Peru Treasurer says he’s waiting on EAV information

Out of all the bills on your mind, your tax bill probably isn’t one of them.  Though there’s a good chance your city leaders are thinking about the next tax levy.

The finance committee will begin talking about the tax levy next Wednesday.  City Treasurer Gary Hylla says it’s hard to say what they could be asking for because they’re waiting on the county to tell them about the city’s estimated equalized assessed valuation.

Hylla says that’s information they should have received from the La Salle County Treasurer in April.  What he does know is that the Peru Library Board will likely be asking for an extra $55,000 next year.  He’s not sure if they’ll be able to receive that.

Drug charges following search in La Salle

Marijuana plants and heroin are what police say they found after searching a home in downtown La Salle.

Jon Morton of La Salle and Arthur Davis of Chicago were arrested Friday by members of TRIDENT.  Police say they also found growing equipment and drug paraphernalia.

Morton was charged with unlawful production of cannabis plants while Davis was charged with unlawful delivery of controlled substance.  They were being held in the La Salle County Jail.

Sheley won’t testify at Whiteside County trial

MORRISON, Ill. (AP) – Testimony is over at the second trial of a man accused of killing eight people in Illinois and Missouri.

Nicholas Sheley today told Judge F. Michael Meersman that he won’t testify in the Whiteside County trial. He’s pleaded not guilty in the 2008 slaying of 93-year-old Russell Reed of Sterling.

Sheley’s decision came shortly after prosecutors rested their case following six days of testimony. Sheley’s attorney chose not to call any witnesses, so closing arguments are scheduled to begin tomorrow morning.

Sheley has already been sentenced to life in prison for the bludgeoning death of a 65-year-old Galesburg man, and he faces trials in six other deaths.

Utica Puts On Show Of Thanks For Veterans

An era of veteran’s that most would argue have never been given their just due were thanked by thousands in Utica.

The sixth annual Utica Veteran’s Day Parade was dedicated to Vietnam War veterans.  Thousands lined downtown Utica to take in a parade that featured well over 150 entries.  During the parade there were two different military fly-overs.

After the festive parade, attention turned to Danny Carey Memorial Park for a memorial ceremony.  Marine Corps veteran Roger Reynolds of Ottawa was the featured speaker.