Former leader of the News-Tribune passes away

A big name in the Illinois Valley newspaper industry has died.

92-year-old Frederick “Fritz” Miller of Peru died Sunday at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. Miller was a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II before graduating from the University of Chicago. He went on to be the General Manager of the Daily News-Tribune in La Salle for 44 years before retiring in 1992.

You can find service information for Frederick “Fritz” Miller by clicking the “obituaries” link at ClassicHits103.9wlpo.com.

Action expected on the possible reinstatement of Ottawa High School teacher

The next chapter of the Tim Burgess saga could finally include a decision by the Ottawa High School Board of Education.

The board is having a special meeting Tuesday night at 6:30 at the high school. After talking in closed session, the meeting agenda says the board will take some action about Burgess’ dismissal.

Burgess was let go earlier this year for alleged disparaging remarks he made about others involved with the school. It happened when the school faced accusations of bullying by administrators and was still dealing with the fallout over building trades being dropped.

A hearing officer with the State Board of Education has said that Burgess was improperly dismissed. However it’s just an opinion and the school board still has the final say on if Burgess is reinstated.
Because of an anticipated crowd, the board meeting is happening inside the OHS auditorium.

Push continues to relocate annual July fireworks display in Peru

What do you think about moving Peru’s annual fireworks display from Water Street to the Illinois Valley Regional Airport?

The Peru Parks and Recreation Board is having a meeting Tuesday afternoon at the airport to go over plans to for having fireworks at the airport next July. The meeting agenda even says the board could start the application process of asking the state to use part of the airport for fireworks.

The city has decided to move away from the traditional fireworks site along Water Street because of flooding on the Illinois River the last two summers.