Fake city employee prompts an alert from the Peru Police Department

If a man claiming to be a City of Peru employee wants inside of your home, be suspicious. A man claiming to be a city worker fooled an elderly woman in Peru Tuesday afternoon.

Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says a man visited a house on the southwest side of town and got inside by claiming he was there because of a water problem.  Bernabei says there was no water problem and suggests that you warn your elderly friends and neighbors know of the scam.

The man was described as white, young and neatly dressed.

If someone comes to your home claiming to be a city worker but they’re not in a city truck, close the door and call the police.

New name chosen for Mendota hospital

Experiencing a medical emergency in Mendota? Soon you’ll be taken to the St. Paul Medical Center. That will be the new name of Mendota Community Hospital once the takeover by OSF Healthcare System is complete.

The MCH Board of Directors chose the new name last week. The hospitals announced in May that the process of merging had begun.

The new name will become effective sometime in the spring of 2015 when a blessing and dedication ceremony will take place.

Exelon looking to extend operations at the La Salle nuclear plant

You might remember when the nuclear plant in La Salle County was being built. The plant’s two units began producing power in 1984 and if Exelon Generation has its way, it will be running in 2040.

Exelon is asking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to renew the licenses for both units. Unit 1 is licensed to operate until 2022 and Unit 2 until 2023. Exelon wants to extend each by 20 years.

Exelon filed a license renewal application Tuesday. It Exelon says it will take two years for the NRC to review the request.

Illinois comptroller dies following stroke

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has died, less than 24 hours after having a stroke.

A statement from her office says the 70-year-old Topinka died early Wednesday morning following complications from the stroke.

She’d reported discomfort and was admitted to a hospital in Berwyn. After undergoing testing, she lost consciousness Wednesday and was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m.

Topinka, a Republican, won a second term last month in a tough race with Democratic challenger Sheila Simon, the former lieutenant governor.

Topinka was a former state treasurer and Illinois GOP chairwoman.

Field of eight circulates petitions to run for Peru City Council

A few people you might know are showing an interest in Peru government. Petitions have been circulating for the upcoming spring election.

First Ward Alderwoman Becky Mueller has taken out a petition to run for a full, four-year term. She is the one from the First Ward that has.

In ward two, Alderman Rodney Perez has taken out a petition along with former alderwoman Sherry Mayszak and William “Tom” Payton.

Third Ward Alderman Dave Waldorf took out a petition for another term. He will likely face competition from Don Kowloski.

In the fourth ward, Alderman Dave Potthoff has taken out a petition along with former Illinois gubernatorial write-in candidate Chico Perez.

Candidates may begin filing petitions next Monday.