While you were gone ...
Jason Nevel
Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The blazing hot temperatures endured by Macomb residents and Western Illinois University students were symbolic of the issues surrounding the community this summer.
The heat began when Corinne's Court, located on West Jackson, caught fire Wednesday, June 6. A powerful 20-mile-per-hour wind caused the fire to spread from the west to the east side of the building, making the blaze spiral out of control. Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling the flames. According to fire chief Andy Taylor, damages caused by the fire were approximately $2 million. The cause of the fire was believed to be electrical in nature.
Conversations at the Macomb City Council began a second heated debate when the city amended its definition of family. Under the new definition, no more than two unrelated people can live in R-1 or R-2 zoned areas (single family homes).
The change was in response to houses that were over-occupied. However, 2nd Ward alderman Ed Lavin, who voted against the definition, said it is "only complaint-driven and we're not going to go door-to-door and ask for birth certificates."
The new definition of family was not the only hot discussion at the city council this summer. Ten years ago, the city had an ordinance in place that would require all driveways and parking lots to be paved by mid-November 2007. Aldermen, however, voted against the change and are now wiping the slate clean, starting from scratch on a new proposal to the ordinance.
Issues concerning federal government nearly reached the boiling point this summer. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin stopped in Macomb July 5 with an intense dislike of President George W. Bush and his administration. The promotional stop followed Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby and Vice President Dick Cheney's"redefining the Constitution."
"Some people believe - at least I did - for the longest time that we had three branches of government. It turns out there are four: the executive, the legislative, the judicial and the Cheney branch. And the Cheney branch is not covered by anything," Durbin said.
Macomb did literally reach the boiling point this summer. Macomb Public Works sent an e-mail out to residents concerning high levels of turbidity in the water, and a boil order was issued for some areas of Macomb. The boil order was merely precautionary, and Utilities Manager Jim Bessler assured everyone the drinking water was safe.
"For me personally there is no (concern)," Bessler said. "I understand why boil orders are issued, but they are really just precautionary."
Western got a bit of a tune-up this summer as well. Renovations to Hanson Field were made and new bleachers, concession stands and bathrooms were built. Also, construction began on the Spencer Student Recreation Center, which will expand the weight room, track and basketball courts.
The heat began when Corinne's Court, located on West Jackson, caught fire Wednesday, June 6. A powerful 20-mile-per-hour wind caused the fire to spread from the west to the east side of the building, making the blaze spiral out of control. Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling the flames. According to fire chief Andy Taylor, damages caused by the fire were approximately $2 million. The cause of the fire was believed to be electrical in nature.
Conversations at the Macomb City Council began a second heated debate when the city amended its definition of family. Under the new definition, no more than two unrelated people can live in R-1 or R-2 zoned areas (single family homes).
The change was in response to houses that were over-occupied. However, 2nd Ward alderman Ed Lavin, who voted against the definition, said it is "only complaint-driven and we're not going to go door-to-door and ask for birth certificates."
The new definition of family was not the only hot discussion at the city council this summer. Ten years ago, the city had an ordinance in place that would require all driveways and parking lots to be paved by mid-November 2007. Aldermen, however, voted against the change and are now wiping the slate clean, starting from scratch on a new proposal to the ordinance.
Issues concerning federal government nearly reached the boiling point this summer. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin stopped in Macomb July 5 with an intense dislike of President George W. Bush and his administration. The promotional stop followed Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby and Vice President Dick Cheney's"redefining the Constitution."
"Some people believe - at least I did - for the longest time that we had three branches of government. It turns out there are four: the executive, the legislative, the judicial and the Cheney branch. And the Cheney branch is not covered by anything," Durbin said.
Macomb did literally reach the boiling point this summer. Macomb Public Works sent an e-mail out to residents concerning high levels of turbidity in the water, and a boil order was issued for some areas of Macomb. The boil order was merely precautionary, and Utilities Manager Jim Bessler assured everyone the drinking water was safe.
"For me personally there is no (concern)," Bessler said. "I understand why boil orders are issued, but they are really just precautionary."
Western got a bit of a tune-up this summer as well. Renovations to Hanson Field were made and new bleachers, concession stands and bathrooms were built. Also, construction began on the Spencer Student Recreation Center, which will expand the weight room, track and basketball courts.
Be the first to comment on this story