Peru moves forward with bike path

Occasionally you’ll notice a group of cyclists riding through town.  Often they’re on Route 6.  More cyclists could be rolling through Peru if city officials are able to create a bike path.

The city is forming a committee and hiring Chamlin and Associates Engineers to put together a detailed plan for a path that would synch up with the Kaskaskia Alliance Trail.  The path would include many towns and connect the I and M Canal to the Hennepin Canal at Wyanet.

Roger Chamlin says three types of state grants are available but they’ll need to show a detailed plan to be considered.  They’ve been talking with landowners, including St. Bede Academy, about getting easements.

The city council approved authorizing Chamlin’s Wednesday night.  It’s to cost not over $3,000.

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Peru Police Commander due to retire

If you’ve had any reason to deal with the Peru Police Department in the past 30 years, there’s a chance you’ve meet Commander Ken Hanford.

Hanford will be retiring in September.  Chief Doug Bernabei wants permission to hire a patrol officer to keep staffing levels at what he considers a safe level.  He says Hanford’s personal file doesn’t include a single complaint.

New Letters Surface About The Mesarchik Murder

For the second year in a row, letters claiming to know information into the unsolved murder of Streator’s Dalton Mesarchik have surfaced.

State Police in Pontiac are looking into these letters that are being sent to random people, businesses and government offices in Streator.  The author claims to have information regarding the kidnapping and murder of Mesarchik and information about other criminal acts.  One investigator told AM 1220 WLPO that the same individual is sending out these letters after he did the same thing in March of last year.  Police interviewed the person last year and plan to so again.

If you get a letter, you’re asked to give it to the police.  Investigators believe more letters will come out as they week goes along.

According to the Pontiac State Patrol office, the Mesarchik investigation remains a top priority.  There is a 50 thousand reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the murder.

Teen Arrested For LSD In Ottawa

A teen at the Ottawa Skate Park was allegedly carrying a hallucinogenic drug.

While checking out the skate park Friday, a police detective says he recognized Justin Bates of Fort Wayne, Indiana and knew he was wanted on a failure to appear warrant.  When the detective approached Bates, the teen allegedly tried to dump LSD.  After being handcuffed, Bates then tried to run while handcuffed according to the detective.

Bates was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and on the warrant for battery.  He was taken to the county jail.

Also ticketed at the skate park was Cory Parker of Ottawa for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was released with a court date.

Priest Catches Alleged Burglar

An alleged burglary was stopped before it could happen Monday night in Streator.

Roger Leslie is accused of kicking in the door of the St. Anthony Parish rectory on South Park Street but then running away after being yelled at by the parish priest.  Leslie was arrested for attempted burglary and criminal damage to property.

He was taken to the county jail.

Mendota house fire sends man to hospital

A man was taken to the hospital after a house fire in Mendota.  It happened at about seven last night at 116 15^th Street.

Fire fighters say the man had to be pulled out of the home and taken to Mendota Community Hospital.  His condition is unkown.  Two police officers were also treated.

The fire was contained to the kitchen.  They haven’t figured out the cause yet.  Damage is estimated at fifteen thousand dollars.

The Illinois Valley Red Cross was contacted about possibly assisting.

Bike path and swimming pool topics for Peru City Council

Would you like to see a bike path on the north end of Peru?  Alderman Jamey Mertel brought up the idea last week.  The council Wednesday could give Chamlin and Associates permission to coordinate a marked bike path for $3,000.

Also up for discussion tonight, a handout from the firm studying the swimming pool.

The Peru City Council meets at 7:30pm.