Suggestion to move Peru fireworks gains support of rec committee

More people are getting behind an suggestion to move the site of the Peru fireworks.  The recreation committee says they’re open to looking for a new site for the annual July 3 event.  It’s been held on the Illinois River front over more than 20 years after being moved from Washington Park.

The idea to move the fireworks was brought up last week by Alderman Rodney Perez.  He says the taxpayers pay too much for it and it’s not family friendly.

After a suggestion by Mayor Scott Harl Wednesday night, the public property committee will also weigh in on the discussion.

Area Theaters Brace For Potter Fans

Better get tickets while you can for the final movie in the Harry Potter franchise.

Places like Carmike Cinemas in Peru and Morris, Roxy Cinemas in Ottawa and the Majestic Theatre in Streator are having midnight showings of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”.  According to Fandango, 12:01 2D showings in Peru and Morris are already sold out as is the 12:02 showing in Peru.  Tickets remain in Morris and Peru for midnight 3D showings and a 12:03 start time at the mall.

The Roxy and Majestic will have one showing at midnight tonight with tickets still available.

Cancer Benefit For Ex Fire Chief

A former Peru fire chief is battling cancer and his colleagues are doing their best to help.

A cancer benefit for firefighter Gary Eccles is planned for Saturday, August 6^th at Centennial Park in Peru.  Eccles has been diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cancer, which is a rare type of cancer that often occurs in the head and neck, particularly in the salivary glands.

The benefit runs from one until nine.  Tickets are 20 dollars a person with proceeds going to the Eccles family.  Kids 12 and younger are free.

The benefit will have food, drinks, live music and fire department water fights.

“Chicago” to be performed at Stage 212

A story about murder and sensationalism will leave you laughing and tapping your feet as Stage 212 presents the musical “Chicago.”  Written by Bob Fosse, the piece has been performed around the world and was also made into an award winning film.

This is the first time it’s being produced by Stage 212.  Jon Grigalunas is co-director along with his wife Ronda.  He says it’s a PG rated performance, not intended for young children.

The cast includes Emily Brodzik as Velma Kelly; Mary Mauck as Roxie Hart and Bob Kinsella as Billy Flynn.

Performances run July 22 through August 7.  Tickets are $20 a piece and many performances are expected to sellout.

An interview with Grigalunas is available at the AM 1220 WLPO news page.

Music, games and food planned for Lostant anniversary

Take a step back in time in Lostant.  The village in southern La Salle County is celebrating 150 years with a festival that begins Thursday and continues through Sunday.

Some of the things planned include fireworks, a carnival, parade, water fights, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Friday’s events include an all-you-can-eat fish fry sponsored by the Lostant Ambulance Service and a performance by the band Brushfire at 9pm.

Saturday brings a performance by the band Bubble Gum Jack.

The Lostant Police Department is sponsoring a chicken dinner Sunday.

Woman wants more information from Bureau County website

The internet has made it easier for you to find out information about what’s going on in your community, even your local governments.  A woman with the Bureau-La Salle Tea Party wants to see the Bureau County Board make more information available on their website.

The Newstribune reports that Chris Arndt talked to the board Tuesday about how difficult it is to find information about Bureau County government online.  She says you can’t get information about public meetings and county officials.

Marshann Entwhistle is the technology committee chairman.  She says a new website recently, www.bureaucounty-il.gov went online. The website lists information about the county board and links to other Bureau County websites but doesn’t cover most of the topics on Arndt’s list.

County Board Pay And Benefits Up For Debate

In the last election, most running for the La Salle County Board called the job part-time and said members shouldn’t receive pension and health insurance.  Their campaign promises could be put to the test tomorrow.

The La Salle County Board is expected to talk about compensation, pension and health insurance of board members during their monthly meeting in Ottawa.  A dozen county board members currently accept health insurance benefits from the county’s insurance program.  They filed over 33 thousand dollars worth of claims in the first quarter of 2011.

Any changes in pay or benefits won’t take effect until December of 2012 following another election.

Two Hurt In Ottawa Motorcycle Crash

A couple from Marseilles remains hospitalized after being in a motorcycle crash.

Paul Brand was in fair condition while his wife Denise was in critical condition at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria as of Tuesday afternoon.  Police say the couple’s motorcycle was hit Monday afternoon at a south side Ottawa intersection by a minivan driven by Ricardo Ramirez.  Ramirez is accused of driving without a valid license.

Officers don’t know who was driving the motorcycle.

Area Prison Workers Protest

Around 50 workers at the Sheridan Correctional Center formed a picket line yesterday in protest of Governor Pat Quinn canceling a negotiated pay raise.

Union workers at prisons, nursing homes and other state offices took part in the statewide picket.  They were due two percent pay raises July 1^st but Governor Pat Quinn said lawmakers didn’t give him enough money for the raises.

Union pickets were also held yesterday in Dixon, Dwight, Kewanee and Pontiac.