Police looking for man accused of using stolen credit cards

A lot can be on your mind when you’re going through a store checkout.  Apparently one man’s been talking advantage of shoppers and stealing their credit cards.

Peru Police are looking for a man they believe has stolen a credit card out of women’s purse at least twice at the Peru Walmart.  It first happened in August and again last week.

Detective Matt Peters says the man then used the stolen cards at other stores.  Store surveillance footage shows a man they think is their thief.  He’s described as black, well dressed and wearing a cap.  They think he may have had someone helping him the last time.

If you know anything about it, call the Peru Police Department or Illinois Valley Crimestoppers.

Fund created to accept donations for a new Peru pool

There hasn’t been a lot of agreement when it comes to matters involving the Peru swimming.  One idea everyone seems like is a pool donation fund.

A restricted fund has been set up through the city.  The money can only be used for a new pool and if they decide one day to never build a new pool, the money would be returned to the donors.

A new pool is speculated to cost $3.5 million.  City leaders and people in town have been torn on how to raise money for it.

You can start making your donations today through the city clerk’s office.

Streator man faces cocaine related charges

Streator has one less cocaine dealer, at least that’s what drug investigators believe.

Verico Veal of Streator was arrested Tuesday after officers from TRIDENT served him with an outstanding warrant.  Police say Veal had cocaine packaged for sale on him when they found him.

Veal faces a couple of cocaine charges.  He’s being held the La Salle County Jail.

Winner chosen in Seneca bridge raffle

When the old Seneca bridge is brought down tomorrow morning, one of the people pushing the buttons will be Jacob Weinreich.  He won a raffle held by the village Tuesday night.

The old bridge over the Illinois River will be destroyed with two implosions.  The first is 7am Thursday.  The second will be at a later date.

Money from the raffle is going to the Seneca Development Organization and Seneca Historical Guild.

 

Mediacom raising rates in Granville

Cable subscribers in Granville, prepare to pay more for service.    Mediacom rates will increase most likely in December.  Broadcast basic will increase by $2 per month. Expanded basic will increase by $1 a month. Total family cable will cost an extra $3 per month.

Thanks to the Newstribune for information in this story.

Peru could create pool donation fund

A fund that would collect donations for a new Peru Swimming Pool has been a popular idea with people around town and on the city council.

Aldermen could decide tonight to create that fund.  The council meets at 7:30pm.

IVCC tax levy placed on file

The tax rate for Illinois Valley Community College is expected to decrease.  A tax levy of 34.6 cents could be approved next month.

The levy is 1 percent less than last year.  Equalized assessed valuation is expected to increase, meaning the next levy will be more than last year’s extension.  A truth in taxation hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. December 20 before the levy is approved.

Winter driving tips from the Illinois State Police and IDOT

It won’t be long before you’re looking out the window at the snow falling wondering if you’ll be able to make the drive into work.

IDOT and the state police are offering winter driving advice in their campaign called “Ice and Snow- Take it Slow”.

State Police Trooper Craig Graham says don’t get in your car if you don’t have to.

They say to dress for the weather and keep items such as blankets and an ice scraper in your car.  Keep in mind that just because you can see the snow plow, the snow plow driver might not see you.  Slow down, especially when approaching intersections or ramps and watch the road, not your cell phone.

La Salle Elementary Schools trying not to raise taxes

La Salle Elementary Schools shouldn’t be costing you more money on your next round of property tax bills.

Superintendent Dan Marenda says to keep the tax rate level with last year’s, he wants to levy less for the education and life safety funds.  The proposed tax rate is slightly lower than last year’s.  The district’s Equalized Assessed Valuation is predicted to be down $2.7 million.

The levy will be formally approved when the school board meets next month.  A truth in taxation hearing isn’t required.

Another Area Town Seeking Grant For Swimming Pool

Peru has some local competition when it comes to getting a grant from the DNR.

The Ottawa City Council is pursuing a Park and Recreational Construction, or PARC grant just like Peru.  And also like Peru, Ottawa wants to use the grant to fix up a swimming pool.

Ottawa is seeking 878 thousand dollars worth of improvements at Lincoln-Douglas Park.  City officials hope to do 300 thousand dollars worth of improvements at Riordan Pool including repairing the pool deck and putting in new locker rooms.  Over 200 thousand dollars is needed for new tennis courts and 150 thousand dollars more for a combination soccer and softball field.

The city has to come up with 25 percent local match for the grant.

Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut says the pool isn’t in any danger of shutting down, they just see a chance to make improvements with grant money instead of taxpayers footing the bill.