No Government Downsizing For La Salle County

Although there has been plenty of chatter, the La Salle County Board is staying at 29 members.

The board voted 21 to 6 Thursday to reshape district lines but keep the same amount of board members.  Finance Chairman Tom Ganiere says the board cost 127 thousand dollars last year which was nearly 30 thousand dollars less than the year before because of fewer committees.  He says the only savings in less board members would be per diem which hasn’t been upped since the 90s.

Board member Randy Freeman voted to keep 29 members saying he’s fought long and hard to reduce the board size but after looking at the numbers, there wouldn’t be much savings.  Sandi Billard said she ran for office by promising to minimize the board size but said they’re “not going to save anything” by trimming it.

Jill Bernal, Arratta Znaniecki, Elmer Walter, Joe Panzica, Catherine Owens and Bob Vickrey voted against staying at 29 members.  Before the board voted, La Salle County Farm Bureau President Monte Whipple came out in support of 29 board members saying it provides for more diverse opinions.  Former board member Stephen Carlson suggested trimming the board to 14 members by having two board members represent one district.

Peru Alderman Mikyska dies

A longtime Peru alderman has died.  66 year old Joe Mikyska, alderman of the second ward died Thursday after being hospitalized at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley Wednesday.  He had recently been ill.

Mikyska was appointed to the council in 1999.  Over the years he served as Finance Committee Chairman and Airport Committee Chairman.  He most recently had been appointed to the Public Property Committee.

Former alderman Jack O’Beirne served in the second ward with Mikyska and says there couldn’t have been a better guy.  He says he always felt like Mikyska should have run for mayor.

Funeral services for Mikyska are pending with the Mueller Funeral Home in Peru.

Murder Suspects Get Trial Date

Four people charged with murder in Ottawa are pleading not guilty.

Brother and sister Louis Lomeli of Sheridan and Jamie Lomeli of Ottawa along with brothers Jason and Joshua Ward of Ottawa entered the pleas Thursday morning in front of Judge Cynthia Raccuglia.  They’re accused in the beating death of 30-year old Darrio Hunter. He was found beaten outside Jamie Lomeli’s house last week on the west end of Ottawa.  Investigators think the murder revolved around a drug deal.

The four are scheduled to go to trial August 8^th.

A club for young professionals hopes cookout will attract new faces

Young professionals may not have years of experience to tap for business ideas, but that doesn’t mean that can’t get involved.  A regional group of young people created by area chambers of commerce wants to continue growing and part of their strategy is an old fashion cookout.

Scott Wallock is a founding member and president of The 2140 Club.  He’s from Peru and works in Ladd.  He says they want to help the local chambers understand what type of industry they should be trying to attract and more.

Wallock says that during the last two years they’ve been getting everything in order and now they’re trying to expand their membership.

He’s hoping the cookout will help.  It’s Saturday from 4pm-8pm at Lehigh Park in Oglesby.  It’s open to people ages 21 through 40.  They’ll be able to network and learn more about their group.

You can learn more about The 2140 Club by listening to an interview available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.