Off The Record

The Illinois State Fire Marshall closed the Paxton Marathon this afternoon due to numerous violations. Perhaps one of the violations is all the 55 gallon drums sitting behind the station. Is it possible they are full of contaminated water from the station's underground tanks? The station owner, commonly referred to as the "Potty Peeper" has been back in Paxton the last few months. After his conviction for illegal videotaping in the station's ladies room, he disappeared from the area for a few years. We've heard no word on when the Marathon will be able to re open.

Update: The station was re opened Saturday or Sunday. The 55 gallon drums have been moved, too. Go figure! The Fire Marshall has sealed the underground tanks because they haven't had the state required inspections performed. What fuel is there already can be sold but no new fuel can be added.

The station owner also owes a large sum of money to the state of Illinois for Motor Fuel Taxes he collected from consumers and then didn't remit to the state. After filing for bankruptcy, the station owner was still trying to get out of paying the tax due. The Illinois 7th Circuit Court ruled the station owner has to pay the tax due.