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
We have discussed so many thoughts on public education, just wondered what the theories would be on this so called revival of small schools?
58 comments:
Anonymous
said...
No place to post this. Maybe a new heading. But... Illinois is moving toward unified purchasing to hold back costs.
"The package would provide both the State as well as individual agencies increased flexibility and efficiencies in purchasing and procurement thus increasing the opportunities for savings. This includes the creation of a pool of pre-qualified vendors for supplies and services, as well as allowing State and local governments to enter into purchasing consortiums in hopes of leveraging buying power. In addition, it would carve out procurement code exemptions for an array of instances including service contracts, trade shows and units of higher education."
Why has Peru-LaSalle never moved forward and stated to buy in a co-operative effort on their own. What amounts of money could have been saved. It has been such a waste of taxpayers money for two cities only divided by a short bridge to proceed buying individually and not combining city governments, city departments, manpower and equipment for approximately 150 years plus. I do not care to explain the reasons why a successful combination of the two cities has never been achieved since it would be a waste of my time explaining and your time reading it. If you do not know why you have no idea of civics and butter as many have explained. Possibly you have had it explained to you in the past as logrolling and featherbedding the younger group refer to it as stupidity. No matter what adjectives utilized you do not need a road map or blueprint to understand. Speaking of the younger group you can rest assured that the future leaders of the cities are already in anticipation of a combination of the two cities. Change in Peru has taken place rapidly since 2009, under the present administration, when considering that a footprint edged in stone was the start and end of all movement for Peru and still has influence over his flock of the past in important future decisions. This footprint most likely is the reason that the two cities are not already one.
The reason is simple. With two cities, you need 2 Police Chiefs, 2 Public Works Directors, 2 Fire Chiefs, Twice as many police, Twice as many firemen, 2 city clerks, 2 city clerk staffs... basically, two of everything.
People in Illinois believe in all their heart, that the purpose of government is to spend more money and employ more people. The yokels around here think that is good for the economy!
8:57 AM, February 04, 2016 - who cares. Everybody says that. Ultimately the cost savings will materialize and everyone's will be lower. What the citizens would need to be vigilant about is the fact that the politicians and employees will discover things to do with the new found savings.
Stop thinking short term 8:57. With any luck, the new combined city of LaSalle and Peru will be around hundreds of years. A short term blip in tax rates on the western side of the new city will be outweighed by the savings realized by efficiencies associated the reduction in overall work force and administration cost.
We need to start discussing the most important topic. That is what will the new city be called.
Way back when, Peru was actually named Salisbury. I kind of like that. We can have hamburger steak as our official food. Other possibilities include:
When you gave him the campaign money, he can do whatever he wants within limitations. Kind of like a Birthday card from grandma that says spend this wisely. I doubt that any Republican candidate will get his hands on any of the Mayor's money.
We need campaign reform to keep politicians from taking their donations and giving them to others. They should also not be able to collect any money until 6 months before an election.
Reading on Facebook that the fireworks will be at the Peru Mall this year! Outstanding! Most of the city will be able to see them. Nice parking lot. Room for beer tents and sausage tents and hamburger tents. A REAL Celebration! Great move Peru!!!!
How can they shoot fireworks at the Peru Mall parking lots when they couldn't at Baker Lake because the houses, that are a mile away, were worried sparks would hit their homes? The Mall itself is way closer to the parking lots surrounding it.
7:15 Feb. 4th Who posted that information on Facebook and when was it posted? I haven't been able to find anything. Was it from a specific friend of yours? If so, who?
I heard it on good authority that there will be a charge to park in the mall parking lot during the fireworks event. I also heard that a pizza vendor is being given exclusive food concessions and a certain politically active beer distributor will be in charge of beer sales. Looks like the Peru Booster Boys have been aced out.
1:55PM You sure hear a lot all of which I would say is incorrect because portions of it are illegal. Any time a public or private enterprise is involved and the words exclusive, free or complimentary are mentioned red flags are flying all over the place. Therefore 1:55PM unless you have positive fact of what you hear do all including Peru a favor and quit starting rumors. That is all they are.
8:54 a.m. Check the minutes of the January 18, 2016 public services committee meeting on the city's website. It states "Alderman Mueller reported the Peru Mall has agreed to work with the Parks & Recreation Board and CSO for fireworks parking." I wonder where they plan to shoot the fireworks off because there are homes in the cornfields around the mall.
Anon 7:08 For years some wanted the fireworks moved from the Illinois River site. Now that Mayor Harl and the City Rec Board have narrowed down their future choices and possibly considering a area somewhere near the Peru Mall there are people who are already finding fault. Snide remarks such as Harlville or TESTerton are unappreciated by the majority and are done with the intention of limiting the positive efforts of those in charge of making a successful fireworks show. Addressing only those who are in the state of discontent, how do you expect the leadership of Peru to know what you really want when you do not know yourself's.
4:03 PM, February 05, 2016 - Please site the relevant law that pertains to the illegality of the event described in the 1:55 PM post. I'll pay dollars to donuts that it is perfectly legal.
10:27 AM, February 05, 2016 - please refer to Google Maps if you can't envision the location in your mind. The pyrotechnics will be displayed over a large corn field.
4:03 PM, - that is exactly why we need to get the government out of this event. It should be a private organization that runs this thing. The City could "donate" some money and services, but should have absolutely no say in the management of it. That is the only way the event will survive beyond the next year or two. With Peru Aldermen involved, it will fail.
11:24 PM, February 05, 2016 - Many of the forces you speak of wanted the explosives to be set off at Baker Lake over a very expensive residential subdivision. They refuse to acknowledge that the park is not designed for large events and many of the people that live there do not want a thousand or more people converging on their neighborhood. But, apparently, those in charge have finally noticed the large open fields to the west with the extremely large parking lot that can host hundreds of people along with the potential for tents selling all sorts of "Fair Food" and beverages. I think this is a sound decision. At least until the farm fields to the west of the Mall are developed.
The fireworks would not have been set off "over a very expensive residential" subdivision 2:52 Feb. 6th. You make it sound as though the fireworks would be shot right at those homes and, by the way, the cost of those homes should have nothing to do with the decision. Those residents and those homes should have no more influence on our government's decision making than any other home or resident in Peru. If Baker Lake was not designed for large events why are so many being held there and what was it designed for (people walking around it???) I don't think the west side was designed for soccer either because of the lack of parking but that's how it's being used and that's what the people in that neck of the woods have to put up with on a daily basis for an extended period of time. (Cars filling all the side streets and residents having a hard time getting out of their driveways and the police having to take the time to post no parking signs). I'm tired of this town catering to the elite and selected group of citizens. We all pay taxes and should all be treated equally. So it's ok for cars and people to converge on the west side neighborhood for an extended period of time but not for 1 DAY in the elite residental neighborhood? And, that neighborhood is so far away I highly doubt they would be disturbed in any way other than NOISE. My opinion.
9:27 AM, February 07, 2016: Name one event that drew 1,000 to Baker Lake.
Having a soccer game in a neighborhood park is one thing. Setting off explosives in close proximity to that neighborhood with 1,000 or more people wondering around is another.
Personally, I'm all for the city shutting down this event permanently. The people no longer understand what it is all about. You will be lucky to find ten people in attendance that could quote any portion of the Declaration of Independence or any of the reasons why we separated from England.
2:31 The fireworks would be set off no where near that neighborhood. Remember when they where set off at Washington Park? Now that was close to the neighborhood but no one seemed to care about those people, did they? It really doesn't matter anyway because the fireworks will never be set off at Baker Lake. Once again influential people prevail.
4:40 PM, February 07, 2016 - they didn't care until one of them blew up and burned dozens of people and causing a panic. That is why the moved them out of the park. Now if you want to keep the fireworks away from the houses, they need to be exploded directly over the park. The lake is not that big. So there is a good chance that a premature explosion will rain fire into the crowd.
Baker Lake is not the place for fireworks. If everyone is hell bent on using that place. Change it to a Laser Light Show and do away with the explosives.
8:17 Your first statement is false but I won't go into details on that topic. As far as your next statement one is hell bent on anything. If you read my last statement I said that the fireworks would never by set of at Baker Lake. Reason: influential people prevail.
11:12 AM, February 08, 2016. Why won't you go in to details on that topic? Many people where burned in that accident and it was the reason for moving the event out of Washington Park.
I'm in favor of not having the event ever again. We have enough money being wasted on the daily tasks of government. We don't need to burn one hundred dollar bills in the park just so the yokels can oooo and ahhhhh.
Peru fireworks are a waste of time, waste of money, and are dangerous to boot. You can take that to the bank and you can put it in your pipe and smoke it to.
That's no crap. I was at that show when the fire rained down on the crowd. I'll NEVER go to another fireworks show again. If times where like they are now - the city would have been paying out millions and millions of dollars in liability payments. I wonder if there is a statute of limitations on that... I still have nightmares. I bet I can claim PTSD for that.
We need Andy Skoogs to pass a law in Illinois regulating fireworks. Pyrotechnic displays should be illegal within one mile of any area zoned residential, industrial, or commercial. They should not be allowed within the boundaries of any municipality.
This will put and end to this endless controversy in Peru. Fireworks are really a red neck sort of thing anyway and not befitting a town with the stature of Peru. Lets keep activities like these in LaSalle if we cant get a law passed to prohibit them.
6:32 Feb. 9th Are you serious? Your last comment makes me sick! And no, I am not from La Salle. I am a Peru resident and deeply offended by the mentality of citizens like you. Those who think that Peru and it's residents are better people than others in the Illinois Valley. If the fireworks are indeed a "redneck" sort of thing why has Peru held it for years at one of the most dangerous locations in town -along the Illinois River on Water Street? And, why are they frantically searching for a new location? And why is Peru copying surrounding communities (i.e. Rotary Park excellent xmas display, Westclox xmas display)?
There is no "fireworks controversy." There are a few people talking about in anonymously. That's like saying there are five guys at the coffee shop talking about it. It's not a controversy.
7:26 please stay home. Fireworks very dangerous. So are cars. We should go back to horses. Oh wait.....
9:54. They put them down by the river so as not to disturb the good part of town. Now they want them up north. Next we will have drag races, tractor parades and dog pulls.
I have relatives in one of the wealthier suburbs not much bigger than Peru and they shoot off the fireworks, as does several right around them. It's not a "redneck" thing. It is an American tradition for people of every stripe. If you don't like the fireworks OR the locations then DON'T GO!
Who are some of you sad people?
And I love how a slogan like the "Leader of the Valley" is offensive to some people. It doesn't mean people from Peru think they are better. It is a slogan the evokes a little pride. Many towns have slogans that show pride in their town, including that they think it is a better place to live. I am from Peru and and I very proud of my town. Many of my friends from Spring Valley and LaSalle and other places feel the same way about theirs.
Those of us that have lived in Peru all our lives and observed Peru government behavior for all those years know that Peru's true slogan that best describes it is not Leader of the Valley, it's "CHEATER OF THE VALLEY" based on generations of government shenanigans and poor quality elected officials. Sorry Peru cheerleaders, but many of us have been watching it since my grandfather was first victimized by the wrath of Don Baker and a corrupt Police chief many years ago. From what I am hearing now Peru is not far removed from the same corrupt behavior and abuse of power that almost destroyed my family when I was just a child. When people are denied their civil rights by law enforcement because of personal or political vendettas we have a serious problem. It happens in Peru and it is sickening.
2:11 go cry somewhere else. Peru has not cheated at a thing and you clearly have an ax to grind. Don Baker's vision is a huge part of what made Peru the leader while everyone has lagged behind. There are not cheerleaders here, just haters like you. The rest of us just go on quietly doing our thing making our community better.
Your grandfather was a victim of Dan Baker and the police. What do you want, restitution? Please.
I have lived in Peru all of my life and am more proud than ever. This has nothing to do with who the mayor is or who is on the city council. What is crazy is that you are such a victim and yet you still choose to live here. Last time I checked you were still free to leave.
I think we should move the Maude Powell Festival to The Don Baker Lake. Take the money that is wasted on Fireworks and hire a symphony orchestra to perform. Serve champagne and caviar. Call it an "Evening of Culture in the Park." Enforce a strict dress code and charge and entrance fee that will prevent the riff raff from crashing the event. Make is a real first class thing. We need more culture around here and less beer boozing, football ticket selling, and other red neck activities synonymous with LaSalle-Peru. We really do have a bad reputation in the better parts of the state.
Only red necks like fire works? Really? Suuuuuuure.
Just like alllllll those rednecks on the Chicago lake front, the San Francisco Bay, over the Charles River in Boston (great show by the way) and that red neck haven, New York City. Yep. Just a bunch of rednecks.
If only we could all be as cultured and sophisticated as those on the blog who hide behind anonymity and call people names.
6:42 there has been that very event. I was there. Where were you? The local talent was outstanding, although you did not need to dress up. It was more like a big picnic and most of use brought wine and cheese. It was excellent and I believe it was early June. The Illinois Valley Symphony orchestra actually does a very good job for an area like this and people come from the suburbs to see performances at Stage 212.
Those of you who act like the only thing around here is beer and football and fireworks CLEARLY only hang around people who are into beer and football and fireworks. WHY DO YOU JUST INSIST ON INSULTING EVERYONE FROM THE ILLINOIS VALLEY?
The only small minded person is you, who apparently an only judge thousands of people with one broad stroke. I'm an Illinois Valley boy, but you clearly are not in my crowd and you clearly have no idea of the culture of the Illinois Valley. So many generous and wonderful people! We like our beer and gambling around here, but so much more.
12:08 PM, Because the Illinois Valley is Hicksville. Now lets go line up to buy cheep tools at the old K-Mart and complement the local Dems on how good a job they are doing "developing the economy." And don't tell me Bobby V. is not a Dem. He does whatever it takes to turn a buck and has made a career out of turning our tax money into his income.
Expanding retail does not constitute Economic Development. Some people are saying that we just entered another recession. What is going to happen to all this retail when our local denizens stop buying "stuff"?
As our population plummets, who will continue to buy? We have quite a few retired folks bolstering the local retail. The younger folks don't buy as much because they have less money than the older people. They are also departing the area in droves. Just look at the Obits, Birth Announcements, and Wedding Announcements. You will get the picture.
9:18 We may be in the early stages of another recession.
Local dollars may lessen. The cities that have good financial stewardship will be able to survive. Those that don't will have to raise taxes in a declining economy. The State of Illinois has troubles.
7:42 I agree the mall struggles but are you the one who said our sales tax would drop by now? We are on pace for another record year of sales in peru.
Actually it is amazing that when thousands have been closed around the country, we still have JC Penney, Sears and some others. Those stores know we have a good thing coming although they will close eventually. Many malls have closed, but the mall needs to reinvent. Where would the mall be without the rest of the retail shopping district that is close by. At one time Peru pretty much had just the mall but at least we have diversified that much more over time.
58 comments:
No place to post this. Maybe a new heading. But... Illinois is moving toward unified purchasing to hold back costs.
"The package would provide both the State as well as individual agencies increased flexibility and efficiencies in purchasing and procurement thus increasing the opportunities for savings. This includes the creation of a pool of pre-qualified vendors for supplies and services, as well as allowing State and local governments to enter into purchasing consortiums in hopes of leveraging buying power. In addition, it would carve out procurement code exemptions for an array of instances including service contracts, trade shows and units of higher education."
http://www.rep-danbrady.com/2016/02/illinois-procurement-overhaul-moves.html
Never happen in Peru. They would rather pay higher prices downtown.
Why has Peru-LaSalle never moved forward and stated to buy in a co-operative effort on their own. What amounts of money could have been saved. It has been such a waste of taxpayers money for two cities only divided by a short bridge to proceed buying individually and not combining city governments, city departments, manpower and equipment for approximately 150 years plus.
I do not care to explain the reasons why a successful combination of the two cities has never been achieved since it would be a waste of my time explaining and your time reading it. If you do not know why you have no idea of civics and butter as many have explained. Possibly you have had it explained to you in the past as logrolling and featherbedding the younger group refer to it as stupidity. No matter what adjectives utilized you do not need a road map or blueprint to understand.
Speaking of the younger group you can rest assured that the future leaders of the cities are already in anticipation of a combination of the two cities. Change in Peru has taken place rapidly since 2009, under the present administration, when considering that a footprint edged in stone was the start and end of all movement for Peru and still has influence over his flock of the past in important future decisions. This footprint most likely is the reason that the two cities are not already one.
No offense 1:47 but I comprehend really well and that was one touch explanation to follow. Whatever it is you were trying to say.
The reason is simple. With two cities, you need 2 Police Chiefs, 2 Public Works Directors, 2 Fire Chiefs, Twice as many police, Twice as many firemen, 2 city clerks, 2 city clerk staffs... basically, two of everything.
People in Illinois believe in all their heart, that the purpose of government is to spend more money and employ more people. The yokels around here think that is good for the economy!
Go Bernie 2016 !
Why is the Harl Campaign giving money to the Skoog Campaign and the Ardis Campaign (Mayor of Peoria)?
6:11 Its a little more complicated then what you believe. Tax rates are not similar. Drop LaSalle's and hike Peru's?
8:57 AM, February 04, 2016 - who cares. Everybody says that. Ultimately the cost savings will materialize and everyone's will be lower. What the citizens would need to be vigilant about is the fact that the politicians and employees will discover things to do with the new found savings.
6:32 They are friends and fellow Democrats. Its legal. You can give your campaign contributions to others for their campaign.
Stop thinking short term 8:57. With any luck, the new combined city of LaSalle and Peru will be around hundreds of years. A short term blip in tax rates on the western side of the new city will be outweighed by the savings realized by efficiencies associated the reduction in overall work force and administration cost.
We need to start discussing the most important topic. That is what will the new city be called.
Way back when, Peru was actually named Salisbury. I kind of like that. We can have hamburger steak as our official food. Other possibilities include:
Bakerville
Parkview
Riverton
Tonti
Duhaut
Waldorfton
Chamlinville
Jankoton
6:32, because he supports them, that's what campaign money is for..
When you gave him the campaign money, he can do whatever he wants within limitations. Kind of like a Birthday card from grandma that says spend this wisely. I doubt that any Republican candidate will get his hands on any of the Mayor's money.
We need campaign reform to keep politicians from taking their donations and giving them to others. They should also not be able to collect any money until 6 months before an election.
Reading on Facebook that the fireworks will be at the Peru Mall this year! Outstanding! Most of the city will be able to see them. Nice parking lot. Room for beer tents and sausage tents and hamburger tents. A REAL Celebration! Great move Peru!!!!
Anon 5:54 You question 1:47 and claim that you cannot understand his comment. Your comment does not make sense.
I read that all the people with houses overlooking the river are complaining because their annual party will be impacted.
7:15 Feb. 4th
Where did you see or hear that information? I didn't see it on facebook.
How can they shoot fireworks at the Peru Mall parking lots when they couldn't at Baker Lake because the houses, that are a mile away, were worried sparks would hit their homes? The Mall itself is way closer to the parking lots surrounding it.
7:15 Feb. 4th
Who posted that information on Facebook and when was it posted? I haven't been able to find anything. Was it from a specific friend of yours? If so, who?
maybe you are not friends with the right people. facebook is not necessarily public.
I heard it on good authority that there will be a charge to park in the mall parking lot during the fireworks event. I also heard that a pizza vendor is being given exclusive food concessions and a certain politically active beer distributor will be in charge of beer sales. Looks like the Peru Booster Boys have been aced out.
1:55PM You sure hear a lot all of which I would say is incorrect because portions of it are illegal. Any time a public or private enterprise is involved and the words exclusive, free or complimentary are mentioned red flags are flying all over the place. Therefore 1:55PM unless you have positive fact of what you hear do all including Peru a favor and quit starting rumors. That is all they are.
8:54 a.m. Check the minutes of the January 18, 2016 public services committee meeting on the city's website. It states "Alderman Mueller reported the Peru Mall has agreed to work with the Parks & Recreation Board and CSO for fireworks parking." I wonder where they plan to shoot the fireworks off because there are homes in the cornfields around the mall.
1:53
You forgot Harlville or TESTerton!!
Anon 7:08 For years some wanted the fireworks moved from the Illinois River site. Now that Mayor Harl and the City Rec Board have narrowed down their future choices and possibly considering a area somewhere near the Peru Mall there are people who are already finding fault.
Snide remarks such as Harlville or TESTerton are unappreciated by the majority and are done with the intention of limiting the positive efforts of those in charge of making a successful fireworks show.
Addressing only those who are in the state of discontent, how do you expect the leadership of Peru to know what you really want when you do not know yourself's.
4:03 PM, February 05, 2016 - Please site the relevant law that pertains to the illegality of the event described in the 1:55 PM post. I'll pay dollars to donuts that it is perfectly legal.
12:32 PM, February 05, 2016 - that is privileged information. If you are not in the club, you are not going to get that information.
10:27 AM, February 05, 2016 - please refer to Google Maps if you can't envision the location in your mind. The pyrotechnics will be displayed over a large corn field.
7:07 PM, February 05, 2016 - houses in the cornfield? Sounds like a code violation to me.
4:03 PM, - that is exactly why we need to get the government out of this event. It should be a private organization that runs this thing. The City could "donate" some money and services, but should have absolutely no say in the management of it. That is the only way the event will survive beyond the next year or two. With Peru Aldermen involved, it will fail.
11:24 PM, February 05, 2016 - Many of the forces you speak of wanted the explosives to be set off at Baker Lake over a very expensive residential subdivision. They refuse to acknowledge that the park is not designed for large events and many of the people that live there do not want a thousand or more people converging on their neighborhood. But, apparently, those in charge have finally noticed the large open fields to the west with the extremely large parking lot that can host hundreds of people along with the potential for tents selling all sorts of "Fair Food" and beverages. I think this is a sound decision. At least until the farm fields to the west of the Mall are developed.
I sure as heck would not want a bunch of drunk yokels urinating in my front yard.
The fireworks would not have been set off "over a very expensive residential" subdivision 2:52 Feb. 6th. You make it sound as though the fireworks would be shot right at those homes and, by the way, the cost of those homes should have nothing to do with the decision. Those residents and those homes should have no more influence on our government's decision making than any other home or resident in Peru. If Baker Lake was not designed for large events why are so many being held there and what was it designed for (people walking around it???) I don't think the west side was designed for soccer either because of the lack of parking but that's how it's being used and that's what the people in that neck of the woods have to put up with on a daily basis for an extended period of time. (Cars filling all the side streets and residents having a hard time getting out of their driveways and the police having to take the time to post no parking signs). I'm tired of this town catering to the elite and selected group of citizens. We all pay taxes and should all be treated equally. So it's ok for cars and people to converge on the west side neighborhood for an extended period of time but not for 1 DAY in the elite residental neighborhood? And, that neighborhood is so far away I highly doubt they would be disturbed in any way other than NOISE. My opinion.
I thought there were no drunk yokels at our fireworks 8:55. I thought that was all controlled by the CSO and our police department.
9:27 AM, February 07, 2016: Name one event that drew 1,000 to Baker Lake.
Having a soccer game in a neighborhood park is one thing. Setting off explosives in close proximity to that neighborhood with 1,000 or more people wondering around is another.
Personally, I'm all for the city shutting down this event permanently. The people no longer understand what it is all about. You will be lucky to find ten people in attendance that could quote any portion of the Declaration of Independence or any of the reasons why we separated from England.
2:31 The fireworks would be set off no where near that neighborhood. Remember when they where set off at Washington Park? Now that was close to the neighborhood but no one seemed to care about those people, did they? It really doesn't matter anyway because the fireworks will never be set off at Baker Lake. Once again influential people prevail.
4:40 PM, February 07, 2016 - they didn't care until one of them blew up and burned dozens of people and causing a panic. That is why the moved them out of the park. Now if you want to keep the fireworks away from the houses, they need to be exploded directly over the park. The lake is not that big. So there is a good chance that a premature explosion will rain fire into the crowd.
Baker Lake is not the place for fireworks. If everyone is hell bent on using that place. Change it to a Laser Light Show and do away with the explosives.
8:17 Your first statement is false but I won't go into details on that topic. As far as your next statement one is hell bent on anything. If you read my last statement I said that the fireworks would never by set of at Baker Lake. Reason: influential people prevail.
11:12 AM, February 08, 2016. Why won't you go in to details on that topic? Many people where burned in that accident and it was the reason for moving the event out of Washington Park.
I'm in favor of not having the event ever again. We have enough money being wasted on the daily tasks of government. We don't need to burn one hundred dollar bills in the park just so the yokels can oooo and ahhhhh.
Peru fireworks are a waste of time, waste of money, and are dangerous to boot. You can take that to the bank and you can put it in your pipe and smoke it to.
That's no crap. I was at that show when the fire rained down on the crowd. I'll NEVER go to another fireworks show again. If times where like they are now - the city would have been paying out millions and millions of dollars in liability payments. I wonder if there is a statute of limitations on that... I still have nightmares. I bet I can claim PTSD for that.
We need Andy Skoogs to pass a law in Illinois regulating fireworks. Pyrotechnic displays should be illegal within one mile of any area zoned residential, industrial, or commercial. They should not be allowed within the boundaries of any municipality.
This will put and end to this endless controversy in Peru. Fireworks are really a red neck sort of thing anyway and not befitting a town with the stature of Peru. Lets keep activities like these in LaSalle if we cant get a law passed to prohibit them.
6:32 Feb. 9th
Are you serious? Your last comment makes me sick! And no, I am not from La Salle. I am a Peru resident and deeply offended by the mentality of citizens like you. Those who think that Peru and it's residents are better people than others in the Illinois Valley. If the fireworks are indeed a "redneck" sort of thing why has Peru held it for years at one of the most dangerous locations in town -along the Illinois River on Water Street? And, why are they frantically searching for a new location? And why is Peru copying surrounding communities (i.e. Rotary Park excellent xmas display, Westclox xmas display)?
There is no "fireworks controversy." There are a few people talking about in anonymously. That's like saying there are five guys at the coffee shop talking about it. It's not a controversy.
7:26 please stay home. Fireworks very dangerous. So are cars. We should go back to horses. Oh wait.....
9:54. They put them down by the river so as not to disturb the good part of town. Now they want them up north. Next we will have drag races, tractor parades and dog pulls.
I say, build a wall! and make LaSalle pay for it.
9:54 AM, February 09, 2016 - have you ever heard the term fish hook? My two cents. Government should have nothing to do with any recreational event.
I have relatives in one of the wealthier suburbs not much bigger than Peru and they shoot off the fireworks, as does several right around them. It's not a "redneck" thing. It is an American tradition for people of every stripe. If you don't like the fireworks OR the locations then DON'T GO!
Who are some of you sad people?
And I love how a slogan like the "Leader of the Valley" is offensive to some people. It doesn't mean people from Peru think they are better. It is a slogan the evokes a little pride. Many towns have slogans that show pride in their town, including that they think it is a better place to live. I am from Peru and and I very proud of my town. Many of my friends from Spring Valley and LaSalle and other places feel the same way about theirs.
Those of us that have lived in Peru all our lives and observed Peru government behavior for all those years know that Peru's true slogan that best describes it is not Leader of the Valley, it's
"CHEATER OF THE VALLEY" based on generations of government shenanigans and poor quality elected officials. Sorry Peru cheerleaders, but many of us have been watching it since my grandfather was first victimized by the wrath of Don Baker and a corrupt Police chief many years ago. From what I am hearing now Peru is not far removed from the same corrupt behavior and abuse of power that almost destroyed my family when I was just a child. When people are denied their civil rights by law enforcement because of personal or political vendettas we have a serious problem. It happens in Peru and it is sickening.
2;11, tell us both sides of that story,feels like sour grapes to me!
2:11 go cry somewhere else. Peru has not cheated at a thing and you clearly have an ax to grind. Don Baker's vision is a huge part of what made Peru the leader while everyone has lagged behind. There are not cheerleaders here, just haters like you. The rest of us just go on quietly doing our thing making our community better.
Your grandfather was a victim of Dan Baker and the police. What do you want, restitution? Please.
I have lived in Peru all of my life and am more proud than ever. This has nothing to do with who the mayor is or who is on the city council. What is crazy is that you are such a victim and yet you still choose to live here. Last time I checked you were still free to leave.
Fireworks are indeed Red Neck. Lets find out how many people show up if they ban beer sales and don't let anyone bring their own.
I think we should move the Maude Powell Festival to The Don Baker Lake. Take the money that is wasted on Fireworks and hire a symphony orchestra to perform. Serve champagne and caviar. Call it an "Evening of Culture in the Park." Enforce a strict dress code and charge and entrance fee that will prevent the riff raff from crashing the event. Make is a real first class thing. We need more culture around here and less beer boozing, football ticket selling, and other red neck activities synonymous with LaSalle-Peru. We really do have a bad reputation in the better parts of the state.
Only red necks like fire works? Really? Suuuuuuure.
Just like alllllll those rednecks on the Chicago lake front, the San Francisco Bay, over the Charles River in Boston (great show by the way) and that red neck haven, New York City. Yep. Just a bunch of rednecks.
If only we could all be as cultured and sophisticated as those on the blog who hide behind anonymity and call people names.
6:42 there has been that very event. I was there. Where were you? The local talent was outstanding, although you did not need to dress up. It was more like a big picnic and most of use brought wine and cheese. It was excellent and I believe it was early June. The Illinois Valley Symphony orchestra actually does a very good job for an area like this and people come from the suburbs to see performances at Stage 212.
Those of you who act like the only thing around here is beer and football and fireworks CLEARLY only hang around people who are into beer and football and fireworks. WHY DO YOU JUST INSIST ON INSULTING EVERYONE FROM THE ILLINOIS VALLEY?
The only small minded person is you, who apparently an only judge thousands of people with one broad stroke. I'm an Illinois Valley boy, but you clearly are not in my crowd and you clearly have no idea of the culture of the Illinois Valley. So many generous and wonderful people! We like our beer and gambling around here, but so much more.
How pathetic are you? So so so sad.
12:08 PM, Because the Illinois Valley is Hicksville. Now lets go line up to buy cheep tools at the old K-Mart and complement the local Dems on how good a job they are doing "developing the economy." And don't tell me Bobby V. is not a Dem. He does whatever it takes to turn a buck and has made a career out of turning our tax money into his income.
Expanding retail does not constitute Economic Development. Some people are saying that we just entered another recession. What is going to happen to all this retail when our local denizens stop buying "stuff"?
As our population plummets, who will continue to buy? We have quite a few retired folks bolstering the local retail. The younger folks don't buy as much because they have less money than the older people. They are also departing the area in droves. Just look at the Obits, Birth Announcements, and Wedding Announcements. You will get the picture.
That is no joke. Have you ever tried to go shopping on the 3rd of the month?
9:18 We may be in the early stages of another recession.
Local dollars may lessen. The cities that have good financial stewardship will be able to survive. Those that don't will have to raise taxes in a declining economy. The State of Illinois has troubles.
The Mall will close in the next recession.
7:42 I agree the mall struggles but are you the one who said our sales tax would drop by now? We are on pace for another record year of sales in peru.
Actually it is amazing that when thousands have been closed around the country, we still have JC Penney, Sears and some others. Those stores know we have a good thing coming although they will close eventually. Many malls have closed, but the mall needs to reinvent. Where would the mall be without the rest of the retail shopping district that is close by. At one time Peru pretty much had just the mall but at least we have diversified that much more over time.
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