Committee recommends burning ordinance for La Salle

Roasting marshmallows over a backyard fire would be allowed but burning leaves or other materials wouldn’t be under new burning rules proposed in La Salle.

The city’s Public Health committee agreed 3 to 2 Tuesday night on a burning ordinance that would ban burning in yards where people could instead have their leaves removed by the leaf vac.

The ordinance would allow you to burn firewood in a recreational fire pit and small branches and twigs.  People living in areas zoned agricultural would also be allowed to burn leaves.

If you fell under another exception you could ask the fire chief for a burning permit.

The city council will likely vote on the recommendation next month.

A La Salle church explains plans for their steel structure

An outdoor concert venue or maybe a pavilion- for years visitors to La Salle have been wondering about the steel structure next to the Midwest Center for Christian Living.  You can see the never-completed building from Interstate 80.

Reverend Tom Arnold hopes by next year you’ll see a building that’s been closed in.  With an engineer at his side, Arnold explained to the La Salle City Council Tuesday night plans to enclose the frame by the end of the year.

Arnold’s engineer, Jim Clinard, says the structure is sound.  Ultimately the building would be finished to code and would be an addition to the building they’re using.

Arnold says the decision to do something with the structure is both the church’s and the city’s.  He says Mayor Jeff Grove asked him about it soon after taking office.

The city council has already agreed to waive a masonry requirement.

La Salle apartment fire considered suspicious

A fire that has left several La Salle families looking for another place to stay is considered suspicious.  Firefighters were called to the yellow six- unit apartment house in the 500 block of 3^rd Street around 6:30pm Tuesday.

Fire Chief Andy Bacidore says when they arrived they found heavy smoke towards the back of the building.  He says bedding and other stuff was burning in an upstairs apartment.  The woman living in that unit was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Everyone else, including a family with young children, made it out unharmed.  They were receiving help from Illinois Valley Red Cross volunteers since the other apartments were left with minor smoke damage.

Bacidore says the owner of the building Denis Gaffeny happened to be there working outside.  The La Salle Police Department is handling the investigation.

Bureau Valley High School Student to have art featured in Washington

A drawing featuring a young woman’s face is the self-portrait that has a Bureau Valley High School student heading to Washington D.C.

Senior Bailey Roberts’ piece, “Quiescency” was selected the winner of the 11^th Congressional District Art Competition.  It’s Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s district.

Roberts’ work will be displayed in a yearlong exhibit in the Cannon tunnel that leads to the U.S. Capitol.   Roberts and a guest will also be flown to Washington, D.C. to attend the official art show opening.

Sophia Alonzo of Ottawa High School took second place with her piece titled “Kylie in the Sky with Diamonds”.

The artwork was selected based on a crowd-source vote and by a panel of local judges.

Run/walk returns to Ladd Saturday

Somebody you know has been affected by colon cancer, a disease that’s preventable but deadly.

A race in Ladd Saturday raises money for the Colon Cancer Coalition and local cancer patients.  The third annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K walk-run starts at 10am Saturday at the Ladd Community Center.

Registration begins at 8am.  Pre-registration online is open through Wednesday.

IEPA to host public meeting about sand mine permits

Before a sand mine can be set up east of Starved Rock State Park the mining company needs to receive air and water permits.

Mississippi Sands is asking the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Bureau of Air for a permit allowing the construction of crushers, screens, conveyors, a dryer, and other operations associated with processing of the sand.

They’re also applying to the IEPA’s Bureau of Water for a general storm water permit for storm water that will run from the site.

You can learn more about the permits during a public meeting from 6-9pm Wednesday at Illinois Valley Community College.  Representatives of the I-EPA, IDNR, and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency will be there.

Peru hires company for fireworks, keeps alcohol

Come the evening of July 3 in Peru, you’ll find families lining the Illinois River front watching the annual fireworks display.  And you’ll also find a beer garden and taverns open along Water Street.

Aldermen on the Public Health and Safety committee worked out the alcohol policy with members of the Peru CSO Monday night.  Alderman Tony Ferrari says you’ll be allowed to drink but there will be restricted areas where you can’t have alcohol, like when you’re walking down to the fireworks from a street further up the hill.

Melrose Pyrotechnics has been hired to set of the display for $20,000.  As always, the rain date is July 4.