After a tornado destroyed its main building in 2017, the LaSalle County Highway Department replaced it with a sturdier one. Highway Engineer Don Ernat would like to reinforce the department’s Leonore shed before it’s hit by such a storm. He says it won’t be a true tornado shelter though, because that will cost a lot of money. And he’s already justifying an expected $400,000 or higher cost to add air conditioning and make a better break room, restroom, garage, and office.
With some objections, the County Board last week approved spending up to $38,000 for the architectural designs.