LP_092817

lockportlegend.com NEWS
the Lockport Legend | September 28, 2017 | 5
Ballyhoo
From Page 4
sic and more by Californiabased
band Steam Powered
Giraffe.
Event Director Renee
Lang agreed with an assessment
that Ballyhoo is a bit
crazy, but in a good way.
“Well, Lockport’s kind
of crazy,” she said with a
smile, as a woman wearing
black wings walked behind
her, outside the Norton
Building. “We’re a different
kind of town. We love the
arts, we love entertainment,
we love to be different. This
is all a part of an ongoing
effort to revitalize downtown,
to make it an arts and
culture destination.”
Lockport certainly was
a destination for the many
steampunk fans who came
from near and far to immerse
themselves in Ballyhoo.
“I’ve been into steampunk
for about five years,” said
Romeoville resident Emily
Oliver, her face painted gold
with black with bolt-like accents.
“I started seeing [people
in steampunk attire] at cosplay
conventions; and it was
really cool, so I got into it.
I’m here to see Steam Powered
Giraffe, but it’s more
than that. This is a chance for
me to connect face-to-face
with people into steampunk.
Usually, our interactions are
limited to whatever we do
online. So I’m glad Lockport
is doing this.”
LCC
From Page 3
plain that fentanyl causes a
more intense high for users
but also increases the death
rate among those users. This
form of heroin is extremely
addicting, and the increase in
heroin related deaths in the
community has reflected that.
“In 2017 we’ve already
have four opioid deaths
and administered Narcan
(naloxone) nine times,”
Hot Tawdry (left), a cabaret performer, and Josephine Shaker pose for a photo after their
performance. Bob Klein/22nd Century Media
Mari-Ellin Witt traveled
to Lockport from Stockton,
Missouri just to see Steam
Powered Giraffe.
“A festival like this is a
celebration of art, of creativity,”
she said as her friend,
Katelyn Sumner, nodded in
agreement. “It’s fun to see the
different costumes and the artistic
expression put into it.”
Lang agreed.
“Steampunk is all about
having fun, about being
unafraid to be who you really
want to be—as opposed
to who the world wants
you to be. I own a vintage
boutique; I’m into fashion
– style. So this event, really,
is a celebration of selfexpression.”
She credited city officials,
the local business community
and a corps of volunteers—including
more than
Lemming said.
Narcan, when administered
quickly after going into
overdose, can help to save the
lives of those in the overdose
state. The Lockport Police
Department has deployed
Narcan a total of nine times
this year and only one of
those people have died.
“These are normal kids
that made a bad decision,”
Lemming said. “It’s getting
to the point where everyone
of us knows a heroin addict.”
To date, the Safe Passage
20 teachers and others from
Taft School—for making
the event a success.
Mayor Steven Streit’s
support even included—
as usual—getting into the
spirit of the event with a
custom-made costume. This
year he dressed as a rocketeer,
complete with a vintage
fire extinguisher transformed
to look like a rocket
strapped to his back.
“This event is all about
doing something different,
something other than a corn
fest or what have you,” he
said. “It’s about Lockport
waving its own flag, of being
a regional draw for arts
and entertainment.”
One result of that flag waving
is a $50,000 National Endowment
for the Arts grant
that the city might not have
otherwise secured, Streit
program has helped 11 people
and Lemming is hoping
to get the word out to more
around the community.
“When they’re ready,
we’re ready for them,”
Lemming said.
City Council consent agenda
approvals
The city of Lockport
is moving ahead with the
planned Holiday Inn Express
project after approving the latest
amendment at the meeting.
said. Funds will be used in
2018 to fuel an artists’ competition
to celebrate Lockport’s
industrial heritage.
Another outcome is a renewed
interest in downtown,
including among investors
and developers. The mayor
noted that three people have
purchased downtown buildings,
and they are “cleaning
them up right now.”
“One of them specifically
told me, ‘You guys are embracing
the arts, and that’s
hugely important. It’s one
of the reasons I’m coming
to Lockport,’” Streit said.
Lang added that Summer
Art Series planning is a
year-round endeavor. Those
interested in volunteering
ideas for the 2018 series
should visit www.summer
artseries.com and sign up
for email updates.
5/11/2017 lagovistafinal1-3.jpg
5/11/2017 lagovistafinal1-3.jpg
5/11/2017 lagovistafinal1-3.jpg
A resolution to change the
preliminary development
plan and subdivision plat to
approve the addition of an
81-room Holiday Inn Express
was unanimously approved.
The amendment was to
change the previous approval
from a Target to the hotel.
The City Council also
unanimously approved a
development agreement,
special use permit and preliminary
development plan
for the Prologis Industrial
Business Park.
A memorable performance
Taft School choir performs national anthem
for 9/11 commemoration
Members of the Taft School choir perform the national anthem
for the school’s 9/11 commemoration. Photo submitted
1002 S. State St. • Lockport, IL 60441
815.838.7174
Junior Porters
Wrestling
Club
All Levels of Experience are Welcome
Boys and Girls grades PK-8
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-AZJIoWdchsTXZPZTBiNi1qdUE 1/1
Practices will be held at Lockport East High School
Wrestling Runs November through March
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-AZJIoWdchsTXZPZTBiNi1qdUE 1/1
Cost: $325
Includes USA Wrestling Card (insurance),
tournament costs, and singlet
REGISTRATION
Tue. October 2nd @ 6pm - 8pm
L.T.H.S. East Cafeteria
For more information & late registration contact:
jrporters@gmail.com | www.jrporters.com