David Hobbs, owner of Hobbs Service Company in Benton, delivered a piece of history to the 1910s Franklin County Garage Museum Monday afternoon.
The belt-driven lathe was originally used in Orient 1 coal mine, according to county historian Bob Rea, who serves as president of the Franklin County Historic Preservation Society.
Hobbs said Ron Giacone’s father, John, purchased the lathe after the mine closed.
Benton Mayor Gary Kraft reported that general funds are low during Monday night’s city council meeting, adding the state owes the city $245,000 in payments.
He said payments date to November and December of last year saying he is working to expedite payment from the state.
BRP, Inc., employees lingered after quitting time on Friday for a photo as part of their three-year commitment to the “Going Green” campaign. Vehicles manufactured by the company were on display as the group gathered for the photo.
Yves Cloutier, director of plant operations, said representatives of the four departments helped to shovel dirt into holes where four trees are being planted.
He said Petals & Promises located on West Main Street in Benton not only sold the trees but prepared the area and mulch after planting. Debby Appleton said they would also clear the planting area of grass clumps and dirt clods to ensure the grass would continue to grow.
Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation board members said they realize the current state of the economy, but they are not giving up on their challenge to find funding for a second interchange.
During Thursday’s meeting, held in the West City Community Center, executive director Steve Woodfin provided copies of letters of support for the project to connect Route 37 to Interstate 57 at Petroff Road. He said the funding search for the Phase 1 study is ongoing.
Expected to cost about $3 million, Woodfin said having the funding in place would greatly increase the chances of having the project placed on the Illinois Department of Transportation multi-year highway program priority list.
• BCHS Class of 1972 seeks contact info for upcoming reunion; is your name on the list?
• Logan Community Center hosts Ice Cream Social on Friday, May 18
You’ve built your life. Now make the most of your time, money and health.
Want to repair or create something? This is the place to start.
Advice on living eco-consciously — and budget-consciously.
