Archive for July 2011

City Happenings

By Kris
Monday, July 18th, 2011

A decision by the Decatur Park Board may permanently close a portion of Lake Shore Drive in Nelson Park very soon. This is part of the overall vision for the park, however it’s not a decision without detractors. The reason given for closing the road is to make a safer environment for pedestrians. Wooden posts were installed a few years ago to help protect pedestrians from traffic. However, as one can tell, many of the posts have gone on to meet their maker, after reckless motorists mowed them down. Better the posts, than a pedestrian.

My opinion on the subject would be to keep the road open, but widen it to give more room for pedestrians, if that’s the real concern. That in itself would solve most of the problem. However, if I remember correctly, plans call for a large amphitheater to eventually go in this area. I’m assuming that’s the real reason for the closure, however a date for the construction of the amphitheater may be several years from now. I really don’t see the need to close the road until that happens.

Mayor McElroy Probably Running For A State Senate Seat

This is news that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been hearing the idea tossed around since district maps were redrawn. Much of Decatur would be in the same district as the inner city of Springfield. Yes, it’s all political gerrymandering, meant to benefit democrats (Chicago) and neither Springfield or Decatur, but this is Illinois. I don’t expect much. Anyway, republicans, if they’re to have any chance capturing this seat will need someone with name recognition. They see McElroy as their best chance. His opponent remains to be seen but I have a hunch it would most likely be Bob Flider. That would be a very interesting race. I’d give the edge to Flider considering the demographics of the district but who knows after last year.

Parking Meters

The city council will be discussing parking options for downtown Decatur tonight. There’s several options being kicked around. I hope I get a chance to attend but 5:30 in the evening is a hectic time in the Disney house. I’ll try to make it.

Categories : Decatur City Council, News Topics

Checking In While I Can

By Kris
Saturday, July 9th, 2011

It’s been a busy summer at my house this year.  The house is in the midst of a major home construction project and with frazzled nerves I’m muddling through.  Normally, I would love to write more often but between working and this home project, every time I have a little spare time, it quickly turns into a much-needed nap.  I’m keeping my mind set on September, when all of this should be over and I can enjoy the new space.

I’m also looking forward to moving my glass studio out of the basement and in its’ own dedicated room with air conditioning and heat!  I’ll be glad to leave the basement behind where it’s freezing cold in the winter, wet in the spring and musky in the summer.  Only the fall provided a short window when I could work without risking pneumonia, mold poisoning or electrical shock.  That wasn’t exactly a productive environment.

Well, I hope to find a little time here and there over the next 8 weeks or so to check back in but I won’t make any promises.

Categories : News Topics

Lightning Strikes Doing A Number On Lincoln Square Theatre

By Kris
Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Debbie Ford, the executive director of Decatur’s nearly century old historic Lincoln Square Theatre posted a plea to the public on the theatre’s Facebook page, to help save the structure. Many much needed repairs have been completed in recent years but there’s still much work to do, especially when Mother Nature seems to have it in for the theatre’s roof. Here is her comment:

“Hey everybody! If you are a TRUE Fan of The Lincoln Square Theatre please help us. As you know I am the Executive Director of LST and I am pleading to all of you. Lightening has stuck the theatre TWICE since April. The 1st time it took out our Light System, the 2nd time it took out our rented Light System! Now our insurance co. has denied our claim!!!! We have had to rent equipment in order to honor the contracts we have with the rentals coming in. The Lincoln is in red due to unforseen repairs over the past 3 years. Our boiler has broke down 3 times, and the new AC unit on the roof was struck by lightening 2 years ago also. The electrical system on stage is shot, the flat roof over the mezzanine is leaking all the time now. Every rain we have had this year causes more damage to the building. It is a true shame to see these things happening. And the POWER BILLS are killing us. They range from $1,700 – over $4,000 a month. We can’t seem to get a break on anything. We owe for repairs to alot of local businesses who have been gracious enough to bill us. The Lincoln needs help with keeping the doors open. The staff has been working for over 10 months without being paid either. if it weren’t for the wonderful volunteer staff we couldn’t host the events that come in. They clean, they work concession, they promote, they all work countless hours with only a hug and a big thank you! What I am pleading for now is this: If every fan of the Lincoln could send us $10 a month to us so that we can pay our monthly bills, those donations would keep us afloat and help us to get out of the RED and keep our doors open! Ticket sales are NOT doing it! We have tried keeping the tickets prices down because of the economy but the support isn’t coming from the community. This historic theatre is too grand to go BLACK! It would cost the city a million dollars to tear it down. Downtown Decatur is thriving now. Everytime we have events in the theatre everyone benefits. The shops stay open and the restaurants are busy.”

The Facebook page for the theatre can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lincoln-Square-Theatre-Decatur-IL/125853760765576

Categories : News Topics
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