Question Mark Town Roundup for the week of 10/9 - 10/15
Town Announcements
Question Mark Motel presents "Fall into The Void" discount!
Although nearly all of our sixteen rooms at the Question Mark Motel are booked with visitors to The Void through April 2024, we are offering local residents a 20% discount on Rooms 13-15 with our "Fall into The Void" package throughout the months of October and November. Enjoy complimentary color television, “magic fingers” massage, and dimmable lights!
In addition, we have placed an exciting portable AM/FM clock radio on one of the nightstands to set the mood. Also the carpets have been recently cleaned and any and all crime scene evidence has been properly logged with the Question Mark Police. No finding strange objects under your bed on this romantic getaway!
Plus mention code FALL INTO THE VOID at one of the in-person ticket kiosks when purchasing your ticket to The Void and get three dollars off your first visit to this one-of-a-kind, scientific phenomenon! There is no discount on parking.
A note: after a series of incidents involving local exotic animal traders, pets are no longer allowed at the Question Mark Motel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Posted by Ludlow Richards, Question Mark Motel on October 11, 2023
In memory, Tom Childs
The former Tom Childs, seen here with his loving now-widow Barbara
I regret to inform the town that Tom Childs passed away yesterday. Do not speculate on the cause of his passing, for that is ultimately inconsequential. Instead reflect on the life that he lead.
Tom will be remembered as someone who dared to dream, who, from almost nothing, created a thriving business with his wife, Barbara, featuring historically-themed ghosts cleaning bumpers and windows, a business that has come to symbolize the thriftiness and economic progress this town has become known for. He will also be remembered as an upstanding member of our community, who held a seat on our Town Council and was the overseer of our elections as the head of the Voting Committee.
Perhaps many of you here in Question Mark, on this solemn day, could reflect on how you could be more like Tom Childs. How you could be a self-starter. How you could be a person who gives back to this community. How you could be a devoted husband to a wife now besotted with grief.
Tom, know that you will be missed and that this town is stronger after all of your contributions.
A special election will be held to fill Tom’s seat on the Town Council on November 7th. As you know, Tom’s work with the Voting Committee was nothing short of competent, with only a few minor mistakes in the last election cycle. While I am hard pressed to immediately think of anyone capable of filling Tom's average-sized shoes, I am sure candidates will emerge, even if they are uninspiring.
Barbara Childs would like everyone to know the Question Mark Car Wash will be closed this week in observance of Tom’s death but will reopen next Saturday with half off all wax treatments for cars and trucks.
Posted by Mayor Elizabeth Zisk on October 15, 2023
Read all our Town Announcements.
Community Notes
On behalf of the town of Question Mark and the Town Council, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Tom Childs and the entire Question Mark Car Wash community.
I understand services will be held at St. Casimir’s this morning at 10:30am and that the ghosts at the Question Mark Car Wash will be reciting interesting facts about Tom’s storied life once the car wash reopens next week.
Everyone knows me as the owner of the Pine Knot cafe and someone not given over to fancy speech. But this thing with Tom has left me deeply upset. I keep finding my hands shaking and have to pick up a fork or pencil or coffee cup to try to steady them. I am not unfamiliar to grief but something like this is bound to throw you.
As a matter of procedural business, it now falls on me as Town Council Chair to find a replacement for Tom’s vacant seat. To become a member of the town council, one must have residence in the town with property taxes paid in full. Recent felons are, fortunately, not eligible. Please stop by the Office of Vital Records for an application if you are interested.
I am genuinely hoping someone with Tom’s great spirit of community and vision is willing to take his place. This town has many challenges and opportunities, and along with Mayor Zisk, it is the charge of the town council to help meet those challenges and opportunities together. I’ll be honest. It’s been a lot.
Elections for the vacant town council seat will take place during our local elections on Tuesday, November 7.
—Tom Weathers, Town Council
Crime Reports
October 14
12:53 p.m. — East Avenue and 20th Street, body discovered. A body was discovered by a 58-year-old Question Mark man in the Question Mark Woods. Lacerations and bruises indicate homicide. T. Holland reported to scene.
Please continue to distribute missing persons fliers to help notify the public about the disappearance of Quentin Quinn.
Read all our Crime Reports.
Upcoming Events
October 29, 2023
Halloween Fun Fest and Trick or Treat Parade. Please be mindful and choose an appropriate costume and please remember that no one is allowed to dress as Thompson Zisk. 3pm
Town Square
October 31, 2023
Halloween Read-a-Thon Please join the QMPL staff for an all-ages reading of Bunnicula followed by Silence of the Lambs. 3pm
Question Mark Public Library
See all our Upcoming Events
Did You Know?
The Question Mark Town Council is the legislative body of our town government. In 1979, the Town Council removed Mayor Francis Vreelander from office and threw the entire town into seven months of chaos before the eventual election of Mayor Anson Ames.