WHEN IT'S

SPRINGTIME IN STREATOR

Spring can't arrive soon enough for many outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, bicycling, camping, birding, fishing or just watching the rivers go by are among of the many opportunities for those who enjoy connecting with nature.

Among the most rewarding spots to visit is Spring Lake, near Streator, open every day from dawn to dusk. The site has been greatly improved over the past few years because of the work of volunteers, who have turned the once-closed property into a jewel. Now these volunteers are asking for help.

Jerry O'Kraski, chairman of the Spring Lake Project, is hoping two "resident hosts" take two free camping sites being offered. Participants would be asked to stay at the park about 35 hours per week, including holidays and weekends, to greet visitors, answer questions, check for compliance with park rules and do light maintenance.

The program would run April 15 to Oct. 31. The hosts would have to stay at least four weeks and must have a hard-top camper. Hosts would need insurance and be at least 21.

The current two-year old host program requires volunteers to work two-hour shifts. The new program would require fewer volunteers.

How to help? Call Lois Guyon at 815-343-3774 or 815-673-1333. She also can be reached at lalguyon@ilstu.edu.

Meanwhile, think about at the snow and ice. Feel the cold of La Salle County in December. Now imagine Spring Lake in spring.

DANGER ON RIVER;

DANGER AT HOME

While the Illinois and Fox rivers attract an untold number of visitors to La Salle County each year, they can be fatal attractions, even for good swimmers. Odds of surviving a plunge into frigid water are lower in winter.

Three duck hunters experienced the piercing cold of the Illinois River at Ottawa when their boat swamped near the railroad trestle.

The hunters swam 60 yards to shore, but over the years others have not been so fortunate as to escape the rivers.

Ottawa River Rescue, whose members were on the scene near Allen Park, are repeating warnings to anyone on or near water. The rivers can be deceivingly deadly. Unless the depth of the ice on any body of water is clear, do not attempt to walk on the ice. A western Illinois farmer died last week in a pond that was covered with 3 inches of ice. At this time of year, hypothermia can occur in minutes.

If someone does escape the water, call for help. In the meantime, treat victims by exchanging wet clothing for dry clothing, get the victim out of the wind and in a dry coat or under a blanket.

Cold water is not the only danger at this time of year. Improper use of space heaters or extension cords also can be fatal mistakes.

Last week, an Ottawa man survived a house fire caused by a heater connected to an extension cord. The victim said the extension cord became overheated, setting fire to his home.

Underwriters Laboratory and fire officials offer these suggestions for safety:

• Check cords for the UL mark.
• Never run a cord under a rug.
• Don't keep unused extension cords plugged in.
• Some appliance cords, such as those on hair dryers, curling irons or toasters, can be potentially hazardous if left plugged into a receptacle, especially during an electrical storm. A fire in La Salle County a number of years ago was the result of a heating applicance being left plugged into the wall.
• Never use an extension cord on a device that generates heat such as a space heater.
• Never coil a cord when in use.
• Use cords only when absolutely necessary.

• Make sure the cord can handle the wattage.
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