Voices Raise During Pool Talk In Peru

Discussion about applying for a grant and coming up with money for a new swimming pool turned heated at the Peru City Council meeting.

As expected, the council unanimously overturned a veto by Mayor Scott Harl and will apply for a federal grant that could pay up to 75 percent of the cost of a new pool.  Alderman Dave Waldorf says without Harl’s signature on the grant, it won’t be accepted.  He claims Harl’s refusal to sign the grant shows “he doesn’t want a pool”.

Fellow Alderman Jamey Mertel accused Harl of “playing a political game with citizens”.  In response, Harl says the council still hasn’t come up with a plan to fund the pool even if they get the grant.  He says he’s doing the fiscally responsible thing by not signing the grant.  He also took a shot at the previous mayor and council saying there were open ends financially when he took office and he doesn’t want it happening while he’s mayor.

Alderman Bob Ankiewicz created the biggest stir when he indicated opponents to a new pool would feel bad if a young girl drowns because the city pool isn’t available.

The council also agreed to pay an aquatics company up to 63 hundred dollars to do drawings for the grant application.

New Restaurant Chain Coming To La Salle

Looks like the rumors are true.  Denny’s is coming to La Salle.

The restaurant known for being open 24 hours and its “Grand Slam” meals is apparently locating in the Flying J Travel Plaza of Interstate 80.

The business is having interviews November 9^th thru the 11^th at the Baymont Inn in Peru.  Interviews will be from 9am until 5pm.

They’re hiring cooks, servers, dishwashers and hosts.

La Salle County Voters Leave Without Stickers

While most taxpayers want county governments to limit spending, many still want to be given “I Voted” stickers when leaving the polls.

As a way to save money, La Salle County Clerk JoAnne Caretto says she didn’t provide the stickers this election.  It may be the last time stickers aren’t offered after Caretto says many people called wondering why there weren’t any stickers.

Not buying the stickers saved around 900 dollars.

Cocaine Bust On Route 251

A man and woman are accused of delivering cocaine to undercover officers Tuesday near Mendota.

TRIDENT investigators say they set up a sting yesterday on Route 251 south of Mendota where June Wills of West Brooklyn and Andrew Drag of Rockford delivered 27 grams of cocaine.  Investigators say they had already made a number of cocaine buys from Wills before yesterday’s arrest.

Wills and Drag are both charged with a Class X felony of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.  Both were taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Freezing Computer Delays Election Results

Technology can be great at times and other times it can be utterly frustrating.  Case in point, computer issues last night at the La Salle County Clerk’s Office.

Because of a few absentee and early voting cards that were called corrupt by the election software, County Clerk JoAnne Caretto says the election return computers froze last night, delaying results until 9:50.  Caretto says other voting cards were also turned away by her computer which delayed precinct results in South Ottawa and Manlius Townships until almost midnight.

Caretto says she test ran machines and ballots several times leading up the election.  She’s been on the phone today working with the software vendor, ES&S out of Nebraska to try and avoid this from happening in the future.

Council could override mayor’s pool grant veto

Last week the Mayor of Peru vetoed a vote by the city council to apply for a state grant to help build a new pool.

Scott Harl argued that the aldermen first need to come up with a way to pay for the pool before he signs anything.  Tonight, city council members could override his veto with a two-thirds vote.

If they’re successful, they could also hired Williams Aquatics to draw up plans for the grant at a cost of up to $6,300.

The Peru City Council meets at 7:30pm.

Brady not conceding in Ill. governor race

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) – Republican Bill Brady isn’t conceding in the extraordinarily tight race for Illinois governor against Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.

Brady told reporters Wednesday in Bloomington that he believes he will win. He says he’s going to wait for the official results after all of the absentee ballots are counted.

Quinn has predicted victory in a year that saw many other Democratic governors tossed out of office.

Brady is trailing Quinn by the thinnest of margins. With 99% of precincts reporting, Quinn’s lead was just more than 8,300 vote of the 3.6 million cast. Quinn has nearly 47% of the vote compared to 46% for Brady.

Local March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction marks 10th anniversary

A dinner and auction that raises money for premature babies celebrates a landmark tomorrow.  The March of Dimes Illinois Valley Signature Chefs Auction will be held for the 10^th year at Celebrations 150.

As in past years, the menu will include dishes from a variety of area restaurants.

Doors open at 5:30pm.  The live auction is expected to begin around 7:30pm.  There will also be many raffles and a silent auction.  Tickets are sold out.

Miller Group Charitable Trust is the presenting sponsor.  Miller Group Media includes AM 1220 WLPO, 99-3 WAJK, and 96-5 the WOLF, the Newstribune and Agrinews.

Teen crashes into tree while trying to avoid a deer

Swerving to miss a deer could cause more damage than it’s worth.  Police say a 16 year old girl was heading east on Golf Road in Streator Monday when she swerved to avoid hitting a deer and ended up hitting a tree in someone’s front yard.

She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.  She was also given a ticket for not slowing down to avoid an accident.

Templeton wins LC Sheriff’s race

La Salle County Sheriff Tom Templeton cruised to an election win last night.

The Republican from Peru picked up over 71% of the vote, nearly 14 thousand more votes than Democratic challenger Rodney Hampton of rural Sheridan.  Hampton is a full-time officer with the Somonauk Police Department and has been an officer for 31 years.  He was no match for Templeton’s experience with the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

Templeton has been with the La Salle County Sheriff’s office for 37 years.  Before 12 years as sheriff, he was a deputy.

Templeton ran unopposed in the 2006 election.