 2008 and found guilty of misdemeanor retail theft in 2009.

 

GALESBURG, Illinois—City letter carrier Joe Weech was bitten by a pit bull during his delivery route on Friday, July 20.

Weech was on his regular route on Pine Street in Galesburg when he tried to deliver mail to a residence where an aggressive dog resided. Weech was approaching the residence home when the pit bull broke through the front door window screen and attacked Weech, biting him in the groin.

Weech attempted to fend the dog off with pepper spray, but the can was turned backwards and sprayed Weech’s arm instead.

The letter carrier was transported to OSF St. Mary Medical Center, then later to Iowa City for surgery.

As a result, the Galesburg Post Office is making an effort to tighten regulations. Dog warning cards are carried during delivery routes, marking homes that could be a hazard for dog attacks, said Galesburg Postmaster Laura Rohlfs.