New cinema possible in Peru

Imagine going to a movie on a Sunday afternoon. With your popcorn and soda at your side, you recline your seat and a focus your attention to the big screen. That’s not the experience you receive at the local cinema, at least for now.

Developers are talking with the City of Peru about building a 10-screen cinema north of Hy-Vee. City Attorney Doug Schweickert spoke openly about the plans Monday night before the city council hired a law firm to represent the city as talks move forward.

Schweickert says Carmike Cinemas is interested in leaving the Peru Mall to expand.

City officials have mixed feelings. Many would like to see a new, modern cinema but they don’t want the Peru Mall to lose a large business.

The cinema at the mall has eight screens. It opened in the 1970’s as a two-screen theater. It is the only movie theater left in La Salle and Peru.

Two arrested for DUI during a recent police roadblock

After meeting friends for dinner on a weekend night, you begin your drive home only to see flashing red and blue lights down the road. State Police roadside safety checks are common.

A roadside safety check Friday between Peru and Spring Valley on Route 6 left two people arrested for driving under the influence. A few people were ticketed for driver’s licenses issues while many more were given written warnings.

TRIDENT arrests a man and woman in Spring Valley

While the public perception of marijuana has been changing, it’s still an illegal drug. Members of TRIDENT were in Spring Valley Friday to arrest a pair accused of dealing marijuana.

Curtis Kelly and Katelynn Rasmunson were charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Both were taken to the Bureau County Jail where Kelly remains. Police say Rasmunson was able to bond out but could face more charges.

Petition pops up in support of Oglesby eagle handler

Do you think the court system should just leave Steve Patterson of Oglesby alone for handling two injured eaglets?

A petition and Facebook page have both popped up urging La Salle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne to drop charges against Patterson. A jury deadlocked earlier this month during a trial where Patterson faced charges of illegally handling the protected species near the Illinois River. A new status hearing is planned for next Wednesday.

The petition which has been electronically “signed” by over 25,000 people asks “not to use our tax dollars for a second trial”, saying that the county instead needs to use this money for the local economy not another trial for ” a man who picked up two birds”.

You can find  the petition here http://www.change.org

Sheriff tries to put parents at ease with sex offender list

As you map out your child’s trick or treat night you may want to take advantage of a sex offender listing put together by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Tom Templeton says the county has 274 registered sex offenders and his department’s website has a link to exactly where all 274 of them live. You can also sign-up to get a free email alert if a sex offender moves in near you.

You can find the sex offender list by clicking http://www.sheriffalerts.com/cap_main.php?office=54541.

Early Voting begins across Illinois

So excited about the election that you can’t wait to vote?

You can cast an “Early Voting” ballot starting Monday. Early Voting in La Salle County is at the county clerk’s office in Ottawa. In Bureau County you can vote early at either the county courthouse in Princeton or Spring Valley City Hall.

Voting at the courthouses starts at 8 with city hall in Spring Valley allowing early votes starting at 9 in the morning.

Last televised debate coming up for Quinn and Rauner

CHICAGO (AP) – Here’s your last chance to watch a governor’s debate ahead of the November 4th election. Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner are getting ready for their third and final televised debate.

Monday night’s debate comes as the two candidates are locked in a neck-and-neck contest for governor.
It’s being hosted by the League of Women Voters of Illinois and broadcast by WLS-TV in Chicago.

A poll released Friday by SIU’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute says the race is too close to call.

Household item collections to benefit victims of domestic abuse

Moving into a new home is stressful under good circumstances, so imagine what it is like to be relocating because of an abusive relationship.  You can make an important move a little less stressful and expensive by donating household cleaning items.

Buckets of Love is an effort to collect cleaners, paper towels and mops for women receiving assistance from the local domestic violence shelter, ADV/SAS.  You will find collection sites Saturday morning at the Peru Hy-Vee and the Wal-Mart in Streator.  The items will be included in starter kits for women starting over.

Buckets of Love is a project of the Zonta Clubs of La Salle -Peru, Ottawa and Streator.