State grant could build another path to the I & M Canal in La Salle

There was a time when you could walk to the I & M Canal by using the old Route 351 entrance into La Salle.  That could be possible again if the city can receive a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The city is applying for grant money to build a walking path connecting downtown La Salle to Lock 14.  They want a pedestrian bridge that would take you from Canal Street, over the railroad tracks and onto land that was once the old Route 351.  The path would gradually wind down the old highway approach allowing it to be handicap accessible, leaving you at Lock 14.

La Salle Economic Development Director Don Aleksy thinks they have a good chance for receiving the grant because the bridge and path would connect the I & M Canal tow path and the Kaskaskia Trail.  The city also has the backing of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Canal Corridor Association and a bicycling group.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $746,000 with the grant covering 80 percent.  The city would be responsible for an estimated $153,000.

They’ll find out in November if they receive it.  They wouldn’t get the money until 2015.

Peru holds off on selling Water Street property

          Does a gourmet hamburger sand tasty?  A new restaurant could be coming to Water Street in Peru.  Andrew and Brenda Rice want to buy the former ESDA building at 1515 Water Street and turn it into a restaurant.  The city is selling it because they no longer need. 

          The building is near Brandy’s and Waterstreet Pub, two other restaurants.

          The city council was prepared to approve the sale of the building Monday night but delayed it until next week out of concerns about the way the sale was being handled. 

          The city council doesn’t have to accept the highest offer, just the one that is the best for the city.

          Alderman Dave Potthoff says he doesn’t want to see the building just used for storage.

Peru to buy old motel banquet center

A blighted property is coming off the market in Peru, but not because of a developer.

The city is buying the old banquet center building that was part of the former Holiday Inn for $35,000. The city council agreed Monday night to buy it.

All but Alderman Rodney Perez thinks it’s a good move.  Perez says the city will lose money paying to have the asbestos removed and for demolition. Alderman Dave Potthoff says it’s positive for the city.

The city already agreed to buy a larger portion of the old motel last December for $37,000 plus years of legal fees.

Alleged Drinking Party Busted In Oglesby

What better way to end summer break than get arrested for underage drinking.

Oglesby Police say they busted a large underage drinking bash just after midnight this morning in the 200 block of Porter Avenue.  18-year old Carlos Covarrubias was allegedly hosting the bash and was arrested along another 18-year old Anycia Cruz-Molina of Peru for underage drinking.

Others picked up at the party were ten, 17-year olds from Peru, three 17-year olds from La Salle and Oglesby and one 17-year old from Utica.  Everyone was released with court dates.

Police Officers Thanked For Oglesby River Rescue

AURORA, Ill. (AP) – Two Aurora police sergeants are being honored for their recent rescue of five young rafters who were trapped in the water at a dam on the Vermilion River.

The Illinois Conservation Police plans to honor Sgts. Dan Eppard and Rick Ahlgren today at the Aurora Police Department. Eppard and Ahlgren were off duty and kayaking on the Vermilion near Oglesby June 28th when they saw the young rafters in danger. The officers beached their kayak and threw a rope to the youngsters, pulling them to safety.

The rafters, all boys, ranged in age from 10 to 14. A 10-year-old was treated for hypothermia at the scene. None of the others was injured.

Open House To Discuss Future Of La Salle

Have some ideas on how to develop La Salle in the future?  Here’s your chance to share them with decision makers.

The city is having an open house Thursday from 6 to 8 at Uptown Bar and Grill to discuss La Salle’s comprehensive plan.  Main topics will include economic development, neighborhood revitalization, transportation and community appearance.

For more information, visit http://www.planlasalle.com/.

Buy A Pizza And Support Peru Little Leaguers

Despite low attendance, the Peru Little League should still get a decent amount of money from the “Concerts for a Cause” program with Lou’s La Grotto.

The pizza joint announced on its Facebook that for the next month, they’ll donate a dollar from every pizza sold to the Peru Little League.  The fundraiser will not include pizzas sold on Mondays.

Concert organizers say attendance to Brantley Gilbert’s show was lower than expected so they’re doing this as a way to raise funds for the little leaguers.

Ladd Pair Accused Of Dealing Illegal Painkillers

Leave the pain killers to pharmacists.

Dale Leonard and Vanessa Cowan of Ladd are accused of selling morphine pills to undercover informants with the drug group Tri-DENT on Friday.  The pair allegedly sold 11 morphine pills to an undercover informant and were arrested for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Leonard and Cowan were taken to the La Salle County Jail with bond set at 500 thousand dollars.  Leonard is due next in court on the 29^th with Cowan appearing before a judge on the 30^th.