This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“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
Peru is trying to play copy cat to LaSalle's Light Festival at their Rotary Park, but at the airport. So is Steve suggesting Peru spend $12,000 for lights?
This is not a function of government. Government money should not be used. It should not take place on government property. Tell both your Aldermen that you do not approve of this blatant misuse of public property. The very idea of something like this sickens me. No, No, No, No, a million times - this is NOT SOMTHING GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO!!!!
Does anyone have a idea of how much money in total has been invested in the Walter Duncan Airport from all branches of government. I an including township, city ,county, state and Federal government plus all other government agencies.What powers does Homeland Security play in the rules of the airport? I don't like visiting area cities and being asked how things are going in "Little Woodstock". Our airport is a lot bigger investment than Woodstock was.
It is time to face reality. The political powers in Peru cannot be trusted to manage a Kool-Aid stand, let alone an asset like the Illinois Valley Regional Airport. It is time that we, the citizens of Peru, stand up and demand that Peru dissolve all involvement in the management of this regional transportation asset. We need to DEMAND that the Ottawa Port Authority be expanded and become the LaSalle County Port Authority. Furthermore, we need to DEMAND that this authority take control of not only the airport in Peru - but the commercial ports on the Peru riverfront. Peru leadership is inept and cannot be trusted with ANYTHING of importance. Period - end of Story!
I am not following the thinking of the rec board in regards to the airport. Do they want to put the displays on both sides of the road leading into the airport? Plank road is a very busy road. Would it be wise especially in the winter to have cars pulling in and out of that lane to view decorations? Also it appears that we are trying to mimic LaSalle's Rotary Park. Let's try and be creative and come up with some ideas of our own, please. Thank you
Light up the parks, light up downtown, purchase new lights for the light poles, but for goodness sake do not put $12,000 dollars to light up the road leading to the airport. What is the purpose, who would it benefit? Seems more would enjoy decorations in town.
Cost of Rt 6 Peru Banners $250 Sponsors share of payment $100 Cities share of payment $150
This cost is for each individual banner which are to be hung from light poles.
Basic questions are: *Who are these banners to be purchased from? *Since the City of Peru is to pay for 60% of the banner what name is to be on the banner, City of Peru or Route 6? *If the answer is Route 6 why is Peru paying $150/banner instead of the Route 6 Committee? *At the introduction of the Route 6 committee it was stated that this would cost the taxpayer of Peru no money, is this still true and if not, why not? *It was declared that the Rt. 6 committee and idea was a ad hoc committee and completely separate from the city government at a council meeting. Does this still hold true? *Has Peru contributed any money, labor or equipment to the Rt 6 adventure? *In the case of a liability suit what is the split between the city and the sponsor? *Since the sponsor is paying for 40% of the light pole he will have a ownership in what transpires with the pole to do some things he wants to do and all expenses of the pole such as light cost will be 40% proportion to be paid by the sponsor. This is only fair to all those businesses which have paid monthly for private city lights for years. Answers to these questions should be contractual. Past answers by city officials such as this is a work in process, this is what we call a work in kind, or in this case you have the use of super majority are not satisfactory.
In answer to some of your questions 10:16 April 25th yes, the city has given the route 6 committee $25,000 to be used to help downtown businesses make improvements to their structures. As stated, the city will also be paying $150/banner.
I see that this light display is on Mondays Public Works Committee agenda. I will not be able to attend this meeting but hope committee members will think this topic thru thoroughly before proceeding. I think the airport should be just that and not a playground for entertainment. Let's not be copy cats and come up with our own ideas.
After reading the agenda for the Public Services meeting for today, it sounds like the Christmas lights at the airport are a done deal, just requiring IDOT Aeronautics approval.
Also Eric Carls is requesting another vehicle. Doesn't the city have enough vehicles?
Is it possible for a citizen to object to this inappropriate use of public property. Who is the correct person at IDOT to contact? I thought the Illinois Department of Aviation had some say in this matter also. Does anyone know who to contact for that?
We need to take control of OUR EMPLOYEES (aka the Mayor and his minions).
Nobody gave the RT6 committee $25,000 to spend. The city has a grant program for downtown that is a matching grant up to $2,500 for downtown business improvements. The City Of LaSalle has had a program in place for many years to help downtown business. The City of Ottawa has had a program for many years that funds events and beutification of the downtown area. Nothing sinister.....
Once again I will ask who comprises the board of the Rt. 6 committee and what designated position do they hold? Why is Peru giving money to a ad hoc committee which has no city power and that is associated with a outside association. Peru since approximately 1991 had the Downtown Redevelopment Committee which had full control of downtown Peru. This committee was disbanded by Mayor Harl at a city council meeting better than a year ago because the present city officials were discovering how much power this group possessed. Following this disbandment the Design and Review Committee took over the Down Town Redevelopment Committee powers and still maintains these responsibilities and authority with the Route 6 Committee simply another broken spoke and mislettered word on someone's bike improperly parked by the old pickle ball court which makes one wonder why give $25,000 to a non-existent group.Does this give you any clue as to why Gov. Rauner is cutting city bugets?
There is no committee structure and the Rt6 association has no powers. It is simply a group of business owners looking for ideas to help the downtown area. They were not given money. The grant program is done by city hall, forma are available through the Super of Public works.
Nothing sinister. The group is open and there are no appointments. The redevelopment committee was dissolved while the design and review board was comprised. Why have 2 boards with the same objectives? Are downtowns worth the effort in a city of 10,000? Maybe? Maybe not? Most will argue that many cities spend a great deal of money on bringing in new business. Not everybody agrees that current downtown business needs to be promoted. It's ok to be critical and not agree. The point is that the group has no formal structure, no money and no authority. There is nothing there but a group of small business owners trying to create a busy downtown. End of story!
3:25 You seem to have answers so please inform us as to who is on this committee (besides Mr. Vickrey), when they meet, where they meet, why is no agenda posted, and where are the minutes from their meetings?
It is a private organization. The public is not allowed. If you have questions regarding public funding for this organization, you should address it to your Aldermen. Not this committee - which is PRIVATE.
The Rec Bd receives $50K as a mandatory law from the state and $25K as extra from the city. Does this board or any board publish or include in electric bill a itemized account where this $75K goes? When I think of recreation I think of recreation not decoration which is what Christmas Decorations are. Years ago the high school age had a "High Society" youth center which was extremely popular. Recently another activity was Winter Sled Days which the city has strived to conduct. Handicraft, tennis lessons, city band concerts, sled days, youth centers and continuous fresh ideas of activities are what a Rec Bd is created for not city decorations. the Interstate Ball games are a nice addition to the city but the Rec Bd does not belong putting money into it as the Peru teams have a very small participation, and possibly from now on less and less. This board should have to put its ideas 1st, as most other towns do, before they receive any of the $25K.Presently the Peruvians are not getting enough for their $75K.
What is the average age of the recreation board, how old is the oldest member and how young is the youngest? Why are not a member from the high school age and a member from the junior college included in the membership? Isn't there a limit of 5 years tenure and a member is to resign? Presently how many board members have served longer than 5 years continuously? It seems that this board has been directing its interests in a selfish manner of taking interest in the same recreations that they and a select few are interested in which has caused negative appearances.
I think the REC Board should consider expanding the BB Gun Club to include Project Appleseed youth activities in the summer time. The city has a good rifle range that could be used for this. Project Appleseed puts on 2 day clinics that teach youth traditional rifle marksmanship combined with American History and Heritage.
If the dreaded "P-Ball" debacle is any indication, the Peru Rec Board is not interested in "youth" activities. They are more interested in "geriatric" activities.
8:40 AM - WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT! We don't need any right wing conservative indoctrination camps masquerading as "history" and "heritage" corrupting our youth. We certainly don't need this to be put on by the CITY! It has taken a long time for the public schools to correct US History. We don't need this being changed back by radical conservatives.
7:54 I get the idea you have NO idea of the many diverse activities that are going on with the rec board and for our youth. You are entitled to your opinion but the activities we provide our kids throughout the year and summer are awesome. The cost is a bargain.
8:39 why are you here looking for answers when you will get none. Stop speculating as to who and how long. Go to a meeting or talk to someone on the board. They are one example of many wonderful people who actually get involved as volunteers in our community.
Again I will never understand why you share these things here which serves no purpose. Get involved or at least talk to people who are involved and get facts. They are just volunteers who are trying to make our community better with no public recognition.
Good point and I agree. We are all tired of these left field comments about the recreation board, route 6 association, city council, etc. Who are these qualified people that want to help our great city and are being turned away? And we all agree that if you want answers, ask someone who knows....a committee member...a council member! This speculation and out of control comments serve no purpose.
All of those mentioned people are only protecting their own interests. If you want answers, read past minutes and foia necessary information and then go yourself to the meetings to see whether you believe these people would give you an honest answer and draw your own conclusions based upon past experiences with the above mentioned peoople. Generally it is a gut feeling about the attitude you will get from the members.
Never take answers from those who have much to protect and much to lose if you really knew what took place behind the scenes.
Who are all these people that are all involved in this sinister plot? All of the above mentioned combine about 50 residents of Peru. Are they all involved in a secret cult of protection. Your description is like a Mafia group . What is the entire city protecting? And what will they lose once the magic secret is disclosed? Oh! What is this magic power?
Please quote us something in past minutes and Foia that would indicate that there is a self-interest in any of these residents that are appointed or elected. Facts!!! Please anything to validate your theory.
The Steve mentioned in these minutes wouldn't be the one who sells seasonal items in that general location - would it? If it by chance is wouldn't that make a beautiful setting for selling xmas trees, wreaths, etc.?
Now you are thinking 1:05. That is how things roll in Peru.
Everyone should also look back in the council meeting minutes from several years ago when someone wanted to have a farmer's market on Peoria Street in Peru. That particular initiative was squashed faster than a pumpkin on Halloween. As a test - everyone send our Alderman and email asking them to set up a regular farmers market in Peru - see how quickly the wagons circle on that one.
Come to think of it... didn't a certain someone we all know have some meetings.... na I'm not going there.
It was BoJo who wanted to have a Farmers Market in the Mark Allen's parking lot. A former alderman who BoJo would be a competitor to opposed the effort stating that Peru had people who worked year round performing the same task as BoJo and this would hinder their effort and would not be fair to them. This same person had a business in which he cross merchandised so many products that he was a competitor to all other businesses. This is a good example of progressive Peru at certain times.
LaSalle has a farmer's market. Why duplicate? You would have the same vendors.
I see the usual postings about Xmas cheer. There is at least one that wants Peru to do nothing for the Xmas cheer. Get rid of the Xmas tree at city hall and now squash any new idea that may promote the holiday.
10:56 Nobody is trying to squash any idea that may promote a holiday. What people would like is originality and no copy-cat behavior. Since our neighboring towns are so close let's come up with an original idea and something different for members of the Illinois Valley to enjoy. Many of Peru's downtown and Shooting Park road xmas decorations are old, faded, and dull. They could stand to be updated. Last xmas the Westclox decorations seemed to wow everyone. What about expanding on them along Route 6 which seems to be a topic of interest recently? As far as the farmers market that is another entity that Peru let slip thru it's fingers because of personal conflicts with a local business.
Its not conflicts with local business - it is protectionism of local business. And the downtown store was not the reason the Farmer's Market was squashed like a pumpkin - it was the "fresh tomatoes" guy up by the airport - who happens to have been "connected" with other city services.
But you are right. There is a market in LaSalle. We do need to start working together. We should have the same Police Department, the same Fire Department, The same Public Works Department. Come to think of it, we should be the same dang town!
BoJo or however they spell the nick name is an Illinois Valley icon. The original guy would drive around LaSalle-Peru with a truck full of produce ringing a bell and blasting his horn. All the housewives would come out and buy fresh fruit and vegetables that he grew on his farm. Of course, that was back in the day when we had house wives and farmers grew food instead of fuel. Today, you could blast your horn all afternoon and you would be lucky one person took notice. No such thing as a house wife anymore. Man I miss those days. Mom at home, dad at work, and BoJo selling fresh tomatoes. Now we have to eat Mexican or Brazilian tomatoes from HyVee. And the only one allowed to sell their own produce in Peru put the kibosh BoJo's.
Doesn't it put a smile on your face to think back years ag when the Omar man peddled bakery goods door to door in the morning and the Fuller Brush man came in the afternoon, BoJo drove his open back truck through town with fresh veggies and someone was going block to block sharpening scissors and knifes and Tage Chemaleskie delivered ice and milk was put in the box by your door. Those were days when people knew each other much better.
Yes when someone thinks back 65 years ago they realize that some days you wish the clock stood still. I am all for progress but will never forget what a pleasure it was to live in the past. Does anyone remember when Ralphie Fugal wrestled a bear in the old Art Theater?
50 years from now the old guys of 2065 will be talking about the good old days when they were young and smoking pot and drinking beer at the town airport and everyone was facing it with a blind eye to make sure the concert was a financial success for both the city and the promoter. My times have changed!
What makes you or anyone think that people were drinking beer and smoking pot at the airports concerts? I doubt it as the C,PPD and the PPD were in charge of security. Last year how many were arrested on the 3rd of July at the fireworks and how many over the summer of concerts for a cause? I don't remember anyone which means no problem.
The airport concerts had a full bar. There are two bars on Waterstreet that sell out of their parking lot during the "Peru Drunkfest" along with a "Beer Garden"
8:24 then if this is such an issue for you then it must be your first concert. This is so stupid. There is a tiny fraction of people at any concert doing this but let me guess! Peru's was SO different! "Only in Peru!" am I right"? Lol!
Concerts again. What a joke. We are not holding one this summer but the blog just can't let it go. So instead start picking on a few idiots who smoked some weed at a concert. GEt a life!
10:32.... My lord I know your joking........that's a good one. No drunks at the concerts and fireworks and nobody smoking dope??? Ask the officers providing security and some will admit what was obvious. Not every officer lies to protect administration and will provide the truth when asked. Your comment is atrocious if not a fantasy......
Here is what I can't let go of: A alderman sponsors winter days at McKinley Park ages have fun and families can't get enough of, cost is very little. Private business has a concert at the government airport and always the word comes back on how much it cost the city and how much drinking and drugs are there. Which is the city of Peru's government representation in favor of?
54 comments:
The airport should only be used for activities involving aviation. Period, end of story.
Peru is trying to play copy cat to LaSalle's Light Festival at their Rotary Park, but at the airport. So is Steve suggesting Peru spend $12,000 for lights?
Would those light interfere with landing - taking off activity at airport?
This is not a function of government. Government money should not be used. It should not take place on government property. Tell both your Aldermen that you do not approve of this blatant misuse of public property. The very idea of something like this sickens me. No, No, No, No, a million times - this is NOT SOMTHING GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO!!!!
I agree 100% with 11:49 AM.
Does anyone have a idea of how much money in total has been invested in the Walter Duncan Airport from all branches of government. I an including township, city ,county, state and Federal government plus all other government agencies.What powers does Homeland Security play in the rules of the airport?
I don't like visiting area cities and being asked how things are going in "Little Woodstock". Our airport is a lot bigger investment than Woodstock was.
It is time to face reality. The political powers in Peru cannot be trusted to manage a Kool-Aid stand, let alone an asset like the Illinois Valley Regional Airport. It is time that we, the citizens of Peru, stand up and demand that Peru dissolve all involvement in the management of this regional transportation asset. We need to DEMAND that the Ottawa Port Authority be expanded and become the LaSalle County Port Authority. Furthermore, we need to DEMAND that this authority take control of not only the airport in Peru - but the commercial ports on the Peru riverfront. Peru leadership is inept and cannot be trusted with ANYTHING of importance. Period - end of Story!
I am not following the thinking of the rec board in regards to the airport. Do they want to put the displays on both sides of the road leading into the airport? Plank road is a very busy road. Would it be wise especially in the winter to have cars pulling in and out of that lane to view decorations? Also it appears that we are trying to mimic LaSalle's Rotary Park. Let's try and be creative and come up with some ideas of our own, please. Thank you
4:13 PM
Yes mimic is a choice and suitable word. I believe that the displays would not be on Plank Rd. but located somewhere on the airport proper.
Light up the parks, light up downtown, purchase new lights for the light poles, but for goodness sake do not put $12,000 dollars to light up the road leading to the airport. What is the purpose, who would it benefit? Seems more would enjoy decorations in town.
Cost of Rt 6 Peru Banners $250
Sponsors share of payment $100
Cities share of payment $150
This cost is for each individual banner which are to be hung from light poles.
Basic questions are:
*Who are these banners to be purchased from?
*Since the City of Peru is to pay for 60% of the banner what name is to be on the banner, City of Peru or Route 6?
*If the answer is Route 6 why is Peru paying $150/banner instead of the Route 6 Committee?
*At the introduction of the Route 6 committee it was stated that this would cost the taxpayer of Peru no money, is this still true and if not, why not?
*It was declared that the Rt. 6 committee and idea was a ad hoc committee and completely separate from the city government at a council meeting. Does this still hold true?
*Has Peru contributed any money, labor or equipment to the Rt 6 adventure?
*In the case of a liability suit what is the split between the city and the sponsor?
*Since the sponsor is paying for 40% of the light pole he will have a ownership in what transpires with the pole to do some things he wants to do and all expenses of the pole such as light cost will be 40% proportion to be paid by the sponsor. This is only fair to all those businesses which have paid monthly for private city lights for years.
Answers to these questions should be contractual. Past answers by city officials such as this is a work in process, this is what we call a work in kind, or in this case you have the use of super majority are not satisfactory.
Anyone involved in Peru government has not had an original idea since the Carter Administration.
Say no to airport nonsense!
In answer to some of your questions 10:16 April 25th yes, the city has given the route 6 committee $25,000 to be used to help downtown businesses make improvements to their structures. As stated, the city will also be paying $150/banner.
I see that this light display is on Mondays Public Works Committee agenda. I will not be able to attend this meeting but hope committee members will think this topic thru thoroughly before proceeding. I think the airport should be just that and not a playground for entertainment. Let's not be copy cats and come up with our own ideas.
After reading the agenda for the Public Services meeting for today, it sounds like the Christmas lights at the airport are a done deal, just requiring IDOT Aeronautics approval.
Also Eric Carls is requesting another vehicle. Doesn't the city have enough vehicles?
Of all the things that the "Public Works Committee" needs to take care of, why are they wasting time on Christmas Lights? This is pure stupidity.
Is it possible for a citizen to object to this inappropriate use of public property. Who is the correct person at IDOT to contact? I thought the Illinois Department of Aviation had some say in this matter also. Does anyone know who to contact for that?
We need to take control of OUR EMPLOYEES (aka the Mayor and his minions).
Nobody gave the RT6 committee $25,000 to spend. The city has a grant program for downtown that is a matching grant up to $2,500 for downtown business improvements.
The City Of LaSalle has had a program in place for many years to help downtown business.
The City of Ottawa has had a program for many years that funds events and beutification of the downtown area.
Nothing sinister.....
9:54 Yes, you are correct but it is tax payer money.
Ahhhhh 9:54. A voice of reason with actual facts in hand. How refreshing! Thank you!
Once again I will ask who comprises the board of the Rt. 6 committee and what designated position do they hold?
Why is Peru giving money to a ad hoc committee which has no city power and that is associated with a outside association. Peru since approximately 1991 had the Downtown Redevelopment Committee which had full control of downtown Peru. This committee was disbanded by Mayor Harl at a city council meeting better than a year ago because the present city officials were discovering how much power this group possessed.
Following this disbandment the Design and Review Committee took over the Down Town Redevelopment Committee powers and still maintains these responsibilities and authority with the Route 6
Committee simply another broken spoke and mislettered word on someone's bike improperly parked by the old pickle ball court which makes one wonder why give $25,000 to a non-existent group.Does this give you any clue as to why Gov. Rauner is cutting city bugets?
There is no committee structure and the Rt6 association has no powers. It is simply a group of business owners looking for ideas to help the downtown area. They were not given money. The grant program is done by city hall, forma are available through the Super of Public works.
Nothing sinister. The group is open and there are no appointments. The redevelopment committee was dissolved while the design and review board was comprised. Why have 2 boards with the same objectives?
Are downtowns worth the effort in a city of 10,000? Maybe? Maybe not? Most will argue that many cities spend a great deal of money on bringing in new business. Not everybody agrees that current downtown business needs to be promoted. It's ok to be critical and not agree. The point is that the group has no formal structure, no money and no authority. There is nothing there but a group of small business owners trying to create a busy downtown. End of story!
3:25 You seem to have answers so please inform us as to who is on this committee (besides Mr. Vickrey), when they meet, where they meet, why is no agenda posted, and where are the minutes from their meetings?
It is a private organization. The public is not allowed. If you have questions regarding public funding for this organization, you should address it to your Aldermen. Not this committee - which is PRIVATE.
So how did the committee meeting go today. Did anyone attend?
The Rec Bd receives $50K as a mandatory law from the state and $25K as extra from the city. Does this board or any board publish or include in electric bill a itemized account where this $75K goes?
When I think of recreation I think of recreation not decoration which is what Christmas Decorations are.
Years ago the high school age had a "High Society" youth center which was extremely popular. Recently another activity was Winter Sled Days which the city has strived to conduct. Handicraft, tennis lessons, city band concerts, sled days, youth centers and continuous fresh ideas of activities are what a Rec Bd is created for not city decorations.
the Interstate Ball games are a nice addition to the city but the Rec Bd does not belong putting money into it as the Peru teams have a very small participation, and possibly from now on less and less.
This board should have to put its ideas 1st, as most other towns do, before they receive any of the $25K.Presently the Peruvians are not getting enough for their $75K.
What is the average age of the recreation board, how old is the oldest member and how young is the youngest?
Why are not a member from the high school age and a member from the junior college included in the membership?
Isn't there a limit of 5 years tenure and a member is to resign? Presently how many board members have served longer than 5 years continuously?
It seems that this board has been directing its interests in a selfish manner of taking interest in the same recreations that they and a select few are interested in which has caused negative appearances.
I think the REC Board should consider expanding the BB Gun Club to include Project Appleseed youth activities in the summer time. The city has a good rifle range that could be used for this. Project Appleseed puts on 2 day clinics that teach youth traditional rifle marksmanship combined with American History and Heritage.
Take a look at this web page:
https://appleseedinfo.org/
If the dreaded "P-Ball" debacle is any indication, the Peru Rec Board is not interested in "youth" activities. They are more interested in "geriatric" activities.
8:40 AM - WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT! We don't need any right wing conservative indoctrination camps masquerading as "history" and "heritage" corrupting our youth. We certainly don't need this to be put on by the CITY! It has taken a long time for the public schools to correct US History. We don't need this being changed back by radical conservatives.
7:54 I get the idea you have NO idea of the many diverse activities that are going on with the rec board and for our youth. You are entitled to your opinion but the activities we provide our kids throughout the year and summer are awesome. The cost is a bargain.
8:39 why are you here looking for answers when you will get none. Stop speculating as to who and how long. Go to a meeting or talk to someone on the board. They are one example of many wonderful people who actually get involved as volunteers in our community.
Again I will never understand why you share these things here which serves no purpose. Get involved or at least talk to people who are involved and get facts. They are just volunteers who are trying to make our community better with no public recognition.
9:33
Good point and I agree. We are all tired of these left field comments about the recreation board, route 6 association, city council, etc. Who are these qualified people that want to help our great city and are being turned away? And we all agree that if you want answers, ask someone who knows....a committee member...a council member! This speculation and out of control comments serve no purpose.
10:47 PM
All of those mentioned people are only protecting their own interests. If you want answers, read past minutes and foia necessary information and then go yourself to the meetings to see whether you believe these people would give you an honest answer and draw your own conclusions based upon past experiences with the above mentioned peoople. Generally it is a gut feeling about the attitude you will get from the members.
Never take answers from those who have much to protect and much to lose if you really knew what took place behind the scenes.
10:59 You dropped another conspiracy line on us.
Who are all these people that are all involved in this sinister plot? All of the above mentioned combine about 50 residents of Peru. Are they all involved in a secret cult of protection. Your description is like a Mafia group . What is the entire city protecting? And what will they lose once the magic secret is disclosed? Oh! What is this magic power?
10:59
Please quote us something in past minutes and Foia that would indicate that there is a self-interest in any of these residents that are appointed or elected. Facts!!! Please anything to validate your theory.
The Steve mentioned in these minutes wouldn't be the one who sells seasonal items in that general location - would it? If it by chance is wouldn't that make a beautiful setting for selling xmas trees, wreaths, etc.?
Now you are thinking 1:05. That is how things roll in Peru.
Everyone should also look back in the council meeting minutes from several years ago when someone wanted to have a farmer's market on Peoria Street in Peru. That particular initiative was squashed faster than a pumpkin on Halloween. As a test - everyone send our Alderman and email asking them to set up a regular farmers market in Peru - see how quickly the wagons circle on that one.
Come to think of it... didn't a certain someone we all know have some meetings.... na I'm not going there.
It was BoJo who wanted to have a Farmers Market in the Mark Allen's parking lot. A former alderman who BoJo would be a competitor to opposed the effort stating that Peru had people who worked year round performing the same task as BoJo and this would hinder their effort and would not be fair to them.
This same person had a business in which he cross merchandised so many products that he was a competitor to all other businesses. This is a good example of progressive Peru at certain times.
LaSalle has a farmer's market. Why duplicate? You would have the same vendors.
I see the usual postings about Xmas cheer. There is at least one that wants Peru to do nothing for the Xmas cheer. Get rid of the Xmas tree at city hall and now squash any new idea that may promote the holiday.
10:56 Nobody is trying to squash any idea that may promote a holiday. What people would like is originality and no copy-cat behavior. Since our neighboring towns are so close let's come up with an original idea and something different for members of the Illinois Valley to enjoy. Many of Peru's downtown and Shooting Park road xmas decorations are old, faded, and dull. They could stand to be updated. Last xmas the Westclox decorations seemed to wow everyone. What about expanding on them along Route 6 which seems to be a topic of interest recently? As far as the farmers market that is another entity that Peru let slip thru it's fingers because of personal conflicts with a local business.
Its not conflicts with local business - it is protectionism of local business. And the downtown store was not the reason the Farmer's Market was squashed like a pumpkin - it was the "fresh tomatoes" guy up by the airport - who happens to have been "connected" with other city services.
But you are right. There is a market in LaSalle. We do need to start working together. We should have the same Police Department, the same Fire Department, The same Public Works Department. Come to think of it, we should be the same dang town!
WHO in the hell is "BoJo"????????????????
Boggio's
BoJo or however they spell the nick name is an Illinois Valley icon. The original guy would drive around LaSalle-Peru with a truck full of produce ringing a bell and blasting his horn. All the housewives would come out and buy fresh fruit and vegetables that he grew on his farm.
Of course, that was back in the day when we had house wives and farmers grew food instead of fuel.
Today, you could blast your horn all afternoon and you would be lucky one person took notice. No such thing as a house wife anymore. Man I miss those days. Mom at home, dad at work, and BoJo selling fresh tomatoes. Now we have to eat Mexican or Brazilian tomatoes from HyVee. And the only one allowed to sell their own produce in Peru put the kibosh BoJo's.
Doesn't it put a smile on your face to think back years ag when the Omar man peddled bakery goods door to door in the morning and the Fuller Brush man came in the afternoon, BoJo drove his open back truck through town with fresh veggies and someone was going block to block sharpening scissors and knifes and Tage Chemaleskie delivered ice and milk was put in the box by your door. Those were days when people knew each other much better.
Yes when someone thinks back 65 years ago they realize that some days you wish the clock stood still. I am all for progress but
will never forget what a pleasure it was to live in the past. Does anyone remember when Ralphie Fugal wrestled a bear in the old Art Theater?
I knew Ralphie and remember being told about his wrestling a bear and that he won. They had a muzzle on the bears mouth.
50 years from now the old guys of 2065 will be talking about the good old days when they were young and smoking pot and drinking beer at the town airport and everyone was facing it with a blind eye to make sure the concert was a financial success for both the city and the promoter. My times have changed!
What makes you or anyone think that people were drinking beer and smoking pot at the airports concerts? I doubt it as the C,PPD and the PPD were in charge of security.
Last year how many were arrested on the 3rd of July at the fireworks and how many over the summer of concerts for a cause? I don't remember anyone which means no problem.
10:32, ???? I saw it myself. And if you think that just because nobody is arrested that it isn't going on, then you have a lot to learn.
The airport concerts had a full bar. There are two bars on Waterstreet that sell out of their parking lot during the "Peru Drunkfest" along with a "Beer Garden"
8:24 then if this is such an issue for you then it must be your first concert. This is so stupid. There is a tiny fraction of people at any concert doing this but let me guess! Peru's was SO different! "Only in Peru!" am I right"? Lol!
Concerts again. What a joke. We are not holding one this summer but the blog just can't let it go. So instead start picking on a few idiots who smoked some weed at a concert. GEt a life!
10:32.... My lord I know your joking........that's a good one. No drunks at the concerts and fireworks and nobody smoking dope??? Ask the officers providing security and some will admit what was obvious. Not every officer lies to protect administration and will provide the truth when asked. Your comment is atrocious if not a fantasy......
Here is what I can't let go of: A alderman sponsors winter days at McKinley Park ages have fun and families can't get enough of, cost is very little.
Private business has a concert at the government airport and always the word comes back on how much it cost the city and how much drinking and drugs are there.
Which is the city of Peru's government representation in favor of?
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