LaSalle Insider

It appears by the conversation on the Change for  Peru blog that the subject of the PVAS  is a hot topic.  I have had the experience of negotiating over the years with the board for PVAS on trying to place an ambulance in the city of LaSalle at our fire station.  As most of you know, recently we were successful in having a staffed ambulance placed in our fire facility for a portion of each day. I would like to take this opportunity to explain what I know about PVAS and its evolution over the years.  Former Mayor Baker once explained to me that the ambulance facility started with equipment...

I awoke early wednesday morning  to join the area’s mayors for a breakfast buffet at Mario’s Maples Supper Club hosted by IVAC.  The gathering was part of their ongoing breakfast seminars.  This was the last for the season and is usually well attended.  The topic was the “State of the Illinois Valley” and is  a forum for the local Mayors to give us their plans for their respective cities.  This year LaSalle, Peru, Spring Valley and Utica were represented.  All by their mayor’s with the exception of Spring Valley.  Newly elected Mayor Cliff Banks was off on...

Monday evening Mayor Grove addressed the LBA (LaSalle Business Assoc) and shared with them his vision for the future of LaSalle under his leadership.  Many of the alderman , including myself, were in attendance.  The mayor appeared a bit nervous with his first public appearance since his election.  He spoke approximately thirty minutes which was followed by a question and answer period of about thirty minutes as well.  After letting us know his administrative appointments were to be the same personnel as the previous mayor’s with the exception of Pam Broviak who was not reappointed,...

Congratulations to LaSalle’s B & B Remodeling Softball team for receiving runner up trophies in the Max Lauritzen Annual Tourney. The team lost Monday night 14-6 to Peru’s Lori Janko Wilke team which boasts no losses for the season. The tournament began a couple weeks ago and included 20 teams from the local area. Games were played in Peru’s Sunset Park and Oglesby’s Memorial Park. Other local little league information can be found at the League Web site. (LaSalle Insider is looking for people who love local sports and are interested in posting game-related information...

Today LP’s students and parents received notice from Dr. Craig Carter, L-P Superintendent, that a small piece of the spire architecture above the special ed north doors had fallen to the ground. “No one was hurt,” said Dr. Carter. “We immediately closed the entrance, notified our architect, and a local contractor will be making repairs early this morning. As a further safety precaution, the other spired entrances will be closed until they can be checked as well. ” Those arriving today at the school were advised to use the west gym entrance doors.

Well by now you all are aware we have elected three new mayors in our communities. Jeff Grove in LaSalle, Scott Harl in Peru, and Cliff Banks in Spring Valley. There are those who wonder what caused this and are amazed that three cities with incumbent mayors running for re-election all are under new leadership.  To start with those gentlemen who won can send a note of thanks to our “hope and Change”  President Barack Obama.  Last Fall he created a firestorm which called for change from the status quo and away from the media hated George Bush even though old George wasn’t running. Credit...

If anyone saw the News-tribune article from May 8th titled “Financing stymies Kaskaskia project” you must have come away with the same thought-Mayor Jeff what were you thinking?  In the article it talks about the inability to obtain financing (real shock in this economy!) to proceed with the renovations and improvements to the Hotel Kaskaskia. The bulk of the article deals with the obvious and points out that the private (read local) developers are hopeful they can still move forward soon with the project. What I find amazing  were the comments by our new Mayor Jeff Grove. In the...

Mayor Grove appointed the following alderman as  committee chairman : Alderman George Green-Finance, Fire & ESDA, and Liason to Illinois Municiple League Alderman Tom Ptak-Economic Development,Grants, and Liason to LaSalle Business Assoc Alderman Garry Schroeder-Licenses, Public Grounds and Real Estate, Library Board Alternate Alderman Diz Demes-Streets, alleys and Traffic,Ambulance Rep and Library Board Liason Alderman James Bacidore-Wastewater,Building Codes Alderman Boo Herndon-Police,City Improvements, Rep to Police and Fire Board Alderman Lavieri-Waterworks,liason to Park Board Alderman...

Alderman Schroeder Hello and welcome to what I hope is a great new place for all your local news and events.  Our desire is to give you and exciting look at LaSalle and allow you to interact with your friends and neighbors.  In the coming weeks we will bring you local sports like its never been done and videos of things happening around our city. We want to give you the opportunity to submit your thoughts and ideas as well as read those of your fellow citizens.  We will have the lighter side of happenings and a tough look at news in the area.  So stay tuned and tell your friends that you...

LaSalle mayor, Art Washkowiak, ended 20 years of service to the city of LaSalle last night at the city council meeting. Jeff Grove, winning the mayoral election in April, was sworn in as the new mayor along with City Clerk Virginia Kochanowski, City Treasurer Fran Baratta, and Aldermen Jim Bacidore, Boo Herndon, Tom Ptak, and John Lavieri. Mayor Grove appointed Demitrio Salazar to his vacated seat as third-ward alderman.

Although there still haven’t been any cases of Swine Flu in the Illinois Valley, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and informed. LaSalle-Peru High School seems to be following this advice by sending out a notice to all parents, students, and staff informing them of steps the school is taking to prevent an outbreak. According to Dr. Carter, school superintendent, L-P provides alcohol-based hand cleanser and sanitizer wipes in all offices and classrooms. The school will also be “super-cleaned” this Saturday, May 2nd, although no indication was given to describe what super-cleaning...

After what seemed like weeks of constant rain, the sun decided to shine bright in Spring Valley for the 32nd Annual Starved Rock Special Olympics Spring Games. More than 270 athletes from 26 schools and agencies showed up early this morning ready to run, throw, and share in some fun and great competition. The combined bands from LP, Hall, and Mendota high schools kicked off the event while athletes and coaches paraded onto the field cheered on by families and friends. After the torch bearers carried the flame across the field to light the large torch, the games began. Participants competed in...