Off The Record

Pick a Name, Any Name

2010-11-14T10:07:00.003-06:00

Our local paper has done it again! They have diminished their credibility further. Who edits the paper these days? When going to print, the original owners were certain of the correctness of their final product. Page 6 of the current issue has a single obituary with an incorrect name. A long time Paxton resident or any resident deserves to have their correct name on their own obituary. Just picking a random name to repeat from the other obituaries isn't very professional.

Area residents who recognize the picture know it doesn't match the name printed in the heading. We know the News Gazette doesn't pay top dollar, however this is a bit much. We are all looking forward to next weeks correction.

Our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. We know the name doesn't match the picture.

Compost

2010-06-13T21:54:00.002-05:00

Do you have a compost pile for the environmental benefits or are you just too cheap to pay for garbage pickup?

Another Question

2010-05-25T17:57:00.004-05:00

Our local law enforcement officers are very proud of their portable speed sign. Can it detect the speed of illegal chickens crossing the street?

A Question

2010-05-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

What came first?
The Arcade or the subterranean fowl.

I'm in America! I Shouldn't Have to Press 1 for English!

2010-04-06T23:34:00.003-05:00

Switching the U

2010-04-04T17:44:00.002-05:00

Long before internet, cell phones, and cable TV people would flood the downtown to socialize on Friday and Saturday nights. That long time honored tradition returned to Paxton last Friday night.

Wasn't it great fun to once again be part of the action downtown? Hundreds of people enjoyed themselves no matter their age or type of transportation. All types of vehicles were making the circuit. Classics, motorcycles, street rods, limos, mini vans, and even a Winnie all were "switching the U." Some people had even "gone to Taft" to visit. Traveling both north and south was slow going due to all the traffic. How long has it been since there were that many people in the downtown? The middle two blocks were crowded with people lined up as if they were watching a parade. The throngs haven't been that large since the "hey days" of the Community Sale.

Since the carefree days of the Model T, generations of locals and visitors from miles around have enjoyed "Dragging Main" in Paxton. A heartfelt thanks to the event's organizers. Their efforts helped many people take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. We hope this time honored tradition is repeated in the future.

Tournament Celebration

2010-03-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

Last weekend the IHSA class I and II boys basketball tournament took place in Peoria. Besides the tournament, there were plenty of other activities taking place throughout the city. Isn't nice to know PBL was well represented at the festivities even though our local team didn't play. The Peoria Police extends their thanks for the extra revenue. The fines collected from our local participants will help defray the police overtime pay.

New Chamber of Commerce President

2010-02-22T20:42:00.001-06:00

We hear the Paxton Chamber of Commerce elected a new president at its annual meeting last week. The president elect works for a local government entity. That entity doesn't pay full dues to the Chamber of Commerce. Obviously the Chamber doesn't require its officials to have experience running a for profit, tax paying business. We wish the new chamber president good luck in the coming year.

We see on Judici.com the new Chamber President has another DUI. He was arrested only blocks from home. Are there work permits for 2^nd DUI offenses? His day in court is on St. Patrick's Day. Will he be wearing of the orange instead of wearing of the green? Oh, no blow, no go for 12 months. Oh, the humanity!!

No Further Comment Required

2010-02-10T13:12:00.002-06:00

Resignation at the High School

2010-02-01T09:18:00.001-06:00

Word has it there was an administrative resignation at the PBL High School Friday. We wonder if there were any others?

Trailer Trash

2010-01-27T17:51:00.002-06:00

What is up with the filthy trashy eye sore that is Prairie City Trailer Park? Why doesn't the owner clean it up? Trash strewn everywhere is not the way to greet travelers from I-57. What a first impression of our fair town!

Majestic Gazebo

2010-01-26T17:39:00.001-06:00

We see the gazebo in the new Majestic Park is coming along nicely. The builders have difficult weather conditions to contend with. We commend their efforts. It will be a nice addition to the park when completed.

Got to Have Fender Phone!

2010-01-24T08:50:00.003-06:00

Thank you Phone Scoop!

Generous Compensation

2010-01-17T18:06:00.001-06:00

In light of these tuff economic times, we reflect upon the salaries paid to our local school system's administrators. Take note: the salaries currently available on line are from the 2008-2009 school year. When will the current year's salaries be made available on line? Just what does a director of curriculum and assessment and instruction do? Does the union or does the state come up with those academic job titles?

Back in the day, the PHS system had more students and there were no assistant principals. PHS and BL teachers were able to perform their jobs without assistants. Isn't it amazing! PHS and BL graduates have become successful, productive taxpayers even without the benefits of having a director of curriculum, assessment and instruction or assistant principals.

A Couple Questions

2010-01-17T17:20:00.001-06:00

Why are certain farmers allowed to unload their grain when the local grain elevator is closed to all other local farmers/shareholders? Is this common practice?

Dry Pavement Downtown

2010-01-11T11:33:00.001-06:00

"Hats off" to the City's Street Department and anyone else involved in clearing the downtown of snow. They always do an excellent job no matter how deep the snowfall. While driving and walking on dry pavement shoppers downtown can concentrate on their purchases and not have to worry about slipping on ice.

Paxton Record Hits all Time LOW!

2009-12-30T14:12:00.001-06:00

A competition in death as in life.

An article on the Paxton Record website this week lists the top 100 articles for 2009 that got the most hits by readers. Most of course are obituaries. We pity the family members of those deceased in 2009. The obituaries of their loved ones have been entered into a competition without their knowledge or consent. That article is indeed an exercise in very poor judgment!

Would the founding family of the Paxton Record consider this article worthy of column space? Does the current owner of the paper approve of this type of content?

Must be a very slow news week.

Generous Discount

2009-12-30T13:34:00.001-06:00

Isn't nice Christmas trees have been discounted at the IGA? They are only $29 now it's almost New Years!

A Dedication

2009-12-29T19:45:00.003-06:00

Dedicated to a PHS former "it" couple from late in the Reagan decade.

Paxton P. D. Greets Travelers from the East

2009-12-25T10:36:00.002-06:00

If the Three Wise Men from the east journeyed into Paxton on Christmas Eve what would have greeted them? The star they were following would have been dimmed by the Legion Building. What to their wondering eyes did appear but a bright red glow from the police department's portable traffic radar sign. Was the police department warning the Three Wise Men and Santa not to speed through Paxton on Christmas Eve? Holiday Cheer abounds in Paxton doesn't it?

Scraping the Can Bottom

2009-12-22T13:14:00.001-06:00

Are there thieving scoundrels in our darkened alleys stalking our garbage cans? Has someone pinched the Christmas tips left on garbage cans intended for our hard working local waste haulers? Is it true the envelopes containing Christmas greetings and tips disappeared from the garbage cans overnight? We realize we are in the midst of difficult economic times, but stealing from garbage men establishes a new low, scraping the bottom of the can. Perhaps in the future, the Christmas cards should be hidden inside the can instead of being left on the lids clearly visible tempting scoundrels.

Yes, There are Stupid Questions!

2009-12-17T14:54:00.001-06:00

Please say it ain't so! Did the Ward 1 alderman actually ask how can you live in town and farm? Did he really ask that at Monday night's City Council meeting? Are we more embarrassed for him or the City of Paxton now that question is in the public domain for all history to see! Does the alderman think living in town excludes someone from pursuing active interests in production agriculture? Has he not ever heard of urban landlords? Should someone who poses such a query be involved in decision making that affects local taxpayers? All responsible Aldermen need to have open minds when attending their meetings to best serve constituents. Mr. Ward 1 Alderman you are being irresponsible wasting too much time prattling on and on about nonsense. Mr. Ward 1 Alderman get organized and better serve the residents of Ward 1. If you don't know what to say let someone else get a word in edge wise. At least maybe they will make a better contribution to the meeting.

Keystone Cops!

2009-12-17T11:49:00.001-06:00

An accident report from this week's edition of our local paper.

• Paxton Police responded to an accident at 3:15 p..m. Monday in the parking lot of PBL High School. A 16-year-old female was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix when she struck the front of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. No injuries were reported, and no tickets were issued.

• Minutes later, police responded to a second accident at 3:39 p.m. in the 100 block of North Market Street. A lady was driving a Chevrolet Malibu when she was backing out of a parking space and struck a Mitsibushi.

• Around the same time, as police were taking an accident report from the teens involved in the first accident, the Paxton Police Chief backed a 2007 Ford Expedition police cruiser into the Chevrolet Malibu that was involved in the first accident of the day, damaging the left-front quarter panel of the car. No damage was done to the squad vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Brilliant driving there Chief!

Local Banks are Generous in the Holiday Season

2009-12-14T18:21:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone! Hurry to the First National Bank for the annual apple giveaway. We hope to gather enough to bake a cobbler before they run out! The Farmers and Merchants Bank made its annual poinsettia deliveries last week. We're wondering which local flower shop provided those beautiful, healthy plants? Ours is just beautiful.

A Question

2009-12-14T18:10:00.001-06:00

Do the members of the City Council and the mayor act in the best interest of our small town or are they using their elected positions to further their personal agendas?

Time to Get the Hang of Social Media

2009-12-07T13:19:00.001-06:00

Here's a very interesting article for all the critics of this blog to consider. A quote from the article, "The world is changing, and blogging is now a big part of it, with all of its good sides as well as its bad ones. Live and learn. The sooner you get the hang of social media, the more you'll see the opportunities in there rather than the threats."

We authors of this blog have been amazed and appalled by how our content can be misconstrued and manipulated by readers. The learning curve for blogs will be around for a long time to come.

Spaceflight Anyone?

2009-12-07T10:22:00.002-06:00

Sir Richard Branson does it again! Today is the unveiling of Virgin Atlantics SpaceShipTwo composite. The ship will require two pilots and will carry six passengers. Those six potential galactic travelers will have to fork over $200,000 a piece for the trip into space. Branson is hoping to corner the public spaceflight maket with his Virgin Galactic firm.

12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-05T15:33:00.000-06:00

“Climate-Gate” Heats Up

2009-12-03T22:00:00.001-06:00

"Climate-Gate" is indeed heating up. Type in "climategate" in google and you'll get back over 26,000,000 hits. (The number grows exponentially daily.) The leak from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit exposing a conspiracy to distort global warming data for political gain is definitely a hot topic. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) relies on this research unit for most of its data. If fraudulent statistics were used to claim that man made CO2 was instrumental in global warming, how can the evidence still be overwhelming that global warming is in part man made?

What a coincidence! Al Gore, The King of Global Warming, Mr. Nobel Prize winner himself, has now canceled his lecture on climate change that was to be delivered in Copenhagen December 16 at the UN Climate Change Conference. How many people forked over the $1200+ for a VIP ticket to shake hands with the former vice president, have a picture taken with him, and get a copy of his new book? We're sure they are very disappointed. Well, at least they will get a refund.

A Question

2009-12-02T13:38:00.001-06:00

Why are there parents who send their severely ill children to school? Keep them home. It's not the school's job to care for them.

Dogtown

2009-12-01T09:13:00.001-06:00

Is there anything going on in Dogtown today?

Fried Chicken Thursdays

2009-11-30T21:50:00.001-06:00

The Arcade has all you can eat fried chicken on Thursdays. It's always hot and tasty and they never run out! If you're not in the mood for chicken, their menu has an extensive variety of items to choose from. Stop in any day for Mexican items to traditional American favorites and breakfast served all day, you'll never leave disappointed. Hurry downtown and bring your appetites!

Covenant Church Luciafest

2009-11-30T12:26:00.001-06:00

Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church will be hosting a continental breakfast and bake sale at the church this Saturday, Dec. 5^th, 9AM-Noon. There will also be a craft and bake sale featuring Swedish items and a quilt raffle. This is the annual event formerly known as "Luciafest." The Swedish pancakes and potato sausage breakfast has been eliminated. Is this due to the recent health department inspection scares?

Pancake and Sausage Supper

2009-11-30T11:56:00.001-06:00

The Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott is hosting its annual Pancake and Sausage Supper this Thursday Dec. 3 from 5-7:30PM. Other activities include a bake sale and quilt raffle. Donations at the door $6 for adults, $3 for children.

The Cable Questions

2009-11-29T10:14:00.001-06:00

Here in our small town we're fortunate to have multiple cable/internet/telephone service providers. Which one do you have? Are you satisfied with the price and service(s) you receive?

Turkey Day at the Arcade

2009-11-24T17:49:00.001-06:00

The Arcade Restaurant will be open Thanksgiving Day serving turkey, ham and all the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings. They will be serving this sure to be delicious feast until 2PM.

NASA Giving Away Shuttle Leftovers

2009-11-24T14:12:00.002-06:00

NASA is moving on from the Space Shuttle Program to the new Constellation Program. No need to imagine cool space displays in your own home, however because items will not go to the public. Items leftover from the Space Shuttle Program that can't be used for Constellation Program will be given away to qualified museums, state sponsored educational institutions, and NASA visitor centers. Items to be given away range from spacesuits, flight helmets, and shuttle wing edges to the NASA version of Tang. Potential recipients of shuttle items must pay for costs to prepare the item for shipping, actual shipping costs and costs to display the item. The cost to relocate a full size shuttle can range to $40 million according to a NASA website. Items can be viewed online at http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm#.

New Jobs May be Coming to Gibson City

2009-11-19T17:42:00.002-06:00

More jobs may be in the making for Gibson City. Eco Manufacturing of Cambridge, MA may build a plasma gasification plant in Gibson City sometime in the next few years. Congratulations to Gibson City's Mayor Dickey, Diane Johnson at Ford County CEDF, and all the others who have been working on this project for the last year. Hopefully their hard work will start paying dividends in the near future. Here's further information on how the plasma gasification process works.

I Want that App!

2009-11-14T16:33:00.003-06:00

The "Powers that Be" at Apple have now decided to allow an iphone application they recently rejected to be sold on itunes. Earlier in the week Apple rejected the app developed by RG Entertainment. RG is operated by conservative film producer Ray Griggs. The app is an online directory of members of Congress that contains caricatures of each member. Apple found some of the caricatures too offensive especially the one of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The caricatures were drawn by former Mad Magazine artist Tom Richmond.

Thanks Andy!

2009-11-13T21:52:00.001-06:00

Andy Roberts at WIXY 100.3 FM—Thanks for the compliment!

Awesome phone

2009-11-13T07:40:00.001-06:00

This phone is awesome. Qwerty keypad! Watch out iphone. Probably won't have signal here.

Salute To Veterans

2009-11-11T13:03:00.001-06:00

We take great pride in saluting all the veterans of past and present conflicts and those presently serving in the U.S. military! Your sacrifices (and those of your family and loved ones) are sincerely appreciated.

Chicago Police are Too Smart

2009-11-10T10:22:00.003-06:00

A Chicago Alderman says city police investigators are too smart and unable to relate to "lay people" according to a recent article in the Sun Times. Alderman Freddrenna Lyle (6^th) says the educated policemen lose their ability to talk to 18 year old high school dropouts who are usually involved in shootings and other crimes. Are we to assume the alderman wants dumber people hired instead? The Alderman's comments don't speak well of her constituents.

Line Crasher

2009-11-10T10:22:00.001-06:00

A local, elderly farmer was seen yesterday cutting in line at the local grain elevator. That's a "no no." He drove past approximately 40 semi trucks already in line. Perhaps he didn't see the semis because he was talking on his cell phone…

New and Improved Corn Handling?

2009-11-09T17:07:00.001-06:00

Has the Clarence grain elevator developed a new and improved method for handling corn? Is it more beneficial to put the corn on the ground and then move it? Will it dry quicker exposed to sunshine while laying on the ground? Just like the old days, get out the corn scoops boys!

To Read or Not to Read, THAT is the Question

2009-11-09T09:18:00.001-06:00

All you erudite people out there (there are more who claim to be than actually are) the 1^st Amendment of the US Bill of Rights includes Freedom of Speech. We are exercising our right to freedom of speech! If you don't like what you read here, you are reading it of your own free will. If you don't like it, exercise your free will not to read it. We know what we will be writing in the future but you won't. We're sure however, you'll hear about it from someone else. Rest assured we will continue to blog. We thought of it first. You didn't.

An Interesting Essay to Ponder

2009-11-07T08:14:00.001-06:00

For those of you who might have missed this one, Catch Her in The Wry had a posting titled Shaking bitter women back to reality. The posting links to an excellent essay written by Darrel James, award winning author of the new anthology "Notes from the Edge." James's essay is an interesting comment on the modern feminist movement from the male perspective that highlights differences between Women's Rights and the modern feminist movement. A quote from that essay, "If you weren't so bitter about the broken promises of Feminism, you would be able to see the difference between Feminism and Women's Rights."

A Question

2009-11-05T19:22:00.002-06:00

How many people deny reading this blog but do read it?

SHHHHHHH...ISN'T IT FUN!

Cash for Clunkers Clunking

2009-11-04T22:44:00.001-06:00

We blogged back in August about the government fraudulently reporting the numbers for the Cash for Clunkers Program. Now the AP is reporting clunker pickups were traded in for new pickups instead of highly fuel efficient vehicles. 95,000 new vehicles purchased under the program got less than 20 miles to the gallon.

Heartfelt Thanks!

2009-11-04T10:37:00.003-06:00

My dear Mrs. J. Callabash! Your efforts have been of the utmost importance to me. Let me extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. I have benefited exponentially. My efforts are truly not worthy of all these benefits you have given me. I greatly appreciate them, none the less.

I’ll Blog if I Want To

2009-11-03T11:42:00.003-06:00

Lesley Gore I salute you! (Words set to "It's My Party")

"It's my Blog, and I'll Blog if I want to,

Blog if I want to, Blog if I want to,

You would Blog too, if you knew any news!"

Yet Another Chicago Political Scandal

2009-11-02T20:16:00.002-06:00

This is no surprise….our tax dollars are being used to pay for campaign work for Cook County Board Clerk Dorothy Brown's campaign. Earnfare employees (a state funded job training program) were ordered to gather signatures to fill Brown's petitions for her run for Cook County Board President.

More Waste of Local Tax Dollars

2009-10-29T21:51:00.001-05:00

You have to wonder how long it took the Paxton Park District Board to figure this out? $2,500 in late fees doesn't accumulate overnight. What a brilliant/timely use of the taxpayer's dollars!

Following quote from the Paxton Record, October 28:

"The board approved a new policy allowing Administrative Assistant Beth Tabor to pay reoccuring bills, prior to approval at regular board meetings, so the bills can be paid by their due dates. The park district paid more than $2,500 in late fees waiting to get approval from the board for payment of monthly gas, telephone, Internet, trash pickup, accounting and other bills."

“Green Front”

2009-10-29T12:04:00.001-05:00

We asked in an entry a while back if anyone remembered the actual name of "The Green Front." The "Green Front" was called the Towne and Country. Dora Todd was running it when it burned. What year was that?

Good Fortune

2009-10-29T08:09:00.001-05:00

The vacant lots downtown we dubbed "The Green Front Memorial Park" are getting new sod. Is one of the lots privately owned? Either the Paxton Foundation or the Historical Society is paying for the sod. Isn't that private lot owner fortunate to have someone else paying to beautify their property? Is the same company who did the landscaping at the Federated Church doing the sod downtown?

A Question?

2009-10-29T08:05:00.001-05:00

If the solar powered street lights in the beautified downtown fail to light and there's no one left to see them, (all the businesses are closed and the buildings are empty because everyone moved away to find jobs) does it really matter?

Went With the Wind

2009-10-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Street-Scape Update

2009-10-28T08:57:00.003-05:00

The last week or so sure has been dreary and rainy. The sun has not parted the cloudy sky for days. Oh, my, guess what happened last night? A number of Pride in Paxton's solar powered street lights failed to light! Surprise!! These solar powered lights were manufactured by SEPCO of Stuart, FL. We're sure solar powered lights work wonders in Florida the "Sunshine State," however, we are in Illinois, land of many dreary days.

In these hard economic times, wouldn't Pride better serve the community by directing their efforts towards economic growth in the downtown? Our beautified downtown is populated by far too many vacant buildings. Beautification is frivolous when the state and local economies are so distressed. Save beautification for times of bounty.

The State of Illinois has unpaid bills piling up. It can't afford to be paying out frivolous grants.

Pontoppidan Norwegian Supper

2009-10-25T14:38:00.001-05:00

Faithful diners make their annual voyage to rural Elliott Sunday Nov. 1st to The Pontoppidan Norwegian Supper. Many travel great distances to satisfy their cravings for "all you can eat" authentic Norse cuisine. The delicious dishes are skillfully, prepared by The Pont Members.

Excitement Seekers

2009-10-22T17:30:00.001-05:00

Some excitement seekers sky dive. Some scuba dive. Some rock climb or mountain climb. Some bungy jump. Some hang glide. When we feel we need excitement, we go to the Tea Room without reservations. Hey! Don't judge us! We're not whimps. Showing up at the Tea Room without a reservation can be a harrowing experience! If we want to take our lives into our own hands, we'll even eat the creamed soups and sprouts.

$5 Gets What?

2009-10-13T17:05:00.001-05:00

What does $5 get you these days? A $5 foot long at Subway. $5.01 gets you a combo at Arby's. $5 might get you a couple cups of coffee depending on where you buy it. Or you can donate $5 to the PBL Athletic Boosters and get your name published as a “$5 Donor” in the football program handed out at each PBL home football game.

Paxton Marathon Does It Again!

2009-10-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

It seems in the last few weeks, the "fine up standing operators" of the Paxton Marathon charged their customers 10% sales tax on in store purchases. We were not aware that the City of Paxton had raised its sales tax rate. Isn't it still 6.25%? What will they do with the extra revenue they collected? It seems they have changed their name. They are now the Paxton Discount Smoke Shop. Are the smokes cheap because they are doubling up on sales tax? We noticed the word "Liquor" is coved on their sign. Is that because they don't have a liquor license?

Overheard at Homecoming Game

2009-10-03T15:30:00.003-05:00

As one of the homecoming float vandals trotted onto the field at Friday night's game, his Father was overheard shouting at him, "You dumb a**!" The vandal was dressed in his street clothes because he was suspended for the game due to his vandalizing antics earlier in the week. Considering the shouting parent's identity, that's "the pot calling the kettle black."

Perhaps the vandals were confused the night of their destructive deed? Maybe they thought this weekend's festivities were Mexican themed when they painted "Senors Rule" on the freshman float.

Homecoming Invitation?!

2009-10-02T10:14:00.001-05:00

How dumb are the members of the PBL Athletic Boosters? An article in the Paxton Record says the Booster Club is inviting PBL Alumni to the Homecoming festivities. Isn't that what Homecoming is for in the first place? Why issue a special invitation? Are PBL Alumni so stupid they have to be invited to Homecoming?

A Question

2009-10-01T10:08:00.001-05:00

Are the fire trucks in the Homecoming Parade for the student participants or is it just an excuse for the firemen to play with their toys?

PBL Homecoming Antics

2009-10-01T07:24:00.003-05:00

It was recently learned that the PBL freshman homecoming float had been vandalized. The vandals took it upon themselves to spray paint the float as well as the hay rack it was built upon. In an attempt to make it look like members of the senior class were involved they tried to paint the word "seniors" on the float, but misspelled it.

After some investigation it was discovered that four sophomores were involved. Two of those involved play football, and are being allowed to play in the homecoming game on Friday. Those involved are being punished supposedly, however the decision allowing the students to play was made by the coach. Is he afraid that an already pathetic season would be shot, or does he approve of his players misdeeds?

Bridge Club

2009-09-30T20:29:00.001-05:00

There were four tables of players for bridge club last Thursday at Lakeview Country Club. The ladies dined on chicken and noodles prior to the afternoon's card festivities.

Holiday Fair

2009-09-30T14:31:00.001-05:00

The Paxton United Methodist Church is yet again having their infamous Holiday Fair. An old tradition, that some have tried to let die just keeps hanging on. The day's festivities begin at 7 AM with coffee, sweet treats and socializing until 10:30AM. Lunch will be served from 11 AM – 2:30 PM. For those on a tight schedule, an Express Line and Carry Outs will be available. Carry- Out orders can be phoned into the Church prior to Oct. 28 at 379-4085.

The menu includes: the Methodist Church's famous chicken and noodles, barbeque, ham loaf, green beans, and a large selection of salads, pies, and cakes.

The Country Store will have home-made baked goods, candies, jewelry and other goods for sale throughout the day. Arrive early for best selections!

Remember to put this on your calendar for Thursday October 29th. Let's all hope no one decides to turn the church's kitchen into the health inspectors the week before!

Parents’ License

2009-09-28T11:42:00.001-05:00

There are countless things in life that require licenses. Too many to list here. Many of the licenses require weeks, months, or even years of schooling before they can be obtained. So why does one of the most important jobs in life not require a license? If people don't have enough intelligence to know the difference between right and wrong, how can they be qualified to be parents? If they can't distinguish right from wrong themselves, how can they set a good example for their children? If you can't spell IQ you're not smart enough to be a parent.

Incorrect Zoning

2009-09-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

What is going on with zoning in Paxton? It appears most of the North Market properties are zoned incorrectly. They are zoned for Manufacturing not for Business. Why hasn't the City of Paxton corrected this zoning mistake? One business has had its improvement and upgrading project delayed for weeks because of the incorrect zoning. Of course their building permit was incorrect because the property is zoned incorrectly. Why doesn't the City do a blanket correction to correct their mistake?

Oh, the Stupidity of Man

2009-09-24T10:21:00.001-05:00

Kids, don't try this at home!

Interesting International News

2009-09-23T09:48:00.001-05:00

World leaders are gathering at the UN today for the General Assembly. Fox news takes a look at the wives of some of the world's tyrannical leaders.

Rumble at the Record

2009-09-22T17:07:00.001-05:00

A long time Paxton resident and representative of the American Legion Auxiliary was concerned why the Paxton Record was not printing the Auxiliary minutes. She was taking the monthly minutes in to be printed but they never showed up in the paper. One day, she dropped in at the Record office to innocently inquire why the minutes were no longer news worthy.

A former Record employee, who we will refer to as "Tater Tot" was working the counter and none too pleased to be interrupted by the Auxiliary Representative's inquiries. The discussion turned "lively" on "Tater Tots" part. "Tater Tot" proceeded to tell her off and threatened to call the police. Needless to say, the Auxiliary Representative backed out the doorway and left without an answer.

An informal survey of any members of our community would be hard pressed to find anyone who has ever felt threatened by the well known, docile Representative of the American Legion Auxiliary.

A Question

2009-09-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

What was the name of the bowling alley in Rantoul that Boots and Mary Jane Meyer ran?

2009-09-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: Door Downfall

2009-09-17T19:27:00.001-05:00

In a blog entry last month, we wrote about the main hangar door at the Paxton Airport lying on the ground. We wondered then how much of our tax dollars were going to have to be spent to repair the door. $5000 is the Magic Number! The Paxton Record reports this week that Monday night the City Council agreed to pay Alderman Del Bruens $5000 to fix the broken door. The Record also reports that other contractors were approached about repairing the door, however, none of them wanted to take on the job. The contractors wanted to install a new door which was a "too expensive option for the city." Why doesn't the article mention how the door came to rest in its current condition in the first place?

In the city's current financial state do they really have $5000 to spare for repairs made necessary by city employee negligence? Let's all thank the gracious Alderman for doing the work at that "Bargain Basement" price.

We Told You So

2009-09-15T21:01:00.001-05:00

We asked yesterday, who else is growing pot in Ford County? See, we told you so.

"Catch Her in the Wry" We Salute You!

2009-09-14T15:09:00.001-05:00

Pot Growers

2009-09-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

A Thawville couple were arrested recently for growing pot in the northern part of Ford county. Who else is growing pot in Ford county?

TOP TEN INDICATORS THAT YOUR EMPLOYER HAS CHANGED TO OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE PLAN

2009-09-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

(10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.

(9) Directions to your doctor's office include "Take a left when you
enter the trailer park."

(8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.

(7) The only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.

(6) The only item listed under Preventative Care Coverage is "an

apple a day."

(5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to
Goodwill last month.

(4) "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges,"
is not a typographical error.

(3) The only expense covered 100% is "embalming."

(2) Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them..

AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'VE JOINED OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE PLAN:

(1) You ask for Viagra, and they give you a Popsicle stick and duct tape.

Bowling Alley Boil

2009-09-11T19:47:00.003-05:00

How many of you remember the former chef extraordinaire at a local Country Club? After having his chef's hat unceremoniously removed due to his predilection for the clubs top shelf liquor, a tiny faction has been hard at work trying to restore his culinary delights to the area. Apparently they have succeeded because on Friday he conquered the kitchen at the Paxton Bowl. The evening's specialty is Prime Rib (Limited Quantity Available.) We hope that his prime rib is not tepid and one shade past "moo" as bowling alley prime ribs of past have been. We recall a memorable prime rib that practically still had a pulse, the way the blood was still spewing from the slab of meat. Being familiar with the former club chef's culinary specialties, one wonders why tonight's special is the prime rib. The most talked about country club special from years past was the infamous "Low Country Boil" better described as "Low Country Spoil." As most recall it was a collection of leftovers from the previous week combined with various roughages and water stewed together for hours and served from a feed trough. We can just imagine what the former club chef will find to boil at the Paxton Bowl!

We urge everyone to stand in the post office parking lot and peek thru the hole in the north wall of the bowling alley kitchen and gaze in amazement and wonder how it passes health inspections. And someone thought the legion kitchen needed inspection?

Missing Vibrations

2009-09-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

Where were the Little Vibrations 4^th of July? We always looked forward to their performance in the pavilion and were very disappointed to see them missing from the day's events. There are numerous conflicting reports explaining their absence. Was the Park District involved? Denying youngsters opportunities to participate in events can decrease attendance.

The ministerial association's ice cream and pie social was also absent. Do the minister's not need money from the pie and ice cream sales anymore? Don't they enjoy serving pie and ice cream to an appreciative public? Perhaps there were forces at work beyond the ministers' control?

Not long before the 4^th someone called the Sanitation Inspector and suggested an inspection was in order for the kitchen at the American Legion Building. Nice timing considering the 4h of July Eastern Star breakfast has been held there for years. The inspector gave the kitchen a clean slate. The inspector suggested the "whistle blower" find something better to do with their time.

Perhaps the 4^th of July committee was intimidated by all the unnecessary hoopla over sanitation at the Urbana Farmers Market.

Word is the long time chairman of the 4^th of July Committee resigned last week. Can we suggest a new game to add to the festivities at next year's 4^th in the Park? How about pass the buck?!!! We know who would come in first place!

Quality Slump at the Paxton Record

2009-09-10T23:24:00.002-05:00

Just when we thought the quality of reporting in the Paxton Record couldn't get any worse, they top themselves yet again. Professional reporting is waning there. If you enjoy reading articles written like they are for a grammar school class paper, then the Record is for you. Their reporters obviously lack a tight grasp on the English language. No one has told them "dicking around" is not an appropriate verb. Their quote in a recent article about a local body builder is actually, "If you aren't sweating, you're probably dicking around," he said.

Perhaps a crash course in grammar 101 and use of euphemisms is in order?

Profound Short Paragraph

2009-09-10T21:17:00.001-05:00

You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."*

*Adrian Rogers, 1931*

People of Walmart

2009-09-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

OK, people of Walmart
is back on line. Check it out. We think we recognize some of these people!

A Question

2009-09-05T09:17:00.002-05:00

Here's a trivia question…get out your old phone books! What was the actual name of the "Green Front?"

Library Website Moved

2009-09-03T12:01:00.001-05:00

Time to update your bookmarks. The Paxton Carnegie Library website has moved. It's now on blogspot. It used to be hosted by Conxxus. Did the lack of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and timely customer service prompt this move?

Name that Vacant Lot!

2009-09-02T20:29:00.001-05:00

The Paxton Foundation has grandiose plans for the vacant lot where the Majestic Theater once stood. No name has been chosen for the park yet. We propose the Majestic Green Front Memorial Park. Perhaps the naming rights should go to the highest bidder? Hello corporate sponsorship!

Church Valet Parking

2009-08-31T10:26:00.001-05:00

Parking issues have plagued the Paxton Methodist Church for years. Someone has suggested that high school aged members be used as valets to park cars for seniors. We would feel secure turning our car keys over to a high school teenager, wouldn't you? Well, at least the seniors wouldn't have to cross the street…

People of Walmart

2009-08-31T09:31:00.002-05:00

We wanted to post a link to a great new website. The name says it all, People of Walmart. We're sure most of you can just picture what you're in for. Picture at left is just one of many. However, the website peopleofwalmart.com is getting slammed it is so popular. Their servers can't keep up. So we found this twitter link to just a small sample. Enjoy!

Cash for Clunkers Numbers Fraud

2009-08-30T20:10:00.001-05:00

The U. S. Department of Transportation has reported the top ten vehicles purchased under the program were almost all sub compact cars. Analysts at Edmunds point out the method used to count the cars has never been used before. They counted the cars by the power train type not by nameplate. When the cars are counted by nameplate subcompacts no longer dominate.

2009-08-28T21:07:00.003-05:00

Kids: Don't try this at home.

Paxton Marathon Closed

2009-08-28T15:18:00.005-05:00

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.

This Just In: Update

2009-08-27T22:15:00.005-05:00

As Previously Reported

Updated information

Not Keeping Mum

2009-08-27T21:02:00.001-05:00

We're not keeping mum about this…

Windmill Gardens near Cissna Park opens for the season the last Saturday of August. Their Mum selection is endless and the colors are spectacular! Whether you want a planter, hanging basket or window box, they've got a mum for you. We look forward to our annual pilgrimage to Windmill Farms!

Tacoless Taco Night

2009-08-27T20:39:00.001-05:00

We decided to try Taco Night at the Tin Pan Thursday night. We had heard how good the tacos are. So we took our appetites and cravings for tacos and headed for Main St.

We arrived shortly after 6 PM. The place wasn't overly crowded. Many tables were filled with diners munching tacos. We were seated in the Tin Pan Alley. It took 10-15 minutes for a waitress to visit our table to take drink orders. She then informed us they were all out of tacos.

How many weeks has the Tin Pan been serving Tacos on Thursday nights? Surely by now, the management would know how to prepare enough tacos to last at least a couple of hours??? Taco night at the Tin Pan is false advertising. Taco hour would be more accurate.

We guess if we want tacos on Thursday night in the future we'll head to the Arcade, Schooneys in Roberts or to Taco Bell!

Prison Inmates get Stimulus Checks

2009-08-27T11:12:00.004-05:00

Here's another government blunder!

2009-08-26T15:30:00.003-05:00

Cell Phone Plan Anyone?

2009-08-26T10:10:00.001-05:00

Our local hardware rental emporium a.k.a. "Screw Value" will sign up anyone for a cell phone plan. This week they signed up a local octogenarian with Alzheimer's for a two year plan with IVC. It was a wonderful bargain including phone and nationwide calling from the home area. (Nationwide calling w/IVC means calling anywhere in the country from Paxton not calling Paxton from anywhere in the country.) Don't forget! They'll give you a loaner phone if you have problems with yours!

Luckily the contract was less than a week old and could be canceled. The family incurred minimal out of pocket expense to cancel it.

Cash for Clunkers Ending

2009-08-25T11:49:00.001-05:00

The government's Cash for Clunkers is ending today, finally. We're suffering from Cash for Clunker fatigue.

What's next?? Cash for Appliances or Cash for Handbags and Shoes, now that's enticing!!! We can't wait!!