Hoopeston — HOOPESTON — If residents have ever wondered what goes on at 112 W. Main St. in Hoopeston, they will have the chance to check it out starting Monday.
That is when the Witch School will open its doors to the public. The school came to Hoopeston in September 2003 and quietly goes about business worldwide through its Internet site, htt[://www.WitchSchool.com.
Now Ed Hubbard, CEO and director for the Witch School, hopes the business will serve as a tourist attraction as well as a place to educate those interested in Wiccan, Pagan and magical thought. Many people visit the Web site, and a lot of those want to visit the Hoopeston business, he said.
“The town needs the money,” Hubbard added, explaining that there is a motel open now for people to stay locally.
Shannon Ruh, the city’s economic development director, said visitors to the city spend money at the local motel, gas stations and restaurants.
“If this would bring people to the community, of course that would have a positive impact,” she said. “It would have impact on other businesses in the community.”
Spending money at local businesses generates sales tax which goes to pay for city improvements.
“It’s put back into development efforts and infrastructure improvements,” she said.
Hubbard wants the business to be more friendly and receptive to the public and cited that as another reason to open it up to visitors. There will be readers available all the time too to do psychic readings.
With the upcoming third anniversary of the site that generated resistance from some local residents and churches, Hubbard thinks the reception locally has changed.
“It’s only a small minority of people who didn’t want us here,” he said. “Overall people like us.”
The business will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sundays. Prior to the upcoming opening, the business was open to visitors by invitation only.
The school also has a campus in Albany, New York, that will be opening up for more hours too.
The business kept a low profile, Hubbard said, but added he has nine people working there of different religions.
“I simply don’t want to offend people,” he said.
But those who visit the Web site know the business will be open publicly so they can visit.
“We’ll have events all year round,” Hubbard said, adding they do that already but these will be open to everyone. Classes will be available also.
“They can come and see our library. We have tons of tarot cards,” he said, explaining people will be able to work with objects including wands.
FYI
To more information, call 283-4360 or e-mail Director@witchschool.com.
Local News
Witch school now open to the public
Hoopeston might see more visitors
- Local News
-
-
Spirit of the West
Museum workers run out of adjectives when describing the “Spirit of the West” quilt exhibit, which opens Friday. “It’s mind boggling,” Sue Richer, director of the Vermilion County Museum, said as she admired the quilts. “It amazes me. They’re works of art, the way they’re put together.”
-
County looks at power deal
Vermilion County Board committee members will discuss a contract letting Integrys extend electric savings to residents now.
-
Six to retire from Danville High
Six longtime District 118 employees said goodbye to Danville High School at the end of the school year.
-
Teacher’s aide retires after 33 years
Jan Kovacic meets the students at Covington Elementary School when they arrive in the morning, and she is the last one they see in the afternoon when getting on a bus or in a car.
-
Fountain OKs nurse position
Fountain County Council members approved restructuring changes Tuesday in the Fountain-Warren Health Department.
-
United Way close to goal
The United Way of Danville Area is in the home stretch of its annual campaign and wants residents’ help in reaching that goal.
- City rummage sale nears
- Home tour helps museum
- Police, Fire Reports
-
Teacher weaves life skills in with lessons
KaSandra Mitchell’s fifth-graders probably think all the cooking and sewing they do in class is a lot of fun.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
