Archived Articles and Images January 2025
Starting January 2025, residents of Granite City will experience a significant increase in their water bills following an 18% rate hike approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). This increase is part of a broader plan by Illinois American Water to fund $557 million in infrastructure improvements across the state. The rate hike comes on the heels of Illinois American Water’s recent acquisition of Granite City’s wastewater treatment plant for $86 million. The sale was part of a strategy to address the city’s pension obligations and invest in critical infrastructure.
While the sale will bring much-needed funds to the city, it also means higher costs for residents. For the typical residential customer using 3,500 gallons of water per month, the increase will amount to approximately $16 per month for water services and an additional $8.50 for wastewater services, totaling around $24.50 more per month. This increase is expected to impact thousands of households in the area, adding financial strain to already tight budgets. City officials and Illinois American Water have emphasized the necessity of these investments to ensure the safety and reliability of the water and wastewater systems. The upgrades include replacing aging pipelines, upgrading storage tanks, and improving water treatment facilities.
These improvements are crucial for maintaining the quality and reliability of water services in the long term. Many residents remain concerned about the long-term financial impact and the potential for further rate hikes in the future.
GraniteCityGossip.com January 09,2025
Granite City is facing a significant challenge with the increasing number of dogs running loose in the city. The small, outdated Animal Control facility is often too full to accept additional animals, leaving many dogs to roam the neighborhoods, dodging traffic and risking encounters with larger predators like coyotes. The current administration has been discussing solutions to this problem since 2021, with $180,000 earmarked for updates to the existing facility or possibly building a new, more pet-friendly location.
However, the issue persists, especially after business hours, when the community struggles to manage the situation multiple times a day, every day of the week. Volunteers have been instrumental in rescuing these animals from the streets, but a long-term solution is needed to keep them safely off the streets until they can be rehomed, or their owners are found.
Potential solutions include:
Expanding the Animal Control Facility: Upgrading the current facility or constructing a new one to accommodate more animals.
Stricter Legislation: Implementing and enforcing laws that hold pet owners accountable for abandoning or mistreating their animals.
Community education and increased funding: Allocating more resources to support animal control efforts and community programs and promoting responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns and offering low-cost spay/neuter programs.
By addressing these issues, Granite City can work towards a safer environment for both its residents and the stray animals that call the city home
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As the first winter storm of the year approaches Granite City, residents are taking no chances. Memories of the infamous 1982 blizzard, which blanketed the area with 12 to 14 inches of snow, are still fresh in the minds of many. Determined not to be caught off guard again, locals are busy preparing their homes and vehicles for the impending weather.
Local hardware stores have seen a surge in sales of snow shovels, ice melt, and other winter essentials. Residents are also stocking up on food, water, medications and emergency supplies, ensuring they are well prepared in case they need to stay indoors for an extended period.
The city’s public works department is on high alert, with snowplows and salt trucks ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads during the storm and to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly and those who may need extra assistance.
With the storm expected to hit over the weekend, Granite City is bracing for what could be a challenging few days.
GraniteCityGossip.com 01/03/2024
To see a more detailed list of new laws starting January 1, 2025 tap the link.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, the night sky presents a rare celestial event: the Black Moon. This unique occurrence adds an extra layer of magic to the New Year’s celebrations, offering stargazers an unforgettable experience. A Black Moon is the second new moon in a calendar month, a rare phenomenon that occurs approximately once every 32 months. Unlike a full moon, a new moon is not visible to the naked eye as it lies between the Earth and the Sun, with its dark side facing us. However, the concept of a Black Moon captures the imagination and provides a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Stargazing is a timeless activity that allows us to connect with the cosmos and ponder our place in the universe. The absence of the moon’s light during a new moon creates the perfect conditions for observing other celestial objects. With the sky at its darkest, stars, planets, and constellations shine even brighter, making it an ideal time for stargazers to set up their telescopes or simply gaze up in awe. Bringing in the new year under the night sky, illuminated by the stars and planets, offers a serene and reflective way to celebrate. The rarity of the Black Moon adds a sense of uniqueness and special meaning to the occasion. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky, this event is a reminder of the continuous cycles of nature and the endless possibilities that the new year holds.
As we embrace the new year, the Black Moon serves as a symbol of new beginnings and the mysterious beauty of the universe. Let this rare celestial event inspire wonder and hope as we step into 2025.
Nina Jackson has fond memories of her childhood in Granite City. She remembers being able to leave doors unlocked and neighbors who were like family. She and her sisters were raised by a single mother, and they were poor. “We didn’t even have money to get pictures taken with Santa,” Jackson said. Life wasn’t easy, but it was full because Granite City was the perfect small town to grow up in. Christmas didn’t mean pictures with Santa or presents for Nina. Christmas was the decorations hanging from telephone poles along Madison Ave. They gave her comfort and the spirit that so many feel during the season.
Fast forward to October 2023. Nina Jackson is in her 60s and has stomach pain. The doctor tells her she has eight blockages and needs emergency surgery. She spends over a month recuperating and has time to think about her life. Jackson thinks about the things she did and things she wanted to do. Most of all, she thinks back to being a young girl in Granite City. “I told my husband that the only thing I want is to see Christmas decorations on Madison Ave one last time.”
Once recuperated, she met with Mayor Mike Parkinson and asked about the decorations. He told her the old decorations are unrepairable and the new ones are too expensive. But Mayor Parkinson knows Jackson—their families have known each other for four generations—and he told her something else. “He said that he trusts me. And that if I can fundraise, we can purchase them and the city will put them up.”
She put out a call on various Granite City groups and 37 people responded. When they first met, six of those 37 showed up. Shara Young, Kim McRobers, Carol Kimball, Kathy Kerley, Chris Collins, Christine Cornett, Patty Orris, along with Jackson and her husband Elmer, formed the Madison Avenue Decoration Committee. Continue reading…
For some, the long evenings of darkness accompanied by the silence that blankets the ground like the fresh fallen snow, brings on a peaceful calm and contentment. This can be their happiest time of the year. For others, the shorter daylight hours and longer nights can have the opposite effect leaving many longing for more sunshine and the arrival of spring to waken all that has retreated for the season. The 2024 winter solstice, occurring on December 21st, marks a significant moment in the Northern Hemisphere as it brings the shortest day and longest night of the year.
The winter solstice symbolizes the rebirth of light and the promise of renewal as the days gradually begin to lengthen after this point, it represents hope, new beginnings, and the return of warmth and light. This astronomical event has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history for its deep spiritual and symbolic meaning. These traditions often involve lighting candles, bonfires, and decorating evergreen trees to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. As we approach December 21st 2024, the longest night of the year, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this celestial event and realize longer days are right around the corner.
1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
6 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of milk chocolate chips (can also use half semi-sweet)
We doubled this for a large party and used a 6.5-quart crock pot which was filled almost to the very top.
Instructions
Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a 5-quart crock pot (if doubling, use a 6–7-quart slow cooker/crock pot).
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with whisk, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Once it is heated through and chocolate is melted, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting.
Stir again before serving. (If you have trouble getting the chocolate to melt, turn to high temporarily). Garnish individual cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.
