Two latest medical marijuana companies make their pitch to Peru

Medical marijuana is a competitive business- just listen to the would-be medical marijuana cultivation center operators.  The two latest companies interested in Peru made pitches to the city council Monday night.

Nassau Venture I LLC is the project of former State Senator Gary Dahl and Jon Chamlin.  Chamlin says they have put together a team of experts that would make them a good candidate to win a Department of Agriculture license.  He also says their local ties strengthen their chance of receiving approval.

Kayvan Khalatbari, a consultant for another company, Progressive Treatment Solutions LLC, emphasized their desire to make the cultivation center more energy efficient.

Four companies have publicly shown interest in Peru.   They each want the city’s endorsement.

Police issued tickets to hikers using closed trails and marijuana at Starved Rock

You will see deer, hawks and sometimes a fox when you’re walking the trails at Starved Rock State Park. You may even spot a Conservation Police Officer.

Officers were patrolling the park over the weekend much to the surprise of many hikers who were walking on closed trails or smoking marijuana.

Sgt. Hank Frazier says they issued 102 tickets for trail violations, 22 tickets for marijuana, and nine tickets for alcohol.

Frazier says many people used the excuse that it was their first time at the park and they didn’t expect to see a police officer. Many hikers didn’t think they could get ticketed for walking on the closed trails.

The closed trails are still dangerous according to Frazier. He says he watched two oak trees fall due to the wind Sunday.

LPHS schedules freshmen orientation

Before they get to share the halls with the upperclassmen, the new freshmen at LP High School will have the school to themselves for one day. Freshmen orientation is August 12.

The freshmen will be at school from 8am until 2:55pm but instead of going to class they’ll receive an orientation training in the gym, followed by a free lunch, and a presentation in the auditorium. At 1pm, they’ll run through their class schedule and get familiar with where the classrooms are located.

Man dies after a motorcycle crash on the Spring Valley curves

A motorcycle crash on the Spring Valley curves has left a man dead. Police say 34-year-old Randy Mosell, Jr. of Peru was heading east Sunday evening on Route 6 when he passed an SUV, went off the road, and hit a sign.

Mosell was taken to nearby St. Margaret’s Hospital and died shortly after arriving. The Spring Valley Police Department and the Bureau County Coroner are investigating.

Street closures beginning today for Ottawa Riverfest

In just a few days Ottawa Riverfest will be in full swing. The annual Welcomeburger Picnic is Wednesday from 5-8pm at Washington Park. Tickets are $25 at the event.

The carnival also opens Wednesday night on Woodward Memorial Drive. The Taste of Ottawa begins Thursday near the riverfront.

Beginning Monday, Woodward Memorial Drive, the parking lot, and Clinton and Canal Streets south of Main Street will be closed to parking and traffic until next Monday.