Plans for the 12th Annual Heritage Tractor Adventure announced

While it’s too early to see tractors in the fields, it’s time to sign up for the 12th Annual Heritage Tractor Adventure.

The route for this year’s tour will be based in Streator and include a trip to Ottawa for the Two Rivers Wine and Jazz Festival, Sheridan and Pontiac.

It’s scheduled for Friday, June 7th through Monday, June 10.  Tractors featured in the tour must be at least 30 years old and able to travel at least 10 miles per hour.

You can sign up for the tour or find more information at www.HeritageTractorAdventure.com

La Salle takes another step to creating a new comprehensive plan

           Future growth and goals for the City of La Salle will be included in detail in a new comprehensive plan.  While city officials have been gathering information for the plan for a couple of years, they’ve now hired a firm to develop and implement it.

          The city council Wednesday night officially hired Lakota Group of Chicago.  Mayor Jeff Grove says he would expect them to begin work soon. 

          The city’s last comprehensive plan was created in the 1960’s.

Intern will work with La Salle’s Economic Development Director

Just like you might have an intern at your office, the City of La Salle will once again have an intern working at city hall.

The intern comes from a program at Western Illinois University and will be working under the direction of Economic Development Director Don Alesky.

Mayor Jeff Grove says they chose the new student after interviewing a couple of candidates.  She’ll start in September and be with the city for 11 months.  After receiving a grant through the U.S.D.A. the intern will cost the city $7,500.

It’s the second intern to work with Alesky in recent years.

Rainy weather prompts flood watch

You’ll notice the Illinois River rising thanks to a rainy week. With rain in the forecast, the National Weather Services has issued a flood watch for the Illinois River at La Salle from Friday morning through Monday evening.

They’re predicting the river to reach flood stage by early Friday. Only minor flooding is predicted. The lower parking lot at Starved Rock State Park could be affected.

Some “reform” in store for Peru Township

          Candidates for Peru Township who campaigned on “reforming” the township came away with mixed results.

          Democrat Mike Hocking held off Independent Travis Nelson for Peru Township Supervisor with 54% of the vote.  Independents Art Rigby and Eddie Mitchell won seats on the Peru Township Trustees but fellow Independent Mary Landsiedel fell short getting beaten by Democrat Douglas Bernabei and Republican Chuck Studer.

          In the race for Peru Township Highway Commissioner, Matt Debo received 63% of the vote to beat Joe Oscepinski Sr.  

Voter turnout higher than expected in La Salle County

          Congratulations La Salle County, you exceed expectations at the polls.

          According to preliminary numbers, 20,841 votes were cast in this election, good for a voter turnout of over 30%.  Of the nearly 21,000 votes, nearly a 1,000 were cast as early or absentee votes.

          Before the election, La Salle County Clerk JoAnn Caretto had predicted turnout to be around 20%.