New location picked for July 3rd fireworks in Peru

The new site to shoot off fireworks in Peru is definitely on the high ground away from flooding.

Calling it the “best case scenario”, Peru Parks and Rec. member Ray Zborowski says Peru’s July 3rd fireworks will be shot off behind the Peru Mall, about 500 feet west of North Peoria Street. The main viewing area and place to park will be the west side mall parking lot.

North Peoria Street will be closed before and during the fireworks from 36th to 38th Street for things like a beer garden and live music. Kids’ activities will be set up near the mall with no alcohol allowed on mall property.

Organizers stressed it’ll be more family friendly then the old set up along Water Street.

Peru Special Investigation into Heroin Sales Leads to Fifth Arrest

With five illegal drug arrests in less than a month, Peru Police are continuing to clean up the drug trade in the city.

Just before three o’clock Monday afternoon, Christopher Bezely was arrested by Peru Police. Special Investigations detectives from the city allege that they found out Bezely illegally had prescription painkillers during an undercover operation in January.

Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei says he “fully expects” more arrests related to drug dealing in the “near future,” and he hopes the arrests send a message to would-be dealers targeting the Illinois Valley.

Ottawa Parolee Arrested after Allegedly Exposing Himself to Drivers

The warm weather last Friday had an Ottawa man leaving more than just his winter jacket at home.

Jacob Reimann was arrested on Monday by Ottawa Police for allegedly exposing himself to drivers near the intersection of State and Moore Streets in the city.

He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and his bond was set at $10,000. Reimann is no stranger to being in custody. At the time of his arrest, He was on parole for an aggravated battery charge dating back to 2014.

Morris man killed in Will County crash

With temperatures in the 60s, many of you took the motorcycle out for the first time this year. Hopefully your ride was safe and uneventful.

Fifty-two-year-old Richard Wallace of Morris died Saturday night after a motorcycle crash near Plainfield. According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Wallace and another biker were passing cars in traffic. Wallace was eventually hit head on by a car and flew into the second motorcycle.

Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene while two others on a motorcycle were taken to a Joliet hospital with minor injuries.

College basketball team remembers Lily Rosploch

If you’re still looking for a college basketball team to root for going into “March Madness”, how about Western Michigan University?

The Bronco players Saturday wore purple socks while their coaches all wore purple ties honoring the late Lily Rosploch of La Salle. WMU’s coach Steve Hawkins got to know Lily’s dad Mike while they were together at Quincy University. Lily had hoped to go to a basketball game before she died a little over a year ago at the age of 5 due to cancer.

Besides the purple socks and ties, the university played a touching video about Lily and her families’ relationship with Western Michigan’s coach. You can check out the video by clicking Rosploch WMU Video

Outdoor store opens in La Salle while brewery gets going in Ottawa

Things continue to happen in the downtown’s of La Salle and Ottawa.

On Saturday, the newest business opened in downtown La Salle called Scout Outdoor Apparel. The store on 1st Street celebrated its grand opening with giveaways.

In Ottawa, the much anticipated brewery called The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company opens for business Monday. The brewery has taken up a couple store fronts in the heart of La Salle Street.

Job cuts coming to the Mendota Elementary School District

When school boards call a special meeting, it usually means something serious is about to happen.

The Mendota Elementary School Board of Education is having a special meeting Monday night at 6:30. The only thing on the agenda is “discussion and approval of Staff/Program reductions” for the 2016-17 school year.

The elementary school district like many has been dipping into cash reserves or their rainy day fund with state funding being cut back. If you want to go, tonight’s meeting is at Northbrook School.

Annual chocolate festival to help abused and neglected children less than two weeks away

It takes a heart to help abused and neglected children but it also takes funding. A group that helps children in the La Salle County Court system is bringing back their popular fundraiser.

The “Nothing’s Sweeter than a Child Chocolate Festival” is happening Sunday, March 6th from 12:30 until 3:30 at Celebrations 150 in La Salle. Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA for short, is the host.

At the festival you’ll be able to sample over a thousand chocolate candies and baked goods. You’ll also be able to make bids on gift certificates and other items.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under.

July 4th plans in the city of Peru are in the works

How the city of Peru plans to celebrate Independence Day this year could be known tonight. The Peru City Council is meeting and on their agenda is a presentation from Parks & Rec Board, the Peru CSO and the Peru Mall.

The yearly fireworks display along Water Street has drawn thousands of people over the years. However flooding postponed the Independence Day celebration two years ago and canceled it all together last year.

The Parks & Rec Board has looked at alternative fireworks sites like the airport, Baker Lake and Washington Park.