Peru tightens rules for signage

Think before you post a sign advertising your yard sale or your church’s cookie sale in Peru.  New signage rules limit the number of signs you can post and where you can put them.  You’ll also need to receive permission from Zoning Inspector Frank Taylor and be required to put down a $100 deposit.

The city council finally agreed on revised guidelines Monday night and they include signs for politicians and non-profit events.

Monthly rates increasing for Illinois Veteran’s Homes residents

The cost of living in an Illinois State Veteran’s Home is increasing starting July 1.  It’s the first monthly rate increase since 1979 when rates were set at $930 per month according Erica Borggren, the Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Borggren says people just moving into a veteran’s home will have to pay the full increase immediately.  It will be more gradual for people already living in a home.

The new monthly rate will be $1,430 but will still be based on what you can pay.  Starting in 2016 the rate will adjust with the Social Security cost-of-living increase.  Borggren says the increase came after a series of hearings last fall.

Peru Police Looking For Smoke Shop Employee

A January armed robbery report at the Peru Smoke Shop was made up.

Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says no one robbed the store at gun point.  Instead the clerk, Mustapha Zenati lied to police and has since fled the area.  A warrant for obstructing justice has been issued for Zenati.  Bernabei says he fled soon after making the fake robbery report.

If you have information on where Mustapha Zenati may be, call Peru Police or Illinois Valley Crimestoppers.

Spring Valley Pair Accused Of Dealing Drugs

Roommates in Spring Valley face charges of dealing heroin.

Peru and Spring Valley Police worked together on a month-long investigation and arrested Jennifer Doll and Robert Reynolds this morning.  Doll was picked up on a La Salle County warrant for delivery of heroin while Reynolds was arrested on a Bureau County warrant for delivery of heroin.  Both were taken to jail.

Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says additional charges are possible.