{"id":6891,"date":"2022-04-06T12:25:14","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T17:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/?page_id=6891"},"modified":"2022-04-29T21:02:05","modified_gmt":"2022-04-30T02:02:05","slug":"april-archived-articles-and-pictures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/april-archived-articles-and-pictures\/","title":{"rendered":"April Archived Articles and Pictures"},"content":{"rendered":"

April Archived Articles and Pictures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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For the past month the world has watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine with many people wondering, \u201cWhat can I do to help?\u201d Riverbend area residents answered that question over the weekend as they filled a tractor-trailer with humanitarian goods during the \u201cSend a Semi to Ukraine\u201d on Saturday and Sunday at St. John UCC Church and Cemetery in Granite City.\u00a0Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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The Garden Bros Nuclear Circus Found Its Way to Granite City<\/strong>

The Garden Bros Circus landed at Tri City Speedway in Granite City for the Easter Holiday weekend. In spite of less than perfect weather and a chilly breeze in the air, families from all surrounding communities packed the Big Top Arena. Clowns, and performers of all kinds like the Human Cannonball, Wheel of Death and Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear captivated the audience of all ages. The Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Funnel Cakes and Sno Cones completed the entire experience and the Big Top Arena erupted in cheers and applause at the end of the show.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Manhattan\u2019s Coffee & Social House hosted Pound Pets Inc. Rescue Adoption and Fundraising Event.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

It was a packed Coffee House for the event when many turned out from our area along with out-of-town Pound Pets Inc. rescue supporters. The Chocolate Martinis and Bloody Marys were flowing and seemed to be a new favorite of all who tried them. Bertie, Titus and Pride met many new friends and loved all the attention received. The staff worked hard to make this event a great success and if you haven\u2019t tried Manhattan\u2019s Coffee and Social House yet, you must stop by and experience the charm of this unique business.
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The Granite City High School After Prom 2022 is in the Books and Was a Huge Success!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Local businesses and area residents step up to make Prom night extra special. Grades 9 through 12 and their guest got to attend an After Prom party from 11 pm to 4 am with a large variety of activities from Inflatables, ping pong, volleyball, air hockey, dodgeball, card games and Karaoke. Snacks were plentiful throughout the night, and everyone left with a T-shirt to remember the special evening. Thank you to all the businesses and contributors and event planners who made this night possible!<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Granite City High School Scholar Bowl Team, winners of the Class 2 A Regional Championship along with Coach Jamie Pamatot were recognized for their outstanding efforts. The members of the team are, Logan Light, Shayne Tieman, Lexi Kunz, Lily Relleke and Jadon Wing. The mayor introduced them as, \u201cthe future of Granite City\u201d. Great kids doing great things at GCHS. The Granite City Warriors Hockey team and coaching staff, champions of their league, were recognized for bringing the championship back to Granite City.

Several requests were granted by the council for event assistance. The Granite City Park District asked for the council to close 29th Street by Niedringhaus School for use by the 4th of July carnival event. The street will be closed from June 28th through July 5th. The fireworks are being moved to the interior of Wilson Park this year. The Park District also asked for street closure and assistance with the Baseball\/Softball parade which will take place again this year. St. Elizabeth\u2019s Church made a request for some parking limitation on Johnson Road during their annual carnival. That request was granted.
In business issues, the council passed two ordinances to reimburse owner\/operators of businesses in the downtown TIF area for work done to their establishments.

Nine additional properties were approved for demolition. The city has taken down over 70 derelict properties since May of last year. There are many more in the pipeline to be torn down and they are schedule. Several ordinances and resolutions were passed that deal with renewals of annual updates. These are mainly compliance issues we are required to do by the state or county. The annual Motor Fuel Tax and Community Development grants were also among these ordinances. An ordinance was passed for a commercial listing agreement with the Barber Murphy group for sale of a twenty-three-acre site on Konzen Court that is owned by the city.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Granite City\u2019s Newest Purchase Saves Taxpayers $15,000 per Project<\/strong>

Brad Eavenson extends a congratulations and thank you to \u201cMr. Greg Koberna, Public Works Director, Mr. Rick Daily, City Inspector, Mayor Parkinson and especially the crew at the Public Works Department.

Today marked the first of many demolition projects that will now be self-performed by our crews saving taxpayers $15,000 per project. Using funds from the American Recovery Program, the city purchased a new track hoe and various attachments that can be used to tear down vacant and derelict properties at a cheaper and faster rate than contracting out these services.

The first house in the 2000 block of 14th street was on the ground in less than an hour and a half and the lot will be cleaned within the next few days. The progress continues!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cThese events are credited with delivering millions of dollars annually to host communities. An economic impact study recently completed by the Rawlings Sports Business Management Department at Maryville University projects that this NASCAR Cup Series event will produce at least $60 million in economic impact for the region, attracting more than 83,000 fans.\u201d See the full\u00a0media release here<\/a>.
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Officer Joe Nicolussi Retires After 25 Years<\/strong>

Congratulations to Officer Joe Nicolussi. Officer Nicolussi retired today after 25 years of service with the Granite City Police Department. Joe served the Granite City community as a School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer and on the department\u2019s Special Response Team. Good luck Officer, you will be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Welcome Officer Williams<\/strong>

Pontoon Beach welcomes Maricela Williams into the village police department. Officer Williams was sworn in during the village council meeting Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n\n\n