The year began with the selling of the IGA store,
To Del Schierer who promised to deliver more,
Produce that is fresh and meat that wasn't brown,
Heck, we're just glad to keep a grocery in town.
The Zoning Board was upset with the school,
For trying to do something that wasn't very cool,
Building the new grade school 4 feet from the walk,
Without a permit causing the Board to squawk.
February brought weather that wasn't very nice,
As the city of Minonk became covered with ice,
Tree limbs were down creating much mayhem,
And causing sore limbs for those who had to get rid of them.
A poll on the Dollar General Store location,
Produced results that were not a revelation,
85% said to keep the store out of the parking lot,
Whether the city council liked it or not.
Irate parents and teachers took turns,
Telling the school board of their concerns,
About reductions in staff and an increase in class size,
Yet the board went ahead without batting it's eyes.
The roof of the Masonic Temple caved in,
Causing the city council much chagrin,
They issued a warning to have it repaired,
The possibility of it collasping had them scared.
The owner complied and the repair was real snappy,
Causing the city council to be real happy,
However, the junk around it is a pity,
And continues to be ignored by the city.
The heavens unleashed a torrent of rain one night,
Four inches of rain created quite a sight,
Streets were flooded and basements full of water,
Causing irate citizens to demand a new sewer.
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The departing Principal complained about the mold,
In his office that was making him prematurely old,
A pre-existing condition replied the Superintendent,
The exchanges resulted in heated temperament.
A fund drive for the park pavilion was started,
To replace the bandstand that has departed,
Donations came in from all over the nation,
Raising hopes of starting construction.
But when bids were solicited for the pavilion,
Those returning bids wanted to make a killing,
Forced to reject all bids because of the expense,
The committee must now look for more dollars and cents.
Mrs. Lena Folkerts reached the age of 105,
An age at which hardly anyone is alive,
Reverend Sanders retired after 34 years,
Of preaching the gospel and dispelling fears.
Just Stuff Antiques opened for business as an antique mall,
In the Brackney building that included V.P. Circle as well,
Uftring Automotive moved to I-39,
Alas, they forgot to put up a sign.
A new sewer line was put through the middle of town,
To eliminate the First Street pond where one could drown,
Ex-Sheriff Meyers will do 3 years time,
For stealing funds that were yours and mine.
The Millenium Committee struck paydirt with the state,
Receiving a grant of $300,000 after a long wait,
To be used to build a recreational park,
In hopes it will give the Community Center a start.
The school district finds itself in a financial bind,
A victim of the economy and farm values that declined,
A tax referendum will be put on the ballot next Spring,
In hopes that it will take care of this financial thing.
As the year draws to a close we are forced to ponder,
Will there be a war over yonder?
No one knows and only one thing is clear.
The city of Minonk will still be here next year.
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