Past Year and Future Projects Take Center Stage at Ottawa State of the City

Festivities Unlimited was the scene Thursday morning for the annual update on the progress of one city in the Illinois Valley.

Mayor Bob Eschbach delivered his State of the City Address, where he laid out a number of successes the city had in 2016, and what’s in store for the future. On the business side, he laid out a “three-pronged approach” for growth involving the Ottawa Industrial park, retail and hospitality growth on the city’s north side, and growth in Downtown and the Waterfront.

He went on to say the number and attendance of the city’s festivals continues growing. That growth includes the Chris Kringle Market which will be a part of the city’s Ice Odyssey next month.

The big upcoming project mentioned by Eschbach is the Route 23 Pedestrian Bridge over I-80. While the city has received a $2 million grant for the project, Eschbach says construction isn’t expected until 2019.

Finally, the mayor addressed the issue of a stalemate with the Reddick Mansion Association. Eschbach said city and the group that maintains the historic building have been unable to come to terms on a lease as of the speech. He did, however, say negotiations are ongoing.

Starved Rock Lodge Gives $3,000 Contribution to Relay for Life, American Cancer Society

You “Hiked for” and “Thought Pink for a Cure” in October, and raised thousands of dollars for cancer research in the process.

Those events allowed Starved Rock Lodge to present a check recently for $3,000 to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Lodge CEO Amy Trimble says the events were such a big success that next October 1^st has already been set aside for the next “Hike for a Cure.”

Relay Team Captain Nancy Jackson went on to say a large amount of the money raised stays local. According to Jackson, the groups were able to help 222 people in LaSalle County in 2015.

Secretary of States’ Offices to Close Friday for Veterans’ Day

If you need the services of secretary of state offices you’ll have to look online or wait until Monday.

The Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced all of their offices will be closed today in observance of Veterans’ Day. You can still renew your license plate stickers and do other things online Friday at cyberdriveillinois.com.

Offices will be open again on Monday, the 14^th.

Peru planning Veteran’s Day program

If you’re looking for a way to thank veterans on Friday, make sure to be at Peru’s Washington Park.

The Peru Veterans’ Memorial Group will have a short ceremony at 11 at the park. Line up for the parade will start at 10:45 on the west side of the park and folks in the ceremony will walk into the ball diamond. A moment of silence will be held before the ceremony.

Veterans of all wars will be remembered.

Voters in La Salle and Peru carry the L-P referendum

Fans of the $38 million referendum involving the L-P School District have La Salle, Oglesby and Peru voters to thank.

A total of 36 precincts in La Salle County voted on the referendum. Of those 36, the referendum got more yes than no votes in half the precincts. Of those 18 precincts, 11 were in La Salle and 6 in Peru. Five Oglesby polling places are labeled as La Salle precincts. The only other precinct to pass the L-P referendum was Eden 1 which is Tonica.

Voters in Utica, Waltham, Cedar Point, Dimmick and Lowell didn’t support the L-P ballot question.