MAGNOLIA — Residents in eastern Putnam County and southern LaSalle County won't have to drive over the river for tire service anymore. Chad Timmons and Kevin Kruswicki opened TKO Tire and Service on Nov. 1 in Magnolia at 14049 Route 18, just east of Route 89, to take care of tire needs as well as car service.

"We wanted a name that would stand out, and It has the initials of our last names," Timmons said. "We just wanted something catchy."

TKO performs auto repair and diagnostics; the business carries auto, light truck, implement and specialty tires, including Firestone, Michelin, Bridgestone, General, Toy, Continental, Kumo, Carlisle, GT and BKT tires.

"We wanted something centrally located. We're outside of Henry, plus we've got Varna, Lostant, Wenona, and we're at a busy intersection," Timmons said. "Plus I'm from Wenona, and he's from Cedar Point. It's in the middle."

Timmons and Kruswicki have 20 years experience in tires and service, and they bring that knowledge to the table.

TKO Tire and Service is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon. The phone number is 815-869-4249, and e-mail is tkotire@outlook.com.