It’s always at this time of year that I begin to lose it, but I’m going to drag myself out into the cold and go for a bike ride tomorrow, even if it kills me. I can’t take being stuck indoors any longer. Actually, the bike path is a good place to walk or ride during the winter since much of it is protected from the wind. So, even on cold days, it’s not so bad. Of course, I’ll freeze before I get to the bike path but…
The Masonic Temple
I was surprised to learn that the Masonic Temple might be demolished due to structural issues. I don’t know why I’m surprised, since Decatur has a long history of tearing down a lot of notable buildings.
From what I understand, a water main busted, costing $100,000 to repair, plus monthly interest. What other issues there are, I don’t know.
It’s a unique building, nearly 100 years old with secret rooms, an auditorium, and of course a lot of masonry work. It seems very solidly built. I’ve been in it a couple of times, and most consider it to be an historic building. A group has been formed to try to save it from the wrecking ball.
It does seem odd that talk of demolition is already underway. We’ve had buildings that have been eyesores for decades that have sat without any real threat of demolition. I would hardly call the Masonic Temple an eyesore, but I don’t know all the specifics.
I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about this in the future.
Huddle House Restaurant Opens
Decatur has a new restaurant on the northeast end called Huddle House. So far, the reviews have been very positive. Over the past decade or so, that part of town has seen new development due to its location along I-72. That’s good to see.
For years, Decatur has wanted to expand MLK, Jr road across I-72 to spur economic growth. If a bridge connected MLK to Forsyth, the city could reap tax revenue from new businesses, apartments, homes, etc., since north of I-72 in that area is within Decatur city limits. Cracker Barrel and the Holiday Inn are actually in Decatur, not Forsyth.
Since a bridge has never been built, it is nice to see Decatur gain new businesses just down the road.
Macon County Republican Headquarters – AKA Macon County Board and Macon County Sheriff Department
I haven’t written much about the behavior of the Macon County Board and Sheriff Department, but it’s time. During the Covid pandemic, the political antics of the Macon County Board tried to limit communication between the Macon County Health Department and the public. Instead of sharing public information regarding Covid statistics, the Macon County Board wanted to keep it quiet. They were uncooperative in other ways, too.
Before the state of Illinois enacted further restrictions and requirements on semi-automatic weapons, the board had already voted to reject any gun control measures.
The Macon County Sheriff recently followed suit in publicly declaring his refusal to enforce new gun control laws.
We have radical members with political agendas in positions that should remain neutral. Okay, maybe the board can play politics, but it’s disturbing that a Sheriff would begin to pick and choose what laws he wants to enforce, based upon his political beliefs.
We don’t need political activists in the Supreme Court, and we don’t need them in law enforcement. If you want laws changed, then run for a legislation position. Read your job description.
If the Sheriff’s department can choose what laws they want to enforce, then it can be argued that citizens can choose what laws they wish to follow. What’s good for the goose…
