BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
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xpansion is everywhere in the county seat of Jefferson County. Mount Vernon’s infrastructure is improving and its already impressive healthcare landscape is taking new shape. Yes, it’s an ideal time to live, work and play in this county of nearly 39,000 residents. One of the most exciting projects under way is the new $236 million Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center campus on Mount Vernon’s southwest side. The campus will span 359,000 square feet and contain 134 private rooms. “It is wonderful to see the advancements of Mount Vernon over the last couple of years,” said Victoria Woodrow, marketing and public
relations director for Good Samaritan. “It’s amazing to be a part of that. We’re really excited about what our new hospital will mean not only for Jefferson County, but for all of the counties that rely on us for their healthcare needs.” The city’s foundation is also undergoing an upgrade at the new Veterans Drive interstate exchange, where sewer service is being expanded from the east side of the interchange to the west. More improvements are slated for next spring, when the city will begin a $9 million project that will free up about 600 acres of land primed for economic development. The property’s inclusion in a tax-increment financing district will provide incentive for prospective businesses. All of the expansion and construction is boosting many
Work, play and grow in Jefferson County local businesses. Mount Vernon Outland Airport, which already pumps about $6 million annually in the local economy, will gladly show off its facility and services to incoming visitors. As will Mount Vernon’s GenKota Winery, soon to host its popular open house. The winery is decorated for the holidays, and its covered deck is the perfect spot for any joyous occasion. Jefferson County’s residents certainly have plenty to celebrate, particularly the prosperity and opportunity in their future.
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A memorial honoring women veterans erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution was dedicated June 18 outside C.E. Brehm Memorial Library in Mount Vernon. The statue depicts Major Tammy Duckworth (left), an Illinois veteran who lost both legs in the war in Iraq, and Revolutionary War hero Molly Pitcher.
From the mayor: Mount Vernon is the ‘Jobs City’ High School is in the second year of the Project he city of Mount Lead the Way Vernon continues to program, move forward with job offering growth, retail development courses in and major infrastructure Chesley engineering improvements. During the and biomedical fields. past couple of years, we have been working hard to Mount Vernon Township High School is awaiting bring jobs to Mount state allocation of funds for Vernon. Jobs for Mount the building of a new high Vernon also mean jobs for school. the region. The Jefferson County Continental Tire’s Economic Development commencement of a $224 million expansion program Corp. and Man-Tra-Con will bring in 444 additional have created and are promoting a unique jobs to their work force. program called World Class The Good Samaritan Workforce. This program Regional Health Center has been structured to project and the expansion of Crossroads Community educate and train current Hospital will provide about and future workers about the desirable 120 new jobs in the characteristics of a healthcare field. Magnum productive employee. Steel Works Inc. has just Infrastructure growth to announced plans for a $13 million expansion program the west of our new exit on with a new facility that will Interstate 57 has begun with the connection of a create an estimated 120 jobs within three years. The new sewer line under I-57 from the east side of the new $3 million Pepsi interstate to the west and Distribution/Service Center has potential for 20 running up Wells Bypass. This is the first phase that additional immediate will continue with the fivepositions. Job creation has created a lane extension of Veteran’s Drive west connecting to greater demand for a the three-lane extension of skilled workforce. With Davidson Avenue south. this demand, certain jobs This also includes the require a specialized skill addition of water and level. Our region’s sewer lines adjacent to community colleges have stepped in to help assist in these roads. This project will open up acres for retail providing courses to meet required skill levels in areas development as well as industrial and housing such as welding, mining, growth. medical care, engineering Some of our retail and special licensing. Rend developments this year Lake College also offers include Dunham’s, Buffalo dual-credit courses at the high school level, allowing Wild Wings, Agave, Kohl’s, the remodeling of Pizza students taking certain Hut, Imo’s Pizza and Panda courses to have those credits transferred to their Express. An honor was bestowed post-secondary education upon Mount Vernon this at Rend Lake College. year by the Daughters of Mount Vernon Township
BY MARY JANE CHESLEY FOR THE SOUTHERN
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the American Revolution. The Illinois Chapter of the DAR chose Mount Vernon as the site for a monument in honor of women veterans. It was built at the Brehm Memorial Library, which also houses the Illinois DAR genealogical archives. Our downtown area is experiencing a major influx of reinvestment through the creative use of the downtown Tax Increment Finance program. Within the last three years, the city has approved 37 redevelopment projects capitalizing about $1.5 million in TIF funds against about $4 million in private investments. This program, coupled with use of the two ITEP streetscape grants, is transforming the downtown area into a vital and attractive center. Local tourism revenue is up 6.6 percent from 2009. Jefferson County unemployment in 2009 was 10.3 percent. As of September of this year, it has dropped to 8.8 percent. Mount Vernon is fortunate to have a strong team of dedicated organizations and individuals working together on growth and economic development of our city. This team is comprised of members of Mount Vernon’s City Council, the Jefferson County Development Corp., the Greater Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Mount Vernon Airport Authority, Mount Vernon Township High School, Mount Vernon City Schools District 80, various boards, clubs and organizations and many of our residents. MARY JANE CHESLEY is mayor of Mount Vernon.
Airport adds Hall of Honor BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
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ince the 1940s, Mount Vernon Outland Airport has evolved into an aviation authority in Southern Illinois. Advanced facilities and specialized services are what have set the airport apart and made it a key cog in the Jefferson County economy. “We are constantly focused on improving our infrastructure,” said Airport Director Chris Collins. “Our ultimate goal is to provide jobs. We provide 75 full-time jobs, and the airport generates approximately $6 million to the local economy.” Collins has been with the airport for seven years. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, he has witnessed the town’s development. “As Mount Vernon continues to grow, the airport will get busier and busier,” Collins said. The airport’s grounds feature a 6,500-by-150foot runway equipped
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
One of the newest additions to the Mount Vernon Outland Airport is a Hall of Honor for veterans
DETAILS Mount Vernon Outland Airport 100 Aviation Drive, Mount Vernon 618-242-7016; www. mtvernonairport.com with an Instrument Landing System. Cargo, corporate, charter and recreational flying, as well as fixed-wing and helicopter flight training, occur daily at the airport. Safety is a main priority of the airport, which houses a fire station and serves as the super base for the Air-Evan Lifeteam. Collins has also worked hard to help establish the
Jefferson County Hall of Honor, a permanent memorial inside the airport dedicated to local veterans. The tribute features more than 300 individual wall-mounted displays and is an ongoing, collaborative effort of the Woodlawn Veterans Memorial Committee, the Mount Vernon Airport Authority, and Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1155. “It is the perfect example of what a good committee can do,” Collins said. “We have found a way to honor our veterans and preserve their history and service for future generations.”
THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
The U.S. Bank building stands at the corner of Broadway and South 10th streets in Mount Vernon.
Chamber of Commerce: ‘Yes is the answer; what’s the question?’ in county BY BRANDON BULLARD FOR THE SOUTHERN
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hile we are very proud of wonderful expansions and new additions to Mount Vernon and Jefferson County, let us not forget the core of the community, the small and large businesses, financial institutions, not-forprofits, civic clubs and existing businesses in the area that have been the backbone of growth not only in Jefferson County, but in the United States of America. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, I’d like to take this opportunity to show off our membership, invite you to come to Jefferson County and see the vast selection of goods and services right here in our hometown. Our Chamber of Commerce is a very active chamber, between ribbon cuttings, Business Afterhours, open houses and any of our special events, there is always something for everyone. We have several councils that make up the chamber here in Jefferson County. The Ambassadors Council is the eyes and ears of the chamber, constantly checking on our membership and their needs. The Small Business Council is the engine that drives the small businesses of the chamber, from our Shop it Here Jefferson County First Program to our Annual Business Expo, the SBC is never short on networking possibilities and initiatives to help any small business grow. Our Special Events Council hosts various events throughout the year, including our annual golf outing, our annual chamber dinner, leadership breakfasts and more. Another very active council that makes up the chamber is the Educational Clearing House. ECH works tirelessly to make sure our teachers and students continually have the resources they need to stay on the cutting edge of our future. ECH is raising funds for our Students of the Year scholarships, working on our Classroom Grant Program and hosting our Leadership Academy monthly with intriguing speakers and topics. Our Executive Board and our Board of Directors are the leaders of the chamber, guiding the ship to help our business community grow and prosper. The mission of the chamber is to advance business interests through education, marketing, legislation and economic initiatives, and with our strong board, we do so much more than that. I am thankful for the role I have in the community, and I love the outreach of our membership. This chamber feels there is no problem too big or too small to conquer in our community. I personally invite you to stop in, come to a monthly luncheon, attend one of our many
Business Afterhours and see what we’re all about. The momentum in Jefferson County is electric, and I am proud our active Chamber of Commerce is right in the middle of the action. Visit our website, www.southernillinois.com to learn more. And as always, when it comes to the JCCC, “Yes is the answer; what’s the question?!” BRANDON BULLARD is executive director of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; for information, call 618-242-5725 or email chamberexec@mvn.net.
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Adventure and activity await visitors and residents alike Upcoming events
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hose looking for affordable experiences, adventure and activities close to home are having another look at Mount Vernon and the Southern Illinois region. This area offers a number of highend, low-cost activities starting with outdoor recreation at Rend Lake, the area’s finest fishing guides, golf at premium courses, cultural activities and the chance to learn to fly light sport aircraft. The Rend Lake Recreation Area is just minutes from Mount Vernon and boasts facilities for camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding, bicycling and other outdoor adventures. One of its many draws is some of the best crappie fishing in Illinois. Amateurs and professionals alike fish Rend Lake year-round. One of the best ways to enjoy crappie fishing at Rend Lake is with one of the region’s professional guides. Show up with a fishing license, and the guides provide everything else. Aviation has taken center stage in Mount Vernon over the past few years with the Outland Airport serving as host for the Midwest Light Sport Aircraft Expo, the Rotorcraft Club Chapter Fly-In, the EAA Veterans Fly-in, KR Gathering and Ercoupe Owners event. These events have brought a wide range of flying machines to the area,
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
The Appellate Courthouse in Mount Vernon is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
brings most of the major DETAILS manufacturers of light sport aircraft to one place Call 800-252-5464 or at the same time. visit www.mtvernon. The expo provides a com. great opportunity for a novice to become familiar with some aircraft in a very with this popular segment affordable price range and of aviation. The Light enthusiasts who have a Sport Academy based at passion for flying. the airport provides a fast The Rotorcraft Club’s track program to learn to event brought a group of pilot light sport aircraft. aviators I would describe as The light sport pilot guys on flying motorcycles package includes books, who were very interested in study materials and flying sharing their hobby and time using their Jabiru providing information to airplane. those of us who didn’t Affordable is great, but know much about these free is even better. A day at machines. the museum can easily For someone wanting to stretch over several days to learn to fly, these events see everything in our provide some of the best exhibitions. Mount Vernon information and is home to Cedarhurst experiences from people Center for the Arts, a who know aviation and nationally recognized who know how to have fun. name in fine art and The annual Midwest cultural performance and Light Sport Aircraft Expo education.
The Cedarhurst Craft Fair is one of Mount Vernon’s signature events, hosted every year in September. Many of the programs and exhibits are offered free or at a small charge. Other museums offering free admission include the log cabin village at the Jefferson County Historical Village, the new Firefighters Museum and the Veterans Hall of Honor Military Museum. The local winery, shopping, parks, events, dining, golf, public art and historic landmarks can also help you achieve a lifestyle upgrade without spending a lot of money, all right here in beautiful Southern Illinois. BONNIE JERDON is director of the Mount Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Christmas Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2-3, Veterans Park; wide variety of hand-crafted holiday items for sale. 618-242-6890. Downtown Christmas Parade, 5 p.m. Dec. 3; 618-237-2387 or 618242-3151 Chocolate Festival, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8, Elks Lodge, 1107 Jordan St.; taste samples of contest entries; treats will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 at the Historical Village, Tourism Office, City Hall and from historical society members. Cakes, cookies, brownies, candy, pie and more; 618-246-0033 Powerhouse Athletics Christmas Bazaar, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 10, at Times Square Mall; bows, tutus, candles, scrapbooking, home decor, spices, kitchenware, jewelry, purses, pottery and makeup; entertainment for kids; 618-237-1663 or jelzy1@hotmail.com Christmas in the Park, Dec. 16-17, at Veterans Park; drive through the park decorated with thousands of traditional and religious themes, and also live scenes; 618-242-6890 Midwestern Herb & Garden Show, 10 a.m.9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Times Square Mall; demonstrations, classes; free admission; 618-315-1295 — MVTCB
Cedarhurst: An amazing cultural experience like no other BY SARAH SLEDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN
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edarhurst Center for the Arts celebrates the arts year-round with exciting visual and performing arts programs for members and the public. A 90-acre campus full of nature’s art provides an amazing, ever-changing backdrop for Cedarhurst’s Kuenz Sculpture Park, which exhibits more than 60 large-scale sculptures by nationally recognized artists. Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst, which opened in November 1973, offers national and international as well as regional art exhibitions in three galleries, including the Beck Family Center Gallery, a state-of-the-art education center for children of all ages. Cedarhurst founders John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell were active art collectors for more than four decades and acquired a significant collection of late 19th and early 20th century American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The Mitchells established a foundation and willed their entire estate for the benefit of residents and visitors in Southern Illinois. The Museum’s Permanent Collection features works by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins, Robert Henri, William Glackens, George Luks, John Sloan, Arthur B. Davies and Maurice Prendergast, members of The Eight; Childe Hassam and J. Alden Weir, members of The Ten; and John Singer Sargent, among others. This collection, found in the Bonan Permanent Collection Gallery at Cedarhurst, is a major
CEDARHURST Where: 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday; open Thursdays until 8 p.m. Info: 618-242-1236 or visit www.cedar hurst.org visiting the Beck Family Center will spark imagination and fun. Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst offers classrooms, studio space and equipment, such as kilns and weaving looms, for adult and youth art classes and workshops. PROVIDED The Regenhardt Gallery at ‘Big Bang’ by Bruce Johnson is an outdoor sculpture at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. Shrode Art Center features temporary of American artists. The exhibits of local and National Gallery of Art regional artists graciously consented to throughout the year. loan their Thomas Eakins, The 300-seat, The Chaperone, c.1908, 2,400-square-foot oil. The work Performance Hall, as well complements as several indoor and Cedarhurst’s own three outdoor venues on the paintings by Eakins. Cedarhurst campus, host The Mitchell Museum many events throughout Main Gallery hosts a the year. variety of 2-D and 3-D Indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout concerts, weddings and the year, many featuring receptions, corporate artists who have earned meetings as well the STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN national recognition. annual Cedarhurst ‘Kimball,’ a horse fashioned from chrome car bumpers by John A blockbuster exhibition Chamber Music series Kearney of Omaha, welcomes guests to the Mitchell Museum. featuring the original bring many visitors to work of renowned Cedarhurst. Museum of Art in New source of pride for photographer Ansel The stunning York City. The Bellows Southern Illinois. Adams is being planned architecture of the Retrospective (June 2012 An exciting event for 2012. Classic Images: Mitchell Museum through February 2013) scheduled for 2012 Photographs by Ansel building, coupled with the reaffirms the significance will give many visitors to Adams will be open Feb. natural surroundings of these major museums a of Cedarhurst’s place in 25 through May 6. Cedarhurst, welcomes glimpse of one of the the art world. The The Beck Family visitors to a serene National Gallery of Art in extraordinary works in Education Center inside cultural experience. Cedarhurst’s Permanent Washington, D.C., has Mitchell Museum is a Admission to the galleries Collection. requested to borrow hands-on interactive and the sculpture park is In the spirit of George Wesley Bellows’ environment providing free; some special events collaboration, Cedarhurst endless opportunities for may have an admission “Mrs. T. in Wine Silk,” requested to borrow from young visitors to 1919, oil on canvas, for charge. the National Gallery of the NGA’s major experience the textures, Art one of their retrospective of George color and excitement of SARAH SLEDGE is director permanent collection art Bellows (1882-1925.) The discovering art in the of communications at works that would enhance world around them. exhibition will also travel Cedarhurst Center for the Museum’s collection to the Metropolitan Whatever the season, the Arts.
The city’s most popular draws bring in tourism Appellate Courthouse The Courthouse was built around 1857 in the Greek revival style. Anyone interested in historic buildings and architecture won’t want to miss this building and the beautiful courtroom. It’s home to the Fifth District Appellate Court for the State of Illinois. President Abraham Lincoln argued cases at this location, including a tax case where he represented Illinois Central Railroad. Where: 14th and Main streets Phone: 618-242-3120
Granada Center for the Performing Arts Granada Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to the effort of preserving The Granada Theater. The facility is used for special events and fundraisers, and it is available for rental. Phone: 618-740-0707
Hall of Honor The Jefferson County Hall of Honor features several walls of framed tribute pages of veterans from the community. Also included are uniforms, weapons and medals. Where: Mount Vernon Outland Airport, 100 Aviation Drive Phone: 618-242-7016 Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
The Iris Farm With 28 iris beds, each 200’ long, bloom time at The Iris Farm is a sight to behold. At peak bloom, The Iris Farm expects more than 40,000 blooms. Where: East of Mount Vernon on Illinois 15 at Markham City Road. The iris beds are east of the house and barn. Use the driveway behind the store from Markham City Road or from Illinois 15. Phone: 618-732-8430 for information and a report on bloom times. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rend Lake Antique Mall The Rend Lake Antique Mall features more than 40 antiques and collectibles vendors. Where: 301 Ina Ave, Ina Phone: 618-437-5801 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon5 p.m. Sunday
Fire Museum The Fire Museum of Southern Illinois is one of the most comprehensive collections of historical firefighting equipment and photos in the region. The centerpiece of the museum is an MVFD original 1939 Diamond T fire engine. Where: Times Square Mall, 42nd and Broadway
Rend Lake This 18,000 acre reservoir was built to provide a dependable domestic water supply to a two-county area beginning in 1965. Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area was developed to provide public hunting and other recreational opportunities with marinas, boating, water skiing, camp sites, nature trails, golf, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hunting and horseback riding. Phone: 618-824-2493 Online: www.rendlake.com
Rend Lake College Rend Lake College has its main campus in Ina in Jefferson County. The RLC Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, is in Pinckneyville. The RLC Cultural Events Committee is a campus organization dedicated to bringing artists to the region. The main campus also houses a theater. Where: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina Phone: 618-437-5321
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Women benefit from spa, medical practice BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
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ith all of the expansion and construction under way in Mount Vernon, its residents are taking advantage of businesses that help them reach some relaxation. If you give the staff of Green Door Spa an hour of your time, they will give you back your mind. The mental and physical health of women is the main priority for spa owner Dr. Michael Schifano, who also founded Heartland Women’s Healthcare. Both Mount Vernon businesses offer services in line with improving the well-being, spirits and overall lifestyles of women. “We complement each other because we both deal and specialize in the need of women’s healthcare,” said Vel Green, manager of Green Door Spa. “We are always looking for a better way to educate the public on the importance of spa services for relieving stress.” Green Door Spa offers more than 120 services, including Botox injections, permanent make-up, hair and vein removal, therapeutic massages and facials. The Spa opened in October 2010 and has quickly attracted a large customer base. It also provides outpatient medical procedures along with upscale salon services. The spa is offering a holiday special on gift certificates through Nov. 24 to show its appreciation to its customers. Anyone who buys a $100 gift card will receive a $20 gift card for free. The business is also offering free gift-wrapping. “Women’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Green said.
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Vel Green, Green Door Spa manager, sits in the tranquility room at the facility. ‘Women’s health is our No. 1 priority. We assure the excellence of all services provided in a most serene atmosphere,’ Green said.
DETAILS
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
The Mount Olive Church is part of the Jefferson County Historical Village and Nature Trail.
Green Door Spa 3230 Veterans Memorial Drive, Mount Vernon 618-241-9400 www.thegreendoor spa.com Heartland Women’s Healthcare 1407 McPherson Ave., Mount Vernon 618-242-3346 www.ilobgyn.com
Historic village, museum and trail show how life used to be FOR THE SOUTHERN
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
“We assure the excellence of all services provided in a most serene atmosphere.” Green Door Spa customers can choose from body wraps, spa packages and massage therapies. For more information, call the spa at 618-241-9400 or visit www.thegreendoor spa.com. Heartland Women’s Health is a comprehensive practice offering a full range of OB/GYN, reproductive and prenatal services for women of all ages. The practice, which has delivered more than
Green Door Spa and Heartland Women’s Healthcare are on Veterans Memorial Drive.
15,000 babies, specializes in the latest 4-D ultrasound equipment. The practice has offices in Mount Vernon, Metropolis and many locations in between. “Heartland Women’s Healthcare has delivered more babies and brought better facilities to ensure proper health care to Mount Vernon,” Green said. “They have supported the new hospital … They have also opened numerous locations in the Southern Illinois area for the convenience of all.”
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Green Door Spa offers a lightfilled Tranquility Room.
GenKota wants to be your home for holidays BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
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ent and Sheree Easton treat their winery like their home. It is decorated for the holidays and welcome to visitors. An upcoming holiday open house (Nov. 19 and 20) will feature several unique gift baskets, personalized labels, artwork and a complete line of quality wines. It is just one of many similar events that have helped the Eastons improve GenKota Winery in Mount Vernon since buying it nearly two years ago. “Since we have taken over, we have hired an award-winning wine consultant and have taken our wines to a much higher quality and consistency,” Kent Easton said. “We have had much more entertainment. There are many great wineries in the state of Illinois and we strongly feel that with the steps we have taken, we fit into that category.” The Eastons bought the business from its original owners, who opened the
GENKOTA WINERY 301 N. 44 St., Mount Vernon 618-246-9463 www.genkotawine.com Upcoming: Holiday Open House Nov. 19 and 20; gift baskets, artwork, complete line of quality wines winery in 1997. “My wife had worked at GenKota for several years and when it became available, it seemed like a perfect fit,” Kent Easton said. Then, GenKota was just the sixth winery in the state. Now, there are nearly 100. “We are always trying to improve the grounds, the selection of merchandise and the overall experience of visiting GenKota,” Kent Easton said. “Our customers come first. When they leave, we want them to tell others about how great of a time they had here.” GenKota isn’t afraid to host a good party. The winery never charges covers for their musical events and keeps fans posted on upcoming
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STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
GenKota Winery is a popular attraction in Mount Vernon.
events through its Facebook page. The winery also hosts weddings, class reunions and unique charitable events like the grape stomp fundraiser earlier this fall. It also provides the perfect atmosphere for a more intimate gathering of friends or family members on its large, wraparound covered deck. It offers a complete line of wine-oriented gifts and accessories, as well as a variety of soups, cheeseball mixes, dips and other gourmet food. For beer lovers, GenKota sells all types of brew, including products from
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hile some local businesses slow down as cold weather approaches, DataLock in Mount Vernon is about to heat up. The business provides an array of information-management services, including the storage and shredding of secure documents. “It seems like the end of the year, people are interested in getting rid of their old documents and cleaning things up a little bit,” said DataLock General Manager Hal Burgan. “And tax season is busy for people shredding
gave up a career in law to manage DataLock. “We provide an important P.O. Box 1297 Mount service and we have loyal Vernon, IL 62864 customers.” 618-241-9481; www. Burgan estimates that 60 saferdocuments.com percent of the company’s hal@saferdocuments. business comes from com shredding sensitive materials. Paper documents are their financial items.” DataLock was formed 10 destroyed by a heavy-duty, years ago in Mount Vernon industrial-grade machine that can take care of more and has a solid reputation than four tons of paper in St. Louis, Paducah and Evansville. Some of its local documents per hour. Destroyed paper is shipped business accounts include St. Mary’s Good Samaritan to paper mills, where it is pulped, de-inked and Medical Group and Fifth recycled. Third Bank. The company also “We just enjoy the work eliminates micro-media and working with our and hard drives. hands,” said Burgan, who
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Big Muddy Brewery. And don’t forget about the wine. GenKota offers wines with names like Three Dog White, a semisweet blend of three white grape varietals, and Thunder Chicken, made from Jonathan apples. GenKota takes pride in serving its loyal customers. If you can’t get out to the winery, the Eastons will ship you a bottle or case of wine. They also offer catering services, tent rental and will handle decorating for your event. The winery’s new bottling room is available for parties of any occasion.
DataLock specializes in shredding and storage BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI
positive comments about, as well.” The compound also efferson County’s rich contains a one-room school, merchandise in history is worth its general store and celebrating. That is a message from operating blacksmith and print shops. the county’s historical “The village really has society, which works hard to maintain and improve something for everyone and we’ve heard all kinds the Jefferson County of favorites,” Wheeler Historical Village, said. “Everyone genuinely Museum and Nature seems to like going in the Trail. The complex’s one-room schoolhouse, appearance is adults and kids alike, and reminiscent of the late 1800s and early 1900s. It envisioning what school features a home from the was like all those years ago.” 19th century, a log The on-site church, a log jail and a Schweinfurth Museum medical building that houses a variety of contains such tools as a exhibits and a library. The foot-treadle dentist’s Kitty Irvin Nature Trail is drill and a Civil War a small trail leading from amputation kit. the village grounds to Old “Children often like to Union Cemetery, where visit the jail and enjoy seeing the skeleton in the some of Mount Vernon’s most well-known early medical building,” said settlers are buried. Jamie Wheeler, the The historical society historical society’s will host its Chocolate director of community relations. “Right now, we Festival Fundraiser on Dec. 8 at the Elks Lodge have a Wedding Dresses in Mount Vernon. The of the Past exhibit on event will feature a display in the dessert contest and a Schweinfurth Museum bake sale. that we’ve heard many BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI
In terms of document storage, DataLock stores and manages all types of information materials, including boxed paper records, open-filing records, digital media and backup tapes. The business carries the AAA security certification offered by the National Association for Information Destruction in multiple service categories. The business often teams up with local efforts to offer free shredding days for the public. Earlier this year, DataLock joined forces with The United Way of South Central Illinois to collect school supplies.
Jefferson County Historical Village and Nature Trail 1411 N. 27th St., Mount Vernon 618-246-0033 www.jchs.mvn.net Chocolate Festival Fundraiser Elks Lodge in Mount Vernon 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8 Entry forms, rules, tickets at historical society office, Mount Vernon Tourism office and Mount Vernon City Hall or available by calling the historical society.
Jefferson County Historical Village and Museum Reflecting the History of Jefferson County Log Cabin, Log Jail, Log Church, One Room School House Operating Blacksmith & Printshop Museum of Medical Equipment
Tours by appointment www.JCHS.MVN.net JCHSVIP@mvn.net 1411 N. 27th St., Mt. Vernon, IL Phone: 618-246-0033
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