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VOLUME 77, NUMBER 31
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August 5, 2015
Lena revitalization project nears completion By Elijah MacDougall Reporter
LENA — The downtown construction has been an inconvenience lately: roaring machinery ripped up roads, and single lane traffic. To some, the construction is problem for everyday life, but for others, the construction is a saving grace for Lena. Whichever way one approaches the construction, Lena’s local businesses is caught in the middle. The construction began to revitalize the downtown area, and save it from becoming a shadow of its former life, but at the same time the project nearly shut down the downtown. Tyson Terhune, Coordinator of Economic Development and Support Services for the Village of Lena, views the construction as a chance to restore what has been lost: a cultural center for the town.
“A big part of this is that it’s a project for the residents of Lena. The downtown is a cultural center--but people were seeing that disappear,” Terhune said. “This is a way to revitalize downtown and give businesses a chance. We want to see it as a cultural center again.” According to Terhune, funding for the revitalization project comes from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund. “Back in 2000 property tax prices were frozen, and any time those prices increased, the extra money was put away into the TIF, so that it could be used to help Lena in the future,” he said. Connie Sorn of the Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the goal of the construction is to make the business are beautiful again. “The project is designed to
See CONSTRUCTION, Page 2
Help L.A.S.E.R. promote your business or organization LENA — Our newly revived organization, L.A.S.E.R. (Lena Area Special Event Runners) is currently seeking promotional items from our area businesses and organizations to help us promote Lena and the surrounding areas. As many of you know, due to the street construction project, Taste of Lena has been postponed for this year. We will be holding a similar event on Wagner Road (Rafters/Lena Brewing) this year on August 15th called the “Lena Shakedown”. This event will include four area bands, food from our Lena vendors, a BBQ competition and a Classic Car Show. As we have for our Car Show
the past two years, we will be giving away 125 “goody bags” to the first 125 registered entrants. Thanks to your awesome support in the past, we have had a nice variety of items to put inside these bags and we are hoping to do the same this year. Business cards, coupons for discounts, brochures, small items such as keychains, can coozies, snack items, bottled Tracy Siegner photo water, or any other novelty One side of the Lena downtown is returning to normal as the sidewalks, curbing and newly item of your choice. This is an blacktopped street are ready to go. excellent way for you to promote your business and bring people back to Lena year after year. Another option is to donate Farmers & Homeowners
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