Rosati’s In Pontoon Beach Is Now Open for Business
Photo provided by Stephanie Michelle
After delays of the projected opening dates, Rosati’s opened its doors to customers eager to try the authentic Chicago Pizza on December 27, 2023. You will find much more than pizza on the menu at Rosati’s, they’re also famous for their pasta dishes, wings and sandwiches, salads, appetizers and desserts.
Located at 5147 Pagano Court, Pontoon Beach, Il just off of Highway 111. The hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM and Friday & Saturday 11AM to 12 PM. Phone number, (618) 500-6111.
A letter to the editor
This past Friday I received a phone call from Congresswoman Mary Miller, who just made her second trip to the southern border to see the situation with her own eyes.
She told me, “There are 10 million illegal migrants already in Texas and Arizona. It’s an invasion. It’s estimated that 70 percent are men of military age. In some areas, cartels control both sides of the border.”
For more information, I would refer readers to her Twitter/X account: @RepMaryMiller.
She recommended that local government officials make clear public statements that they don’t have money in their budgets, can’t provide services, and therefore it’s irresponsible to send buses full of migrants to their communities.
In 1985, Chicago declared itself a “sanctuary city” for illegal aliens, which means that all city officials are prohibited from helping federal immigration agents. The State of Illinois adopted similar policies in 2017.
More than 30,000 have arrived in Chicago since August of 2022. It’s hard to find the numbers, but Google says Chicago spent $138 million for migrants in 2023 and the State of Illinois has spent upwards of $500 million.
On Sept. 26 I sent an email to Gov. Pritzker, asking him to keep Madison County informed. I have received no response. Continue reading here…
A Letter to Granite City District 9 Superintendent and Board Members from Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler
Dear Superintendent Cann and District 9 board members:
Two months ago, Granite City District 9 passed a “backdoor referendum” to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds and on Nov. 22 put a public notice in the Belleville News-Democrat.
This backdoor referendum is a legal loophole to avoid voter approval when issuing bonds that will be repaid with higher property taxes.
A better – and the old-fashioned – way is to put it on the ballot for the people to decide. That’s called a “front door referendum.”
The public notice stated that the only way for taxpayers inside District 9 to vote on this bond issue was for them to collect 2,653 signatures within 30 days from Nov. 22.
That’s a difficult task, especially when the 30-day period – chosen by the district – finds people busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s dark and cold, and people are reluctant to answer the doorbell.
I didn’t see this public notice – despite the fact that I check Illinois Public Notice weekly – looking for notices just like these. I check for Madison County – not St. Clair County – and the “publication county” for the BND is St. Clair County. That’s why I – and many others – did not see it.
Because part of District 9’s area is in the City of Edwardsville, I believe the backdoor referendum notice should have been in the Edwardsville Intelligencer. Please see 715 ILCS 5/11.
Even if District 9 didn’t overlap into the City of Edwardsville, I believe this notice should have been published in Madison County.
Based on my understanding at this point, I don’t think the notice of the backdoor referendum was proper.
Regardless of the legal issue, I believe the “right thing” for District 9 to do is to put this $20 million bond issue on the ballot for the people to decide.
Respectfully,
Kurt Prenzler
Madison County Board Chairman
The “Shop with a Hero” Event in Granite City is Just One Example
of How the Citizens Step Up for the Area’s Children
This year the men and women of the Granite City Police Department were joined by the Fire Department to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. When it comes to generous, giving hearts, Granite City and its first responders, businesses and citizens set the bar high. The smiles on the faces of the children were a true testament over the entire experience starting with the special escort to Walmart getting to ride in police cars, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles.
Local charities and organizations like Billie’s Kids, students and faculty from local schools, and Sue’s Corner along with many Toys for Tots locations and the Twigs Program and local churches, it’s a collective effort to help make the holiday season the best possible for area children, and this year, like years past certainly achieved that and more.
Press Release from Madison County Board Chairman
Kurt Prenzler
During the past several months, tens of thousands of migrants from the southern border have arrived in the City of Chicago, which has been a sanctuary city since 1985.
“This problem is costing Chicago millions,” County Board member Paul Nicolussi of Collinsville said. “And nearby communities are afraid Chicago’s actions will affect them.”
Municipalities and counties are passing regulations on bus companies to keep them from dropping off migrants without any notice.
“Madison County should consider passing its own resolution or ordinance,” Prenzler said.
County Board member Michael Turner of Godfrey said he would like to call a special meeting of the county board to take action on the issue.
“We shouldn’t wait until buses are dropping off hundreds of migrants in the county,” Turner said.
Continue Reading…
An Easy Holiday Treat Sure to Become a Family Tradition
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.
Hidden in Plain Sight, or a Strategic Plan
This information is from the newsletter of Kurt Prenzler, December, 27, 2023
“This evening I was wondering if there were any backdoor referendums in St. Clair County and began searching on the Public Notice Illinois website.
To my surprise . . . I discovered that Granite City District #9 had – on Nov. 22 – published – in the Belleville News-Democrat newspaper – a $20 million “working cash” backdoor referendum.
That means the 30 day opportunity to gather signatures to put this on the ballot has come and gone.
My office routinely searches the Public Notice Illinois website for notices in Madison County – looking for notices just like this.
Why did we not see it?
Look closely – below – on the left hand side of the notice. It says: “Publication County: St. Clair.”
No wonder we didn’t see it.
We don’t search public notices in St. Clair County.
I will look into this tomorrow.
And if you’re a taxpayer in Granite City District #9, you also probably want to look into it.”
“Searching for backdoor referendums in St. Clair County, I discovered that Dec. 20, O’Fallon District 90, also known as the St. Clair County Community Consolidated School District Number 90, published a $18.5 million working cash backdoor referendum.
A “working cash” bond means that the proceeds of the bond sale go into the working cash fund, which means that the district can basically use the money as it sees fit, without restriction.
The notice says that if 2,320 signatures are gathered within 30 days of the publication date, then the voters will be able to vote on it – on Nov. 5, 2024. If the signatures are not gathered, then District 90 will be able to issue the bonds, which will be repaid with higher property taxes.”
Click here for the rest of the newsletter…