He dreamed of a career in sports training and found his way to EMS, police dispatching and then patrol. Now, Peru Police Sgt. Ed DeGroot is calling it a career.

It’s official: Brad Anderson is now a sergeant with the Peru Police Department.

Peru firefighters soon will answer fire and rescue calls in Dalzell, as well.

Two officers were sworn in Monday to the Peru Police Department – another will join the ranks soon – while a longtime officer was made patrol sergeant.

The Peru Township Republican Central Committee announces its official formation, marking a renewed commitment to grassroots organization, voter engagement, and the long-term strength of the Republican Party in Peru Township.

Greg Vaccaro, Peru Township supervisor, announced Wednesday the newly-created township website www.perutownshipil.com

The owner of the former Maria’s Pizza was ticketed for open burning Thursday after igniting 2x4s to fend off the cold.

The Peru City Council will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, with residents invited to watch live on the City of Peru’s YouTube channel.

The $7 million pool would have featured diving boards, a water slide, 25-meter competition lanes and a capacity of 434 swimmers.

Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski said he wanted to vote on phase two of the project, hiring Kmetz Architects to complete approximately $500,000 architectural drawings during Monday’s council meeting to move plans for the pool forward.

Peru residents will enjoy a new walking path at Baker Lake this fall. When the time comes to put on ice skates, families will enjoy concessions at the skating rink, too.

A group of nine local veterans took to the skies Tuesday morning at Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru as part of Dream Flights, a national program that gives older veterans the chance to experience a ride in a World War Two-era plane.

There’s really nothing to report at this time,” Mayor Ken Kolowski said. “But, things are in motion.”

Peru City Council approved a bid Monday to construct a dog park on Water Street.

FedEx confirmed it will close its facility on Progress Boulevard in Peru this September as part of a broader restructuring strategy.

The Illinois Valley Food Pantry has partnered with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to create a new fund that will support the pantry’s transition to a larger facility in Peru.

The council approved a text amendment to the zoning ordinance and conditionally granted a special use to the pantry for property located at 4133 Progress Blvd.

Peru’s proposed TIF district is now final.

The Peru Police Department is one step closer to beginning the search for a part-time social worker, thanks in part to a grant from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The committee believes the city could fund it with a 20-year bond. However, during Monday’s committee of the whole, some aldermen weren’t convinced.

Will Peru residents get a refund for refuse not collected? The city is looking into it.

Peru’s proposed TIF district isn’t final yet – it’s getting close – but Mayor Ken Kolowski said there already there is burgeoning corporate interest in seeing the TIF created.

It would feature diving boards, a water slide, 25-meter competition lanes and a capacity of 434 swimmers. A committee thinks the City of Peru could fund it with a 20-year bond.

The Peru City Council may be nearing a consensus on how to adorn the water tower, but a final vote is pending.

The Illinois Valley Food Pantry is launching a $750,000 fundraising campaign to assist in covering the cost of its new building in Peru and a walk-in cooler and freezer.

The council unanimously approved a $58,500 feasibility study proposal from the Sports Facilities Company during Monday’s meeting.

The Peru City Council is split over a proposed UFO-themed water tower. Mayor Kolowski calls for public input, while aldermen back the design as a way to boost the city’s identity and regional appeal.

The council briefly considered establishing an e-bike committee during Monday night’s meeting, ultimately deciding they needed more time to discuss what forming a committee would entail, such as agendas and record-keeping.

The Peru City Council will discuss e-bikes and the City Center and Sports Complex at its Monday meeting.

The Peru Pool Advisory Committee will host a public meeting on Monday, June 14, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Peru City Hall, 1901 4th St.

The budget includes $4.2 million in grants for major capital investment, with the largest being the continuation of the Plank Road widening project and the OSLAD grant project at Washington Park.

Peru's electric department earns Illinois Municipal Utilities Association's 2025 System Achievement Award for strategic initiatives.

Manny Winfert was sworn in as a patrol officer for the Peru Police Department during Monday’s City Council meeting

Peru City council unanimously voted Monday, May 5, 2025 to terminate Economic Director Robert Vickrey's contract.

Peru City Council meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook as the city has opted for posting on YouTube instead.

Peru’s new city clerk, a former alderman, said he is looking forward to working with the city’s citizens and businesses over the next four years.

Recently elected Peru officials were sworn in Monday during the City Council meeting.

Voters in La Salle and Bureau counties this election determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

With the TBM Avenger Reunion 10th anniversary show a little more than a month away, the organization is gearing up for an unforgettable event, to ensure everything runs smoothy Peru City Council purchased liability insurance, among approving other expenses.

The Peru City Council denied a petition Monday to redevelop a portion of the Peru Mall site for a proposed Starbucks, after the site was deemed “unbuildable.”

The Peru Police Department may begin the search for a part-time social worker, if the committee and Peru City Council approve the proposal.

James “Jamey” Mertel is in position to succeed Dave Bartley as Peru’s city clerk.

This spring, La Salle and Bureau county voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Following the success of the November referendum, the municipal pool remains at the forefront of Peru residents’ minds ahead of the April 1 election.

Peru’s “signature event” the TBM Avenger Reunion Show, hit new cinematic heights during Monday’s Peru City Council meeting.

With attendance climbing each year at the TBM Avenger show, it may be time to reallocate police presence at the event, Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond said.

Peru Alderman Rick O’Sadnick updated the Peru City Council on Tuesday, explaining the closed-door meetings had continued to be productive; gathering information, having discussions and talking about financing.

Jack Frost has left the Illinois Valley (for now), and as a result of the warmer weather, the ice rink at Washington Park in Peru closed over the weekend.

The city of Peru approved maintenance that needs to be completed prior to the splash pad at Washington Park opening later this year.

Both candidates running to be Peru’s mayor for the next four years made their case to voters Sunday in the first candidate forum that pitted the incumbent’s record against his challenger’s voice for change.