City Service Group Behind Peru’s Pro-Police Signs

If you’ve driven through Peru recently, you’ve likely noticed signs around the city that say “We Support Our Police.” They’re the latest product of a group that looks to make a positive impact in the city.

The Peru Citizens Service Organization had the idea for the signs at a meeting last month. Jason Edgcomb is the group’s Vice-President, and he says recent events involving violence and the police nationally led to what he said was a “spur-of-the-moment” decision.

The Peru CSO typically makes similar contributions to the city. Edgcomb says they were responsible for the flags downtown which they continue to maintain, as well as putting up Christmas decorations and a number of other contributions.

If you would like a sign, more should be available soon at the Peru Police Department.

Economic Development Group Continues Growing in Illinois Valley

A group that looks to showcase the benefits of businesses in the Illinois Valley continues taking steps forward.

The Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois has opened their new office at Illinois Valley Community College. EDC Chairman Jim Riley says the move marks an exciting time for the valley. Their CEO Ivan Baker says the group has the “opportunity to build our image and convince decision-makers that North Central Illinois is the place to be.”

The EDC’s 13-member board includes a number of political and business leaders in the Illinois Valley. Members include Ottawa Mayor Bob Eschbach, Oglesby Mayor Don Finley, Hennepin Village President Kevin Coleman, and Spring Valley Economic Development Director Debb Ladgenski.

Teen to Appear in Court for Role in Peru Park Rumble

A Riverdale teen who is accused of firing a gun during a fight supposedly started by a basketball game is due back in court Thursday.

Nineteen-year old Mitchell Hampton and some others were playing basketball at the Peru YMCA on June 15^th when, according to police, a physical game led to a dispute off the court that would move to 28^th Street Park in Peru.

During the standoff, Hampton is believed to have fired a gun. He reportedly told police after the incident that he fired the gun in the air, and not at anybody. Despite that, he faces 3 felony charges: Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and Aggravated, Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

He was taken to the county jail in Ottawa, where he remains. He would need to come up with $100,000 cash to make bond.

Jackknifed semi snarls I-80 traffic near La Salle

As the rain fell, traffic came to a halt for about an hour and a half between La Salle and Peru.

The issues started around 9 Wednesday morning when a semi jackknifed and started leaking fuel. The semi was in the median but the clean up meant lanes of traffic on both sides of Interstate 80 were closed.

During that clean up, a separate crash happened not far down the road. The crashes were cleaned up and all lanes of traffic were back up and moving just before 10:30 Wednesday morning.

Streator Y undergoing improvements

Getting in a workout at the Streator YMCA is a little tough right now.

The Y is undergoing a lot of repairs and renovations. The pool and lockers rooms are closed until Labor Day for maintenance and updates. Also the Streator Y’s big gym and entire back hallway are closed until Monday so the wood floors can be resurfaced.

The wellness area downstairs is still open.

Peru city workers moving out so a Dollar General can move in

A Dollar General store for Peru is still in the works.

City workers have started moving things out of the soon to be demolished public works building at 6^th and Peoria Street over to the new public works building on Plank Road.  Dollar General officials are set to take over the property and build a new store.

Demolition is expected to take a few weeks and then construction can start on the new store.  The new public works building by the way is costing around $3 million.

ATV crash claims the life of a Utica man

If you’ve been following the story of a fatal ATV crash north of Marseilles, the victim has been identified.

The DuPage County Coroner’s Office says 71-year-old Larry Thorson was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.  He was flown there Tuesday afternoon after losing control of his ATV on North 30^th Road.

Nobody else was involved in the fatal accident.