Western Courier

Issue date: 5/3/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Art Self III Maomb welcomed back students with its annual Balloon Rally in September. This year was themed Macomb Monster Mash.

Media Credit: Art Self III Among many other restaurant additions, Chick's added to the dining choices on the Square this year.

Editor's note: This is the second of three installments looking back at the past year.









Macomb saw a variety of business additions this past school year. From restaurants to factories, Macomb has more to offer than ever before.

Bringing new industry and new jobs, the Pella Windows plant opened in early April and has already provided new jobs for Macomb and intends to grow to 500 employees by 2008.

From roast beef sandwiches to hushpuppies Macomb has been adding more fast food choices.

When Arby's opened at the end of the fall semester, every man, woman and child of Macomb turned out in droves to sample the menu. In the first few days of operation, cars lined up from the drive-thru window all the way out to East Jackson Street.

Opening just next door, Quizno's was a welcome addition in the spring semester.

The most recent restaurant addition is still yet to come. The KFC and Long John Silver's merge is still under construction, but should be opening in the near future.

The Square also saw changes with the addition of Chick's and its buffalo wings. Also, Maurice's moved from the Square and relocated to the strip mall near Wal-Mart.

Hibbett Sports also opened near Arby's and Quizno's to fill out the new strip mall.

Another change at the east end of town was Farm King relocating to the area next to Hy-Vee.

With all of these new additions, a new stoplight was installed at the intersection near Wal-Mart and Burger King to handle the influx of traffic.

For those looking to eat a bit healthier, the farmer's market on the Square offered fresh produce through the month of October.

Also that month, Moon over Macomb celebrated the farming culture of Macomb on the Square. From pumpkins to wagon rides, Macomb residents and members of Western Illinois University got a taste of the heritage of Macomb.

Residents and members of the university also enjoyed Macomb's annual Balloon Rally in September. This year's theme was Macomb Monster Mash and 30 colorful hot air balloons filled the air at the festival.

Another favorite Macomb tradition was Dickens on the Square, which was in its 11th year of transforming the Square into a Christmas carol. From a live nativity scene to photos with Santa, the Christmas season was started off right.

Macomb's four-legged friends got some special attention this year. "Bark in the Park" hosted a dog parade and an obstacle course in the fall. Offering a more permanent place for play, an off-leash dog park was opened at Patton Park off South Ward Street.

For more of this year in review as it relates to Western, see Friday's issue of the Western Courier.

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