A minor win for IVCC as a Putnam County tax lawsuit continues

A property tax dispute that began in 2011 continues. Illinois Valley Community College is arguing with Marquis Energy, Putnam County and its Clerk and Recorder and Treasurer about whether property taxes for Marquis Energy’s ethanol plant should have been abated.

The plant is in the Bureau-Putnam Area Enterprise Zone. IVCC officials say they never wanted to abate the property taxes from the plant but Putnam County officials abated the taxes anyway. That led to IVCC taking Putnam County to court.

The Third District Appellate Court ruled last week that IVCC followed proper procedure for filing its complaint and that the Circuit Court can continue to hear the matter.

IVCC’s attorney, Walt Zukowski says they’re pleased with the result and hopeful the case will be soon be resolved in a way that is fair to all parties involved.

Country show draws crowd to Illinois Valley Regional Airport

Over 2,500 turned out for the latest “Concerts for a Cause” show in Peru.

Organizer Merry Noonan of Lou’s La Grotto says she is very happy with how the show went Sunday. Four bands played on the airport runway with the headliners being Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett.

Some of the proceeds from the show will benefit Lostant Elementary School.

Vandalism spree in Peru over the weekend

Your help is needed in solving an outbreak of vandalism in Peru. Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says there were numerous cases of “criminal defacement” that happened between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The damage was done near the homes at Liberty Village as well as other houses in that area. Bernabei says the vandal or vandals used spray paint and markers to deface property with offensive language and symbols. Anyone with information is asked to call Peru Police Department or Illinois Valley Crime Stoppers.

“40 Under Forty” once again looking to honor young leaders in the Illinois Valley

Know any young “movers and shakers” in the Illinois Valley who deserves to be recognized for their work?

The Small Business Development Center at Illinois Valley Community College is hosting its fourth annual “40 Under Forty”. The fourth annual effort honors people in the Illinois Valley under 40 years old who either run their own business or organization, are active in politics, or are considered problem solvers or leaders in their community.

August 15th is the deadline to nominate someone for the “40 Under Forty”. There will be a recognition dinner October 2nd.

To nominate a person, click http://www.ivcc.edu/sbdc

Charity bike ride returning to Princeton

By now you’ve probably seen the bikes and signs in the Illinois Valley advertising the “Z Tour Bike Ride”. The 4th annual charity ride is happening this Saturday morning, beginning and ending at Zearing Park in Princeton.

Proceeds from the ride across Bureau County go to the Zearing Enrichment Center in Princeton which provides a childcare learning center. Day of registration is 35 dollars a rider. There are six bike routes going from 10 to 100 miles. Rides will leave Saturday morning between 6am and 9:30am. For more information click http://www.z-tour.org