Fireworks and music part of Labor Day weekend in Peru

A party on Water Street that was delayed by flooding along the Illinois River will finally happen. Bring your family and lawn chairs to the Peru riverfront Saturday night for fireworks, music and food.

Traditionally, the Peru fireworks display is on July 3 but flooding along the river washed out the area from where the fireworks are usually launched. Police Chief Doug Bernabei also thought it was too dangerous to have people sitting so close to the swollen river.

You’ll find what you would normally see: a CSO beer garden, a kids’ area near Maze Lumber, and live music. The fireworks begin at dusk and will be synchronized to music on Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO.

You won’t be able to drive down to Water Street after 7:30pm. Parking won’t be allowed on a number of the streets on the way down to Water Street.

People from Mendota and Amboy hospitalized following head-on crash

If you were following the story about the head-on accident on Route 52, three people were taken to hospitals, including a four-year-old boy.

Police say Bennie Sumner of Mendota was heading south on Route 52 late Friday morning when he crossed into the other lane and hit Cyril Ward of Amboy.  Sumner was flown to OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford and was listed as critical Friday night.  Ward was flown to Rockford Memorial Hospital and was listed in critical condition Friday night.  Brayden Ward was taken to Mendota Community Hospital.  His conditions was not available.

Lee County Sheriff’s investigators say they were looking into seatbelt and cell phone usage but they that don’t think drinking or speed were factors.

Annual suicide prevention walk returns to Peru

A walk around a lake to remember people who have killed themselves might sound like a downer, but it’s actually a walk filled with spirit and energy. The La Salle County Out of the Darkness Walk is Sunday, September 7.

Marissa Meznarich of Tonica and her family will be walking to remember her great-grandfather and two cousins. She says the walks is way to honor and remember your loved ones, and not to feel sad and upset.

The walk is at Baker Lake in Peru. Registration begins at 11am. The walk is at 1pm. You can walk with a team or on your own. Proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Learn more by listening to an interview that’s available at the WLPO AM and FM news page.

Tri-County Fair time has arrived

The fairgrounds in Mendota open at 3 Friday for the latest Tri-County Fair.

Grandstand entertainment Friday night is Megacross Racing. Saturday there’s two different truck and tractor pulls along with fireworks at dusk. Sunday brings more fireworks and a youth rodeo.

The Tri-County Fair wraps up on Labor Day with a demolition derby.

Community and the governor tour JFK School addition

There is one thing that certain about the new addition at Spring Valley JFK School- the roof does not leak.   A steady shower Thursday night didn’t keep parents and students away from the grand opening of the $17 million addition.  Even Governor Pat Quinn spoke and toured the new classrooms, gym, and library

Superintendent James Hermes says they are thankful to have received the grant.   He says they had nice buildings before but the addition allows them to satisfy all of their students’ needs.   He also likes the new entrance.

The entrance is large and has a lot of glass making it possible for school officials to see who is outside.  It also offers a modern touch and leads into a cafeteria the feels more like a great hall.

Fifth Grader Andrea Arteaga was impressed.  She says it looks like a junior high you would see in a movie.

The first day of school is September 3.