Peru gives green light to hold concert series at the airport

The Illinois Valley Regional Airport could be rocking this summer.  Organizers of the Concerts for a Concert series have asked the city to use the airport for three shows.

The city council said okay to the request Wednesday night after the airport manager said he didn’t have a problem with it.

The concert series has been organized by Merry Noonan from Lou’s LaGrotto’s.  The first concert was in 2005 featuring the band Blues Traveler.  It was staged on the street and in the field across from the pizza restaurant.

The following summer a larger show featuring the Gin Blossoms and the Smash Mouth was held at the airport, but shows since then have been staged at the Cedar Point Sportsman’s Club.

The line up and dates for this year’s performances haven’t been announced yet.

Eight people show interest in Peru 4th Ward seat

One interview done and at least seven more to go as Peru Mayor Scott Harl looks for a new Fourth Ward Alderman.

Alderman Ron Wren died in January creating a vacancy on the city council.  It’s Harl’s responsibility to choose a replacement, though the council will have to vote on the candidate.

As of Wednesday, eight people had turned in letters of intent.  Harl says he has started interviewing the candidates and will talk with the council after the process is completed.

The last day to turn in a letter of intent is Monday.  Harl thinks they could take a vote to fill the opening on March 14.

TRIDENT investigators looking for three men

Drug charges await three men from Streator and Ottawa as soon as investigators find out where they are.

Investigators with the drug team TRIDENT are looking for 24 year old Cesar Escribano, 20 year old Gregory Clark and 36 year old Brian Tyler.

The charges are out of La Salle County.  Police say if you know where any of the three are at, call Crimestoppers or any local police department.

La Salle visited by State Senator Rezin

A tour of La Salle and meetings with local business leaders has left a new state senator excited and encouraged.

Republican State Senator Sue Rezin says the Illinois River and the Interstates put La Salle in a good place for development.  She took a tour Wednesday of the new wastewater treatment plant and paid a visit to Inman Electric in La Salle.

La Salle Economic Development Director Don Aleksy says it was the first time they could show her their projects and explain their problems.  One issue that came up was funding to build a wall to prevent flooding at the older wastewater treatment plant.

Prosecutors moving to dismiss some Blago charges

CHICAGO (AP) – Federal prosecutors are moving to dismiss several charges against Rod Blagojevich.

Prosecutors Wednesday told U.S. District Judge James Zagel they seek to dismiss racketeering and wire fraud counts against the former Illinois governor to streamline the case.

Zagel didn’t immediately rule on the motion.

Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky says the move by prosecutors demonstrate they believe Blagojevich is innocent of those changes.

The 54-year-old Blagojevich faces an April 20 retrial on charges he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. He’s also accused of trying to shake down donors for campaign cash.

At his first trial, jurors deadlocked on all but one count of lying to the FBI.

Blagojevich’s lawyers have recently filed motions seeking to have several corruption charges thrown out.

Congressman Shock speaks to PC students

When Congressman Aaron Schock spoke to Putnam County students Wednesday morning, he said it was refreshing to talk to people around his age.

The 29-year old Republican is the youngest member of the U.S. Congress and he used that fact to urge students to challenge conventional wisdom of youth being a negative.  Schock told the students they can affect a lot of change if they take an early interest in what’s going on in politics and vote.

Schock was asked by a student about the Wisconsin budget situation. He backs the governor’s wish to cut expenses but is “somewhere in the middle” when it comes to voting to de-certify unions.

Wireless internet towers could mean money for Mendota

Some extra cash for Mendota if two wireless internet companies follow through on their plans to install antennas on Mendota’s water towers.

The Newstribune reports that three towers antennas have been proposed, earning the city $500 per month for each.  Next Level Technologies wants to install an antenna on the new water tower and T6 wants space on the new tower and the one near Lake Mendota.

The services could provide both wireless internet and telephone service to people in and around Mendota.

Concerts for a Cause could be returning to airport

The next time you take in a “Concert for a Cause” you could be rocking out at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport.

Merry Noonan, manager of Lou’s LaGrotto and concert organizer has asked if should could use the airport for a concert.  The city council could say yes to her request Wednesday night.

The council could also approve to borrow $975,500 for new generators.

The Peru City Council meets at 7:30pm Wednesday.

Public Input Sought With IVCC Survey

Do you think IVCC needs better parking?  That’s one of the things you can comment on in an online survey.

By law, IVCC is required to update its Facilities Master Plan every 5 years.  The board of trustees has put together a survey asking what you think the needs are for IVCC in five, ten or even twenty years.  They hope to have an updated plan in place with survey results by July.

The topics in the survey include: academic programs; athletic facilities; youth programs; satellite locations; child care; and parking.

Go to IVCC.edu to take the survey.