IDNR is planning a dam for Lake DePue

Standing on the shore of Lake DePue it’s hard to tell how deep the lake is. The lake gets most of its water from the Illinois River which means when the river is low, so it the lake. Sometimes it’s too low for the power boat races that draw hundreds of visitors each summer.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is coming up with a dam to keep water in the lake. Rick Gosch is with IDNR’s Water Resources and Planning Division. He says they haven’t looked at it in great detail yet but he imagines they could build a concrete abutment.

Temporary dams were built in 2012 and 2013 so the lake would be at least five feet deep, deep enough for racing. Gosch says they’ll likely use a temporary dam again this summer.

Peru Police look for vehicle in hit and run

If you notice a white vehicle with front end damage and black paint transfer give the Peru Police Department or Illinois Valley Crimestoppers a call. Officers are looking for it because they think it hit something in the 2500 block of Seventh Street Monday night and kept going.

Peru approves a deal for airport concerts

Peru and Merry Noonan of “Concerts for a Cause” have reached a deal to hold two concerts at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport this summer. A couple of aldermen are more concerned with the money than who is playing.

Before voting on the agreement Monday night, Alderman Tony Ferrari wanted to know how many hours city employees put in working security and cleanup. He was also upset to hear about one of the concerts on the radio before it was approved by the city council.

In the agreement, Noonan will pay the city a dollar for every ticket sold with a minimum of $6,800. Noonan will also pay for security inside of the venue. The city will be responsible for parking and security outside of the concert.

Country artists Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell are performing July 13. Noonan hasn’t announced the line up for the August 16 show nor has she announced the charities.

Sales tax referendum a step closer to happening in Oglesby

No one likes taxes but are some types better than others?

According to the NewsTribune, the Oglesby City Council put on file an ordinance that calls for a ballot question in November to raise the city’s sales tax a half cent. Council members are trying to get more revenue to pay for things like police pensions without raising property taxes.

If the sales-tax question is approved in November, Finance Commissioner Paul Danekas thinks it’ll bring in over $150,000 in new revenues.

State’s highest court will preside in Ottawa

If you’re a fan of Court TV or shows like Law and Order, Ottawa should be a destination Wednesday.

The Illinois Supreme Court will hear two cases in the Appellate Court building on Columbus Street in Ottawa. The state’s highest court is on the move because their regular courtroom in Springfield is undergoing renovations.

If you want to check out the supreme court in action, be at the courthouse by 10:30 am. They will take up cases dealing with Chicago’s red light program and enhanced sentencing with a state gun law.