2011 was a momentous year in Minonk

December 31, 2011

Editor: Dave Uphoff

2011 was a momentous year in Minonk history. The great fire of October 26 cut the heart out of the downtown business district leaving a cavernous hole in its wake and a big part of Minonk history up in smoke.

It also was the year in which the City addressed the flooding problems in the city by installing a new storm water drainage system in the west side of town. The storm draining project was financed by the City's sale of Section Six to a farmer from northern Illinois in 2010 who in turned flipped the land for a tidy profit of over $2 million in 2011 to a farmer from Roanoke.

No plans for rebuilding on the fire site have been announced but it is rumored plans are being formulated. It has been reported that the person who helped the City of Elmwood rebuild after losing much of its downtown to a tornado this summer is also working with Minonk officials in reconstruction plans.

The Meyer-Jochums agency relocated their business across Fifth Street in the former Associated Bank building but would like to rebuild on the fire site.

Dr. Naik relocated his dental office to Toluca and has done extensive remodeling to his new location. It is not known if he intends to relocate his office back in Minonk. We hope he does.

The Leiken Law Office relocated its office in the former Fisher Photography Studio at the corner of Sixth and Walnut and they probably will not rebuild on the fire site.

One saving grace from the fire is that the Minonk Foods grocery store was not affected by the fire. Some people have suggested reconstruction of the fire site should include an expansion of the Minonk Foods grocery store. The new owner, Max Patel, is an enthusiastic businessman who would like to improve his business.

Our comparison of the sale ads for Minonk Foods with the sale ads from the El Paso IGA showed very little difference in prices. There is no reason to run to El Paso for groceries when we have the same thing in Minonk at similar prices. Losing a grocery store would be a devastating blow to the community and it is up to the residents of this community to patronize all local businesses.

Ideally, reconstruction of the fire site would include a pharmacy, a hardware store, Dr., Naik's dental office, the Meyer-Jochums agency and expansion of Minonk Foods grocery. Creating a plaza type frontage with nice landscaping on the complex would greatly improve its appearance and also help draw customers.

The fire site is located in a TIF district which offers tax incentives for potential businesses and there is ample parking in downtown Minonk. It is a great opportunity for business development.

Let's hope 2012 is the year that reconstruction of the fire site will make Minonk a mercantile center for the surrounding area again.

Happy new year everyone!

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