Restaurant building on hiatus in Batavia
If we want to have our steak and eat it too in Batavia, it appears we'll have to wait a little longer.
Residents might have noticed that not a whole lot is going on at the construction site for the Golden Corral restaurant off Randall Road, near Aldi and auto repair businesses.
It apparently is not the O.K. Corral right now. Progress on the buffet-style steakhouse franchise has halted while the franchisee is getting finances in order, Batavia city administrator Bill McGrath said.
That scenario comes as no surprise in this economy, but McGrath said the city will do what it can to help.
"The building permits are only good for a year, but the site is nice and clean and there isn't a lot of junk laying around, so we'll work with them," McGrath said.
There was no definitive news on when construction work might resume, but money matters these days take some time to work out.
A castle in making?: It looks like a medieval castle taking shape when you drive by the corner of Fifth and Main streets in St. Charles. Its early-phase construction framework and gray brick foundation make the future St. Charles Bank and Trust Company building look like something King Arthur might live in.
When completed, the bank will find itself creating a nice sector of downtown, with Lincoln Park and St. Patrick Church right across the street. But the sign says "Opening in early 2009." I wouldn't bank on that.
Into the woods: Ah, yes, memories of Shawnee National Forest, where I spent many hours as a student at Southern Illinois University.
The St. Charles Park District is offering a backpacking excursion to Shawnee at the end of March. This is one of the great parts of Illinois. If you're the hearty type, this might be a trip for you. If you've never been in Shawnee and enjoy hiking and camping, this is definitely a trip for you. Plus, the end of March in southern Illinois can be quite warm.
Short on answers?: Well, that's not a good sign. The press release that Peg Coker sent out for the upcoming Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley Trivia Bee had a few sample questions from last year's contest. I didn't know the answer to any of them. And I'm a member of the Tri-Cities Exchange Club team in this year's event from 9 a.m. to noon March 21 at the Q Center in St. Charles.
The event has a Hawaiian theme this year, celebrating its 50 years of statehood, with some questions about our 50th state. Unfortunately, I've never set foot on the paradise known as Hawaii, so look for some blank stares from me when those questions are asked.
Remarkable achievement: Congratulations are in order for the Geneva girls basketball team after winning its supersectional game Monday against New Trier and heading to the state finals. Mostly, going in with a 32-0 record is remarkable. It is a record more common of a boxing champion, not a high school basketball team. We won't see too many, if any, area teams repeat that performance any time soon.
dheun@sbcglobal.net