“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

News Tribune - News - Local - Area birth rates dropping

News Tribune - News - Local - Area birth rates dropping

What impact will this have on local communities in planning for the future?

Controversial TIF Dimmick Twp and City of Peru

Lois, regarding the issue of the Holiday Inn Express TIF. What is the history behind Dimmick and Peru involving what used to be farm land? Why did Peru turn that property over to Dimmick to begin with? Could you possibly make this a heading in order to get some feedback?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

This is a Democracy and This Post Sums it Up For Many

Written by an anonymous poster that speaks for many people of Peru

I am very happy that the City Alderman voted NO to this event. Their job is to listen to the public and vote according to the wishes of the residents of their ward. The residents clearly stated that they do not want the event and the alderman appropriately represented the comments of their respective wards. This is a Democratic society and the majority rules. Mr. Rodriquez, if your event is so important to you, by all means, please find a city that welcomes you and your fellow participants. I have read the comments posted on the News Trib and if I understand you correctly, you have threatened to say that "this is not over yet." Did I hear that you brought your lawyer to intimidate us further? That attitude does not come off as "welcoming" to me. I do not consider myself small minded, but rather an individual expressing my strong opinion against something I do not believe in. I will continue to promote family friendly events in Peru that ALL Peru citizens will enjoy. I have to tell you that the visual I received from watching you walk your dog down route 6 with chains and tires doesn't seem very appealing as family friendly to me. How do I explain that life style to a child? Is that the norm on how we should treat Fido and Fluffy in the house? The norm in this country is to treat cats and dogs as domesticated pets and companions, not strength enhanced victims of their owners desires to compete and "pound their chests." As for the pitbull comments you continue to defend, I totally disagree with you on the safety of this breed. I just read AGAIN today that a "responsible?" neighbor's 4 pitbulls got out of fenced in back yard and killed a woman in New Mexico on Monday. ANOTHER sad story of a breed of dogs that are trained and kept for their strength for whatever purpose their owner's desire. Her name was Margaret Salcedo and she was only 48 years old. Can you imagine being ripped apart while you are alive? I understand that is a harsh visual that will upset many people, but it happens time and time again! A witness tried to help but couldn't even open her car door because the dogs were attacking the car. Police shot one of the dogs and it was able to still run away. ONCE AGAIN, the responsible owners can't understand how this could happen. NOBODY is in full control of any animal. PERIOD. I don't care how behaved you think your "pet" is. I will take my SMALL MIND, MY VOICE, and MY VOTE to our alderman any day to say what I believe is best for my community that I live in, work in, and shop in EVERYDAY. Once again, I have to thank our Alderman and Mayor for standing up to the beliefs of the Citizens of Peru. They did their job well!

Monday, April 25, 2011

methlabhomes.com

http://methlabhomes.com/2010/06/landlords-fall-victim-to-meth-cooks/

Excellent web site with ongoing information about meth.

Meth awareness: ICHD urges landlords to know their tenants - Ionia, MI - Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Meth awareness: ICHD urges landlords to know their tenants - Ionia, MI - Ionia Sentinel-Standard

New City Council Members to be Sworn in Tonight

The new council members Mike Radtke and Rodney Perez will be sworn in tonight at the city council meeting.

Annual Budget Meeting @7:15PM
Aldermen Sworn in @7:45PM
Council Meeting to follow

Committee assignments for the next 2 years will be.

Finance: Potthoff and Radtke
Public Works: Waldorf and Lukosus
Public Health and Safety: Ferrari and Perez
Public Buildings: Ankiewicz and Mikyska

Friday, April 22, 2011

News Tribune - News - Local - Organizer of weight-pull for dogs willing to move event

News Tribune - News - Local - Organizer of weight-pull for dogs willing to move event
DATE: MAY 14th
Time: Weigh-in 8-9 am Pull starts at 9 am
Place: Baker's Lake Park (Pavilion), Plank Road, Peru, IL
Fee: $20 per dog

Lakeview Malamutes and Casa De Perros Kennels are sponsoring an Irondog sanctioned novice and competitive weight pull on carpet with ALL profits going to Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association.

We will be pulling under Irondog rules with an official judge. All dogs must be in crates including those not competing. Working dog titles can be earned and most breed clubs recognize the results. A concession stand will be available, as will various vendors. This will be a kickoff event for Pavement Pounder's Weight Pulling Club.

For more information, call: Connie at (309)335-2951 or Tom at (815)343-2251

From:http://www.dogforums.com/dog-sports-show-forum/93967-peru-il-irondog-sanctioned.html

The Saga of Continuing Water Main Breaks in Peru

I understand that in the Spring time, many water main breaks occur because of the cycle of thawing and refreezing of the ground . My question is since the replacement of a long stretch of a new water main was installed by Ossola from 4th St to 7 St in the First Ward, there have been a series of new breaks on the main just beyond the replacement.

I do remember the discussion at the council meetings about the large number of breaks along that road. It was decided to replace all of it for that reason. Everyone seemed pleased with that and I do remember our engineering consultant Chamlin saying that it would probably relieve much of the low water pressure problems in the area because it would be a larger size main and would have more pressure.

I am aware of at least 3 water main breaks in the road extending from the new main and onto 7th Street and as far as Lincoln. A N.T. article stated that there had been 7 breaks, 6 from pressure and one from a backhoe incident. SPW stated "new work where the old lines existed likely caused the problem. Bleck said more breaks are possible until they determine the problem" OK, we have an engineering consultant overseeing the project, I hope. Are some of these breaks predictable and could something have been installed to avoid the sudden surge of increased water pressure? I don't know but it just seems to me that this problem should have been foreseeable. Perhaps if we had a city engineer here in Peru, someone who would always be there to oversee projects and give their advice to projects being done. We now have more population than some local towns who already have a city engineer and we continue to lag behind. Lets only hope that with some new people on the council, recently elected Rodney Perez and Mike Radtke they will be an added voice to hire a City Engineer and save money in the process.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

News Tribune - News - Local - Laying down the law

News Tribune - News - Local - Laying down the law A regular citizen stepping up to the plate and getting something done.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Clearing Up the IVAR Position Regarding Dog Event

Heidi Milner said...

For the record... IVAR will NOT be in attendance. 10:04 AM, April 17, 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Peru Requirements to Allow the Dog Pull

I have received the information from the city clerks office of what the city is asking of the dog pull promoter.

Prior to the event a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Peru as additional insured and a copy of the rules of the event. You will also need to obtain a raffle license. Dated April 7.

The city is also setting the following stipulations to be met prior to your event.

1. No non-competing dogs allowed.
2. No flexi-leashes allowed
3. Veterinarian must be present on the grounds.
4. Current veterinary record must be available.
5. Human competitors must be at least 18 years of age
6. Dog competitors must be at least 2 years of age and no older than 10 years of age. Dated April 12.

How to Design a Neighborhood for Happiness by Jay Walljasper

How to Design a Neighborhood for Happiness by Jay Walljasper

Enjoyed this article and thought it had some good ideas especially for new developments and maybe those that are being redeveloped. Additionally note some more interesting articles at the end of this one.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

Ald. O'Beirne Takes Offense at Questions Regarding the Dog Pull

Tonight at the Peru City Council meeting I decided I wanted some answers as to what regulations the city will have in place for the dog pull event. I mentioned that comments about the pull were definitely running against the event.

He ranted about the number of associations that were connected to dog pulling events and pretty much said how do I dare question their decision. I hope to see Jack at the event.

The city clerk did say they sent Mr. Rodgriquez a list of things he must do in order to get final approval. Will check for that list and get back to the blog.

Ald. O'Beirne believes that no resident should have the right to question what they (city council) do. I would like to inform Jack that we the public are asking the questions he should be. No one seems to know how many dogs will be competing whether it will be 10 or 50. I thought we the people elected our aldermen to think and ask questions and get all the answers before they vote on something. It only makes sense to know what you are getting into before you jump into it. Will someone please tell Jack we are not living in a Communist country and we are supposed to question our elected officials in a country that calls inself a democracy.

Water Main Break of the Week - 7th St

Out for a walk this afternoon and came across the latest water main break, this time on 7th Street between Monks and Lincoln Ave. Ald. Ferrari lives around the corner from it. Hopefully this will be an easy fix. We just had Ossola put in a line of water main down Monks from 7th to 4th St. and this break is just around the corner on 7th. They talked about increasing water pressure with the new water main. Wonder if the pressure could have caused a break in a weak spot.

18%……..REALLY? | LaSalle Insider

18%……..REALLY? | LaSalle Insider Some interesting thoughts on why people don't vote. Since our election I have spent time trying to understand why people don't vote and wonder if part of it is perhaps they grew up in families that did not participate in the election process and they just followed the same path. Did our educational process fail to instruct them on what is expected of a citizen? Perhaps everything needs to be glitzy and exciting to get the attention of the average "jane" or "joe". Perhaps anyone should be allowed to register to vote at their cities city clerks office anytime of the year.

If you didn't vote, tell us why and if you did how can we get a greater percentage of residents to participate in local elections?

Saturday, April 09, 2011

City Council Meeting March 28 and April 6 More Dog

Dog Trainer Letter RE: Dog Pulling at Baker Lake

This letter was read to the council but they did not set up any guidelines for the proposed event. After thinking about this, it seems that the council not only needs guidelines but also thinking into the future and whether we will need further regulation if kids began to mimic this event with dogs of their own on public property as in streets, sidewalks or parks.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Pull For Humanity.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Pull For Humanity.pdf (application/pdf Object) and if you are a FB member, there is a PullDoggies.com facebook page where I found their photos to be disturbing.

Peru Ambulance Board Will Need a New Member

After the election results are certified by the La Salle County Clerk, the new members will be sworn in and that means that Jack O'Beirne and Jamey Mertel will be gone. That also means that now the PVAS will be short one member according to their bylaws. That also means that Ald. Ankiewicz and Ald. Mikyska will need to name a new member from the goup of remaining alderman. Of course the bylaws simply state, it needs to be an elected official so theoretically it could by the City Clerk, perhaps the City Treasuer but this is an elective office filled by an appointee or the Mayor. My guess is all 3 would refuse and so back to the remaining aldermen. Ferrari, Radtke, Perez, Waldorf, Lukosus or Potthoff are the choices. Any guesses on that. Looking forward to the March ambulance report which should be available soon.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Once Again Some Council Members Show How Out of Touch They Are

Tonight once again the city council took on and voted on a matter they know little or nothing about. It is the dog pull scheduled to take place at Baker Lake in about 5 weeks. Not one of the council it seems has ever seen one but seem to believe it is all right to go ahead and allow it to take place upon the word of the individuals who desire to use the park.

Ok, so I have never seen one but just from listening to the discussion, I believe it is the wrong location for the event. Located along Airport Road with residences all along the road on the La Salle side and a few north in Peru and a Nursing Home adjacent to the park.

The 2 aldermen who voted against this were Ferrari and Potthoff.

Ald. Mikyska compared it to a game of euchre that some people like and others may not and said he would not judge the event because he was not familiar with it and others might enjoy it. Alderman elect Perez gave the best comment of the night when he said he did not believe the residents were ready to accept and endorse the event. His comments fell on deaf ears.

This is a "sport" unfamiliar to the area and would it not be wise for the council to set up some rules or guidelines that they expect the promoters to follow and to have it all in writing. Nope ain't gonna happen.

A battle was lost and the struggle continues. No regrets!

Thank you to all who worked so hard with me during this campaign. Local politics is a strange beast that is very difficult to predict. What I learned from talking with folks in the 4th Ward is the fact that they do not understand how local government is supposed to work on their behalf. Some have great expectations from elected officials and others are fed up and have no expectations at all. Some seem to want you to make promises of what you will do for them if you are elected. The great majority of people I visited with told me in no uncertain terms that they felt they were not being well represented by their elected officials. You can never really be sure what motivates people to go to the polls on election day. I campaigned hard and I campaigned honestly. No promises, just a pledge to work hard to bring some new ideas to the table for improving the city of Peru. I know that message meant something to a lot of folks I spoke with. But many were afraid of that message. They fear things they are not familiar with so they revert back to things they understand. They will still often feel neglected and disenfranchised but there is a strange sense of security when they are familiar with who their alderman is. I have no regrets and I am only sad that I will not have a chance to prove myself to my supporters and those who presume to know what I stand for.

This Picture Speaks More Than Words

This was removed at the request of the LaSalle New Tribune as they believe it is an infringement upon their ownership of the article.

News Tribune - News - Local - Voters pick new names for Peru council

News Tribune - News - Local - Voters pick new names for Peru council

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Your Vote is Important to Peru

Polling places are open until 7 PM, please vote and if you don't know your polling place, go to anyone of them and they will help you find the right place to vote.

Monday, April 04, 2011

Election Day is Just About Here

Tomorrow is the day of decision and I hope all of my blogging friends are ready to get to the polls tomorrow and vote. Make Democracy work here in Peru. If you read this blog, you probably are aware of my choices although I have not made a point of posting it and would rather hear why YOU are feeling the way you do about the candidates.

I live in the First Ward and believe our residents need a new voice that will speak for all of them and that has not been happening here in the last few years. Many have made me aware of that. Our household will vote for Mike Radtke. He will be a voice for this ward and as I tell my neighbors, he walked this entire ward and talked to as many people as he could and left messages for those who were not home. That alone says a lot about the kind of person he is. He has the education and work experience along with the desire to be a good alderman for the city and we look forward to his election.

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Letters Sent to Peru Residents by Candidates

Fourth Ward Steve Weberski

Third Ward Joseph Witczak

Third Ward Mary Landsiedel

First Ward Mike Radtke

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