Dozen people are turned away in mix-up at Red Cross shelter

The cots in the gym of the Central Elementary School inPlainfield were empty at midnight Wednesday - but not because no onewanted to use them.

Jeanne Irwin, who was manning the desk at the entrance, said noone told her the school was a Red Cross shelter for victims ofTuesday's tornado. So she turned away a dozen people before someoneset her straight.

Irwin, of the DeKalb Jaycees, said she thought she was there tohand out water, clothing, ice, blankets and pillows, which she didfor more than 18 people.

Barb Willig, of the Fox River chapter of the Red Cross, said thepeople were …