Peru Beings Plans for the Summer Fireworks

“The fireworks will be launched directly west of Peru Mall, and the west parking lot will be the viewing area,”

Peru: Superintendent protests state financial grade - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru: Superintendent protests state financial grade - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


Cross said the district’s cash on hand score has also dropped over the years, as its tax base has shrunk. 

“We weren’t hoarding cash,” Cross said. “We were saving for a rainy day, and it’s still raining.” 

Chatter and silverware clatter at mayors' luncheon - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Chatter and silverware clatter at mayors' luncheon - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


Ready for all those round abouts? Strange article, what about Oglesby and La Salle?

Stricter rules in other states

Stricter rules in other states

Appears that Illinois makes no rules to protect the citizens from dishonesty but just makes it easier for those who choose to so.

5 Reasons to Go Back to One-Room Schools

5 Reasons to Go Back to One-Room Schools


We have discussed so many thoughts on public education, just wondered what the theories would be on this so called revival of small schools?

Volunteering In Our Community - No Longer Welcome

Andrzejewski: New Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino must step down

Andrzejewski: New Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino must step down: Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino said he used the money to pay off debts and shred documents, but disclosures show the loans were already paid off.

Your thoughts and I realize this has been difficult for many of the people who consistently voted Frank into office for many years and his father before that.

Closing of Kirlin's Hallmark store deals another blow to Northwoods Mall

Closing of Kirlin's Hallmark store deals another blow to Northwoods Mall  this is relative to the Peoria Northwoods Mall Kirlin's store.  I have also heard rumors that our local Kirlin's store will be closing. Beside the Peoria store closing, the web lists others within the state as closing. What does this say about the future of retail businesses?

Lawmakers Gone Wild

Lawmakers Gone Wild

Speaking of beer and pizza, these guys believe in charging the people for a bit more than that.

No-bid contracts invite trouble in government

No-bid contracts invite trouble in government

Public Works Propsed Building

Who Has the Responsibility of Overseeing the Peru Ice Rink?

The title of this post is one used in December of 2013, searchable on the SEARCH THIS BLOG link located on the right side of the comments.


"This year it was going to be at McKinley Park on the girls baseball field. Last year Mayor Harl took it upon himself to purchase a $7000 ice rink setup and a zamboni machine to clean the ice for skating." Taken from that post. 12/2013.

The search brings up the original post and the comments associated with it. It seems that $7000 is not a lot of money as the rink was only put up twice. The first year it was not properly installed and was of little use and the second years was better. Both times at Mc Kinley Park.

Our question should be "Where is it this year of 2015-16 winter? This winter has been like many winters in the Illinois Valley, periods of extreme cold and snow followed by warmups. Most of us are aware of the weather here and can't accept the excuses that it was too warm.

Streator tops La Salle County in concealed carry permits

Streator tops La Salle County in concealed carry permits




Interesting and keep your comments sane.

Peru City Council Meeting 1/11 Discussions

These were the topics of discussion at last nights council meeting.

Tesla Motors wanting to locate charging stations for electric cars to recharge in our area. They are asking about the Hyvee parking lot for 4 islands and 8 stations.. Mayor Harl said this is a pretty big thing and it will put a dot on the map for Tesla owners.

I had no idea that many electric cars were traveling cross country. Learn something new every day.

Basset training for tavern owners and employees.....will the police be the ones to do the training.? It will be mandatory by July 1, 2017. (state law) for all employees to be trained.

By May 1, at least one server will need to be BASSET-trained per Peru’s liquor license requirements.

Talking About Water How About What Is Added to It?

I know this is a state mandate but it is one that that needs to be reversed.

For Cities, Big-Box Stores Are Becoming Even More of a Terrible Deal

For Cities, Big-Box Stores Are Becoming Even More of a Terrible Deal

This is definitely a possibility for a city like Peru and we have already seen what happens with motels and restaurants and truck stops.  Already Peru is spending lots of money for policing areas like Walmart.  We need to keep our eyes and ears open for further unwanted possiblities especially on taxation.

These Neighbors Got Together to Buy Vacant Buildings. Now They’re Renting to Bakers and Brewers

These Neighbors Got Together to Buy Vacant Buildings. Now They’re Renting to Bakers and Brewers


Very interesting idea and by not depending upon the government cities were able to bring in business to their city but it takes people who want to invest in their community. Can't see this for our city but quite a story to read.  BTW very long article and I basically skimmed through.

The city involvement was getting them a loan and the people did the rest.

2016 Water Issues in Peru Won't Go Away

I have recently become aware of an issue in the Peru Water System that I thought no longer existed.... the dead end residential water delivery systems and of all places in the St John's addition. Personally we were at the end of a water delivery system that dead ended a short distance from our property but the issue was fixed about 15 years ago. Why are there homes still getting rusty water because of this issue? Is there a mandate to fix areas with this problem?

November unemployment rises for most Illinois counties - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

November unemployment rises for most Illinois counties - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

And the answer to the problem is??

We now are involved in more economic development groups in which many La Salle cities are  footing the bill? As stated in this news bit, are we just feeding the people involved in this while gaining little if anything for the people paying the bill?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thank you for continuing to support the Peru Town Forum during the last few years. More to come as more develops. I did visit the Peru Airport this evening to view the Christmas decorations and they are really very nice but I wonder how many people will take the trip up to the airport, I think the displays really do belong in an area that people will be able to easily drive by. Saw one care leaving when we arrived and one coming in as we left. There would surely be a lot of confusion if there were many visitors at one time as I did not see a designated turn around location.

City of Peru Illinois 61354 - Government Agenda, Minutes, Videos, News

City of Peru Illinois 61354 - Government Agenda, Minutes, Videos, News

This link will take you to the City of Peru web site, go the Latest Downloads Rt 6 Commercial Building Improvement Program.

This is a multi page document and is about Rte 6 improvements and maybe another Design and Review Committee with the mayor in charge again.

Growing out of control: Property taxes put increasing burden on Illinois taxpayers

Growing out of control: Property taxes put increasing burden on Illinois taxpayers

Lincolnshire council adopts right-to-work ordinance

Lincolnshire council adopts right-to-work ordinance

Will this be the beginning of RTW cities?

Peru approves levy ordinance and authorizes floodplain study - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru approves levy ordinance and authorizes floodplain study - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Increased taxation

Do you believe our city is wisely utilizing the money they are currently taking in. Are salaries inflated for some? Frivilous expenditures at Christmas? Aka known as decorate our city hall interior and for whom and at what cost?  As previously written about, how will fewer taxpaying citizens be able to fund the rising pension costs at the cost of reducing their own standard of living? I continue to hear about rising sales tax revenue, where is it being spent?

I know that in comparison to the suburbs and city of Chicago, our taxation is low but then so are most wages in the area for the average family and average retiree less.

3 drivers causing police and firefighter pension costs to skyrocket in Elgin

3 drivers causing police and firefighter pension costs to skyrocket in Elgin



Is this an example of most cities in Illinois or the exception?