Latest news with #GaryManier
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
On the Record: Washington Mayor Gary Manier and Peoria City Councilman Chuck Grayeb
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Washington's longest serving mayor is stepping down after 24 years at the helm, and Chuck Grayeb is leaving the Peoria City Council after more than two decades spent around the Horseshoe. WMBD's On The Record recently sat down with both of them to get their thoughts on leaving public life. Gary Manier Many in the Tazewell County city of Washington can't picture their city without having Gary Manier with the mayor's gavel in his hand. Manier, who's held the position since 2001, became a defining face of the city's resilience during one of its darkest hours: Nov. 17, 2013, when an EF-4 tornado devastated parts of Washington. 'You don't really prepare for something like that,' he said in a sit-down interview on WMBD News: On the Record. 'Every city has a disaster plan on the shelf, but when it happens, you just go with it.' More than 1,100 homes were damaged or destroyed. Manier credits the emergency crews, volunteers, and aid organizations who pulled together to rebuild the city. (is this 1,100 or 11,000. I'm betting the first number). 'It's a very gut-wrenching experience. But people came together. The fabric of America is good, and the fabric in central Illinois was incredible during that time,' he said. Beyond crisis management, Manier points to several long-term achievements that helped shape the city's growth, including the development of Five Points Washington community center, road improvements, and economic revitalization along the Business Route 24 corridor. 'Our schools are second to none, but Five Points has helped attract people to to move to our community,' he said. Most recently, the opening of the $9 million Tangled Roots Brewing Company has breathed new life into Washington Square. 'It's been packed every night,' Manier said. Still, Manier says if there's one thing he wishes he'd done more of, it's economic development. 'It's tough when you're a bedroom community. But I think we're starting to see the momentum, and Tangled Roots could be the start of something like what happened in Peoria Heights's restaurant row' he said, referring to a several block stretch of Prospect Road in the village. On April 25, Manier received a warm sendoff surrounded by family, colleagues, and former officials. 'I didn't really want a big event,' he admitted. 'But when I saw everyone, people I've served with, local leaders, old friends, it made it all worth it.' As he steps away from public office, Manier says he's looking forward to a well-earned vacation and more time with his seven grandchildren. 'I'm proud of what we've accomplished. And I'm thankful for the people who made it possible,' he said. Chuck Grayeb After more than two decades of public service on the Peoria City Council, Chuck Grayeb who represents the city's 2nd district, will step down from the Horseshoe, but not from community life. Grayeb is tied for the most years spent on the council with Edward Nelson Woodruff who spent 24 years as mayor in nonconsecutive terms. He recently joined WMBD News: On The Record and to reflect on what was and what will be. 'It's not in my DNA to retire. I'll just be doing other things,' he said. He served as at-large city councilman for 12 years from 1995-2007, then returned in 2013 to serve as the 2nd district representative for another 12 years. When Grayeb was first elected in 1995, he said the city was too reliant on heavy manufacturing. Today, Peoria is a regional healthcare hub, a transformation Grayeb considers one of his proudest accomplishments. 'We needed to start cultivating other industries, especially medical,' he said. 'I'm proud of the fact that we did diversify. It made it easier when we had the shock of Caterpillar deciding to move its headquarters.' He has also seen the 2nd district, which now includes Downtown Peoria, transform into more than a business district. 'Our Downtown is increasingly becoming a residential neighborhood, and that's exciting,' he said. Despite his long list of achievements, Grayeb says the challenges of crime and delinquency still persist. Crime is no longer isolated to hot spot areas like South Peoria and East Bluff, but is spreading north. 'If we don't get a handle on that, we're going to lose our city,' he warned. 'More and more people will vote with their feet.' He said boosting police staffing remains crucial. 'At one time, we had 250 officers. Now we're hovering around 200. We need to get back to 250 to have meaningful patrols in our fragile neighborhoods,' he said. Grayeb has some sage advice for the next generation of public servants. 'Listen, listen, listen. But don't be intimidated by the loud voices. Remember, there's a great silent majority out there. Do what's right for the people, and everything will turn out fine.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tangled Roots Craft Beer and Kitchen now open in Washington Square
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Hundreds of people enjoyed local beer, appetizers and live music for the ribbon-cutting of highly anticipated brewery and restaurant in Washington. Tangled Roots Craft Beer and Kitchen offers craft beer and food with a view. The two-story restaurant features a roof deck, elevators, and multiple bars. There's even a draft beer called 'Washington Square', as a nod to its location. 'It's all about the beer and food. It's just going to be a great addition to Washington Square, and we're excited for people come from all over the region to patronize it,' said Washington Mayor Gary Manier. The $9 million project initially kicked off in 2022, but hit some legal and supply chain bumps in the road. The developer and business owners was taken to court over tearing down the existing building by a woman living next door, but ultimately prevailed. 'Some materials got backordered, but its well worth the wait. I think we're going to be excited for years to come to see this on Washington Square,' said Manier. For the outgoing mayor, Manier said to see brewpub finally open its doors is a rewarding way to cap off his decades-long career in public service. 'Well, I'm glad it opened before I left, obviously, because we worked hard to make sure that happened. But this is the biggest investment in the Washington area since Five Points Washington almost 18 years ago now. So we're excited about seeing this open,' he said. The grand opening is Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
