County board declares Drug Overdose Awareness Week

The La Salle County Board approved a resolution Thursday afternoon declaring August 24 through 31 Drug Overdose Awareness Week.

County Coroner Bill Wujek said the county has had 16 overdose deaths this year already, compared to 21 in 2019. Their record was broken in 2018, when 39 people died of drug overdoses.

"There are avenues for people out there if they're having issues," Wujek said. "Even if one of their loved ones or friends are having issues, reach out and take care of your friends."

Also approved during the meeting were extensions of special use ordinances for wind farm construction in Otter Creek and Allen townships, and approvals of pay raises for the La Salle County Public Defender and State's Attorney.

The Public Defender will now be making $161,064.18, and the State's Attorney will make $178,960.18.

The County Board will meet again at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.