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LaSalle Insider

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Who Needs A Council?

So let me see if I got this right....the mayor meets a former alderman/friend in a bar and between them they decide to create a handshake deal to rent a building to store expensive city equipment and the mayor thinks no written agreement needs to be created.  He then has no discussion with the council about this arrangement and instructs his comptroller to issue checks to Terry Mack with no explanation on the billing. This "deal" goes on from October until April and no one on the council is made aware of it by anyone within the city operations.  The only ...

Here’s Something That” Bugs” Me…

This past monday at our council meeting we were treated with a presentation from the Illinois department of Agriculture with an assist from the United States Department of Agriculture.  It centered on the  Emerald Ash Borer, an insect apparently out to kill every Ash tree it can sink its teeth in.  Now I appreciate trees as much as the next person but the presentation really woke me up to how much tax money we spend on issues which are not of central importance in today's economy. Let me explain...we received before the presentation 22 pieces of literature about the insect.  I ...

ODDS AND ENDS…

Am I the only person who is a little skeptical about the potential change for our local schools as far as an early dismissal time for students once a week.  The board indicates that this will be beneficial for the students in some way.  They may be right but at first blush I find it hard to believe that less classroom time equals a better education. I need some more convincing....how about you? Monday brings another council meeting where the subject of water in the streets of Oak Ridge will certainly be discussed. I hope we have a good discussion and ...

Water, Water,Everywhere (update)

I can't believe I first wrote about this problem back in June of last year.  At that time we were commissioning a study to try and determine the cause and possible solutions for these homeowners.  Not much has changed since that date as far as correcting things but much conversation has been had by all.  Lets talk about some realities we have discovered: 1) The City is not and has not been at fault for this issue. 2) The original goal of the City was to try and find away to rid the street of sump pump water which has been present ...

NO Quick Fix….

It appears that the article on crime in LaSalle titled"LaSalle officials respond to recent shooting" in the News Tribune on February 4th has created quite a conversation on the paper's blog. While I don't participate on that blog I do occasionally check out the most commented stories list.  There are points that our Mayor brought up that I agree with in that the problem is not limited to LaSalle and that we need aggressive policing action.  I also understand the public's anger when they report an activity and it goes unchecked. I also believe that some of this activity is gang ...

Oil Field Math

I received this story a few days ago and thought today would be a good day to share it especially because the President's State of the Union address will be on this evening.  With all that I am sure he will promise to the American people to fix our bad economy and right "our ship!" I think this story will give all of us a reason to pause and reflect....Its entitled "Oil Field Math" > > > Working in the oilfield with others such as myself and a > wealth of combined experience > we understand the accuracy of the following. > > > Think of it ...

Who Needs A Council?

Posted by gschroeder On March - 9 - 2010
So let me see if I got this right….the mayor meets a former alderman/friend in a bar and between them they decide to create a handshake deal to rent a building to store expensive city equipment and the mayor thinks no written agreement needs to be created.  He then has no discussion with the council about this arrangement and instructs his comptroller to issue checks to Terry Mack with no explanation on the billing. This “deal” goes on from October until April and no one on the council is made aware of it by anyone within the city operations.  The only reason  anyone finds...

Here’s Something That” Bugs” Me…

Posted by gschroeder On February - 28 - 2010
This past monday at our council meeting we were treated with a presentation from the Illinois department of Agriculture with an assist from the United States Department of Agriculture.  It centered on the  Emerald Ash Borer, an insect apparently out to kill every Ash tree it can sink its teeth in.  Now I appreciate trees as much as the next person but the presentation really woke me up to how much tax money we spend on issues which are not of central importance in today’s economy. Let me explain…we received before the presentation 22 pieces of literature about the insect.  I also...

ODDS AND ENDS…

Posted by gschroeder On February - 19 - 2010
Am I the only person who is a little skeptical about the potential change for our local schools as far as an early dismissal time for students once a week.  The board indicates that this will be beneficial for the students in some way.  They may be right but at first blush I find it hard to believe that less classroom time equals a better education. I need some more convincing….how about you? Monday brings another council meeting where the subject of water in the streets of Oak Ridge will certainly be discussed. I hope we have a good discussion and make some headway  for a  problem that...

Water, Water,Everywhere (update)

Posted by gschroeder On February - 12 - 2010
I can’t believe I first wrote about this problem back in June of last year.  At that time we were commissioning a study to try and determine the cause and possible solutions for these homeowners.  Not much has changed since that date as far as correcting things but much conversation has been had by all.  Lets talk about some realities we have discovered: 1) The City is not and has not been at fault for this issue. 2) The original goal of the City was to try and find away to rid the street of sump pump water which has been present 24 hours a day. 3) The estimates from contractors who have...

NO Quick Fix….

Posted by gschroeder On February - 9 - 2010
It appears that the article on crime in LaSalle titled”LaSalle officials respond to recent shooting” in the News Tribune on February 4th has created quite a conversation on the paper’s blog. While I don’t participate on that blog I do occasionally check out the most commented stories list.  There are points that our Mayor brought up that I agree with in that the problem is not limited to LaSalle and that we need aggressive policing action.  I also understand the public’s anger when they report an activity and it goes unchecked. I also believe that some of this activity...
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Oil Field Math

Posted by gschroeder On January - 27 - 2010
I received this story a few days ago and thought today would be a good day to share it especially because the President’s State of the Union address will be on this evening.  With all that I am sure he will promise to the American people to fix our bad economy and right “our ship!” I think this story will give all of us a reason to pause and reflect….Its entitled “Oil Field Math” > > > Working in the oilfield with others such as myself and a > wealth of combined experience > we understand the accuracy of the following. > > > Think of...
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DREAMWAVE Wrestling Returns to LaSalle !

Posted by gschroeder On January - 23 - 2010
DREAMWAVE Wrestling Returns to LaSalle with WWE Hall of Famer! 1/21/10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jay Repsel Presents DREAMWAVE Wrestling: “Season Premiere” February 6, 2010 LASALLE – The wait is almost over. After a January hiatus, DREAMWAVE Wrestling storms back into LaSalle with “Season Premiere” which will take place once again at the LaSalle Knights of Columbus with doors opening at 6:30PM and a bell time of 7:00PM. Although DREAMWAVE is back, they are not returning alone. WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff will be along to greet fans at the event. Orndorff headlined...
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$600,000…ANY “VOLUNTEERS?”

Posted by gschroeder On January - 8 - 2010
I read with interest the article on the CCA ’s current financial dilemma.  Let me start by saying I wish they had a “surplus” instead because that would mean the project was a success but the outcome is not surprising.  The city was presented with the plan for the boat over 10 years ago.  Originally Anna Koval came to the LaSalle City Council to ask for our official support on the project.  This was necessary in order  for her to pursue funding for the project.  The city was not asked to supply any financial aid at that time.  As we moved forward, funding became a problem...
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Happy New……Decade!

Posted by gschroeder On December - 31 - 2009
Wow, here we are at the end of another year AND another decade!  It’s amazing to me how fast this decade has flown by.  It seems like yesterday that we were all concerned about the Y2K bug and the shutting down of all computer operations worldwide at the stroke of midnight.  The increased usage of the Internet has been mind boggling since that time. I cannot remember a day that I haven’t accessed it for one thing or another.  But like cell phones , we now wonder how we ever got along without them. This year has had its share of  events starting with the the swearing in of our first...
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Thanks To You Its Working…..

Posted by gschroeder On December - 16 - 2009
I had the opportunity to share a few hours at the United Way last Friday with some fellow realtors from Coldwell Banker.  Ellen Credi had asked us to sign up for hour shifts on the 11th to represent our realty office. I have to admit I was overwhelmed with the amount of toys and games and Christmas items that were donated.  At a time when our area is being hit hard by a sky high unemployment rates and a general depression about the future of our economy is was extremely heart warming to see that so many people still give from the heart at Christmas.  The format was different this year, in that...
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Recent Random Thoughts….

Posted by gschroeder On December - 9 - 2009
It appears that the “Miracle On First Street” was well received and I am glad to hear that.  I made it down for the Tree lighting and open house portion of the events.  I must say the pictures on display of the past were interesting to look at. Thanks Boo for the donation….I have and will continue to support city events for the public but I will always  investigate the costs to insure the tax payer is getting the best bang for their buck! I must mention also that Mayor Jeff made a good MC!  He enjoys the Christmas Holiday and it shows.  I told him as much at City Hall. A...
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Enjoy Your Holiday!

Posted by gschroeder On November - 25 - 2009
I wanted to wish everyone who stops by here a Happy  Thanksgiving!  If your traveling to Grandmother’s house make sure you avoid the deer near the highways. I hope the turkey’s not to dry and your football teams cover the spread!  Don’t snore to loud after you eat that you scare the young children on the couch and when you awake make sure you  re-button your pants before you stand up! We are beginning the Holiday Season of eating and drinking too much so pace yourselves  because you have to make it through January 2nd! And lastly…take a moment to hug those family members...
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I Believe…..

Posted by gschroeder On November - 22 - 2009
So I open my paper to B6 on November 20th and I find a full page ad telling me what our Mayor believes.  I’m sorry did somebody ask him?  Will we find out in the coming days what Mayors Harl, Banks, and Torres believe  as well?  Will they spend $2400.00 of their citizen’s money to enlighten us?  If the Mayor wants to tell us what he thinks their are much cheaper ways….How about our city website?  Oops that”s not working yet. Well its only been 6 or 7 months give it time.  I’m sure our  Economic Director is working on it. Funny thing is we had a working website...
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A Thanks To The Smoke Eaters…

Posted by gschroeder On November - 22 - 2009
I attended the wine tasting event at Oak Ridge on November 13th and had a great time.  It was well attended and I’m sure that the laSalle and Peru  Fire departments are happy with the donation totals.  It has become their number one fund raiser and has been well received.  We have a tendency to take the members (both full time and volunteers) for granted at times and I think that’s a  mistake.  These individuals do a job many of us would refuse at ten times the pay they receive.  They are often putting themselves at grave risk to help and in some cases save our lives.  While...
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Event Times For Miracle on First Street

Posted by gschroeder On November - 22 - 2009
LaSalle  and the Downtown Business Association have listed the times for the “Miracle on First Street ” as follows: 8:30 am & 10am   Breakfast with Santa  Lock 16 Visitor Center  $8.50 call 224-1851 space is limited 11 am-1pm   Firetruck Rides   City Hall 1 pm         Free Movie Stage 212 1-3pm     Live Music   Uptown Grill 2-4 pm   Dulcimer Music   LaSalle Library 2-4 pm    Christmas Bingo    Lock 16 Visitor Center 3-6 pm    Free Carriage Rides  First Street 3-4 pm   S’More Making     with LaSalle Fire Dept 3-5 pm  Dollar Bowling Midwest...
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