LaSalle Insider

I love the Christmas Season for many reasons but one more than any other…its reviewing the “pictures”.  Let me explain.  Although I have collected many pics from cameras and videos over all the Christmas’s I have witnessed, its the pictures or memories that are filed in my head that I enjoy the most this time of year.

The best thing about these pictures is that I don’t control which ones I see and which order I see them in.  They are triggered by people  I see and places I go to during this Season.  I love when I see snow falling and I see paperboys or girls delivering the news door to door.  It reminds me of all the days around Christmas when I was young and delivering papers when the snow was up to my rear end.  I can still see the Christmas lights on all the houses and remember my customers giving me a dollar or two for a Christmas gift.  That money was my source of funds to buy presents for my family members.   When I walk downtown this time of year I don’t see the Uptown Bar and Grill I see Woolworths and Pennys and how they had special areas designated for Christmas gifts to buy.  I see O’Learys and the cool Christmas toys and all the activity of the downtown business section.

As I walk by the Churchs and hear the Christmas music I remember the Christmas workshops where as a child I made projects for Christmas. I remember the United Church of Christ and Rev Kleffman and his smiling face while parents helped us  glue and staple our homemade ornaments for the tree.

And now when I see my twenty something daughters on Christmas morning I still see them as the excited little girls who ran into our room when they had discovered that once again Santa had stopped after they had gone to bed!

Something this time of year will always trigger that memory or picture that I haven’t seen in a long time.  I don’t know what I’ll see this year but I do know that it will be enjoyable.  So to all of you this year have a safe and Happy Holiday season and …..”enjoy your pictures!”

Several issues have come before the Council recently and I want to take the time to update all of you as to the latest status….

ANCARE GROUND BREAKING was put on hold due to some diggings which turned up some evidence of human remains from years ago. State assigned archaeologists will have completed their mapping of the site by yesterday (Friday) but it will be another week before a plan moving forward will be finalized.  If your not familiar with the location I am talking about it is the northeast corner of 24th street and Airport road.  Stay tune for more updates….

ADDITIONAL WATER FEES for vacant buildings has been discussed on the floor without resolution.  We are now looking at discontinuing shut offs and forcing owners to have at least minimum bills while buildings are vacant. Apparently this is what surrounding cities are doing.  What are your thoughts…I’d like to hear them.  This would effect vacant homes as well. Still up in the air as to what we will do with those buildings who’s water is currently shut off.

PSI AMBULANCE SERVICE   contract has been submitted for review by the Council.  I see nothing that would cause any problem with us going forward and hiring their company.  It would allow us to provide 24-7 ambulance service in our city within the next few months……

THE CHRISTMAS WREATHS you see along Hegelar Park which are lit at night are the ones formerly used on the street polls in town. Amerin does not want them attached to the polls anymore and this was a good use of them for the Season.  I think its a nice Holiday touch!

AS ALWAYS if you have anything to add to this site in the form of an article or comment, please contact us at any time.  We appreciate all your comments pro and con……Stay Safe this Holiday Season!