Peru and electric union reach a three-year contract

The people keeping the lights on in Peru will be receiving a pay raise while paying more for their healthcare.  The City of Peru and the IEBW were able to agree on a three-year contract affecting an estimated 10 electric department employees.   The city council approved it Monday night.

Employees will receive a two-percent wage increase each year while contributing more towards their health insurance.  Longevity has been eliminated for new hires.

Video Gaming Approved In Oglesby

Oglesby is the latest town to allow video gaming machines in bars.

The city council all agreed to change their ordinance allowing bars to get gaming licenses when the state finally decides to hand them out.  Right now, Bulldog’s Bar is the only place in Oglesby that has applied for a state gaming license.

When the machines are up and running, bars and the machine owner will each get 35 percent of the profits with the state getting 25 percent of the money and city 5 percent.

Burn Ban In Oglesby

Grass is dying in Oglesby just like everywhere else.

Oglesby Fire Chief Ron Popurella has issued a burn ban for the city and entire Oglesby Fire Protection District.  You can get a ticket for any kind of burning until further notice.  Popurella says you should also be careful when getting rid of cigarettes.

Grilling out is still fine.

Repairs scheduled for Route 23 in Ottawa

Getting in and out of downtown Ottawa could take longer after the holiday.  IDOT crews will make minor repairs on the Route 23 bridge Thursday and Friday.  One lane will be open to traffic in each direction.

Alcohol-free zone to be featured at Peru fireworks

You’ll still be able to have a beer while watching the fireworks in Peru Tuesday night, just make sure you don’t wander into the alcohol-free zone.

After a group of people complained about drinking at last year’s fireworks on Water Street, city officials, members of the Peru CSO and the police department came up with a plan to let families enjoy the fireworks without booze.

An alcohol-free zone will be set up along Water Street spanning from Brandy’s to Plain Street or the intersection by Maze Lumber.

Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says It’s the first time they’ve tried it.  He says signs will be posted and several officers will be watching the area.

If you don’t mind drinking or you plan to get a drink, the CSO will have a beer garden and a couple of restaurants will be serving.  The fireworks will begin at dusk.

Sex Crime Arrest In Spring Valley

A man from Spring Valley is accused of sexually abusing an underage girl.

Phillip Barroso was arrested on a warrant for aggravated criminal sexual abuse.  He’s accused of having sexual contact with a 16-year old girl in his apartment.

Barroso turned himself in.  He posted 25 hundred dollars bond and was released.

County Websites Get Failing Grades

Checked out your county government’s website recently?  If not, the Illinois Public Policy Institute says you aren’t missing much.

The conservative-leaning think tank graded 26 county websites in northern Illinois for transparency or openness and La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties all received “F” grades.  On a standard grading scale of 90 and up being an A and 60 percent being a D minus, La Salle County’s website scored a 42 percent.  Putnam County was given a 13 percent grade and Bureau County just 8 percent.

The county websites were graded on posting things like salaries, audits, tax rates, contracts and public meeting notices.

Money Being Raised For Stolen Donation Jar

How did you feel when you first heard the news about a donation jar being stolen from the Spring Valley Supermarket?  A couple in Spring Valley is stepping up to replace the stolen cash.

Jorgeanne and Rob Schramm have started an online donation drive in response to last week’s theft.  While a man was arrested, the donation jar hasn’t been found.

The couple already reached a goal of 500 dollars as Rob agreed to match the first 250 dollars that was raised.  They’ve raised over 700 dollars online with 27 days left in the donation drive.

According to the NewsTribune, the donation jar at the Spring Valley Supermarket had money for an annual St. Jude’s run in Peoria.

To donate, go to http://www.indiegogo.com/svsupermarketstjudefund

Heatwave Lasting Another Week

There are no heat watches or warnings but it’s still insanely hot.

The heat wave is extending another week with the weather service outlook calling the hot temperatures “unrelenting”.  Hot and humid conditions are forecast through Saturday with highs in the 90s and near 100 at times.

Factor in humidity and it’ll feel like 105 or hotter most afternoons.

Bank In Bureau County Closing

A bank in the area is closing in a couple months.

Citizens First State Bank in Ohio will close September 10^th.  A letter went out to bank members last month that said rising operating costs and the poor economy are to blame.  The Ohio bank had already cut back staff and hours.

There are also Citizens First State Bank branches in Walnut and Wyanet.

It’s been a tough year for the Ohio bank.  In October, it was robbed of nearly eight thousand dollars.