By Steven Stilt
The Wamac City Council voted during its meeting Monday evening to reopen a liquor license for use by an establishment that is in the process of being rebuilt following a fire that took place last year.
The council approved reinstating the Class A license belonging to Pour Me Another, Inc., which operated McGuire’s Grill and Bar. McGuire’s was heavily damaged in a fire that broke out in March 2025.
City officials say they are uncertain whether the owners will continue using the name McGuire’s for the establishment. Mayor Jackie “Butch” Mathus says a re-opening date for the business is not yet known, but he reported that construction is moving along nicely.
The council had voted last spring, following the fire, to reduce the number of liquor licenses available in the city.
In other business, the council voted to schedule a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. April 20. The company Alpine Solar will be seeking a special use permit at the meeting to operate a solar array at a site located near Wabash Avenue.
Also on Monday, the council approved a motion to appoint Laurie Holmes and Scott Niedbalski to fill vacancies on the city’s zoning board.
