Lapham-Hickey Steel Makes Generous Donation to
Granite City’s Community Care Center
Granite City’s Community Care Center recently received a generous donation of $15,000 from the Lapham-Hickey Steel Corporation’s St. Louis Division, located in Madison, Illinois. The Community Care Center is a not-for-profit organization that depends on their hardworking volunteers and donations from generous corporate citizens like Lapham-Hickey Steel who help the center provide food assistance, emergency clothing and other services to local families in need. The center serves Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell, Madison and Venice, known as the Quad City area. Thank you Lapham-Hickey Steel and thank you Community Care Center.
Granite City Farmers Allegedly Unable to Harvest Crops After Bridge Weight Limit was Reduced
Granite City Farmers allege that a newly imposed weight limit on a bridge in the City of Madison prevents them from harvesting and selling their crops. Plaintiffs Diana Cionko, Louis Joel Cionko and Justin Daniel Cionko filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against the City of Madison.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs collectively own several Granite City properties for the purpose of farming for profit. Part of the plaintiff’s farming operation relies on vehicles having access to the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge, which is the sole access point for vehicles to the property. Without the bridge, it would be impossible for operations at the farm to continue.
The lawsuit states that in the Spring of 2022, the City of Madison took action to reduce the weight limit on the bridge, decreasing the weight limit for vehicles entering the bridge to seven tons. The plaintiffs allege the weight limit was reduced due to Madison’s negligence and failure to properly maintain the bridge, which is the city’s responsibility.
The plaintiffs state that vehicles essential to their farming operation exceed the seven ton weight limit and are now prohibited from accessing the property. As a result of being unable to access the property, the plaintiffs were unable to harvest and sell their entire 2022 crop of soybeans.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorney’s fees, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. They are represented in this case by the attorneys of Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb, LLC in Edwardsville.
County Sending Property Assessment Postcards
Madison County on Thursday mailed 120,000 postcards to taxpayers with a notice of new assessed property market values. “At this time of year, the board of review mails notices of changes in the multiplier, which results in changes in the assessed valuation,” Madison County Board of Review Chair Phil Taylor said.
“This year we expect more questions, because inflation in the general economy is also seen in home sales data, and this is causing an increase in multipliers,” Taylor said. Every year the Illinois Department of Revenue reviews sales data and instructs counties to bring assessed values up-to-date by using a multiplier. He said the system of valuing property involves township and county offices and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).
Township assessors submit assessments, which are reviewed by county and state offices and the values are then compared with sales data and adjusted. These adjustments result in multipliers, which are different for each township.
This year’s multiplier is based on sales from 2019, 2020, and 2021 for tax year 2022 property taxes payable in 2023. Property taxes are distributed to six to 10 local taxing bodies. Every December, the taxing districts submit a levy on property in their area. This, combined with assessments, determines individual tax bills.
Property owners who disagree with their new assessment are encouraged to contact their township and/or county assessment office by May 1. Taxpayers may also call the board of review at 618-692-6210.
“The multiplier will not impact anyone who receives a senior freeze exemption,” Taylor said.
Visit https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/chief_county_assesment_office/township_multipliers.php to view a copy of the multiplier for your township.
Out With the Old and In With the New
Slow and steady wins the race and Granite City’s growth and development is right on the mark. Mayor Parkinson and his team, along with Cathy Hamilton, Economic Development Director for the city, set goals in place and the wheels in motion to bring new retail establishments to the area.
The old K-Mart building (3655 Nameoki Road, built in 1983) is now being remodeled and prepared to open for business as Cavalier Furniture. This company is one of the top online furniture retailers on Amazon and this new space will provide them with 30,000 square feet of showroom where people can walk in and buy furniture.
A furniture store of this magnitude will draw shoppers into Granite City from other areas and cities. This will not only benefit the new furniture store, but all area businesses will reap the rewards of people, potential customers visiting our city.
On March 15th, 2023, Ollie’s held their grand opening and eager area shoppers gathered outside of the store entrance with more than 300 plus shoppers standing in line for the doors to unlock. There is no doubt that area residents are ready to welcome more retail into the city.
The Old Ravanelli’s Building Remodeled and Repurposed to the New
Down Home Cookin Restaurant
Ward 4 Alderman Brad Eavenson recaps the April 05, 2023
Granite City Council meeting.
The District Committee:
The council approved use of the Mill for a Friends of the Library Meet and Greet and a lease agreement for 1312 Niedringhaus for a new business.
Planning and Zoning:
The council approved demolition for a property at 2911 Buxton Avenue.
Legal and Legislative:
The council approved an ordinance amending the Municipal Code concerning eligibility for video gaming licenses.
Economic Development and Negotiations:
The council authorized the mayor to negotiate a redevelopment agreement for property located at Konzen Court. The council confirmed the appointment of Ken Rozelle and Joe Schuler as members to the Development Committee governing the covenants and restriction for Konzen Court property. The council approved a resolution of inducement for a redevelopment project with the intent to consider the reimbursement of eligible redevelopment project costs for property located at Konzen Court within the Route 3 Corridor Industrial Jobs Conservation Area.
The council approved a contract for the sale of the Waste Water Treatment Plant to Illinois American Water.
Finance Committee:
The council approved an ordinance to authorize distributions to the Police and Fire Pension Funds, from the general fund of the city of Granite City and an ordinance to authorize disbursement from the Pension Bond Fund to the Police and Fire Pension Funds. The council approved payments to Mr. William Jones for un-used sick days due him upon his resignation from the city.
Reminder: This is a summary of topics of discussion and action at the council meeting and not the official minutes.
GC Braves Football & Cheerleader Club’s GLOW BINGO Fundraiser is Huge Success
The Eagles Home F.O.E. 1126 was the place to be Saturday night, for some great games of Glow Bingo, to benefit the GC Braves Football & Cheerleader Club. The house was packed with folks wearing their “glow garb” and playing for a good cause. The organizers emphasize how important these off-season fundraisers are for the success of these programs. They also appreciate the local sponsors who make these events possible. It looks like a wonderful time was had by all in attendance. Parental involvement and volunteers are imperative when growing these local teams, and they are very much appreciated. Good job to all involved.
Photos courtesy of GC Braves Football & Cheerleaders Club Facebook Page
Cow Wows Granite City Nursing Home Residents
Scott Marion/The Intelligencer
Prairie Farms Dairy and the Granite City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provided a “moo-ving” experience for its residents on Tuesday. To mark National Agriculture Day, Prairie Farms brought a dairy farmer and a calf to the facility, while treating residents to free ice cream.
“We haven’t had something like this here before and they all told me I was crazy when I said I was bringing a cow here,” said Kennedy Cherry, activity director for the nursing center. “I saw Agriculture Day coming up on our calendar and we do all the fun days, and my daughter is cow-obsessed, and Prairie Farms had a cow at the (St. Louis) Science Center a couple years ago.
“Most of my residents have never experienced agriculture or animals outside of maybe a rabbit and when I contacted Prairie Farms, they were all for it,” Cherry said. “They were really responsive — and now we have a cow here.”
Darin Copeland, public relations manager for Prairie Farms, was happy to connect Cherry with a cow. Read more…
GCS Credit Union Receives Mastercard Award
Candice Greene, Riverbender
The Doing Well By Doing Good Award recognized GCS for their annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament. Raising funds for veterans is just one of the many ways GCS is able to support their local community. With the help of over thirty sponsors and one hundred twenty-four golfers, GCS raised $32,961 for our local veterans last year.
The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, whose mission is to send our nation’s heroes to Washington D.C. for a one day, all expenses paid trip to see the memorials built in their honor, received $25,000 of last year’s proceeds. Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs received $7,961 of the tournament proceeds. Got Your Six is committed to providing specialized service dogs to veterans and first-responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Over the past six years, GCS has raised over $150,000 for these brave veterans who have fought for our country. Keith Burton, GCS President, and CEO, said, “This award is reflective of our commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people. We are truly honored.”
GCS Credit Union is currently looking for golfers and sponsors for their seventh annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will be on June 2nd, 2023 at the beautiful Stonewolf Golf Course in Fairview Heights, IL. If you are interested in supporting this worthy cause, then reach out to Candice Greene atcgreene@mygcscu.com.
ACT Drivers Awarded For Years Of Perfect Safety – New Agency Milestone Of 25 Years Of Safety Reached
As reported in The Riverbender, Ellie Carrow
The Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board of Directors recognized five drivers for achieving consecutive years of perfect safety while driving a public transportation vehicle, at the March 9 Board Meeting. ACT operates bus service for the Madison County Transit District (MCT) fixed route and paratransit services. As defined by the National Safety Council, to retain the ‘perfect safety’ designation, drivers must, in all situations, make every effort possible to avoid an accident.
ACT drivers Ken Hill and Mike Saylor were recognized for 10 years of perfect safety—while logging more than 20,000 hours behind the wheel of a transit vehicle. Reatha Duff and Calvin Payne were recognized for 15 years of perfect safety, with more than 30,000 hours of driving. And, for the first time in ACT history, Monte O’Bannon was recognized for 25 years of perfect safety! O’Bannon achieved an agency first with her perfect safety record with more than 50,000 hours behind the wheel of a transit vehicle.
“The National Safety Council’s standards for perfect safety are very rigid,” said ACT Executive Director SJ Morrison. “To drive for 10 or 15 years without a preventable accident is a difficult milestone to reach. 25 years is remarkable and a new milestone for ACT. We’re very proud of these individuals for their diligence and ongoing service to the people of Madison County.”
Ward 4 Alderman Brad Eavenson recaps the March 21, 2023
Granite City Council meeting.
Under Planning and Zoning:
The council approved the recommendation of the Graphic Review Board to allow new signage at the Johnson Road Library branch. The council passed a resolution providing for the demolition or repair of a dangerous and unsafe building commonly known as 2107 Illinois Avenue and a resolution providing for the demolition or repair of a dangerous and unsafe building commonly known as 1322 Meridian Avenue.
The council approved an amendment to Ordinance 9907 to waive special event permit fees for food trucks.
Under the Fire Department Committee:
The council approved an Ordinance Amending rates and charges for city ambulance service per Chapter 2.76.040 Granite City Municipal Code. This is for non-resident use of GCFD ambulance services.
Under Wastewater Treatment Committee:
The council approved the bargaining unit agreement for the employees of that department. The council also approved appointment of two current workers to the director and assistant director positions that were recently vacated.
Under Finance Committee:
The council approved waiver of required contract bond from the low bid vendor for concrete supplies with the holding for one year of the bid bond presented by that vendor. The council approved payment of unused vacation pay, to William Jones, who recently left employment at the Treatment Plant.
The council authorized the mayor and staff to issue an RFP and start an outside search for a full time comptroller with a salary set at $85,00 to $120,00 based on qualifications and negotiations with the best candidate. Interviews will be held after responses are received.
Reminder: This is a summary of events discussed and acted on by the city council. This is NOT to be considered as the official minutes of the meeting.
Reminder: The first meeting in April has been moved to April 5th to avoid conflict with the April 4th election.
Ollie’s opens to crowds in Granite City
Written By John Badman The Telegraph
More than 100 people lined up outside the new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Granite City Wednesday morning. The store, located at 3521 Nameoki Road in Granite City, advertises “good stuff cheap.” The business occupies the space of the old Shop n’ Save grocery store next to Hibbett Sports.
The Granite City location is the firm’s first store in the region. Customers who attended the opening day event Wednesday were commenting that they liked the prices on the store’s inventory of housewares, sporting goods, flooring and food. The national chain claims to be the largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory. As of February, the chain had 468 locations in 29 states. In 2021 it listed 9,000 employees and total sales of $515,76 million.
Ollie’s was founded in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1982 by Morton Bernstein and Mark L. Butler, with backing from Harry Coverman and Oliver E. “Ollie” Rosenberg, the latter of whom is the namesake of the company. The stores feature its Rosenberg in the form of humorous caricatures throughout the stores’ interiors, merchandising displays, logo and exterior signage. Rosenberg died in 1996 at age 75.
Ollie’s selection of merchandise features discounted household goods, apparel, pet supplies, kitchen pantry staples and seasonal products, such as holiday, gardening, patio, pool and beach supplies. According to online reports, a majority of the items are unsold or overstocked merchandise purchased in bulk from other retailers — such as Walmart/Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, Costco, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Whole Foods Market and TJX-owned stores — and sold at discounted prices.
Granite City Alumni Association Announces Healthcare Professions Scholarship Endowed By Wall Of Fame Honoree
Article and picture from “The Riverbender”
The Granite City Alumni Association is announcing a scholarship for graduating students of Granite City High School entering into the healthcare professions. This scholarship will as- sist students starting their fields of study in a healthcare-related field and is being sponsored by 1967 GCHS graduate Dr. Barbara Fifield Brandt. “Today, hospitals and clinics are experiencing growing shortages of health professionals, especially nurses as well as primary care and mental health clinicians. To meet the growing workforce challenges in caring for our citizens, it is imperative that we spark and nurture an interest in healthcare careers when students are in high school or earlier by providing opportunities and removing obstacles,” stated Dr. Brandt.
Barbara Fifield Brandt, PhD, EdM, FNAP is the Founding Director of the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at the University of Minnesota (UMN). Dr. Brandt is a tenured professor in the UMN College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems. She served as associate vice president for education in the UMN Academic Health Center from 2000-2017 and principal investigator and statewide director of the United States Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Minnesota Area Health Education Center from 2002-2013.
Dr. Brandt administratively led the creation of academic health center-wide inter-professional programs: the AHC Office of Education, Health Careers Center, the Inter-professional Education and Resource Center, the Minnesota Area Health Education Center from 2002-2013, the Center for Inter-professional Education, the Center of Allied Health Programs, the Academy of Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and 1Health inter-professional curriculum framework.
Dr. Brandt’s areas of scholarly focus centers on how professionals learn in practice, called workplace learning; reimagining academic-community partnerships, called the Nexus, especially for rural and underserved populations; optimizing workforce development of teams; educational design of inter-professional practice and education; the history of inter-professional practice and education; and knowledge generation using inter-professional informatics.
A Piece of Granite City History is Being Restored and Preserved
If walls could talk, they would have directed curious City Hall employees to explore the old vault on the bottom floor of the building where a treasure trove of old documents awaited their discovery. The vault contained all of the Clerk files dating back to the origin of the city. This included all of the minutes and ordinances from the 1890s through the 1960s.
Inside an old box of random papers was a very old cotton type tri-fold binder. It was inside that binder that the original document was found where on March 9, 1896, is recorded as the day of Incorporation with the State of Illinois. This information was certified on June 8, 1896, by then Secretary of State, William Hinrichsen.
This amazing piece of history was transported to a historian and archivist who, along with a chemist, restores and preserves historical documents. The pieces that you see missing were still in the folder preserving the paperwork so they will be able to piece it back together. They will also be mounting and framing the document in protective glass for long term preservation. This important piece of Granite City history will eventually be on display inside the building for everyone to see.
Happy 127th Birthday Granite City, March 9th, 1896!
Marijuana Dispensaries Popping Up In the Metro
Cannabis dispensaries are becoming more popular than ever in Illinois. There are roughly 10 recreational weed dispensaries for every 100K Illinois residents. Recreational marijuana is legal for purchase and use at the state level, but it’s up to individual municipalities, towns, villages, and cities to decide whether or not they want to allow retail recreational marijuana sales.
Collinsville Illinois HCI Alternatives /Ascend Medical Marijuana dispensary was one of the area’s first dispensaries to open for business. Shortly after, Hello Beyond dispensary opened in Sauget Illinois. Then Fairview Heights, Illinois, followed suit by eventually opening the Ascend Cannabis dispensary. Now preparations are in the works for the city of Edwardsville to welcome the city’s first adult-use cannabis dispensary. The goal is to open sometime later this month, with a banner now up announcing its impending arrival.
The most recent revenue statistic for Illinois is $563 million since recreational sales were approved.
March 2023 Archives