Tri-DENT Task Force Makes Eighth Heroin Arrest of 2016

Law enforcement groups are continuing to make life difficult for drug dealers in the Illinois Valley.

Tuesday morning, Tri-DENT forces showed up at the Princeton home of Jose Arteaga to arrest him for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Agents with the group say Arteaga allegedly sold heroin several times to undercover police.

Arteaga is currently being held at the Bureau County Jail on $75,000 bond. Tri-DENT says this is the eighth heroin arrest they’ve made in 2016. Seven of those arrests, they say, were for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Ottawa Okays $1.3 Million in Bonds for City Projects

Part of your tax bill if you live in Ottawa will be going toward paying off new bonds for city projects, but the bill as a whole won’t go up.

Yesterday afternoon, the Ottawa City Council passed a measure allowing the city to take on more than $1.3 million in debt to fund four big city projects. You’ll be responsible for about $40 of that per year for every $100,000 your home is worth.

Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut stressed, however, that the bonds don’t necessarily mean a tax increase. Because of a number of factors, the bonds aren’t expected to increase your tax bill.

The bonds will be paid off over the next 4 years.

Hydrant flushing planned in parts of Peru

A few neighborhoods in southwest Peru may have water issues overnight Tuesday.

City crews plan to flush a couple hydrants starting at 8 o’clock in the area of Church and Main Streets. If you live along Church or just to the west of Church, you may have low water pressure and rusty water tonight.

If you do experience issues, let your water run until it clears up.

Earlville Schools select new leaders after superintendent’s domestic battery arrest

There’s new leadership in place for the Earlville Community School District.

Former Serena Superintendent Dan Joyce started today as a consultant. He’ll be considered a consultant until former Superintendent Wade Winekauf’s retirement takes effect March 11th. After that Joyce becomes interim superintendent thru June 30th. As a consultant Joyce will earn $60 an hour. As the interim superintendent he’ll bring in $500 a day.

Starting July 1st, current Earlville Principal Rich Faivre takes over as full-time superintendent. He says he’s very excited for the opportunity to work for a great district and great school board.

All this change is happening because current Superintendent Wade Winekauf is stepping aside after November arrest for domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Winekauf and the Earlville School Board reportedly worked out a severance package in the ballpark of $192,000.

New manufacturing company brings 15 jobs to Peru

While they bring in plenty of sales tax money, Peru doesn’t just want to be known for retail businesses.

The newest manufacturing business has opened in the old Casino Bingo building north of Interstate 80. Universal Forest Products makes wood related products that they ship to businesses which offer building materials. Right now they have a pallet contract with James Hardie.

Peru Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey says the company has about 15 employees and will double that next year.

Popular fundraiser returning to L-P with a major change

Talent, knowledge and good looks will leave one LP High School teacher or administrator crowned “Mr. L-P”. The annual contest is back after a two hiatus and won’t involve senior boys.

Competitors include Justin Berard, Aaron Guenther, Matt Makeever, Nick McLaughlin, Jason Miller, Adam Spencer, Steve Wrobleski and Ed Yoder. They will be judge in the categories of include talent, superfan, question and answer, and formal wear.

Admission to see “Mr. L-P” is $3 which will go to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. Money is also being raised during lunch at L-P as students and staff vote for a winner.

“Mr. L-P” is Saturday, February 27th at 7 o’clock inside Matthiessen Auditorium.

Budget deficit leading to tough cuts in Mendota schools

When money is tight, tough decisions have to be made. A group that volunteers its time made some tough decisions Monday night in Mendota.

According to the NewsTribune, the Mendota Elementary School Board announced a list of cuts totaling about $376,000. A retiring special education teacher won’t be replaced while other positions in that department are being trimmed back or eliminated. Positions are also being cut in health and P.E. The board decided not to cut from the art department.

Non-traditional teaching positions are also getting the axe like an occupational therapist, two in-school suspension supervisors, and aides. A social worker position for Mendota Elementary is also getting cut to part time.

When asked about cuts to administrators, Superintendent Kristen School pointed out that they eliminated the position of curriculum director last year.