I'm so glad to hear that there is a project underway to renovate and repair the Bald Knob Cross. I feel fortunate that I was able to visit the grounds are more than one occasion for family reunions. The cross wasn't in as bad shape at that time, but it was FAR from the "Shining Beacon" that it once was and hopefully will be again in the NEAR FUTURE. Keep up the GREAT WORK and GOD BLESS YOU for your faithfulness.

Seeing as our country is dealing with financial hardships, and the history of this cross indicates the attraction of tourism, wouldn't the reconstruction help to benefit the state of Illinois. Almost foolish to demand back a 20,000 grant to a considerable landmark.

Fox News just did a story on the Cross and indicated that Mr. Sherman has demanded that the $20K grant be returned. Fox News also mentioned that the Cross is used for some storage of government equipment. Simple solution... since storage space commands a premium price nowadays, calculate the storage space price for the past storage and exchange it for the grant. $50K in past storage space fees would be an excellent swap for returning a $20K grant. Then thank Mr. Sherman for input.

Thanks to all those who are helping in restoring this amazing landmark. A trip home just wouldn't be the same without visiting the cross. Southern Illinois just wouldn't be the same withoutit standing so tall and beautiful on that hill. I can't wait till it is restored and to go visit it. It takes me back to my days as a kid when my mom would take us up there and it was breathtaking.

Glad to see the restoration is going well. It is a shame that it got into this level of dis-repair.

Hopefully once done, it will not get in this condition again. Like others, I remember my mom taking me there as a kid. I have not been back since then but once done I think I am going to plan a family day and go down and see it.

Would be nice if someone associated with the cross restoration were to write a book on it's history (beginning, decline and restoration.) Profits from the book could go for restoration, and then upkeep later down the road.

Just a thought, feel free to take the idea and run with it.

God Bless