Sales tax increase question returning to Spring Valley ballot

People change their minds all the time. Supporters of a sales tax increase in Spring Valley hope they can change enough people’s minds to pass a referendum.

According to the NewsTribune, for the second time this year, voters in Spring Valley will be asked to approve a half percent sales tax increase to pay for roads. Earlier this year, the same ballot question failed with 56% of the votes against the tax increase.

Alderman Tom Nesti is against putting the tax increase on the November ballot saying its too soon from the last vote and that many voters will just say no to any tax. Alderman Chuck Hansen though says “a lot of things don’t pass the first time” and thinks Spring Valley needs the increased tax money for road repairs.

Congressman Kinzinger presses issue of heroin use in Illinois

WASHINGTON (AP) – Heroin is an issue in the Illinois Valley and your congressman wants to meet with the top U.S. law enforcer to talk treatment strategies for heroin addiction.

A letter sent by Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Democrat Bobby Rush urges Attorney General Eric Holder’s Department of Justice to take a comprehensive approach in dealing with heroin use. Kinzinger says treatment medications combined with counseling and case management can do more to curb heroin abuse than prison alone.

Heroin-related deaths have risen in certain areas of the state, most notably in suburban Chicago and in southwestern Illinois.

Apparent domestic spat involves handgun outside Mendota

A report of shots fired had La Salle County deputies converging on a home east of Mendota.

Just after one Monday afternoon, Jamie Lewis was arrested after being accused of firing several shots from a handgun into his girlfriend’s vehicle in Meriden. After shooting, Lewis allegedly then used rocks and a hammer to do further damage to the vehicle. His girlfriend wasn’t inside her vehicle at the time.

Lewis was picked up for felony criminal damage to property and taken to the La Salle County Jail.

Splash pad supporters share vision in Peru

Frogs and leaves that spray water will provide a break from the heat if Peru receives a state grant for a splash pad.  Friends for Peru Pool explained their vision for a splash pad, parking lot, and volleyball court during a public hearing Monday.  The hearing was part of their effort to receive an OSLAD grant from IDNR.

The additions to Washington Park are estimated to cost $512,000.  The grant would pay for up to half.

The next step is to have the city council pass a resolution pledging to pay for the match.  Friends for Peru says they have $100,000 to contribute but Mayor Scott Harl wants them to send letter to their donors making sure they’re okay with the money going towards a splash pad and not a swimming pool.