Church Valet Parking

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 31, 2009

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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 31, 2009


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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Sunday, August 30, 2009

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.

Kids: Don't try this at home.

Paxton Marathon Closed

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Friday, August 28, 2009

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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009

As Previously Reported

Updated information


Not Keeping Mum

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009

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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009

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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009



Here's another government blunder!




Cell Phone Plan Anyone?

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

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!!

WHAT PEOPLE FEAR

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Two magazines:
        1. Country Living (95..99% white readership) and;
        2. Ebony/Jet (99.99% black readership)

        did surveys on ...... 'WHAT DO PEOPLE FEAR MOST?'

        The results were interesting, to say the least..

       
Country Living

magazine's top three answers were:
        1. Nuclear war/terrorist attack in   U.S. .
        2. Child/spouse dying/terminal illness.
        3 Terminal illness/self.

       
Ebony/Jet
magazine's top three answers were:
        1. Ghosts
        2. Dogs
        3. Registered mail

        No Kidding!  Well, they elected Obama.  What would you expect!!!!

        AND TO GO WITH THIS I OFFER TWO QUOTES, ONE IS PITIFUL, THE OTHER  ONE GOOD:

        'My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.  I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it.'
                                                             -- Barack Obama
        ----------------------------------------

        ''Life's tough......it's even tougher if you're stupid.''

                                                                  -- John Wayne

Makeover Family’s Dog is Missing

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009



The Montgomery's family dog is missing. Poor thing must be upset by all the construction and his family is missing.

Last Update

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009




The whole park has been turned into a tent city. Celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito was there today cooking for volunteers.

More Update

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009




We saw many volunteers staging for the next tasks.

More Update and Pictures

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009



The Sears truck arrived with appliances and an Ashley Furniture truck arrived with furniture while we were watching. The geo thermal was dug on Saturday. Our bus driver said that created a 45 minute delay for the buses on Saturday.

Another Extreme Home Visit

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009


We rode the bus to Philo again today to check on progress. The makeover is nearing its finish. Word was they are four hours ahead of schedule. The house looks a lot different than it did Friday. We heard this episode will air the week of October 25th.




Extreme Home Makeover Update

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Friday, August 21, 2009


We took the bus to Philo today to see the Montgomery house. There were approx. 20 other people on the bus with us. The weather was very rainy. Philo is very crowded. There were scores of volunteers and vehicles of all types sizes. (Wonder what the McQuinns would think of all that noise?) The house frame was up.

We wonder how well the exterior design of this house will fit in with the other houses in neighborhood? Modern designs really stick out when placed next to older designs. Also, when will the county tax assessor be visiting? That's a potential "Ouch!" for the Montgomery family and their neighbors. Possible assessment $350000. $8000 per year property taxes.

Keeping Score

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Friday, August 21, 2009

This weeks Score…

Knapp-Miller Funeral Home 3 funerals

Baier Family Funeral Services 0 funerals

An Observation

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Friday, August 21, 2009

There are 2 houses "For Sale by Owner" within a block of the Rosenboom Realty Paxton Office.

Loda Village Board

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Loda Village Board meetings never fail to disappoint. The hilarity always exceeds expectations.

Why did UPS Service Move?

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

For years if you had a package to send via UPS, you went to Hudson's Drug Shop. Suddenly, the UPS service moved to Sav Mor. At Sav Mor, you have to pay $2 per box even if you have a pre paid postage label. Hudson's did not charge a per box charge. Plus the service was usually fairly speedy.

Why did the UPS Service move from Hudson's to Sav Mor?

Park District Trips

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Remember back in "good ole days" the Paxton Park District would coordinate trips? The Director at that time, made multiple trips throughout the years to our Nation's Capitol and other interesting destinations. Too bad the current Park District Director doesn't follow suit.

Perhaps it's because some of his Relatives were the source of too much bedlam on one of the trips of the past? The current Director's Relatives claimed the past Director had kept their return flight tickets during the trip. He had not. All tour members were responsible for their own plane tickets.

Upon arrival at the airport for the flight home, the Current Director's Relatives could not find their tickets. An extensive and lengthy search ensued delaying all tour members. Their luggage was opened and searched in the check-in line but the tickets could not be located. Either the Park District, or the Director out of his own pocket, had to pay for replacement tickets. All the tour members were delayed and forced to watch the whole uncomfortable search.

A few weeks after returning to Paxton, the Current Director's Relatives showed up at the Park District office with the lost plane tickets in hand. They had been in her purse the whole time. Naturally, the Current Director's relatives offered no reimbursement to the Park District or the Director. Maybe we residents of the Park District should consider it an honor to have to pay for them? Would the Current Director reach into his own pocket to pay for someone else's ticket?

EXTREME MAKEOVER IN PHILO

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

ABC's Extreme Home Makeover show will be in Philo this week to makeover the Nathan Montgomery home. According to an article in the News Gazette today, Ty Pennington and reps from the show knocked on the Montgomery's front door this morning. Brady Homes of Bloomington will be the builder assisting with the remodel. For more info or to volunteer to help with the remodel click here.

HOW RUDE!

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Friday was field test plot day at CPS. It seems they prepared for 20 seed customers to attend and only 9 showed up. One local farmer (who lives north of town) came up with a way to avoid the boring field presentation. He sent his "friendly" wife in to get their sandwiches to go! How rude!! There's no end to the nerve of that couple!!

ROOMS WITH A VIEW AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The headaches continue to mount with the remodeling of the lobby restrooms at the high school. It seems the current architect doesn't seem to know how to get the right measurements in the plans or the contractors don't know how to follow the plans. Now that the remodeling completed in the main lobby everyone has realized there is a slight problem with the restrooms. There's quite a view in the hallway from the restrooms. Yes, you can see into the stalls in the ladies room. The men's room provides an excellent view of all backsides standing at the urinals. That's quite an eye full. After spending $89,000 on the project, it appears the restrooms aren't offset enough.

Hardees grandchildren visit Paxton

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Hardees grandchildren were in Paxton on Monday to do their annual restaurant inspection at our local Hardees. The Hardee grandchildren took over ownership of our local fast food emporium several years ago. After a thorough inspection, the grandchildren presented a generous donation to Pride in Paxton. Recipients of last year's donation was the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post #150.

DOOR DOWNFALL?

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Saturday, August 15, 2009








The hangar door on the main hangar at the Paxton Airport is lying on the ground.

We wonder which of one of our top notch city employees caused this little snafu? How difficult is it to press the stop button? Were they too impaired, talking on a cell phone, or just not paying attention? If there were multiple employees there at the time, one employee was probably doing all the work and the rest were standing around watching. How much of our tax dollars will have to go to repair it? How much does an overhead door that size cost? We know whoever broke it won't have to pay for it. Maybe if they had to pay out of their own pockets for their ineptness, they would be more careful.

They Just Don't Make 'em Like They Used To

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Friday, August 14, 2009

MAYOR STUNG

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Paxton's illustrious Mayor was stung recently by a bee near his house. A swarm has taken up residence on one side of the lovely abode north of the Mayor's house. The Mayor put out an urgent call for a beekeeper to come and relocate the swarm. Maybe a renovating crew can also be called in to spruce up the dump while they're at it.

DINERS FROM NOTRE DAME

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Monday morning two van loads of students from Notre Dame University blessed our fair city by breakfasting at the Arcade. They were in route to Mississippi. There were so many of them, they filled the back table and a booth.

Missing choir loft

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 10, 2009



What has the Little Swede Church done with their choir loft? It's gone, replaced with a stage for rock bands to perform from. Trying to bring in the younger crowd?...

Lots of luck with that!


A SMELLY SOCKET?

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 10, 2009

Last Tuesday afternoon part of our usually quiet, peaceful downtown was evacuated.

Why pray tell? There was a foul odor emanating from an electrical socket in Market Street General Store.

Numerous fire trucks, ESDA personnel, ambulances, and police all swarmed the scene. An electrician was called and all was repaired.

Now a musical interlude....

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Monday, August 10, 2009

THIS JUST IN…

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Sunday, August 09, 2009

Over heard on WPXN this morning, the Rev. John Davenport, of the Paxton Church of Christ, announced in church that his son, Kevin, and some other unnamed individuals were arrested at a party. He wanted fellow church members to know about the arrest before they read about it in the papers. hmm...

TEA ROOM ON THE MOVE?

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Sunday, August 09, 2009

The building that now houses M&R Supply has a "sale pending" sign in front of it. Will it be the future address for our local Tea Room? Will there be a zoning variance request? Perhaps our former Ford County Supervisor of Assessments can advise? Will all future neighbors who come out in favor of the variance receive free bake goods and cream soups? You know what they say about the creamed soups? Hello mighty colon cleanse!!

FORMER FORD COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS BOOED!

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Sunday, August 09, 2009

Please say it ain't so?!! HOW RUDE!!!

The former Ford County supervisor of assessments was booed, yes booed, at Tuesday night's County Zoning Commission meeting. The audience must not have been pleased by his lecture on zoning laws. He droned on so long and loud, he was told by a board member to sit down and be quiet!

Mr. former Ford County supervisor of assessments, do explain the zoning laws for unincorporated land? What you can't??? Maybe that's because there are none!!!!

Mr. former Ford County supervisor of assessments you are no longer on zoning commissions or boards, so don't waste our time with your inconsequential dribble.

Of course in these tuff economic times, let's do all we can to discourage any new business development in the area.

It will be interesting to see if the Paxton Record reports on the booing…

BATTLE OF THE NOISE MAKERS

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Posted by Off The Record | Posted in | Posted on Saturday, August 08, 2009


The Ford County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3-1 Tuesday night to allow Don Cleary
to continue operating his farm machinery repair business on rural property east of Paxton.

Of course, the Paxton Record's article this week doesn't have a conclusion. They chose to tease us this week and make us wait until next week for the rest of the story. Will they let Tom McQuinn edit their full version before putting it to print?

In an earlier article Mr. Mcquinn cries the blues over being "forced to put up with noise" from Cleary's repair shop. What spin will McQuinn use to cover his faux pas?

Did he not stop to consider the noise he and his fellow fliers make daily in the same neighborhood as Cleary's repair shop? They take off and land daily on the strip near his farm shed in their flying machines powered by chain saw motors. How many neighbors have had animals spooked or have themselves been disturbed by the excessive grinding of those chain saw motors? In these tuff times, any economic development for the county should be discouraged, right, Mr. McQuinn. Especially if you are inconvenienced in anyway.

What an amazing coincidence! There's been an abrupt halt to the daily flights from McQuinn's strip since this brouhaha started over Cleary's repair business.

Some of you may remember Mr. McQuinn from his long and colorful career on the Paxton City Council. Sadly, he was forced to leave the City Council after taking a seat on the Ford County Board. He now blesses all residents of Ford County by graciously serving on the board. After lovingly renovating the former Merrimac house on west Center Street, he now calls a sprawling machine shed east of Paxton home.