{"id":7281,"date":"2022-05-01T23:30:20","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T04:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/?page_id=7281"},"modified":"2022-05-30T17:59:25","modified_gmt":"2022-05-30T22:59:25","slug":"may-archived-articles-and-pictures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/may-archived-articles-and-pictures\/","title":{"rendered":"May Archived Articles and Pictures"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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Old<\/strong>\u00a0Route 66 Has New Businesses in Mitchell Illinois Everyone Must Try<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Route 66 Flea Market, Kickstand, and\u00a0Teri\u2019s Diner<\/a>\u00a0is a real one-stop with shopping and antiquing, food, bar, and gaming. And it\u2019s in good company located on old Route 66 not far from two icons of the Mother Road, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to the west and the Luna Cafe to the east.

Gina Korte first opened up the Route 66 Flea Market in 2006 at 3117 W. Chain of Rocks Road \u2013 Old Route 66. But in 2019, she moved the operation next door to her present location at 3121 W. Chain of Rocks Road.
Although it all began with just ten vendors, now Korte has over 150 vendors in the storage rental facility in Mitchell, Illinois.\u00a0\u00a0Read More\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Cheryl Eichar-Jett is the author of numerous books and articles about Route 66. Find her at\u00a0www.route66chick.com<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0www.cheryleicharjett.com<\/a>.<\/em>
This story originally printed in April 2022 issue of The Prairie Land Buzz Magazine<\/em>
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The Granite City Police Department Presents a Check to The Illinois Center for Autism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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The men and women of the Granite City Police Department meet with Rachel Newsome from the Illinois Center for Autism today to give her a check from the sale of Autism Awareness patches. When it comes to community service, the officers and employees always go above and beyond their job titles. Our community is lucky to have such a caring and compassionate team of first responders.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Eighteen Granite City High School juniors were honored by the Granite City Rotary Club at a May 10 event at Calvary Life Church.
The honorees had been selected as part of the club\u2019s 2021-22 Student of the Month program. They included:
\u2022 September \u2013 Catelynn Liniger, Alex Weaver
\u2022 October \u2013 Gwyn Hale, Christopher Taylor
\u2022 November \u2013 Peyton Hatfield, Maddox Kennedy
\u2022 December \u2013 Alivia Vaughn, Brady Smallie
\u2022 January \u2013 Aleah Crenshaw, Clara Nipper
\u2022\u00a0February \u2013 Caylie McElroy, Lauren Wilson
\u2022\u00a0March \u2013 Sydney Choat, Carlee Wright
\u2022\u00a0April \u2013 Karen Willaredt, Mara Withers
\u2022\u00a0May \u2013 Rowan Wallace, Chloe Widel.

Honorees were presented a framed certificate from Granite City Rotary Club President Bobbie Smith and School Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann, in addition to a $50 Amazon gift card.
The Telegraph, May 11, 2022
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Alex Wilson, owner of Premier Lawn Services, Construction and Excavation is helping to beautify Granite City by redesigning the landscaping in the Niedringhaus planters. Although the work just recently began, and the landscaping project is still underway, the benefits are obvious. The new plants are beautiful, and Alex and his crew have taken great care with the placement and design.

Alex stated the City Hall grounds will soon be getting the same attention and treatment. This is another perfect example of our city moving in a positive direction.<\/p>\n\n\n

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‘Tis The Season, Morel Season That Is!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Edible Morel Mushrooms are\u00a0plentiful throughout Southern Illinois and normally start to pop up as early as March in southern Illinois and typically follows in a matter of weeks across the state. You need to identify true morel mushrooms so, don\u2019t be fooled by imposters, it could cost you.
If you plan to morel hunt this spring, be sure to properly identify any fungi you collect before consumption. Here are 5 things to know to help with your Mushroom hunt. Read on…<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Improvements That Benefit Everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo (L to R): GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann; Joe Juneau, Vice President at Juneau Associates, Inc., P.C.; Mike Parkinson, City of Granite City Mayor.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

GCSD9 is proud to announce the completion of the new sidewalk improvements located along Nameoki Road leading to the Coolidge Junior High driveway entrance. This will allow an easier walk along this busy road and easier pedestrian access to the school entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sidewalk project was accomplished through an Intergovernmental agreement between the City of Granite City and the School District along with collaboration from Juneau Associates. This project began in Fall of 2021 and was completed recently this Spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ward 4 Alderman Brad Eavenson Recaps the May 03, 2022 Council Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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A lease was also approved for the \u201cRalph Building\u201d current tenant, H and R block to continue leasing that space. The council also approved funding for repairs at City Hall that include tuckpointing of the upper structure of the building and replacement of the twenty-year-old chiller and generator. Ten additional properties were approved for demolition.
Two stop signs were approved by ordinance for the intersection of 18th Street and Cleveland intersection. We have had complaints about trucks on that street. The council approved a resolution to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Painters\u2019 union. Because of the rising cost of fuel, the city adopted two ordinances that will establish a cost for large item pick-ups by the city as well as a charge for using city trucks for weekend debris removal from private homes. Previously these were offered free of charge to the residents and while we hate to charge for these now, it becomes necessary.
The city approved an ordinance to hire our engineers to develop a master plan for the bicycle and pedestrian connectivity for our city. This will enable us to apply for grants through the county to improve our bike trails and link them with others in the county.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The GraniteCityGossip.com Website Still Making an Impact After 15 Years of Community Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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The evening of April 17, 2022, Veteran Rustin S. brought his concerns to GraniteCityGossip.com\u2019s Facebook group. He expressed his disappointment and frustration over the condition of the American Flag flying on top the US Steel Office building. The American Flag was faded and tattered but flying high and waving in all its glory in spite of its weathered condition. It was both a beautiful and sad sight to see. It was obvious the flags needed a proper retirement and replaced.

The pictures of the flag and the comments had reached an audience of just under 3000 people in a very short time. Several members of the GraniteCityGossip.com Facebook group reached out to the US Steel Office Building and the results couldn\u2019t have been more positive. In less than one week the flags have been retired and replaced, and once again the American flag in all its vibrant colors are proudly flying above the US Steel Office Building. Thank you to all the members of the Facebook group that represents the GraniteCityGossip.com website. Thank you, Rustin for posting the photos and bringing this matter to everyone\u2019s attention, and lastly thank you, to US Steel for taking such quick action to resolve this issue!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Mayor Parkinson Celebrates His One Year Anniversary Since Winning His Bid for Mayor<\/strong>\u00a0of Granite City<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Congratulations to Mayor Parkinson and Administration for a glowing first year filled with change and progression. Surrounding himself with a great team of people has brought about improvements that benefit residents and businesses alike and have sparked a renewed interest in growing and helping to improve Granite City. The future of our community is looking bright!<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Tyler Timmins Scholarship Fund Charity CornHole Tournament \u2013 A Huge Success,\u00a0Sunday, April 24<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Contributed by Keith and Sarah Donohue<\/p>\n\n\n

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To say that the Tyler Timmins Scholarship Fund Charity CornHole Tournament that we hosted was a success is an understatement. We are so proud of Granite City Cornhole and this community. Thanks to the 35 teams who showed up, the eight business we had sponsor the event, the countless people who helped to put it on, and the numerous others who came out to purchase food, (Homestyle Grill Food Truck STL, you were amazing), raffle tickets, and celebrate the cause with us, we are able to donate $5000 to the scholarship fund.
Thanks to the Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 for donating the space, and our sponsors Darin Chiropractic, LLC, Sweet Treats From The Hart, Terry Biggs of Biggs Construction, Lifepoint Church, GC Tribe Ba<\/a>seball & Softball Club, Dj\u2019s 4\u00d74 And Diesel Performance, GC PB & PA, we couldn\u2019t have done it without you.
Thank you to Erin Graham Werner for all the work you did to make sure we were prepared to host the event and Renee Ozee-Pieper for donating your time to bartend! Jami Ann, Michelle Huffman Werner, Alyssa Ann and Julie Murphy, thanks to you awesome ladies for helping run the day, not only did it go smoothly, but you really made it fun.
Now onto the winners.

Last Man Standing \u2013 Rick Rushing
50\/50 Dean Bennett \u2013 Donated it back
1st Place \u2013 Rick Gauch & Tony Franks
2nd Place \u2013 Grant White & Rick Rushing
3rd Place \u2013 Brian Wells & Patrick Pilger

All teams donated their winnings back! Jason Donohue and Jeremy Howard won the second chance tournament. Thanks to Wallace Tumbler Creations & More for donating a certificate for one of your amazing custom- made cups to each of them. Thanks to Will Werner for your amazing craftsmanship on the boxes you made. Dalson Cummings won the drawing and like the stand-up dude he is, had us auction them back off and donate the winnings to the pot. Karen and Doug Burris paid $425 for the matching bags and asked that we continue to auction the boards. Nathan Donohue got to take them home for $300. Also, special thanks to one of our newest GCC members Jake Smith for donating some bags to raffle. Jake couldn\u2019t be with us but this was his awesome way to help support the cause ! I can\u2019t tell you how many times throughout the day I had goosebumps because of the awesome generosity shown by all. Thanks for coming and representing. Keith and I are very proud to have been associated with such a fantastic event and outcome.

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Right in Our Own Backyard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

How many times have you driven down Interstate 55 near Livingston and spied an enormous pink elephant standing along the highway? Did you ask yourself, \u201cWhat is that place?\u201d\u00a0 Or think to yourself, \u201cOne of these days I\u2019m going to stop by there.\u201d, Well, wonder no longer.\u00a0 The home of that huge pink elephant is \u201cThe Pink Elephant Antique Mall\u201d, and it is a sight to behold.

Antiques abound within an old gymnasium and throughout the complex.\u00a0 Davie and Bernice Hammond have created an extremely unique roadside attraction that includes, not only a huge variety of antiques and home decor\u2019, but a fudge and candy store, a 1950\u2019s themed diner where you can grab a burger, hot dog and many other items including ice cream and corn dogs.

The area outside is dotted with, for lack of a better term, quirky and crazy statues and even a U.F.O.!\u00a0 Located along old Route 66, The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is definitely worth a short Sunday drive and a great way to spend an afternoon.\u00a0For more pictures and information.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Planting Schedule for Our Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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For everything from Arugula to Okra, find out when to plant vegetables\u00a0with the Almanac\u2019s\u00a0planting guide! We\u2019ll tell you the\u00a0earliest dates to plant vegetables in the spring<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0last dates that you can plant for a fall harvest<\/strong>,\u00a0based on average\u00a0frost dates<\/a>\u00a0for your location. The gardening experts at\u00a0The Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac<\/em>\u00a0have done the homework for you! Our planting tool is personalized down to your zip code,\u00a0pulling from a database of thousands of weather station reports, and\u00a0using the\u00a0\u201cdays until harvest\u201d for the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden.

Then, we\u00a0determine\u00a0when to sow indoors, transplant, and seed outdoors\u00a0based on what\u2019s best for each vegetable. (Note: Our chart takes into account the average \u201cdays until harvest\u201d for the most common varieties of each vegetable. However, your seed packet will tell you the exact days to maturity for the variety you are growing.\u00a0Click here to fill in your zip code to find the planting schedule for your area.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Improvements Taking Place at The Twigs Tumbleweeds Community Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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There is excitement in the air at the Twigs Tumbleweeds Community Garden as the growth continues on. Not only the anticipation of blooming gardens, but the continued growth made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor and Greg Kamp with Bickle Electric. Also, Gary Moss did a wonderful job getting the concrete poured and the pavilion all put together.

It won\u2019t be long before the electricity and lights will be in working order and fresh paint will soon spruce up the pavilion and a fourth picnic table will provide more seating. Granite City is lucky to have such a dedicated group of people who host events for the community and make gardening possible for all residents to enjoy. Thank you Twigs and The Tumbleweeds Community Garden!<\/p>\n\n\n

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It\u2019s Time to Prepare the Hummingbird Feeders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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When do you hang your Hummingbird feeders? According to the Migration Map, April may be the perfect month. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been sighted in the area. To see the Hummingbird migration map, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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City Hall Employees Raise Funds to Purchase Vegetable Plants for Twigs Tumbleweeds Community Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Granite City, city hall employees gather for a celebratory photo after their Pay to Play Lunch Day raised funds donated to Twigs Tumbleweeds Community Garden. Twigs used the raised funds to purchase Cherry Tomato plants, Head Lettuce, Jalape\u00f1o Pepper plants, Green Bell Pepper plants and Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Beefsteak Tomato plants.

The purchased plants are a gift that keeps on giving to the community, and the harvest will make its way onto the tables of many area families.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ward 4 Alderman Brad Eavenson Recaps the April 19, 2022 Council Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Our city council meeting tonight opened with two young Eagle Scouts being recognized for their contributions to the community. Next up was a report by members of the St. John\u2019s United Church of Christ that recently sponsored a collection drive for those suffering in the Ukraine. Over 10,000 pounds of material was loaded on a semi and sent to help the victims of the Russian invasion. Mayor Parkinson commented that, \u201cthis city always steps up to help others in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our ordinance regarding trash pick-up and removal was amended. It now includes language that requires residents to remove their empty cans no later than 8 a.m. on the day after their cans are emptied by Republic. Additionally, cans are not allowed to be in front of a residence and must be placed behind the front plane of the house.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ordinance pushes back the time residents can set cans out to 3 pm from the current time of 6 pm on the night before pick-up. Police Department Detective Jeff Donahey was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Congratulations to this fine officer. The council approved an ordinance that will make funds from the American Rescue Plan available to businesses throughout the city. More details will follow. The city also approved the bid for city gasoline supply to M and M Service company through April of 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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April is National Volunteer Month<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Fire Departments all across the state are always looking for members of their communities to step up to help serve and protect. Do you have what it takes? Please stop in on Wednesday nights between 6pm & 9pm and see us or contact us at 618-931-2655 or on our\u00a0Facebook page<\/a>. You can get an application anytime. Meetings are on the 1st Monday of every month. Trainings are on the following Sundays each month. We have junior & senior firefighters. Must be 16 to apply for the Junior Firefighter Program.

Long Lake Volunteer Department is an ISO Class 3. We provide pay for calls and certified training at no cost, as well as making new friendships, BUT most of all, helping make our community safe!<\/p>\n\n

April Archives<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GCSD9 is proud to announce the completion of the new sidewalk improvements located along Nameoki Road leading to the Coolidge Junior High driveway entrance. This will allow an easier walk along this busy road and easier pedestrian access to the school entrance. This sidewalk project was accomplished through an Intergovernmental agreement between the City of … Continue reading “May Archived Articles and Pictures”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7281","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7281"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7818,"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7281\/revisions\/7818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/granitecitygossip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}