Ignition key won't turn, can't remove gear shift knob

[jmscnry]

I'm not sure if this is an ongoing problem with Aleros, but I know I have seen a few people with this similar problem.
This evening I got into the car and tried to turn the ignition, but the key wouldn't budge. I made sure the car was fully in park, but that didn't help. I turned the steering wheel, no luck.
This happened once before and I was able to remove the pin in the gear shift knob, and remove the gear shift knob itself. That alone seemed to reset things and fix the problem. I took it to the dealership just to be safe, and they charged me $37 to remove the gear shift and tell me nothing was wrong.
But this time I can't remove the gear shift. I think last time it came off pretty easily, but I'm afraid the dealership glued it down. Looking at their work order from my last visit doesn't say anything about glueing down the assembly or replacing it however.
Should it come off fairly easily? Am I missing a step in removing the gear shift? Anyone have any ideas on how to remove it if it has been glued down?
Thanks for your help.

['RoGrl]

It sounds like your ignition is stripped. Its a pretty common problem with this car (I've gone through two ignitions myself), especially if you let someone else drive it that isnt familiar with the kinks. In my case, I loaned my car while I was out of town and the person driving it didn't lock the shifter into park (when the shifter is IN the 'P' position but never clicks) and forced the key out. No good my friend.