Peru to appoint Director for Community Development

What does it take to fill empty storefronts and help people sell their homes?  Peru Mayor Scott Harl thinks it takes jobs. 

          Citing high unemployment and a commitment to help the city’s economy, he’s asking the city council to allow Bob Vickrey to be the city’s Director for Community Development.  
          Harl says Vickrey has experience in sales, marketing and large scale economic projects. Vickrey will be retiring from sales at the Newstribune in May.  It’s a volunteer position with Vickrey being reimbursed for expenses.
          Aldermen seem happy with Harl’s choice.  A formal approval will come next Monday.

Train Hits Car In Streator

A woman is lucky to be okay after a train took her for a ride Tuesday afternoon.

72 year old Marilyn McBride of Alcona was driving thru a railroad crossing at the east end of Streator when she was hit by an oncoming train.  The train pushed McBride for over 160 feet but she wasn’t hurt.

McBride told police she didn’t see the train.  She was ticketed for failing to yield.

Hall Makes Cuts

Four more teachers will lose their jobs at the end of the school year at Hall High School.

The high school board Wednesday night voted to dismiss speech and theater teacher Bob Peterlin, English teacher Ann Maller, math teacher Dani Larson and science teacher Jeremy Wertz.  The board also approved several re-assignments to reduce personnel expenses.  The superintendent, principal and assistant principals however were all given two-year contract extensions.

At the start of the meeting, Board President Todd Fanning said the board had the choice of either raising taxes or making expenditure cuts.  He said the board wrestled with the decision for months.

Besides staffing cuts, the Hall High School Board also adopted a deficit reduction plan to save over 122 thousand dollars.  They’re eliminating textbook purchases for a year, reducing classroom and athletic supplies, eliminating graduation robes for staff and increasing athletic and driver’s ed fees.