Spring Is Here, Spring Is Here...

Spring is finally here. Time to put in the screens, break out the shorts, and also probably time to clean out the garage.

Things to remember for Spring:

1) The crappie don't start biting until about the middle of May, unless you know some good spots in Shelbyville.

2) You may want to get the lawn-mower out, change the oil, grease the bearings, oil the wheels, and put fresh gas in it. OR--let the lawn-service know when you want them to come around. I prefer the former...it's about all the exercise I get anymore.

3) That funky smell coming from the lake in the next few weeks are the dead shad. No, it's not the pollution from Staley's or ADM (although that IS in the lake) it's the water temperature change. Phew.

4) No, just because it's Spring doesn't mean that Krekel's is calling to you any more than it usually does. It's just now you actually don't mind getting out of the car. Mmmmmmmmm....lemon soft-serve.......

I just hope the governor's proposed budget and his "fair tax plan" don't run most of our small businesses out of business. How about wiser spending instead of raising our taxes (we're already dealing with Ameren's gouging, please....)

Happy Spring, all.

UPDATE 16:55 3/25/07

You may have seen this already. I stumbled upon it today. This was done by Dave Colvin, a 1974 Macarthur graduate. It's a music video "My Decatur, My Hometown":

Arrgh

Many were wondering who would show up to the game today. Would it be "Sexy Rexy" or "Goofy Grossman?" I heard one guy say that Grossman was due for a "goofy episode."

I guess he was right.

One less interception, one less overthrown pass, a little better defensive line...





Go Bulls. [sniff]

GO BEARS!








Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;

Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.

We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.

Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.

You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down!!

Audio File (RealPlayer): Click Here

Local Hero and President Bush Honor World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals

President Bush embraces Marine Lance Cpl. Chad Watson of Mt. Zion, Ill., who lost his lower right leg in Iraq, during a ceremony honoring the 2006 World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Bush, who presented Watson, a Cardinals fan, with a Purple Heart at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, made good on a promise to bring him to the White House for the East Room ceremony. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

I got home late tonight, and was pulling up my yahoo homepage when WHAM! I actually saw "President Bush" and "Mt. Zion, Illinois" in the same sentence!

Cpl. Watson, YOU ARE A HERO! Thank you for your service to our nation and for the cause of freedom.

Da Bears!

The season so far has me recalling fond memories from the 1985-1986 season...the 44-0 win over Dallas...the Superbowl Shuffle.

I just hope my hopes and dreams of another Bears Superbowl appearance are not pipe-dreams. From the stats I've seen, I think we have a real good shot.

What about all of us in Decatur? Will Decatur, Illinois' original football team go to the Superbowl this year?




Other Decatur Staleys links:

Comcast

BearsHistory.com

Wiccapedia

"But There's Nothing To Do In Decatur...."

Don't you get tired of hearing that?

Of course, to the ethanolic crowd, there are not a bunch of good, themed taverns where you can go to get loaded and puke in the parking lot.

However, there are a lot of fun things to do.

What does LR like to do in Decatur? From my previous post, you can probably guess I like to fish. (BTW, *is* it safe to eat fish from Lake Decatur? Family has said no, but I turned out okay, right?) If I didn't lose so many golf balls in the water hazards, I would probably golf more. Is RedTail Run any good? Ye Olde Putt-Putt is also an occasional pleasure. Back when I was young, I enjoyed softball/baseball, but my old bones/joints/stiff muscles/fat gut won't do too much of that anymore. I used to play tennis, shoot hoop, and a whole lot of other stuff when I was younger, too. I also used to go to the zoo when I was young. If you have kids, the zoo/children's museum at Scoville is mandatory. (BTW, the library is also a great place to take your kids, too...)

After work, I also enjoy some of Decatur's fine dining opportunities. If you haven't been to Porter's On Merchant, you are missing out on one of the best steak places around. The ambiance is wonderful, the service is great, and the food is immaculate (no apologies to Madonna.) Since "The Beachhouse" has been renamed from Marsha's (and the menu/chef has changed) this place is also wonderful. Robbie's for lunch can't be beat (get the salmon....mmmmm get the salmon) and Jimmy Ryan's is a great place for a business lunch/dinner with a large private meeting room if desired. I could go into detail with all the chain restaurants around town, but most of you already know what we have available here in town.

Okay, I've rambled long enough...any thoughts on what you like to do in Decatur?

Where Have All The Crappie Gone?

I've been to Shelbyville, Lake Decatur and a few of its tributaries and haven't found much more than one or two at a time. Minnows or jigs, nothing seems to work well.

Anyone else having any luck?

If so, WHERE?

Until then:

Thanks

Map for Lakeside2006 (updated)

Click to Enlarge

SummerStart or Lakeside Music & Arts Festival?

It's getting closer to the Lakeside Music & Arts Festival where the Brian Byers show will unfold on the 27th.

Check out the website for an itinerary and to make your plans today!

BTW, if Brian's 'conversations' on the air are in keeping with his definition of "adult-oriented," then we are in for a shock in the evenings!

Teen Challenge Walk-A-Thon A Success!

Audrey's Home For Girls, our local chapter of Teen Challenge for girls 13-18, had a walk-a-thon this past Saturday at Fairview Park. "Stride For Recovery" raised over 11,000 for ongoing projects to modernize the facility at the old YMCA building and to help subsidize the cost of ongoing care for these troubled teens.

Although Teen Challenge is very appreciative of those who took part in Stride For Recovery, I'm sure they would appreciate any additional support anyone in Decatur could give.

One thing I would offer would be this: Consider putting Audrey's Home For Girls on your list for a monthly donation. Similar to other charities, a monthly donation would be a great way for you to help girls in your community and can also be a tax deductible gift as well.

If you would like to donate to Teen Challenge - Audrey's Home For Girls, call Heather Harper at 423-9117.

Decatur's Little Secret...That Shouldn't Be

At the indirect request of a poster, I have decided to answer the question this blog poses.

What is REALLY up with Decatur, Illinois?

We could go on and on about economic woes, smoking bans, Decatur City Council meetings, or the price of eggs at Wal-Mart. What I would like to talk about is a very important part of our community that many people don't know about.

Teen Challenge of Illinois is an inpatient facility for drug/alcohol addiction with a "faith-based" approach. Here's a statement from Teen Challenge USA website:

Drug and Alcohol addiction is at an all-time high in the United States. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) there are at least 23 million people who have used illicit drugs in the past thirty days. For us to understand the impact on society-- the population of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, and the Dakotas is less than 23 million. Every person who uses illicit drugs directly affects a minimum of five other people. We have an epidemic in America!

Since 1958, Teen Challenge International USA centers have been recognized nationally as a provider of recovery services for those who desire to transform their lifestyle and develop a new life free from the devastation of drug and alcohol abuse.

Since its beginning, Teen Challenge centers have founded their programs on the teachings of Jesus Christ. These Biblical truths have physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually unchained the lives of thousands of addicts. Instead of ‘dope’ pushers, Teen Challenge ministries are serving as ‘hope’ pushers. As their personal testimony, Teen Challenge students often claim the scripture, “I have plans to give you a hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

For the past thirty years, I personally have found nothing more satisfying than investing my time and resources into lives of hurting individuals. America needs to know there is a new life waiting for them through the life-changing power of Jesus. Teen Challenge is in the business of providing a hope and a future for families as well as individuals who desire a positive and optimistic transformation in their lives.

There is no better time than the present for you to get involved in an exciting ministry. Take my challenge as you browse through this website. Please ask God how you can make a difference in your community, state and nation.

– Mike Hodges, President Teen Challenge International USA


Teen Challenge offers hope for drug/alcohol addiction to people of all ages. In Decatur, we have a facility for girls ages 13-17, Audrey's Home For Girls.

Audrey's Home For Girls has been in downtown Decatur for a little over a year, and already many clients have 1) received their GED, 2) turned their lives around by giving their lives to Jesus Christ, and 3) gained victory over their drug/alcohol addiction. (Teen Challenge chapters all over the USA have very high rates of success in assisting people in their addictions. See the national site for statistics and more information.

If you or a friend or loved one are in need of the services Teen Challenge offers, call them at 423-9117.

If you live in Decatur, and would like to help Teen Challenge in their ministry, call the same number.

Keep your eyes/ears open for an opportunity to participate in Teen Challenge's Walk-a-thon coming in May!

Decatur may have a few problems, and may not have all the answers yet to those problems. There is, however, a beacon of light for teen girls who need to find their way out of a life of destruction. Teen Challenge is that beacon of light, and it's right here in Decatur.

The Weather

I was always told that if you don't like the weather in central Illinois, just wait until tomorrow, it'll change.

Tornadoes to blizzards. That's a first for me. Must be global warming. :)

Web pic from Wabash Avenue, Springfield 3/13/06

I am now waiting for the tsunami from Lake Decatur or a volcano to erupt in Hervey City.

Actually, I'm really just waiting on the carpet to dry. I think they got most of the stains out. &#@%! cats.

No Smoking?!?!?

In the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 4338, a proposed amendment to the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act, has already passed the Illinois House and is headed for the Illinois Senate. It would, in effect, ban smoking in all public places, including bars, taverns and bowling alleys. It's endorsed by several medical boards and other health-related groups.

Chicago and Springfield already have comprehensive laws banning smoking, although, I've heard the Springfield law has plenty of loopholes and is not a restrictive as the language of HB 4338. It must be controversial, otherwise Brian Byers wouldn't harp on it so much.

So, Decatur, what do you think about a comprehensive smoking ban in all public places?

Okay, Illinois Needs A LOT of Work

After Sunday's embarassing loss to Ohio State, Bruce Weber and the guys will have a lot of work to do to rebuild (or perhaps "start to build"?) a team that could win the BigTen, let alone win anything beyond that.

I hope this won't hurt Dee Brown's chances of getting drafted for the NBA.

Anyone hear how Luther Head has been doing? Maybe he could get Dee recruited to his team, too...

Our National Champions

Last year, NCAA officials helped usher in the victory of the "TV Champion" North Carolina. This year, the Illini are already 9-0 and are ranked #10 in the nation.

Can they go all the way, again?

The Transfer House

Many may have heard that our Mayor has suggested we move the Transfer House back to it's original location: to Lincoln Square.

So, what do you all think? The *OLD* blogDecatur did have an article written at one time, but I wonder, as the topic has been discussed more and more, have people's minds changed? What's the current opinion?

I personally think it would be cool to do this; I just wonder how the traffic would work.

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!!!

Astros Make It To The Big Show...

For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Astros have won the National League Championship and will go to the World Series. And, for the second year in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals, with the best record in the National League, don't make it.

Pujols might need to share some of the "juice" with the rest of the team.

So, who's going to win the World Series? White Sox or Astros?

I have my opinion, of course....