Off The Record

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.

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.

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!!

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

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!

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.

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.

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?

"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.