Another edition of Random Thoughts:
- The Marathon gas station that recently closed at the corner of Prospect and Kirby was doomed from the start. If you recall there were tons of neighbor protests and limitations put on that location — no alcohol, limited hours, etc. Somehow I missed this but back in October the News-Gazette reported that the Paris, Ill.-based Edgar County Bank & Trust was interested in that property. So, if you’re counting, there will three banks within spitting distance of one another. How bizarre. Anyway, there will be some people who will miss that gas station: all the school groups (cheerleaders/athletes/etc.) who used the location to stage car wash fundraisers.
- Another reason I love Trader Joe’s: the mini shopping carts for kids.
- You asked, they answered. A “food bar” — that’s grocery store speak for a salad bar — will be coming to the new Savoy Schnuck’s after all, sometime in “January or February.” It pays to complain, people. (Still no spinach pancakes though).
- Big hugs and congratulations to my good pal Mrs. Chicken over at Chicken and Cheese, who just announced she will be adding to the population of Mybana (that’s what her daughter calls Urbana) in August.
13 responses so far ↓
Golden // January 3, 2008 at 11:22 am
Oh the utter lack of creativity and imagination for that corner! Another bank!! At least the corner will be tidy. And how I miss the trees that were in front of the former Main Street Bank … they shaded that side of the street and added some character and grace . Well it could be worse - it could have been the site of another HUGE electronic billboard. And for the gentleman seeking retail ideas - how about an upscale doggie bakery/gourmet shop? With items for dogs that are not designed solely for teeny weeny dogs. And gifts for people that love animals. Think “Wet Noses” in Sarasota, FL - a delightful store for all dog and cat lovers. And they don’t sell or merchandise either species.
lbotp // January 3, 2008 at 11:30 am
Hey I’ve been to Wet Noses! There are plenty in Chicago … Barker and Meowsky is my favorite.
Rachael // January 3, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I loved that Marathon! We moved here after it was opened, and it was the closest place to go for milk when we ran out for the little peanut- oh well, at least we have the new Schnucks!
prairie biker // January 3, 2008 at 6:50 pm
While the Marathon was always more costly than other stations, I’ll miss it because it was right by home and I usually gassed up there.
I definitely miss the trees from in front of the old Main St. Bank. I hope they replace them in the spring.
Golden // January 4, 2008 at 9:03 am
I’ll miss the convenience of that station as well. Great when I needed gas for the lawn mower as well as when I was coasting on fumes. Weren’t those trees on the parkway? If so it will be up to the City to replace them. Think I’ll send our powers that be a nudge - that site is now incredibly bleak.
Mrs. Chicken // January 4, 2008 at 11:58 am
Aw, thanks.
Jenna // January 5, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I was wondering what was happening there…although I have been amused by the drivers who drive up and then realize it is closed…they should put a sign on the price sign.
Where will I get my car washed on the way home from work?
We really need another bank in town though…ha, ha.
M // January 7, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Did you know that County Market on Duncan and Kirby has mini shopping carts? I saw a sweet little girl pushing one today, actually. She let me go ahead of her because she couldn’t decide what kind of berries she wanted. Too cute. Mom was so proud.
mate'man // January 8, 2008 at 8:17 am
TJ’s has … get this … two sizes of mini-carts … !
Illinois Press Book Blog » Getting to know Champaign-Urbana, Part 1 // January 9, 2008 at 3:54 pm
[...] is the local blog I visit when I want to know what’s up with the gas station on the corner or what happened to U of I’s baton twirler. [...]
Illinois Press Book Blog » Getting to know Champaign-Urbana, Part 1 // January 10, 2008 at 8:54 am
[...] is the local blog that I visit when I want to know what’s up with the gas station on the corner or what will spin my head. [...]
Lauren // January 23, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Yikes, I can’t imagine anything worse than giving a 5 year old a shopping cart. As if my ankles weren’t swollen enough from banging my own ankles into my own cart.
khanada // January 24, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Just popping this in here ’cause I can, but are comments turned off for some of the newer posts (like the one about the missing Illinois webpage)? Is it irony if I can’t comment about a technical error due to a technical error or is it just the universe imploding in on itself?
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