Ottawa Mayor Unhappy About Central School Negotiations

A deal hasn’t been reached for the city of Ottawa to buy the flooded out Central School and that has Mayor Bob Eschbach frustrated.

After the elementary school board left a meeting Monday night without making an offer to the city or accepting their price, Eschbach said he hopes the board does what’s best for Ottawa and sells the school so a dangerous and valueless building can be torn down.  The city has money to tear the building down but the mayor points out they have to own it first.

Eschbach is worried they’ll lose the demolition grant money if a deal isn’t made soon.  He says the grant is an opportunity that won’t present itself again.

The city had an agreement with the school district to buy Central School if they were able to get three million dollars more in grants but FEMA denied the request.  Eschbach says it’s because FEMA thinks the 12 million dollars they’ve already given the district to build a new school is enough.

The Igloo marks 75 years in business

Happy Birthday America and the Igloo drive-in in Peru.  The restaurant on Route 6 best know for pork tenderloin sandwiches celebrates 75 years of business Wednesday.  Menu items have been added and it’s changed owners but for the most part, things have been consistent which maybe part of its success.

Rich Decker grew up nine blocks from the Igloo and now owns it with his wife Christine.

Dining at the restaurant you’ll notice the recipes haven’t changed.  Decker says they’ve added a few new menu items like a sandwich of the month, cheese fries and Green River soda.  He thinks the next change could be to maybe add delivery but before that can happen they would need a larger kitchen.

Decker says the community has accepted them.  They’re celebrating their anniversary with discounted sodas and giveaways.

You can listen to an interview with Decker at the AM 1220 WLPO News Page.

Woman indicted for heroin free on bond

She’s out of jail but she’s not out of trouble with the law.  Kathy Holocker of Streator was one of several people indicted by a La Salle County Grand Jury Tuesday.

Holocker is accused of selling heroin to someone working undercover with TRIDENT.  She’s out of jail after posting $10,000 bond.

New ward boundaries official in Peru

It’s been awhile since Peru rolled out several choices for new ward maps.  The new ward boundaries were officially approved Monday night.

The ward map was designed by the same company that handled the new district map for the La Salle County Board.  The new boundaries will place Alderman Mike Radtke in a different ward.

The boundaries won’t change until April 9, 2013.  The first election affected will be next April.

Heat Advisory In Effect

You won’t find a break from the extreme heat in your extended forecast.  A Heat advisory continues until Thursday night.

The National Weather Service says it could reach 100 Wednesday and feel hotter; likewise, for Thursday when it’s predicted to warm up to 102 before you factor in the sun and humidity.

Kid Rock Ticket Deadlines

Time is running out to order your Kid Rock tickets online.

Online orders will end Thursday.  After that, you can buy tickets by calling Lou’s La Grotto in Peru thru Sunday.  Next week, tickets will only be available at Lou’s.

Tickets for Kid Rock are 58 dollars apiece.  He will be at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport July 13^th as part of the ongoing “Concerts for a Cause” series.  Proceeds will benefit Holy Trinity School in La Salle.

You can sign up for a chance to win a pair of Kid Rock tickets tonight as part of the 993 WAJK Peru fireworks broadcast.

Less Beer Drinking In Illinois?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinoisans are drinking less beer.

According to the Washington-based Beer Institute consumption in Illinois fell by three six-packs per person from 2007 to 2011. Data from the industry group show Illinoisans consumed about 56 six packs per person in 2007. That fell to about 53 six packs in 2011.

Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois Executive Director Bill Olson says he doesn’t think any one factor explains the dip in beer drinking in Illinois. The state did raise the tax on beer to 23 cents a gallon in 2009.