Planters blooming in downtown Peru

A splash of color has been added to downtown Peru.  Volunteers spent the weekend planting flowers in the planters along Fourth and Water Streets.  They also worked on the gardens at the police and fire departments.

Alderman Rodney Perez organized the group of volunteers as a way of beautifying the city and saving money.  He says that so far they’ve spent $276 on plants.  About 16 people have volunteered.

The city could still hire a landscaping company to maintain other city gardens though Perez thinks that work could be handled by two part-time workers during the summer months.  He thinks if they’re paid $9 an hour, the city would save several thousand dollars.

Public Works Superintendent Gary Bleck wants to talk more about it before hiring someone.

Nursing Home Strike In Ottawa Enters Third Day

Day three of a strike at Ottawa Pavilion is underway.

CNA’s, housekeepers and food service workers walked off the job Saturday morning at the nursing and rehab center in Ottawa.  Union officials says their workers just want a “fair contract”.  They’ve been working under an expired contract since August 1^st.

Ottawa Pavilion representatives say they’re offering salary increases and workers at the home are already the highest paid compared to other skilled care facilities in the area.   They’ve brought in replacement workers to care for the people at the nursing home.

The sides met for several hours with a mediator Friday but couldn’t come to an agreement.  Union reps say no new negotiation session is planned.

Governor Won’t Say If He Supports Medical Marijuana

CHICAGO (AP) – Gov. Pat Quinn says he’s reviewing a bill that would legalize the medical use of marijuana.

Quinn told the City Club of Chicago on Monday he’s “open minded” on the issue but wouldn’t say if he’ll sign it into law. The Illinois Senate and House have approved the bill and Lt Gov Sheila Simon supports it. State Represenative Frank Mautino and State Senator Sue Rezin voted against the idea.

The bill would allow Illinois patients who already have a relationship with a doctor to be prescribed a limited amount from a state-run dispensary. The legislation provides a list of more than 30 serious illnesses that marijuana can be prescribed for.

Opponents fear it could open the door to increased drug use.

Peru Little League Named Concert Beneficiary

When Brantley Gilbert takes the Peru airport stage August 3^rd he’ll be doing so on behalf of Peru little leaguers.

Concerts for a Cause organizer Lou’s La Grotto announced Sunday that the Peru Little League will get proceeds from Gilbert’s concert.  The money raised will benefit both baseball and softball leagues.

Tim McGraw will be at the airport in Peru July 6^th as part of the Concerts for a Cause series.  Proceeds from his show will benefit the local chapter of the March of Dimes.

Tickets for both Gilbert and McGraw remain on sale at Lou’s La Grotto, by calling them or ordering them from their website.  96.5 the Wolf is sponsoring both shows.

Fire Damages Mendota Apartments

A warm Sunday evening turned bad fast at an apartment complex in Mendota.

Reports of a fire at a building on Sandra Avenue started coming in minutes before 7.  The fire took the roof off of the four-unit building. Seven fire departments were called to fight the fire.

The State Fire Marshall’s office was at the building investigating a cause Sunday night.  The Red Cross has been called to work with the families who lived in the fire-damaged apartments.