Beating the heat in Rochelle

Terry Dickow
Posted 6/11/21

I always wonder about the accuracy of thermometers. One electronic sign on a bank had 91, another 93, my car read 92 and one in a shopping center said 94. Whatever the number, it’s hot and uncomfortable.

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Beating the heat in Rochelle

Posted

It’s hot.

I had a journalism professor who used that as an example of a great lead in a news story. I am not being original.

If you are a Johnny Carson fan, you might be thinking, “How hot is it?” and his answer might be something like the sidewalks are rolling themselves up. Ok, he was funnier than me.

But, it is hot.

I always wonder about the accuracy of thermometers. One electronic sign on a bank had 91, another 93, my car read 92 and one in a shopping center said 94. Whatever the number, it’s hot and uncomfortable.

It would be a great time to cool off in the pool or splash pad at Spring Lake. While you have to pay to use the pool, the splash pad is free and looks like a fun place for youngsters to cool off under mom’s or dad’s watchful eyes.

I was on the park board for 10 years, and every year the outdoor pool lost money, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little.  I honestly don’t remember it ever making money.

But the purpose of parks and pools is not to make money, but to provide a community service. Spring Lake offers people, especially young people, something fun, safe and wholesome to do on a hot summer day.

I have noticed a lot of pools in backyards this year. I think last year people decided to put in pools since they could not go on vacation. I wonder if that will have negative effect on Spring Lake.

Downtown’s curb appeal

The flowers on the light posts downtown look really nice. Some of the whiskey barrels look pretty good but a couple  need a little refurbishing. The plantings at the parking lots on Main Street and Fourth Avenue and on Sixth Street by the museum look very good too. 

I believe a good looking downtown is a key to attracting new businesses and customers to the existing businesses. Rochelle’s downtown is off to a good start.

RMU credits

Don’t forget to turn in your receipts for credit on your utility bill.  The program runs through this year. Every $300 you spend at eligible local businesses earns you a $60 credit on your bill.

If you don’t want the credit, you can write on the form “Please apply my credit to….”

You could pick Hope, the food pantry, homeless shelter, Vince Carney Community Theatre, the museum or the Creston Boosters Club. The possibilities are endless.

Terry Dickow can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com