Peru officials want to stick with IVAC

Two heads are better than one when it comes to attracting development to your community according to Peru Mayor Scott Harl.  He supports the decision for the city to remain a member of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

The city council Wednesday night approved continuing their membership for over $13,000 a year.

Alderman Jamey Mertel says since IVAC focuses on attracting industry rather than retail, it’s good the city has both them and an economic development director.

La Salle officials recently decided to discontinue their IVAC membership.

Missing Ottawa Man Found Dead

A man from Ottawa reported missing Monday was found dead Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators say 27 year old Donald Broadus was pronounced dead just before two o’clock Wednesday afternoon.  He was found hanging from a tree on the west end of Buffalo Rock State Park along the River Bluff Trail.  While an autopsy is planned, officials don’t suspect foul play.

The Buffalo Rock State Park Superintendent called State Police Tuesday morning to report an abandoned car left in the park overnight.  Officers found that the car was registered to Broadus.  The family told investigators they hadn’t seen him since Monday.

A search then started yesterday with in the park and along the Illinois River.  A ground and water search resumed today.

Three Commissioners In Ottawa Seek Re-election

The majority of the current Ottawa City Council say they want another term in office.

With Tuesday being the first day petitions are available for the April city elections, Commissioners Wayne Eichelkraut, Dan Aussem and Dale Baxter all announced they’ll seek another term.  Commissioner Ed Whitney says he’s undecided while Mayor Bob Eschbach says he’ll announce his plans later on.

Of the current council, only Aussem has served only one term in office.

U of I extension office could lease space at IVCC

The state financial squeeze is forcing many University of Illinois Extension offices to consolidate.  Several area extension offices could make their new home at Illinois Valley Community College.  The office would represent Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.

IVCC President Jerry Corcoran thinks housing the extension on campus makes sense given the current economic climate.

The IVCC board of trustees Tuesday approved a letter-of-intent being sent to the U of I’s Northwest Regional Office.  It would allow the extension office to lease an area that’s currently being used by adult education.  The space will become available after the new Community Technology Center is built.

Ottawa prepares to make Newberry next fire chief

As expected, Jeff Newberry is going to be the new fire chief in Ottawa.

An employment agreement was placed on file Tuesday night by the Ottawa City Council.  Newberry will become the new chief October 13^th.  He’s been with the fire department for 26 years, serving as deputy fire chief since 2006.

Jim Duback announced in July that he’s retiring at the end of the month.  He’s been fire chief since 2005.

Sales tax on Peru Council agenda

A half-percent sales tax increase could be added to Peru store recites starting next year.  The Peru City council Wednesday night could approve the increase.

The city treasurer has said several times that the city needs to increase the money it has coming in if they want to pay for more projects.  They could also approve buying a new electric truck for about $123,000.

The council meets at 7:30pm.