Tom’s Diner Named “Potentially Historic,” But Could Still Be a Goner
Tom’s Diner started life as a White Spot. Denver Public Library
From Westward: Diners are looking like an endangered species in Denver. Last year, Tom Messina, the owner of Tom’s Diner, listed the property at 601 East Colfax Avenue, which he’d bought in 2004 for $800,000, for sale at $4.8 million. Potentially justifying that high price tag is a May 3 filing for a certificate of non-historic status from Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission; if no one objects and files a counter-application, the property could be granted non-historic status next month. (The Bonnie Brae Tavern went through the same routine earlier this spring.)
Blue Light Specials for running red lights
The former Kmart location in Abingdon is being considered as a place to relocate the courthouse of Washington County. Joe Tennis | Washington County News
From SWVA Today: ABINGDON, Va. — “Now, this is going to be serious,” I said to Jason Berry, the county administrator for Washington County.
“Real serious,” I added.
“OK,” Berry returned.
“If there really is a chance that the county courthouse moves to the old Kmart building, would that mean that you could get a Blue Light Special?” I asked. “Would you get a Blue Light Special for a get-out-of-jail free card? Or would the cops give you a Blue Light Special for running a red light?”
Berry started laughing on the other end of the telephone.
“And would the employees have to wear red uniforms like the employees did at the Kmart?” I continued.
Berry chuckled some more.
And then we got serious. Real serious.
Sag Harbor Sign Re-Illuminated As Joyful Crowd Celebrates
Watch a video of the moment scores have been waiting for as the iconic Sag Harbor sign was re-lit after a devastating fire.
From Patch: SAG HARBOR, NY — Hope was born again for scores of teary-eyed supporters as the iconic Sag Harbor Cinema sign was lighted, once again, on Saturday night.
The moment held deep meaning for many who worked tirelessly after a fire swept through the village in December, 2016, to see the damaged sign resurrected from the ashes.
“The sign lighting was not only satisfying, but very emotional for so many of us,” said April Gornik, Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Chair.
She reflected on how remarks by New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele “brought tears to many eyes, including mine. I was so glad that he mentioned how fantastic is always was, coming back from a trip, to drive down Main Street and see that welcoming glow from the sign. Most people I know would detour a few extra minutes just to have that incredible feeling, knowing that you were back home — back to the best place and community ever.”
12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin
The Dells of the Wisconsin River
From PlanetWare: Bordered by Lakes Michigan and Superior, Wisconsin offers diverse landscapes, which are a delight to explore. To the north and west are large expanses of hills that are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and areas of lowlands to the south and east have proven excellent for dairy farming. While many of Wisconsin’s top cultural attractions are in its two largest cities, Madison and Milwaukee, smaller communities such as Spring Green, home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Taliesin, are worth exploring. The state also offers many exceptional cultural activities and events, too, from the huge Oshkosh Airshow to Milwaukee’s popular Summerfest. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from great fishing and boating, as well as some of the best hiking and biking trails to be found anywhere in the country. Learn about these and other interesting things to do with our list of the top attractions in Wisconsin.
BONUS: Willie the Whale, once discarded, surfaces in Kokomo
Willie the Whale has found its new resting place along Wildcat Creek in Foster Park, on May 13, 2019. Tim Bath | Kokomo Tribune
From the Kodomo Tribune: Call me Willie.
A white whale has been set free inside Kokomo’s Foster Park, beckoning to passers-by along Wildcat Creek, urging them to stop and look and even step into its enormous, toothless jaw.
Its tail, mid flip, one end pointed toward the ground, the other flexing upwards, belies the whale’s otherwise stationary posture. Its mouth stands lazily, permanently agape, as it has for 55 years.
This whale, with its sleepy blue eyes, is far more welcoming than Captain Ahab’s obsession.
But its history may be equally bizarre.