Good luck to new Council persons Sheila Simon, Steven Haynes, Lance Jack and Chris Wissmann, who join Margaret Flanagan and Corrine McDaniel and Mayor Cole in the expanded 7-person Council.

Interesting times

Newly sworn-in Mayor Brad Cole made an interesting speech last night drawing on the Chinese chestnut about living "in interesting times," giving those in attendance a lesson in literary etymology and civic pride. From the tenor of his remarks, one gets the feeling that Cole means business for the city, much like Prince Hal turned into King Henry V, in Shakespeare's most fair and consistent play of that name, in which one of England's greatest heroes brought technology-based companies to France in the 14th century. As always at City Council meetings, drunk and disorderly Falstaff-types will be shown the door.

I myself looked for the door during the cake break, cutting out of the meeting before the serious business was discussed, but on the way home, as I turned the corner at Illinois Ave (51 N) and Main St. (13 W) where a discount furniture store was recently located, I saw the new proprietors of that building gathered out front on the step, as if waiting for someone to come by and snap their photo, which I did, as I steered my vehicle with my other hand negotiating the turn.

New restaurant on the corner of Main & Illinois

Anita Pate and her husband, Matt, along with the cook, "Che", and waiter Mike will be teaming up with a true master chef to offer "upscale" decor and entrees, like their other restaurant "McCleland's Bistro" in Murphysboro, but with an expanded menu. It will be named "Grendel's" but don't look for any fricasseed monster on the menu, except maybe on Halloween. They shouted all this out to me as I sped by. They hope to have the restaurant open in June. It's true.