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.

Jason Edgcomb: I'll listen to what anyone has to say. I think the pool is a perfect example. I wasn't afraid to tell people I was not in favor of it.

What do you believe is the greatest issue facing the city of Peru at this time and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue is, and always has been transparency between city hall and the citizens. Too many secrets about how they’re running our town and spend our money.

The Peru pool committee has taken another step in solidifying a municipal pool for residents as the Peru City Council approved a $7,500 proposal to perform a pool study.

The Peru City Council approved a $175,000 contribution to the TBM Avenger and Salute to Veterans Show.

Babs Brew opens Thursday at 2130 Fourth St. in downtown Peru.

Illinois Valley residents have been enjoying the winter activities offered at Washington Park in Peru this season, and that enjoyment may expand as soon as November.

The Peru municipal pool committee meetings will not be open to the public — for now.

The Peru municipal pool committee will not have its first meeting until after the new year.

Peru approved its tentative tax levy Monday, projecting the tax rate to decrease because of the growth of new construction in the city.

The ice rink at Washington Park in Peru opened Monday afternoon to the public.

The wait may be over for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Peru.