CHANNAHON — The village of Channahon celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and Village President Joe Cook took a moment to recognize one of its founders during his State of the Village address.
“This next award is always one that I enjoy giving the most, but this year its means so much more . . . It is with great honor I present to you this year’s Amos “Moose” Hayes Citizen of the Year, the first mayor of Channahon, my uncle, Bill Cook.”
Current president Joe Cook told the crowd Thursday at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center how his Uncle Bill and Aunt Dorothy opened their home to serve as village hall and spent their own money on needed equipment to do so.
Bill Cook was the recipient of one of six awards given during Cook’s sixth-annual State of the Village address.
The first 2011 Fred Rittof/George Sparagis Award for Business of the Year went to Dorothy, Jim and Doris Anderson. Dorothy and her husband Al opened Al’s Garage and Auto Salvage in 1947. While Al ran the business, Dorothy drove Channahon’s first school bus, which they owned, for 13 years.
Dorothy Anderson was recognized for not only this service, but being the first woman bus driver in Illinois. Her son, Jim, and his wife, Doris Anderson, took over Al’s Garage in 1978, and received the first business of the year award.
The second business of the year honor was given to Lou and Linda Kaducak of Channahon Ranch Pharmacy and Linda’s Hallmark.
“We were thrilled. The community has been good to us. We’re so happy they acknowledged our existence,” said Lou Kaducak after the address.
The Police Officer of the Year award was given to a whole shift of officers this year: Dan Kostal, Matthew Brooks, Craig Gunty and Sergeant Jon Jackabowski.
The Employee Recognition Award went to Lieutenant Mark Fischer for his 30 years of service.
He is Channahon's longest-serving full-time village employee, said Cook. He also recognized Sandy Dement, who has worked for the police department for 29 years.
The Retirement Award went to Curt Clark, who has resigned as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. He served the village since 1979.
LOOKING FORWARD
Before presenting the village’s awards, Cook spoke of the village’s accomplishments and its positive future outlook.
Channahon will continue to work to protect its businesses and jobs, and to bring in more, he vowed.
“As we partner up with business to come to Channahon, we will make it clear and contractual that if you seek help from public funds, you will need to use responsible local contractors, you will need to hire your workforce giving preference to our residents, and you will pay livable wages,” Cook said.
Since Cook took office in 2003, commercial footage has increased by more than 210,000 square feet, and industrial by more than 500,000 square feet. In addition, 109 new non-home-based businesses have been brought in.
Of the 107 storefronts in Channahon, 77 are now filled, and the village is currently talking with a fastfood chain and communications company about moving to westside locations.
Residential growth is also a focus, since it is needed to sustain and bring in business. New homes built in 2010 were in the single digits, he said, but 111 new families bought existing houses.
“Our 50th anniversary this year is not just about a celebration of the past. It affords us a chance to market ourselves and our vision,” Cook said.
The village will be conducting a investor’s tour, where it will highlight key areas such as the Anderson farm near Interstate 55 for retail and entertainment businesses, and the Hammel property at I-55 and U.S. 6 for commercial uses such as hotels and restaurants.
Other properties along U.S. 6 will also be showcased, including the Town Center.
More immediate attention is being given to Yellow Pine and U.S. 6, where the village is working on details for a gas station and convenience center; expansion of the Three Rivers Library; and to Bluff and U.S. 6, where a convenience store, gas station and fastfood restaurant are planned.
Funding has been secured for the Brisbin Road interchange and funding sources are being researched to rebuild the I-55 bridge with multiple lanes to eliminate rush-hour back-ups on U.S. 6, said Cook.
For more information on the village of Channahon, visit channahon.org.