Solar project nears construction on west edge of Kewanee
Mike Berry
Star Courier
KEWANEE Work should begin soon on the solar farm on the west edge of Kewanee, the head of the Kewanee Economic Develoment Corporation reports.
In an update to the City Council, KEDC Director Kathy Albert wrote that Sunpin Solar, developer of the solar project, is almost to the point of construction.
Albert wrote that national permitting for the project has been obtained from the Army Corps of Engineers. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has also approved the project, she wrote.
A review by the state historical preservation office, to ensure that the solar project won’t disturb Native American burial grounds, has been completed and “did not indicate any issue,” Albert wrote.
Columnist Mike Berry shares his memories of the joint at 206 N. Chestnut
Star Courier
The news this week included the revelation that there’s to be another operator for the tavern at 206 N. Chestnut St.
Most recently called the Boiler Room, the building at that address had been a tavern for many years. But the Boiler Room was closed some time back, and the building has been vacant ever since.
When I started at the Star Courier in the early 1970s, legendary sports editor Bob Westlund made it his mission to introduce me to every tavern owner in the Tri-Counties (and, occasionally, beyond).
Lower-decibel Boiler Room to reopen
MIKE BERRY
The Star Courier
The City Council Monday approved permits for a new operator for the former Boiler Room bar in downtown Kewanee.
The bar and restaurant at 206 N. Chestnut St. has been closed for some time. The property was recently purchased by Moore Tire, which is expanding its operation across the street from the tavern property. Moore Tire is leasing the Boiler Room property to a company called Big Slots LLC.
The Planning Commission last month approved special use permits allowing Big Slots LLC to serve alcohol by the drink and operate a beer garden next to the building.