Thursday May 2, 2013 Vol. 1, No. 11 Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
The Weekly Post “We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion”
Serving Brimfield, Edwards, Elmwood, Kickapoo, Laura, Oak Hill, Williamsfield and Yates City
****************ECRWSS*****
PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Elmwood, Illinois Permit No. 13
FREE!
Carrier Route Presort RURAL BOXHOLDER LOCAL P.O. BOXHOLDER
Compliments of Our Fine Advertisers!
Brimfield bridge out until 2017? By BILL KNIGHT
BRIMFIELD – Area residents are concerned enough about a recent bridge closure that they are starting to appeal to the Peoria County Board and its Transportation Committee. Peoria County on March 22 closed until further notice the bridge near where Brimfield-Jubilee Road intersects with Savage Road. That could mean no safe and convenient passage on the north side of Jubilee College State Park until For The Weekly Post
2017, which is a concern for several area residents. “This seemingly small issue of a bridge closure represents a big safety issue for those of us living in western Peoria County,” said Bill More, who lives near the bridge, on Kelstadt Road. “One of the highest priorities of government is the safety of its citizens.” Recalling stricken family and neighbors who’ve needed speedy transport to the hospital, added More, speaking to the committee last Wednesday afternoon.
“My main concern regards emergency vehicles, police, ambulance and fire trucks. “Can you imagine a fastmoving house fire on the other side of the intersection?” More asked the committee. “A house fire that may burn for another 10-15 minutes before the fire department can help?” Gov. Pat Quinn on April 17 announced a $13 billion transportation plan, in which federal funding would pay for 57 percent of project costs, the state 15 Continued on Page 2
SCHOCK IN ELMWOOD
A bridge on Brimfield-Jubilee Road near the intersection of Savage Road could be closed until 2017 in a worst-case scenario recently outlined by the Peoria County Board. Photo by Bill Knight.
Shoppers like ‘Dollar menu’ By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – When Dollar General opens a new store at 812 W. Main St. in Elmwood this week, shoppers may notice a local version of a national trend of appealing to more consumers who used to shop at pricier retailers. “We try to tailor stores to local communities, but for the most part Dollar Generals are the same [nationwide],” said Ryan Miller, the Springfield-based district manager supervising a region from Elmwood south to Meredosia, and from Havana to Hamilton on the Mississippi River. Stories? Ads? Like fast-food restaurants, Dollar General Visit with a staffer from The Weekly Post wants to offer the same Mondays from noon products and prices on to 1 p.m. in the BrimMain Street in Elmwood or on Elmwood Avenue in field Public Library’s conference room. Buffalo, N.Y. A $15 billion company with more than 10,000 stores and 11 distribution centers in 40 states, Dollar General calls itself a “small-box discount retailer,” in contrast to the bigbox giants such as Wal-Mart. The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based corporation is the leader of the “Big 3” of dollar stores, which also include Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Together, they make up a $56 billion segment of the retail industry. The United States now reportedly has more dollar stores than drug stores. Although Dollar General has locations in Peoria, Chicago and large metro areas, the chain concenFor The Weekly Post
QUICK BITE: U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (far right) landed in Elmwood Saturday to grab a bite at Hick’ry Stick restaurant in between his flyover of flooding along the Illinois River. Joining him were (clockwise from left) Jay Knobloch, Brandon Schock, Tina Scherler and Jeff Green, who is believed to be the owner of the helicopter that landed near Sweetwater Park. Schock had a busy weekend of eating, as he also attended a party at Jim’s Steakhouse in Peoria on Friday night along with former Rep. Ray LaHood. Photos by Amy Davis.
Continued on Page 2