Peru aldermen leave bike path resolution tabled

          Peru will not be getting a bike path anytime soon.  And probably not a new swimming pool either.  Given the opportunity to pursue an IDOT grant for a bike path, the city council unanimously decided Monday night they would not support the path by tabling the vote.  The deadline to apply for the grant is Tuesday. 

Mayor Scott Harl doesn’t agree and says he thinks they made a mistake.  The grant would have covered 80 percent of the cost, or roughly $800,000. 

But members of Friends for the Peru Pool, a group raising money for a new pool, are happy with the decision.  They think money for a bike path should be given to the pool fund. 

But Harl doesn’t think the city can afford a new pool without coming up with new money to pay for it.  He wants the aldermen have an advisory pool referendum on the March 2014 ballot. 

Police searching for man accused of shooting another man in the face

A man is being hospitalized for a gunshot wound while another is being sought for attempted murder.  Investigators with the La Salle County Sheriff’s Department say they’re looking for 28 year old Richard Felton of Tonica.  They believe he shot Jeremy Wade of Grand Ridge in the face while one the Sandy Ford Bridge along Route 178 last night.

Sheriff’s deputies say they received a 911 call late Sunday night.  Police believe Wade fell from the bridge into the Vermilion River after being shot in the face by Felton.  They say Wade was able to crawl out of the river and go to a nearby home for help.  He’s being treated at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  At last check, he was in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s office has issued an arrested warrant for Felton, who also is known as “Merch”.  Felton is wanted for attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.  He’s described as black, 6’1″ and 170 pounds.  He’s considered armed and extremely dangerous.  If you know where he is call Illinois Valley Crimestoppers or the La Salle County Sheriff’s Department.

Resale shop receives a visit from a USDA official

          You might shop at Lily Pads Resale Boutique in Peru because you think it’s a cool place to find old knickknacks but in addition to finding old treasures and secondhand shirts, you’re raising money for two homeless shelters. 

The store recently added on so they would have a larger sales floor.  The addition was funded by a loan guaranteed by the USDA.  Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Patrice Kunesh was at the store Monday.

          She spoke with the director of PADS, Carol Alcorn.  Alcorn says that the store has helped them to expand the hours and moths the shelter is open.  PADS has shelters in Peru and Ottawa.

Quinn signs 70 mph speed limit for rural highways

     CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois drivers will soon be able to drive 70 mph on rural interstates under a bill signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn.

      The Chicago Democrat had been mum on his decision-making, but in a statement Monday said the bill brings Illinois in line with dozens of other states who’ve raised limits.

      Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation secretary had opposed the measure, saying higher limits increase chances for accidents.

      The law takes effect in January.

      Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis, a sponsor, says most drivers already go 70 mph or faster and raising the limit produces a more even traffic flow.

      Nearly three dozen other states have raised their speed limits since federal limits ended in 1995.

United Way prepares for annual fundraising campaign

When you support the United Way of the Illinois Valley you’re indirectly supporting the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, the Lighted Way, the Horizon House and many other non-profit organizations.

The local United Way kicks off their annual fundraising campaign Saturday.   Executive Director Julie Sloan says their goal is to raise $355,000 for 17 agencies.

To begin their money-raising efforts they’re hosting the I Pull for the United Way Saturday at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru.  Teams of 10 will pull a Maze Lumber truck, a John Deer tractor and a crane from Catani Crane.  Teams are still being accepted.

Bridge replacement to affect traffic on County Highway 9

          A bridge along the Prairie Center Blacktop is going to be out of commission for the next two months.  Beginning Wednesday, Prairie Center Blacktop, also known as La Salle County Highway 9 will be closed at the bridge just south of Route 52. 

The bridge is being replaced.  Work should be completed by mid-October.