Members of Teamsters Local 179 went on strike Wednesday morning at Republic Services in Ottawa, disrupting trash collection for thousands of residents across La Salle County.

FYA (For You All), a La Salle tavern, held a June 28 fundraiser that yielded $1,700 plus 146 pounds of non-perishable foods for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

Two properties were recently demolished near the OSF Healthcare campus in Peru.

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Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. The bridge survived a number of threats, both intentional and unintentional, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has survived several strikes by large trucks. 

The Peru Police Department announced the temporary parking restrictions for the July 3 fireworks display.

In past years, the store has opened in the former JCPenney in the Peru Mall. The store typically opens in mid-August.

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.

Former St. Bede quarterback Jack Brady has taken over as head coach at the Academy, succeeding Jim Eustice, who departed for neighboring Mendota. The Bruins finished 2-7, winning one of four games played in the Chicagoland Prairie Conference.

A judge refused Monday to reconsider his June 18 ruling against the late Chester Weger. Barring an appeal, Weger’s bid for exoneration is over.