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Weather Alert

Weather Alert

...Gusty Thunderstorms with Small Hail and Cold Air Funnel Clouds
through Early Tonight...

Gusty thunderstorms capable of producing cold air funnel clouds
and small hail are forecast through early tonight. These cold air
funnels are developing underneath thunderstorms that are moving
across the area. Underneath these showers...spinning columns of
air that look like tornadoes may continue to develop. These
funnels usually are very brief and rarely touch the ground. If
these funnels do touch down...they most likely will not cause
damage to life or property.

Cold air funnels are due to very cool air aloft...warm moist air
near the ground...and are usually in association with a strong
area of low pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere. Due to
little or no wind shear...they are usually weak and very brief.

Local historical restaurant gets preservation grant

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Andresen's Cafe received a grant from Landmarks Illinois.

JOHNSTON CITY, IL (WSIL) - Landmarks Illinois just awarded Andresen’s Café with a grant to help preserve it. 

Andresen’s Café has been serving people since 1927 in Johnston City, and it's the town's longest-operating business.

The building the restaurant is located in has been in Johnston City just a little bit longer.

“The building itself is 106 years old,� Anthony Spiller says.

Spiller owns the cafe, and is working to restore the building.

The restaurant still has some of its original furnishings like the mahogany booths, mirrors, and neon lighting.

“They always call it the landmark of Johnston City,� Spiller says.

Recently Landmarks Illinois and Banterra Bank awarded Spiller’s business with a grant for 2,500 dollars.

Quinn Adamowski is the Regional Advocacy Manager for Landmarks Illinois. He says it's important for communities to preserve their historic resources.

“Every community has iconic buildings, and too often we throw them away,� Adamowski says. “But places like Andresen's that have been saved and used over the years. It's an economic development tool for the downtown of Johnston City.�

Spiller is one of two businesses in southern Illinois that received a grant from Landmarks Illinois.

The historic G-M&O Railroad Depot in Murphysboro also received a grant from Landmarks Illinois and Banterra Bank.

Jennifer Spence is the Director of Marketing for Banterra bank. She says that a lot of people from the area come to get Andresen’s.

“But the best thing about this place to me is also this preservation. It's a community gathering space and that's such a big mission for Landmarks Illinois, is saving places for people,� Spence says.

Spiller says he already used the grant money to restore the front of the building.

“Something I've always wanted to do,� Spiller says. “Originally it had the black glass, and then we were able to extend it.�

Spiller shared that he wants to work upstairs next. Â