Peru at-large referendum unchallanged

A referendum asking to reduce the size of the Peru city council will be on the March primary ballot. 

Nobody challenged the petitions turned in last week by a group calling themselves the Peru At-Large Initiative.  Monday was the deadline to file a challenge. 

Peru City Clerk Dave Bartley says a few people looked at copies.  Next Bartley will certify that the petitions were turned in according to the rules and forward it to the La Salle County Clerk’s office.

Peru voters will also have a referendum asking if the city should build a new swimming pool. 

Chicago man wanted for home invasion following Spring Valley shooting

Last week you heard about a man in Spring Valley being shot.  Police say they have an arrest warrant for one of two people they think were involved.

19-year-old Joshua Neslon of Chicago is wanted for home invasion.  He’s described as Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He’s 5 foot 7 and weighs 160 pounds.

Spring Valley Police received a 911 call early last Friday morning from a man that had been shot in the lower back.  The man was treated and released from St. Margaret’s Hospital.  Police believe it was part of a drug deal gone wrong.

If you know anything about Nelson or the shooting, call Illinois Valley Crimestoppers or the Spring Valley Police Department.

City offices to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday

If you have to pay your water and garbage bill, you’ll have to wait until Thursday.  Most city offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday for Christmas.

And if your garbage is normally picked up Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, it will likely be picked up a day later than usual.   Tuesday’s garbage routes shouldn’t be affected.

Garbage routes may vary from town to town.

Gas Prices Shoot Up Ahead Of Christmas

Just in time for Christmas week road trips, the price at the pump has went up.

Most gas stations in the Illinois Valley went up about 15 cents a gallon Saturday into Sunday with many selling unleaded at $3.19 a gallon.  As of Sunday some places in Streator were still selling for under 3 bucks a gallon.

The statewide average for gas right now is $3.38 a gallon.  That’s 15 cents above the national average.

WiFi Coming To Amtrak Trains

CHICAGO (AP) – Amtrak trains operating out of Chicago to points across Illinois and the Midwest will soon offer free Internet access.

Wi-Fi will be installed on the Chicago-to-Carbondale and Chicago-to-Quincy lines. It’ll also be expanded to all four roundtrips on Chicago-to-St. Louis trains; those trains also stop in Springfield.

Amtrak says the plan is to have the online service installed by early February.

Soldiers Could Use Your Frequent-Flyer Miles

CHICAGO (AP) – If you’ve racked up frequent-flyer miles, why not consider donating those miles to injured soldiers and their families for the holidays.

Since 2005, Operation Hero Miles has issued more than 40,000 donated tickets. The Fisher House Foundation that manages the programs says it’s saved military families nearly $63 million in ticket costs over the years.

Gov. Pat Quinn says it’ll give wounded soldiers a well-deserved opportunity to spend more time with relatives during the holidays.

Latest Road Condition Reports

While sidewalks and parking lots may be a different story, driving on the interstates today should be fine.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says right now both Interstate 80 and 39 are clear of any ice or snow in any direction.

Some country roads could still be slick so be careful driving as light snow is possible throughout the day today. For the latest road condition reports click http://wrc.gettingaroundillinois.com/pages/wrc.htm

Latest Storm Grazes Illinois Valley

As expected, the weekend storm didn’t bring much snow to the Illinois Valley.

According to the National Weather Service, an inch and a half of snow fell in Princeton and Mendota with an inch in Paw Paw.  Only a half inch of snow fell in La Salle, Marseilles and Ottawa.  Just a trace of snow came down in Streator.

Many spots also had at least a tenth of an inch of freezing rain or sleet.