Galesburg City Council approved two grants under the Women and/or Minority-owned business programs on Tuesday night. President of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development Ken Springer spoke to the council in support of the applicants; Brittany's Beautique and All-Star Sports Academy both located on E. Knox St. Michael Spinks, Owner of All-Star Sports Academy, received a southside occupancy grant in the Summer of 2022. Since the summer, Spinks has had an opportunity to take over the skating rink. He says he's already been open for a few days. He also previewed that he hopes to possibly have a few free or discounted skate days a month. Owner Brittany Tate will open Brittany's Beautique selling clothing and accessories both in-person and online. Mayor Peter Schwarwtzman announced a public meeting later this month for citizens to discuss the programming and functions of a community center. In other action, Galesburg Aldermen passed a resolution giving $60,00
Galesburg City Council on Tuesday night can approve two more grants from the Minority and/or Woman-owned Business Startup Assistance Program and Southside Occupancy Assistance Program. The first grants are for Brittany's Beautique which proposes to lease space at 1580 E Knox Street, Suite 3. Owner Brittany Tate's business will offer fashionable clothing and accessories both in-person and online and has requested grant funds to help build inventory and strengthen the business The KCAP Review Committee also recommends $3,200 in support from the Southside Occupancy Assistance Program for Brittany's Beautique, since her southside business is located in a unit that was vacant for 90+ days prior to her lease. The other grant is for All-Star Sports Academy which looks to re-open the Skate Palace roller rink. Owner Michael Spinks also proposes using a portion of the building for a sports coaching business. Council documents say the startup funds will allow Spinks to purchase nec
Roller skating is returning to Galesburg. Whether it's just a one-day event or a more permanent entertainment option remains to be seen. A day of family and adult fun is set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the former Skate Palace, 1855 E. Knox St. in Galesburg. The event, sponsored by Michael Spinks and not-for-profit All-Stars Sports Academy, will feature roller skating for all ages from 1 to 8 p.m. There also will be other games and contests, a pitching speed radar gun, and food trucks on site. A suggested donation of $5 includes the rental of skates. An adult skate for ages 21 and over featuring DJs will be held from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Skate Palace. The skating event requires pre-registration. Email allstarssportsacademy@gmail.com or visit the event registration page. Spinks will rent the facility for the skating event. He said he would like to eventually purchase the 12,000-square-foot Skate Palace building and the six acres of land it sits on. Skate Palace closed i