Galesburg City Council approves liquor license change, land purchases and transit deals

By Talbot Fisher    September 3, 2025

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GALESBURG, Ill. — The City Council wrapped up city business in a brisk 36 minutes Tuesday evening at its regular meeting.

First Ward seat remains open

All members attended, though the First Ward remains unrepresented after Bradley Hix resigned Aug. 18.

Judy’s Kitchen liquor license amended

The council unanimously passed an ordinance amending the liquor license of Judy’s Kitchen, 51 N. Prairie St., from Class D (restaurant) to Class A-1 (bar/tavern). The change allows the business to sell packaged liquor at retail and partner with Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., on a new beverage called Judy’s Berry Medley Pancake Sour Ale.

Council buys 18 parcels

The council also voted unanimously to purchase 18 parcels from the Knox County trustee for $823 each. The city will demolish and resell the properties.

Transportation agreements renewed

Members approved two service agreements involving Galesburg Public Transportation. One renews an agreement that lets Carl Sandburg College students, faculty, and staff ride unlimited through June 2027. The city will receive $7,400 for the deal. The second agreement, with Graham Health System, provides on-demand transportation for patients traveling to Graham facilities. The city will bill Graham for each use.

Council Member Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, praised both agreements.

“We can offer services that allow students, individual citizens, to go where they need to go … and they can do that easily and with more opportunities. So it’s a win-win,” Cheesman said.

Council Member Dwight White, Fourth Ward, also voiced support.

“I think this is great for Graham Health Care and the citizens,” White said.

Consent agenda actions

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Releasing executive session minutes no longer deemed confidential, continuing confidentiality for others and destroying audio recordings more than 18 months old.
• Accepting the annual Motor Fuel Tax report, which “ensures compliance with state requirements and will be maintained as a permanent record,” city staff said.
• Replacing a bus shelter at McClure and McKnight streets, destroyed when a vehicle struck it May 18. The city accepted a $25,633 bid—the only one of three that included installation—and expects reimbursement from the vehicle owner’s insurance.
• Approving all city bills.

Resident voices concern over YMCA grant

During public comment, one resident criticized the council’s decision at the previous meeting to award a $900,000 grant to the YMCA for expansion.

Airport receives regional designation

In closing remarks, council members expressed appreciation for the local airport. The facility is upgrading to a regional classification and will officially become the Harrel W. Timmons Galesburg Regional Airport in a ceremony Friday.

The council will meet next on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.