Progress Edition II

What’s New. What’s Next.

A two-part special section focusing on the progress Southern Illinois is making, from major issues to small towns with big hopes for the future. See how far the region has come in meeting today’s needs and preparing for the future.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Today, October 18, 2012

Education & Schools Southern Illinois University Community colleges New and improved playing fields Tri-C, Mount Vernon, Perry County

Health Care Southern Illinois Healthcare St. Mary’s Good Samaritan and Crossroads Logan Park in Herrin Heartland Women’s Healthcare

Arts & Entertainment Cedarhurst Center for the Arts That’s Agritainment SI Music Festival Flood murals in Cairo

Community Revitalization Streetscapes: Benton and West Frankfort Our changing downtowns Sesser’s a bedroom community

Growth & Expansion Transportation projects Regional churches Reed Station Road in Carbondale Amtrak Broadband expansion Changing media portals Agriculture Advancements Local food movements Green movements

Tourism & Recreation Wine country / Visitor hospitality Mount Vernon’s new bike trail Marion’s Recreation Center Casinos / Carbondale’s Splash Park World Shooting & Recreational Complex The Beer Trail / Southern Illinois Miners Public Safety Southern Illinois Enforcement Group New National Guard armories New county jails Union County Courthouse

Go to www.thesouthern.com/progress to read the first half of this special project or purchase a section at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale

2E

HEALTH CARE

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Plenty of progress is still being made in Southern Illinois FROM THE EDITOR GARY METRO

T

here are two kinds of people.

Some look at a partially filled glass and label it as half empty.

Others look at the same vessel and describe it as half full.

Half-empty folks look at their surroundings in Southern Illinois and see unemployment, crumbling infrastructure and a standard of living that isn’t keeping pace with state and national population centers.

But those who see the glass as halffull view joblessness as a temporary and solvable problem and instead focus on the public works and private enterprise developments that are the foundation for a stronger region.

Take a good look around, and you’ll better understand why I’m confident in predicting better tomorrows.

Health care is a good example of our region’s progress. Under the leadership of Southern Illinois Healthcare,

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale has evolved into a sprawling medical complex. And SIH is in the process of developing a $19.9 million multifaceted cancer center.

Tourism is another good example.

We are blessed to live near the many wineries and vineyards of our region, some nestled in the rolling hills between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Those same attractions and their entertainment schedules draw

people from across Illinois and bordering states. Many stay in the cabins that are populating the region; others stay in the inns and B&Bs. Check out the pages of this special report for examples of a region where many believe the best is yet to come.

GARY METRO is the editor of The

Southern Illinoisan. He can be reached at 618-351-5033 or gary.metro@ thesouthern.com.

Logan Park centralizes health care

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN

Dr. Nabil Al-Sharif, cardiologist, looks at a sample CT chest scan and left heart cath at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Always moving forward Innovations keeping us safer, healthier

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD

T

The Southern

here have been innovative developments and expansions of medical services in Southern Illinois within recent years to accommodate residents here and eliminate expensive and time-consuming travel to other areas.

The initial arrival of robotic surgery here nearly two years earlier at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center of Mount Vernon keeps Southern Illinois in tune with the latest developments of minimally invasive surgical procedures for example.

The da Vinci Surgical System offers highly magnified images of the patient while seamlessly transferring the surgeon’s hand movements to the robot.

For patients, there is less scarring, blood loss, need for transfusions and a reduced length of stay.

Within two main population centers, Carbondale and Marion, robotic surgery has arrived also with a widening array of surgical procedures from urologic and gynecologic to potential cardiothoracic and general surgery at Southern Illinois Healthcare and Heartland Regional Medical Center.

SIH’s Herrin Hospital expanded with a $7 million, 11,055-square-foot emergency ward that doubles patient service capacity.

At Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, a new 12,200-square-foot expanded intensive care unit was finished building about a month earlier.

It offers a new telemetry monitoring system for highly advanced patient care with around-the-clock monitoring care performed by highly trained technicians.

Physicians can utilize the telemetry system as a workstation at the bedside to pull up digital imaging and access patient health histories and information.

In April during a SIH Foundation Dinner, it was

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

EMT Dustin Snellgrove (right) and paramedic Pete Zaleskas wheel a stretcher into an assisted living home while student Christina Diamond, who is studying to become a paramedic and registered nurse, follows behind as they respond to a call for an individual who was experiencing difficulty breathing.

announced that plans for a local cancer center was under way with funds being raised for the $20 million project and a location not yet decided. The center will be designed to provide centralized care in one facility and allow cancer patients to get an array of cancer treatments instead of going outside the region. The news has already spurred some exciting cancer research being done in this area that will be a big boon to the 1,100 cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated through SIH. “I’m very impressed with the response and collaborative efforts of those in Southern Illinois about this project,” said Dr. David Steward, chair of the internal medicine department at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

The project is a two-year study announced in February that will explore disparities in the treatment of lung cancer in Southern Illinois. SIH and the Illinois State Cancer Registry is joining SIU for the project titled “Collaboration to Reduce Lung Cancer Disparities in Southern Illinois Delta,” and will include the 16 most southern counties in this region.

“There is a very high rate of occurrence of lung cancer in this 16-county area. It’s 30 percent higher than

working with two other faculty members and a group of 10 laboratory people. They are using a new research model — chickens or specifically the laying hen — that are naturally susceptible to ovarian cancer.

And the results of some of their findings in the way of dietary intervention, specifically with flax seed could provide new break through in preventing and treating the deadly cancer.

A long-term study involving the laying hens found that with a regular flax seed diet their whole lives, there was a 30 percent reduction of contracting ovarian cancer and a 70 percent reduction in thwarting the severity of the disease, Hales said.

“We’re partnering with some in the food industry in flax products. There’s not only hope and prevention of this disease, this gives us a new understanding of it. Women won’t have to walk around feeling like a walking timebomb,” Hales said.

The presence of a new nearby cancer center will aid research, he said.

“We’re excited about the building of a new cancer center.

This will offer more of a clinical presence that we can work directly with,” Hales said.

The news about Southern Illinois being a good location to practice medicine is getting around.

Dr. Marci Moore-Connelley, assistant professor of clinical family and community medicine at the SIU Family Medicine Residency Program with clinics in West Frankfort and Carbondale, said “interest in our program has increased.”

There are six new residents accepted every year as 18 total work through a three-year program overseen by nine attending physicians.

“A large percentage of those who complete their residency stay in the area. They are coming from all over the country,” Moore-Connelley said.

anywhere else in the state. We will be working with local health coalitions that are active in the area and learn ways on how to intervene and find out what the barriers are to earlier diagnostics,” Steward said.

There are plans also to involve the SIU campus here in the study as Steward said, “It’s important to have people locally involved.”

The school of medicine will also work with SIH to support a lung nodule evaluation program to ensure that suspicious lesions found on CT scans (computerized tomography that provides a 3-D view of bones and soft tissues) get appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment, Steward said.

“We hope the result is that, by finding lung cancers at an early stage, these patients can receive treatment that may cure them, rather than letting some early cancers spread and become less treatable. We’ll be meeting with local people and conducting meetings over the next few months,” Steward said, noting the proposed area cancer center lends itself very well for future cancer treatment in this specific area.

Another area of cancer research — ovarian cancer — is being conducted at SIU by Dale Buck Hales, chair of the SIU scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com physiology department, who is 618-351-5076

More than a decade earlier, a group of physicians including Dr. Thomas W. Davis, an orthopedic surgeon from Carbondale, saw the need for a more centralized location to offer medical specialty practices.

They combined their pool of resources to purchase property south of Herrin off Illinois 13 that is referred today as Logan Park.

“He (Davis) and his group of four physicians merged with two physicians from Marion.

They both saw a need for a centralized location for the people of Southern Illinois in between three population centers where orthopedic services could be offered,” said Dr. Davis’ son, Dr. J.T. Davis, who joined the team in 2006 after completing a fellowship at the Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic.

The Marion and Carbondale orthopedic groups combined services in November 2000 and opened their new joint practice at 510 Lincoln Drive in Herrin.

With the leadership of the physicians, the Surgery Center is operated in partnership with Southern Illinois Healthcare.

Davis said the current center has expanded to become a 12-man group with the services offered in ambulatory procedures and outpatient surgeries.

There are specialty services also for the hands, feet and total joints with spine treatment offered beginning in 2013.

What Dr. Tom Davis and the other physicians had in mind when the center opened was allowing patients to be seen by a specialist, receive a diagnostic MRI and even be scheduled for outpatient surgery, all in a single day.

“It’s one-stop shopping,” said Dr. Tom Davis in an earlier interview.

The importance of what the orthopedic surgeons and doctors were trying to accomplish and why they chose a centralized location was not overlooked by economic development people and Herrin city/civic leaders.

They actively recruited other medical specialties to the location that includes a nearby assisted living apartment complex that broke ground in November 2011.

Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter said at the groundbreaking, city/civic leaders had worked more than a decade to annex more than 300 acres of land for Herrin in and around Logan Park to expand its business growth.

“You need the land. It’s an advantage to them (new developments) as they get access to city water, sewer and trash collection.

People coming in are leery of taxes going up, but they’re not. We improve services for them,” Ritter said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

3E

HEALTH CARE

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

SIH: A leader in local care

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Pinckneyville Community Hospital sits at the corner of Jackson and Walnut streets in Pinckneyville.

Pinckneyville still waiting, hoping for new hospital

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD

new hospital would be built with expansion in mind for the future on property purchased by the This year has marked renewal in building a new hospital district in 2008 near the intersection of hospital in Pinckneyville White Walnut Road and after a major effort to do Illinois 154. Originally so two years earlier hit a designed at slightly more roadblock in 2010 when than 100,000-squarethe Department of feet, the new hospital Housing and Urban design was scaled back to Development declined to reduce costs from $34 back financing. million to $20 million.

Despite receiving a The new hospital will certificate of need from offer more space, the state of Illinois, the HUD deemed the hospital consolidate medical services under a single unnecessary in their own roof and be in keeping study.

But, that didn’t stop the with the latest medical Pinckneyville Community trends, Hudgins said.

“In a nutshell, for the Hospital Board of Directors from its mission price of a new building, we would be able to to proceed with a project solve half the medical that has been discussed issues we have here,” since 2002.

Hudgins said.

During a January board During the March meeting, directors voted meeting when the board unanimously to pursue cost estimates on revised, took action to proceed with a new loan scaled-back plans for a application to the USDA, new facility. They also it was announced sought numbers for construction time for the renovating the current building project would hospital built in the take about 16 months — 1960s and expanded in that was a shorter period the 1970s, but soon from 24 months for the learned that complying with mandated 2010 life- larger plan.

There were some tense safety codes would boost those renovations into the moments this summer when hospital officials same neighborhood as and board directors saw a building a new hospital. certificate of need for the There was also the new hospital from the problem of continuing Illinois Health Facilities day-to-day work at the and Services Board set to current facility during a expire in October. But the major renovation.

Pinckneyville Community board granted a 12-month extension.

Hospital Administrator USDA officials met with Tom Hudgins said Pinckneyville hospital renovation would have administrators in late had to include asbestos September to discuss the abatement requiring status of their loan stringent sealing off that would also likely interfere application.

Hudgins said it was a with day-to-day duties. positive meeting as USDA In March after some tweaking of numbers and officials had some questions about the modifications to the hospital feasibility study original design/plan, the board voted unanimously submitted to them.

“We’ve been putting to proceed with a together a set of answers $20-million loan to provide them (USDA application with U.S. officials) a little more of Department of Agriculture over a 40-year the background to make sure they understand payout period with where the information 3.375 percent interest. came from and give them The revised plan for a new hospital would retain a better feel for how rural hospitals — especially the core services of the those that are criticalcurrent 25-bed critical access hospital in the new access hospitals — operate and how our cash flow facility. Rehabilitation works,” Hudgins said. services and administrative offices scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com would remain at their current locations and the 618-351-5076

THE SOUTHERN

and Golf Carts Too!

David Holland of Southern Illinois Healthcare is not a doctor or nurse. Yet, he is still a health care provider in that what he does as chief innovation officer for SIH and chairman for the Health Information Exchange of Southern Illinois is vital in the new wave of technology that has swept over the healthcare field in all regions of the country including Southern Illinois.

“I use information technology systems such as electronic health records to provide information to clinicians.

The information they have about patients include medical history, lab results, images, X-rays and CT scans that are critical to the care they provide. I improve health care by improving the way information is collected, reviewed and moved through the healthcare system,” Holland said.

Holland coordinates his mission with the other evolving networks of health information exchange that is making patient information available to just about anyone in or anywhere within the health care field. He also serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Health Information Exchange Authority of Chicago.

SIH can provide electronic health records to physicians who practice exclusively in SIH hospitals and those who practice within Southern Illinois Medical Services that is an SIH subsidiary.

There is work currently being done now to incorporate more SIH records within the Illinois Health Information Exchange and the Office of National Coordinator to build systems that will eventually give all clinicians access to a patient’s total and complete electronic health record, Holland said.

Some of the rapid transmission of personal health information available in particular settings such as a patient getting a checkup from a new doctor for the first time, or the dispensing of medicines on regimented schedules or a child getting hurt at summer camp and being rushed to emergency, enhances a key element in the health care field — safety through accuracy, Holland said.

“I have a vision someday soon, at an emergency room in every Illinois hospital, clinicians will have total access to a complete electronic health record and medical history for every Illinois citizen within seconds of its need,” Holland said.

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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is seen from atop the parking garage.

There is a cost-savings to having electronic health records. Specific patient testing will not be needlessly redone because clinicians will have access through the health information exchange.

“This could save millions of dollars in Illinois alone,” Holland said.

And a great deal of electronic health records could be steered toward prevention to aid and educate patients that could deter expensive medical treatments and care down the road, he said.

Holland said he is excited in incorporating more of Southern Illinois into the electronic health record flow as he presides over the Health Information Exchange of Southern Illinois.

Formed in 2009 in partnership with the Connect SI Foundation, the exchange has initiated a planning process for regional health information exchange throughout 31 Southern

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The front of Herrin Hospital is shown.

Illinois counties. The exchange has been funded through state and federal grants.

Family practitioner Dr. Dennon Davis of Logan Primary Care in West Frankfort has utilized the availability of electronic health records for several years now and is ecstatic about its benefits.

“Before I walk in to see patients, I have their histories. I review

everything with the nurse, do my physical, talk with patients about their problems and type out a plan of care for patients that will include a medication list, laboratory orders and daily instructions. Our goal is to get away from paper as much as possible,” Davis said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

4E

HEALTH CARE

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Crossroads Community Hospital on Aug. 9 in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon booming with facilities Crossroads growing

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

Crossroads Community Hospital is moving forward with the opening of a new three-story patient tower Aug. 9, a $23 million expansion that houses radiology and respirator therapy, a laboratory and admitting area on the first floor.

All private patient care rooms with 57 beds total are on the second and third floors, said Debi Richardson, Crossroads director of marketing and public relations.

“We are looking to recruit new physicians and specialists,” Richardson said, adding that a gastroenterologist, neurologist and nephrologist have recently been added to the staff. “We feel like we have a facility to recruit and retain specialists.”

Within the next 18 months, Crossroads hopes to add a cardiologist, pediatrician, pulmonologist and an ear, nose and throat physician to its staff, she said.

The new expansion is part of an ambitious expansion plan that began in 1966 as a nursing home. A new hospital was erected by Illinois Highway 15 in 1981 with a name change in 1986 that was influenced by the crossing of Interstates 57 and 64 in Jefferson County.

There was expansion, renovation and new building throughout the 1990s with a new surgical services department constructed in 1993. A master plan was developed soon after and in 1998, a medical office building was erected just north of the hospital.

In 1999, the hospital intensive care unit was relocated to a larger space and expanded to five rooms. A new emergency department opened in 2002 with expansion of surgical services around the same period, Richardson said.

Surgery expanded again within a 10-year period and the final step of the master plan called for construction of the three-story tower to link most of the specialty services within easy and comfortable access.

But, it’s not all building that gives Crossroads its reputation.

The hospital ranks high on health grade charts for its hip replacement facility and infectious control standards. Many patients arrive here from out-ofstate to get specialized services, Richardson said.

“It will be exciting to see what is in store in the next master plan and where Crossroads will take health care from here,” Richardson said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5076

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Construction work is shown at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mount Vernon.

St. Mary’s Good Sam honored for work

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

It’s getting exciting for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan, a recipient of the 2011 Gold Award winner from Illinois Performance Excellence for the health center’s sound and notable continuous improvement principles.

A $237 million Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center building project approved by Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board more than three years earlier is nearing completion for visitors’ tours Jan. 5-6 with an official Jan. 20 opening date when patients will be moved into the new 359,000-square-foot facility.

The new medical campus is located on Veteran’s Memorial Drive, directly adjacent to the new interchange for Interstates 57 and 64. Two of Good Samaritan’s joint venture projects are already located on the site, the Orthopedic Center of Southern Illinois and the Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care.

“We truly are raising the bar for health care in Southern Illinois,” said Victoria Woodrow, marketing

and public relations director for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Inc. in an earlier interview. “The whole design of the hospital is very innovative. It will have the feel of a five-star hotel.”

The new center contains 134 private patient rooms designed for patient safety and comfort. It also provides space for a family area so family members and relatives can stay the night with modern conveniences available such as wireless capability for computers and flat-screen television monitors, Woodrow said.

To reduce the possibility of patient falls, each room has a shorter distance between bed and bathroom, she said.

In addition to the safety features, there are nature elements as part of the interior design and multiple pieces of art work to enhance a healing environment, green concepts to reduce energy usage, room service menus for patients and more parking, Woodrow said.

“We have 13 commissioned art pieces from regional artists and a two-story water wall,” Woodrow said about the art pieces.

There is a garden level and five floors, a new medical office building that includes a surgery center and more outpatient diagnostic services connected to the hospital. The design done by BSA LifeStructures of St. Louis/Indianapolis, accommodates a cardiac rehabilitation gym and an expanded critical care emergency department.

McCarthy Building of St. Louis, Lipps Construction of Mount Vernon and Shores Builders of Centralia have been project contractors usinganywhere from 275 to 430 full-time builders and specialists during the 30-month long project.

The new center is expected to be a boon to economic development by creating many new permanent jobs by 2016. There is a demand for more physicians and people to fill fulltime office jobs.

The increased size of the center employment pool is projected to create more than $11 million in salaries and benefits, Woodrow said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

Heartland Women’s Healthcare earning a stellar reputation

BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN

When Lauren Craig of Marion first learned she was expecting, she was facing a large number of choices — everything from baby names to what type of diapers to buy. Perhaps no decision was important as whom to trust with her prenatal care, delivery and all-important care once her new baby is born this month. For her pregnancy, Craig chose one of the area’s fastest-growing specialty clinics, Heartland Women’s Healthcare.

From humble beginnings with four physicians and a single location in Marion, Heartland Women’s Healthcare has grown to include 22 medical providers in 14 — soon to be 16 — locations across the region. The practice includes physicians, two midwives and six midlevel practitioners.

“We have many different providers from many different backgrounds, which allows almost any patient to find a caring professional they can relate to,” says Dr. Michael Schifano, one of the founders of Heartland Women’s Healthcare. “What really makes us different is that we travel to the outlying communities to see our patients instead of expecting them all to come to see us.

This has been extremely popular with patients who then

Those locations stretch from Belleville to McLeansboro and Metropolis to Flora. Even with facilities are in smaller communities, patients can get the full range of 22 medical providers including physicians, midwifes services. and mid-level practitioners “Heartland has everything and more for women’s 14 locations ranging from Belleville to McLeansboro healthcare that you could find in a large city, Schifano and Metropolis to Flora says. “Our expertise includes high-risk obstetrical care, robotic surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, urinary can have procedures done in their own community incontinence surgery and in office procedures for hospital. It also has been a win for the community sterilization and abnormal bleeding.” hospitals to be able to have some outpatient surgery Services include the latest in technology, he adds. performed in their hospital instead of losing the business “Our patients experience the best in technology while to a larger regional hospital.” staying as personalized as possible. We have modern new Heartland Women’s Healthcare Marketing Director offices with electronic medical records and the best Ashton Stephens says women appreciate the wide ultrasound equipment, which allows all of our patients to selection of medical providers. experience seeing their bundle of joy in 4-D. Every “We have so many female providers; a lot of women telephone call to our office is answered by a person who have OB-GYN needs want a woman provider to care instead of a machine with lunchtime being no for them,” she says. “We now have 17 female providers.” exception.”

Craig says the option of having a more natural Craig says that’s exactly what she has experienced. childbirth attracted her to Heartland Women’s “They have been extremely helpful to me from the Healthcare. time I walked in the door. They have been there for “I liked the idea of using a midwife,” she explains. “I anything I could ask for. The 4D ultrasound was a really also like that there are so many locations, so I can go to neat experience. I loved being able to see what the baby the one that is most convenient for me.” looks like before we get to meet him.”

HEARTLAND WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE

5E

REVITALIZATION

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Downtown: The heart of local communities

BY BRENT STEWART The Southern

A

s progress takes place, sometimes old things are left behind.

But in the cases of entities such as towns, the old things may include areas that were once vibrant and are still the heart of a community.

Many downtowns across Southern Illinois were built around the turn of the century or earlier and feature a number of architecturally appealing buildings.

As the years went on, progress took the retail business that used to populate the downtown to shopping centers on the outskirts of town, or to other nearby communities.

As businesses left the downtown areas, some buildings fell into disrepair.

Many Southern Illinois communities face a number of challenges in revitalizing their old downtown areas, to bring about a progress that takes the old and makes it new.

Du Quoin Rex Duncan, Du Quoin finance commissioner, said his downtown has remained vibrant because many of the people still regard it as a central business district and want and hope for it to stay that way.

“I think in an age where a lot of shopping is done online, a lot of shopping is done at malls and big box stores, at the end of the day even young people still feel an attachment to the downtown” Duncan said. “They still identify that downtown as central to their experience of growing up. You don’t see parades that go down the corridor of a mall. The flags fly in downtown. People celebrate in downtowns.”

Duncan said municipalities can support downtowns by providing for infrastructure improvements, keeping up lighting and vegetation, ensuring regular police patrols and helping to facilitate façade improvements.

“Those are all ways downtowns are attractive, safe and a welcoming platform for business,” Duncan said.

Du Quoin is gearing up for a number of infrastructure improvements downtown after the holidays, installing a new water line and replacing the sidewalks. Duncan said it’s also looking at putting in Internet hotspots.

About 20 businesses have taken part in a façade improvement program offered by the city, Duncan said.

“I think our downtown is still evolving, but while you still try to pay attention to the historical integrity of your business district, you still have to modernize,” Duncan said. “And that’s where we’re at.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

A view from the second floor of Furniture Direct looking north along South Main Street in Anna is shown. There have been recent efforts to coordinate the marketing of the downtown area.

always well-maintained.

Williams said a project to replace one of the town’s main water lines will likely result in new sidewalks on the north side of the street. Murphysboro has some loan monies available to help property owners maintain their structures.

“It’s not a lot of money, but it’s money available if people want to put money into it,” Williams said. “If you have a building in disrepair, you have a better chance of renting it or selling it.”

Anna

Some local towns are taking dramatic steps to bring businesses and people to their old downtowns.

In Anna, work has begun on the first phase of a downtown renovation plan.

A section of East Davie Street — from Freeman to South Main Street — along the railroad tracks will be under construction that should be completed in two to three months.

Crews are taking out the old road bed and reworking utilities underneath, including water, gas and storm sewers. A new road will then be built with new sidewalks, street lighting, green spaces, fire hydrants and with improved parking and handicap access.

“Just really from the ground up, re-doing the entire road and sidewalk,” said Anna City Manager Steve Guined.

That section of Davie Street is home to businesses such as the Ole Skate Barn, The Enchanted Garden and the Depot Murphysboro Restaurant and Lounge.

Murphysboro Mayor Ron When finished, Guined said Williams said the city was the area would have a “period fortunate in that almost every look.” space downtown is filled, but The total cost of the Davie consumers aren’t conditioned to Street project is $650,000. The come there for shopping like city is paying 20 percent of the they did 30 years ago. cost. Guined said the rest is “It’s just an ongoing battle to funded by federal and state keep the appearance up as best highway funds. we can and have people that do Anna is also working on go in and put in a business and securing another grant for succeed,” Williams said. another phase of the downtown Murphysboro’s downtown has renovation plan — to renovate a number of challenges, the downtown part of South Williams said. In addition to a Main Street, which is also part narrow main street that does of Illinois 146. That phase would not allow for much parking and include installing new sidewalks that are not in good sidewalks, lighting and green condition, many downtown spaces on that stretch of road. property owners are absentee Depending on funding, it will landlords and buildings are not begin in 2014.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The Browning Building is shown in downtown Du Quoin.

“The city is making a statement,” Guined said. “We want to keep a small town feel in our old main street area and hopefully encourage some business development.”

Cairo An ambitious new revitalization program in Cairo challenges its residents’ — and potential residents — imagination to see the town’s potential.

More than 60 dilapidated and unsightly structures have been demolished in a project that

began in Cairo’s downtown and eventually spread citywide.

Eventually, more than 100 structures will be demolished in an effort to revitalize the city and encourage business development; improving the town’s appearance and safety.

Cairo, along with the Cairo Public Utility Company, has been working on the plan for seven years.

To date, the project has received three separate $750,000 grants from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity for the purchase and demolition of

the properties.

Mayor Tyrone Coleman said this program is important for Cairo to move forward in a number of ways, not just economically. Coleman said some may look at empty lots as a glass half empty, but he see the potential and looks at it as a glass half full.

“I don’t see Cairo the way it is, I see it the way it can be and that’s what (we’re) working toward,” Coleman said. brent.stewart@thesouthern.com 618-351-5805 On Twitter: @BrentStewartSI

Benton streetscape would feature town’s history THE SOUTHERN

with an attractive walkway, Franklin County Historical BENTON — Benton is Society President Robert S. hoping a proposed Rea said. “streetscape” will bring The city received a more people downtown. $394,000 Illinois The streetscape project Department of will, in effect, create a Transportation “museum district” by enhancement grant that connecting the Historic Jail will pay for the majority of Museum and Franklin the project. The 20 percent County Garage Museum local match will be paid for

out of tax-increment financing district funds.

“We’re using the Downtown TIF for our share so nothing will come out of the general fund,” said Benton Mayor Gary Kraft.

“The project will make the downtown area more pleasing to the eye.”

White & Borgognoni

Architects, P.C. designed the project that includes new sidewalks with decorative pavers, landscaped “green” spaces, trash receptacles, benches and new street lighting.

Some of the utility poles in the area will be removed and utilities buried and accessible concrete sidewalks, curb ramps and

crosswalks will be built.

The project will take in an area from the front of the jail museum on West Main Street to North Maple Street; north on North Maple Street to Washington Street; east on Washington Street to North Main Street and north to the garage museum fronting North

Main Street.

“The area will complement the Benton Public Square, echoing the historic theme of the streetscape there,” Rea said.

The project will go out for bid as soon as any requested changes to plans are made and final approval given.

6E

REVITALIZATION

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

A sign sits in the vacant lot, which will be the new Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame on Wednesday in Pinckneyville.

Pinckneyville taking control of its destiny

BY BRENT STEWART

Kunz Opera House, located on northeast corner of the Perry County Courthouse square, for the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum to Some Pinckneyville citizens are taking build its physical site. their town’s future into their own The Foundation has also fronted the hands, instead of waiting on state or money for designs to expand national governments to help.

Pinckneyville City Park and have helped In 2006, a number of community expand the city’s education foundation. leaders — most notably Chuck It was also instrumental in starting Dobrinick, former president of the the Friends of Pyramid State Park nonPinckneyville Chamber of Commerce — for profit group, formed to increase came together to identify the town’s tourism opportunities in what is strengths and weaknesses. The Illinois’ largest state park.

Foundation for Pinckneyville was born.

Rushing said many small towns in From that, a strategic plan was Southern Illinois have kept the status developed, which was updated again in quo, but the Foundation is trying to 2010. push the boundaries of what “Through the first strategic planning Pinckneyville can be. report, they identified quite a few “The problem is, if you keep it the PROVIDED initiatives,” said Tibretta Reiman, same, you die,” Rushing said. “We general manager for the Foundation for A rendering of the physical site for the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame on the Pinckneyville Town Square was on display at the IBHOF induction ceremony. realize that. We’re trying to change.

Pinckneyville.

We’re trying to make a positive change The Illinois Rural Heritage Museum take off from there,” said Chad Rushing, and we’re not trying to do it and life on the farm. was the first project initiated by the a member of the Foundation.

The Foundation provided Greer the halfheartedly.”

Foundation, who purchased its current In April, the Foundation teamed with ability to bring it to life. site in January 2008. The idea the Engelhardt Family Foundation to “(The Foundation) is a way to get originated with lifelong Perry County brent.stewart@thesouthern.com purchase the former locations of the 618-351-5805 farmer Charlie Greer — who envisioned these people together, get the ball Pinckneyville Antique Mall and the On Twitter: BrentStewartSI opening a museum dedicated to farming rolling and then we step back and let it

THE SOUTHERN

Goreville continues to expand its downtown

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN

Goreville residents are getting used to hearing the sound of breaking ground. The hum of machinery and the crashes of demolition have been continually echoing down Broadway lately, as Goreville makes an effort to bolster its business offerings.

Built in 1926, the building that served as the Walker Home Supply since 1956 was the most recent structure to come down.

It was demolished to make way for a new Family Dollar parking lot and business, slated for construction in the coming months.

Within the last five years, Goreville’s downtown has also added a pharmacy, a restaurant and a bank.

And village leaders aren’t done with the expansion.

Thanks to a TIF program passed in 2008, businesses are eager to move into the tax-friendly district.

“We are also working on a Subway restaurant, and lumber yard and hardware store,” said Goreville Village Trustee Jason Beckmann. “(Those), along with other businesses to enhance the lives of citizens of Goreville and surrounding areas.”

Keeping dollars in Goreville is a primary focus during the downtown development, as is making life a little easier on residents. “It’s great that people don’t have to go to Marion for everyday items,” Beckmann said.

And if people from outside of Goreville drive down Broadway

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Downtown Goreville is shown earlier this year.

anytime soon, they may be surprised by the village’s progress.

“People are definitely impressed,” Beckmann said.

“We’re working on expanding from exit to exit. We want to

become the future home of people who may not want to live in Marion, the same way that people move to O’Fallon to be close to, but not live in, St. Louis.”

Beckmann said the village has

received overwhelming support from its citizens during the seemingly constant downtown construction. He is excited to be involved in boosting business in an area known more for its natural beauty found at nearby

Ferne Clyffe State Park and Lake of Egypt.

“We have received very positive feedback from the community,” Beckmann said.

“It’s an exciting time and great place to be.”

7E

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE

Helping Shape the Future of Southern Illinois

One Student at a Time.

www.jalc.edu One of the Best Educations in the Country

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8E

TOURISM & RECREATION

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Welcome to wine country Southern Illinois dotted with acclaimed vineyards, wineries

BY LINDA RUSH The Southern

L

ike the grapes themselves, their vines seemingly a perfect match for Southern Illinois’ climate and terrain, the region’s vineyards and wineries are growing at a nearexponential pace.

The growth is not only in the number of wineries on hillsides; many of the businesses also are growing far beyond their humble beginnings.

Tasting rooms are still the focus, of course, but wineries and vineyards now boast lodgings, food service, a wide variety of live music, free Internet access, gift shops and event spaces that can be used for special occasions year round.

Perhaps the biggest boost to the burgeoning Southern Illinois wine industry came from approval of the Shawnee Hills as Illinois’ first American Viticultural Area. Approval of the AVA designation by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau in 2006 gives the region’s products their own trademark, similar to that of wines from the Napa Valley or Sonoma regions in California.

Winemakers can use the “Shawnee Hills” region name on any wines that include 85 percent or more of their volume from grapes grown within the AVA. Ted Wichmann, who worked with the Renzaglia family at Alto Vineyards before founding Owl Creek Vineyard, first submitted the AVA application in 2001

As other wineries opened, they joined; the Shawnee Hills trail now has 12 wineries as members. Another wine trail, the Southern Illinois Wine Trail, was formed and currently lists six member wineries and vineyards, most located southeast of the Shawnee Hills sites. The winery owners all seem to favor cooperation rather than competition; they periodically meet to hear guest speakers or simply to share tips on winemaking.

The business no longer is seasonal, either, as wineries have added event centers and banquet rooms as venues for weddings, reunions and other gatherings. Many have gift shops offering items ranging from T-shirts to handmade crafts, artwork, or specialty foods. Nearly all the wineries welcome pets as long as they are kept outdoors and on a leash.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Most allow customers to bring Shari Russell of Fox Creek Winery pours a sample for a customer during the 13th annual Art & Wine Festival on the their own food; some provide grounds of Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center in Whittington. grills and wood for those Paul, and other families now run planning a picnic.

Spared from the glaciers that after researching the character Hedman Vineyard in Alto Pass Alto Vineyards. flattened the rest of Illinois’ of the Shawnee Hills soils and has its own restaurant serving In 1991, George Majka and terrain, the Shawnee Hills are microclimates with the help of Swedish dishes, including Jane Payne opened Pomona from 400 to 800 feet higher in Dr. Imed Dami, who was then holiday meals.

Some vineyards Winery after years of making the state’s viticulturalist housed elevation than the Mount are now offering special dinners wines from apples and other Vernon Hills to the north and at SIUCarbondale. to demonstrate pairing of wines local fruit. Their first two apple The Shawnee Hills AVA covers the Cairo Delta flood plains to with food, often including wines were released in 1993. about 2,140 square miles or 1.37 the south, Wichmann noted. recipes and other tips. Nearly Wichmann, who was Alto The first Shawnee Hills grower million acres between the Ohio all, given a little advance notice, was the late Guy Renzaglia, who Vineyards’ first wine maker, and Mississippi Rivers, offer guided tours of their built Owl Creek Vineyard in stretching 80 miles east to west established Alto Vineyards in 1994 and released his first wine businesses to teach customers 1984 by planting five acres of and 20 miles wide north to more about growing grapes and Chancellor, Chambourcin, Vidal in 1995. Owl Creek is now south. It includes portions of producing wine. and Villard Blanc grapes. By the owned by the Genung family.

Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Those three wineries formed Jackson, Johnson, Pope, Pulaski, time the winery released its first wine in 1987, people were lining the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to linda.rush@thesouthern.com Randolph, Saline, Union and better market their product. up to buy it. Renzaglia’s son, Williamson counties.

618-351-5079

SI Wine Trail: Different road, same terrific atmosphere THE SOUTHERN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Keira Gould (left) and Katrina Taxis open bottles of wine for guests during the 7th annual Benefit Concert in memory of Elise Ryne Rochman to raise money the ongoing research needed to find treatments and a cure for Tay-Sachs Disease at Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda.

Take a ride on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

BY LINDA RUSH

Friday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. December through March, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. now numbers 12 vineyards and Pomona Winery is at 2865 wineries, plus other participating Hickory Ridge Road in Pomona; members with businesses along phone 618-893-2623. Hours the trail.

April through November are Members include Alto 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayVineyards, Blue Sky Vineyard, Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

Hedman Vineyard, Owl Creek Sunday. December through Vineyard, Pomona Winery, March, hours are 10 a.m. to StarView Vineyards, Von Jakob 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Vineyard, Kite Hill Vineyards, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Orlandini Vineyard, Hickory Owl Creek Vineyard is at 2655 Ridge Vineyard, Rustle Hill Winery and Honker Hill Winery. Water Valley Road, Cobden; phone 618-893-2557. Hours The members now offer Wine March through December are Bucks that can be purchased for personal use or as gifts; they can noon to 5 p.m. MondayThursday; noon to 6 p.m. Friday, be used at any one of the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. In wineries and participating January and February, it is open members along the trail. They noon to 6 p.m. Friday and come in $5 denominations and can be used either for purchasing Sunday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and by chance wine or redeemed for meals or Monday-Thursday. overnight stays along the wine Von Jakob Vineyard is at 1309 trail. They cannot be redeemed Sadler Road, Pomona; phone for cash.

618-893-4500. Von Jakob The Wine Bucks can be purchased directly from the trail Orchard is at 230 Illinois 127 N. in Alto Pass; phone 618-893website, www.shawneewine 4600; email www.vonjakob trail.com. vineyard.com. It offers a free The website also has a list of weekend music series every other wine trail businesses that Saturday and Sunday, rain or participate in the program.

Alto Vineyards is at 8515 Illinois shine, all year long. It also has a bed and breakfast with five 127 North in Alto Pass; phone suites, and offers Friday night 618-893-4898; email dinners by reservation only. alto@altovineyards.net. Hours Hedman Vineyards is at 560 April through November are Chestnut St., Alto Pass; phone 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday618-893-4923, email Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE SOUTHERN

www.peachbarn.com. Winery hours for April-December are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For JanuaryMarch, check the website. Café hours May-October are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. There is a Scandinavian gift shop and the café serves Swedish cuisine.

Blue Sky Vineyard is at 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda; phone 618-995-9463; email blueskyvineyard.com.

Hours March 1-Jan. 1 are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. MondayThursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset Friday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m.

Sunday. From Jan. 1 to March 1, open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Two suites for rent; pavilion and gazebo available; gift shop.

StarView Vineyards is at 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; phone 618-893-9463; www.starview vineyards.com. Open noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours during summer. Gift shop, art gallery and banquet room.

Kite Hill Vineyards and Winery is at 83 Kite Hill Road, Carbondale; phone 618-684-5072, www.kite hillvineyards.com. Hours MarchNovember are noon to 5 pm.

Sunday-Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.

December-February open noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Orlandini Vineyard is at 410 Thorn Lane, Makanda; phone 618-995-2307. Hours AprilNovember are 10a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

December-March hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery is at 1598 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona; phone 618-8931700; hickoryridgevineyard.com or email www.hickoryridge vineyard@gmail.com. Open 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 all other days. Open FridaySunday in winter, WednesdaySunday in spring, summer, fall.

Closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day. Rustle Hill Winery is at 8595 U.S. 51 in Cobden; phone 618-893-2700; www.rustlehill winery.com. Open all year 11 a.m.-8 p.m. MondayThursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday-Sunday. Site includes cabins, restaurant and amphitheater.

Honker Hill Winery is at 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale, phone 618-549-5517. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Information was taken from the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail area map and guide for 2012-13. linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079

The Southern Illinois Wine Trail comprises six vineyards and wineries in Creal Springs, Belknap, Muddy, Golconda and Vienna.

Bella Terra Winery is at 755 Parker City Road, Creal Springs; phone 618-6588882; bellatwinery.com. It is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. year round; amenities include bocce ball and washers courts, and visits by bald eagles and other birds.

Cache River Basin Winery is at 315 Forman Lane, Belknap; phone 618-6582274; crbwinery.com.

Winery open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday. Wineaux’s Restaurant is open 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday. Wineaux’s often does dinner theater presentations. A cabin is being built at the winery.

Geese that live on the grounds are raising goslings.

Flint Hill Vineyards is at 2075 U.S. 45 N. Muddy; phone 618-253-7224.

Hogg Hollow Winery LLC is at 202-4 Route 2, Golconda; phone 618-695-9463; www. hoghollowwinery.com. The winery operated by four generations of the Hogg family is Pope County’s first. It is off Illinois 145 near Glendale, between Dixon Springs and Eddyville.

Shawnee Winery Cooperative is at 200 Commercial St., Vienna; phone 618-658-8400; it offers free wireless Internet; hours April-December are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MondaySaturday and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday; January-March hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Windy Hill Winery & Vineyard is at 2955 Creal Springs Road, Creal Springs; phone 618-9963581; www.windyhill vineyardandwinery.net; email windyhill@mediacom bb.net. Free tastings 11 a.m.-6 p.m. WednesdaySaturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday and by appointment Monday and Tuesday.

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

9E

TOURISM & RECREATION

Breweries making their mark

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

stores, as is the amberstyle Saluki Dunkel Dog. Von Jakob, Alto Pass: Another regional As the wine industry powerhouse, Von Jakob continues to take Brewery offers Southern Illinois by handcrafted brews storm, craft beer is ranging from the crisp carving out a niche within the region, as well. American Pilsner to the rich Stout.

Breweries are rapidly To help you choose, the dotting the landscape, brewery offers a flight and passionate beerfeaturing all of its unique makers are sharing their products with the rest of beers.

Scratch Brewery, Ava: A us. new microbrewery is on Festivals and brewery pace for a fall opening, tours have helped when it will officially advance the goals of begin selling its seasonal those focused on beers and local foods. reinstating what once was a hops hotspot. Once Scratch specializes in the combination of unique such event, the Big plants and spices to drive Muddy Monster Brew its non-traditional Festival, is set to take brewing techniques. place Oct. 20. The third Little Egypt Brewery, Ava: annual installation of the This newcomer located brewha will feature craft behind The Bluffs beer tasting from more Vineyard and Winery, than 25 Midwestern was opened earlier this breweries, live music, month. From the stout to local food and various the seasonal, Little Egypt activities. will offer crowd-pleasing Here’s a snapshot of local breweries to visit on brews. Its brewery contains a large brewing your trek through system, four fermenters Southern Illinois’ and 96 kegs. unofficial beer trail.

Kaskaskia Brewery, Red Big Muddy Brewing, Murphysboro: Big Muddy Bud: A little off the beaten path, Kaskaskia Monster and all, this Brewing Company was Murphysboro mainstay started in early 2011 as a began production in small microbrewery. The 2009 to end the town’s company opened its 50-plus year brewery doors to the public earlier drought. Kincaid Wheat this summer, and also is offered on tap and by distributes to many local bottle across local bars, restaurants and bars. restaurants and liquor

FOR THE SOUTHERN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The VIP Tasting Room at Walker’s Bluff features the longest continuously poured concrete table.

Walker’s Bluff: Wine and so much more

BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN

A multi-faceted entertainment complex, Walker’s Bluff near Carterville was created in 2008 and has been growing ever since. The venue has brought big-name entertainers to Southern Illinois and has served as the site for a variety of fundraising activities.

Owners Cynde and David Bunch acquired land that had been in her family since 1934, initially intending to build a vacation retreat for themselves with land for David to experiment with winemaking. They built a small gazebo on the river bluff as a site for family reunions and weddings. Soon local families were visiting to enjoy the scenery, fish and visit.

The owners welcomed the visitors and soon began thinking about creating an entertainment complex on the property.

Walker’s Bluff currently boasts amenities ranging from fine dining restaurant Legends, to The General Store, a gift store that features a café-bakery offering breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and desserts, to The Gazebo, a family-centered area featuring light music, children’s activities and a varied food and beverage menu, to the newest creation, The Tasting Room and Wine Cave, a one-of-a-kind manmade grotto that offers cave tours, a full-service bar and lounge, and light appetizer plates.

And that’s only Phase One, the owners promise.

Phase Two plans call for construction of a large event center, lodge/spa and what they call “glam camping” beginning in 2013.

Performers who have taken the stage at Walker’s Bluff include blues musician Rory Block, country icons Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry, Sheryl Crow and Heart.

Most have drawn large crowds of

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Sheryl Crow performs for her fans June 22 at Walker’s Bluff.

fans to the site.

Walker’s Bluff provides jobs for more than 200 people, in addition to other local vendors and artists, allowing the owners to give back to the community that welcomed them.

Family-centered activities have drawn more visitors to the Gazebo, which offers a great view of the lake and more than 4,000 grapevines growing on the hillsides that formerly were 10 acres of cow pasture.

The six varietals of grapes will be used in making wine. The Gazebo is open May through October, from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m.

Sundays.

Legends offers gourmet dining and an elegant décor; its menu includes Kobe beef, prime black Angus and seafood flown in from Seattle.

The General Store includes a filling station with retro pumps. It offers visitors a variety of gifts, souvenirs, snacks, jewelry and toys and staff can create custom gift

baskets for shoppings. It serves breakfasts and salads, sandwiches and desserts.

It is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursdays through Sundays.

The Tasting Room and Wine Cave offer tours of the cave as well as beers, light appetizer plates and what the website calls “the largest selection of both local and national wines in the area.”

It is open from 5 to 11 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

There’s one more goal for 2013.

Walker’s Bluff expects to be featuring its own wines in 2013.

The complex is at 14400 Meridian Road, Carterville; phone 618-5594893. Corporate office is at 326 Vermont Road in Carterville, phone 618-956-9900.

For photos, menus and directions, visit www.walkersbluff.com.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079

A taster samples a beer at the Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest in Murphysboro.

No shortage of lodging in Southern Illinois

BY LINDA RUSH

family. They come here every year.” To accommodate her and other visitors in wheelchairs, the cabin has a wheelchair ramp, lift Finding a place to stay while chair, a transfer seat for the tub visiting Southern Illinois is and other amenities. The entire easier than ever, with a variety first floor is wheelchair of inns, cabins and bed and accessible, he said. breakfast businesses to meet But each cabin also features just about any taste. unique furnishings — vintage Staying in a treehouse is now pinball machines and jukeboxes. an option, as is staying in an “Most people have a Jacuzzi; I authentic log cabin, even prefer pinballs,” said Egert, a spending the night in a barn. longtime collector of vintage You can even find a cabin equipped with pinball machines, items. One cabin also has a fullsize pool table, he said. His jukeboxes and pool table. most-rented cabin has four Cabin by the Pond just south of Carbondale offers a choice of bedrooms and two baths and can accommodate a large group. three cabins and what owner Cabin by the Pond is on Tom Egert said is the only Dakota Road, just off 4760 private sand beach around.

Springer Ridge Road south of One of his cabins is Carbondale; for details, see completely handicappedwww.cabinbythepond.com. accessible. “My sister has MS Some of the earliest cabins can (multiple sclerosis),” Egert said, be found at Giant City Lodge in “and she loves to visit with the

THE SOUTHERN

Giant City State Park. Owners say many are reserved long in advance, especially by former SIU students returning for Homecoming or other occasions. For details call the lodge at 618-457-4921.

The Olde Squat Inn in Williamson County, which got its name from a former country church, offers the ultimate in cabin living and recycling. Each cabin is an abandoned log cabin Jim Grisley found, brought to the site and restored.

Grisley said he currently has 23 log cabins and barns altogether, but “most of them are stacked” and awaiting rebuilding one day, he added.

Six are restored and available for guests. Grisley and partner Katy Lockwood serve breakfasts to guests in a lodge, in front of a sandstone fireplace. Some cabins also have kitchen

facilities as well. Visitors can tour herb and flower gardens, see Jim’s collection of old tools and machinery, or enjoy the 2.5acre lake on the property. Olde Squat Inn is at 14160 Liberty School Road, Marion; the phone is 618-982-2916 and the website www.oldesquatinn.com.

Anyone who has regretted giving up a childhood treehouse can have the option of vacationing in the treetops in Hardin County. Timber Ridge Outpost near Karbers Ridge offers two modern log cabins and a pair of treehouses.

The treehouses are about 20 feet up in the trees, giving a great view of birds in the forest canopy. They have heat and airconditioning, baths, kitchenettes and other amenities. For details, visit www.timberridgeoutpost.com or call owners Marty and

Elizabeth Canfarelli at 618-2649091.

Lodgings in Pope County range from cottages overlooking the Ohio River to Golconda Dam #51 Houses, four separate units that once served as housing for the dam workers. They range from one to three bedrooms and all are perched on the dam itself.

For details, call 618-683-6246.

Some of the newest accommodations along the Southern Illinois and Shawnee Hills wine trails have been built by the wineries themselves. The lodgings range from suites in the Hedman Vineyards Peach Barn in Alto Pass to the luxury of the Tuscan-themed Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda and a new five-suite bed and breakfast at Von Jakob Orchard in Alto Pass. linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079

10E

TOURISM & RECREATION

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Sparta is center of the world of trapshooting

BY LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Jessica Self shoots a target as she competes in the $50,000 Ladies Grand Challenge during the final day of shooting at this year’s Grand American at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta.

Spectators fill the grandstand to watch the $50,000 Ladies Grand Challenge and the $100,000 Grand Challenge during the final day of shooting at this year’s Grand American at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

boost earlier this year when it was announced that the National Trapshooting Hall of Fame will be built on site.

It had previously been announced that the Hall of Fame would move to Sparta, but now it is certain — the hall of fame is coming to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex.

“We voted three years ago to move to Sparta,” said Jim Bradford, chairman of the National Trapshooting Hall of Fame’s board of directors. “We’ve affirmed it on several occasions. As far as Sparta was concerned, it was whether or not we were going to be downtown. We are going to be at the facility.”

Bradford is happy with the decision to locate the museum at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex.

“I’ve always been a proponent of that,” he said.

“I believe the museum should accompany the Grand American.”

The Hall of Fame is expected to be open by the 2014 Grand American.

The World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta is hardly an overnight success.

Without question it is one of the finest shooting facilities in the world.

Despite the instant credibility the venue received when it landed the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American in 2007, it took shooters a while to warm up to the venue.

The Grand American had called Vandalia, Ohio, home for eight decades.

At first, it was easy to find fault with the WSRC — it is difficult to get to, shade is a precious commodity, it’s too spread out.

Those complaints were quite common the first couple years the Grand called Sparta home.

Slowly, but surely, that all changed. Last year, the ATA and Illinois Department of Natural Resources signed a 10-year extension for the Grand American.

Now, if comparisons to the Ohio facility are heard, shooters complain about the cramped conditions and lack of parking at the Grand’s previous home. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com The WSRC got another 618-351-5088

Bald Knob Cross watches over entire region

BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN

Standing 111-feet tall atop one of the highest points in Southern Illinois, the Bald Knob Cross of Peace has long been a favorite spot of many people both whom live in the region as well as those who travel through the area, regardless of faith or affiliation.

Bald Knob is a popular spot for autumnal sight-seeing, a special place for weddings, family reunions and special events as well as a destination for tourists.

Whether people visit for the spectacular views or for the Christian aspects of the cross, there is just something about Bald Knob that attracts people.

“The intent at the beginning, however, was not tourism. It was built as a symbol of faith and it was put where it is and was built to the size and stature so people could see it. It wasn’t intended to be a tourism destination, but it has become something that people do come out to see in huge numbers,” says D.W. Presley, president of the cross’ volunteer board of directors. He is the grandson of Wayman Presley, who co-founded the efforts to construct the monument, which was initially completed in 1963.

A complete restoration of the structure was finished in 2010, bringing new attention and visitors to Bald Knob.

“There are so many different reasons we hear from people as to why the come to Bald Knob, but everyone seems to take a personal piece of ownership. That’s what makes it so special. The project always has been ground-breaking and it continues to be bringing people together,” Presley says.

Fundraising efforts are under way now to raise $80,000 for improvements in electrical service at the site with the goal of again lighting the cross. Improvements are expected to include the installation of LED light fixtures, electrical infrastructure improvements and the installation of security cameras.

“Our current focus is to get the lights back on,” he says. “Now that the structure itself has been restored, we’re working to bring the lights back.”

Other planned improvements include new paver and concrete walkways surrounding the base of the cross as well as new plantings. All of the improvements are designed to not only enhance the visual appeal of the cross and grounds, but also to make visiting the site more enjoyable. Presley estimates more than 10,000 people visit the cross each year.

“Bald Knob Cross has been a tourism icon in the region for many, many years,” explains Cindy Cain, executive director of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. “With all of the upgrades and renovations that have been completed, the cross is going to be able to offer visitors more amenities in addition to enriching the experience and natural scenic beauty that has always been part of Bald Knob.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

A boat explores the waters on Rend Lake this summer.

Visitor center brings more people to Rend Lake

BY LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN

It’s official: The new Rend Lake Visitor Center is a hit.

The center, on Rend City Road, just west of the Rend Lake Dam, opened May 5, 2011. In the first five months it was open, the new center drew nearly three times as many visitors as it had the previous year.

“It (the old center) was past its prime,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger Dawn Kovarik. It was a temporary facility when it was built in the early 70s, temporary meaning they would replace it when money was available.”

The new visitor center is more accessible, larger and more attractive than the old facility. The old center was located on a point on the east end of the Rend Lake Dam. The displays inside the new building include live critters —snakes, fish and a working bee hive, realistic wildlife scenes, static displays and a movie. One wildlife scene depicts a pair of skunks peeking out of a hole beneath an oak tree with a small fawn nearby and a barred owl looming overhead.

A second scene, which includes wildlife sounds, shows wood ducks, a bullfrog and snapping turtle in a small water hole surrounded by cattails.

“We worked with Taylor Studio out of Rantoul,” Kovarik said. “It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get them where there are.

“We gave them ideas. We sat down at a meeting and discussed what we wanted. We had a prospectus that spelled out each thing we wanted at the new Visitor Center. We worked on it for about two years from planning to completion.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Gary Wyant of Benton and his grandson, Asher Wyant, 8, work to properly put a line on a fishing pole in the South Marcum Campground at Rend Lake.

The center strikes a satisfying balance between entertainment and educational.

“We tried real hard,” Kovarik said.

“We tried to get a lot of hands-on things. Interactive hands-on things cost money, so we had to have more reading and more static things than we wanted, but we do have several hands-on things for kids and adults.”

And, some of the displays cross the line between educational and entertaining. A small wooden bridge is located adjacent to the wood duck display. When visitors step on the bridge, raccoons start chattering, bullfrogs start croaking and the wood ducks whistle.

It can be startling.

“That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” Kovarik said with a grin.

And, there are plenty of other displays, from mounted animals, to furs

and even a small tunnel for children to crawl through. A surprise awaits youngsters brave enough to crawl through the tunnel.

“We’ve had really, really good feedback, how it’s interesting and how they’re going to bring back their uncle, their aunt or their grandkids,” Kovarik said.

The center also includes a small theater that shows an eight-minute film.

“It’s a history about the people of the area, not no much the history of the area,” Kovarik said. “It’s eight minutes long. Even if you don’t like the hard bench you can sit through it.”

The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays until early April. The center is open daily during the summer months. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5088

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Bike trail projects are benefitting Mount Vernon’s cycling community

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN

As Mount Vernon continues to plan and implement various community enhancement initiatives, the city’s longrunning bike trail projects are pedaling right along.

The city’s Bike Trail Committee, formed to oversee the projects’ many spokes, recently

spearheaded construction on the Casey School Trail, and has executed the completion of many “share the road” trails marked off by signs dedicated by the city for bicycle traffic.

“We’ve had a very positive response to the steps we’ve taken so far,” said Ron Neibert, Mount Vernon’s city manager.

“Cyclists tell us they feel

safer on the road now that they have a defined area to ride.”

There was a strong community interest in expanding Mount Vernon’s biking opportunities back in 2007 when the bike trail plans were established.

“There really was a desire there for more in terms of cycling,” Neibert said. “The committee has done a good job planning, while the

council and city are implementing the construction.”

Among the trail projects’ highlights are the Cedarhurst Leg, which runs from 24th Street and Richview Road behind the (United Methodist Children’s Home) property to the reservoir to Strothman Field and ends at the Casey Middle School parking lot.

A trail is planned to extend from Lincoln Park to Veterans Memorial Drive, west to Wells Bypass. Cyclist safety and enjoyment are paramount to the city’s projects.

“The signage shows the existing sidewalks and joint-use areas,” Neibert said. “Mile markers help show people how far they have traveled, too.”

Neibert is excited to see

the bike trails’ development taking shape, along with all of the other projects he is driving as city manager.

“It’s a busy time, but these are the types of opportunities that any city manager hopes for,” he said. “It’s great to have a community that is ready to move forward and welcomes all of the positive changes.”

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Coach John Lakin autographs a baseball for a fan before the Miners’ game against the Slammers at Rent One Park in Marion.

Southern Illinois Miners: Hometown champions

BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN

It may have taken a little longer than expected, but the Southern Illinois Miners finally claimed the big prize this season.

In its sixth year of existence, the Southern Illinois franchise slipped into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. That’s when the Miners started to play some great baseball.

The team finished undefeated on the road in the postseason and won the Frontier League championship in just seven games.

“It was certainly the culmination of everything we put into place going back six years ago,” said Miners manager Mike Pinto. “We’ve had some really good teams here, and for some reason, this one found a way to do it. It was surreal. I went back and watched some of the celebration video, and honestly didn’t know some things went on.”

The Miners have been a good team every year they’ve been in the Frontier League. They’ve had more talent, particularly on offense, in the past.

The 2012 squad became frustrating to watch for fans, players and coaches at times this season because of its inability to score runs and produce key hits.

It was a little bit of a relief for Pinto to win this championship.

“What I didn’t want to be was the guy who could get teams to the playoffs, but couldn’t get any further,” Pinto said. “I

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The Southern Illinois Miners play a game against the Slammers at Rent One Park in Marion.

had a friend say if it felt like a monkey was off my back. And I said it felt like his arms were unwrapped from around my neck.”

There’s no doubt Traverse City featured the best team in the league during the regular season. The Beach Bums won 64 games, which is seven more than any other club.

That didn’t stop the Miners from sweeping them in the opening rounds of the playoffs.

“Traverse City went through this year what we went through in 2010,” Pinto recalled. “We won 64 games and won 20 straight games that year. We thought we had a really good team. But the key is to get in and to be hot when you get in.”

Pinto feels fortunate to have worked under Erik Haag, the franchise’s former executive vice president and chief operating officer, for six years. Haag resigned late in the season, and Pinto said he’ll be missed.

“I can’t ever thank Erik Haag enough for entrusting this job to me,” Pinto said.

“That’s really what it was. He entrusted me to build the baseball operations here.

He basically allowed me to set up the way everything is done on the baseball side of things.”

There have been plenty of organizations where an executive has tried to meddle in the affairs of the on-field team. It can cause a rift and usually doesn’t work out.

That never happened when it came to Haag or the team’s owner, Jayne Simmons.

“In six years, there has never been a single question to me about a player move,” Pinto said. “I know that there are owners out there that are involved with the decision-making when it comes to players. I know of a couple places where the owner sends down the lineup to the manager. That’s not the case here.”

Pinto and the Miners will begin their quest to repeat at Frontier League champions next May. scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086

Recreation center just the latest project planned in Marion’s rapid development

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI

“The plan and design of the recreation center is nearing completion,” said Marion Mayor What once was a landmark for Bob Butler. “When that is done, we will compare the estimated community health will soon be cost with the anticipated the spot for a similarly spirited available funds. If they do not complex, as planning for a recreation center in Marion is in match, it will be necessary to review and revise the plans.” full swing.

In June, Marion’s city council The proposed center will be approved a finalized plan for the erected upon the same ground 72,000-square-foot, multithat held the former Marion level facility at the corner of Memorial Hospital. Pending approval for a $2.5 million state West Main Street and South Vicksburg Street. grant, groundbreaking is The city-owned and operated anticipated in the spring.

FOR THE SOUTHERN

center is being designed for people of all ages, with promotion of individual physical wellness through a variety of programming options and personal services. It will contain leisure pool areas and a competition pool, a warm water exercise/therapy pool, a multicourt gymnasium, a walking/running track, fitness areas, locker rooms, a coffee/juice/snack bar and a youth center.

The project is expected to cost $10 million with $2.5 million

coming from a grant using federal dollars through the Park and Recreational Facility Construction program and administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Up to 10 people could be hired full-time, with 10 to 15 part-time positions available.

The center is just one of the many recent initiatives undertaken by Butler and his city in an effort to enhance Marion.

“Such a facility has been visualized for quite a while,” Butler said. “The $2.5 million grant from the state makes the project feasible.”

Butler sees the center facilitating a long-lasting impact on Marion’s citizens.

“The recreation center will serve a dual purpose,” he said.

“Not only will it provide an appropriate venue for recreation not otherwise available, it will have available functions for health and therapeutic activities.”

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

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TOURISM & RECREATION

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Harrah’s Metropolis is more than just a casino. It’s also home to one of the region’s best entertainment venues.

Harrah’s, other casinos help local economy

BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN

The presence of riverboat casinos on Illinois waterways has not only given local residents a different form of entertainment, the gaming centers — including Harrah’s in Metropolis — have given local economies a shot in the arm.

Since 1994, Harrah’s, which features more than 1,000 slot machines plus

gaming tables, five restaurants and a 252-room hotel, has been a staple along the Metropolis riverfront and has been beneficial to the community.

“It’s enabled us to do numerous projects — things like new police and fire stations, a new library, new substations and infrastructure projects — and be able to pay cash for them, not borrow or use bonds,” Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel says.

He adds that revenue from the hotel-motel tax generated by the casino helps to fund numerous special events that bring in tourists and tourism dollars. He said happenings such as the annual Superman Celebration, the encampment at Fort Massac, archery tournaments, quilt shows and other events are all supported by the tax.

The effects of these events and the casino

itself as well as all of the visitors each attracts ripple throughout the region.

“Harrah’s Metropolis Casino has been a positive force for economic growth in Southern Illinois,” Cindy Cain, executive director of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau reports.

“It continues to attract visitors from all over the Midwest.”

Cain says that her impression is that a large

percentage of visitors to the casino are from the Nashville and other parts of Tennessee. She says having those visitors in Metropolis is good for all of Southern Illinois.

“Of course, some of them come solely for Harrah’s and just stay there throughout their visit, but others get out and enjoy the rest of the region’s shopping, dining, wineries and more,” she adds. “We often work with motorcoach tour groups to

plan itineraries throughout Southern Illinois in addition to stops at Harrah’s.”

Other visitors may be coming to different parts of the region once the area’s second casino opens soon as work is nearing completion on the Isle of Capri’s new $135 million dollar casino in Cape Girardeau. The new casino, which is expected to employ 450 people, is slated to open Nov. 1.

Carbondale splash park nearing reality

BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN

A longtime dream of many Carbondale residents for an outdoor aquatic facility is coming closer to a reality. Plans and fundraising for a $3.4 million community splash park, which will feature swimming pools, a floating course and water slide, are continuing in hopes to open in May 2014. The facility is planned to be similar to similar to water parks in Paducah and Cape Girardeau.

A majority of the funding for the splash park — $2.5 million —will come from a federal grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Carbondale Park District is conducting a capital campaign to raise at least $625,000 in order to qualify for the grant. The city has pledged $100,000 toward the project, which will be located at the eastern side of the Superblock recreation area.

“This is something we’ve needed,” Kathy Renfro of the Carbondale Park District said.

“It’s been a long-awaited dream and now the opportunity to finally build it is here.”

The city’s Human Relations Committee mandated in 2003 that a group be developed to study the feasibility of a municipal swimming complex and ultimately make plans for such a facility.

Plans call for the Splash Park to have several water features.

“It will have a lap pool, a competition pool and a leisure pool with a zero-dept entry and a lazy river. The facility will be complete with a water slide and diving boards,” Renfro explained. “We hope to be able with the different areas to create a place for teens, a place for families and a place for everyone. Programmatically, we’ll be able to do a variety of things from competitions to

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Children and adults enjoy the Splash Fest activities at Carbondale’s Attucks Park.

water safety and water aerobics.”

The completed facility is expected to attract swimmers from a wide area.

“The city will benefit as much as the park district from the center. Hosting just one three-day swim meet can bring in $506,000 to the

community,” City Council member Lee Fronabarger said at the Sept. 11 council meeting.

“This is about tourism and investing in our own community.”

Renfro said that since the land to be used for the Splash Park is part of the Super Block, no new parcels will need to

be purchased.

“What a great continuation of the joint efforts that the Super Block is,” she said.

“In many ways the Splash Park will be a gift that we’re going to give each other.

This is really an important thing for Carbondale and the region.”

DETAILS $3.4 million facility to include pools, lazy river and waterslide $2.5 million coming from a federal grant administered by IDNR Location: Carbondale Super Block

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PUBLIC SAFETY

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

SIEG: The front line of the war on drugs

BY D.W. NORRIS The Southern

T

he Southern Illinois Enforcement Group has had a well-defined, if sometimes difficult, mission.

Founded in the late 1970s, SIEG’s task is to stanch the flow of illegal drugs in Williamson and Jackson counties. The group is comprised of officers from the Illinois State Police, county sheriff’s offices and municipal and university police departments. SIEG investigates and arrests dealers of traditional street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, but it has also seen increases in the misuse of pharmaceuticals and a burgeoning trade in synthetic drugs sold at retail locations.

“If we could get a kid in a bar with a gram of coke to stop, wonderful, but our goal is the dealer,” Master Sgt. Dave Fitz said.

SIEG’s task is a large one, and Fitz said the group makes arrests every week.

SIEG gets tips from informants, arrested suspects and concerned citizens. More times than not, somebody ends

‘All we do is drugs. That’s it. There are always the constants. Cannabis is rampant, it’s everywhere. Cocaine is everywhere. Those are our main two. Recently there’s been a resurgence of meth and heroin in this area.’

MASTER SGT. DAVE FITZ

up in handcuffs after an investigation is opened.

From 2009 through September of this year, SIEG made 872 arrests in 1,185 cases and seized tens of millions of dollars worth of product. More than 9,000 grams of cocaine, about 450,000 grams of marijuana, more than 11,000 marijuana plants and more than 200 guns have been taken off the streets.

“All we do is drugs. That’s it,” Fitz said. “There are always the constants. Cannabis is rampant, it’s everywhere. Cocaine is everywhere. Those are our main two. Recently, there’s been a resurgence of meth and heroin in this area.”

Although there are some home-grown marijuana operations in the area, Fitz said the majority of illicit material comes from cities with a few hours’ drive from Southern Illinois.

Fitz said the number of

weapons seized by SIEG agents was troubling.

“I’m not going to say that everybody that had a gun has a criminal intent,” he said, “but when you start seeing these kinds of numbers with drugs, there’s a reason for that — either to keep drugs from being stolen or to take them off the next person.”

Fitz said there has been an increase in property crimes as a result of drug addiction in the area.

Methamphetamines were a major issue for SIEG a few years ago, and when added to the large numbers of other drug investigations, the group had to kick most investigations to the Illinois State Police.

“We are so swamped with other things that the meth became overwhelming,” Fitz said.

Large-scale meth manufacturing operations have taken a hit, but one-pot, single-

serve production has risen recently, Fitz said. One-pot meth makers are usually addicts producing the drug for personal use.

Former SIEG Director Tom McNamara, now a consultant, predicted the next large wave of drugs to be dealt with by the group.

“Let me suggest that in the next 10 years it will be the world of synthetic drugs,” said McNamara, who has provided expert testimony on the subject to Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

“There are so many synthetic drugs out there that they can’t be counted.”

McNamara said there are several concerns associated with synthetic drugs, among them being their easy purchase at “sleazy” retail locations and on websites.

Fitz said synthetic drugs began popping up in January 2011.

Cities such as Marion,

Carbondale and Murphysboro took steps to make selling or possessing the drugs illegal through city ordinances.

“At the very least, if you have a city ordinance violation on the books and a business in that town is selling, it gives us an opportunity to further that investigation because it gives us something to work with,” Fitz said.

However, Fitz said legislation has a hard time keeping up with synthetic drugs because producers change an ingredient or two and it’s no longer technically illegal. The drugs are often produced overseas and shipped to the U.S., which makes the distribution network tough to crack.

“There’s become a whole network of these people and it’s hard to beat that, to be quite honest,” Fitz said.

McNamara was confident SIEG and lawmakers would eventually be able to strip the veneer of legality from the drugs.

“There is no question we will put it underground,” McNamara said. “It will be a drug just like cocaine or heroin.” dw.norris@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5074 On Twitter: @DW_Norris_SI

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The front facade of Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail in Marion is shown.

Williamson County home to top-of-the-line facility THE SOUTHERN

MARION — Williamson County Jail has come a long way since its first incarnation as a log cabin in the 1840s.

It took almost five years to go from planning to completion, but the county now boasts a 71,000-square-foot facility on the cutting edge of health and safety standards.

The $21.8 million jail replaced a 40-year-old correctional center teetering on the brink of a shutdown because of its failure to meet Illinois Department of Corrections and national standards.

Sheriff Bennie Vick said the new jail is “a perfect example of what happens when everybody cooperates for the common good.” He also said the facility is “healthier and safer for inmates and staff alike.”

The new jail has a medical unit with a treatment room, offices

for a physician and nurses, and a pharmacy. Medical cells also feature negative airflow, an exhaust system pumping foul air outside to prevent airborne illnesses from spreading the jail’s population.

Williamson County Jail has room for 240 inmates and is technically advanced. All doors are electronically controlled.

Monitors in the booking area can be used to pull up the jail’s floor plan, scan the perimeter of the building and zoom in close enough to read license plates in the parking lot.

Correctional Officer Josh Dunnigan touted the facility’s improved design, with cells arranged in a perimeter for greater supervision and improved safety.

“The old jail was a linear design; officers couldn’t see into the cells from their stations,” Dunnigan said.

In addition to double cells, the facility has two 24-bed units, one of which is dedicated for female prisoners. The dorm units

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The crowd filled two floors of a day room cell block during the opening and dedication of the new Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center in Marion.

have video visitation stations, a wall-mounted TV and skylights for natural lighting.

The jail also has room for expansion.

Construction was completed in late February,

and the jail was fully operational in March. The project was funded by federal Build America and

Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds that offered up to 45 percent interest subsidies.

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Union County set for new courthouse THE SOUTHERN

DETAILS

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

Construction continues Aug. 14 a Jackson County jail in Murphysboro.

New Jackson County Jail coming along THE SOUTHERN

A 64-bed addition to Jackson County Jail is ahead of schedule and within its budget.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Whitbeck said the project would be finished before the end of the calendar year, which puts it months ahead of an expected spring completion date after initial cost snags. Cells are installed, the roof is finished and brickwork on the addition’s exterior is 99 percent complete, Whitbeck said.

The addition, located on the west side of the courthouse, is expected to give Jackson County enough room to house an expanding local prisoner population and give space to continue housing contract prisoners from the U.S. Marshals Service

DETAILS What: Jackson County Jail expansion Where: Murphysboro Jackson County Jail is adding 15,000 square feet and 64 revenue-producing beds as part of roughly $2.8 million in improvements to the jail and the county courthouse. The county originally hoped the expansion would be complete by the middle of the year, but cost issues delayed the finish date. Dry weather and quick construction moved up completion from early 2013 to the end of 2012. and Union County.

The additional five dozen beds are expected to generate more than $600,000 annually to be used to pay debt service on the bonds.

“Between the two, the prisoner revenue is paying the note on the bonds we used to pay for these additions,” Whitbeck said.

Jackson County sold $3 million in recovery zone bonds to fund the

construction and improvement projects.

The county was left with roughly $2.8 million after closing costs and other expenses.

The Jackson County Board in March approved Fager-McGee Commercial Construction of Murphysboro as the project’s general contractor. Hurst-Roche Engineers Inc. of Marion is the project’s architect.

Union County residents are going to have a new courthouse opening soon.

Most courthouse offices are expected to be moved in by December.

The sheriff’s office is set to move into the new building this month.

Other offices are expected to move in in early 2013.

At 43,000 square feet, the new building will be more than double the size of the county’s current courthouse, which was built in 1885.

The project may cost up to $14.5 million, with $12.5 million coming from construction bonds secured by a voterapproved 1-percent sales tax increase. Alternative funding methods may be used to make up the difference.

What: Union County Courthouse Where: Jonesboro The new Union County Courthouse is close to completion and the Sheriff’s office is set to move in this month. The 43,000-square-foot facility will replace the county’s more than 120-year-old courthouse. The project may cost up to $14.5 million, but it provides more space and meets modern building codes. It also offers a central location for several offices currently located outside the courthouse.

As with any old building, the current courthouse has struggled to meet the county’s needs and comply with modern building codes governing handicap accessibility.

Stairs are the only way to access the second floor.

The new building will have an elevator and increased space for offices, including those currently off the premises.

The probation and

circuit clerk’s offices will be located near the front entrance, which is expected to more efficiently move traffic in and out of the courthouse.

Union County Sheriff Dave Livesay said the new courthouse would also be more secure. The sheriff’s office and dispatch will be located in the basement. There will also be room to house 16 inmates in holding cells, up from the current four.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

The aging Union County Courthouse is shown on the right Oct. 3 as the new courthouse takes shape behind it in Jonesboro.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

A new Armed Forces Reserve Center was opened adjacent to Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale.

Armory another cog in expanding Southern Illinois Airport THE SOUTHERN

A new Illinois National Guard Armed Forces Reserve Center opened in Carbondale in 2011, just one project at or near an expanding Southern Illinois Airport.

The 58,000-square-foot facility cost $11.4 million to build and replaced the city’s former armory, which was built in the 1930s. The new armory was dedicated in June of last year.

In addition to housing two National Guard units, the

armory is also home to Company C, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion; Detachment 1, 1344th Transportation Company; 347th Adjutant General Replacement Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve; and the 825th Adjutant General Replacement Company of the U.S. Army.

The new armory features computer rooms, modern kitchen and shower facilities, a large gym with fitness equipment, and training areas including a simulated shooting range. There is also an

operations center and space for equipment storage.

The Southern Illinois Airport Authority donated a 15-acre tract for the facility, located just north of the intersection of New Era and Airport roads. Ground was broken in December 2009.

The city of Carbondale extended water and sewer lines for use at the armory.

Several local contractors worked on construction, including Fager-McGee Commercial Construction of Murphysboro for general construction; Litton Enterprises

of Marion for plumbing work; W.J. Burke Electric of Murphysboro for electrical work; HSG Mechanical Contractors of Carterville for heating and air conditioning work; and, Hock Mechanical of Millstadt, which installed ventilation.

Other recently completed projects at the airport include the $62 million SIU Transportation Education Center and a $2.7 million emergency operations building.

There are also plans for a hightech zone at the airport.

DETAILS What: National Guard Armed Forces Reserve Center Where: Southern Illinois Airport A new National Guard Armed Forces Reserve Center opened in June 2011. At a cost of $11.4 million, this 58,000-square-foot facility is home to two Illinois National Guard units and Army Reserves. The new armory replaced a facility built in the 1930s.

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012