3rd Annual Kids and Cops Donut Run
From the Granite City Police Department Facebook Page – “The Granite City Police Department spent an outstanding day with our friends from Children’s Home and Aid for our third annual Kid’s and Cops Doughnut run. The weather was perfect and everyone was smiling! Congratulations to all that participated and made the day as incredible as it was!
We would like to thank our extended family at the Granite City Fire Department as well as Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor, Senator Erica Harriss of the 56th Senate District of Illinois, and especially Officer Tyler Garland and his K9 partner Crash of the Alton Police Department for all of their help. We would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to Beth Hunter for her tireless efforts to put this day together and to all of the amazing people from Children’s Home and Aid that made this day happen. We feel deeply honored to partner with such amazing people for this event and look forward to working with them again soon.
See you all next year!”
Cavalier Furniture Store Grows Closer To Being A Reality
The storefront is looking fresh and modern, the sign is up beckoning future customers from the whole metro-east area and now the entire parking lot is being readied for their arrival! Yes, Cavalier Furniture Store is well on its way to becoming a reality in Granite City. The store will house fifty thousand square feet of showroom and sixty thousand square feet of warehouse space. Please stay tuned for updates, they will be published as we receive them. Until then, take a look …
Growthbusters Came to the Rescue of a Local Resident’s Yard
Our Neighbors in Hartford Illinois are Celebrating the
Lewis and Clark Departure Weekend May 13 and 14
History comes to life this weekend at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford featuring a highly sought Thomas Jefferson re-enactor. The Departure Celebration on May 13-14 will celebrate the departure of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from Camp Dubois at Hartford for a two-year expedition from the Mississippi River to the West Coast and back.
This weekend re-enactors, historic artisans and others will celebrate the launch of the journey 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Planned demonstrations include artillery, muskets, candle making, fiber arts, cooking and other period crafts.
The weekend also will include presentations by Thomas Jefferson interpreter Kurt Smith who portrays Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Smith will appear as President Jefferson for a children’s dialogue on Friday at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford and for two presentations on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Read more here…
Under Mayor’s Remarks: The mayor introduced an initiative to start an area wide petition drive to ask the Board of Directors of U.S. Steel to reconsider any action that would reduce jobs at our Granite City plant. We will be asking anyone who is willing to help in this effort to circulate petition sheets at their churches, schools, places of work etc. The mayor read a letter that announces the intent of the petition drive, and he hopes to deliver 20,000 area signatures to the CEO of U.S. Steel.
If you would like to help, please let us know and we will get you the forms.
Also under his remarks, the mayor read a letter from the GCHS Class of 73 reunion committee asking to use the mill to host the 50th class reunion in August. The city will rent the facility to the group and Emily Gavilsky of Tinsel Town will provide bar services. The request was approved.
THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE: The Library requested use of The Mill for part of their summer reading series. Approval was granted.
Planning and Zoning:
A RESOLUTION providing for the demolition or repair of a dangerous and unsafe building commonly known as 2526 Jerden Ave. An ordinance to accept a donation of the property commonly known as 2003 Bryan Avenue. An ordinance to accept a donation of the property commonly known as 2410, 2410 Rear and 2412 West 20th Street.
All items were approved by the council.
Public Works:
An ordinance to approve a system of permits to utilize the Granite City Leaf Depot. This ordinance creates a path for LOCAL commercial lawn services to utilize the city leaf depot. Each commercial cutter will have to obtain a permit through the mayor’s office and verify that their services are for local residents. In short, we don’t want grass cutting companies from surrounding communities using the facility that our taxpayers fund.
The agreement with the EPA specifies it is for local resident use only so this will help us meet that agreement but also continue a service to residents who use commercial services. The ordinance was approved.
Finance:
An ordinance to approve a twelve-month agreement with the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau to be funded with monies provided under the American Rescue Plan Act. As part of our continued efforts to bring others to our community, the city entered into agreement with this agency. We will be featured in their media announcements and other advertisements.
This is all part of the Route 66 centennial celebration coming in 2026. Special thanks to Brenda Whitaker, Paula Hubbard, and Mayor Parkinson for working with this agency to further boost traffic into our community.
Chairman Hawkins pointed out that our tax rate has lowered over the past two years from 3.7% to 3.25% due to some of the growth of our community and the addition of new tax contributors.
Reminder: This is a summary of events discussed at the council meeting and NOT the official minutes as taken by the clerk.
Tuesday April 25, 2023, the Outgoing Board of Education President,
Mr. Dennis Wilmsmeyer Issued the Oath of Office to Three New Members
Weathering the recent economic climate and still serving Granite City and the area’s neighboring visitors, these long standing iconic businesses are proof positive that area residents love and support its diverse choices of atmosphere and menus.
From a local favorite neighborhood bar that knows no strangers, and conversation between the old and young is as commonplace as their icy cold beer and famous tacos, Ernie and Annie’s has been a favorite destination of many for decades.
Apple Tree Family restaurant is not only known for their wide variety of breakfasts, but also a large selection of lunch and dinner offerings. The homemade taste and style and friendly atmosphere have kept faithful customers returning for years.
The Garden Gate Tea Room is not just a “Tea Room”, it is an experience. As soon as you enter through the gates you know you are in for a treat. The menu offers a variety of items that include their famous Lobster Bisque and Quiche of the day and the loved Monte Cristo just to name a few. There is so much to see in this quaint, relaxing atmosphere.
When you have a craving for Chinese, whether it’s take out or dine in, one of the first places in Granite City that comes to mind is Vin Hoa Chinese restaurant. For decades Vin Hoa has been serving locals their hot, fresh Chinese favorites. Crab Rangoon and a variety of Fried Rice dishes and their famous Egg Rolls are just a few items off of their large menu.
The Park Grill is known for a down home cooking feel and taste wrapped in a friendly neighborhood gathering place. Just like the tag line from Cheers, it’s a place where “everybody knows your name”. If you’re looking for a breakfast fit for a lumberjack or a half order of Biscuits and Gravy, or that homemade grilled Cheeseburger, the Park Grill has you covered and more!
If you’re looking for cafeteria style with a delicious homemade taste, along with homemade fresh baked desserts, Jerry’s Cafeteria will more than satisfy. This establishment has been serving the community for generations and decades and every delicious bite reflects that history. Jerry’s Cafeteria is also known for their all occasion catering service. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary or party, Jerry’s catering will fit the bill and make your event a success.
Granite City is lucky to have many “Mom and Pop” establishments and the above mentioned are just a few. These businesses often invest in our neighborhoods, and children and schools. Their support for local sports teams, little leagues and school events in sponsorships and goods and services does not go unnoticed. These businesses are appreciated and hopefully we’ll all do our part to support them in every way possible.
For Randall and Linda Irwin, the key to success in the funeral home business, and in life, is all about helping others.
For 45 years, the Irwins have been owners and operators of Irwin Chapel, which has locations at 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon and 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City.
“Our minister, Pastor Brame (from Central Christian Church in Granite City) emphasizes relationships. God wants to have a relationship with us, and I think that carries over to every part of life,” Linda Irwin said.
“Before we went into business, I noticed that Randy seemed to be drawn to relationships with his community, friends and the family members of the people he served. That seemed to make it worth taking the risk of investing our future in funeral service. When the staff wants to know the name of someone from long ago, Randy is the go-to guy.” Continue reading
Ward 4 Alderman Brad Eavenson recaps the April 18, 2023
Granite City Council meeting.
Planning and Zoning:
Resolutions were approved for the demolition of two properties at 2629 E. 27th Street and 2319 State Street.
Public Works:
The council approved the formal ordinance that will establish a crosswalk connecting the Brown Recreation Center to the park across the street. The crosswalk will be on Franklin at the intersection of Franklin and Amos.
Finance:
The council approved the low bid for gasoline and diesel fuel supply for fiscal year 24. We also approved an ordinance to hire Schmersahl Treloar $ Company to perform audit services for FY 21-22
A letter of understanding between the city and IDOT concerning Route 3 improvements was approved.
Reminder: This is a summary of events discussed at the council meeting and NOT the official minutes as taken by the clerk. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 9th and new council member Kim Pierson will be sworn in at that meeting.
Mr. Greg Koberna Receives a Citizen Commendation Certificate from
Mayor Mike Parkinson and the Granite City Police Department
The Citizen Commendation Certificate was awarded to Greg Koberna for his bravery in assisting a Granite City police officer. While trying to detain a convicted felon, an altercation became physical between of the officer and the detainee. Greg Koberna, without hesitation jumped into the situation to assist the officer, helping to wrestle the armed felon to the ground, holding him there until additional officers arrived at the scene. The subject was then taken into custody without any harm to either the officer or the perpetrator.