The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Local News

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July 1, 2006

Witch school now open to the public

Hoopeston might see more visitors

By Dana Schaumburg

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.



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