Photo courtesy of Kylie Stewart .
Before we say farewell to 2015 we take a look back on the stories that shaped the Galesburg area over the past 12 months.
Among the biggest, albeit tragic stories was the tornado that touched down in Cameron, Illinois on July 16 causing major damage to at least 50 homes.
The next day Gov. Bruce Rauner toured the small Warren County town the following day, telling WGIL every available state resource would be available.
“Their resilience and their positive attitudes dealing with this devastation–it’s remarkable,” Rauner said amidst the rubble that day. “The families here are remarkable and the way the community is coming together here to help each other, it’s wonderful.”
One of the biggest story in local politics was the announcement from 12-term Illinois Representative Don Moffitt who will not seek reelection.
Moffitt previously served as a Mayor, Chairman of the Knox County Board and County Treasurer before being elected to his post in the House in 1992.
He cited his reason for stepping down is to spend more time with family but promises to stay active in the community and public policy issues, saying he has “never seen a rocking chair that appealed” to him.
And on the local business front several announced their plans to open in Galesburg, some returning.
Among those were Taco John’s setting up shop at the former Spudo’s location, cult favorite Club 41 reopening Nov. 19 and Pizza Ranch planning on construction commencing as early as March.
Plans to open a Kohl’s department store was re-ignited just a few weeks ago after talks were squashed four years ago.
Construction on that building is expected to begin in spring of 2016.
