Peru prepared to borrow $2,784,000 for road and sewer project

Borrowing money isn’t allows the best way to finance a project but in Peru it’s how they’re paying for a streets and sewer work this construction season.

The city is only a few days away from likely taking out a $2,784,000 loan through Midland States Bank.  The interest rate would be 2.74% and it would be paid back in less than five years using money from a sales tax increase.

The streets being resurfaced include stretches of Shooting Park Road and some side streets.  Other work includes sewer upgrades for the expansion of Eakas Corporation.

The city council will vote on the loan Monday night.

House passes cellphone ban for Illinois drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Using a cellphone while driving would be illegal under a measure approved by the Illinois House.

The proposal would make an exception for drivers who use some sort of hands-free device to make calls. There’s also an exception for emergencies.

The bill passed 62-53 Thursday and moves to the Senate.

Lawmakers who oppose the bill complain that it would make Illinois a “nanny state.”

Using a cellphone while driving would be a moving violation, like a speeding ticket. Three moving violations in a year and drivers can lose their license.

Chicago has had a similar ban for years.

Peru City Council receives a lesson about the Central States Tournament

Before the lines are chalked and the umpire cries “batter up!” a lot of work goes into the Central State Baseball Tournament.

Part of the work is getting sponsors to shoulder the $37,000 cost of running the games.  Don Finley and Tim Trevier with the tournament explained it to the Peru City Council Wednesday night.

Alderman Tony Ferrari says he wants them to keep the city updated on what’s happening.

Finley says they’ve had trouble getting all of the motels in Peru to be a $500 level sponsor and to hold blocks of rooms for teams.  Finley also says the opening ceremony and championship games are being held in Oglesby this summer after they agreed last year to have it shift back and fourth between Peru and Oglesby.  Finley stressed that Peru hotels and restaurants still make money from the games.  Peru and Oglesby have donated $2,500.

The Central States Tournament traditionally is the first week of August.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Utica

Utica is going green this weekend.

The 8^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Utica gets going at five o’clock Saturday with the lineup at four.  Once the parade is over, many Utica bars and restaurants will offer Irish food specials and some live Irish music.

Jaimie London broadcasts live from Utica  starting at 4.

Two Area Lakes Closed For Fishing Because Of Carp Problem

Two area lakes will be closed to fishing this year as the state battles invasive common carp.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the Hennepin and Hopper Lakes in Putnam County will be closed to all public
sport fishing. The DNR has been working with The Wetlands Initiative, a nonprofit organization, to remove carp from the lakes over the last few years. The lakes were drained in 2009, and a fish toxicant was applied to try to kill off the carp. But by last summer, ecologists realized that enough fish survived and have staged what they’re calling a “carp comeback.”

The Wetlands Initiative says it’s tweaking the removal strategy to make the effort more successful.

Food Pantry Gearing Up For Easter Meals

Easter is quickly approaching and with it comes the need for food pantry donations.

The Illinois Valley Food Pantry’s Easter Distribution happens March 31^st from 10 until 2.  Executive Director Donna Hess says they expect to serve 630 local, low-income families.  If you would like a meal from the pantry, you have to register by March 28^th.

The pantry is always looking for donations.  Suggestions include instant potatoes, pork and beans, canned fruit and ham.

You can drop off donations at the pantry at 136 Marquette Street in La Salle on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Governor Asks Feds For Tornado Relief

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Gov. Pat Quinn is asking President Obama to declare five southern Illinois counties major disaster areas so that people and businesses affected by recent tornadoes can receive federal aid.

Federal assistance is being sought for Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties. In Saline County, six people killed when a tornado swept through Harrisburg. The National Weather Service has given the tornado an EF4 rating, the second-highest rating given to twisters.

The rating is assigned to storms based on damage they cause.